Chandigarh University’s CUBIC has become India’s first university-led quantum incubator and formalized a partnership with 247VC Investment Trust on the sidelines of the PRAGATI Q-Foundry 2026 national initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Memorandum of Understanding will provide startups linked to CUBIC with direct access to investment opportunities, mentorship and business support.
“PRAGATI Q-FOUNDRY 2026 highlights the importance of connecting academic research with industry, investors and strategic users so that promising technologies can move closer to practical applications,” said Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director, Chandigarh University. This collaboration aims to strengthen investment readiness and connect startups to relevant investor networks.
CUBIC Incubator Partners with 247VC for Deep-Tech Startup Investment
Chandigarh University’s CUBIC incubator formalized a collaboration with 247VC Investment Trust, establishing a direct channel for startups within its ecosystem to access potential funding and mentorship opportunities. The Memorandum of Understanding, signed on the sidelines of PRAGATI Q-Foundry 2026 in New Delhi on September 29-30, extends beyond simple access; CUBIC will actively support startups in preparing the documentation required for fundraising, including business plans and intellectual property assessments.
This proactive approach aims to bridge the gap between early-stage research and the complex requirements of venture capital investment. The partnership’s structure involves CUBIC identifying promising ventures and facilitating introductions to 247VC, though final investment decisions remain subject to the firm’s standard evaluation processes.
Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director of Chandigarh University, explained that the MoU establishes “a framework for collaboration but does not guarantee funding or create an obligation for the investor to invest in any startup.” This arrangement allows 247VC to maintain its investment criteria while providing CUBIC’s startups with a clearer pathway to potential capital. Interactions will take the form of pitch sessions, curated meetings, and demo days, designed to showcase the startups’ technologies and business models.
The event brought together stakeholders from academia, industry and investment to translate research into viable products and services under India’s National Quantum Mission. Beyond funding, the agreement also includes provisions for strategic mentorship from 247VC representatives in areas such as business development, commercialization and market access.
The collaboration extends to exploring connections with a broader network of investors, including angel investors, family offices and corporate venture capital arms, increasing the potential for follow-on funding rounds as startups mature. Sandhu further noted, “For the National Quantum Mission to translate into lasting technological and economic value, India needs to connect scientific research with technology validation, industry adoption, investment and entrepreneurship.” CUBIC’s broader mission is to support a vibrant ecosystem where academic research, entrepreneurial innovation, and industry engagement converge.
The university anticipates that the association will provide opportunities for students, researchers and faculty to collaborate with leaders in quantum technologies and other emerging fields. This initiative directly supports the objectives of the National Quantum Mission, which aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in quantum computing, communication, sensing and materials science. The incubator’s efforts are designed to support India’s ambition of developing indigenous, globally competitive technologies, and the 247VC partnership represents a step towards realizing that goal.
PRAGATI Q-FOUNDRY 2026 highlights the importance of connecting academic research with industry, investors and strategic users so that promising technologies can move closer to practical applications.
Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director, Chandigarh University
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