SRINAGAR: A two-day mentorship program under the ‘J&K Startup Idea Challenge’ commenced today at the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) main campus in Pampore.  The programme is being conducted in collaboration with T-Hub, Hyderabad, one of India’s leading innovation and startup incubators.

The initiative is part of a large-scale entrepreneurship development effort launched under the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27, which seeks to identify, nurture, and empower young innovators from across the Union Territory. 

The J&K Startup Idea Challenge received an overwhelming response, with participation of more than 5,000 students and aspiring entrepreneurs from various educational institutions across J&K. These participants have submitted more than 1200 innovative ideas, out of which 225 promising ideas have been shortlisted for structured mentorship and capacity building, following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation.

The ongoing mentorship sessions, aim to equip participants with practical insights into entrepreneurship, innovation strategies, business model development, and market validation.  The sessions will also provide a framework for evaluating and selecting the best ideas from among the shortlisted participants for further incubation and support.

The mentorship phase represents a crucial stage in transforming innovative concepts into viable and scalable business ventures. Similar mentorship sessions are scheduled to be held at JKEDI Bari Brahmana, Jammu, on 10th and 11th November 2025.

After completion of the mentorship and pitch training sessions at JKEDI’s campuses in Pampore and Bari Brahmana, the shortlisted participants will compete in a Grand Finale, where they will be presented before a distinguished jury of industry experts, investors, and policymakers. Winners will receive prizes, incentives, and incubation support at the JKEDI and its partner incubators across the Union Territory.

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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