Baramulla, December 20(KNS) Government Degree College (GDC) Baramulla, in partnership with the ATAL Incubation Centre (AIC) of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) and the Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship (II&E) Cell, organized a one-day Innovative Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. The event, held at the college's New Conference Hall, aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry while fostering entrepreneurial talent in the region.
The program commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Syed Mutahar Aaqib, Coordinator ARIIA II&E at GDC Baramulla. He stressed the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among students, especially in today’s rapidly evolving global economy. Dr. Aaqib emphasized how entrepreneurship can be a vital tool for addressing challenges such as unemployment and the underutilization of regional resources.
Prof. Mohammad Shafi Lone, Principal of GDC Baramulla, delivered the Welcome Address, underscoring the college’s commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the crucial role of collaboration between academia, industry, and incubation centers in unlocking the untapped potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Prof. Lone also extended his congratulations to the organizers for their successful initiative.
Dr. Humaira Qadri, Convenor of the II&E Cell, introduced the objectives of the bootcamp, focusing on equipping participants with the necessary skills to transform innovative ideas into impactful ventures. She also shared inspiring success stories of GDC Baramulla's incubators, highlighting several individuals who have now grown into successful entrepreneurs, underscoring the potential for growth and achievement within the college’s entrepreneurial initiatives.
Dr. Abdul Roouf Bhat, NIRF and IPR Activity Coordinator, introduced the ATAL team and welcomed the keynote speaker, Ms.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelUmmi Ammarah, Business Manager at ATAL Incubation Centre. Ms. Ammarah’s keynote address touched on critical issues such as the employment crisis, the gap between academia and industry, and the entrepreneurial landscape in J&K. She emphasized the region’s untapped entrepreneurial potential, particularly in sectors such as olive production and nutraceuticals. Ms. Ammarah also highlighted the J&K Startup Policy 2024 and the resources available at the ATAL Incubation Centre, IIIM Srinagar, to support aspiring entrepreneurs.
A special address was delivered by Dr. Shahid Jibran, CEO of ATAL Incubation Centre, IIIM Srinagar, who discussed global challenges and the importance of local, innovative solutions with global relevance. He also shared insights into why many startups fail and how entrepreneurs can better conceive and execute their business ideas.
The program also featured an interactive session, moderated by the ATAL team, where participants engaged in a lively discussion on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the challenges of building startups.
In his special remarks, Prof. Tariq Ahmad Chalkoo, Advisor to the II&E Cell, emphasized the need to shift societal mindsets away from the pursuit of conventional jobs. He encouraged students to view themselves as job creators rather than job seekers, fostering a culture of self-reliance and innovation. Prof. Chalkoo called for an increase in opportunities and resources to help young entrepreneurs contribute to economic development and societal progress.
The bootcamp witnessed overwhelming participation, with over 100 students and 20 faculty members actively engaging in the sessions. The event was a significant step toward promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn from industry experts and gain practical insights.(KNS)