IIT Ropar Launches “100 Start-Ups 100 Days”

Established in 2008, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has rapidly emerged as a leading center for advanced research and innovation in India. The institute’s latest initiative, “100 Start-Ups 100 Days,” aims to further reinforce its role in shaping the nation’s deep-tech and artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem.

Overview of the Initiative

The “100 Start-Ups 100 Days” program was officially launched as a national deep-tech acceleration initiative and is designated as a pre-summit event for the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026. This significant event is scheduled to take place on December 16, 2025, at the IIT Ropar campus, where early-stage start-ups from across the country will gather for an intensive day focused on mentoring, technology access, and innovation-driven support.

Launch Ceremony

The initiative was inaugurated by Shrikant M. Vaidya, the former Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, who served as the Chief Guest. Other notable attendees included Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman of the Capacity Building Commission and the Board of Governors at IIT Ropar, and Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, the Director of IIT Ropar.

Significance of the India AI Impact Summit 2026

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the France AI Action Summit, is set to occur on February 19-20, 2026, in New Delhi. This summit marks a significant milestone as the first global artificial intelligence summit hosted in the Global South. It underscores India’s growing leadership in digital transformation, AI governance, and responsible technology development.

Goals of the “100 Start-Ups 100 Days” Initiative

By hosting the “100 Start-Ups 100 Days” program as an official pre-summit initiative, IIT Ropar aims to contribute directly to India’s national AI vision. The program focuses on:

Strengthening deep-tech innovation pathways.
Supporting entrepreneurial growth.
Nurturing the next generation of technology leaders capable of creating a global impact.

Support and Collaboration

The initiative is powered by iHub AWaDH, a Technology Innovation Hub supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and Annam.ai, a Centre of Excellence in AI for Agriculture supported by the Ministry of Education. Additionally, the IIT Ropar Technology Business Incubator Foundation (TBIF) is also a key player in this initiative.

Partners Involved

The program has garnered support from a diverse group of partners, including:

The Embassy of Israel in India
Reichman University Runway Incubator
UPES (Uttarakhand)
Centre for Computers and Communication Technology (Sikkim)
ACIC GIET University Foundation (Odisha)
Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Maharashtra)
IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation
HDFC Bank
Canara Bank

Focus Areas of the Program

Prof. Rajeev Ahuja emphasized that the program will identify and cultivate promising start-ups across various emerging deep-tech sectors, including:

AgriTech
WaterTech
Internet of Things (IoT)
Cyber-Physical Systems

Funding and Support for Start-Ups

On December 16, more than 30 start-ups and innovators will receive grants and investments through various initiatives such as GENESIS, DST NM-ICPS, and Startup India. Dr. Pushpendra P. Singh, Project Director of iHub AWaDH and Annam, highlighted the collaborative efforts of IIT Ropar, iHub AWaDH, Annam, and TBIF, which have already supported over 100 start-ups with mentoring, incubation, investment, and accelerator services.

Broader Mission

The overarching mission of the “100 Start-Ups 100 Days” initiative is to build India’s national deep-tech capabilities in alignment with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Digital India. By propelling early-stage ventures toward market-ready solutions, the initiative aims to accelerate India’s transition to a technology-driven, innovation-led economy.

Conclusion

The launch of “100 Start-Ups 100 Days” by IIT Ropar is a significant step towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India’s deep-tech landscape. This initiative not only aims to support start-ups but also contributes to the broader national vision of technological advancement and economic growth.

Note: This article is based on information available as of October 2023 and is intended for informational purposes only.

Article Source