Kanpur, 16 March 2026: IIT Kanpur will host Abhivyakti 2026, the flagship startup showcase organized by the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), on March 20–21, 2026, at the IIT Kanpur campus. The event will bring together over 150 innovative startups along with investors, mentors, policymakers, and industry leaders from across India.

Themed “Transforming Frontier Research into Global Solutions,” the two-day event will serve as a dynamic platform to accelerate the journey of research-driven innovations from laboratories to markets by fostering collaboration between startups, venture capitalists, industry leaders, academia, and policymakers.

Organized by SIIC IIT Kanpur every year - one of India’s earliest and largest technology business incubators with over 25 years of experience and a portfolio of more than 500 startups—Abhivyakti has evolved into a significant platform for showcasing deep-tech innovation and strengthening the national startup ecosystem. The event enables emerging ventures to connect with investors, explore strategic partnerships, and gain visibility among industry stakeholders.

Abhivyakti 2026 will feature a startup exhibition, thematic panel discussions, founder interactions, investor engagements, and networking sessions, providing startups with opportunities to showcase their technologies and engage with key stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem.

By bringing together startups, investors, corporates, policymakers, and research institutions, the event aims to enable collaborations that support technology transfer and help transform research-led innovations into scalable solutions.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Dr. Ashutosh Agnihotri, CEO, SIIC IIT Kanpur, said: "Abhivyakti reflects the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that IIT Kanpur has long championed. By bringing together founders, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers, the platform creates opportunities for promising technologies to move beyond research and make a meaningful impact."

Startups participating in Abhivyakti 2026 will represent diverse domains, including AgriTech, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), CleanTech, Cybersecurity, Defence & Aerospace, FinTech, IoT & Semiconductors, and MedTech, reflecting the breadth of innovation emerging from India’s deep-tech ecosystem.

The event is expected to attract venture capital firms, corporate leaders, government representatives, and members of the academic and startup communities, further strengthening collaboration between research institutions, industry, and entrepreneurship.

About SIIC, IIT Kanpur

Established in 2000, the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur is among India’s earliest and most distinguished technology business incubators, operating under FIRST (Foundation for Research & Innovation in Science & Technology), a Section-8 company promoted by IIT Kanpur. With over 25 years of experience, SIIC has nurtured 500+ startups across deep-tech domains, providing mentorship, infrastructure, funding linkages, and industry connections.

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognised as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. With over 570 faculty members, 9,500+ students, and a 1,050-acre campus, IIT Kanpur is a national leader in innovation, research, and deep-tech entrepreneurship.