• 14 Ideas Pitched, 5 Shortlisted

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI)-District Centre Jammu, in collaboration with Government Polytechnic College Jammu, conducted the fourth Boot Camp under Startup Idea Challenge 2.0 at the college premises today, providing students and aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas and gain insights into entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem.

The Boot Camp witnessed participation of 150 candidates, with 14 participants pitching their ideas before the jury panel. Following the assessment, five ideas were shortlisted for the next level of the Startup Idea Challenge 2.0.

 The programme was inaugurated by the College Principal Er. Talat Mahmood, in the presence of District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Jammu Rajesh Kotwal; Senior Representative, J&K Bank Mohit Hans; Startup Entrepreneur and Guest Speaker Akash Gupta, besides faculty members of JKEDI and Government Polytechnic College.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Rajesh Kotwal. He outlined the objectives of Startup Idea Challenge 2.0 and encouraged participants to identify real-world challenges and develop innovative and viable solutions with entrepreneurial potential.

Addressing the participants, Er Talat Mahmood appreciated JKEDI’s initiative and emphasized the importance of fostering innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking among students.

Startup Entrepreneur and Guest Speaker Akash Gupta shared his entrepreneurial journey and practical experiences, offering participants valuable insights into the challenges, opportunities and learning involved in building a startup.

Assistant Faculty JKEDI Shiwani Sharma briefed the participants on the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27 and provided guidance on developing, structuring and effectively pitching their ideas.

The jury panel comprised Mohit Hans, Senior Representative, J&K Bank; Raj Shekhar, Head of Department, Automobile Engineering; Anshul Mahajan, Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering; and Akash Gupta, Startup Entrepreneur.

The idea-pitching session provided participants with an opportunity to present their concepts before an expert panel and receive insights on the entrepreneurial potential and practical aspects of their ideas.

The programme was coordinated by Jasdeep Kour from Government Polytechnic College, Jammu, and Monika Salaria from JKEDI, with the support of faculty members of both institutions.

The Boot Camp is part of JKEDI’s ongoing efforts to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and startup culture among students and aspiring entrepreneurs and to facilitate their engagement with the emerging startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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