NewGen IEDC Workshop on Driving Innovation Through Design Thinking
Srinagar Jan 1: The NewGen IEDC, Business Innovation & Incubation Centre, University of Kashmir (KU), recently hosted a transformative two-day workshop on ‘Driving Innovation Through Design Thinking’ at the Main Campus. This event, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and RUSA 2.0, aimed to empower students, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs with practical tools to create user-centric, scalable, and socially impactful solutions to real-world challenges.
The workshop, based on globally recognized design thinking frameworks, focused on fostering user empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing through hands-on and collaborative learning experiences. Participants were encouraged to think innovatively and develop solutions that address pressing societal needs.
At the valedictory ceremony, Vice-Chancellor of KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, underscored the significance of innovation-driven education in higher learning institutions. She emphasized the importance of preparing students to think critically, tackle real-world problems, and create solutions that are both innovative and ethical. Prof. Khan stressed the need for universities to provide platforms where ideas can be refined and transformed into impactful outcomes.
Dean of Research at KU, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat, and Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal, highlighted how design thinking can bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. They reaffirmed the university’s commitment to enhancing its innovation and startup ecosystem through mentorship and incubation programs.
During the closing ceremony, five startups participating in the MeitY GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Scheme were granted a total of Rs 20 lakh in funding. These startups were formally welcomed as incubatees of the NewGen IEDC, KU. Additionally, outstanding participants of the workshop were recognized for their exceptional contributions.
The workshop was a testament to the University of Kashmir’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among its students and the wider community. By nurturing a culture of creativity and problem-solving, institutions like KU are paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future.
