Chandigarh University Launches Campus Tank Season 2 With $15 Million Funding Pool

Chandigarh, October 10, 2026: Chandigarh University has launched Season 2 of Campus Tank — 'India's Next Unicorn', India's first university-led startup launchpad, expanding its funding pool to $15 million — up from $6 million in Season 1 — to give young innovators access to investors, mentorship and support to take ideas to market.

The announcement was made on the second day of the national-level Incubator & Capital Summit 2026 and ISBACON 2026, organised by Chandigarh University Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI) in association with the Indian Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Parks and Business Incubators Association (ISBA). The summit brought together 400 incubator institutions from over 20 states and union territories, 100 curated startups, 80 investors and more than 60 government, policy and industry delegates on a common platform to strengthen India's startup and deep-tech capabilities.

The launch builds on an overwhelming response to Season 1, which recorded 21,789 registrations from more than 1,200 cities, including over 10,800 registrations from universities and colleges. The new season brings together eight investment partners — APNA, Venture Catalysts, Aeravti Ventures, PedalStart, Eaglewings, Faad, Be an Angel and Cube Founders Space — to give student founders structured access to capital.

Chandigarh University also launched a three-month 'SANDBOX' residential programme during AI Fest 2026, requiring co-founders and entire teams to be physically present for a 90-day residency built around AI, agentic AI and niche micro-sectors, with applications open for 45 days. AI Fest 2026 features three flagship initiatives — CU InnovFest 2026, Campus Tank and Sandbox — integrating ideation, incubation and commercialisation.