To accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology unveils VentureLab
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ April 25, 2025
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET) proudly announces the inauguration of VentureLab Thapar, a cutting-edge innovation and entrepreneurship hub designed to foster entrepreneurship, high-tech innovation, and startup success.
Located on the TIET campus, this four-storey, 25,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility represents a pivotal moment in the Institute’s mission to become a global leader in technology innovation and entrepreneurial development.
At Thapar Institute, we’re not just nurturing entrepreneurs—we’re building the ecosystem for India’s next generation of innovators. Housed within one of the best innovation infrastructures on campus, VentureLab will serve as both a launchpad for visionary thinkers and a catalyst for the global tech ventures of tomorrow. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead,” said Dr. Rajeev Ranjan Vederah, Chairman, Board of Governors, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology.
The launch of VentureLab Thapar marks a major milestone for India’s northern region and beyond, providing startups with unparalleled access to mentoring, funding, infrastructure, and global networks.
Distinguished guests present at the inauguration included:
- Anurag Kumar, Scientist D, Innovation and IPR Division, Ministry of Electronics and IT, New Delhi
- Deepinder Dhillon, Joint Director, Startup Punjab
- Snehansh Sinha, Assistant Manager, Invest India
“Venture Lab Thapar is the manifestation of our long-term vision to empower innovation at the grassroots level while bridging it with global opportunities,” said Prof. Padmakumar Nair, Director, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology. He added, “Entrepreneurship enables the bold pursuit of excellence and is the most powerful pathway to innovation. True innovation requires the courage to deviate from conventional standards and explore uncharted paths.”
Inspired by the globally recognized Venture Lab model pioneered by Prof. Aard Groen at the University of Twente and the University of Groningen, VentureLab Thapar is uniquely positioned to connect startups in India with international markets and funding opportunities. The model was awarded Europe’s most effective accelerator program in 2013 and has since mentored hundreds of successful ventures.
VentureLab Thapar offers:
- Flexible workspaces, private offices, and hybrid learning spaces
- Training programs to build entrepreneurial competencies
- Hands-on mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and investors
- National and international networking opportunities
- Strategic support through global soft-landing partnerships
Each year, 100+ early-stage startups are expected to benefit from Venture Lab Thapar’s programs. In addition, startups have access to coordinated support from Thapar Innovate, the university’s umbrella initiative integrating research, innovation, incubation, and funding under one roof.
A Proven Legacy of Startup Support TIET’s journey in entrepreneurship began in 1998 with the establishment of the Science & Technology Entrepreneurs’ Park (STEP). Over the years, this commitment expanded to include:
- Institution Innovation Council (AICTE)
- Fractal Foundation for startup investments
- A compulsory UG/PG curriculum in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Thapar Venture Club for student-led initiatives
In the past few years alone:
- Over Rs. 3.19 crore has been disbursed in funding through TIDE 2.0 and Scale-up Grants
- Rs. 1.2 crore has been invested through the Startup India Seed Fund
A faculty exchange and training program with the University of Groningen has helped build India’s first integrated 4-year entrepreneurship curriculum.
Notable startups supported by TIET include Minus Zero, Labeller, Foxo Health, Eternz, KriyaFit, Nirmaan, Wendor, and Sugarstrings.AI, among others. A Dedicated Program for Startup Competence Building: In 2024, TIET launched an intensive entrepreneurial competency development program, training startup teams in CEO, CFO, CTO, and COO roles with mentorship, coaching, and access to markets and capital. Every quarter, 25 teams participate in a structured program that concludes with business panel reviews for real-world feedback.
About Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology: Established in 1956, TIET is one of India’s premier institutions, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. The institute is renowned for its academic excellence, research contributions, and strong industry linkages. For more information about admissions and programs, please visit www.thapar.edu.
