Director JKEDI Jammu Chapter Visits CIED - IUST Foundation

26 June 2024

Director JKEDI, Sh. Rajinder Kumar Sharma (JKAS), held a discussion with the Honorable Vice-Chancellor of IUST, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, at the university campus in Awantipora. The discussion focused on skill startups, startup funding, and the development of C4i4. They emphasized the importance of validating product-market fit early in the startup lifecycle to attract funding and sustain growth. Topics included promoting innovation and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within the university.

A particular emphasis was placed on skill startup programs, highlighting a strong interest in developing entrepreneurial skills among students and launching new initiatives related to startups.

Sh. Rajinder Kumar Sharma also explored potential modes of collaboration to enhance skill development for youth, including targeted initiatives for far-flung areas to ensure inclusivity.

During his visit to the CIED-IUST Foundation, the Director interacted with students of the STEM (Skill to Enterprise Model) program, discussing the benefits of the J&K Startup Policy and its alignment with the objectives of the CIED. He toured the CIED Incubation Lab and other facilitation centers, gaining insights into their operations and resources.

In addition, the Director visited the Food Technology Labs, focusing on new food processing equipment. This visit underscored a proactive approach toward modernizing food processing capabilities, emphasizing the importance of innovation and sustainability in the food technology sector. Such initiatives aim to improve food quality, efficiency, and safety while exploring advancements in sustainability practices.

Sh. Rajinder Kumar Sharma also met with the Director of CIED, Prof. Parvez A. Mir, to discuss key areas such as market fit, intellectual property (IP) promotion, team building, and strategic approaches to startup development. They highlighted the need for a combined focus on technical expertise, business acumen, funding opportunities, and regulatory awareness. Building a strong network within the startup ecosystem and effectively utilizing available resources were identified as critical factors for success.