Announcement
On October 7, 2026, Chandigarh University's Centre for Quantum Innovation and Commercialisation (CUBIC) announced that it has become India’s first university‑led quantum incubator for deep‑tech startups and an academic and incubation partner for PRAGATI Q‑Foundry 2026, a national initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology aimed at accelerating quantum technology development and commercialization. The MoU was signed with 247VC Investment Trust, a leading Indian venture‑capital firm, on the sidelines of the PRAGATI Q‑FOUNDRY 2026 NQM Co‑development and Venture Partnership Meet held in New Delhi on September 29‑30, 2026.
MoU Details and Objectives
The memorandum establishes a framework whereby CUBIC will identify promising quantum and deep‑tech startups within its incubation ecosystem and introduce them to 247VC, subject to the investor’s sector preferences, stage requirements and investment criteria. The collaboration is designed to facilitate direct access for these startups to seed‑stage and eligible early‑stage funding opportunities, strategic mentorship, business‑development support, and potential follow‑on investments. Specific mechanisms include pitch sessions, curated meetings, demo days and other mutually agreed platforms. CUBIC will also assist eligible startups in preparing business plans, pitch decks, financial projections and technology/IP documentation required for fundraising. Where mutually agreed, 247VC or its representatives may provide mentorship in fundraising, commercialization and market access. The parties will explore connections with additional venture‑capital funds, angel investors, family offices, corporate investors and strategic partners. Any follow‑on investment will be subject to 247VC’s independent evaluation, due diligence, investment mandate and internal approvals. The MoU does not obligate 247VC to invest in any startup.
Statements from Key Participants
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, addressed the national meet, emphasizing the need to connect academic research with industry, investors and strategic users to translate promising technologies into practical applications.
Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director of Chandigarh University, said that the PRAGATI Q‑FOUNDRY 2026 highlights the importance of linking research with industry and investment. He noted that the MoU creates a structured pathway for eligible startups to engage with potential investors, strengthen investment readiness and access strategic mentorship. Sandhu added that for the National Quantum Mission to generate lasting technological and economic value, India must connect scientific research with validation, industry adoption, investment and entrepreneurship, and that universities can play a pivotal role in nurturing talent and research‑led innovation.
Alignment with the National Quantum Mission (NQM)
The partnership supports the broader objectives of India’s National Quantum Mission, which seeks to build indigenous capabilities in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, as well as quantum materials and devices. By facilitating commercialization pathways for university‑originated quantum technologies, the MoU aims to contribute to the mission’s goal of creating globally competitive, indigenous quantum solutions.
Scope of CUBIC’s Interests Beyond Quantum
In addition to quantum technologies, CUBIC’s areas of interest extend to semiconductors, photonics, advanced materials, robotics and artificial intelligence, indicating a broader deep‑tech focus.
About Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is an autonomous, NAAC A+‑graded institution, QS World‑ranked, approved by the UGC and located near Chandigarh in Punjab. It offers more than 109 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce and other fields. The university has been recognised as “The University with Best Placements” by the World Career Review Council (WCRC).