Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 24: The Indian Institute of Technology Jammu hosted Startup Demo Day 2026 in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Campus Fund.
The event brought together a dynamic mix of founders, investors, mentors, and academic leaders, creating a vibrant platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and potential investment opportunities. The proceedings commenced with an opening address by the Faculty In-Charge of the Innovation and Incubation Centre (I3C), who outlined the institute’s vision for fostering entrepreneurship and supporting early-stage ventures.
A key highlight of the event was a thought-provoking panel discussion on “Investors’ Perspective on Startup Journeys: Challenges, Opportunities, and Success Stories.” Featuring representatives from SIDBI and Campus Fund and moderated by Akash Sharma, Manager (I3C), the session offered valuable insights into investor expectations, funding dynamics, and the realities of building and scaling startups in a competitive ecosystem.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Ravi Kishore, Deputy General Manager, SIDBI, and Richa Bajpai, Founder, Campus Fund.
The momentum continued with a high-energy pitching session, where seven shortlisted startups presented their ventures before a panel of investors and experts. The pitches reflected diverse, innovative solutions with strong potential for scalability and real-world impact, while also enabling direct feedback, mentorship, and potential investment interest.
Speaking on the occasion, the Head of I3C at IIT Jammu, Prof M T Arvind (Chief Innovation Officer) said, “Startup Demo Day 2026 reflects IIT Jammu’s continued commitment to building a robust innovation ecosystem. By connecting promising startups with experienced investors and mentors, we aim to accelerate the journey from ideas to impactful ventures and contribute meaningfully to the evolving startup landscape of the country.”
Startup Demo Day 2026 witnessed enthusiastic participation and meaningful exchanges, strengthening connections within the startup ecosystem and opening avenues for future collaborations.
