PCTE Group Hosts Startup Launchpad, Students Pitch Innovative Ideas

Ludhiana, April 18, 2026: PCTE Group of Institutes, Ludhiana, in collaboration with Startup Punjab, Innovation Mission Punjab and Invest Punjab, and with channel partners Ludhiana Angels Network, Chandigarh Angels Network, GX Ventures, We Incubate and MBCIE, along with Ludhiana Management Association(LMA),organised Startup Launchpad 2026 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
A total of 155 ideas were received from schools and colleges, out of which 8 school teams and 8 college teams were shortlisted for the final round.
The programme began with a welcome address followed by the traditional lamp lighting ceremony. Among those present on the occasion were Deepindar Dhillon, Joint Director, Startup Cell Punjab; Somveer Anand, CEO & Mission Director, Innovation Mission Punjab; Ashish Mehta, COO, Innovation Mission Punjab; Arjun Sethi, Founder, Scasa Agro Industries; and Kamna Raj Aggarwalla, Partner, GDPA Fasteners, along with senior LMA members V.K. Goyal and Anil Kumar, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the students, the speakers encouraged them to think innovatively and work on practical solutions. They appreciated the enthusiasm and efforts of the participants.
During the event, shortlisted teams presented their ideas across areas like sustainability, fintech, agriculture and technology. The participants impressed the jury with their concepts and presentations.
In the school category, DCM Young Entrepreneurs School secured the first position for RiSync, followed by BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School for Peelastic, while BCM Arya Model Sr. Sec. School, Shastri Nagar secured third position for AIRNOVA.
In the college category, Aanchal from PCTE secured first position for Palmberry, followed by Naman Sharma for Paysaathi, and Komal for Petel. The winners were awarded during the concluding session.
Dr. Naresh Sachdev, Director, E-Cell PCTE Hatch Lab Incubator, said, “We are committed to promoting innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among students. Platforms like Startup Launchpad provide the right exposure and confidence for young minds to turn their ideas into successful ventures.”