IIT Ropar Launches ‘100 Startups 100 Days’ as Pre-Event to India AI Impact Summit 2026
Patiala: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar, has officially launched a national initiative titled ‘100 Startups 100 Days’, which is recognized as a pre-summit event for the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026. This initiative aims to foster innovation and support early-stage startups in the deep-tech sector.
Event Details
The ‘100 Startups 100 Days’ program is set to commence on December 16, 2025, at the IIT Ropar campus. The event will bring together a diverse group of early-stage startups for an intensive mentoring experience, access to cutting-edge technology, and various forms of innovation support.
Launch Ceremony
The initiative was inaugurated by notable figures including:
- Shrikant M Vaidya, former CMD of Indian Oil Corporation Limited
- Adil Zainulbhai, chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission and Board of Governors, IIT Ropar
- Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, director of IIT Ropar
Significance of the India AI Impact Summit 2026
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is a significant event that was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the France AI Action Summit. Scheduled to take place on February 19-20, 2026, in New Delhi, this summit is poised to be the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. It represents a crucial step in establishing India as a leader in digital transformation and responsible AI innovation.
Support and Collaboration
The ‘100 Startups 100 Days’ initiative is powered by several key organizations, including:
- iHub AWaDH, a Technology Innovation Hub supported by the Department of Science and Technology
- Annam.ai, a Centre of Excellence in AI for Agriculture supported by the Ministry of Education
- IIT Ropar Technology Business Incubator Foundation (TBIF)
Additionally, the initiative has garnered support from international and national institutions such as:
- 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 Initiative
According to Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, the program aims to identify and nurture promising startups in emerging deep-tech domains, which include:
- AgriTech
- WaterTech
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)
On December 16, the initiative will facilitate support for over 30 startups and innovators through grants and investment opportunities, backed by programs such as GENESIS, DST NM-ICPS, and Startup India.
Goals and Vision
Pushpendra P Singh, project director of iHub-AWaDH and Annam, stated that the ‘100 Startups 100 Days’ initiative is a collaborative effort that has already supported more than 100 startups through mentoring, investment, incubation, and acceleration. The overarching goal is to leverage IIT Ropar’s robust ecosystem of advanced research and development facilities, expert faculty, funding mechanisms, and industry partnerships.
This initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of fostering innovation under the frameworks of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), Digital India, and building national deep-tech capabilities.
Conclusion
The launch of ‘100 Startups 100 Days’ marks a significant step in enhancing India’s innovation landscape and supporting the next generation of deep-tech entrepreneurs. As the program unfolds, it is expected to create a positive impact on the startup ecosystem, paving the way for future advancements in technology and innovation.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates and announcements regarding the ‘100 Startups 100 Days’ initiative and the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
