New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS): The Indian Army will organise an event in Jammu and Kashmir later this month to encourage local youth to launch their own start-up business ventures.

The initiative has been taken by the Army wherein a Bengaluru-based private firm- Techstars - will conduct an entrepreneurial experience programme in Jammu and Kashmir.

The firm specialises in the domain of start-up seed acceleration and will guide participants in resolving basic issues confronting new business ventures. The event, in which hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs from Jammu and Kashmir are expected to participate, will be held in Katra from September 20 to 22.

"There is tremendous potential for start-ups in the region. We want local youth to become job creators rather than job seekers. It is for this reason that the Army has taken the initiative to organise this event," a senior official told IANS.

Participants will be encouraged to build prototypes, take their ideas to the next stage and learn how to launch their business during the course of this event.

Apart from targeting aspiring entrepreneurs, officials said another workshop will be held on September 21 for those who have been successfully running their start-ups already. Investors from various fields will attend the event and are likely to share their expertise with participants on where to look for funds and how to further expand their business.

"Preparations are underway to facilitate attendance of students of colleges and universities in the programme," said the official.