Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) has joined hands with the Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India, Bengaluru, to promote bio-enzyme entrepreneurship as a waste-to-wealth opportunity and create avenues for self-employment among students, farmers and rural entrepreneurs in J&K.
A one-week Certificate Course on “Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurship” was inaugurated today at the Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat, Shalimar Main Campus. Organised by the SKUAST-K Innovation and Incubation Entrepreneurship Centre (SKIIE) in collaboration with the Academy, the programme focuses on hands-on training in bio-enzyme production, value addition and marketing, with an emphasis on developing sustainable micro-enterprises.
The inaugural function was attended by senior officers and faculty members of the University, along with academicians, scientists, entrepreneurs and trainee participants. Guests of Honour included Priti Rao, President, Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India; Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension; Prof. M. Altaf Bhat, Director Education; Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar; Er. Ab Rashid Bhat; Mahendra Pyati; and B.C. Kiran.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor appreciated SKIIE for introducing the innovative programme and stressed the potential of converting agricultural and kitchen waste into value-added, eco-friendly products. He said such initiatives align with the University’s mandate of translating research and knowledge into entrepreneurship and self-reliance, and encouraged participants to use the training to establish enterprises and contribute to the green economy.
Priti Rao highlighted the national scope of bio-enzyme-based enterprises and apprised participants of the technical and market support available through the Academy.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by the CEO, SKIIE Centre. During the event, the University and the Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in the field. A booklet titled “A Genuine Startup Dosage: Hazrat Sheikh ul Alam (RA) Entrepreneurship Model,” authored by Naveed Hamid, CEO, SKIIE Centre, was also launched.
The event further witnessed the launch of startup products of M/s XYVA Naturals Pvt. Ltd. and the SKUAST-K SAFART Passport, conceptualised by Naveed Hamid and developed by Muaolim, B.Tech Biotechnology student.
The week-long training will cover bio-enzyme preparation, quality control, packaging, branding, business planning and marketing, besides on-site visits to landfills, waste areas and fruit mandis. The programme combines classroom sessions, hands-on demonstrations and interactions with resource persons and industry experts.
The inaugural session concluded with a pledge ceremony led by the CEO, SKIIE Centre, with participants committing to responsible and sustainable entrepreneurial practices.
