StartupIndia SmartIDEAthon: GITAM Invites entries from student & emerging StartUps for mega pitchfest

The varsity is now accepting applications for innovative ideas by Indian students across four themes: Food & Health, Toys for STEM, Sustainable Fashion and Frugal Innovation. The last date to submit applications is until June 10, 2023.

GITAM StartupIndia SmartIDEAthon: GITAM (Deemed to be University) has announced an annual pan-India mega pitch-fest for undergraduate and postgraduate student innovators to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas. The varsity is now accepting applications for innovative ideas by Indian students across four themes: Food & Health, Toys for STEM, Sustainable Fashion and Frugal Innovation. The last date to submit applications is until June 10, 2023. The pitch fest will culminate in a reality show-style grand finale on August 24-25 at GITAM’s Hyderabad campus. Interested candidates can register at https://rb.gy/308bp.

The student pitching competition is inviting individuals and ideation-level startups to pitch ideas for sustainable and resilient community building. It is organized by Venture Development Centre, GITAM (Deemed to be University) in collaboration with StartupIndia, Northeastern University Center for Emerging Markets, Boston and Northeastern University Center for Entrepreneurship Education (NUCEE), Boston.

Winning student entrepreneurs stand a chance to win personalised coaching and boot camps by internationally-trained venture coaches, a sponsored trip to the USA to showcase at Boston Entrepreneurship Week, and cash and grants worth INR 30 Lakh for winners and runners-up.

In Round 1, a panel of top venture leaders will review the submitted minute-long video pitches and presentations for relevance and innovation. Up to 100 shortlisted applicants will make it to Round 2 and be invited for online Bootcamp sessions and coaching by ace entrepreneurship practitioners. After the panel re-assesses submitted ideas for innovation, scalability and impact, 32 shortlisted teams from Round 2 get to walk into the semi-finals.

The semi-finals and the grand finale will be organised in person at GITAM’s Hyderabad campus, where the teams will network with industry experts, entrepreneurs and other prominent guests. The competition hots up and finally only eight teams will pitch to an eminent jury and live audience on stage in an auditorium setting.

Who can participate?

Student participants currently enrolled in any undergraduate or postgraduate programs and recent graduates can showcase their venture ideas in teams not exceeding two members.

SmartIDEAthon 2023: Important Dates

Applications will be accepted until June 10, followed by round 1 results on June 22 and Round 2 Results on July 15. Semi-Finals will be held on August 24 and the Grand Finale on August 25, 2023.

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