Srinagar/Jammu, Oct 16: Mission YUVA is set to open applications for Neo-Innovative Enterprises for the 2026–27 cycle, aimed at identifying and supporting promising young entrepreneurs and innovative ventures across Jammu & Kashmir.
The roadmap for the upcoming cycle was discussed during a review meeting chaired by Sh. Vivek Agarwal, IAS, Director, Employment and Mission Director, Mission YUVA J&K. The meeting was attended by Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Chairperson, Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, IIM Jammu; Dr. Vivek Sharma, Chief Innovation Officer, IIM Jammu; Mr. Kanav Padha, Incubation Manager, DST iTBI, IIM Jammu; Sonia Sharma, Innovation Hub Assistant Manager, IIM Jammu; Ishan Mehra, Innovation Hub Associate, IIM Jammu; and Aakarshi, Consultant, GDI Team. Shahid Qayoom, Innovation Hub Manager, and Shivam Mahajan, Innovation Hub Associate, from the Kashmir team joined virtually.
Discussions focused on strengthening outreach, simplifying the application journey and improving the selection and incubation process. As part of the mobilisation effort, InnovateX events are proposed across Kashmir and Jammu, with additional engagements also being explored at institutions including NIT, IUST and Central University.
A key focus this cycle will be on reducing application drop-offs. The team discussed using a simpler expression-of-interest mechanism to capture promising ideas early, followed by structured handholding to help interested applicants complete the detailed application process.
The selection framework is also being strengthened through a multi-stage evaluation process, including initial eligibility screening, sector-specific assessment by domain experts and a common review of shortlisted applications. A standardised evaluation rubric is also proposed to improve consistency and transparency.
Selected Neo-Innovative Enterprises will receive incubation support, mentorship, market and ecosystem linkages, along with seed funding support under Mission YUVA. The programme is also working to strengthen partnerships with leading institutions to support incubation centres and improve access to mentors, investors and wider entrepreneurial networks.
Mission YUVA is the Government of Jammu & Kashmir’s flagship initiative for promoting youth entrepreneurship, enterprise creation and sustainable livelihoods through financial support, capacity building, incubation, mentorship and market linkages.
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