The SKUAST-J Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Foundation marked a major institutional milestone with the successful conduct of its first Board of Directors meeting at the Vice-Chancellor’s Committee Room, SKUAST-Jammu. Registered as a not-for-profit Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013, the Foundation aims to strengthen the agri-startup and innovation ecosystem in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir through a structured, market-driven incubation framework.
The meeting was chaired by Prof. B. N. Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Jammu and Chairman of the SKUAST-J ABI Foundation. Emphasizing long-term sustainability, Prof. Tripathi stated that the Foundation must evolve into a strong growth platform capable of empowering agri-entrepreneurs across the region. He advised exploring diverse funding avenues to ensure financial stability and highlighted the need for strategic utilization of resources to reinforce the regional agri-entrepreneurship ecosystem.
A key focus of the meeting was the establishment of high-tech, fully equipped laboratories under the Foundation to support startups in developing innovative agri-business ideas and functional prototypes. Such facilities, he noted, would significantly enhance research translation and commercialization.
Prof. Jyoti Kachroo, Director and Member Secretary of the SKUAST-J ABI Foundation, formally welcomed the Chairperson and Board members. She presented a detailed progress report and outlined the Foundation’s roadmap, including institutional governance, operational strategies, and convergence with government schemes.
The Board comprises eminent academicians, including Prof. S. K. Gupta, Prof. Amrish Vaid, Prof. Sudhakar Dwivedi, and Prof. R. K. Salgotra, who actively contributed insights on policy alignment and institutional development.
The Board acknowledged the strong legacy of SKUAST-Jammu’s earlier initiatives—Agri-Business Incubation Centre (ABIC) and Krishi Branding Centre (KBC)—which together have supported over 700 agri-entrepreneurs. The meeting concluded with closing remarks by the Chairman and a formal vote of thanks.
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