Dr Azra Mufti
In 2016, the Government of India established the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu to be a leading institution for business and management education. To expand its impact in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, IIM Jammu inaugurated its Srinagar Off-Campus on January 24, 2020, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of HRD Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’. Strategically located on NH1 Nowgam, just 10 kilometers from the Sheikh ul Alam International Airport, the campus is playing a crucial role in the socio-economic transformation of the region.
With a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and skill development, the Srinagar campus is dedicated to nurturing the local talent of J&K and Ladakh, positioning itself as a powerhouse for emerging entrepreneurs.
Revolutionizing Skill Development: Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF)
One of the earliest and most impactful initiatives hosted at the Srinagar campus is the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF). This Pan-India project aimed to empower districts by improving local skilling ecosystems. In Jammu and Kashmir, 20 fellows were placed in each district to collaborate closely with Deputy Commissioners, developing initiatives that address local employment and skill development needs. Key achievements of these fellows in the Kashmir Division included Establishing District-Level Skill Nodal Offices and district placement cells to enhance access to opportunities, Promoting self-employment activities by leveraging the networks of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), including women, SC/ST candidates in training and placement programs, Launching Project Traam, an innovative initiative to expand the market for Kashmir’s traditional copperware, ensuring artisans could access broader market opportunities beyond seasonal events like weddings and festivals.
A Game-Changer for Entrepreneurs: STEM Program in Collaboration with SIDBI
In a landmark collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), IIM Jammu introduced the STEM (Skill To Enterprise Module) to foster entrepreneurial excellence in J&K and Ladakh. Launched in 2024, the year-long program is designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with knowledge, practical skills, mentorship, and industry networks. The program comprises three phases:
Phase 1: A 14-day intensive physical training module.
Phase 2: A 16-week weekend course combined with incubation support, ongoing mentorship, and networking.
Phase 3: Another 14-day physical training period to solidify learning.
The first two batches of the STEM program saw tremendous success, with Phase 1 held in IIM Jammu’s Jagti and Srinagar campuses. Entrepreneurs gained crucial insights into MSME schemes, government startup policies, and essential entrepreneurial mindsets, with Phase 2 of the program currently underway.
Startup Culture Takes Root: Sprint Sessions & Incubation
The Srinagar campus has become a dynamic hub for startup incubation through its Sprint Sessions, a unique weekly initiative that shines a spotlight on a specific business. These sessions foster collaboration and problem-solving by encouraging incubatees to engage in open dialogue about the challenges they face. The brainstorming sessions generate actionable insights and shared solutions, helping entrepreneurs refine their business strategies. Incubatees are also given the opportunity to gain practical, real-world exposure. A notable example is an exposure visit to Wular Lake, where entrepreneurs learned firsthand about the livelihoods of local fishing communities. Such visits provide invaluable lessons on the socio-economic dynamics of rural economies, helping incubatees understand how their businesses could contribute to local development.
Promoting Entrepreneurship Across J&K: Outreach and Impact
The Srinagar campus is deeply committed to raising entrepreneurship awareness across Jammu and Kashmir. Some key initiatives include Entrepreneurship orientation programs for college students to introduce them to the startup ecosystem, Management Skill Development training for principals of government colleges, polytechnics, and ITIs, fostering leadership at the grassroots level, Startup clinics held at government colleges, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with resources and guidance to launch their ventures.
In addition, the campus has created a Women Entrepreneurship Cell to guide and support women entrepreneurs, holding regular meetings to address their specific challenges and opportunities.
The outreach doesn’t stop there. The Srinagar campus has engaged with educational institutions offering students hand-holding support as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. National Apprenticeship Awareness Workshops and digital literacy training for Below Poverty Line (BPL) communities have also been conducted to ensure inclusivity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem by MGN Fellows.
Networking, Mentorship, and Industry Connect
One of the most powerful aspects of the IIM Jammu Srinagar campus is its ability to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with industry veterans, investors, and government officials. By providing access to an extensive network of mentors from core sectors, entrepreneurs receive guidance that is critical for their business growth. The campus regularly organizes networking events and industry visits, where entrepreneurs can interact with leaders from established industries to understand operational best practices.
The Srinagar campus of IIM Jammu has set a high benchmark for entrepreneurial development by providing Comprehensive training programs for both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs, Dedicated incubation spaces for startups, offering mentorship, resources, and visibility, financial support and funding opportunities through partnerships with VCs, financial institutions, and government bodies.
With the launch of the “Thinkin” magazine, a quarterly entrepreneurship journal, and various podcasts and video series, the campus continues to elevate entrepreneurship awareness. These platforms serve as a voice for emerging entrepreneurs in the region, sharing their journeys, challenges, and innovations with a broader audience.
The Road Ahead: Building on Success
As IIM Jammu prepares to establish its permanent campus in Athwajan, the institution is well-positioned to further amplify its role in J&K’s entrepreneurial landscape. Through its hub-and-spoke model—where IIM Jammu serves as a central hub connected to various educational and industrial institutions—the campus aims to bridge the gap between education, skill development, and entrepreneurial success.
With continuous efforts to secure funding and expand its offerings, the Srinagar campus is creating a thriving ecosystem where innovation meets opportunity. Its initiatives are not only empowering individual entrepreneurs but are also contributing to the region’s economic resilience and social upliftment. The future looks bright as IIM Jammu’s Srinagar campus leads the charge in transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a hotbed of entrepreneurship, ensuring sustainable growth for the region’s businesses and communities alike.
Dr Azra Mufti is associated with Srinagar Campus of IIM Jammu and is working as Project Coordinator for the last three years
