SRINAGAR: Two startups from Jammu and Kashmir—Genetico Pvt Ltd and GR8 Sports Pvt Ltd —have emerged among the top winners at the Startup Mahakumbh 2025, clinching awards in the national Startup MahaRathi Challenge. The event, backed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), saw participation from over 2,400 ventures across the country.
Jammu and Kashmir’s presence was steered by the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), the nodal agency for the region’s startup policy and ecosystem.
Genetico Pvt Ltd was awarded Rs 20 lakh in the HealthTech and BioTech sector, while GR8 Sports Pvt Ltd received Rs 5 lakh in the Gaming and Sports category. The competition, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from April 3 to April 5, offered more than Rs 70 crore in funding support, besides providing national exposure, mentorship, incubation opportunities, and access to investor networks.
Five startups from Jammu and Kashmir participated in the event—GR8 Sports Pvt Ltd, CLMRAT Sports, AL-Hamdaan Crafts, Studio Agama, and BISA Innovation Pvt Ltd—under the mentorship of Irtif Mehraj Lone, In-charge of CIIBM at JKEDI, and Zahid Ali Dar, Project Manager at JKEDI.
Arjun Gupta, founder of Genetico, called the recognition a validation of the hard work put in by his team, advisors, and supporters. Fawz-ul-Kabir of GR8 Sports said the honour reinforced their belief in using gaming and technology to drive positive social impact, while also acknowledging JKEDI’s continued support.
The Industries and Commerce Department of Jammu and Kashmir has allocated Rs. 50 crore for the financial year 2025–26 to implement the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27. The funds will support seed capital, startup grants, incubator expansion, mentorship, and innovation-led initiatives across the region.
