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Shark Tank Gets a Desi Twist: ‘Campus Tank’ Empowers Student Founders with Million-Dollar Dreams

Masum Ali Published Apr 02, 2026, 02:37 PM Updated Sep 17, 2026, 11:20 PM

India introduced its own version of the popular 'Shark Tank' with the introduction of 'Campus Tank', a university-sponsored startup platform with a $1 million seed fund for young startups. Introduced in Chandigarh on 14th July 2025, the initiative is a collaborative effort of Apna (one of the leading networking platforms for blue and grey-collar workers), Venture Catalysts (VCats, one of the leading early-stage investment firms), and Chandigarh University. The platform vows to enable the next generation of startup entrepreneurs, not only with the funding but also expert mentorship, strategic ecosystem collaborations, and intensive incubation assistance.

Key Highlights:

First-ever university-based platform: 'Campus Tank' provides young entrepreneurs below the age of 30 years with the opportunity to present their business models to a panel of leading investors and win a portion of the $1 million fund.

Registration open: Founders and co-founders can register for the competition up to August 14, 2025. The shortlisted startups will present their ideas on a demo day at Chandigarh University.

All-around assistance: In addition to funding, the winning teams will also receive incubation support by Cube Founders Space in the form of training coverage, master classes, and advisory services.

High-profile launch: Rajya Sabha MP and Chandigarh University Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu, along with Apna's COO Karna Choksi, and VCats' Rishabh Golchha, among others, launched the event.

Accelerating India's startup ecosystem: The programme is in line with the government's 'Startup India' initiative, focusing on developing entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth. India today has the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, with more than 1.76 lakh startups and 118 unicorns formed in the past decade.

Industry engagement: The event will have keynote speeches, live pitch feedback, and potential on-the-spot funding announcements. Through 'Campus Tank', India will be well-placed to further enhance its status as a global startup hub, motivating youth to become job creators and fuel the next generation of innovation.

Source: The Tribune India, TechStory

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