SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated two-day National Conference on ‘Role of Academic-driven Start-ups in Developing Economy of J&K (RASE-2024) at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.
In his keynote address, the Lt Governor commended the initiative aimed at creating an environment to inspire, empower and connect academia and industry and mentor the students to lead the startup ecosystem.
“I believe Startups are a powerful instrument to bridge the gap between universities and industries. The Startups have also been able to meet the two important objectives- employment generation and profit generation,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor motivated the students to set action-oriented goals to turn their entrepreneurial dream into reality and contribute to the nation’s socio-economic transformation and economic growth.
“My message to future Startups entrepreneurs is to focus on ‘Problem First’ and not ‘Product First’ so that your ideas can accelerate the process of Viksit Bharat and also encourage entrepreneurial spirit among young students,” the Lt Governor said.
Lt Governor also highlighted the potential of Academic-driven startups to transform J&K’s economy by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in educational institutions.
“In this regard he highlighted the UT Administration’s key initiatives like J&K Start-up Policy and potential in Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) to transform the start-ups and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UT, especially in rural areas,” he said.
Lt. Governor said that there are immense possibilities for startups in tourism, health, logistics, handloom, handicraft, horticulture, agriculture and allied sectors.
“Under the guidance of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, we are committed to provide necessary support and handholding to the young entrepreneurs in both technology and non-technology sectors, ” he said.
LG Sinha further said the national level seminar will encourage Universities/Colleges to invest in the future and nurture the talents for impactful innovations.
He further emphasised the need to provide high-quality technical and vocational education and training to future entrepreneurs.
Two other important objectives of the Startups are to develop and transfer new technology for societal transformation and create a vast talent pool as per the needs of the industry, the Lt Governor said.
He called for enhanced collaboration between academia, industry and policymakers to develop a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jammu Kashmir.
The two-day national conference is being organized by National Institute of Technology Srinagar in association with the Department of Holistic Education, Central University of Kashmir, ICAR CITH, Science & Technology Department, and SKUAST-Kashmir.
Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Director, NIT Srinagar & Vice Chancellor, Central University Kashmir; Sh Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board (DST); Dr. Parikshat Singh Manhas, Chairman JKBOSE; Dr Thakur SKR, eminent scientist; experts, intellectuals, researchers, HoDs and entrepreneurs were present in the event.
Earlier Dr HS Pali delivered the welcome address for the LG Manoj Sinha and other dignitaries.
Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Ravinder Nath, emphasized that the conference aims to explore and discuss the significant role that academic-driven start-ups play in contributing to the economy.
Secretary of TDB-DST, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, who was Guest of Honor highlighted that the conference will explore the potential for tech institutions to adopt villages and create a startup-friendly atmosphere in rural areas.
The event was followed by panel discussion on awareness about start-ups was presided over by Former Director NIT Srinagar, Prof Rakesh Sehgal,Prof. Deepti Dharmani, VC, CBLU Bhiwani,Mr G N Var,Prof. R. N. Yadav, VC, Purnea University and session was moderated by Dr. Dinesh Rajendran NIT Srinagar.

KR Desk