UPES Runway Backs AI Driven Startups Through The Pitch 3.0 in New Delhi

Seven startups were shortlisted from more than 20 applications at the New Delhi leg of The Pitch 3.0, with Arthik AI, StoreLink and Memintel selected for funding support of up to ₹25 lakh each.

New Delhi, 21 July 2026: UPES Runway, the startup incubator at UPES, hosted the New Delhi edition of The Pitch 3.0, an initiative focused on identifying and supporting Artificial Intelligence driven startups across North, Central and Southern India.
The first leg of the programme attracted more than 20 startup applications, with seven finalists presenting their ideas before investors, mentors and senior leaders from UPES. The shortlisted ventures represented sectors including Artificial Intelligence image recognition, financial technology, education technology, disaster management, fleet technology, quantum computing and deep technology.

The initiative is part of UPES’ broader focus on promoting Artificial Intelligence based innovation and supporting entrepreneurs developing technology led solutions for real world challenges. The next edition of The Pitch 3.0 is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru in September 2026 and will focus on startups from southern and western India.
Through The Pitch 3.0, UPES Runway plans to support 10 startups during the year. Selected ventures will receive funding support of up to ₹25 lakh, while startups demonstrating exceptional Artificial Intelligence innovation, market relevance and scalability may receive support of up to ₹50 lakh, subject to evaluation and approval by the investment committee.

The New Delhi event provided founders with an opportunity to present their business ideas, refine their strategies and receive feedback from an investment committee comprising industry experts and senior executives. The evaluation process focused on the quality of Artificial Intelligence applications, technology readiness, business viability, scalability, market potential and the founders’ execution capabilities.
Following the presentations, the investment committee selected Arthik AI from the wealth technology sector, StoreLink from the retail analytics sector and Memintel, a digital Chief Financial Officer platform for accounting and finance, for funding support. Each startup was awarded funding of up to ₹25 lakh to support product development, market expansion and business growth.

Rahul Nainwal, Chief Executive Officer, Runway Incubator and Dean, School of Business, UPES, said, “The Pitch 3.0 reflects UPES Runway’s commitment to backing founders who are building Artificial Intelligence led solutions with real market potential. By combining funding, mentorship and investor access, we are creating a stronger bridge between technology innovation and venture scale.”
Launched in 2021, Runway has incubated more than 50 startups through collaborations with organisations including DST TIBI, MeitY, Shell E4, MaXcel Accelerator, Pearl Academy and Global University Systems.
According to UPES, the initiative reflects the university’s strategy of integrating Artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration while supporting founders as they develop technology driven businesses.

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