AI Generated Summary
- Dr Anchal Arora, Assistant Professor at the University School of Financial Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), has expanded her engagement with the international startup and innovation ecosystem through a series of interactions with entrepreneurs, investors, academic institutions and emerging ventures during a recent visit to Canada.
- “The international startup ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and universities have an important role to play in preparing young people not merely to seek employment but also to become innovators, entrepreneurs and creators of new ventures,” she said.
- She said the broader objective of such international engagements was to build sustained links between higher education institutions and the global startup ecosystem, allowing students and entrepreneurs to benefit from international networks, knowledge and opportunities.
Dr Anchal Arora, Assistant Professor at the University School of Financial Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), has expanded her engagement with the international startup and innovation ecosystem through a series of interactions with entrepreneurs, investors, academic institutions and emerging ventures during a recent visit to Canada.
Arora participated in Web Summit Vancouver 2026 following an invitation from the Trade Commissioner Service of the Government of Canada. The event brought together startups, technology companies, investors and innovation leaders from different parts of the world.
As part of her international engagement, she mentored and advised around 1,500 startups representing nearly 120 countries. The ventures worked across a range of emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, the Internet of Things, agricultural technology, clean technology, education technology, digital technology and financial technology.
Her work in startup mentoring and international ecosystem development also received support from US-based InnoP Global Accelerator, which awarded her a grant of USD 60,000 towards travel, accommodation and participation-related expenses.
Arora is associated with InnoP Global as Honorary Director — Startup and Investor Relations, besides serving as a mentor and strategic adviser. Her role involves mentoring entrepreneurs, facilitating connections between startups and potential investors, and contributing to international acceleration initiatives.
Alongside her interactions with the startup community, Arora visited leading Canadian universities to engage with students and academics on entrepreneurship and startup financing.
At Simon Fraser University, she delivered a lecture on “Career Pathways in Innovative Entrepreneurship”, focusing on entrepreneurship as a career option and the opportunities emerging from innovation-led businesses.
She also addressed a session at the University of British Columbia on “Venture Capital and Angel Investment for Acceleration of Startups”. The session examined startup financing, investment readiness and the role of venture capital and angel investors in helping young companies scale.
Arora said universities could play an increasingly important role in connecting young people with entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems beyond conventional employment pathways.
“The international startup ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and universities have an important role to play in preparing young people not merely to seek employment but also to become innovators, entrepreneurs and creators of new ventures,” she said.
She said her efforts were directed at strengthening links between academia, entrepreneurship and investment and enabling students and emerging entrepreneurs to gain greater exposure to international opportunities.
During the Canada visit, Arora also explored possibilities for closer engagement among universities, students, startups, investors and global innovation organisations, with an emphasis on creating networks that could facilitate mentoring, investment connections and entrepreneurial opportunities.
She said the broader objective of such international engagements was to build sustained links between higher education institutions and the global startup ecosystem, allowing students and entrepreneurs to benefit from international networks, knowledge and opportunities.
