Jammu, November 4, 2025: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K launched its landmark initiative, ‘CII J&K Startup Spark 1.0,’ at Hotel Radisson, Jammu, marking a defining moment for the region’s entrepreneurial landscape. The event served as a vibrant platform to empower startups, inspire innovation, and connect aspiring entrepreneurs with key stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, academic institutions, and industry leaders.
The inaugural session opened with a welcome address by Mr. Shivang Mahajan, Convener, CII J&K Startup Panel, who emphasized the significance of building a collaborative ecosystem for entrepreneurship. Dr. M. A. Alim, Chairman, CII J&K UT Council, in his special address, reaffirmed CII’s commitment to driving industrial growth and nurturing innovation-driven enterprises in the Union Territory.
Dr. Vivek Sharma, Chief Innovation Officer, IIM Jammu, highlighted the crucial role of academic institutions in enabling innovation and incubation for early-stage ventures. The chief guest, Mr. Arun Kumar Manhas, Director, Industries & Commerce, Jammu, delivered a powerful keynote address outlining the government’s comprehensive framework for startup support under the J&K Startup Policy 2024–2027. He assured continued administrative backing and felicitated four outstanding J&K-based startups for their achievements.
A major highlight of the event was a panel discussion on “Opportunities and Handholding for Startups,” moderated by Mr. Mahajan. The panel featured thought leaders and experts, including Dr. M. T. Arvind (IIT Jammu), Mr. Chand Kishor (JKEDI), Dr. Vivek Sharma (IIM Jammu), Dr. Jyoti Kachroo (SKUAST-J), Mr. Deepak Sharma (Vishwamitra Water Technology), and Ms. Ridhima Arora (Namhya Foods). The discussion provided a holistic view of the ecosystem, spanning technological, financial, and mentorship support available for emerging startups in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M. A. Alim remarked, “Startup Spark 1.0 is envisioned as the spark that will ignite a new wave of entrepreneurship across Jammu and Kashmir. By linking our youth with policymakers, investors, and mentors, we are setting the stage for a self-sustaining and innovation-driven economy.”
The event concluded with renewed enthusiasm among the participants, who viewed the initiative as a gateway to positioning J&K as a hub of entrepreneurial excellence. The collaborative effort between CII, academia, and government institutions promises to accelerate the growth of a dynamic startup ecosystem in the Union Territory.