Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Mar, 05
InnoSpark 2025, the flagship ideathon competition organized by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University’s Technology Business Incubation Centre (SMVDU-TBIC), concluded successfully, showcasing groundbreaking ideas and the entrepreneurial brilliance of emerging startups. The event served as a powerful catalyst for fostering innovation and encouraging entrepreneurship. The event featured an inspiring lineup of startup pitches, expert panel discussions, and mentorship sessions. Enthusiastic entrepreneurs presented innovative solutions to both global and local challenges, making the competition highly engaging and impactful. A total of 86 startup ideas were received, and after undergoing rigorous evaluation by an esteemed panel of judges in multiple stages, the top three winners of InnoSpark 2025 were announced.Prize money totaling Rs. 1.75 lakh was generously sponsored by Mr. Dhananjay Singh, an alumnus of the School of Mechanical Engineering at SMVDU. First Prize of Rs. 1,00,000 was awarded to Mr. Ravi Kumar for his groundbreaking startup idea – a Portable, Quantitative, Real-time Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification Test for Infectious Disease Detection using a Microfluidic Device integrated with a UV-LED Photodiode Detector. His solution was praised for its scalability, market impact, and sustainability. Second Prize of Rs. 50,000 went to Mr. Siddharth Gupta for his innovative approach to “Route Farm to Your Home” through the Farm Rooter, demonstrating a strong business model with high growth potential. Third Prize of Rs. 25,000 was awarded to Mr. Khushneet Singh for his disruptive concept of an eco-friendly, all-in-one walnut sorting and cracking machine, which has the potential to revolutionize walnut processing. His idea was particularly recognized for its real-world applicability and innovation.The event also brought together key figures from the startup ecosystem, including investors, government representatives, corporate leaders, and academics, providing invaluable mentoring and networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. The distinguished jury and panelists included notable personalities such as Mr. Manik Batra, Director & Co-Chairman, Batra Group; Mr. Amit Singh Rathor, CEO, IIF, DTU (Innovation & Incubation Foundation, Delhi Technological University); Mr. Taranveer Singh Gujral, Managing Director, TV Super Filters; Dr. Navneet Kour, Social Entrepreneur and Consultant, MSME; Mr. Vinu Jee Koul, Assistant Director, MSME (Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises); Prof. Ankush Anand, SMVDU; Prof. Manoj Kumar Gupta, SMVDU; Mr. B.K. Bhatia, Training & Placement Officer, SMVDU; and Mr. Dhananjay Singh, MD, Go Productions/Chenab Valley Designers.During the event, Dr. Sanjay Mohan, CEO of SMVDU-TBIC, delivered a brief summary of the Incubation Center’s achievements and future endeavors, emphasizing the importance of nurturing innovation in the region. He also provided an overview of the event’s structure, highlighting the rigorous evaluation process through which the startup ideas were assessed and how the event fostered collaboration and innovation.Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SMVDU, who was the Chief Guest at the event, underscored the importance of fostering an innovation-driven economy. He stated, “InnoSpark 2025 has once again showcased the immense potential within our youth. We must continue to support and guide these emerging entrepreneurs as they pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.” He also commended the efforts of the TBIC team in organizing such a successful event.The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Divye Duheta Mahajan, Manager, SMVDU-TBIC. She expressed gratitude to all those who were directly and indirectly involved in making the event a success.
SMVDU-TBIC remains committed to its mission of accelerating entrepreneurship and innovation. With ongoing support from stakeholders and industry leaders, the incubator aims to provide more such opportunities, ensuring that budding entrepreneurs receive the guidance and funding needed to bring their ideas to life.
