Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has urged universities to develop students as job creators by strengthening campus based startup support and linking academic learning with entrepreneurship. The call was made at the Purvanchal Startup Samvad 2026, held at Prof Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University (PRSU) in Prayagraj on 4 November.
The event brought together 17 vice-chancellors from the region, along with startup founders, investors, students and technology experts to discuss ways to develop the regional startup ecosystem.
Universities To Support Startups
Patel asked universities to activate their innovation hubs and incubation centres and incorporate design thinking, entrepreneurship and skill development into academic curricula. She said institutions should help students take ideas beyond classroom projects by supporting the development of prototypes and patent applications.
The Governor also called for startups to address local challenges in areas such as water conservation, agriculture, waste management and healthcare. She urged students to identify problems in their communities and develop practical solutions that could be taken forward as businesses.
The discussions included a roundtable of vice-chancellors on a common startup policy and a credit framework to support innovation. Patel said universities should function as centres of startup activity and employment generation rather than remain limited to awarding degrees.
PRSU, AKTU Sign Agreement
The conclave was jointly organised by PRSU and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow. The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on incubation, mentorship and technology transfer. The event also featured a startup exhibition showcasing more than 50 student developed models.
Participants included university representatives, entrepreneurs, investors and technology experts from the region. PRSU Vice-Chancellor Akhilesh Kumar Singh highlighted the need to connect university education with employability, innovation and entrepreneurship. The discussions focused on building institutional support for student ventures and strengthening collaboration between universities and the startup community.
