SURGE 0.1 – Startup Accelerator Program-I

February 18–22, 2019 | Punjab • Himachal Pradesh • Chandigarh • Haryana

Organized by

CHITKARA INNOVATION INCUBATOR FOUNDATION (CIIF)

About the Event

SURGE 0.1 was a five-day mega celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation, bringing together the brightest minds from across Northern India. From February 18 to 22, 2019, the startup gala spanned across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Haryana, creating a dynamic platform for early-stage ventures, seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem enablers.

This high-impact initiative by CIIF solidified their position as regional ecosystem leaders by offering startups an immersive experience packed with thought leadership, mentorship, networking, and investment opportunities.

Inauguration & Vision

The inaugural session was marked by a ceremonial lamp lighting by Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Vice-Chancellor, alongside visionaries Mr. Kunal Nandwani (CEO, uTrade Solutions) and Mr. Rahul Narvekar (CEO, Sun & Sands Advisor). The event attracted over 700 attendees, including entrepreneurs, students, faculty, researchers, and industry stalwarts.

Objectives

  • Bridge the gap between early-stage startups and funding sources
  • Provide mentorship and exposure to aspiring entrepreneurs
  • Activate the regional innovation ecosystem
  • Enable meaningful alumni-founder interactions

Program Highlights

Keynotes & Fireside Conversations

  • Dr. Madhu Chitkara reflected on her journey building Chitkara University from the ground up.
  • Mr. Kunal Nandwani and Mr. Rahul Narvekar inspired with their take on action-based entrepreneurship.

Alumni Founder Panel

“Meet the Alumni Undertakers,” moderated by Dr. Harkiran Kaur, featured successful Chitkara alumni including:

  • Vinny Garg
  • Sameer Sharma
  • Aniket Bhardwaj
  • Abhiraj Malhotra
  • Divam Wadhwa
  • Sharad Dabra
  • Naveen Kalra

Product Launch

ZADD IoT E-Bike – A prototype launch by alumni Aniket Bhardwaj and Shubham Goyal, showcasing real-world student-led innovation.

Angel Investment Masterclass & Live Startup Pitches

Held in Chandigarh, in collaboration with Chandigarh Angels Network (CAN), this session featured expert judges from:

  • Kalaari Capital
  • Indian Angel Network
  • Keiretsu Forum India

Twelve startups pitched in front of jury for a possible funding for their ventures.

Impact & Legacy

  • Recognized as Northern India’s largest startup gathering of 2019
  • Catalysed the launch of real-world student innovations like the ZADD e-bike
  • Strengthened the startup-investor bridge in emerging Tier-2/3 ecosystems
  • Established CIIF as front runners in fostering regional entrepreneurship