Empowering Young Innovators: IIM Jammu and MSDE Join conduct Ideathon and Workshop at SBDU, ITI Udhampur
To create an enabling environment for transforming informal businesses into formal enterprises across identified locations, IIM Jammu, under the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, partnered with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, and Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICCI) to establish 22 Small Business Development Units (SBDUs) in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Under this project, the SBDUs will strengthen institutions to deliver quality initiatives for entrepreneurship development across identified locations.
Dr. Mahesh Gadekar is the Chairperson of Small Business Development Units at IIM Jammu.In a collaborative effort to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, a one-day Ideathon and workshop was organized at SBDU, ITI, Udhampur on 09th Sept 2024. The event saw enthusiastic participation from individuals representing various districts across Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur and Reasi.
The workshop was inaugurated by Shri Kishore Singh Katoch, JKAS, General Manager, DIC Udhampur.The Ideathon and workshop at SBDU, ITI, Udhampur saw enthusiastic participation from 59 individuals across various sectors, including Food Tech, Dairy, Science Promotion, Handicrafts, Pashmina, and Apparels. The diversity of ideas showcased the participants’ creativity and innovation. Notable concepts included training artificial intelligence to design intricate Pashmina shawls, setting up a mobile space observatory to promote science education in remote areas, and an integrated farming project combining livestock management with a bakery producing health-conscious, digestive-friendly products. Additionally, ideas focused on transforming waste into wealth and addressing hygiene issues, reflecting the participants’ commitment to tackling both traditional and modern challenges within their fields.
Throughout the Ideathon, the IIM Jammu incubator team provided crucial guidance on grants, seed funds, and mentor connectivity, equipping participants with actionable insights essential for securing funding and mentorship—key factors for startup success.This Ideathon was the third of five events planned by IIM Jammu under the SBDU Program, following the first held at SBDU Srinagar on 02nd Sept 2024.
These initiatives aim to inspire grassroots entrepreneurship across Jammu & Kashmir, providing the tools and knowledge needed to turn ideas into sustainable ventures.