Satish Sharma Assures Government Support to J&K’s Emerging Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 27: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and Science and Technology, Satish Sharma, on Sunday attended the concluding ceremony of the three-day National Convergence Platform “EMERGE 2026 – Connecting J&K”, organised in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK).
The event brought together young entrepreneurs, startup founders, business representatives, industry stakeholders and other participants for discussions on entrepreneurship, innovation, networking and emerging business opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma appreciated the organisers for providing a platform for interaction among the entrepreneurial community, industry and other stakeholders. He also acknowledged the participation of young entrepreneurs and startups, saying their growing interest in entrepreneurship reflected the potential of the region's youth.
The Minister said the government was committed to creating a conducive environment for young people to transform innovative ideas into viable enterprises and sustainable employment opportunities. He assured entrepreneurs and startup founders of all possible assistance and support within the government's mandate.
Sharma emphasised the need for close coordination among the government, industry bodies, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and facilitate the growth of new enterprises.
Highlighting the role of technology and innovation in shaping the future economy, he said Jammu and Kashmir had considerable talent among its youth that needed to be supported through institutional facilitation, mentorship, industry linkages and an enabling business environment.
“Our young entrepreneurs and startups are not merely seeking employment; they are creating opportunities for others. Their ideas, innovation and determination can contribute significantly to the economic growth of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government will continue to extend all possible support and facilitate an environment where young people can pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations,” Sharma said.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening coordination among government institutions, industry, technology institutions, investors, startups and young innovators to develop practical solutions to challenges faced by emerging enterprises.
Sharma said platforms such as EMERGE 2026 enable entrepreneurs to interact with industry representatives, exchange experiences, explore partnerships and identify opportunities across various sectors.
Appreciating CCIK for bringing different stakeholders together, the Minister said sustained engagement between business organisations and the government could help identify bottlenecks and develop practical mechanisms to support entrepreneurs and enterprises.
He encouraged young people to explore entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and emerging sectors as alternative career pathways, while highlighting the role of Information Technology and Science and Technology in creating opportunities in digital services, technology-enabled businesses, research and emerging enterprises.
Sharma urged participating entrepreneurs to continue focusing on innovation, sustainable business models and collaboration, assuring them that their concerns and suggestions would receive due consideration.
The concluding ceremony was attended by CCIK President Tariq Ghani, Senior Vice President Hussain Khan, JVP Dr Imran, Joint Secretary Aatif, Chief Coordinator Aashiq Bhat and Convener Umar Jan Wani. JKHARA President Babar Choudhary was also present, besides other distinguished guests, entrepreneurs, startup representatives and participants.
The three-day EMERGE 2026 – Connecting J&K provided a platform for interaction among entrepreneurs, startups, business leaders and other stakeholders, with the concluding session emphasising continued collaboration to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and youth-led economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir.
