The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar organised INNOpreneur 2026 on 3 November 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs and students to strengthen India's innovation and startup ecosystem. Held under the theme "Advancing Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Towards Viksit Bharat 2047," the event focused on transforming research and innovative ideas into impactful technologies and successful enterprises.
The event was graced by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Shray Pathak, Faculty In-charge, IIT Ropar Technology Business Incubator Foundation (TBIF); Dr. Surya Kant Sahdeo, Associate Dean, Hostel Management were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur appreciated IIT Ropar's efforts in strengthening the startup ecosystem and encouraged students to become innovators, problem-solvers and job creators. He highlighted emerging opportunities in Artificial Intelligence, DeepTech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, clean energy and water technologies, emphasising the importance of indigenous innovation in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja highlighted IIT Ropar's commitment to promoting interdisciplinary research, fostering innovation and strengthening industry-academia collaboration. He emphasised the importance of translating research and technological advancements into practical solutions, indigenous technologies and successful enterprises. Dr. Shray Pathak underscored the role of mentorship, institutional support and industry-investor linkages in helping startups transform innovative ideas into viable businesses.
IIT Ropar's startup ecosystem has incubated over 600 startups, supported with more than ₹21 crore in internal funding. Its startups have raised over ₹404 crore in external funding, with a combined portfolio valuation exceeding ₹3,070 crore. The institute has also recorded more than 525 intellectual property filings, reflecting its growing contribution to research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
A major highlight was the Startup Exhibition, where emerging ventures showcased their technologies, products and business models, providing opportunities to interact with investors, industry representatives, researchers and potential collaborators. The exhibition also offered students and aspiring entrepreneurs valuable exposure to India's evolving startup landscape.
Organised with the support of IIT Ropar TBIF, INNOpreneur 2026 reaffirmed the institute's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, promoting indigenous technologies and building a robust innovation ecosystem. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Surya Kant Sahdeo, followed by a visit to the startup exhibition by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.
Through INNOpreneur 2026, IIT Ropar reiterated its commitment to transforming research into innovation, innovation into entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship into meaningful national impact towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
