SRINAGAR, JULY 16: In an effort to bring more structure to Jammu and Kashmir’s patchy startup ecosystem, a Srinagar-based academic incubator has signed a formal partnership with a private consultancy to deliver innovation programmes across the region.
The Greenovator Incubation Foundation (GIF), based at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Startup Kashmir Consultancy Private Limited, a local firm supporting early-stage ventures. The agreement enables the two organisations to jointly conduct entrepreneurship workshops, startup bootcamps, and innovation events aimed at students and first-time founders. The goal, say organisers, is to shift the region’s startup focus from inspiration to execution. “Young people here are ready,” said M.F. Wani, Director of GIF and Head of Mechanical Engineering at NIT Srinagar. “They just need a system that connects ideas to markets.”
Under the partnership, Startup Kashmir will assist GIF in identifying promising ventures, hosting ideathons and industrial challenges, and publishing content to document the startup landscape. It will also promote GIF’s initiatives online and on the ground.
The collaboration comes as startup interest grows in the valley, but structural support remains limited compared to cities like Bengaluru or Pune. “Most startups here fail in the execution phase,” said Shahid Haider Ansari, Founder and CEO of Startup Kashmir. “We’re solving that by offering operational help, mentorship, and local partnerships.”
Ansari signed the MoU with Shahid Abbas Mir, CEO of GIF. Other attendees included Saad Parvez (Director, GIF), Khushboo Nazir (Accounts Officer), Waseem Ahmad Mir (Office Assistant), and Sahil Ayoub Shok (Business Development Manager, Startup Kashmir). Rakesh Sehgal, former Director of NIT Srinagar and currently at NIT Hamirpur, joined online to support the move.
Despite government efforts to promote entrepreneurship, DPIIT data shows J&K has only around 570 registered startups. Access to incubation and funding remains limited outside Srinagar and Jammu. “This isn’t about publicity events,” said Shahid Abbas Mir. “We aim to build systems that support both tech startups and local innovations in agriculture, manufacturing, climate, and health.” Unlike earlier efforts, often siloed or short-lived, this collaboration promises clearer roles and shared accountability. “We’ve tried pilots before,” said Saad Parvez. “This time, we have structure and follow-through.” Sehgal noted that such partnerships could help reverse years of brain drain. “This is a way to create opportunities at home.”
The pact comes amid broader government investment in infrastructure and employment in the region. Yet, youth unemployment remains high — over 20 per cent, according to CMIE. “There’s no lack of ambition,” said Shahid Ansari. “What’s missing is the bridge from intent to action. With this MoU, we’re building that bridge.” “This is a long-term effort,” said Shahid Abbas Mir. “And we’re taking the first step with intent.”