Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh is taking significant steps toward AI-driven education and industry collaboration even before launching its first academic session. Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence and technology, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a leader in AI. The Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh organized UP AI Synergy Conclave 2025, which was instrumental in taking this cause forward through the convergence of policymakers, industry titans, AI technologists, and academic circles for deliberations on India's future with AI.
Industry Leaders and Policymakers Unite
The conclave had the presence of notable people, such as UP Minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal, Chancellor of Chandigarh University Satnam Singh Sandhu, and more than 30 industry leaders and AI experts. Some of the renowned speakers were Varun Agarwal, Change Engine Founder, Dr. Shailesh Kumar, Reliance Jio Chief Data Scientist, and Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, Nasscom CEO.
Chandigarh University Inks MoUs with Leading Tech Firms
One of the highlights of the event was the signing of several MoUs between Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh and top tech companies. These are aimed at improving skill development, campus placement, and industry affiliation. The experts welcomed the visionary approach of the university in incorporating industry insights into its curriculum even before it welcomed its first batch of students for the 2025-26 session.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
The core purpose of the conclave was to fill the gap between academia and industry in a manner that students are offered skills suitable for AI-based jobs. Industry leaders emphasized the requirement of such collaboration in producing future-ready professionals via niche curriculum, mentorship programs, and vocational training.
UP Minister Highlights Government's AI Investment
UP Minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal emphasized the government's ₹2500 crore investment in Chandigarh University Lucknow, stating that it would create opportunities for students from Uttar Pradesh.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Prime Minister Modi to positioning India as a world AI leader, highlighting the participation of the country in global AI summits in France and the U.S. He also spoke about how Uttar Pradesh can become an enormous AI and tech hub, referencing significant developments such as the tie-up of the government with Tata in the field of skill development and the setting up of a 170-acre AI complex in Lucknow. Aggarwal stressed the necessity of building a skilled workforce for India to achieve its dream of becoming a $5 trillion economy and credited efforts in AI education to Chandigarh University Lucknow.
AI-Powered Education to Shape India's Future
Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu reiterated growing Indian dominance on the global map and emphasized AI-powered education as a force in shaping the future.
He pointed to AI’s role in large-scale national events, such as the Mahakumbh Mela, and underscored the university’s commitment to providing an AI-integrated learning experience.
Sandhu commended Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in AI policy and expressed appreciation for the UP government’s initiatives in AI development. He also announced the launch of the India AI Foundation, which will drive AI innovations across India.
Industry Leaders Urge Investments in AI
Change Engine's Founder Varun Agarwal pointed out the necessity for India to invest in the next-gen AI technologies and not just replicate those developed in countries such as the U.S. and China. He lauded Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh for having AI as part of its curriculum right from the beginning. Maya Sherman discussed India's active participation in global AI efforts like the G-20, the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), and the AI Safety Institute. She praised Chandigarh University for taking an AI-centric approach to its academic curriculum and thereby offering its students hands-on experience.
India's Workforce to Become AI-Driven by 2047
Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, Nasscom's IT-ITeS Skill Council CEO, estimated that India is likely to become the second-largest global workforce by 2047, after the U.S.
She highlighted the government's significant investment in skill development, especially in AI and technology, to address the needs of domestic and overseas markets.
Gaur commended Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh for taking the initiative to form industry partnerships prior to opening its first academic session, so that students are provided with an AI-based education in accordance with actual industry requirements.
Chandigarh University's Commitment to Industry-Ready Education
Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director of Chandigarh University, emphasized the influence of the industry collaborations and MoUs inked at the conclave. He pointed out that these collaborations will enable AI skill development, offer placement, technology transfers, and the creation of AI-specific labs and training programs. These will guarantee that students develop practical, industry-specific expertise and are mentored by industry leaders.
Lucknow to Become an AI Hub
Manoj Joshi, Advisor of Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh, shared his vision of Lucknow emerging as a hub for AI innovation.
He spoke about how the university is playing a key role in supporting the state government’s AI initiatives, which align with Prime Minister Modi’s broader technology-driven vision.
Joshi emphasized the revolutionizing impact of AI in education, foreseeing that AI-enriched curricula will fill the gap between industry and academia and enable India to lead the world in technology.
