Startup Idea Challenge 2025

About

The Startup Idea Challenge 2025, organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute, invites students and aspiring entrepreneurs from the region to participate in a competition aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, offering substantial cash prizes, incubation support, and networking opportunities to help turn ideas into viable businesses.

Benefits

• Total prize money of up to 400,000 INR
• Winners receive 100,000, 70,000, and 30,000 INR for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places respectively
• Special awards for women innovators, sustainability stars, rural impact, and emerging entrepreneurs
• Incubation support from JKEDI and partner incubators for shortlisted teams
• Winners can access special incentives under J&K entrepreneurship policy and participate in a 5-month national-level accelerator program
• Networking opportunities with government, industry, investors, and mentors

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to students, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs from Jammu & Kashmir
• Participants must be from colleges, universities, and other educational institutions in the region
• Relevant industries include agriculture, handicrafts, IT, renewable energy, tourism, and other key sectors for local socio-economic development