The Chandigarh Region Innovation and Knowledge Cluster (CRIKC), established at Panjab University in 2012, is a consortium of 29 premier institutions aimed at fostering academic alliances, promoting innovation, and advancing knowledge creation while preserving institutional autonomy. Inspired by the Narayan Murthy Report (2012), Knowledge Commission Report, 12th Plan Document, MHRD's RUSA (Meta-University concept), and STI Policy 2013, CRIKC was formally named in November 2012 and gained support from MP Shri Pawan Bansal, who allocated ₹1 crore for its development. Its mission is to cultivate collaboration among higher education and research institutions in the region to achieve excellence in education and research aligned with national priorities and UN SDGs. CRIKC focuses on joint research projects, collaborative teaching/ training programs, shared use of research facilities, and nurturing scientific culture from school level. It promotes excellence in Biomedical Sciences, Nano-science & Nanotechnology, and Theoretical Studies, while supporting policy planning for better understanding of GOI programs and societal needs. Key initiatives include CHASCON (annual science congress), CRIKC Ignited Minds (scientific temper in schools), Shodh Samwad (PhD collaboration), and the Advance Drone Tech Centre at Panjab University. Member institutes and universities include PGIMER, GMCH-32, IIT Ropar, IISER, PEC, NIPER, CSIR-IMTECH, DRDO labs (SASE, TBRL), NABI, INST, Chitkara University, Rayat-Bahra University, and Desh Bhagat University. Through these alliances, CRIKC enables resource pooling, interdisciplinary research, and industry-academia partnerships. Its programs also foster leadership among young researchers, strengthen links between academia and society, and provide a platform to address regional and national development goals. Over the years, CRIKC has emerged as a significant driver of innovation-led socio-economic growth, transforming Chandigarh into a hub of research, knowledge exchange, and scientific excellence.