Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition
A live on-camera pitch competition in Bengaluru offering a ₹1 Lakh unconditional grant for a 60-second pitch, judged by a prominent founder or investor.
- Funding amount
- ₹1L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Masters Union School of Business (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (7 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition is a live, on-camera startup pitch show produced by Masters' Union. Founders get exactly 60 seconds to pitch their idea to a single guest judge — a prominent founder, investor, or operator — who then asks 2–3 follow-up questions. The judge decides immediately: a red buzzer means no, a green buzzer awards an unconditional ₹1 Lakh grant on the spot. No panels, no delays, no second chances. Every pitch is filmed and published across Elevator Pitch channels, which have garnered over 5.5 million views, offering massive visibility and direct feedback even if you don't win.
This competition is designed for individual founders or those in the ideation phase. You must be under 30 years of age and your startup's Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) must be ₹1 crore or less. You must be comfortable pitching live on camera and attend the shoot in Bengaluru on either June 13 or 14, 2026. The format is strictly individual — one founder per startup delivers the pitch.
Founders can pitch across a wide range of sectors, including D2C, Ecommerce, Marketplaces, Fintech, SaaS, Artificial Intelligence, Biosciences, Robotics, Climate Tech, Consumer Apps, EdTech, and the Creator Economy. Applications close on June 7, 2026. Shortlisted founders are assigned to sector-specific floors. All pitches are recorded and may be published publicly; participation implies consent for recording and media usage.
Highlights
- ₹1 Lakh unconditional grant with no equity or strings attached
- Open to founders under 30 with ARR ≤ ₹1 crore
- 60-second live on-camera pitch with instant green/red buzzer verdict
- Filmed and published to a channel with over 5.5 million views
- In-person attendance required in Bengaluru on June 13–14, 2026
- Covers sectors: D2C, Ecommerce, Marketplaces, Fintech, SaaS, AI, Biosciences, Robotics, Climate Tech, Consumer Apps, EdTech, Creator Economy
Who can apply
Open to individual founders (or those in ideation phase) who are under 30 years old and whose startup has an ARR of ₹1 crore or less. You must be comfortable pitching live on camera and must attend the shoot in Bengaluru on June 13 or 14, 2026. One founder per startup.
Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition 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 Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition closed on 7 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- A green buzzer awards an unconditional ₹1 Lakh grant to the founder.
- Masters' Union takes no equity, royalty, or any other obligation in exchange for the grant.
- All pitches are filmed and published, offering significant public visibility (over 5.5 million views across channels).
- Successful pitches receive immediate feedback and guidance from the guest judge.
About the provider
Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition is offered by Masters Union School of Business, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Masters Union School of Business 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 Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition, 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
Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The prize is an unconditional ₹1 Lakh grant. No equity, royalty, or obligation is taken by Masters' Union.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on June 7, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Individual founders or those in the ideation phase who are under 30 years old and have a startup ARR of ₹1 crore or less. You must be comfortable pitching live on camera and attend the shoot in Bengaluru on June 13 or 14, 2026.
Can I apply as a team?
No. The format is strictly for individual founders — only one founder per startup can deliver the pitch.
What sectors or themes are accepted?
Founders can pitch across D2C, Ecommerce, Marketplaces, Fintech, SaaS, Artificial Intelligence, Biosciences, Robotics, Climate Tech, Consumer Apps, EdTech, and the Creator Economy.
I am in the ideation stage with no revenue — can I apply?
Yes. The competition is open to founders in the ideation phase, provided you meet the age and attendance requirements.
Does the program take equity?
No. The ₹1 Lakh grant is unconditional — Masters' Union takes no equity, royalty, or any obligation.
What is the pitch format?
You get exactly 60 seconds to pitch your idea without slides, decks, or visuals. The guest judge then asks 2–3 follow-up questions and gives an immediate green or red buzzer verdict.
Where and when does the shoot take place?
The event is held at a studio in Bengaluru on June 13 and 14, 2026. You must attend on one of these days.
Will my pitch be recorded and published?
Yes. All pitches are filmed and may be published publicly on Elevator Pitch channels. Participation implies consent for recording and media usage.
How do I apply?
Applications are accepted via Unstop. The link is provided on the StartupFunds.in program page.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition?
Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition is offered by Masters Union School of Business, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Masters Union School of Business
Masters Union School of Business runs another program listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition
Not sure Elevator Pitch - Bengaluru Edition is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.