Srinagar, July 24 -- Dal Lake looked like an unlikely place to talk venture capital this week, but the ASCEND J&K Startup Ecosystem Summit sent a message worth hearing.

Kashmir's young entrepreneurs bring ideas, ambition and growing public support to the table. What they still struggle to find is capital, mentorship and access to real markets.

That disparity will decide whether the valley ends up building successful companies or just keeps hosting inspiring conferences.

Jammu and Kashmir has started laying the groundwork. The Startup Policy 2024-27 aims to support 2,000 startups by 2027 through seed funding, incubation, mentorship and easier access to finance. Public institutions have also expanded innovation centres inside universitie...