The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur is set to host Abhivyakti 2026, its flagship startup showcase organized by the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), on March 20–21 at its campus, bringing together over 150 startups alongside investors, mentors, policymakers, and industry leaders from across India.

The two-day event, themed “Transforming Frontier Research into Global Solutions,” aims to accelerate the transition of research-driven innovations from laboratories to real-world markets. It will serve as a convergence platform for startups, venture capitalists, corporates, academia, and government stakeholders to foster collaboration and scale emerging technologies.

Abhivyakti 2026 will feature a startup exhibition, thematic panel discussions, founder interactions, investor engagements, and networking sessions, offering startups opportunities to showcase cutting-edge solutions and build strategic partnerships across the innovation ecosystem.

By connecting startups with key stakeholders, the initiative seeks to enable technology transfer and drive the commercialization of research-led innovations into scalable, real-world applications.

“Abhivyakti reflects the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that IIT Kanpur has long championed,” said Dr Ashutosh Agnihotri, CEO, SIIC IIT Kanpur. “By bringing together founders, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers, the platform enables promising technologies to move beyond research and create meaningful impact.”

Participating startups will span diverse sectors including AgriTech, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), CleanTech, Cybersecurity, Defence & Aerospace, FinTech, IoT & Semiconductors, and MedTech—highlighting the depth and diversity of India’s deep-tech ecosystem.

Alumni pledge ₹13.2 crore at Coral Jubilee reunion

In a parallel development, IIT Kanpur witnessed a strong alumni homecoming as the Class of 1990 marked its Coral Jubilee Reunion, celebrating 35 years since graduation. Alumni from across India and abroad gathered on campus for the occasion.

The batch announced a collective pledge of ₹13.2 crore to support the institute’s academic, research, and student-focused initiatives.

Rajeev Ranjan, batch coordinator for the Class of 1990, said the group’s earlier Silver Jubilee contribution of ₹70 lakh had grown to ₹1.5 crore and continues to fund scholarships. He added that the batch has now surpassed its Coral Jubilee target of ₹13 crore and will remain actively engaged with the institute in the years ahead.