07/05/2026
ACIC RISE Association, CGC Landran, successfully hosted the Regional AIM SUMVAAD – North Edition, bringing together policymakers, incubator leaders, healthcare innovators, industry experts, and startup ecosystem enablers to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship landscape across Northern India.
The conclave witnessed the official launch of Regional Chapters and Local Chains, reinforcing the vision of decentralizing innovation and extending startup support to grassroots ecosystems. A high-impact panel discussion on “Scaling Impact through State-Led Startup Ecosystems” featured distinguished dignitaries including Ms. Deepika Rana Khatri (HAS), Govt. of Himachal Pradesh; Mr. Deepinder Dhillon, Startup Punjab; Mr. Prasad Menon, CEO, CIBA; and Mr. Prateek Deshmukh, NITI Aayog, among others, discussing collaborative strategies for sustainable entrepreneurial growth.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the AIM NORTHERN CHAPTER (Punjab & J&K), environed and supported by PI-RAHI (S&T Cluster of IIT Ropar & Panjab University Chandigarh), aimed at strengthening regional innovation ecosystems.
The event also featured insightful deliberations on “Transforming Healthcare Innovation: Building MedTech Incubators in Hospitals” by Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, MD, Aakash Hospitals, Harvard Medical School Alumni & Guinness World Record Holder, emphasizing the need for hospitals to evolve into innovation hubs addressing real-world clinical challenges. Speaking at the event, S. Satnam Singh Sandhu, MP Rajya Sabha and Chairman CGC Landran emphasized the need for collaborative innovation platforms that leverage regional strengths. Additionally, Campus Director; Dr. Rajdeep Singh emphasised on augmenting innovation ecosystem in academic settings. In continuum, Dean R&D, Prof. (Dr.) Neha Sharma and CEO-ACIC RISE Association Dr. Amresh Panjla; highlighted the importance of student driven innovation ecosystem.
Further discussions focused on strengthening synergy between host institutions and incubators, promoting research commercialization, and exploring CSR-driven collective action for supporting startups in scaling sustainably.
The conclave stood as a remarkable step towards building a collaborative, inclusive, and future-ready startup ecosystem for the nation.