Chandigarh University Launches 3-Month ‘SANDBOX Residential Program‘ & Centre of Excellence in Digital Marketing’ During AI Fest 2026
Mohali – Chandigarh University launched a 90-day SANDBOX Residential Program under which top 30 of 300 startups, who made a pitch during its three-day AI Fest 2026, will be provided mentorship and resources on a single platform to help accelerate their go-to-market (GTM) stage in three domains – AI, Deeptech and Media.
Strengthening its innovation network further, Chandigarh University also launched a Centre of Excellence in Digital Marketing operating on an “earn while learn” model. The Centre will allow students to work on live industry projects and consultancy assignments while gaining hands-on experience with AI-powered digital tools. It aims to evolve into a multidisciplinary global hub for enterprise-led learning, innovation and digital excellence.
The launch of the the SANDBOX Residential Program will help the emerging startups get training, certifications and hand holding in Punjab. The target is to train 150+ Startups in next five years under Sandbox Training Program. At the same time, Chandigarh University has launched it’s own AI Mission and under this 1.5 lakh youth will be trained under it’s AI Ethic Program. Chandigarh University is India to take such an initiative in line with India AI Mission.
Chandigarh University also launched India’s first AI Ethics Training Programme under its AI literacy initiative, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and inclusive AI adoption. Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director, Chandigarh University said, “The launch of AI Ethics Training Program during the AI Fest at the Chandigarh University is a significant milestone for CU’s AI ecosystem. As artificial intelligence advances rapidly, ethics, governance and accountability must evolve alongside it, CU has taken this initiative as a step toward responsible Al leadership. As a part of the AI Fest, we today concluded InnovFest which proved a power-packed celebration of innovation, ideas and entrepreneurship. As Chandigarh University’s annual innovation and entrepreneurship festival, InnovFest not only showcased outstanding student talent, it also sparked creativity, promoted bold thinking and students have learned to turn their ideas of students into reality.”