SRINAGAR: In a remarkable display of academic excellence and innovation, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has emerged as the undisputed leader in fostering startups and innovations, leaving a significant mark in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The grand stage for this momentous achievement was set at J&K’s first Skill Convocation held on a picturesque Sunday at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), an event presided over by LG, Manoj Sinha.
During the convocation, Sinha unveiled the J&K Innovation Hub Portal (www.jkinnovation.in), a groundbreaking initiative that sheds light on the incredible strides being made in the region’s innovation landscape. The portal offers real-time updates on the number of patents, startups, research endeavors, and innovations within Jammu and Kashmir, providing valuable insights into the progress being made in this sector.
The J&K Innovation Hub Portal’s inaugural announcement was met with thunderous applause as it declared SKUAST-K as the number one institution in Jammu and Kashmir with the highest number of patents, innovations, and startups. This recognition marks a significant milestone in the university’s journey toward fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
At the heart of this achievement lies SKUAST-K’s unwavering commitment to nurturing an ecosystem that encourages creativity and entrepreneurship. Over the past three years, the university has made significant strides with the support of the World Bank-ICAR-funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP). This initiative has played a crucial role in creating an environment where innovation thrives, benefiting both students and faculty members.
The university adopted the Innovation and Startup Policy and aligned itself with the National Education Policy 2020, creating an ecosystem that incentivizes innovation and entrepreneurship. This forward-thinking approach has yielded remarkable results, with SKUAST-K securing over 10 BIRAC grants from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for its faculty and student startups. Notably, the university has clinched more than 40 innovation awards and secured an impressive 13 patents. Moreover, SKUAST-K has registered a staggering 21 startups, all of which are contributing to the region’s economic growth and technological advancement.
The convocation ceremony was the perfect platform to laud SKUAST-K’s extraordinary achievements in such a short span of time. The university’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship has not only put Jammu and Kashmir on the map as a hub for startups and innovation but has also paved the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.
The young entrepreneurs who have thrived in this environment were also acknowledged and felicitated by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who commended their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.
As SKUAST-K continues to shine as a beacon of innovation and progress, it is evident that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has a promising future on the horizon, one filled with groundbreaking startups, pioneering innovations, and entrepreneurial success stories.
