Chandigarh, India | 22nd July 2025: Strengthening its position as one of India’s most vibrant university-led startup ecosystems, the Chitkara Innovation Incubator Foundation (CIIF) — the entrepreneurship and incubation arm of Chitkara University, Punjab — has proudly announced that it has funded 101 startups to date. This achievement marks a significant milestone in CIIF’s journey and reinforces its role as a driving force in India’s innovation landscape.
Established in 2015, CIIF has built more than just a funding platform. It has created a full-fledged support system for entrepreneurs across the country — offering deep mentorship, capacity-building programs, accelerator initiatives, and vital investor connections. Over the years, CIIF has engaged with over 5,000 startups, reviewed more than 500 applications annually, mentored upwards of 200 early-stage ventures, and curated a strong network of 100+ industry mentors and investors.
With support from leading government and startup bodies — including the Department of Science & Technology (DST), MeitY Startup Hub, Startup India, and Startup Punjab — CIIF has championed startups in high-impact sectors such as fintech, healthtech, agritech, cleantech, and edtech. The focus remains clear: helping ventures scale sustainably and make measurable impact.
“At CIIF, our mission has always been to empower entrepreneurs to transform bold ideas into scalable, real-world solutions. Funding our 101st startup is a proud testament to that vision,” said Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University. “We remain committed to nurturing innovation, cultivating talent, and building ventures that deliver meaningful change — both in India and globally.”
The success of CIIF’s holistic approach is reflected in the journeys of several of its standout startups:
- Studycaller, an edtech platform revolutionizing digital learning access, received ₹1 crore in funding from renowned investor Mr. Mahavir Pratap Sharma (TiE). CIIF’s personalized mentoring and strategic investor linkages played a key role in the startup’s rapid rise.
- Aumsat, a deeptech firm harnessing satellite technology and AI to tackle real-world water and agricultural challenges, has identified over 2,600 pipeline leaks and mapped 1.5 lakh km of infrastructure. CIIF’s ₹50 lakh funding, along with guidance through prototyping and scaling, has been instrumental in Aumsat’s impact.
- Adiabatic is pioneering clean energy with advanced lithium-ion battery packs and a production capacity of 5,000 units annually. CIIF supported the startup through critical stages — from prototype development to market launch and investor outreach.
- Svastek, a healthtech innovator, developed a patented Respiratory NIV mask and secured ₹2 crore funding from IAN Angel Fund. It also gained national exposure on Shark Tank India. CIIF played a crucial role in shaping its product and securing investment.
These stories — among many others — highlight CIIF’s dedication to cultivating a robust entrepreneurial culture. By providing startups with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need, CIIF continues to shape a future where innovation drives social and economic transformation.
