In a momentous achievement for Jammu and Kashmir’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, M/s Genetico Private Limited and M/s GR8 Sports Private Limited Startups from Jammu and Kashmir startups have secured top honors at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, a nationwide startup event held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from April 3 to April 5, 2025.
Genetico Private Limited, operating in the HealthTech and BioTech sector, was awarded a generous grant of ₹20 lakh. Meanwhile, GR8 Sports Private Limited, from the Gaming and Sports sector, bagged ₹5 lakh. These two startups outperformed thousands of participants to emerge as leaders in their respective industries.
What is the Startup MahaRathi Challenge?
The Startup MahaRathi Challenge is the flagship initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It aims to identify and empower promising early-stage and growth-stage startups across 10 high-impact sectors. This year’s event witnessed participation from over 2,400 startups across India.
The challenge is more than a competition—it’s a gateway to opportunities. With a funding pool exceeding ₹70 crore, it offers financial support, national recognition, global visibility, structured mentorship, and access to top incubators and investor networks.
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J&K Startups Making Their Mark Nationally
Five startups from Jammu and Kashmir were selected to participate in Startup Mahakumbh 2025:
- GR8 Sports Private Limited (Gaming & Sports)
- CLMRAT Sports
- AL-Hamdaan Crafts
- Studio Agama
- BISA Innovation Private Limited
These startups were mentored and guided by Irtif Mehraj Lone, In-charge of the Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Business Modeling (CIIBM), and Zahid Ali Dar, Project Manager at the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI).
Strong Support from J&K Government and JKEDI
The Industries and Commerce Department of J&K has been instrumental in creating a robust startup environment in the Union Territory. The implementation of the J&K Startup Policy-2024, backed by the JKEDI as the nodal agency, has paved the way for startup growth across sectors.
From providing financial grants to incubation services and policy support, the government is actively fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the region. This proactive approach has already started yielding results, as seen in the remarkable performance of J&K startups at national forums.
Genetico Private Limited: A Leader in HealthTech and BioTech
Arjun Gupta, Founder of Genetico Private Limited, shared his heartfelt gratitude after the win:
“It is wonderful that our years of hard work and commitment are being recognized by the Government. There is a highly motivated and capable team behind Genetico. The award is not only for the founders but for our team, customers, government supporters, incubators, advisors, mentors, and well-wishers.”
Genetico’s focus on innovation in healthcare and biotechnology has made it a standout performer in a highly competitive sector. The ₹20 lakh grant will further strengthen their mission of using technology to solve pressing healthcare challenges.
GR8 Sports Private Limited: Gaming With a Purpose
Fawz-ul-Kabir, the visionary behind GR8 Private Limited, expressed his appreciation for the recognition:
“We are truly honoured to represent Jammu and Kashmir on such a prestigious platform. This recognition reaffirms our belief in the power of gaming and technology to drive positive impact. We thank the J&K Government and JKEDI for their unwavering support.”
GR8 is redefining the landscape of gamification and sports innovation in India. With this award, they are poised to scale their impact and reach wider audiences, especially among youth and gaming enthusiasts.
Why This Recognition Matters
Winning at Startup Mahakumbh is more than a financial win—it is a testament to the growing startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. It highlights:
- The potential of regional entrepreneurs to compete on a national level.
- The effectiveness of government-backed startup policies.
- The increasing role of innovation and technology in regional development.
Such national platforms not only validate the efforts of budding entrepreneurs but also create a ripple effect, inspiring others to dream big and act bold.
Read also: Starting a Business in Jammu & Kashmir with PMEGP Scheme: Full Details Inside
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Startups in J&K
With the spotlight firmly on Jammu and Kashmir startups, more opportunities are expected to flow into the region. The success of Genetico and GR8 Sports marks a turning point for the startup culture in the UT, proving that with the right support, innovation knows no boundaries.
By nurturing entrepreneurship through strategic policy implementation, incubation support, and national exposure, Jammu and Kashmir is fast emerging as a startup-friendly destination. The achievements at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 are just the beginning of a transformative journey for the region’s entrepreneurs.
