In a significant move aimed at bolstering the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem of Jammu & Kashmir, Greenovator Incubation Foundation (GIF) Srinagar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Startup Kashmir Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., a registered private entity committed to nurturing startups in the region.
The MoU formalizes a collaborative framework between the two entities to drive a wide range of initiatives including startup development programs, capacity building, innovation promotion, and student engagement across educational institutions. Both parties have agreed to jointly organize startup events, skill development workshops, ideathons, industrial challenges, and promotional campaigns aimed at strengthening the startup landscape in J&K.
Under this MoU, Startup Kashmir will play a vital role in executing programs on behalf of GIF, providing support in identifying and screening startups, contributing to the publication of a dedicated startup magazine, and promoting GIF’s initiatives both online and offline.
The signing ceremony was attended by key officials of GIF and Startup Kashmir including Prof. M.F. Wani (Director, GIF), Dr. Saad Parvez (Principal Investigator & Director, GIF), Mr. Shahid Abbas Mir (CEO, GIF), Ms. Khushboo Nazir (Accounts Officer, GIF), and Mr. Waseem Ahmad Mir (DEO cum Office Assistant, GIF), and Mr. Shahid Ansari (Founder & CEO Startup Kashmir), Mr. Sahil Ayoub Shok (Business Development Manager, Startup Kashmir), reflecting a strong institutional commitment to the shared vision of innovation-led development.
Notably, Prof. M.F. Wani – HoD of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar & Director at GIF, and Prof. Rakesh Sehgal, former Director NIT Srinagar and Director at GIF, who joined online due to prior engagements, extended their appreciation and support for this collaborative initiative. They expressed optimism that this partnership will pave the way for sustainable entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development in the region. Prof. Wani, while signing off the MoU, remarked, “Such initiatives are the need of the hour. This collaboration signifies a shift towards outcome-driven innovation and will offer structured opportunities for youth across Jammu & Kashmir.”
Prof. Rakesh Sehgal, Professor(HAG), Mechanical Engg. Dept. NIT Hamirpur. Former Director, NIT Srinagar, (J&K) and Director at GIF, who joined online to attend due to prior engagements, extended their appreciation and support for this collaborative initiative. They expressed optimism that this partnership will pave the way for sustainable entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shahid Haider Ansari, CEO of Startup Kashmir, remarked, “This partnership marks a strategic milestone in our journey to build a vibrant startup ecosystem in J&K. We are excited to work closely with GIF to empower budding entrepreneurs and catalyze innovation across sectors.”
Mr. Shahid Abbas Mir, CEO of GIF, added, “Through this MoU, we envision a stronger ecosystem that not only nurtures innovative ideas but also transforms them into impactful ventures that benefit our local communities and the broader economy of Jammu & Kashmir.”
This partnership will remain in effect from July 10, 2024 to July 09, 2025, and sets the stage for long-term collaborations to strengthen the entrepreneurial fabric of the region.
