IIT Ropar to host “100 Startups 100 Days” deep-tech programme ahead of India AI impact summit 2026

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar will conduct “100 Startups 100 Days”, a national deep-tech acceleration programme, on December 16 at its campus. The event has been recognised as a pre-summit activity under the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

The initiative aims to support early-stage ventures through structured mentoring, access to research facilities and technology development support. It forms part of the run-up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for February 19, 20 in New Delhi. The summit was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the France AI Action Summit as a global platform focused on artificial intelligence.

“By hosting “100 Startups 100 Days” as a pre-summit event, IIT Ropar is contributing directly to India’s national AI vision by strengthening deep-tech innovation pipelines, fostering entrepreneurship, and preparing the next generation of technology leaders for global impact,” IIT Ropar said.

IIT Ropar Startup Programme: Grants for 30 ventures

The programme is being organised with support from iHub AWaDH, Annam.ai and the IIT Ropar Technology Business Incubator Foundation. Partner institutions include the Embassy of Israel in India, Reichman University Runway Incubator, UPES, the Centre for Computers and Communication Technology in Sikkim, ACIC GIET University Foundation in Odisha, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth in Maharashtra, IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation, HDFC Bank and Canara Bank.

According to the official press release, more than 30 startups and innovators are expected to receive grants and investment support under GENESIS, DST NM-ICPS and Startup India on December 16. Officials said the programme is designed to strengthen deep-tech pipelines in sectors such as agriculture, water, IoT and cyber-physical systems.

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IIT Ropar: Support for 100 startups

IIT Ropar and its partner institutions stated that the broader initiative has engaged more than 100 startups through incubation, investment and accelerator programmes, with the goal of expanding national capacity in technology development and supporting India’s digital and innovation-focused policy priorities.

While speaking with the media, Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, shared “The programme identifies and nurtures promising startups in emerging deep-tech domains such as AgriTech, WaterTech, IoT, and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and will facilitate 30+ startups & innovators with grants and investment on 16th Dec, supported under GENESIS, DST NM-ICPS and Startup India”.