The National Seminar on the ‘Role of Academic-Driven Startups in Developing the Economy of J&K UT (RASE 2024)’ at the National Institute of Technology Srinagar was honoured by the presence of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who delivered the keynote address. This initiative aims to establish an environment conducive to collaboration and mentorship between academia and industry, in order to cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem.
During his address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the potential of startups in bridging the gap between universities and industries, emphasising their role in job creation and economic growth. He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to adopt an action-oriented approach in pursuing their business ideas and contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of adopting a ‘Problem First’ mindset rather than a ‘Product First’ mindset, and urged young entrepreneurs to use their ideas for the betterment of the nation and to inspire innovation among their peers.
Furthermore, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the transformative potential of Academic-Driven startups in the economy of J&K. He showcased key initiatives such as the J&K Start-up Policy and the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), highlighting the administration’s commitment to nurturing startups and entrepreneurship, especially in rural areas.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised the vast possibilities for startups in sectors such as tourism, health, logistics, handloom, handicraft, horticulture, agriculture, and allied sectors. He reiterated the commitment to providing support and guidance to budding entrepreneurs in both technology and non-technology sectors, emphasising the need for investment in future talents and high-quality technical and vocational education.
Identifying the key objectives of startups as the development and transfer of new technology for societal transformation, and the creation of a vast talent pool, the Lieutenant Governor called for enhanced collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers to develop a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jammu Kashmir.
The National Institute of Technology Srinagar, in partnership with the Department of Holistic Education, Central University of Kashmir, ICAR CITH, Science & Technology Department, and SKUAST-Kashmir, organized the two-day national seminar. The seminar aimed to create a platform for impactful innovation and collaboration within the academic-driven startup ecosystem, and was attended by distinguished personalities including Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Director of NIT Srinagar & Vice Chancellor of Central University Kashmir, Sh Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the Technology Development Board, Dr. Parikshat Singh Manhas, Chairman of JKBOSE, Dr. Thakur SKR, eminent scientist, experts, intellectuals, researchers, HoDs, and entrepreneurs.