Jammu: In a historic initiative to promote innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial excellence, the University of Jammu is set to launch Innovation 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 including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, reflecting the truly national character and significance of the hackathon.
Envisioned in alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, Mission YUVA, and the transformative goals of the National Education Policy 2020, Innovation 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.
The Startup Fest will provide an opportunity for students and aspiring entrepreneurs to present their innovations, interact with industry leaders and mentors, and gain valuable exposure to the startup ecosystem. The initiative reflects the University’s continuous efforts towards promoting entrepreneurship through incubation support, skill development programmes, and academic initiatives such as the innovative Design Your Degree programme.
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 stated that these initiatives provide students with valuable exposure to real-world problem-solving, industry interaction, and innovation-driven learning. He further 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.
These pioneering initiatives are expected to witness enthusiastic participation from students, innovators, startups, and academic institutions from across the country.
With the launch of Innovation 1.0 and organisation of PRAGATI–2026, the University of Jammu continues to strengthen its role as an emerging centre of innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence, contributing meaningfully to the innovation landscape of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation.DD
Correspondent Jammu