Global Shapers Chandigarh Hub Unveils 'Meet the Leaders' Initiative for Punjab's Emerging Leaders
Long term dialogue series by the Global Shapers Chandigarh Hub, part of the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, aims to connect Punjab's next generation with the founders, innovators and industry leaders shaping the region's future.
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, July 16, 2026:
As Artificial Intelligence, advanced technologies and new business models rapidly reshape the global economy, Punjab stands at a defining moment. While the state has long been recognised for its entrepreneurial spirit and industrial strength, the challenge today is ensuring that its next generation is equipped not just to participate in the future economy, but to lead it.
To spark this conversation, the Global Shapers Chandigarh Hub, part of the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has announced the launch of Meet the Leaders, a long term dialogue series designed to prepare Punjab's youth for the state's next economic revolution.
Launched in strategic partnership with AIC ISB Mohali, the series will bring together accomplished entrepreneurs, technology leaders, industrialists and change makers with students, aspiring founders and young professionals to explore one central question:
"How can Punjab empower its youth to build the state's next economic revolution?"
The inaugural edition, themed Punjab 2035: Equipping Gen Z for the Next Economic Revolution, will be held on 17 July 2026 at the Indian School of Business, Mohali. It marks the beginning of a recurring platform that seeks to strengthen the bridge between industry and the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders.
Unlike traditional conferences built around keynote speeches, Meet the Leaders has been designed as a participant driven dialogue. Young attendees submit their startup ideas, career aspirations and questions during registration, enabling every session to address the real opportunities and challenges facing Punjab's youth.
The first edition will feature founders and leaders from some of Punjab's most respected and fast growing organisations, including Lahori Zeera, Antier, Graycell Technologies, Paymart, Gill Organics, Labelerr AI, Signicent, Startup Nation and Sanjhi Sikhya Foundation. Representing diverse sectors including consumer brands, technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, innovation and education, these leaders will share practical insights on building businesses, embracing emerging technologies and creating meaningful impact from Punjab.
"Punjab has never lacked ambition or entrepreneurial talent. What it needs is stronger access to role models, honest conversations and collaborative platforms that prepare young people for the opportunities of tomorrow," said Manmeet Singh Duggal, Outgoing Curator, Global Shapers Chandigarh Hub.
"Meet the Leaders is more than an event. It is the beginning of a long term movement to inspire, connect and empower the next generation of builders. We want young people to see that globally competitive businesses can be built from Punjab, and that the state's next economic revolution will be shaped by those who choose to build it here."
The programme will feature a fireside conversation with a distinguished entrepreneur, followed by two curated panel discussions focused on entrepreneurship, industry, Artificial Intelligence and the future of innovation. Participants will also engage directly with speakers through moderated discussions built around questions submitted in advance, making the conversations highly relevant and action oriented.
The organisers envision Meet the Leaders as a flagship youth leadership platform that will continue to convene founders, investors, policymakers, educators and innovators through future editions, creating sustained dialogue around entrepreneurship, technology, leadership and Punjab's economic future.
As Punjab looks toward 2035, the initiative seeks to foster a generation that is equipped not only with skills, but also with the confidence, networks and mentorship needed to create globally relevant enterprises from the region.
The first conversation begins on 17 July. The mission to prepare Punjab's youth for the state's next economic revolution begins with it.