India AI Impact Summit 2026

empowering-the-next-generation-of-entrepreneurs-in-asia-and-india-through-ai

7 min read

TRACK:Economic Growth and Social Good
SPEAKERS
  • Dr Mukesh Kestwal, IIT Ropar (iHub – AWaDH)
  • Dr Pushpendra Singh, IIT Ropar (iHub – AWaDH and Annam.AI Foundation)
  • Dr Radhika Trikha, IIT Ropar (iHub – AWaDH)
  • JaeKyeong Lee, KOSME
  • Prof Rajeev Ahuja, IIT Ropar
  • Shri Kamal Kishor (K.K.) Yadav, IAS, Government of Punjab
  • Shri Sanjeev Arora, Government of Punjab
  • Taehyung Lee, UD Impact
  • Youngseung Woo, UD Impact
SESSION OVERVIEW

The session positions AI as core entrepreneurial infrastructure powering the next generation of founders across Asia and India. It will open with strategic context on cross-border execution and talent mobility. The discussion will then highlight how AI talent becomes execution-ready through workcation and immersion models, alongside real startup and MSME impact cases. It will conclude with key insights, defined stakeholder roles, and clear pathways for post-summit ecosystem collaboration.

VIDEO RECORDING

Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs in Asia and India through AI

Abstract

The session positioned artificial‑intelligence‑enabled tools and cross‑border collaborations as core infrastructure for nurturing the next wave of deep‑tech founders across Asia. After an opening welcome and a group photograph, representatives from UD Impact (Korea), Invest Punjab, and IIT Ropar presented their strategic visions—ranging from AI‑driven learning platforms and talent‑mobility “workcation” models to the unique advantages of the Mohali‑Chandigarh startup ecosystem. The discussion highlighted concrete data (e.g., >30 000 Korean startups supported, >400 IIT Ropar incubated deep‑tech ventures) and outlined actionable pathways for post‑summit ecosystem cooperation.

Detailed Summary

  • Radhika Trikha opened the session on behalf of IIT Ropar, introduced the panel, and coordinated a group photograph with all speakers (including representatives from UD Impact, Invest Punjab, and COSME).
  • The opening emphasized the joint commitment of IIT Ropar, the Government of Punjab, Startup Punjab, and Invest Punjab to foster science‑technology‑innovation collaborations with UD Impact.

2. UD Impact – AI‑Powered Entrepreneurship (Taehyung Lee)

  • Taehyung Lee (Director, Global Business, UD Impact) apologized for his English and thanked the Indian hosts.
  • Core mission: UD Impact creates social impact through free entrepreneurship education, funded by government and corporate CSR budgets. Over the past decade, it has supported >30 000 startups in South Korea.
  • Program philosophy: Entrepreneurship is about solving real‑world problems, not merely building a company. Participants learn to test ideas in the market, conduct customer interviews, and iterate.
  • AI‑based LMS: UD Impact recently launched an AI‑driven learning‑management system featuring an AI coach that provides personalized feedback, learning guidance, and progress tracking. The platform reduces lecture time and emphasizes execution, customer interviews, and market validation.
  • Scale: The system now supports >10 000 startups annually.
  • Impact metrics: Start‑up activity generates jobs, strengthens local economies, and contributes to regional growth.
  • Geographic expansion: Programs now operate in Japan and India. In India, UD Impact trains young talent to work in global startups, aiming to reduce talent mismatch and curb youth unemployment.
  • Brand “Underdogs”: UD Impact has trademarked “Underdogs” for its entrepreneurship program, positioning founders as resource‑constrained underdogs who must innovate against larger incumbents.
  • Call to action: Invitation to Indian entrepreneurs to join the “Underdogs” program.

Announcements

  • Launch of a scalable AI‑driven entrepreneurship platform.
  • Expansion of UD Impact’s mentorship and incubation services to India.

3. Invest Punjab – Building a “Brand Mohali” Ecosystem (Amit Dhaka)

  • Amit Dhaka (IAS, CEO Invest Punjab) highlighted Punjab’s role as a facilitator for new‑age tech.
  • Quality‑of‑life advantage: Mohali offers a high standard of living, short commute times, world‑class educational and medical facilities, making it attractive for talent and companies.
  • Infrastructure & Institutions: Proximity to IIT Ropar, IIT Mandi, NIT Kurukshetra, ISB Mohali, and upcoming Plakshay University creates a dense research network.
  • Semiconductor heritage: Mohali is the birthplace of India’s semiconductor industry; major initiatives such as SCL and Tata Advanced Systems (₹5 000 crore investment) are anchored there.
  • Policy incentives: Punjab boasts a single‑window clearance system (Invest Punjab) that can approve industrial projects within 5 days, a unique regulatory advantage in India.
  • Industrial attraction: Infosys is establishing a 6 000‑person campus; discussions are underway with GCCs, drone firms, and R&D centres.
  • Rental incentives: Rental costs in Mohali are roughly 50 % lower than Gurgaon, encouraging IT firms to set up shop.
  • Startup support: Recent visits to Korea with a state delegation resulted in plans for a first tranche of state‑backed startup funding, with a second tranche in development.
  • Open invitation: A call for suggestions from the audience, emphasizing continuous improvement and the need for bright, young talent.

