Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 7: A two-day institute-wide outreach and innovation initiative, Udyamitsav 2026 and Pragyaan 2026 was today inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology, at its Jagti campus today.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Kavinder Gupta, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Kavinder Gupta emphasized the critical role of innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific temperament in nation-building. He underscored the responsibility of premier institutions such as IIT Jammu in nurturing young minds and enabling them to develop technology-driven solutions for real-world challenges.
Appreciating the Institute’s outreach efforts, he commended IIT Jammu for fostering creativity, leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset among students.
Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Prof Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu, highlighted the Institute’s vision of building a vibrant ecosystem that promotes innovation, entrepreneurship and experiential learning.
He noted that platforms such as Udyamitsav and Pragyaan serve as vital bridges between academia and society, offering meaningful exposure to students, particularly school students, by connecting classroom learning with hands-on experience, research and creative exploration.
Providing an overview of Udyamitsav 2026, Dr Vijay Kumar Pal, Faculty-in-Charge, described it as a national platform bringing together startups, innovators, industry leaders, investors and students.
He shared that students from across India are participating in a wide range of activities including a startup expo, fintech competitions, CXO roundtable discussions, finance quizzes and a mock IPL auction.
Presenting the vision of Pragyaan 2026, Dr Yogesh M Nimdeo, Faculty-in-Charge, highlighted Pragyaan as IIT Jammu’s flagship Open Day and a large-scale STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) outreach initiative.
This year, Pragyaan 2026 is hosting over 6,000 students and educators from schools across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, making it one of IIT Jammu’s largest academic outreach initiatives.
Following the inaugural session, the LG visited the robotics and innovation stalls, where students showcased projects including a drone demonstration, science kits, a robotic hand and live painting, reflecting a confluence of technology, creativity and interdisciplinary thinking.
He interacted with student innovators and appreciated their ideas and presentations.
The Chief Guest also undertook a brief tour of the IIT Jammu campus, where he was apprised of the Institute’s academic infrastructure, research facilities, and ongoing initiatives.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Prof M T Arvind, Prof Anurag Misra, Dean (IPM), Dr Ankit Kathuria, and faculty members.
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