J&K’s Start-Up Ecosystem Grows 287%, Women Entrepreneurs on Rise
In the verdant valleys and snow-capped peaks of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), a quiet revolution is unfolding. Over the past four years, the region’s startup ecosystem has surged by an astonishing 287%, with DPIIT-registered startups skyrocketing from 237 in 2020 to 917 in 2024. This exponential growth, detailed in the official 2024–25 government document, is not just a statistical triumph but a testament to the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and strategic policy reforms. At the heart of this transformation are 333 women-led startups—a figure that underscores a cultural shift toward gender inclusivity in a region once constrained by socio-economic barriers.
Policy Reforms Fueling the Rise
The J&K administration’s New Start-Up Policy 2024–27 and the J&K Start-Up Portal, launched in July 2024, have been pivotal in nurturing this ecosystem. These initiatives streamline access to funding, mentorship, and regulatory support, creating a fertile ground for innovation. Over 1,600 startups have registered with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), leveraging platforms like the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and a Rs 250 crore Venture Capital Fund. The latter, with an initial infusion of Rs 25 crore, has already enabled ventures such as FastBeetle Logistics to secure pre-Series A funding and Gatoires to achieve $1 million in revenue within months. Equity investments flowing into J&K startups signal burgeoning investor confidence, transforming the region into a magnet for venture capitalists eyeing untapped potential.
Women Entrepreneurs: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
Women now lead 36% of J&K’s startups, a remarkable leap from just 12 women-led ventures in 2019. Targeted schemes like seed funding allocations, mentorship programs, and the Credit Guarantee Scheme—which reduces loan risks for female founders—have empowered women to redefine traditional roles. Take All Things Kashmir, a direct-to-consumer platform co-founded by siblings Mubashir and Zahoor Hassan Mir. This startup bridges Kashmir’s artisan communities with global markets, preserving crafts like Pashmina weaving while ensuring fair wages. Similarly, ventures like AgriTech Solutions use IoT sensors to boost saffron yields and EcoTourism Ventures promotes sustainable travel experiences, blending heritage preservation with economic growth.
Sectoral Innovation: From Farms to Digital Hubs
J&K’s startups are revitalizing its core industries through technology and creativity. In agriculture, ventures like Kashmir Trout optimize supply chains for fresh produce, reducing waste and increasing farmer incomes. The tourism sector, a lifeline for the region, is being reimagined by platforms that connect travelers with homestays and cultural immersion programs. Handicrafts, once threatened by globalization, are thriving through digital marketplaces that empower artisans to reach global audiences. Even construction startups are innovating, developing eco-friendly materials suited to the region’s harsh winters and seismic activity.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the progress, challenges persist. Limited internet connectivity in remote areas and lingering perceptions of risk among investors remain hurdles. However, the 2024–27 policy aims to register 2,000 startups by fostering global partnerships and expanding initiatives like the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR), which connects local innovators with international markets. Dr. Shahid Jibran, a Srinagar-based economic analyst, notes, “J&K’s blend of tradition and technology offers a blueprint for resilient economies. The focus on grassroots innovation ensures growth is inclusive and sustainable.”
Economic Milestone
J&K’s startup surge is more than an economic milestone—it’s a narrative of resilience. From tech hubs in Srinagar to artisan clusters in Anantnag, entrepreneurs are rewriting the region’s story, turning challenges into opportunities. As equity funding grows and youth embrace entrepreneurship over government jobs, J&K stands as a beacon for aspirational India. Here, innovation isn’t just about profit; it’s about pride, community and proving that even in the shadow of conflict, seeds of progress can bloom.
