AI Fest-2026: Chandigarh University Brings India’s First Large-Scale AI Festival to Life

January 24, 2026 | Chandigarh | City Spectrum

Chandigarh University has officially launched AI Fest-2026, billed as India’s first large-scale festival dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence, innovation and emerging technologies. The announcement was made on January 22, 2026, at the university’s Gharuan campus in Chandigarh, with senior leaders, industry experts and academia in attendance, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s push toward technological leadership.

AI Fest-2026 is a three-day mega innovation initiative scheduled from February 19 to February 21, 2026, and will be held on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The festival is envisioned as a national launchpad for young innovators, students, researchers, industry experts and startups to collaborate, co-create and showcase breakthrough ideas that leverage artificial intelligence, deep tech and other emerging technologies.

Organised by Chandigarh University, the fest brings together more than 35 innovation-driven competitions and events including immersive hackathons, skill-driven workshops, expert panel talks, innovation challenges and AI-driven project showcases. Over 1,000 national and international teams are expected to participate, representing a diverse cross-section of India’s technological talent. The prize pool for the festival exceeds ₹1 crore, with winning teams receiving cash awards, certificates of excellence and recognition.

A key highlight of the launch event was the unveiling of the InnovBot robot, designated as the official mascot of AI Fest-2026, symbolising the spirit of innovation and the festival’s commitment to empowering young minds to think beyond conventional boundaries.

The festival will also feature three flagship platforms:

• CU InnovFest 2026 – focus on interdisciplinary innovation challenges,
• Campus Tank – a start-up launchpad offering mentorship, funding pathways and incubation support,
• Sandbox – an open innovation platform for students, professionals and startups to showcase new AI products and solutions.

At the launch, dignitaries emphasised the role of AI Fest-2026 in nurturing future-ready innovators capable of driving technological advancement and contributing to India’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat”. The event is expected to foster a vibrant ecosystem where ideas evolve into real-world solutions, addressing critical societal and industry challenges.

With its expansive scale, industry collaborations and innovation-driven agenda, AI Fest-2026 aims to emerge as one of India’s most impactful platforms for shaping the next generation of leaders in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.