####Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh Hosts India’s First AI Healthcare Hackathon

Lucknow, India’s first AI-augmented multidisciplinary university, Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh (CU-UP), in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, hosted the landmark AI Convergence Summit 2026 and organized the country’s first-ever AI Healthcare Hackathon.

The AI Convergence Summit 2026 is among the official pre-run-up events to the upcoming India AI Impact Global Summit 2026, to be held by the Government of India on 19–20 February in New Delhi.

Global Platform for AI and Quantum Dialogue

The summit brought together AI and technology experts, policymakers, global industry leaders, researchers, startups, venture capitalists, investors, and academicians from India, the United States, Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Participants deliberated on opportunities and challenges for India and its citizens in emerging domains such as Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing.

India’s First AI Healthcare Hackathon

Under the AI Convergence Summit 2026, Chandigarh University UP organized India’s first AI Healthcare Hackathon, in line with the Government of India’s decision to assign Uttar Pradesh the national theme of “Health and AI.”

Over 70 AI experts, healthcare professionals, startup leaders, CEOs, founders, academicians, government representatives, and innovators from India, the US, Denmark, Germany, and the UK participated.

More than 5,000 young innovators across 1,500 teams from all over India are competing in the hackathon.

100+ healthcare problem statements, presented by the government and industry, are being addressed through AI-driven, technology-enabled solutions, developed and refined during the hackathon.

Vision from Leadership

Speaking about the summit, MP and Chancellor of Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh, Satnam Singh Sandhu, said:

“The objective of this summit is to provide young innovators a platform to directly engage with global AI industry experts and understand technological advancements and real-world applications of AI and quantum computing. The summit also helps citizens understand government policies and initiatives through which AI is being leveraged to maximize the impact of welfare schemes.”

He added that the summit aims to bridge India’s AI policy framework with real-world deployment, strengthening collaboration among the government, academia, industry, and startup ecosystem.

Strong Institutional and Policy Support

The summit received active participation and support from:

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India

Government of Uttar Pradesh

MeitY Startup Hub

IndiaAI

Digital India

This support provided strong institutional and policy backing to the event.

Eminent Speakers

Key speakers at the summit included:

Nivedan Rathi, Founder, Future and AI (Chief Guest)

Prasad Menon, CEO & President, CIBA, ISBA

Dr. Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub

Teja Chintalapti, Principal Manager – Cyber Innovation, DSCI

JBV Reddy, Mission Director, National Quantum Mission, DST

Himanshu Joshi, Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog

Sanjeev Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
along with several other distinguished guests.

Strategic Policy Dialogue

A major highlight of the summit was the Strategic Policy Dialogue on
“Shaping India’s AI and Quantum Future: From Policy to Platforms.”

The discussion focused on the implementation of India’s AI and quantum strategies across governance, defence, industry, startups, and international collaboration, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a key execution partner in India’s AI and quantum journey ahead of the India AI Impact Global Summit 2026.

Launch of “Quantum for Bharat” Mission

During the summit, Satnam Singh Sandhu, along with global AI experts, launched Chandigarh University’s national initiative “Quantum for Bharat.”

The mission aims to:

Build quantum computing infrastructure

Provide training and upskilling programs to develop next-generation talent in AI and quantum computing

Promote research and entrepreneurship among young innovators

Jay Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director, Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh, stated:

“Through the Quantum for Bharat mission, our goal is to nurture talent from school to university level and position India as a global hub for quantum computing. This initiative will also empower startups and research in AI and quantum technologies among Indian youth.”

“AI for All” Mission

Chandigarh University UP also launched its national initiative “AI for All”, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of enhancing AI literacy across India. The mission will roll out special training programs and workshops nationwide, equipping youth with future-ready skills and strengthening their employability.

Panel Discussions

The summit featured multiple panel discussions on key themes, including:

Operationalising the Vision: Uttar Pradesh as India’s AI & Quantum Powerhouse

Industry Leadership in Responsible and Inclusive AI

Women Leadership in AI

AI-Augmented Healthcare

From Lab to Launch: Building AI-First Deep-Tech Startups

Funding Pathways for AI Innovation

About Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh

Committed to promoting a culture of sustainability and future-ready education, Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh offers a holistic academic experience powered by an AI-driven academic model.

Building on the decade-long legacy of Chandigarh University, Punjab, the UP campus pioneers innovative pedagogy and research-driven innovation. Its AI-augmented campus delivers industry-driven, futuristic academic programs featuring data-driven insights, virtual reality experiences, real-world simulations, corporate mentorship, interdisciplinary research, global exposure, entrepreneurial development, and professional competency building.

This milestone event positions Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh at the forefront of India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in AI and quantum technologies.