Digital Startup Ecosystem Platform
The Innovation Hub at Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) has launched a state-wide digital startup ecosystem platform at UP Startup Samvad 3.0, bringing startups, incubators, mentors, investors and other innovation stakeholders onto a single digital layer.
Developed by Noida-based SanchiConnect, the platform, available at ecosystem.ihub.up, is designed to support the University’s network of more than 70 incubators across Uttar Pradesh. According to the announcement, 35 incubators have already been onboarded.
The launch took place in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, AKTU Vice Chancellor Prof. Jai Prakash Pandey, Atal Innovation Mission Managing Director Deepak Bagla, and Innovation Hub CEO Mahip Singh, along with more than 100 representatives from government, industry and the investment community.
Connecting Startups Across Uttar Pradesh
The platform is intended to create a shared digital foundation for Uttar Pradesh’s startup ecosystem, enabling stakeholders across different cities and districts to discover and connect with one another.
Through the platform, startups can potentially be discovered by mentors and investors beyond their immediate geographic networks, while incubators can collaborate and access a common ecosystem infrastructure.
The initiative comes as Uttar Pradesh continues to expand its startup and incubation infrastructure, with support extending across multiple districts.
Supporting Investment and Market Access
A key objective of the platform is to provide a structured entry point for investors, corporates and other organisations looking to engage with startups in Uttar Pradesh.
The system is designed to allow visiting investors, corporate representatives and delegations to discover and filter startups from across the state through a single platform.
For ecosystem stakeholders, the platform is also intended to provide a consolidated view of startup activity across different districts and help route opportunities related to capital, mentorship and market access through the university-supported incubator network.
Scaling to 70+ Incubators
With 35 incubators already onboarded, the platform has been built to scale to more than 70 incubators supported by AKTU.
Innovation Hub CEO Mahip Singh said the platform is intended to address the need for stronger connections between startups, investors, mentors and markets across the state.
According to Singh, the objective is to enable founders from any district to connect with relevant investors, corporate buyers and mentors, irrespective of their location.
Three-Week Deployment
The launch also highlighted the speed at which the platform was deployed. SanchiConnect said the system was built to onboard 35 incubators and their associated startups, mentors and investors within three weeks.
The company described the deployment as its second state-level ecosystem platform. Earlier in August, SanchiConnect worked on the Tripura Digital Innovation Platform for the state’s innovation ecosystem in partnership with a state public sector undertaking.
According to SanchiConnect, the operating model involves rapid onboarding of incubators and stakeholders, structured processes and reporting, and digital infrastructure that can be operated by state agencies.
Reducing Geographic Barriers
SanchiConnect Co-Founder and CEO Dr. Sunil K. Shekhawat said the Uttar Pradesh platform is designed to make startup opportunities less dependent on geography.
The platform aims to connect startups from cities including Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Agra and Jhansi with mentors and investors concentrated in larger ecosystem centres such as Lucknow and Noida.
The broader objective is to create a more connected environment in which founders can access expertise, capital and business opportunities beyond their immediate local networks.
Next Phase
With the initial 35 incubators onboarded, the next phase will focus on expanding the network and increasing engagement between startups, mentors, investors and institutions.
The initiative seeks to establish a more connected and data-driven digital infrastructure for Uttar Pradesh’s startup ecosystem, while supporting the state’s wider efforts to expand incubation, investment and market-access opportunities across districts.
By : Vanshika Tayal
