The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu hosted a delegation from the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) at its Srinagar Campus. The visit included Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman & Managing Director, SIDBI, Dr. Subhransu Acharya, Chief General Manager, SIDBI, Shri. Balbir Singh, General Manager, SIDBI and several other key officials from SIDBI. The SIDBI team was received and welcomed by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu along with his IIM Jammu’s Srinagar team.

On the occasion, Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman and Managing Director, SIDBI released the brochure and the posters of Skill to Enterprise Module (STEM). During the visit, Prof B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman and Managing Director, SIDBI discussed the ongoing collaborations, possible future collaborations, including joint research projects, skill development programs, and outreach activities to empower aspiring entrepreneurs. The meeting resulted in fruitful and productive discussion around future collaborations and joint efforts to propagate entrepreneurship and start up culture in the country.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, stated, "IIM Jammu is committed to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and contributing to the economic development of the region. Our partnership with SIDBI is a significant step towards fostering innovation and supporting the growth of small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy."

Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman & Managing Director, SIDBI, remarked on the importance of academia-industry partnerships, saying, "I am delighted to visit IIM Jammu and witness the enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and innovation among the students and faculty. Collaborations like these are essential to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering a holistic approach to business development."

IIM Jammu and SIDBI recently collaborated to launch Skill to Enterprise Module (STEM) which is a one-year long extensive program on entrepreneurship exclusively for youth of J&K and Ladakh. The program with 4-week residential training with 8-weeks virtual training is designed to equip the youth with the necessary knowledge of business management, compliance, finance, planning and strategic aspects of business. The candidates for the upcoming programme will be selected by the experts based on the readiness of their ideas and will be provided guidance through industry mentorship and incubation. There will be two batches of STEM commencing from 4th December 2023 and 19th December 2023 at IIM Jammu’s Srinagar and Jammu campuses.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Chairperson Srinagar campus IIM Jammu. This collaborative effort between IIM Jammu and SIDBI is poised to contribute significantly to the development of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region, aligning with the Government's vision of promoting economic growth through Small and Medium enterprises.