Ascend 2026: Global Case Study Competition
An online global case study competition focused on supply chain management, offering a ₹30,000 cash prize pool and pre-internship opportunities.
- Funding amount
- ₹30,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (23 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Ascend 2026 is the third edition of an annual supply chain management (SCM) case competition, hosted by APICS SSCBS — the First Indian Chapter of the global Association for Supply Chain Management, based at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi. This online competition challenges participants to solve real-world SCM problems by applying strategic thinking, technology integration, business model innovation, and operational principles.
The competition is ideal for university students and young professionals interested in supply chain management, operations, and business strategy. Teams of 1 to 4 members can participate, encouraging both individual and collaborative problem-solving. The event runs entirely online from April 16 to April 28, 2026, with registration closing on April 23, 2026. Teams will receive a case study and must develop comprehensive solutions within the timeline, followed by presentations judged by industry experts.
Key themes include supply chain strategy, technology integration, business model innovation, operational principles, and practical problem-solving. The total cash prize pool is ₹30,000, with the first-place winner also receiving a pre-internship opportunity.
Highlights
- Global online case competition focused on supply chain management, organized by APICS SSCBS (the first Indian chapter of the Association for Supply Chain Management) at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi.
- Total cash prize pool of ₹30,000, with top prize ₹15,000 plus a pre-internship opportunity.
- Teams of 1 to 4 members; open to students and young professionals worldwide.
- Registration closes April 23, 2026; competition runs online from April 16 to April 28, 2026.
- Focus on real-world supply chain challenges in strategy, technology, innovation, and operations.
Who can apply
Ascend 2026 is open to individuals and teams of 1 to 4 members. There are no restrictions on background, location, or academic discipline — the competition welcomes anyone interested in supply chain management and business strategy. While hosted by an Indian university chapter, it is a global competition. No prior startup experience, DPIIT registration, or MSME certification is required. Participants can be students, young professionals, or any individual keen to tackle supply chain challenges.
Ascend 2026: Global Case Study Competition is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for Ascend 2026: Global Case Study Competition closed on 23 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Total cash prize pool of ₹30,000, distributed among the top three teams:
- 1st Place: ₹15,000 cash + Prizes in Kind + Pre-Internship Opportunity
- 2nd Place: ₹10,000 cash + Prizes in Kind
- 3rd Place: ₹5,000 cash + Prizes in Kind
- Prizes in Kind for the top three winning teams.
- A valuable pre-internship opportunity for the first-place winner.
About the provider
Ascend 2026: Global Case Study Competition is offered by Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Ascend 2026: Global Case Study Competition, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Ascend 2026: Global Case Study Competition is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹30,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ascend 2026?
Ascend 2026 is the third edition of an annual global case study competition focused on supply chain management (SCM). It is hosted by APICS SSCBS, the First Indian Chapter of the global Association for Supply Chain Management, based at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi.
How much funding or prize money is offered?
The total cash prize pool is ₹30,000, distributed as: 1st place ₹15,000 cash plus prizes in kind and a pre-internship opportunity; 2nd place ₹10,000 cash plus prizes in kind; 3rd place ₹5,000 cash plus prizes in kind.
What is the application deadline?
Registration closes on April 23, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Individuals or teams of 1 to 4 members are eligible. There are no restrictions on geography, academic background, or professional status — anyone interested in supply chain management can participate.
Does the program take equity or require any ownership stake?
No, Ascend 2026 is a competition with cash prizes and non-dilutive benefits. It does not take any equity or ask for ownership.
What are the competition dates?
The competition runs online from April 16 to April 28, 2026.
How do I apply?
You can register via the official Unstop platform linked on the program page. The registration link is provided above.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not required. The competition is open to all individuals and teams.
What documents are typically needed to apply?
The program does not specify required documents beyond registration via Unstop. Typically, participants may need to provide basic contact and team information during registration.
What topics or themes will the case study cover?
The case study will focus on supply chain management areas including strategy, technology integration, business model innovation, operational principles, and problem-solving.
Who offers Ascend 2026: Global Case Study Competition?
Ascend 2026: Global Case Study Competition is offered by Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Ascend 2026: Global Case Study Competition
Not sure Ascend 2026: Global Case Study Competition is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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