HPNLU Showcases Legal Innovation Through LEXCELERATE’26 and VIDHI-VERSE During Foundation Day Week Celebrations

Shimla, September 30, 2026:

As part of the University’s 11th Foundation Day Week Celebrations “अनुवर्धम्”, the Legal Innovation and Incubation Cell (LIIC), Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, under the leadership of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena and Patron of LIIC, organised its flagship events LEXCELERATE’26 and VIDHI-VERSE, bringing together legal innovators, entrepreneurs, students and technology-driven ventures from across the country.

LEXCELERATE’26 was conceptualised as a Shark Tank-style platform for legal startups, innovators and student entrepreneurs. Centred on the theme “Access to Justice”, the competition encouraged participants to develop innovative and technology-driven solutions aimed at making justice more accessible, affordable, understandable and inclusive. The event witnessed participation from 21 teams representing premier institutions including Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, National Law University Odisha, Symbiosis Law School, Jindal Global Law School, Christ University, Bennett University and several other institutions.

The startup pitches were evaluated by an eminent panel comprising Dr. Ravi Bhatia, Coordinator, Biotechnology Incubation Centre, Himachal Pradesh University, Ms. Adrika Singh, Founder of Nowlez: AI Munshi; Mr. Chirag Mittal, Founder of Resolvify; and Adv. Mudit Nagpal, Advocate, Rajasthan High Court.

Complementing the pitching competition was VIDHI-VERSE, a curated exhibition showcasing legal-tech startups, emerging ventures and student innovators working at the intersection of law and technology. The exhibition provided students and visitors with an opportunity to interact directly with founders and innovators and experience cutting-edge developments in legal technology. Featured organisations included CaseOn, Resolvify, Sulah AI, Project ACCESS and other innovative ventures demonstrating solutions in Artificial Intelligence, Online Dispute Resolution, legal education, legal research and access to justice.

A major highlight of the exhibition was Sulah AI, an AI and ODR initiative developed through LIIC, reflecting the Cell’s commitment to fostering technology-enabled solutions for the justice ecosystem.

Together, LEXCELERATE’26 and VIDHI-VERSE created a vibrant platform where law, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation converged, enabling students to engage with emerging developments in the legal sector while interacting with founders, mentors, practitioners and fellow innovators. The successful organisation of both initiatives was led by Dr. Esha Sharma, Chairperson along with the student members of the Legal Innovation and Incubation Cell.

Through these initiatives, HPNLU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary learning, empowering young legal minds to move beyond identifying challenges and towards building the justice solutions of the future.