SRINAGAR, AUGUST 21: The Jammu & Kashmir Digital Advocacy Forum (JKDAF) today celebrated world entrepreneurs’ day in the spirit of promoting and nurturing entrepreneurs. On this occasion the forum members, which consists of distinguished and senior industry leaders from the global digital ecosystem, reiterated their commitment to foster a sustainable and thriving digital ecosystem in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir through their support by extending world class mentorship, global industry connects and access to the funding ecosystem.
JKDAF was formed in 2020 with 15 senior industry leaders and entrepreneurs representing the digital ecosystem joining hands as a passion project to create and support the budding startup and skilling scenario of J&K. Today, the forum has more than 26 mentors with a cumulative industry experience of more than 600-man years, who are responsible for businesses exceeding millions of dollars on a global scale.
The forum is part of the startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem of the UT of J&K and closely works with the incubation centres, early-stage startups, government entities and students for the promotion of startup, skilling and entrepreneurship in the UT. The forum members regularly interact with the ecosystem partners and also contribute towards thought leadership by publishing articles and research reports.
On this occasion, Dr Subi Chaturvedi, PhD IIT Delhi, Global SVP, Chief of Corporate Affairs & Public Policy Officer, InMobi and Founder Mentor of JKDAF said, “Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting businesses; it’s about addressing real-world problems and driving societal transformation. The government, through initiatives like Startup India, Stand-Up India, and the Atal Innovation Mission, is empowering entrepreneurs to confront challenges directly. In regions like Kashmir, programs such as the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and the UMEED scheme under the National Rural Livelihood Mission are giving people the tools to create solutions that uplift communities and foster change. These initiatives go beyond financial aid, offering mentorship, skill development, and market access, ensuring that every entrepreneur, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.
By integrating technology and innovation, these schemes are turning entrepreneurship into a powerful force for progress, especially in areas where hope and opportunity are most needed. A special thanks is due to the LG Manoj Sinha for his visionary leadership from the ground up and for integrating every village in Kashmir, creating seed grants especially for young women and men to create startups and lead initiatives at the panchayat, gram and block level along with creating a conducive regulatory and policy environment. To make this scale is now a collective responsibility through winning partnerships between government, industry and academia through networks and mentorships. And we remain committed to the cause.”
