Chandigarh University raises Campus Tank Funding pool to $15 million for startups; View Pics
‘India’s Next Generation Must Turn Today’s Opportunities into Solutions for Viksit Bharat 2047’: Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament and Chairman of Jindal Steel
Chandigarh University Launches CU-IRP in Collaboration with IIT Madras as a Plug-and-Play R&D Hub to Connect Industry with Academic Research and Startups
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 10, 2026: Chandigarh University (CU) has launched Season 2 of its startup initiative, Campus Tank – ‘India’s Next Unicorn’, increasing the funding pool to US$15 million from US$6 million in the inaugural season to support young entrepreneurs in developing and commercialising their ideas.
The announcement was made during the second day of the Incubator & Capital Summit 2026 and ISBACON 2026, organised by Chandigarh University Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI) in association with the Indian Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Parks and Business Incubators Association (ISBA).
The summit brought together representatives of 400 incubator institutions from more than 20 states and Union Territories, 100 selected startups, 80 investors and over 60 government, policy and industry delegates.
Lok Sabha MP and Jindal Steel Chairman Naveen Jindal attended the event as the chief guest, alongside Rajya Sabha MP and Chandigarh University Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu.
Jindal said India’s progress towards Viksit Bharat 2047 would depend on young people turning their ideas into practical solutions. He highlighted the need to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship and resources to help them develop viable businesses.
He said initiatives such as Campus Tank Season 2 and the Chandigarh University Innovation and Research Park, being established in collaboration with IIT Madras, could help bridge the gap between promising ideas and market-ready products.
Campus Tank Season 1 received 21,789 registrations from more than 1,200 cities, including over 10,800 registrations from universities and colleges. The second season will involve eight investment partners: APNA, Venture Catalysts, Aeravti Ventures, PedalStart, Eaglewings, FAAD, Be an Angel and Cube Founders Space.
CU and IIT Madras join hands for innovation hub
Chandigarh University also launched the Chandigarh University Innovation and Research Park (CU-IRP) in collaboration with IIT Madras. The proposed facility will serve as a research and development hub connecting industry, university researchers, faculty members, students and startups.
The initiative aims to facilitate industry-linked research, product development and the conversion of academic research into commercially viable technologies.
The first phase is planned across 30,000–40,000 square feet, with dedicated facilities for research, incubation and industrial research and development. Proposed facilities include laboratories focused on artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, robotics, biotechnology and agricultural technology, along with a product studio and an intellectual property and technology transfer office.
The university also announced a ₹50-crore innovation and startup fund to support promising ventures and strengthen the commercialisation of research.
Professor Gaurav Raina of IIT Madras said innovation at scale required partnerships alongside platforms. Citing the experience of the IIT Madras Research Park, he highlighted the potential of collaboration between academic institutions and industry to expand India’s startup ecosystem.
Three startups recognised as Season 1 winners
The event also recognised three startups from the first season of Campus Tank for their business potential.
Krvvy, a women’s innerwear and shapewear brand founded by engineering graduates Yash Goyal and Anant Bhardwaj, was declared the winner. The company received a proposed investment commitment of ₹4 crore from Venture Catalysts as part of a ₹12-crore funding round at a stated valuation of ₹60 crore.
Offlyn, founded by Kumar Ayush Sinha and Arpit Arora, offers a platform for discovering, booking and hosting offline experiences, including workshops, supper clubs and social gatherings. It received a proposed funding allocation of ₹3.85 crore at a post-money valuation of ₹25 crore.
Medoc Health, founded by Chandigarh University alumnus Utkarsh Luthra, develops hospital management and healthcare technology solutions. The startup received a proposed funding allocation of ₹1 crore. According to the information shared at the event, it serves 98 hospitals across five states and reported revenue of ₹1.26 crore in the 2025–26 financial year.
Industry leaders highlight emerging opportunities
Rajya Sabha MP and Chandigarh University Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu said Campus Tank aimed to provide young people, including those from smaller towns and villages, access to mentorship, investment and opportunities to develop their business ideas.
Nirmit Parikh, Group CEO of APNA, identified applied artificial intelligence, AI training and workforce reskilling as potential areas for startup growth. He said Indian startups could develop AI solutions for domestic and international markets.
Hemant Malhotra, chief operating officer of Venture Catalysts, emphasised the importance of identifying entrepreneurs beyond major metropolitan centres and supporting founders who address real market needs.
The summit also featured startup pitches under four tracks, an Investor’s Choice award and an industry roundtable on the future of research and development on Indian campuses.
The initiatives announced at the event are aimed at strengthening links between universities, investors and industry while helping startups move from early-stage ideas to scalable businesses.