Startup Mela to Boost Chandigarh’s Startup and Business Ecosystem

Chandigarh, January 30, 2026: Panjab University will take the lead in hosting Startup Mela, a two-day startup-focused exhibition, investor pitching and networking event, scheduled for February 28 and March 1 at the Sector 34 Exhibition Ground here.
The event is being organised by Panjab University students, in collaboration with the DST-Technology Enabling Centre, positioning the university at the centre of Chandigarh’s startup and innovation ecosystem.
Startup Mela aims to strengthen the regional startup and business environment by providing a common platform for networking, collaboration, investment outreach and market access. The event will bring together startups, entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, academicians, students, professionals and the general public.
More than 200 startups are expected to showcase products and services across sectors. The organisers anticipate a footfall exceeding 15,000 visitors, participation from over 30 active investors and around 500 high net-worth individuals.
The event will include investors' summit and startup pitching sessions where selected startups will pitch to venture capitalists and angel investors. It will also host keynote talks, panel discussions, product launches, workshops and structured networking sessions. Cultural programmes will also be part of the event.
Panjab University has been designated as the Lead Knowledge Institute for the Union Territory of Chandigarh under the State Support Mission of NITI Aayog. In line with this mandate, DST-Technology Enabling Centre is implementing the ‘Create Your Start-up’ project to provide evidence-based policy inputs to the Chandigarh Administration on the Startup Policy.
As part of Startup Mela, a brainstorming session will be organised to strengthen Chandigarh’s Startup Policy in line with current ecosystem needs. The session will include representatives from the Chandigarh Administration, investors, incubator heads, academicians, industry leaders, financial experts and startups.
Industry representatives and MSMEs are also being invited to interact with startups during the event to explore early adoption of business solutions and facilitate initial market access for emerging ventures.
Speaking on the initiative,  organisers of Startup Mela, said the event reflects Panjab University’s growing role in nurturing entrepreneurship by connecting startups with investors, mentors and industry stakeholders.
Dr Sadaf Jan, Manager, DST–Technology Enabling Centre, Panjab University, said the Startup Policy aims to provide structured support across ideation, incubation and funding. She said the policy framework, supported by institutional capacity at Panjab University, has the potential to drive innovation-led growth and employment in the region.