Numero Uno: IIM Bangalore Strategy Case Competition, ₹1.1L Prize

Numero Uno is a case competition focused on strategy, run by the Forum for Industrial Interaction (FII) at IIM Bangalore — the body that links the institute with industry. It is built to spot future leaders through a demanding, multi-round format that examines business acumen, strategic reasoning, leadership and the ability to decide well while under pressure, with creativity and communication also carrying weight.

Entry is strictly individual. There is no team to assemble and no team size to settle, so students and working professionals compete on their own merits. Registration happens on the Unstop platform and the window shuts on July 25, 2026.

The contest moves through three rounds — an online quiz, a written strategy case and an offline finale — with the field narrowing at each step. The winner and the runners-up share a prize pool of ₹1,11,111, and every participant, shortlisted or not, receives a participation certificate.

• Solo strategy case competition run by the Forum for Industrial Interaction (FII) at IIM Bangalore
• Winner and runners-up share a prize pool of ₹1,11,111
• Three rounds: an online quiz, a 4-slide strategy case, and an offline boardroom finale
• Round 1 is 25 objective questions in 20 minutes, scored on accuracy and speed
• Top 6–8 entrants reach the offline finale; every participant gets a certificate
• Register on Unstop — deadline July 25, 2026

Who can enter: Numero Uno is open to individuals. It is a solo contest — no team formation is needed and there is no team size to work out, so you register and compete alone.

Restrictions: The organisers list no specific eligibility restrictions. No sector, qualification, institution or professional background is prescribed, which means students and professionals are both free to apply.

Practical conditions: Two things matter in practice. You must be able to attempt the opening rounds online, and if you are shortlisted for the finale you need to travel for the offline boardroom round. No DPIIT or MSME registration, and no particular entity type, is stated as a prerequisite.

Numero Uno: IIM Bangalore Strategy Case Competition, ₹1.1L Prize is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Numero Uno: IIM Bangalore Strategy Case Competition, ₹1.1L Prize closed on 25 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Numero Uno is a prize competition rather than a grant, a loan or an equity investment, so what you take away is prize money and recognition rather than capital for a business.

• Prize pool of ₹1,11,111, shared between the winner and the runners-up — the basis for the "up to ₹1.1L" figure.
• A participation certificate for every entrant, including those who do not progress beyond the first round.
• Progression through the rounds, with the strongest performers moving from the online quiz to the case submission and then into the offline finale, where 6–8 participants compete.

Because the format is a competition, there is no equity dilution and nothing to repay.

Round 1 — Differentiation (online quiz) This is an objective test hosted on the Unstop platform: 25 questions to be completed in 20 minutes. Topics span strategy, finance, marketing, operations, leadership, business awareness, current affairs and core management concepts. Shortlisting is decided by how accurate and how quick you are.

Round 2 — Strategy Case Submission Those who clear the quiz receive a contemporary business problem to work on. You get 4–6 days to prepare and submit a 4-slide deck, with the title slide and any appendix excluded from that count. Judges weigh how well the problem is understood, the rigour of the analysis, creativity and feasibility, and the strategic insight on display. The top 6–8 entrants advance to the finale.

Round 3 — Board Room Discussion (offline finale) This stage is split into two parts.

• Round 3a: Boardroom Crisis Simulation (non-eliminating) — Finalists are given executive roles and placed in boardrooms to deliberate on a business crisis scenario, aiming to reach consensus through discussion and negotiation. Strategic thinking, leadership, communication and decision-making under pressure are assessed.
• Round 3b: Boardroom Showdown (eliminating) — A high-stakes business scenario that calls for swift, effective decisions. Finalists defend their viewpoints, negotiate with stakeholders and propose actionable solutions inside a simulated boardroom. Judging covers strategic acumen, leadership, persuasion, communication, presence of mind and composure under pressure.

Before you apply to Numero Uno: IIM Bangalore Strategy Case Competition, ₹1.1L Prize, 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.

Numero Uno: IIM Bangalore Strategy Case Competition, ₹1.1L Prize is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.1L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.