Onlykashmir.in Desk
In the evolving landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship in Jammu & Kashmir, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) stands out as a dynamic hub nurturing young minds and transformative ideas.
At the helm of this movement is Mr. Naveed Hamid, the Chief Executive Officer of SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Centre (SKIIE), based in Shalimar, Srinagar.
In this exclusive interview with OnlyKashmir.in, Mr. Hamid shares insights into the university’s student-led innovation culture, the future vision for India and Jammu & Kashmir, and how SKUAST-K is creating an ecosystem where ideas grow without ranks or limitations.
Q: What are the qualities SKUAST-K students are known for?
NH: At SKUAST-K, we call students Student Innovators or Young Green Buds to give them a sense of richness and self-confidence to exhibit an incredible passion for their interests — a driving force that empowers them to excel.
This strategy and initiative, combined with a reputation for excellence, has propelled many alumni into successful Agri-ventures across diverse fields.
Q: Where do you see the Nation in 2050, and what role do you see SKUAST-K Innovation Centre playing towards achieving the vision?
NH: By 2050, India is aiming to be a global leader in technology, competing with the world’s top economies; SKUAST-K Innovation Centre will play a key role in this transformation by advancing translational research and converting cutting-edge agricultural innovations into real-world applications for greater social impact.
Our focus is on translational research in Agriculture & Allied Domains, Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence—specifically on intelligent systems, drones, automation, robotics—and sustainability that directly benefits society.
Q: What can we expect from SKUAST-K’s Innovation Centre in the near future?
NH: SKUAST-K’s Innovation Centre (SKIIE) is expanding its impact through novel and out-of-the-box initiatives with an aim to significantly enhance the development of technologies and their translation into real-world applications, such as:
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Establishing Innovation Clinics supported under the i-TBI Programme of the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, to help young minds with Innovation & Start-ups (I&S) and to facilitate the protection of their intellectual property;
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Kick-starting the Student Fellowship Scheme (E-YUVA) to train the mindset and provide handholding support for sustainable livelihoods;
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Establishing Rural Business Incubation Centre (RBIC) for promoting agribusinesses in J&K.
We are in the process of building a one-stop handholding ecosystem for innovators to help them in ideating, mentoring, funding, prototyping, validating, MVP building, branding, marketing, networking, and accelerating for greater impact.
This will not only benefit the building of a real J&K start-up ecosystem, but also motivate numerous young minds to work on their ideas/start-up business models hassle-free and pitch their products and technologies to the market at the right time & right place.
Q: How is sustainability being incorporated into innovations and agri-business models at SKUAST-K?
NH: Sustainability is at the heart of our innovation strategy. From using AI for precision farming to promoting zero-waste agri-processing models, we focus on solutions that reduce environmental impact while boosting productivity.
We emphasize renewable energy use, climate-resilient crop systems, and organic practices to align with global sustainability goals.
Q: How do you see the youth of Jammu & Kashmir contributing to India’s innovation landscape in the coming years?
NH: The youth of J&K are resilient, talented, and deeply rooted in their environment. With the right platforms and mentorship, they have the potential to redefine India’s innovation landscape, especially in agri-tech, eco-tourism, and sustainable rural development.
We believe that J&K can become the next big start-up valley, led by its passionate and creative young minds.
