Kashmir Valley sees startup boom with Launchpad Kashmir’s incubation fund

Launchpad Kashmir' has emerged as a beacon of hope for Kashmir's nascent startup ecosystem, amidst frequent internet shutdowns and communication challenges in the region. Co-founded by Muheet Mehraj and six other entrepreneurs, including Vivek Raina, Launchpad Kashmir aims to nurture local startups with investments ranging from ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh per venture by FY 2025. The initiative, born from a 2023 startup conclave in Srinagar, seeks to bridge financial and intellectual capital gaps, fostering innovation despite the region's historical unrest. It marks a pivotal step in cultivating entrepreneurship and economic resilience in Kashmir, echoing models like Y Combinator in Silicon Valley.