Celebrating Innovation: National Startup Festival in Jammu
The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu recently hosted the National Startup Festival, a significant event that highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative capabilities of the region. The festival, which took place over two days, concluded successfully on Sunday, showcasing numerous success stories in startup promotion and innovation across Jammu and Kashmir. This event not only celebrated existing startups but also aimed to inspire future entrepreneurs.
Inauguration and Key Guests
The festival kicked off on February 22nd, with a grand inauguration led by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology. His presence underscored the importance of the event and the government’s commitment to fostering innovation. Alongside him were notable figures such as Satish Sharma, the J&K UT Cabinet Minister for various departments, and Padma Shri Prof. Vinod K. Singh, Chairperson of the Recruitment & Assessment Board of CSIR. The event also saw participation from several directors of prominent CSIR institutes, including Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, the Director of CSIR-IIIM.
During the festival, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed awarded certificates to 45 startups, recognizing their innovative contributions. This acknowledgment not only boosts the morale of the startups but also encourages them to continue their entrepreneurial journeys. The presence of such esteemed guests added prestige to the event and highlighted the collaborative efforts between government bodies and the scientific community in promoting entrepreneurship.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The National Startup Festival was held at the Government Women College in Gandhi Nagar, attracting a diverse audience. On the second day, the event witnessed a significant turnout, with over 800 visitors, including students from various colleges and schools in the Jammu region. This gathering provided a unique platform for entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, scientists, and researchers to interact and share ideas.
The festival featured numerous exhibitions showcasing innovative products and technologies developed by startups. Visitors had the opportunity to engage with the exhibitors, learn about their innovations, and explore potential collaborations. The event fostered a spirit of cooperation among various stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of networking in the startup ecosystem. This collaborative environment is crucial for nurturing new ideas and driving economic growth in the region.
Supporting the Startup Ecosystem
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, during the closing ceremony, emphasized the institute’s commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the importance of agri-entrepreneurship and announced the establishment of two incubators to support startups. One of the incubators will be set up at the Industrial Biotech Park in Ghatti, Kathua, with a Grant-in-aid Letter Agreement signed in the presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh.
The festival featured 45 startups from across India, showcasing a variety of innovative solutions. Some notable participants included M/s Herbal Aura, M/s Gaurico, and M/s One Veda, among others. The event also encouraged young innovators from local schools to present their ideas, fostering a culture of innovation from an early age. The successful organization of the festival was a team effort, led by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed and supported by a dedicated group of scientists and department heads.
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