Uttar Pradesh, November 2, 2025 - Marking a historic stride in India’s innovation and startup ecosystem, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Industrial Development, Export Promotion, NRI and Investment Promotion, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ Ji, unveiled ‘Campus Tank Uttar Pradesh’ at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh - India’s first AI-augmented multidisciplinary university.
Touted as India’s biggest university-led launchpad for young innovators, Campus Tank Uttar Pradesh is designed to nurture entrepreneurial talent by providing financial assistance, expert mentorship, and a funding pool of USD 6 million. The initiative is backed by a strong collaboration between Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, Cube (Founders Space), Apna, Venture Catalysts (VCats), and AICTE, to empower innovators below 30 years of age to transform visionary ideas into scalable, high-impact ventures.
Speaking at the launch, Shri Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ Ji emphasized the pivotal role of universities in shaping the nation’s future, stating that “a university is a laboratory where man-making transforms into nation-building.” He praised Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, for modernizing education, aligning it with global standards, and fostering a culture of innovation that will help propel India’s startup ecosystem.
In a significant step towards building an AI-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem, Shri Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ Ji also inaugurated the ‘CU-AI Space’ - a dedicated hub at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh - allowing students, startups, and industry experts to co-create in the realm of Artificial Intelligence. Equipped with advanced technologies and AI-powered tools, CU-AI Space aims to inspire young innovators to solve real-world challenges through research, experimentation, and collaboration.
During the event, Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji, Chancellor of Chandigarh University and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), described Campus Tank Uttar Pradesh as a revolutionary initiative that will shape the next generation of India’s entrepreneurs. He added, “Our vision is to empower young innovators and founders to become key contributors to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s national mission of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. College and university campuses are no longer just centers of education; they are engines of innovation and economic growth.”
The grand launch of Campus Tank Uttar Pradesh marked a defining moment in the state’s innovation and startup landscape, drawing the presence of eminent leaders, industry founders, and visionaries from across sectors.
Distinguished guests including Dr. Preet Deep Singh, Vice President, Apna & Blue Machines AI; Mr. Ayush Dubey, Incubation Manager – Venture Catalysts; Shri Anurag Yadav (IAS), Principal Secretary, Information Technology and Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Panneerselvam (PS) Madanagopa, CEO - MeitY Startup Hub & Director, Digital India; Mr. Arush Lakhani, VP Sales & Revenue, Cloudeagle.AI (YC ’21); Ms. Santhoshi Sushma, Buddhirahu – Autocracy Machinery; Mr. Vishal Vivek, Vcat; Ashish Shrivastava, Financial Software & System Private Limited; and Shivam Verma, Chat360, graced the event with their inspiring presence.
These stalwarts lauded Campus Tank Uttar Pradesh for its visionary approach, robust innovation ecosystem, and dedication to nurturing the next generation of unicorns. Their words echoed a shared optimism for the future - one where Uttar Pradesh emerges as a hub of transformative ideas, AI-driven entrepreneurship, and global innovation leadership
With this landmark launch, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, has set a new benchmark for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. Campus Tank Uttar Pradesh stands as a catalyst for the next wave of unicorns, synergizing perfectly with the vision of India’s first AI City, Lucknow, and advancing India’s journey towards a technologically empowered and self-reliant future.
Search