Shark Tank–Style Startup Showdown Ignites Gurugram University: AARAMBH IdeaTHON 2026 Draws Investors to Campus
Innovation met investment in spectacular style as the Startup Incubation Centre, Gurugram University, hosted the first segment of the Final Round of AARAMBH IdeaTHON 2026, turning the campus into a high-stakes, Shark Tank–inspired startup battleground.
The competition witnessed massive enthusiasm with over 60 teams entering the arena, but only 30 ideas cracked the Final Round, with 15 teams pitching live before investors. The session delivered electrifying moments as investors made instant financial and mentorship commitments to four standout startups.
Stealing the spotlight, Mr. Sagar Setia, Co-Founder & CEO of Invincible Publications and Founder of Pure Aura, backed A4Station, a cost-effective campus printing kiosk by MBA students Anu and Jayant. He also invested in FinChamp, a gamified financial literacy platform by Commerce students Anchal, Khaniz, Garima, Bhumi, and Piyush Rathi, and supported ReThread, a sustainability-driven recycling innovation by Mathematics student Gungun.
Fueling the momentum, Mr. Manish Singhal, Founder & MD of PVM Logistics, committed support to DavaiYaan, a smart affordable medicine access platform built by Engineering students Prisha, Kanak, Shivangi, and Mehak. A futuristic Anti-Drone Ecosystem innovation by Gurugram University alumnus Khagendra grabbed strong multi-investor attention.
Adding to the success, eight startups secured incubation recommendations, while the remaining finalists gear up for the next high-voltage investor round.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjay Kaushik said, “AARAMBH IdeaTHON reflects Gurugram University’s commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial leadership among students. Platforms like these empower young minds to transform ideas into impactful ventures. We encourage students to embrace entrepreneurship as a career pathway and contribute to India’s growing startup ecosystem.”