Entrepreneurship Festival 2025: Experts see JK’s potential as IT Hub, youth encouraged to join startups

Jammu, Feb 17: The Entrepreneurship Festival 2025 at IIT Jammu has sparked new optimism about the region’s potential to emerge as an IT hub, with entrepreneurs from Bengaluru and Hyderabad expressing their confidence in the changing business landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event showcased immense opportunities for young innovators and startup enthusiasts, with industry leaders pledging investment and mentorship support for budding entrepreneurs.
At the festival, prominent investors and startup founders, who initially viewed Jammu and Kashmir as an unlikely destination for tech-driven enterprises, were struck by the enthusiasm and innovation among the region’s youth. “After coming here, my perception completely changed. JK has the potential to become an IT hub. We are thinking of mentoring the youth here,” says an IIT Roorkee graduate and MBA from Chicago, who has already invested in 32 startups across India and is now eager to support young innovators in Jammu.
“We had heard about IIT and AIIMS in Jammu, but we assumed that enthusiasm for startups here would be low. However, interacting with the youth changed our view. The energy and innovation we witnessed assure us that Jammu has full potential to make a mark in the IT sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, Saurabh Raj, Founder of Nuvo, a company specializing in data privacy, announced plans to launch a smart card scheme in Jammu.
“We are working on how to securely transfer people’s data, especially in rural areas where phones are not accessible. Within two weeks, we are planning to launch a new initiative in Jammu. The Entrepreneurship Festival has made me realize that while Jammu and Kashmir has long been known for tourism, its future as an IT hub is bright,” Raj said.
The second day of Udyamotsav 2025, a festival of innovation and collaboration, saw schoolchildren exhibiting their scientific creativity alongside industry leaders. Students from various government and private schools displayed their self-developed innovations, proving that the entrepreneurial spirit in Jammu and Kashmir begins at a young age.
The Indian Army also participated in the expo, showcasing cutting-edge innovations developed for security and defense.
The Entrepreneurship Festival will conclude with Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh as the chief guest. The closing ceremony will feature a guest talk, panel discussions, and cultural programs.
Earlier, last month, the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the transformative initiatives of the government through the Department of Industries & Commerce that have redefined innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and empowering youth of the UT.
“In the past few years J&K’s Industrial ecosystem has witnessed an unprecedented surge, supporting the culture of innovation, research & development and scientific advancements. I want to see our youth among the top-notch entrepreneurs of the country, contributing to its growth,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He added that the sincere efforts and policy interventions of the government have made J&K a vibrant startup hub. (KNO)