UDHAMPUR, SEPT 10: In a significant step towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, IIM Jammu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICCI), organized a one-day Ideathon and workshop at the Small Business Development Unit (SBDU), ITI Udhampur, on September 9, 2024. The event aimed to empower young innovators by providing a platform to develop and showcase their entrepreneurial ideas.
This initiative is part of a larger project led by IIM Jammu under the guidance of Director Prof. B.S. Sahay, in collaboration with MSDE and DICCI, to establish 22 Small Business Development Units across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The goal of these SBDUs is to formalize and strengthen informal businesses, thereby fostering entrepreneurship and enterprise development in the region. Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson of SBDUs at IIM Jammu, has been spearheading this initiative.
The Ideathon at ITI Udhampur attracted 59 participants from districts such as Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur, and Reasi, representing a variety of sectors including Food Technology, Dairy, Science Promotion, Handicrafts, Pashmina, and Apparel. Notable ideas presented included training artificial intelligence to design intricate Pashmina shawls, setting up a mobile space observatory to promote science education in remote areas, and an integrated farming project combining livestock management with a health-conscious bakery.
Shri Kishore Singh Katoch, JKAS, General Manager of DIC Udhampur, inaugurated the event, which served as a platform for participants to not only present their ideas but also gain valuable insights on funding, mentorship, and business development. The IIM Jammu incubator team provided crucial guidance on grants, seed funds, and mentor connectivity, equipping participants with the necessary tools to turn their ideas into successful ventures.
This Ideathon was the third in a series of five events organized by IIM Jammu under the SBDU Program, following the first held at SBDU Srinagar on September 2, 2024. These initiatives aim to inspire grassroots entrepreneurship and provide the youth of Jammu & Kashmir with the skills and knowledge to transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
