PITCHFUND

About the Competition: Pitchfund challenges student teams to conceptualize, validate, and present innovative startup ideas capable of solving real-world problems. Teams prepare a comprehensive business pitch covering the problem statement, solution, market opportunity, business model, competitive advantage, financial projections, and growth strategy. The competition consists of multiple stages, including pitch deck screening and investor pitching. Teams are evaluated on innovation, scalability, feasibility, market potential, presentation skills, and investment readiness. Participants gain exposure to the startup ecosystem, receive feedback from mentors, interact with investors, and may secure potential funding opportunities. Competition Format: Round 1: Pitch Deck Screening Registered teams needs to submit their idea, startup name and pitch deck. Pitch decks are evaluated based on innovation, problem statement, market potential, business model, and scalability. Top-performing teams are shortlisted for the final round. Round 2: Presentaion Round The ideas will be pitched in front of Senior Members and Mentors of the Clubs. The teams who will perform good will be shortlisted for the next round. Round 3: Investor Pitch Shortlisted startups present their ventures before a panel of Venture Capitalists (VCs) and investors. Each team delivers a structured pitch followed by a Q&A session. Startups are evaluated on innovation, scalability, market potential, business viability, and investment readiness. Investors may initiate investment discussions with promising startups. Selected startups may receive funding commitments of up to ₹15 Lakhs, subject to independent evaluation, investment terms, and due diligence. Rules: Eligibility: Team Size: 1–3 members. Students currently enrolled in any recognized institution in India are eligible to participate. Registration through Unstop before the registration deadline is mandatory. General Rules: Participants must report to the venue at least 30 minutes before the scheduled reporting time. Participants must wear formal or business professional attire during the event. Teams must carry valid college ID cards for verification. Plagiarism, false claims, or misrepresentation of information will lead to immediate disqualification. Teams will be shortlisted after each round based on the evaluation criteria. The decision of the judges and organizers shall be final and binding. Organizers reserve the right to modify the event schedule, rules, or format due to unforeseen circumstances. Any disputes will be resolved by the Organizing Team, whose decision will be final and binding. Submission Guidelines: Submit the Pitch Deck (PPT/PDF) through the designated submission portal before the deadline. Only one submission per team will be accepted. If multiple submissions are made, the latest submission before the deadline will be considered. The pitch deck must be the original work of the participating team. Teams must present a well-researched and substantially developed startup idea. Vague or purely conceptual ideas without meaningful validation, execution, or progress may not be considered for shortlisting. Shortlisted teams must carry offline copies of the presentation in both PPT and PDF formats. Each team will receive a fixed duration for the investor pitch followed by a Q&A session. All presentations and interactions during the event must be conducted in English. Note: The organizers reserve the right to cancel or postpone the event if the number or quality of submissions does not meet the required standards. Judging Criteria: Innovation & Originality – 20 Marks Problem-Solution Fit – 20 Marks Market Opportunity – 15 Marks Business Model – 15 Marks Scalability – 15 Marks Competitive Advantage – 10 Marks Pitch Deck Quality – 5 Marks