4. IIT Ropar – Deep‑Tech Incubation & Korea Collaboration (Pushpendra Singh)

  • Pushpendra Singh (Project Director, Annam AI Foundation, iHub‑AWaDH) framed IIT Ropar’s ecosystem:

    • Incubation capacity: >400 deep‑tech startups incubated, ranking 3rd in India for the number of institute‑backed startups.
    • R&D focus: Startups are R&D‑driven, benefitting from 24‑/7 lab access and robust faculty support.
    • Punjab Incubator Network (PINE): A state‑wide consortium of 36+ incubators that provides end‑to‑end support for founders.
    • Strategic location: The tri‑city region (Chandigarh‑Mohali‑Jalandhar) hosts 22+ R&D institutes within a 50 km radius, offering world‑class facilities.
    • Cross‑border potential: Korea’s semiconductor expertise aligns with Indian deep‑tech needs; collaboration can elevate both ecosystems.
    • National reach: While based in Punjab, IIT Ropar serves startups from across India.

  • Key message: Entrepreneurs should consider the Chandigarh‑Mohali region for its dense R&D infrastructure, high quality‑of‑life, and government support.

5. UD Impact – Founder Diagnostics & AI Skill Framework (Yongsoo Woo)

  • Yongsoo Woo (Co‑Founder, UD Impact) presented a concise framework for preparing AI‑driven startups:
    1. Founder Character Diagnosis – 12 founder personality types (“DOGS”).
    2. “Actpreneur” Model – Five execution pillars: goal setting, environment analysis, structural design, execution planning, routine building.
    3. AI Skill‑Set Dimensions – Five competencies: AI knowledge, domain expertise, data handling, finance/strategy, global outlook.
  • Global‑first mindset: Emphasised “born‑to‑global” thinking; AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini) enable rapid translation and cultural understanding, encouraging startups to target global markets from day one.
  • Cross‑border programs: Two formats – a batch incubation program and an Underdogs Coach Academy for mentorship. Active partnerships with Japan, Indonesia, India, and Korea.
  • AI‑enabled solopreneurship: AI can replace coding and design tasks, allowing a single person (the “solopreneur”) to launch a venture. However, problem definition remains critical; without a well‑scoped problem, AI cannot deliver value.

6. COSME – Korea‑India AI Collaboration (Jae‑Kyeong Lee)

  • Jae‑Kyeong Lee (Director, COSME – Korean SME & Startup Agency) outlined existing and future cooperation:
    • Complementary strengths: India offers a massive market and talent base; Korea contributes structured business models, deep industry experience, and scaling expertise.
    • Current activities: Partnership with IIT Ropar – AWaDH iHub to support Korean AI SMEs entering India; launch of the India AI Forum; market analysis of the Indian AI sector for Korean startups.
    • Three pillars of collaboration:
      1. Joint pilot test‑beds & market‑entry programs.
      2. Co‑creation of AI solutions (not competition).
      3. Scaling startups from Asia to the global market.
    • Vision: A seamless AI ecosystem where Korean and Indian startups co‑create, leveraging each other’s ecosystems to become global players.

7. Closing Remarks – IIT Ropar Vision (Prof Rajeev Ahuja)

  • Prof Rajeev Ahuja thanked the Korean delegation and reiterated IIT Ropar’s focus on translational research as the “mother of innovation.”
  • Highlighted the institute’s young faculty, proximity to major transport hubs, and nation‑wide presence, enabling collaboration beyond Punjab.
  • Stressed the importance of SMEs and medium‑scale industries as the primary employment sector in India and the need to infuse them with AI‑driven innovation.
  • Expressed optimism that the India‑Korea partnership will yield “win‑win” outcomes for deep‑tech entrepreneurship.

8. Felicitation & Group Photograph

  • A brief ceremonial segment where the panelists and organizers exchanged felicitation gestures and posed for a group photograph.

Key Takeaways

  • AI as core infrastructure – Both UD Impact and IIT Ropar view AI‑driven platforms (e.g., LMS with AI coach) as essential to accelerate entrepreneurship.
  • Cross‑border talent mobility – “Workcation” and immersion models enable Indian talent to work with Korean startups, addressing global talent mismatch.
  • Mohali/Chandigarh ecosystem – High quality of life, low rental costs, dense R&D institutions, and a single‑window clearance system make the region uniquely attractive for deep‑tech firms.
  • Government facilitation – Punjab’s “Brand Mohali” campaign and rapid clearance procedures provide a competitive edge for investors and startups.
  • IIT Ropar’s impact – >400 deep‑tech startups incubated; 3rd rank nationally; part of a 36‑incubator state network (PINE).
  • Founder diagnostics – UD Impact’s “DOGS” personality matrix and “Actpreneur” execution framework help startups assess founder fit and execution readiness.
  • AI skill set dimensions – Proficiency across AI, domain, data, finance/strategy, and global outlook is critical for AI‑enabled ventures.
  • AI‑enabled solopreneurship – AI can replace coding/design tasks, allowing single‑person startups, but problem definition remains the key success factor.
  • Korea‑India synergy – Complementary market size, talent, and industry expertise fuel joint pilot test‑beds, market‑entry programs, and co‑creation pathways.
  • Future collaboration roadmap – Planned funding tranches for startups, expanded AI‑focused incubator programs, and broader national outreach beyond Punjab.

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