The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) and WOI India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening the startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir through collaboration in entrepreneurship development, mentorship, networking and market linkages.The MoU was signed during the inaugural India Leaders’ Retreat – Kashmir Edition, hosted by WOI India from September 18 to 20 at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg. The three-day invitation-only retreat brought together more than 40 founders, investors, business leaders and ecosystem builders for discussions on entrepreneurship, institution-building and India’s growth journey. The event was supported by JKEDI and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
The gathering included participation from around 30 unicorn and soonicorn founders. According to the organisers, the participating companies represented a combined valuation exceeding $50 billion, based on a verified floor estimate at the time of reporting.
The partnership between WOI India and JKEDI seeks to facilitate continued collaboration in entrepreneurship development, mentorship, entrepreneurial networking, market linkages and ecosystem-building initiatives. It is intended to provide local founders with greater access to national-level resources, expertise and networks.Speaking on the occasion, Shafi Shoukath, Chairman, WOI Global, said building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem requires long-term commitment, meaningful partnerships and institutions that put founders first.
Amar Dixit, CEO, WOI India, said India has significant entrepreneurial ambition and stressed the need to build institutions, relationships and support systems that can help translate that ambition into sustainable businesses and wider impact.
As part of the retreat, a dedicated interaction was organised between national startup leaders and around 40 founders from Jammu and Kashmir.The local entrepreneurs presented their ventures and engaged with experienced founders, investors and ecosystem leaders, providing them an opportunity to receive feedback, explore potential collaborations and build business networks.
Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner/Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, J&K, participated in the retreat and interacted with the participating leaders on the entrepreneurial and industrial landscape of the region. He highlighted emerging opportunities across sectors and encouraged founders and investors to explore Jammu and Kashmir’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Mohammad Younis Malik , Director, JKEDI, and Irtif Lone, Incubation Manager, JKEDI and In-charge, CIIBM, also participated in the engagements, representing the institute’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and strengthen the startup ecosystem in the Union Territory.
The retreat brought together founders, investors and ecosystem leaders from sectors including technology, consumer businesses, financial services, education, mobility and hospitality. The programme also featured a conversation with storyteller and comedian Zakir Khan on life, leadership and personal experiences, besides cultural and informal engagements.
During the event, WOI India also announced a commitment of Rs 2 crore towards Shurukar, an initiative launched by Shradha Sharma, Founder and CEO of YourStory, in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The initiative aims to expand access to entrepreneurship and support emerging founders across India.
WOI India, part of WOI Global, is working to build a national institution for founders by connecting them with capital, capabilities, networks and execution support. The organisation said the retreat and its partnership with JKEDI are aimed at fostering sustained collaboration and strengthening the broader startup ecosystem.
