SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration plans to launch the first phase of a proposed IT and Innovation Park at the campus of IIT Jammu between May and June 2026 as part of a phased roadmap to build a technology-driven ecosystem in the Union Territory.
The roadmap was reviewed by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday during a meeting attended by Secretary IT Piyush Singla, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, CEO JaKeGA and other senior officials.
Officials informed the meeting that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the initiative had already been approved by the Board of Governors of Indian Institute of Technology Jammu on January 5, 2026, while the Jammu and Kashmir government has accorded in-principle approval for collaboration on the project.
Under Phase I, around 50,000 square feet of existing built-up space within the IIT Jammu campus will be upgraded to begin operations of the IT and Innovation Park. Phase II will involve construction of nearly 120,000 square feet of additional infrastructure, with work expected to start in 2026 and targeted for completion by 2028.
In Phase III, the project proposes expansion of the IT Park beyond the campus to enable larger-scale participation by technology companies and industry partners.
During the meeting, Prof Arvind of IIT Jammu presented a detailed plan for establishing the Innovation and Research Park initially at the IIT campus and subsequently expanding it to other locations across the Union Territory.
Officials said the project aims to gradually build a robust IT and innovation ecosystem in the region, creating employment opportunities for youth, strengthening the start-up sector and attracting technology companies to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Secretary emphasised the need to develop strong institutional foundations for such initiatives, noting that technology would play a decisive role in shaping the future economy. He stressed that the Union Territory must invest in skilled human resources, modern technology infrastructure and institutional mechanisms capable of responding to emerging global challenges.
He directed the concerned departments to work in close coordination with IIT Jammu to ensure timely implementation of the project and development of a sustainable ecosystem for technology-led growth.
During the presentation, officials also informed the meeting that a land parcel has been identified in the Kashmir division for expansion of the IT park in a subsequent phase, while additional land is proposed to be identified in Jammu near the IIT campus.
The proposed Innovation Research Park at IIT Jammu is planned with a built-up area of more than 11,000 square metres, with multiple floors designed to accommodate innovation laboratories, technology companies, start-ups and collaborative research spaces aimed at promoting industry–academia partnerships and technology incubation.
