SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir (KU) and the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have earned 4-star ratings for their contributions to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. KU’s achievement comes under the AICTE Innovation Council (IIC) 6.0 for the academic year 2023-24, while IUST has been recognised by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, for the second consecutive year.
At KU, the Centre for Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship (CIIE), which functions as the Institution Innovation Cell, has steadily risen in the rankings over four years, progressing from two stars to the current rating. KU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nilofer Khan, congratulated the CIIE team for their “consistent efforts and remarkable progress.” She said, “This achievement is a reflection of the varsity’s commitment to building a robust ecosystem for innovation and research. We will continue to support initiatives that encourage creativity and entrepreneurship among our students and faculty.”
Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, also praised the team, stating, “This accomplishment shows the University’s dedication to developing innovation and creating opportunities for our students and faculty to excel.”
Similarly, IUST’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) has been recognised for its role in promoting startups and fostering innovation, with a focus on empowering the youth in Jammu and Kashmir. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo applauded the efforts of CIED Director Prof. Pervez Ahmad Mir and his team, highlighting the institution’s initiatives in training, capacity building, and collaborations with national organisations.
Prof. Romshoo said, “The scope and scale of operations of the CIED have expanded significantly over the years, with the success stories of CIED-supported entrepreneurs standing as a testament to their dedicated efforts.” He added, “The focus on training and capacity-building initiatives for youth will have a multiplier effect, paving the way for a vibrant startup community in the region.”
Prof. Romshoo also emphasised the broader national context, stating, “India’s startup journey has become a global success story, as reflected in the improved Global Innovation ranking during the last decade.”
