Jammu and Kashmir’s demographic landscape, with over 58% of its population in the working-age bracket, offers a strategic advantage in redefining its economic trajectory. This potential is increasingly being channelled through a growing startup ecosystem, which has expanded by 287% since 2020, rising from 237 to 917 DPIIT-registered startups by 2024. Women-led startups, now numbering 333, are reshaping traditional norms and establishing themselves in sectors ranging from agritech and handicrafts to edtech and healthcare. This shift is a statistical milestone and reflects broader progress in gender inclusivity and economic participation. Initiatives such as dedicated incubators, mentorship programmes tailored for women, and targeted financial incentives under the New Start-Up Policy 2024–27 have helped dismantle barriers. Collaborations with organisations such as the Women Entrepreneurship Platform and skill-building workshops have equipped women with technical and managerial expertise, enabling them to navigate market challenges with greater confidence. However, obstacles remain, including limited access to larger funding networks and persistent societal biases. Enhancing grassroots awareness campaigns, expanding women-led investor networks, and allocating quotas in public procurement for women-owned startups could further increase their impact. The Union Territory’s proactive approach, anchored in policies such as the 2018 Startup Policy and the New Start-Up Policy 2024–27, aims to boost innovation and entrepreneurship to position young people as drivers of economic change rather than job seekers. This vision is reinforced by initiatives such as the J&K Start-Up Portal and partnerships with institutions like the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), which have collectively supported over 1,600 registered startups. The momentum is evident: equity funding flowing into local startups reflects growing investor confidence and signals a shift from traditional economic dependencies. Startups are not merely businesses but also forces for social progress, addressing unmet needs while creating employment. The ripple effect is clear—entrepreneurs generate jobs not only for themselves but for others, contributing to broader regional development. Aligning with national objectives under the Startup India Initiative (2016), J&K has adopted 18 of the 26 reform areas outlined in the Startup Ranking Framework 2020, earning strong scores in categories such as institutional support. This alignment between local and national policies demonstrates a commitment to self-reliance and innovation. Looking ahead, the UT’s goal of establishing 2,000 startups by 2029 requires strategic improvements. Beyond current proposals—such as easing public procurement norms for startups and expanding capacity-building initiatives like GeM workshops and innovation challenges—additional measures could enhance impact. Incorporating entrepreneurship education into school curricula could foster an innovative mindset early on, while upgrading digital infrastructure would bridge connectivity gaps in remote areas. Establishing regional innovation hubs with mentorship networks and prototyping labs could accelerate the transition from ideas to market-ready products. To sustain progress, a comprehensive approach is essential. Recording and disseminating workshop content via the Startup JK portal ensures broader knowledge access, but complementing this with real-time mentorship platforms could improve engagement. Prioritising sectors such as agritech, handicrafts, and sustainable tourism—where J&K has inherent strengths—could help create niche markets. Streamlining regulatory processes and introducing tax incentives for angel investors may also encourage greater investment.
Entrepreneurial Shift
