SHOPIAN, JANUARY 29: Students from District Shopian brought laurels to the district by securing the Second Prize at the UT-level event “Idea to Impact: Annual Startup Mela 2026”, held at the JKEDI Campus, Bari Brahmana, Samba.
The students-Mantasha Nazir, Eliza Bhat, Hurain Farooq and Pakeeza Hilal, representing NIPS (National Innovative Public School), Zainapora, were honoured under the Startup Idea Challenge for their innovative startup concept titled “Cotton Comfort”, which impressed the jury with its practicality, sustainability, and social relevance.
In recognition of their achievement, a cash reward of Rs 70,000 was presented to the students by the Chief Minister, Shri Omar Abdullah.
This notable achievement reflects the consistent efforts of JKEDI District Centre Shopian in promoting startup awareness and entrepreneurial skills at the grassroots level. Through regular sensitisation programmes, mentoring initiatives, innovation workshops, and startup boot camps, students are encouraged to develop innovative solutions and explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path.
The success of these young innovators highlights the growing culture of creativity, confidence, and problem-solving among school-level students in Shopian.
Officials from JKEDI District Centre Shopian expressed satisfaction over the achievement and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the startup ecosystem in the district. Such initiatives aim to empower youth, promote self-employment, and contribute to sustainable economic development in the region.
The recognition of the “Cotton Comfort” startup idea at a prestigious UT-level platform not only brings pride to Shopian district but also reinforces its growing stature as a centre of innovation and emerging young talent in Jammu & Kashmir.