SRINAGAR: Bushra Naaz, a PhD scholar at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), has won the National Bio Entrepreneurship Competition (NBEC) 2026 held in Bengaluru, bringing national recognition to the university.
Naaz, who is pursuing her research under the mentorship of Dr Ajaz Ahmed Malik, Head of KVK Ganderbal, emerged as a winner after competing against entries from across the country.
The 2026 edition of the competition received more than 3,200 registrations from 34 States and Union Territories, making it one of the country’s competitive platforms for science-driven entrepreneurship.
The competition involved multiple rounds of screening, mentoring, pitching and evaluation, with entries assessed on scientific validity, novelty, feasibility, business potential, team strength and clarity of articulation.
Naaz’s research on plant-based meat analogues stood out for its scientific merit, translational potential and entrepreneurial prospects, earning her a cash award of ₹1 lakh.
The award was presented in the presence of Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon, and other prominent members of India’s biotechnology ecosystem.
SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai congratulated Naaz and Dr Ajaz Malik on the achievement, describing it as a proud moment for the university.
He said the recognition reflected SKUAST-K’s efforts to promote research, innovation and entrepreneurship among its scholars and faculty.
“It exemplifies how our scholars and faculty are not only contributing to academic excellence but also translating research into innovation and entrepreneurship. Such recognitions strengthen our resolve to position SKUAST-K at the forefront of national and global scientific leadership,” Ganai said.
