BARAMULLA: Government Degree College Baramulla, under the auspices of its Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneur Cell (II&E), successfully conducted a one-day Ideation Workshop aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among students. The workshop, started with the opening remarks by Dr. Syed Mutahar Aaqib, member II&E, focused on educating and inspiring students to leverage opportunities in innovation and incubation.
He welcomed all participants and underscoring the vital role II&E plays in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the academic community. Dr. Humaira Qadri, II&E Coordinator, delivered a comprehensive overview of the centre’s objectives, operations, and its pivotal role in supporting student initiatives. She highlighted the importance of providing a robust platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and discussed various platforms through which students can benefit, assuring every possible help for nurturing potential ideas into successful innovations.
Prof. Mohammad Shafi Lone, Principal of GDC Baramulla, shared his insights on the significance of innovation and incubation in light of the National Education Policy (NEP). He encouraged students to develop their ideas, assuring them of the college’s full support in refining these ideas and seeking funding opportunities. Prof. Lone emphasized the importance of resilience, encouraging students to persist even after repeated failures, and extended the institution's full support to all budding researchers and innovators.
The workshop featured expert sessions by Prof. Tariq Ahmad Chalkoo, Advisor II&E, and Dr. Abdul Rouf Bhat, Co-convenor II&E. Prof. Chalkoo elaborated on the critical role of II&E within the college ecosystem, guiding students on strategies to approach funding agencies and the importance of prototyping in idea validation. He emphasized patience, motivation, and enthusiasm as key mantras for innovation and entrepreneurship, sharing experiences to motivate budding innovators and highlighting examples of startups that evolved into successful companies.
Dr. Abdul Rouf Bhat provided practical insights into leveraging II&E resources and navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, stressing the importance of persistence and resilience in pursuing innovative ideas and discussing the functioning of innovation committees at different academic levels across the country.
The workshop concluded with a Vote of Thanks presented by Dr. Bilal Maqbool Beigh, Member II&E, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their significant contributions to the workshop’s success. He reiterated II&E’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among students.
The Ideation Workshop at GDC Baramulla served as an invaluable platform for students to explore and develop their entrepreneurial ideas. With expert guidance, practical advice on funding, and strong support from college leadership, the workshop effectively motivated participants to innovate and contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. II&E remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and incubation, in alignment with the NEP.
