Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 14: In a historic initiative to promote innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial excellence, the University of Jammu is set to launch Innovathon 1.0, a prestigious 48-hour national-level hackathon being organised for the first time in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The hackathon, along with PRAGATI-2026: Startup Fest, is being organised by the Skill Incubation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC), University of Jammu, on 16th-17th February, 2026, at the University campus.
Innovathon 1.0 has received an overwhelming response from across the country, with 107 teams comprising 321 participants registering from universities, engineering institutions, management institutes, startups, and innovation groups. Based on a structured, merit-based evaluation process, 35 teams have been shortlisted by a panel of external experts after careful assessment of the originality, innovation potential, technical feasibility, and societal relevance of the proposed ideas.
The selected teams represent a wide national footprint, with participation from States and Union Territories. Envisioned in alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, Mission YUVA, and the transformative goals of the National Education Policy 2020, Innovathon 1.0 will provide a unique platform for young innovators to develop technology-driven solutions in key thematic areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, Cyber-Physical Systems and emerging technologies, Sustainable Development, Health-Tech, and Technology-enabled Tourism.
During the intensive hackathon, participants will work to develop functional prototypes, business models, and scalable solutions addressing real-world societal and developmental challenges. The initiative is expected to strengthen innovation capacity, enhance employability, and encourage youth to translate their ideas into impactful entrepreneurial ventures.
Alongside the hackathon, the University will organise PRAGATI-2026: A Startup Fest, which will showcase more than thirty emerging startups and student-led entrepreneurial ventures from diverse sectors including sustainable products, creative industries, wellness, food innovations, and eco-friendly enterprises.
In his message, Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, said that the organisation of Innovathon 1.0 and PRAGATI-2026 marks a significant milestone in strengthening the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the University. He emphasised that the University of Jammu is committed to providing meaningful platforms that encourage creativity, support entrepreneurial aspirations, and empower youth to contribute to national development and the emerging knowledge economy.
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