In a landmark move to position Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive national growth, while reinforcing India’s rise as a fast-emerging global AI hub, Chandigarh University hosted India’s first AI Fest 2026 alongside the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The initiative aimed to empower young innovators, boost the AI startup ecosystem, and convert bold, scalable ideas into technology-driven solutions aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The mega initiative brought together global entrepreneurs, policymakers, AI experts, industry leaders, academicians, researchers, startups, and student innovators, creating a vibrant confluence of technology, talent, and transformative ideas. Deliberations revolved around four key themes-Evolving AI with Evolving Humans, AI Engineered Reality, AI Policy Governance and Structuring, and Technical Frontiers-offering a dynamic forum to examine AI-led innovation and inclusive economic growth.
The grand inauguration of AI Fest 2026 took place in the distinguished presence of Ankur Warikoo, Founder of WebVeda and IndiaGeniusChallenge, along with Ronnie Screwvala, Chairperson of upGrad and edtech pioneer. The ceremony was also graced by Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, besides prominent global AI leaders and industry experts.
In alignment with the India AI Mission, Chandigarh University became the first university in India to introduce the CU AI Mission, a comprehensive institutional roadmap dedicated to advancing AI research and development, fostering AI-driven entrepreneurship, and integrating AI literacy across disciplines. The initiative seeks to democratize AI education by training 1.5 lakh youth, converting India’s demographic advantage into a globally competitive, AI-first workforce prepared to lead and innovate across academic and digitally driven professional ecosystems.
Speaking at the Unfiltered session on AI Engineered Reality, Ankur Warikoo, Founder of WebVeda and IndiaGeniusChallenge, remarked, “AI is not something to be afraid of. Your job won’t be replaced by AI, but by someone who understands and leverages AI more effectively than you. The future belongs to those who adopt technology, keep learning, and adapt to change instead of resisting it.”
Expressing appreciation, Ankur Warikoo lauded Chandigarh University for creating grassroots-level platforms that encourage meaningful conversations around AI. He emphasised that students should listen actively, stay curious, and embrace lifelong learning, noting that continuous learning fuels constant growth. He further highlighted that technology has eliminated excuses for not learning, as AI tools today empower individuals to enhance communication skills, learn new languages, develop ideas, and make informed decisions.
Addressing the gathering, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Rajya Sabha MP and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, stated that AI is poised to become India’s next trillion-dollar growth engine. He said the launch of the CU AI Mission and AI Fest reinforces the university’s commitment to the Narendra Modi vision of Viksit Bharat, aiming to build a future-ready innovation ecosystem, promote AI-led entrepreneurship, strengthen research and AI literacy, and position India as a global leader in responsible and inclusive AI development.
Ronnie Screwvala, Chairperson of upGrad and an edtech pioneer, said that technology, especially AI, is transforming the way people learn, work, and shape their careers. He emphasised that AI is not meant to replace individuals but to enhance their potential. According to him, those who use technology creatively and responsibly will stand out, as AI cannot substitute human traits like curiosity, imagination, empathy, and resilience, which ultimately define real success.
Ronnie Screwvala emphasised that AI should not be treated merely as a shortcut to quick answers, but as a means for self-discovery-helping individuals recognize their strengths, explore fresh ideas, and sharpen their thinking. He noted that the future belongs to those who are agile, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning rather than rigid career paths. He also highlighted that today’s generation has the unique advantage of exploring multiple careers, entrepreneurship, content creation, investing, and innovation simultaneously—if leveraged wisely.
Under the National Quantum Mission, Chandigarh University, in partnership with QpiAI, QKrishi, and CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, has set up the Bose–Einstein Quantum Centre of Excellence to promote quantum research, skill development, and startup incubation. With this step, it becomes the first private university in India to establish a Quantum Centre of Excellence that will also function as a National Quantum Cryogenic Testing Facility, strengthening leadership in quantum education, research, and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the launch, Deep Inder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director of Chandigarh University, said the Bose–Einstein Quantum Centre of Excellence has been established in collaboration with QpiAI, QKrishi, and CSIR-National Physical Laboratory under the National Quantum Mission. He stated that the Centre will promote advanced quantum research, specialized training, certificate programs, and startup incubation for students and aspiring entrepreneurs, aiming to build a strong quantum innovation ecosystem and position the university as a national leader in quantum education, research, and entrepreneurship.
A high-level panel on Technical Frontiers under the theme Emerging Technologies explored the transformative potential of quantum computing, advanced research, and next-generation innovations in shaping the future of industry.
The session featured Prof. (Dr.) Venu Gopal Achanta, Director of CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Government of India, who highlighted India’s growing strengths in quantum science and precision technologies, and L. Venkata Subramaniam, IBM Quantum India Lead and IBM Master Inventor at IBM, who discussed the expanding quantum ecosystem, enterprise adoption, and the long-term impact of quantum computing.
Moderated by Nivedan Rathi, Founder of Future & AI, the panel emphasized the need for strong academia–industry partnerships, research-led innovation, and deep-tech talent development to position India as a global leader in emerging technologies.
The grand finale of Campus Tank, India’s first university-led startup launchpad, introduced in August 2025, is scheduled to be held on February 21. Meanwhile, The Sandbox, an open-innovation platform organized by the Chandigarh University Technology Business Incubator to support students, startups, professionals, and independent innovators, will take place on February 20.
Chandigarh University also introduced the NARI Scheme (Nurturing AI Revolution for Inclusion-Women in Tech), aligned with the Nari Shakti vision, one of the four pillars of Viksit Bharat, envisioned by Narendra Modi. The initiative is designed to empower women through AI and technology upskilling, startup incubation, and entrepreneurial support, as well as health, wellness, and leadership development across sectors.
A high-impact panel on AI Ethics, Trust & Governance under the theme NARI-Nurturing AI Revolution for Inclusion: Women Leading Fronts convened prominent women leaders to discuss the creation of a responsible, inclusive, and trustworthy AI ecosystem.
The session featured Ayesha Chaudhary from WomenLift Health, entrepreneur Varija Bajaj of Varija Lifestyles, and Aditi Maheshwari of Vani Prakashan Group. Moderated by Navyaa Sharma, Software Engineer at Google, the discussion focused on ethical AI frameworks, responsible governance, diversity in AI leadership, and ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies.
