Chandigarh University Takes a Bold Step Towards the Future; CU to Become the Global Gateway for the AI Ecosystem

Chandigarh University has launched Campus Tank Uttar Pradesh, India’s biggest university-led startup platform designed to empower young innovators and entrepreneurs under 30. This initiative was inaugurated by Shri Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Industrial Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the state. 

This innovation is collaborated by three leading organizations: Apna, India’s largest early talent platform trusted by more than 6 crore users; AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education); and Venture Catalysts (VCats), India’s leading early-stage investment firm and the nation’s first integrated incubator, working together with Chandigarh University to establish Campus Tank. The launch of Campus Tank Uttar Pradesh witnessed a gathering of respected founders and guests:

• Dr Preet Deep Singh, Vice President, Apna & Blue Machines AI

• Mr Ayush Dubey, Incubation Manager, Venture Catalysts

• Shri Anurag Yadav (IAS), Principal Secretary, Information Technology and Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh

• Dr Panneerselvam (PS) Madanagopa, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub & Director, Digital India

• Mr Arush Lakhani, VP Sales & Revenue, Cloudeagle.AI (YC '21)

• Ms Santhoshi Sushma, Buddhirahu - Autocracy Machinery

• Mr Vishal Vivek, Vcat

• Ashish Shrivastava, Financial Software & System Private Limited

• Shivam Verma, Chat360

About Campus Tank Uttar Pradesh: More than 1,000 startups have become part of Campus Tank Uttar Pradesh. 10 startups have already presented their ideas to the panel and got funding. These startups managed to impress investors with their ideas, creativity, ability to grow, and market potential. To support startups in their journey, the university has committed $6 million (around INR 50 crore). The main goal of Campus Tank is to solve a major problem new startups face: finding funders and seed capital. By providing easy access to funding, startups can also connect with experienced mentors, incubation centers, and valuable networking opportunities to help them succeed.  

Minister’s Vision: Shaping Education as a Foundation for Nation-Building

At the event, Hon’ble Minister, Shri Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ highlighted the changing role of universities. He asked them not to consider themselves as mere education hubs but to come out as the driving forces of nation-building and innovation. He also praised Chandigarh University for delivering modern education that not only meets international standards but also encourages the startup culture. The Minister, while emphasizing the huge progress of India under the energetic and farsighted leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, said that India is now the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world and is growing at an impressive pace of 12–15% annually.

With the help of its Technology Business Incubation (TBI) Center, Chandigarh University is instrumental in this ecosystem and has been able to hatch more than 200 startups. Out of these, eleven startups have been able to generate a turnover of more than INR 50 lakh per annum, thus showing how the University is successful in commercializing the idea of innovation. 

Launch of ‘CU-AI Space’: Advancing AI Innovation

To provide support to students Shri Nand Gopal Gupta unveiled ‘CU-AI Space’. To reach beyond limits in areas like machine learning, data analytics, automation, and intelligent systems, this facility is integrated by the university. Apart from the technology aspects, this innovation serves as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, mentorship and industry partnerships. This service helps businesses smart AI-based products and services faster. 

To make it more solid, the university is organizing the ‘Agentic AI Founders’ Hackathon – ‘0 to 1 - Hack with Uttar Pradesh.’ This event calls young researchers and technologists to make AI-driven solutions to the problems that challenge society. 

Chancellor Sandhu Inspires Youth to Build a Developed India

During the launch, Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor of Chandigarh University and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), spoke about how youth are an inspiring tool in nation-building. He described Campus Tank Uttar Pradesh as an incredible project which will undoubtedly be instrumental in bringing up the new generation of Indian entrepreneurs. Sandhu expressed that with the help of Campus Tank, youth innovators and entrepreneurs will be the most influential agents of the national mission in creating a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. He pointed out that schools and universities have not only become the traditional education centers but have transformed into the engines of innovation and economic growth, thus producing talent that will be able to compete worldwide. He also added that they aim to facilitate the youth innovators and entrepreneurs to be the leading contributors in the implementation of the national mission of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, which is the building of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.