The Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) at the University of Jammu successfully organized a two-day workshop on Innovation, Incubation, Startups, and Entrepreneurship on March 17-18, 2025.

The workshop commenced with a brainstorming session on March 17, where members of IIC, SIIEDC, and SPV engaged in discussions with Dr. Shweta Chowdhary, Founder Director of INNOVHER, under the chairmanship of Professor Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu. The session was also attended by Professor Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, and Professor Naresh Padha, senior faculty member of the University.

Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Professor Umesh Rai, a strong advocate of “dissolving boundaries and evolving education,” emphasized the urgent need to align education with innovation and skill development. He reiterated that education must not only equip students with skills but also address societal needs. Highlighting the Design Your Degree (DYD) program, he underscored the University’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students. Dr. Shweta Chowdhary, a startup mentor and accelerator, elaborated on strategies to identify and develop startup opportunities, access funding and investment, and build professional networks.

On March 18, Ms. Indu Kanwal Chib, Chairperson, JKSSB, J&K, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Encouraging students to observe, think, and innovate, she shared her own aspiration of launching a startup, inspiring the audience to embrace entrepreneurship. She emphasized that failures are stepping stones to learning and success.

Prof. Veenu Kaul, President, IIC JU, welcomed the dignitaries, highlighting the significance of the workshop in providing students and faculty with invaluable insights into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. Dr. Shweta Chowdhary provided a structured roadmap for transforming ideas into viable startups, discussing key aspects of funding, planning, execution, and success stories. She also assured mentorship and support for promising startup ideas.

Adding a unique perspective, Dr. Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA, co-organizer of the second day's session, spoke about the importance of cultural heritage preservation. As part of IGNCA’s Foundation Day celebrations, she expressed concerns over the decline of traditional art forms, information loss, and the role of the creative economy in their revival.

Senior journalist Mr. Brijesh Jha, PIB, shared real-world insights into innovative interventions for social upliftment, particularly in remote areas. He discussed the challenges and opportunities for startups in rural communities and stressed the significance of cultural economy in heritage conservation.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Parmil Kumar, Vice-President, IIC JU, reiterated IIC’s commitment to bridging the gap between innovation, awareness, and practical application. Dr. Ripudaman Parihar, Startup Activity Coordinator, IIC, delivered the formal vote of thanks, while Dr. Romica, ARIIA Coordinator, IIC, conducted the proceedings.

Over 75 students from various departments of the University. Distinguished attendees included Prof. Dipankar Sengupta, CEO, SPV; Mr. Arshad Nomani, Assistant Director, Industries; Mr. Akshar Koul, Project Assistant, IGNCA; Er. Ankush Verma from IIM Jammu; Mr. Ishaan, Mr. Arush, and Mr. Amit from J&K Startup Association; Mr. Nitish from Amazon; and esteemed members of IIC JU, including Dr. Sunil Kumar, Dr. Pramod Kumar Singh, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Attri, Dr. Sajan Thakur, and Mr. Syed Azhar Hashmi.