AKTU Invites AI Startups: How Can Students & Institutes Participate in India AI Impact Expo 2026?

AKTU Invites AI Startups

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow has released an important notification for AI-based startups from its affiliated institutes. AKTU is inviting nominations of promising AI startups to showcase their innovations at the India AI Impact Expo 2026, one of India’s most prestigious AI-focused national events. Notification

If you are a student founder, part of a startup, or associated with an incubation or innovation cell, this is a golden opportunity for national-level exposure — absolutely free of cost.

Let’s break the notification down in a simple and clear way.

What Is the India AI Impact Expo 2026?

The India AI Impact Expo 2026 is a large-scale national and international exhibition focused on Artificial Intelligence innovations. It is being organized alongside the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

Key Highlights:

1. Curated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India

2. Brings together:

1. Startups
2. Global enterprises
3. Investors
4. Government bodies
5. Academia and researchers

3. Focuses on responsible, scalable, and impact-driven AI

👉 Think of it as a national stage where AI startups present real-world solutions to decision-makers and industry leaders.

AKTU’s Role in India AI Impact Expo 2026

AKTU is participating in this expo through Innovation Hub Uttar Pradesh and will set up a University Pavilion at the event.

To represent the university, AKTU is calling for nominations of AI-based startups from affiliated institutes. Selected startups will get the chance to showcase their work at the expo free of cost under the AKTU pavilion.

This means:

1. No stall charges for selected startups
2. Direct representation through AKTU
3. High credibility and visibility

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

Only startups that meet the following conditions should apply:

1. The startup must be AI-based
2. The core innovation should use Artificial Intelligence
3. The startup must be nominated by an AKTU-affiliated institute
4. Each institute can nominate a maximum of two (02) startups only

Preference Will Be Given To:

Startups with:

1. Working prototypes
2. MVPs (Minimum Viable Products)
3. Already deployed AI solutions

👉 Early-stage ideas are welcome, but working AI solutions get priority.

Key Event Details (Dates, Venue & Theme)

Here are the official event details mentioned in the notification:

1. Event Name: India AI Impact Expo 2026

2. Dates: 16 February to 20 February 2026

3. Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi Hall No. 6 Stall No. 6.3 & 6.4

Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi Hall No. 6 Stall No. 6.3 & 6.4

4. Theme Focus:

1. Responsible AI
2. Scalable AI solutions
3. Impact-driven Artificial Intelligence

Why Should AI Startups Participate?

Participating in the India AI Impact Expo 2026 offers several benefits:

1. National and international visibility

2. Opportunity to engage with:

1. Policymakers
2. Industry leaders
3. Investors

3. Showcase AI innovation on a government-backed platform

4. Networking with global AI ecosystem players

5. Exposure for future funding, partnerships, and research collaboration

📌 Most important: Selected startups get to exhibit free of cost under AKTU’s pavilion.

Application Process & Important Dates

Important Deadline

1. Last Date to Apply: 30 January 2026

Application Link

Apply using the official link provided in the notification:🔗 https://bit.ly/AI-ImpactExpo

Selection Process

1. Nominations will be:
2. Institutes are advised to forward only high-quality AI-focused startups

Whom to Contact for Help or Clarification?

For any queries related to nominations or participation, contact:

1. Mr. Mahip SinghCEO, Innovation Hub Uttar Pradesh📧 Email: ceo.ihubup@aktu.ac.in 📞 Phone: 9582058878

Instructions for Institutes & Innovation Cells

AKTU has specifically requested institutes to:

1. Circulate this notification among:

1. Students
2. Faculty members
3. Incubation centers
4. Innovation & startup cells

2. Encourage eligible AI startups to apply before the deadline

3. Ensure that nominations maintain quality and innovation standards, considering the national and international visibility of the event

Official Links Mentioned in the Notification

1. 🌐 Expo Website: https://www.impactexpo.indiaai.gov.in/
2. 📝 Registration Link: https://bit.ly/AI-ImpactExpo
3. 🔗 Exhibit Registration: https://www.impactexpo.indiaai.gov.in/exhibit-with-us

Social Media:

1. Facebook: click here
2. LinkedIn: click here
3. X (Twitter): click here
4. Instagram: click here

Final Takeaway for Students & Startups

If you are building something meaningful in Artificial Intelligence, this opportunity should not be missed. The India AI Impact Expo 2026 offers a rare chance to move from a college or campus startup to a national AI showcase, backed by AKTU and the Government of India.

⏰ Deadline: 30 January 2026🎯 Focus: AI-based innovation

Start coordinating with your institute now and submit your nomination on time.

Stay updated with AKTU notifications to never miss such high-impact opportunities.