UPES has announced a strategic partnership with the Technology Innovation & Development Foundation of IIT Guwahati and its incubation arm, IIT Guwahati BioNEST, to launch a joint initiative called SPARC-AI. The program is designed to scout, fund, and accelerate 50 student innovators from Uttarakhand and Assam by integrating artificial intelligence across clean energy, agritech, and cleantech innovation ecosystems. The initiative brings together the Artificial Intelligence Transformation Office at UPES and IIT Guwahati BioNEST to create a structured pipeline addressing region-specific challenges through sustainable and commercially viable solutions rooted in regional realities.
The 18-month program will use a four-stage approach consisting of immersion and research, innovation and prototype development, venture creation, and follow-up funding and commercialization. It aims to scout 50 fellows in the first stage, fund 20 fellows with 10 from each institute, and support 10 ventures for incubation and venture building. Selected participants will receive kickstarter grants of INR 2 lakh each to help validate their proof-of-concept and achieve market readiness. Students will also take part in a residential bootcamp at IIT Guwahati focused on minimum viable product development, business planning, and venture building, and the program will conclude with a Demo Day where participants pitch prototypes to investors and industry experts.
Dr. Sunil Rai, Vice Chancellor of UPES, stated that the partnership connects regional realities, advanced technology, and student entrepreneurship to tackle pressing challenges in agriculture, clean energy, and sustainable livelihoods. A spokesperson for IIT Guwahati-BioNEST noted that the initiative helps young innovators transition from problem discovery to prototype development through field immersion, technical mentoring, and funding pathways connecting Uttarakhand and Assam. The collaboration supports UPES's transition into an AI-First university and aligns with India's broader vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat by fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.
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