IIT Ropar has incubated 450 startups, says Director

Emphasising the rapid growth of innovation and entrepreneurship on campus, Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, said the institute has successfully incubated over 450 startups, reflecting its emergence as a major hub for deep-tech innovation in the country.

He was addressing the inaugural session of E-Summit 26, the institute’s annual entrepreneurship and innovation event, which concluded on Sunday. Themed “Pioneering The Impossible,” event was organised by the E-Cell of IIT Ropar in collaboration with the Technology Business Incubator Foundation.

Highlighting the importance of research-driven entrepreneurship, Prof Ahuja encouraged students to move beyond conventional career choices and focus on innovation-led ventures. He noted that initiatives such as ‘Startup India’ have significantly strengthened the country’s startup ecosystem and provided a supportive framework for young entrepreneurs.

“Our young innovators are solving real-world challenges through cutting-edge technology. The energy and ideas showcased here truly represent the pioneering spirit of IIT Ropar,” he said.

Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the Technology Development Board, was the chief guest and Rajeev Gautam, President of HORIBA India, was the guest of honour at the event.

In his keynote address, Pathak elaborated on the Research and Development and Innovation Fund established by the Government of India, highlighting how early stage startups can access financial assistance for scaling their ideas. He underlined the role of the Technology Development Board in promoting indigenous technologies and facilitating their commercialisation.

“Such platforms are not merely events but launchpads for future technology enterprises of the country,” he remarked, appreciating the efforts of student organisers in curating a vibrant and impactful summit.

Sharing insights from industry, Gautam stressed that technical expertise alone is not sufficient for success in today’s competitive landscape. He emphasised the importance of professional conduct, teamwork and adaptability, urging students to develop a holistic skill set to thrive in diverse industrial environments.

E-Summit 26 features a wide range of activities designed to promote innovation, collaboration and industry engagement.

The summit also includes several competitive and interactive events such as Pitch 120, IPL Auction House, Beyond Transformers Hackathon and GTM Strategy sessions, providing participants with platforms to present their ideas, compete and gain recognition.