IIT Ropar hosted INNOpreneur 2026 on November 3, bringing together policymakers, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs and students. Chief Guest Anurag Singh Thakur called for youth participation in indigenous innovation, while the institute highlighted its startup ecosystem, funding milestones and research achievements.
IIT Ropar Director Prof. Rajeev Ahuja and TBIF Faculty Incharge Dr. Shray Pathak highlight research commercialisation and startup support as the institute reports over 600 incubated startups, ₹404 crore in external funding and more than 525 intellectual property filings.
Anurag Singh Thakur Urges Young Innovators to Drive Viksit Bharat 2047 at IIT Ropar INNOpreneur 2026
IIT Ropar organised INNOpreneur 2026 on November 3, 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry representatives, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs and students to discuss opportunities in research, technology development and entrepreneurship.
The event was held under the theme “Advancing Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Towards Viksit Bharat 2047” and focused on converting academic research and innovative ideas into practical technologies and viable businesses.
Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Member of Parliament, attended as Chief Guest, while Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, was the Guest of Honour.
Dr. Shray Pathak, Faculty Incharge, IIT Ropar Technology Business Incubator Foundation (TBIF), and Dr. Surya Kant Sahdeo, Associate Dean, Hostel Management, were also present.
ANURAG SINGH THAKUR CALLS FOR YOUTH PARTICIPATION
Addressing the gathering, Anurag Singh Thakur acknowledged IIT Ropar’s contribution to startup development and encouraged students to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship.
He urged young people to become problem solvers, develop new technologies and create employment opportunities through entrepreneurial ventures.
Thakur identified artificial intelligence, DeepTech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, clean energy and water technologies as areas offering opportunities for Indian innovators.
He also emphasised the importance of developing indigenous technologies to support the country’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goals.
IIT ROPAR EMPHASISES RESEARCH AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, discussed the institute’s focus on interdisciplinary research, innovation and collaboration between academic institutions and industry.
He highlighted the importance of translating research findings and technological developments into practical applications and commercially viable enterprises.
Dr. Shray Pathak, Faculty Incharge, IIT Ropar TBIF, spoke about the importance of mentorship, institutional assistance and connections with industry representatives and investors.
He noted that these forms of support help early stage startups develop their ideas into sustainable business ventures.
IIT ROPAR REPORTS STARTUP AND FUNDING MILESTONES
IIT Ropar shared figures reflecting the scale of its startup and research activities.
The institute has incubated more than 600 startups, supported by over ₹21 crore in internal funding.
Startups associated with its ecosystem have raised more than ₹404 crore in external funding.
Their combined portfolio valuation exceeds ₹3,070 crore.
The institute has also recorded more than 525 intellectual property filings.
These figures were presented as indicators of IIT Ropar’s involvement in technology development, startup incubation and entrepreneurship.
STARTUP EXHIBITION CONNECTS INNOVATORS WITH INDUSTRY
A startup exhibition formed a central part of INNOpreneur 2026.
Participating ventures presented technologies, products and business models to investors, industry professionals, researchers and potential collaborators.
The exhibition provided opportunities for interaction between emerging businesses and stakeholders who could support their development.
Students and aspiring entrepreneurs also gained exposure to startup activities and the process of developing research based solutions for practical applications.
IIT ROPAR TBIF SUPPORTS ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVES
INNOpreneur 2026 was organised with support from the IIT Ropar Technology Business Incubator Foundation.
The event reflected the institute’s efforts to connect academic research with entrepreneurship, industry participation and indigenous technology development.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Surya Kant Sahdeo, Associate Dean, Hostel Management.
Following the formal proceedings, Anurag Singh Thakur and other dignitaries visited the startup exhibition.
Through INNOpreneur 2026, IIT Ropar highlighted the role of students, researchers, startups and industry partners in developing technologies and enterprises that can contribute to India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 objectives.
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