The number of start-ups registered on the Startup JK Portal rose from 69 in 2020-21 to 1,414 as of October 15, 2026, officials said
Jammu and Kashmir’s start-up ecosystem is gradually expanding beyond traditional businesses, with entrepreneurs venturing into artificial intelligence (AI), deep-tech, software-as-a-service (SaaS), fintech and health technology.
The emerging areas also include aerospace and defence, renewable energy, green technology and the Internet of Things (IoT).
“It reflects a shift towards technology-driven enterprises in a startup ecosystem that has earlier been dominated by agriculture-related and non-technology ventures”, said an official.
The number of start-ups registered on the Startup JK Portal rose from 69 in 2020-21 to 1,414 as of October 15, 2026, officials said. More than 200 of the registered ventures are women-led.
Officials also said start-ups from Jammu and Kashmir had secured equity investments from external institutional investors for the first time, marking a new development for the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. They did not provide details of the investments.
Policy support
The expansion is being supported by the Jammu and Kashmir Startup Policy 2024-27, notified in February 2024, which provides for seed funding, mentoring, incubation and links with industry and national startup networks. The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) is the nodal agency for implementing the policy.
Under the scheme, 27 start-ups have been sanctioned seed assistance totalling ₹5.40 crore, with each receiving the first instalment of ₹5 lakh, officials said. Eligible ventures can receive up to ₹20 lakh in four instalments for prototype development, product introduction, market validation and scaling. Another 86 complete applications for 2026-27 are to be considered by the Startup Screening Committee.
To strengthen the support available to early-stage businesses, grants of ₹50 lakh each have been sanctioned to four incubators at SKUAST-Kashmir, IIT Jammu, the Islamic University of Science and Technology and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. The centres provide access to technical expertise, laboratories and professional networks.
New efforts
The officials said efforts to identify new entrepreneurs have extended to colleges and districts.
“The Startup Idea Challenge 2025 organised 43 bootcamps across the Union Territory, attracting 5,405 students and ideators and receiving 555 pitches”, said the official.
Start-ups have also been given opportunities to connect with investors and businesses outside the region. The Startup and Investment Summit held in Srinagar in November 2025 and Ascend J&K 2026, held in July, together attracted more than 1,200 participants.
“A founders’ retreat organised by WOI India in Gulmarg in September brought 45 J&K startups together with founders and business leaders. The event also led to a memorandum of understanding between JKEDI and WOI India”, said the officials.
They said J&K start-ups also featured at national platforms including Startup Mahakumbh 2025, TechSparks 20126 in Bangaluru and the Build3 Accelerator Programme in Goa, with two ventures receiving awards at Startup Mahakumph.
Published on October 20, 2026
