LG inaugurates Udyamitsav and Pragyaan 2026 at IIT Jammu
On February 7, 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu inaugurated a two-day outreach and innovation initiative known as Udyamitsav 2026 and Pragyaan 2026 at its Jagti campus. The event was graced by Kavinder Gupta, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, who served as the chief guest.
Significance of the Event
During his address, Kavinder Gupta emphasized the vital role that innovation, entrepreneurship, and a scientific mindset play in the process of nation-building. He highlighted the responsibility of premier institutions like IIT Jammu in nurturing young minds and enabling them to develop technology-driven solutions for real-world challenges.
Gupta commended IIT Jammu for its outreach efforts, praising the institution for fostering creativity, leadership, and an entrepreneurial mindset among students. He stated, “It is essential for academic institutions to connect students with the industry and provide them with the tools they need to succeed in the modern economy.”
Vision of IIT Jammu
Professor Manoj Singh Gaur, the Director of IIT Jammu, welcomed the dignitaries and participants and shared the institute’s vision of creating a vibrant ecosystem that promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning. He noted that platforms like Udyamitsav and Pragyaan serve as essential bridges between academia and society, offering students, particularly those in schools, meaningful exposure by connecting classroom learning with hands-on experience, research, and creative exploration.
Overview of Udyamitsav 2026
Dr. Vijay Kumar Pal, the Faculty-in-Charge, provided an overview of Udyamitsav 2026, describing it as a national platform that brings together startups, innovators, industry leaders, investors, and students. He mentioned that students from across India are participating in a variety of activities, which include:
- Startup expo
- Fintech competitions
- CXO roundtable discussions
- Finance quizzes
- Mock IPL auction
Pragyaan 2026: A Flagship Initiative
Dr. Yogesh M Nimdeo, also a Faculty-in-Charge, presented the vision of Pragyaan 2026, which is IIT Jammu’s flagship Open Day and a large-scale STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) outreach initiative. This year, Pragyaan 2026 is hosting over 6,000 students and educators from schools across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, making it one of the largest academic outreach initiatives organized by IIT Jammu.
Interactive Exhibitions and Demonstrations
Following the inaugural session, the Lieutenant Governor visited various robotics and innovation stalls where students showcased a range of projects. These projects included:
- A drone demonstration
- Science kits
- A robotic hand
- Live painting
These exhibits reflected a confluence of technology, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking. The LG interacted with student innovators, appreciating their ideas and presentations, which highlighted the innovative spirit of the young minds at IIT Jammu.
Campus Tour
The Chief Guest undertook a brief tour of the IIT Jammu campus, where he was apprised of the institute’s academic infrastructure, research facilities, and ongoing initiatives. This tour provided an opportunity for the LG to understand the resources available to students and the potential for future advancements in education and research.
Conclusion
The inauguration of Udyamitsav and Pragyaan 2026 at IIT Jammu marks a significant step in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among students. By connecting academic learning with practical applications, IIT Jammu is paving the way for the next generation of leaders and innovators who will contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the event held on February 7, 2026, and aims to highlight the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in education.
