IIM Jammu Initiates Five-Day Entrepreneurship Development Program to Nurture Young Innovators
On February 23, 2026, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu inaugurated a five-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) titled “Nurturing Young Entrepreneurs” at the Government Maulana Azad Memorial College. This initiative is part of the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP) scheme and is fully funded by the Office of the Development Commissioner (DC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India.
Program Objectives
The primary aim of the EDP is to strengthen entrepreneurial competencies, foster innovation-driven thinking, and build managerial capabilities among aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. This aligns with the national MSME development agenda, which seeks to empower youth-led enterprises and enhance their contributions to the economy.
Inaugural Ceremony Highlights
The inaugural ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Ms. Ankur Mahajan, JKAS, Registrar of Cluster University of Jammu, who formally inaugurated the program. In her address, she emphasized the transformative role of the MSME sector in India’s economic growth. She stated, “Structured capacity-building initiatives supported by the Office of DC–MSME are crucial for nurturing youth-led enterprises.”
Ms. Mahajan acknowledged the collaborative efforts of IIM Jammu and the Ministry of MSME in equipping students with practical entrepreneurial competencies that align with national development priorities.
Institutional Partnerships
Prof. Archana Koul, Principal of Government M.A.M. College Jammu, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. She underscored the importance of institutional partnerships with national bodies such as the Office of the DC–MSME, Government of India, in strengthening the regional startup ecosystem. Prof. Koul expressed gratitude to IIM Jammu and the Ministry of MSME for facilitating this impactful entrepreneurship program.
Participation and Representation
The program has garnered enthusiastic participation from students and representatives of the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) from various constituent colleges of Cluster University Jammu. Participating institutions include:
- Government Gandhi Memorial Science College
- S.P.M.R College of Commerce
- Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar
- Government College of Education, Canal Road
- School of Social Sciences, Cluster University Jammu
- Government M.A.M. College, Jammu
Program Curriculum
The five-day program features expert-led sessions that cover key dimensions of entrepreneurship. The curriculum is designed to provide participants with both conceptual clarity and actionable insights for venture creation and scaling. Key topics include:
- Idea Generation and Validation
- Innovation through Technology
- Understanding Startup Financials
- Evaluating Business Pitches
- Growth and Pivot Strategies
- Personal Branding for Entrepreneurs
This comprehensive approach ensures that participants are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of starting and managing a business.
Coordination and Support
The initiative is coordinated by the incubation team of IIM Jammu, which includes:
- Dr. Vivek Sharma, Chief Innovation Officer
- Mr. Kannav Padha, Manager – Incubation (DST iTBI, IIM Jammu)
- Ms. Druvi Sharma, Deputy Manager (DST iTBI, IIM Jammu)
- Ms. Anjali Goswami, Assistant Manager (DST iTBI, IIM Jammu)
With sustained support from the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME), Government of India, such Entrepreneurship Development Programs aim to create a structured pipeline of young innovators and job creators, particularly at the grassroots and institutional levels.
Impact on India’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
By integrating academic institutions with national MSME development frameworks, IIM Jammu is making significant contributions to strengthening India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program not only equips participants with the necessary skills but also advances the vision of self-reliant and innovation-driven growth in the country.
Conclusion
The five-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme at IIM Jammu represents a crucial step towards nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs in India. By focusing on practical skills and fostering an innovative mindset, the program aims to empower young individuals to become job creators and leaders in their respective fields.
Note: This article is based on information available as of February 2026 and aims to highlight the initiatives undertaken by IIM Jammu in promoting entrepreneurship among youth.
