Chandigarh University has partnered with early talent platform Apna, and early-stage investment firm Venture Catalysts to launch Campus Tank – an university-led startup launchpad for aspiring founders under the age of 30.
Campus Tank is designed to empower India’s next generation of innovators by offering access to a $1 million investment pool, strategic mentorship, incubation support, and exposure to seasoned investors.
Founders and co-founders under 30 can register and submit their startup ideas by August 14, 2025, at apna.co/contests/campus-tank-2025.
The initiative was launched in the presence of Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, alongside Dr Preet Deep Singh, Vice President of Apna, and Rishabh Golchha, Managing Partner at Venture Catalysts.
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Campus Tank: Unlocking India’s Startup Potential
Campus Tank aims to spark a grassroots startup revolution by reaching students and early-stage professionals in universities across India.
Shortlisted startups will pitch their ideas to top investors from Venture Catalysts during a Demo Day at Chandigarh University. Winners will receive capital, incubation via the Founders Cube Space, access to masterclasses, and personalized mentorship to help turn ideas into ventures.
Speaking at the launch, Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu said: “Campus Tank is our bold step toward empowering India’s youth to become job creators. Universities must go beyond degrees – they must cultivate innovation. With Apna and Venture Catalysts, we aim to propel India toward becoming the world’s second-largest startup ecosystem by 2047.”
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Sandhu highlighted that Chandigarh University students have already built 150+ startups, eight of which are women-led. CU’s Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI) has filed over 2,500 patents in three years and ranks among the top private and government universities in India for patent filings.
A Platform for Young, Bold Founders
Apna’s Vice President Dr Preet Deep Singh emphasized that Campus Tank is more than a contest – it’s a movement to fuel livelihoods and innovation: “Campus Tank is where ideas from dorm rooms get funded. Each startup has the potential to create jobs, and that’s nation-building. Apna is proud to support India’s youngest problem-solvers.”
Venture Catalysts’ Rishabh Golchha added: “India’s future unicorns are being built in cafés and college hostels. Campus Tank gives them early capital, guidance, and access. We’re betting on their hunger to build real, impactful startups.”
Through Campus Tank, Chandigarh University, Apna, and Venture Catalysts aim to empower a new generation of founders, thinkers, and builders – transforming India’s startup landscape from college campuses to global stages.
