Step-up funding for early-stage ventures in the region received a major boost as the Union Territory administration distributed ₹2 crore in grants to eight startups and four incubators. The formal distribution ceremony took place at the new UT Chandigarh Secretariat, with Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria presiding as the chief guest alongside Chief Secretary H Rajesh Prasad and senior officials.
Under the structured disbursement plan, the eight selected startups shared ₹85 lakh in financial assistance, while the four supporting incubators received ₹1 crore, with funds slated for phased release through their parent institutions.
Addressing attendees, Administrator Kataria emphasized the vital role of timely capital and institutional backing in helping emerging businesses scale operations, create local employment, and drive regional economic expansion. Industries Secretary Nishant Kumar Yadav also briefed participants on the core provisions and application workflows of the regional startup framework.
Panjab University Startup Secures ₹12 Lakh Grant
Among the beneficiaries, Advanced Functional Material Technologies (AFMTech)—a faculty-led, women-led deep-tech venture incubated at the Panjab University Incubation Centre (PUIC)—secured a ₹12 lakh commercialization grant.
The funding will accelerate the development and market deployment of indigenous target materials tailored for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related applications. PUIC was originally established with support from the national RUSA 2.0 initiative to foster academic innovation.
