Innovation & Recognition: How Shakir Ahmad, Adnan Mushtaq, and Furqan Ahmad Bhat Inspired Kashmir’s Next Generation

Published on: November 2025 | Author: Shakir Ahmad (Shakir Ahmad Sheikh)

Every great innovation begins with a simple idea — and sometimes, that idea changes not only a community but an entire generation. Shakir Ahmad Sheikh, along with his talented teammates Adnan Mushtaq and Furqan Ahmad Bhat, proved that creativity and collaboration can turn a school project into a national innovation story. Their AI-powered Apple Grading System inspired students, educators, and policymakers across India, marking a new chapter of student-led innovation in Kashmir.

From Local Roots to National Stage 🇮🇳

The journey began in Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir, under the mentorship of Javad Ahmed Dar. Together, the trio designed a low-cost AI and IoT-based Apple Grading System capable of grading apples by size, color, and surface quality. What started as an idea to help local orchardists quickly gained national attention for its practical impact on the horticulture industry.

The project was selected among the Top 10 Best Startup Ideas in India at the Youth Ideathon, an initiative supported by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell. This recognition not only brought pride to Jammu & Kashmir but also demonstrated how young minds could innovate for real-world challenges.

Recognized by India’s Leaders 🏆

Shakir Ahmad, Adnan Mushtaq, and Furqan Ahmad Bhat’s innovation received national media coverage and praise from leaders at the highest level. Their project was featured by Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, and The Times of India.

During National Technology Week 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, the team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science & Technology, who praised their innovation for bringing technology to agriculture. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and the DC Baramulla also personally appreciated the team for representing Kashmir’s youth on a national platform.

A Spark That Inspired Many ✨

Following their recognition, schools and innovation cells across Kashmir began adopting similar models of technology-driven learning. As Chaitanya Vishnuvvi from NITI Aayog said, “After the achievement of Shakir Ahmad and his team in Kashmir, many students and schools were inspired to innovate.”

The team’s success became a catalyst for young innovators in the region, proving that innovation is not limited by resources — only by imagination.

Global Collaboration & Technical Growth 🌏

To refine the system, Shakir and his teammates collaborated with Nomura scientists from Japan, training and improving AI models for accuracy and automation. This collaboration not only strengthened the technical foundation of the Apple Grading System but also gave them exposure to global research practices.

Media Highlights 🎥

Beyond Recognition: Inspiring Future Innovators 💡

Today, Shakir Ahmad Sheikh continues to innovate as the Founder & CTO of Tiwzz Technology, while Adnan Mushtaq and Furqan Ahmad Bhat continue exploring new ideas in technology and research. Their success story remains a beacon of inspiration for every young mind in India striving to make an impact through innovation.

In Shakir’s words, “When one student innovates, a hundred others get inspired — and that’s the real victory.”

Looking Forward 🌍

From a small classroom in Baramulla to the national innovation stage, Shakir Ahmad, Adnan Mushtaq, and Furqan Ahmad Bhat have shown what teamwork, persistence, and imagination can achieve. Their journey is a reminder that innovation has no boundaries — it only needs belief and effort.

Keywords: Shakir Ahmad, Shakir Ahmad Sheikh, Adnan Mushtaq, Furqan Ahmad Bhat, Sheikh Shakir, Innovation, Kashmir, Apple Grading System, PM Modi, NITI Aayog, Youth Inspiration, Tiwzz Technology