Startup Kashmir: Nurturing Local Entrepreneurs Through Incubation
By Syed Sammar Mehdi
Srinagar- Empowering young minds and fostering entrepreneurial spirit, Startup Kashmir recently hosted a Mentorship Program in Srinagar. The event saw a gathering of aspiring founders, students, and entrepreneurs keen on exploring the journey from local ideas to successful businesses.
The focus of the day was on the pivotal role that incubation centers play in supporting early-stage startups. Participants from various parts of the valley converged to engage in discussions aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kashmir.
Dr. Saad Parvaiz, the director of the Greenovator Incubation Foundation, emphasized the significance of structure, mentorship, and access to support systems for budding entrepreneurs. He highlighted how incubation centers act as catalysts by providing technical advice, business mentoring, infrastructure, and connections to investors.
Discussing the different models of incubation in India, Dr. Parvaiz shed light on the diverse avenues available for startup growth and funding. He stressed the importance of building a sustainable local ecosystem before venturing into the global arena.
Shahid Ansari, CEO of Startup Kashmir, underscored the need for founders to collaborate and seek support from incubators to mitigate early risks and enhance decision-making. The mentorship program aims to instill confidence, awareness, and skills among young entrepreneurs in the region.
During an interactive session, concerns were raised about the limited awareness of existing incubation centers in Kashmir. Participants called for improved outreach, communication, and engagement at the community level to ensure that aspiring entrepreneurs have access to vital resources.
