Chitkara University launches AIC-Chitkara Incubation Foundation for startups
Chitkara University has launched the Atal Incubation Centre – Chitkara Incubation Foundation (AIC-CIF) and AIC-PRIDE Labs, established through a combined investment of up to ₹20 crore over five years by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, Government of India, and Chitkara University. The centre will support research commercialisation, entrepreneurship and technology-led economic growth in Drone Technologies, Agritech, and Renewable Energy.
The inauguration also marked the launch of the ATL Sarthi Punjab initiative by the Atal Innovation Mission. The initiative aims to strengthen and mentor Atal Tinkering Labs across Punjab, helping students progress from school-level innovation to startup development.
The ceremony was led by Amit Dhaka, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Punjab, as Chief Guest, in the presence of Prateek Deshmukh, Program Lead, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and Deepakshi Jindal, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. They were joined by Dr. Ashok Chitkara, Chancellor, Chitkara University, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-Founder, Chitkara University, and representatives from industry, academia, government and investor networks.
AIC-CIF will support startups through acceleration programs, mentorship, funding opportunities, product validation, industry partnerships, intellectual property support, and regulatory guidance.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-Founder, Chitkara University, said, “The launch of AIC-Chitkara Incubation Foundation reflects our commitment to building an ecosystem where innovation can flourish. By connecting research, industry and entrepreneurship, we aim to empower startups that will develop solutions with national and global impact while contributing to India’s growing innovation economy.”
The new incubation centre adds to Chitkara University’s efforts to support research, innovation, and entrepreneurship by bringing together academia, industry, government, and investor networks to help technology startups grow.
