- Chandigarh University launches “Quantum for Bharat” mission; Aims to make India a Global AI and Quantum Computing Hub
- Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh hosts AI Convergence Summit 2026 in collaboration with Government of Uttar Pradesh
Unnao: India’s first AI-augmented multidisciplinary university, Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, hosted the first of its kind AI Convergence Summit 2026. The AI Convergence Summit 2026 is one of the official pre-runup event and part of Union Government’s upcoming India AI Impact Global Summit 2026 that is being held in New Delhi from 19th to 20th February. The AI Convergence Summit 2026 hosted by Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh has brought together AI & Tech-Experts from 5 countries including Government policymakers, global industry leaders, researchers, start-ups, venture capitalists, investors, and academicians on one platform to discuss the opportunities and challenges for India & its citizens in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing. As a part of AI Convergence Summit 2026, Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh is also hosting India’s First AI Healthcare Hackathon as the state of Uttar Pradesh has been assigned the national theme of ‘Health & AI’ by Union Government.
The AI Convergence Summit 20026 saw participation of more than 70+ AI experts, Researchers, Healthcare experts, startup leaders, CEOs, Founders, Academicians, government agency experts and innovators from countries of USA, Denmark, Germany, India and UK.
1500 teams comprising of 5000 YOUTH Participants from all over India are participating in the AI Healthcare hackathon which saw tech-oriented AI Solutions being worked upon by young technocrats and engineers. There are more than 100+ problem statements in the field of healthcare being provided by Government Agencies and Industry for which AI Augmented results are being discussed and formulated during the AI Healthcare Hackathon.
While giving details about the AI Convergence Summit 2026, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member Parliament and Chancellor Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh said, “The Summit is being hosted to provide a platform to Young Innovators to meet Global AI Industry Experts who would apprise them about the technology advancements and applications of AI and Quantum Computing. In addition the AI Convergence Summit also helps common man to understand the Government Policies and Initiatives that being taken with the help of AI to maximize the benefits of the welfare schemes”. He further added that, “The summit is aimed to bridge India’s AI policy framework with real-world deployment, fostering collaboration across government, academia, industry, and the start-up ecosystem”.
The summit featured participation and collaboration from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India; Government of Uttar Pradesh; MeitY Startup Hub; IndiaAI; and Digital India, reflecting strong institutional and policy backing.
Prominent speakers included (Chief Guest) Nivedan Rathi, Founder, Future and AI; Prasad Menon, CEO, President, CIBA, ISBA; Dr. Paneerselvam Madanagopal, Chief Executive Officer, MeitY Startup Hub, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology; Teja Chintalapati, Principal Manager, Cyber Innovation, Data Security Council of India (DSCI); JBV Reddy, Mission Director, National Quantum Mission, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; Himanshu Joshi, Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog; and Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, among others.
A key highlight of the summit was the Strategic Policy Dialogue on Shaping India’s AI and Quantum Future: From Policy to Platforms, which examined the operationalization of India’s AI and Quantum strategies across governance, defense, industry, start-ups, and international cooperation. The dialogue positioned Uttar Pradesh as a critical execution partner in India’s AI and Quantum journey ahead of the India AI Impact Global Summit 2026.
MP and Chancellor Chandigarh University Satnam Singh Sandhu along with Global AI Experts launched Chandigarh University’s “Quantum for Bharat” a National Initiative aimed to build capacity in terms of Building Quantum Computing Infrastructure, providing training & upskilling programs to build next-gen talent pool in the field of AI & Quantum Computing and also opening gateway for young innovators to foster research and entrepreneurship in the emerging fields of AI.
Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh said, “Through Quantum for Bharat Mission, Chandigarh University aims to make India a Global hub for Quantum Computing by nurturing talent right from school level to university level. In addition it will also foster the spirit of start-ups and research amongst the Indian youth in the emerging fields of AI and Quantum Computing”.
Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh also launched its “AI for ALL” mission which is a national initiative to take forward PM Narendra Modi’s vision to increase AI Literacy amongst the citizens of the nation across all the fields. The AI for All mission of Chandigarh University will also work upon the propagation of specialized training programs and workshops across India so that youth of the nation could be embarked with the skills of tomorrow that can enhance their employability.
The summit also witnessed a series of panel discussions on topics including Operationalizing the Vision: Uttar Pradesh as India’s AI and Quantum Powerhouse; Industry Leadership in Responsible and Inclusive AI; Women’s Leadership in AI; AI-Augmented Healthcare; From Lab to Launch: Building AI-First Deep-Tech Start-ups; and Funding Pathways for AI Innovation.
The Chief Guest, Nivedan Rathi, Founder, Future and AI, said that India’s vision of emerging as a global AI hub by 2047 marks a decisive shift from being a consumer nation to becoming a producer of knowledge, research and thought leadership. He said the India AI Mission reflects the leadership’s intent to move beyond traditional strengths in IT services and position the country as a creator of advanced technologies and original research. Appreciating Chandigarh University, he said the institution’s deep commitment to AI and its focus on the National Quantum Mission demonstrate how universities can enable India to leapfrog decades in technological progress. Emphasizing research as the foundation of innovation and global leadership, Rathi said institutions like Chandigarh University play a critical role in nurturing talent, fostering academia–industry collaboration and creating the ecosystem required for India to harness its vast untapped potential and emerge as a leading producer in AI and quantum technologies.
Speaking on the occasion, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor, Chandigarh University, said,
“Today is an extremely special day for Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh. Hosting the official pre-event of one of the country’s most prestigious global platforms, the India AI Impact Global Summit, is a matter of great pride for us. This event marks an important milestone in advancing the vision and mission with which Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh was established.”
He further said, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who, 11 years ago, provided the nation with a visionary roadmap to prepare India for the future and fulfil the aspirations of 140 crore Indians.”
Highlighting India’s achievements, Sandhu stated, “It gives me immense pride to share that India today ranks among the world’s leading nations in skill penetration, and more importantly, India holds the number one position globally in women’s skill participation. This is a strong reflection of the capability and confidence of our daughters, and I congratulate both the women of our country and the Hon’ble Prime Minister for this achievement.”
He added that AI-driven healthcare has been identified as a key thrust area in Uttar Pradesh. “We are pleased that the Government of Uttar Pradesh has partnered with Chandigarh University for this mission. As an official platform, Chandigarh University is hosting this event in collaboration with the state government to drive AI-led initiatives in the healthcare sector.”
Emphasizing the broader role of universities, he said, “The role of a university should not be limited to skill empowerment or classroom teaching alone. It must function as a thought leader, actively contributing to addressing national challenges, advancing the national agenda, and shaping solutions for the future.”
Announcing major initiatives, he further said, “From this platform, Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh is launching two important missions. The first is AI for All, aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s India AI Mission, aimed at building AI capacity among the youth of Uttar Pradesh. The second is Quantum for Bharat, under which we are making a strong beginning this year towards establishing a Centre of Excellence in Quantum Computing.”
Concluding his address, Sandhu said, “Chandigarh University firmly believes that even small contributions, when driven by commitment, play a meaningful role in nation-building. Uttar Pradesh represents the future of India, and Chandigarh University will continue to work consistently towards positioning the state as a global leader. I urge students to view today’s event not merely as a programme, but as an opportunity to learn, reflect, and build a roadmap for the future.”
