At IIM Jammu’s Srinagar campus, the future of entrepreneurship is being forged. With a focus on practical skills and mentorship, the campus is paving the way for aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive in a supportive environment that champions innovation and collaboration.
By Dr. Azra Mufti
In the year 2016, the Government of India took a significant step by establishing the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, aiming to position it as a premier institution for business and management education. To further expand its influence and impact in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, IIM Jammu proudly inaugurated its Srinagar Off-Campus on January 24, 2020. This momentous occasion was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Minister of Human Resource Development, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’. The campus, strategically situated along NH1 in Nowgam, is conveniently located just 10 kilometers from the Sheikh ul Alam International Airport. It plays a vital role in driving the socio-economic transformation of the region, positioning itself as a catalyst for positive change.
With a clear focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and skill development, the Srinagar campus is wholeheartedly dedicated to nurturing the local talent pool of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It is establishing itself as a powerhouse for emerging entrepreneurs, fostering a new generation of leaders equipped to tackle the challenges of the modern economy.
Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF)
One of the earliest and most impactful initiatives hosted at the Srinagar campus is the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF). This ambitious Pan-India project aims to empower districts by enhancing local skilling ecosystems. In the unique context of Jammu and Kashmir, 20 fellows were strategically placed in each district to collaborate closely with Deputy Commissioners. Together, they developed innovative initiatives aimed at addressing local employment and skill development needs. Some of the key achievements of these dedicated fellows in the Kashmir Division included the establishment of District-Level Skill Nodal Offices and district placement cells, significantly enhancing access to employment opportunities. They actively promoted self-employment activities by leveraging the networks of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), ensuring inclusivity by incorporating women and candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) into training and placement programs. One notable initiative launched was Project Traam, which is designed to expand the market for Kashmir’s traditional copperware, thereby ensuring artisans can access broader market opportunities beyond seasonal events such as weddings and festivals.
STEM Program in Collaboration with SIDBI
In a landmark collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), IIM Jammu introduced the STEM (Skill To Enterprise Module) to foster entrepreneurial excellence in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Launched in 2024, this year-long program is meticulously designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, practical skills, mentorship, and vital industry networks. The program is structured into three comprehensive phases:
• Phase 1: A 14-day intensive physical training module that equips participants with foundational knowledge and skills.
• Phase 2: A 16-week weekend course that combines incubation support, ongoing mentorship, and networking opportunities to enhance learning.
• Phase 3: Another 14-day physical training period aimed at solidifying the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program.
The first two batches of the STEM program have witnessed tremendous success, with Phase 1 conducted at both IIM Jammu’s Jagti and Srinagar campuses. Entrepreneurs gained invaluable insights into Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) schemes, government startup policies, and essential entrepreneurial mindsets. Currently, Phase 2 of the program is in progress, further enhancing the capabilities of emerging entrepreneurs.
Sprint Sessions & Incubation
The Srinagar campus has emerged as a dynamic hub for startup incubation through its innovative Sprint Sessions, a unique weekly initiative that highlights a specific business. These sessions are instrumental in fostering collaboration and problem-solving, encouraging incubatees to engage in open dialogue about the challenges they encounter. The brainstorming sessions generate actionable insights and shared solutions, significantly assisting entrepreneurs in refining their business strategies. Additionally, incubatees are afforded the opportunity to gain practical, real-world exposure. A notable example of this is an exposure visit to Wular Lake, where entrepreneurs learned firsthand about the livelihoods of local fishing communities. Such visits provide invaluable lessons on the socio-economic dynamics of rural economies, helping incubatees understand how their businesses could positively contribute to local development.
Promoting Entrepreneurship across J&K
The Srinagar campus is deeply committed to raising awareness about entrepreneurship across the regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Some of the key initiatives include entrepreneurship orientation programs aimed at college students to introduce them to the startup ecosystem, management skill development training for principals of government colleges, polytechnics, and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), fostering leadership at the grassroots level. Startup clinics are also conducted at government colleges, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and guidance to launch their ventures successfully.
Moreover, the campus has established a Women Entrepreneurship Cell to specifically guide and support women entrepreneurs. This cell holds regular meetings to address their unique challenges and explore available opportunities for growth and development.
The outreach efforts do not stop there. The Srinagar campus has actively engaged with various educational institutions, offering students essential hand-holding support as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. National Apprenticeship Awareness Workshops and digital literacy training for Below Poverty Line (BPL) communities have also been conducted, ensuring inclusivity within the entrepreneurial ecosystem facilitated by the MGN Fellows.
Networking, Mentorship, and Industry Connect
One of the most powerful aspects of the IIM Jammu Srinagar campus is its remarkable ability to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with seasoned industry veterans, investors, and government officials. By providing access to an extensive network of mentors from core sectors, entrepreneurs receive guidance that is critical for their business growth and sustainability. The campus regularly organizes networking events and industry visits, where entrepreneurs have the opportunity to interact with leaders from established industries, gaining insights into operational best practices.
The Srinagar campus of IIM Jammu has set a high benchmark for entrepreneurial development by offering comprehensive training programs tailored for both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs. It provides dedicated incubation spaces for startups, offering essential mentorship, resources, and visibility. Furthermore, it facilitates financial support and funding opportunities through partnerships with venture capitalists, financial institutions, and government bodies.
With the launch of the “Thinkin” magazine, a quarterly entrepreneurship journal, alongside various podcasts and video series, the campus continues to elevate awareness around entrepreneurship. These platforms serve as a voice for emerging entrepreneurs in the region, sharing their journeys, challenges, and innovations with a broader audience, thus inspiring future leaders.
The Road Ahead: Building on Success
As IIM Jammu prepares to establish its permanent campus in Athwajan, the institution is well-positioned to further amplify its role in Jammu and Kashmir’s entrepreneurial landscape. Through its innovative hub-and-spoke model—where IIM Jammu serves as a central hub connected to various educational and industrial institutions—the campus aims to effectively bridge the gap between education, skill development, and entrepreneurial success.
With continuous efforts to secure funding and expand its offerings, the Srinagar campus is diligently creating a thriving ecosystem where innovation meets opportunity. Its initiatives are not only empowering individual entrepreneurs but are also contributing significantly to the region’s economic resilience and social upliftment. The future looks exceptionally bright as IIM Jammu’s Srinagar campus leads the charge in transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a vibrant hotbed of entrepreneurship, ensuring sustainable growth for the region’s businesses and communities alike.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine. The author is associated with the Srinagar Campus of IIM Jammu and can be reached at [email protected]
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