- ₹50 Crore Scholarship Initiative Opens Career Pathways for 3,000 Talented Youths
- CU Uttar Pradesh Preparing Future-Ready Professionals in AI, Aerospace and Defence: Minister Kapil Dev Agarwal
Unnao/Lucknow: Reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a leading destination for higher education and skill development under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh (CU-UP) on Sunday inaugurated Phase-II of its two-day CU Scholar Summit 2026, celebrating academic excellence and future-focused learning.
More than 750 meritorious students from 12 states and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, were honoured on the opening day of the summit for their outstanding academic achievements.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Kapil Dev Agarwal, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said the Yogi government is transforming education and skill development to align with the evolving demands of industry and technology.
He praised Chandigarh University for extending scholarships worth nearly ₹50 crore to over 3,000 talented students, calling it a significant step towards ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder educational opportunities.
“Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is creating an ecosystem where talent is nurtured and rewarded. The objective is to empower youth to become job creators rather than job seekers,” Agarwal said.
Highlighting the importance of emerging technologies, the minister noted that students must develop expertise in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Aerospace and Defence Technologies to remain competitive in the global economy. He added that the state’s education policies are contributing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India by 2047, while also ensuring equal opportunities for women in higher education and innovation.
AI-Augmented Campus Building Future Talent
Speaking at the summit, Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director of Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh, said the institution was established with a clear vision of delivering industry-driven and technology-focused education.
“Within just a year, CU-UP has developed advanced laboratories, cutting-edge GPU infrastructure, AI-enabled learning spaces and world-class research facilities. Our students are already securing internships with leading global companies due to our industry-integrated learning model,” he said.
Sandhu emphasized that Artificial Intelligence is reshaping every sector and that Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh is developing the country’s first dedicated AI Space to equip students with future-ready skills.
Scholarships Worth ₹50 Crore
For the academic session 2026-27, the university announced scholarships worth up to ₹50 crore through the Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test (CUCET). Eligible students have received scholarships of up to 100 percent based on merit.
On the first day of the summit, more than 750 students from Engineering and Computing disciplines were recognized for their academic excellence.
Focus on Future Skills and Global Careers
The summit featured expert discussions under the theme “From Scholar to Future-Ready Professional: AI, Aerospace, Defence and Engineering.” Policymakers, academicians, industry leaders and alumni explored future skill requirements, innovation trends and emerging career opportunities.
International perspectives on global career pathways were shared by Prof. Dr. Luke Dickens of University College London and Prof. Dr. Thipendra Pal Singh of CU-UP during a special session on global opportunities for students.
Another session titled “From CU Classrooms to Global Careers” showcased alumni success stories, highlighting achievements in placements, startups, research, patents and international accomplishments.
Industry Leaders Inspire Students
Prominent experts from academia and industry shared insights on innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement. Speakers included former BrahMos Aerospace CEO and Managing Director Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, Manish Pahuja, Technology Leader at Hitachi MGRM Net Limited, Abhishek Mishra, Founder of PISARV, and Vikram S., Co-founder of Wiffy Technology.
The summit also featured a celebrity interaction session where acclaimed actor Kumud Mishra encouraged students to create their own paths to success. Speaking on the theme “Creating Your Own Path: Identity, Opportunity and Success Beyond Timelines,” he urged young people to pursue their goals with confidence and perseverance.
Among those present were Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary of Planning & Programme Implementation and IT & Electronics Department, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Vineet Kumar Nair, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. T.P. Singh, along with distinguished representatives from the education and industry sectors.
The event underscored Uttar Pradesh’s growing role as a hub for innovation-driven higher education, while highlighting the state’s commitment to nurturing globally competitive talent through scholarships, advanced infrastructure and industry-oriented learning.
