IIT Ropar Launches “100 Startups 100 Days” Ahead of India AI Impact Summit 2026
The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar has initiated a significant event entitled “100 Startups 100 Days”, aimed at accelerating national deep-tech startups. This initiative serves as a precursor to the prestigious India AI Impact Summit 2026, set to occur in New Delhi. The event will take place on December 16th at the IIT Ropar campus, where participating startups will receive extensive mentoring, technology resources, and support for innovation.
The launch was graced by notable personalities including Shri Shrikant M. Vaidya, former CMD of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Shri Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman of the Capacity Building Commission and Board of Governors at IIT Ropar, alongside Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar.
Significance of the India AI Impact Summit 2026
The India AI Impact Summit, slated for February 19-20, 2026, was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the France AI Action Summit. This event will mark a historic moment as the first global Artificial Intelligence summit in the Global South, highlighting India’s commitment to leading in digital transformation and ethical AI innovation.
Through the “100 Startups 100 Days” program, IIT Ropar is playing a crucial role in advancing India’s AI strategy by enhancing the deep-tech innovation framework, promoting entrepreneurship, and grooming future tech leaders for a global stage.
Collaborative Efforts and Support
The program is supported by various influential partners and institutions. It harnesses the strengths of iHub AWaDH, a Technology Innovation Hub backed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Annam.ai, a Centre of Excellence in AI for Agriculture supported by the Ministry of Education, and the IIT Ropar Technology Business Incubator Foundation (TBIF). Additional collaborators include the Embassy of Israel in India, Reichman University Runway Incubator, UPES (Uttarakhand), and several other notable organizations across India.
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, in discussions with the media, explained that the initiative will support over 30 startups specializing in sectors like AgriTech, WaterTech, IoT, and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) with funding and investment opportunities on December 16th, facilitated by programs such as GENESIS, DST NM-ICPS, and Startup India.
Dr. Pushpendra P Singh, Project Director of iHub – AWaDH and Annam, highlighted the comprehensive support provided to over 100 startups through this initiative. By integrating mentoring, investment, and acceleration services, the program leverages IIT Ropar’s robust ecosystem comprising advanced R&D facilities, expert faculty, and strong industry partnerships. This initiative aligns with national goals like Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India), Digital India, and enhancing the country’s deep-tech capabilities.
This concerted effort by IIT Ropar and its partners exemplifies India’s push towards becoming a technology-driven, innovation-centric economy, poised for significant advancements in the global technology arena.
