Chitkara University today launched the Atal Incubation Centre – Chitkara Incubation Foundation (AIC-CIF) and AIC-PRIDE Labs at its Punjab campus, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India's deep-tech startup ecosystem. Established with a combined investment of up to Rs.20 crore over five years by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, Government of India, and Chitkara University, the centre will nurture startups in Drone Technologies, Agritech and Renewable Energy while accelerating research commercialisation, entrepreneurship and technology-led economic growth.
The inauguration also marked the launch of the ATL Sarthi Punjab initiative by the Atal Innovation Mission, aimed at strengthening and mentoring Atal Tinkering Labs across the state, further reinforcing the innovation pipeline from schools to startups. The inauguration ceremony was led by Mr. Amit Dhaka, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Punjab, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Mr. Prateek Deshmukh, Program Lead, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, whose participation reflected AIM's continued engagement with institutions driving India's innovation and startup ecosystem, and Ms. Deepakshi Jindal, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog.
They were joined by Dr. Ashok Chitkara, Chancellor, Chitkara University, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-founder, Chitkara University, along with distinguished leaders from industry, academia, government and investor networks. Designed as a launchpad for high-impact technology ventures, AIC-CIF will support entrepreneurs through structured acceleration programs, expert mentorship, access to funding opportunities, product validation, industry partnerships, intellectual property facilitation and regulatory guidance, enabling innovators to transform breakthrough ideas into scalable enterprises.
Dr. Ashok Chitkara, Chancellor, Chitkara University, said, "Innovation creates real value only when ideas move beyond the laboratory into society. AIC-Chitkara Incubation Foundation is designed to help entrepreneurs build technologies that solve important challenges and create lasting impact." Mr. Amit Dhaka, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Punjab, said, "Strong innovation ecosystems are built through collaboration.
Initiatives like AIC-Chitkara Incubation Foundation will strengthen Punjab's startup landscape and create new opportunities for technology-led entrepreneurship." Following the inauguration, dignitaries toured the state-of-the-art AIC-PRIDE Labs, interacting with startup founders and witnessing innovations that demonstrate the growing potential of deep-tech entrepreneurship.
The visit highlighted the centre's vision of creating a collaborative environment where innovators, researchers, industry experts and investors can work together to build globally relevant technology ventures. Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-founder, Chitkara University, said, "The future belongs to institutions that connect research, industry and entrepreneurship with purpose.
Through AIC-Chitkara Incubation Foundation, we are creating an ecosystem where innovators receive the mentorship, partnerships and support they need to build globally competitive ventures while contributing to India's innovation-led growth." The event also celebrated the launch of ATL Sarthi Punjab, an initiative dedicated to strengthening the Atal Tinkering Lab ecosystem across the state.
Outstanding ATL Sarthis from Punjab were felicitated for their exceptional contribution towards nurturing scientific curiosity, innovation and problem-solving among school students. The initiative complements the national vision of Startup India, the Atal Innovation Mission and Viksit Bharat by creating a seamless innovation pathway from school-level tinkering to startup incubation and venture creation.
The university also expressed its sincere appreciation to Dr. Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, for his leadership and guidance in enabling the establishment of the incubation centre. Though unable to attend the inauguration, his contribution to strengthening India's innovation ecosystem was acknowledged during the ceremony.
With the launch of AIC-Chitkara Incubation Foundation, Chitkara University further strengthens its role in advancing entrepreneurship, innovation and research commercialisation. By bringing together academia, industry, government and investors within a single ecosystem, the centre aims to enable the next generation of entrepreneurs to build globally relevant, technology-driven enterprises from India.