Lucknow: The two-day national conference “Savishkar Startup Sangam 2026” began at Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) in Lucknow, bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, and students from across the country. The event is being organized by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) under its innovation initiative Savishkar, with the aim of encouraging youth to become job creators rather than job seekers.
The inaugural session was attended by Uttar Pradesh’s Energy Minister A. K. Sharma as the chief guest, while Abhay Pratap Singh, National Secretary of ABVP, was the guest of honour. The two-day event features nine technical sessions designed to inspire students to actively engage in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sharma said Indian youth today lead global technology companies like Google, Microsoft, and Adobe, but questioned why similar global enterprises are not emerging from within India. He noted that social attitudes often discourage experimentation and risk-taking, urging parents and society to support young innovators if India aims to become a developed nation by 2047.
ABVP National Secretary Abhay Pratap Singh said entrepreneurship has deep roots in India’s historical economic strength. He emphasized that campuses should produce problem-solvers rather than merely degree holders, adding that Savishkar seeks to transform students into innovators who address social and technological challenges through startups while promoting sustainable development.
The conference has attracted participation from major organizations and startup ecosystem players including Meta, Physics Wallah, the IIM Lucknow Incubation Centre, and Software Technology Parks of India, along with several emerging startups and technology firms.
During the first day, multiple sessions were conducted on startup development, leadership, and emerging technologies. In the Startup Enablers Talk, experts including Arunoday Bajpai from the IIM Lucknow Incubation Centre and former STPI Director General Omkar Rai discussed strategies for strengthening India’s startup ecosystem.
A special session titled “Lead Her Ship” focused on women leadership in entrepreneurship, while another discussion, “Co-Evolution: The Dawn of the Human-Machine Learning Era,” explored the future of artificial intelligence and technology-driven innovation. The day concluded with a session on “Role of AI and Blockchain in Nation Building.”
Apart from intellectual discussions, the event also featured cultural activities such as Bhajan Clubbing and an Open Mic session for participants. The conference will conclude tomorrow after additional panel discussions and technical sessions aimed at promoting innovation-driven nation building.
