Jammu Kashmir Has 1400 Startup Ventures, Says Govt | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir has emerged as a growing hub for entrepreneurial activity, with 1,446 startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of January 31, 2026, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

The information, provided by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada, highlights a growing ecosystem supported under flagship Startup India initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the Union Territory.

Under the Startup India program, several financial and non-financial interventions have supported startups in Jammu Kashmir. Alternative Investment Funds under the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) invested Rs. 50 crore in a local startup, while incubators under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) approved Rs. 2.65 crore to 14 startups, including three in 2025–26. The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) facilitated guarantees for two loans totaling Rs. 7 crore, helping entrepreneurs access critical capital. In addition, eight startups have obtained eligibility certificates under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, allowing them to claim 100 per cent tax deductions on profits from eligible businesses for three consecutive years.

The government has also strengthened the incubation and innovation infrastructure across the region. In Pulwama, the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development at the Islamic University of Science and Technology received Rs. 5.25 crore in support. Srinagar hosts the NewGen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre at the University of Kashmir, while Jammu has the IIM Jammu Foundation for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Skill Development. Other incubation facilities include the SKIIE Centre in Srinagar, the Greenovator Incubation Foundation at the National Institute of Technology, the IIIM Technology Business Incubator in Jammu, and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Technology Business Incubation Center in Katra. Bioincubation initiatives under BIRAC, including BioNEST facilities in Jammu and Kathua, further support biotech innovation, while E-YUVA programs provide pre-incubation support to students and young researchers.

Government schemes such as TIDE 2.0, GENESIS, ASPIRE, and the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana’s Agri-Entrepreneurship Development program complement the broader ecosystem by supporting technology-based startups, rural industry, agribusiness incubation, and applied research. These initiatives have brought a coordinated approach to funding, mentoring, and market access, fostering innovation even in non-metro districts.

To facilitate startup registrations, the government has leveraged digital platforms such as the Startup India portal and the National Single Window System, enabling entrepreneurs to apply online with simplified documentation and self-certification. Recognition handbooks, tutorials, and guidance materials help streamline the process. Regular initiatives including National Startup Awards, Innovation Week, Startup Mahakumbh, and state-level startup rankings aim to build awareness, encourage networking, and enhance access to public procurement and market opportunities.

According to the Ministry, these efforts represent a holistic approach to developing the startup ecosystem in Jammu Kashmir, combining financial support, mentorship, incubation, and regulatory facilitation to ensure that local entrepreneurs can compete on national and global stages.