Description: The Startup Challenge is a hybrid business-pitch competition in which teams develop commercially relevant solutions to real-world problems using quantum concepts or quantum-enabled technologies where appropriate. Participants begin by identifying a meaningful problem or market opportunity and then develop a solution that can be presented as a potential product, service or technology venture. Teams should explain the target users or customers, the problem being addressed, the proposed solution, the role of quantum technology, the value proposition and the practical path toward implementation. A preliminary concept pitch will serve as the screening round, allowing organizers and judges to shortlist proposals before the final pitch stage. Shortlisted teams can refine their concept, prepare supporting evidence or prototypes and present their business proposition to a judging panel. Final evaluation may consider problem clarity, solution quality, justification of the quantum component, user or market understanding, feasibility, business model, differentiation, scalability, presentation quality and responses during Q&A. The event connects emerging quantum technology with practical applications and entrepreneurial thinking.
Total Duration: 90–120 minutes
Rules & Guidelines: Each team must consist of 2–5 members . Teams must identify a meaningful real-world problem or market opportunity. The proposed solution should have a relevant connection to quantum concepts or quantum-enabled technologies . Teams must clearly explain the problem, target users/customers and proposed solution. The role and relevance of quantum technology should be clearly justified. Teams must participate in the Concept Pitch Screening round. The screening stage may consider the problem statement, solution, quantum component, feasibility and business potential. Shortlisted teams may proceed to the final business pitch. Teams should explain their value proposition, target market, implementation approach and business model during the final presentation. Teams may use supporting research, prototypes, demonstrations or other relevant evidence where applicable. All submitted ideas and presentation materials should represent the team's own work. Any external tools, datasets, AI tools, research sources or third-party resources used should be disclosed if required by the organizers. Teams must adhere to the presentation time limits specified by the organizers. All team members should be prepared to answer questions from the judging panel. Evaluation may consider problem clarity, solution quality, quantum relevance, market understanding, feasibility, business model, differentiation, scalability, presentation and Q&A . Teams must follow the submission format and deadlines announced by the organizers. The judges' decision based on the announced evaluation criteria will be final.