Image Source: Brighter Kashmir
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, inaugurated two cutting-edge innovation centres at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, on August 25, 2025. This landmark development marks a major stride toward fostering technology-driven entrepreneurship and research in Jammu & Kashmir, aligning with India’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Key Highlights: State-of-the-Art Facilities and Robust Government Support
The Innovation Technology Business Incubator (i-TBI), sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the iFactory Lab under the Centre for Industry 4.0, sponsored by the Ministry of Heavy Industry, were formally launched at the newly developed IUST Innovation Campus.
Dr Singh announced a financial assistance package of Rs 5 crore to support startups at IUST, starting with backing 15 startups and expanding to 30 in the next three years.
The iFactory Lab is equipped with Industry 4.0 technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analytics, providing students and innovators hands-on exposure to emerging technologies.
A 12-month faculty development program was unveiled to equip educators with cutting-edge knowledge and teaching skills, ensuring global competitiveness.
Strategic Vision: Empowering Local Youth and Driving Sustainable Growth
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized empowering Kashmir’s youth to harness their potential locally, highlighting that the region’s young talent often thrives outside the Valley but deserves equal opportunities at home.
The incubators will foster an entrepreneurial mindset, converting innovative ideas into scalable enterprises, which is crucial for tackling high youth unemployment in J&K.
Recognizing potential sunrise sectors such as horticulture-agritech, food processing, eco-tourism, handicrafts, and ICT, these centres are vital for sustainable economic development.
Academic and Industry Collaboration
IUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo lauded the government’s initiative and described the CIED-IUST Foundation as a model for integrating incubation, technology development, and startup support within academia.
The university’s own investment of over Rs 1.2 crore along with securing national schemes like DST’s i-TBI, DPIIT’s Startup India Seed Fund, and SIDBI’s STEM program strengthens the innovation ecosystem.
The new centres will not only serve IUST’s students and faculty but also innovators from across the Jammu & Kashmir region.
Regional and National Impact
Hosting these facilities in Srinagar’s Awantipora underlines India’s commitment to inclusive development through decentralized innovation hubs.
These efforts dovetail with national initiatives to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a vibrant knowledge and entrepreneurship economy.
By 2047, these initiatives aim to see Kashmiri youth leading India’s growth story in science, technology, and enterprise.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the i-TBI and iFactory Lab at IUST Awantipora marks a transformative chapter for Jammu & Kashmir’s innovation landscape. Supported by strategic government investments, advanced Industry 4.0 technologies, and collaborative academic-industry efforts, these centres represent a beacon of hope for local youth. Dr Jitendra Singh’s vision to build a thriving startup ecosystem in J&K not only addresses regional employment challenges but also pledges active contribution to India’s emergence as a global tech leader by the centenary of independence.
Sources: Rising Kashmir, Daily Excelsior, PIB India, Kashmir Reader
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