IIM Jammu Guides Scientists of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu on Agribusiness Creation under JKCIP
On March 28, 2026, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu conducted a One-Day Workshop-cum-Training Programme for the scientists and staff of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu. This initiative was part of the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP), aimed at promoting agribusiness and enhancing the agricultural ecosystem in the region.
Objective of the Workshop
The primary goal of the workshop was to facilitate the transition of research outputs into market-ready ventures. The event sought to strengthen innovation-driven entrepreneurship within the agri-ecosystem by bringing together scientists, researchers, and institutional stakeholders. The focus was on developing structured pathways for transforming scientific research into scalable business opportunities.
Organizers and Participants
The workshop was organized by the Foundation for Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Skill Development at IIM Jammu. It attracted a diverse group of participants, including:
- Scientists from Sher-e-Kashmir University
- Researchers in the agricultural sector
- Institutional stakeholders involved in agribusiness
Expert-Led Sessions
The training programme featured a series of expert-led sessions that provided practical insights into various aspects of innovation, commercialization, and startup development. Key sessions included:
From Lab to Market: Commercialisation Pathways
Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Chairperson of the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Skill Development at IIM Jammu, led this session. He highlighted structured mechanisms that can help translate scientific research into viable business opportunities.
Ideation Basics for Market-Ready Research
Dr. Vivek Sharma, Chief Innovation Officer at IIM Jammu, conducted a session focused on aligning research ideas with market needs. He emphasized enhancing the commercial viability of research outputs to ensure they meet market demands.
Startup Financing and Funding Readiness
CA Shri Raghav Gupta, Executive Director of BNI Jammu & Kashmir, shared valuable insights on startup financing. His session covered various funding avenues, investor expectations, and the financial preparedness required for early-stage startups.
Structured Mentorship for Early-Stage Startups
Shri Gagan Jain, Director of VKC Nuts Private Limited, led a session on mentorship for early-stage startups. He provided industry perspectives on scaling strategies and building sustainable enterprises, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in the entrepreneurial journey.
Engagement and Practical Exposure
The workshop enabled participants to engage directly with experts, fostering an environment of learning and collaboration. Attendees gained practical exposure to commercialization pathways, which is crucial for bridging the gap between academic research and entrepreneurial application.
Commitment to Collaboration
The workshop concluded with a commitment to strengthen the collaboration between Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu and IIM Jammu. Both institutions expressed their intent to leverage their respective strengths to enhance mutual capacities and promote agri-based startups in Jammu & Kashmir.
Significance of the Initiative
This initiative marks a significant step towards building a robust innovation ecosystem in the region. By empowering the scientific community to translate research into impactful, market-driven solutions, the workshop aims to contribute to sustainable agricultural development and economic growth in Jammu & Kashmir.
Conclusion
The collaboration between IIM Jammu and Sher-e-Kashmir University is expected to pave the way for future initiatives that foster innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, such workshops play a crucial role in preparing researchers and scientists to meet the challenges of the market and contribute to the overall development of the region.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the workshop held on March 28, 2026, and aims to highlight the significance of agribusiness creation in Jammu & Kashmir.
