IIT Ropar’s “100 Startups 100 Days” program is an intensive, nationally-focused deep-tech accelerator designed to rapidly identify and scale 100 ventures. Launched on December 16, 2025, it serves as an official pre-summit event to the global India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi [citation=4][citation=6].
Program Vision and Structure
The initiative is a collaborative effort by IIT Ropar’s key innovation hubs:
- iHub-AWaDH: A DST-supported Technology Innovation Hub[citation=4][citation=6].
- Annam.ai: An AI Centre of Excellence for Agriculture by the Ministry of Education[citation=4][citation=6].
- Technology Business Incubator Foundation (TBIF): IIT Ropar’s incubator foundation[citation=4].
The program is not about creating startups from scratch in 100 days. Instead, it aims to fast-track existing early-stage ventures with high potential in key sectors like AgriTech, WaterTech, IoT, and Cyber-Physical Systems[citation=1][citation=4]. It leverages the “SPRINT” acceleration model, which has already supported over 160 startups, leading to external funding of over ₹110 Crore[citation=9].
Comprehensive Support for Startups
Participating startups are set to receive an extensive support system, including[citation=1][citation=4]:
- Financial Support: Grants and investment opportunities. At the December 16th launch, over 30 startups and innovators were set to receive grants[citation=4][citation=6].
- Mentorship & Training: Customized mentoring and training from experts.
- Technology & Market Access: Access to R&D facilities, support for technology validation, product launch, and exploring global markets.
- Ecosystem & Investment Connects: Key connections for partnerships, collaboration, and investor access.
A Gateway to the Global Stage
A unique aspect of this program is its direct link to the India AI Impact Summit 2026. This global summit, to be held in February 2026, aims to set the agenda for inclusive, responsible AI development with a focus on the Global South[citation=2][citation=7]. It will feature high-level participants from government, industry, and research[citation=2].
- Pre-Summit Status: “100 Startups 100 Days” is an official part of the summit’s preparatory activities[citation=4][citation=6]. This connection provides a direct platform for standout startups to gain international visibility.
- Part of a Broader Series: It joins other official pre-summit consultations worldwide, such as a multistakeholder dialogue held in Buenos Aires, focusing on Global South perspectives in AI governance[citation=10].
Connection to Previous News
This initiative aligns with recent trends you’ve followed, showing the structural evolution of India’s deep-tech ecosystem:
- Governmental & Institutional Push: This program complements other recent institutional moves, such as the IIT Bombay Deep-Tech VC Fund and policy frameworks like the National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP).
- Specialized Acceleration: Unlike general incubators, this accelerator focuses on “hard-tech” sectors like AgriTech and WaterTech, mirroring the specialization seen in funds like BYT Capital’s focus on frontier tech.
- Bridging Research and Market: The program is a direct pipeline from IIT Ropar’s research labs to the market, demonstrating how academic institutions are actively commercializing research—a theme seen with startups like NeoSapien and Airbound.
For entrepreneurs in deep-tech, this program represents a high-potential, structured runway combining technical resources, capital, and a direct line to a major global summit.
