Overview
Chandigarh University's Centre for University‑Based Innovation and Commercialisation (CUBIC) has been designated as India’s first university‑led quantum incubator focused on deep‑tech startups. On the sidelines of the PRAGATI Q‑Foundry 2026 National Quantum Mission (NQM) Co‑development and Venture Partnership Meet, held in New Delhi on September 29‑30, 2026, CUBIC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 247VC Investment Trust, a leading Indian venture‑capital firm.
Purpose of the MoU
The MoU creates a structured pathway for quantum and deep‑tech startups incubated at CUBIC to obtain direct access to potential seed‑stage investment, strategic mentorship, and business‑development support. Under the agreement, CUBIC may identify eligible startups within its ecosystem and introduce them to 247VC, subject to the investor’s sector preferences, stage requirements and investment criteria. The collaboration envisages pitch sessions, curated meetings, demo days and other mutually agreed platforms to facilitate investor‑startup interactions.
Support Services
CUBIC will assist selected startups in preparing business plans, pitch decks, financial projections and intellectual‑property documentation required for fundraising. Where mutually agreed, 247VC or its representatives may provide strategic mentorship in fundraising, business development, commercialization and market access. Both parties will also explore connections with additional venture‑capital funds, angel investors, family offices, corporate investors and strategic partners. Follow‑on investments may be considered as ventures progress, subject to 247VC’s independent evaluation, due diligence, investment mandate and internal approvals. The MoU does not guarantee funding nor create any obligation for 247VC to invest in any specific startup.
Institutional Context
The national meet was addressed by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, and brought together startups, academic institutions, industry and investors to accelerate the translation of quantum technologies from research to validation, co‑development, commercialization and deployment under the National Quantum Mission. The MoU adds an investment and business‑development dimension to CUBIC’s incubation activities, aligning with the broader objectives of the NQM to strengthen indigenous capabilities in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.
Statements from Leadership
Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director of Chandigarh University, said the partnership “creates a structured pathway for eligible startups to engage with potential investors, strengthen their investment readiness and access strategic mentorship.” He emphasized that connecting scientific research with technology validation, industry adoption, investment and entrepreneurship is essential for the National Quantum Mission to deliver lasting technological and economic value.
Scope of Interest
Beyond quantum technologies, CUBIC’s areas of interest extend to semiconductors, photonics, advanced materials, robotics and artificial intelligence, thereby broadening the ecosystem for deep‑tech ventures.
About Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+‑graded, QS‑world‑ranked autonomous institution approved by the UGC, 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, and has been recognised as “The University with Best Placements” by WCRC.
Disclaimer
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