Awantipora, August 25 (Press Release): In a landmark development to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology, today inaugurated two cutting-edge facilities at IUST’s newly developed Innovation Campus in Awantipora. These include the Innovation Technology Business Incubator (iTBI), supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the iFactory under the Centre for Industry 4.0 (C4i4), sponsored by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Both centers aim to nurture start-ups, advanced research, and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated IUST for setting up advanced labs and positioning itself as a hub of innovation. He announced a special grant of ₹5 crores to strengthen the university’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and will provide handholding support to 30 start-ups. He noted that India has emerged as a global leader in biotechnology, space technology, information technology, and ocean research, and urged students and researchers to seize these opportunities. He also expressed optimism about the immense entrepreneurial potential of Jammu & Kashmir and the key role of institutions like IUST in realizing it. On the occasion, an Ignition Grants worth ₹40 lakhs was disturbed by the Chief Guest to budding innovators.
The event was graced by Shri Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, J&K Government; Mr. D. S. Navalgundkar, Founder and CEO, C4i4; Shri Praveen Roy Head TTI Division, DST, Government of India; senior officers from the Government of India and J&K; Vice-Chancellors of sister universities; and industry leaders.
In his address, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, highlighted the university’s vision of contributing to Viksit Bharat@2047. He shared that every department/Centre at IUST is preparing a comprehensive development plan to align with this vision and strengthen the institution’s role in regional and national growth. Prof. Romshoo further emphasized that IUST has significantly enhanced its ecosystem for innovation, incubation, and start-ups over the past few years. Accordingly, the University has established a dedicated Innovation Campus that currently hosts nearly ten specialized centers, all working to foster entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and the development of viable start-ups.
Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, the Registrar IUST underlined the university’s commitment to building innovation and entrepreneurship as pillars of its academic and societal mission. Mr. D. S. Navalgundkar, CEO of C4i4, emphasized the role of Industry 4.0 technologies and expressed C4i4’s commitment to collaborate with IUST in fostering innovation-driven growth.
Shri Shantmanu appreciated IUST for effectively leveraging Government of India’s initiatives and placing innovation and entrepreneurship at the heart of its institutional development.
The event witnessed wide participation from academia, industry, and government, marking a significant milestone in fostering technology-driven solutions and a vibrant start-up culture in the Union Territory. The inaugural function was moderated by Dr. Farhana Allia, while Prof. Parvez A. Mir proposed the formal vote of thanks.
