Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea
An open hackathon by Masters' Union where students and young founders pitch their business ideas for cash prizes and mentorship.
- Funding amount
- ₹15,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Masters Union School of Business (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (2 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
PitchFest is an open hackathon organized by Masters' Union where students and young founders pitch their business or innovation ideas. It is free to enter, runs in two rounds, and offers cash prizes along with on-campus mentorship and jury feedback from real founders and operators.
All domains are welcome — software, hardware, services, social-impact, content businesses, etc. Entries are judged on clarity, originality, and feasibility, not domain.
The competition is structured in two rounds. Round 1 is online: submit your idea via an online form (around 10 minutes) by the deadline of 2nd July. Shortlisted participants are announced in early July. Round 2 is the Final Pitch Round, where 15 shortlisted finalists pitch live to a jury at Masters' Union Campus in DLF CyberHub, Gurugram. Each finalist gets a 5-minute pitch followed by Q&A before a live jury, with winners announced in mid-July.
Total cash prize pool is ₹15,000. The winner receives ₹10,000, and the runner-up receives ₹5,000. Finalists also receive on-campus mentorship and jury feedback.
Registration is free and closes on 2nd July. Apply via the official Unstop page. Finalists must attend the Final Pitch Round in person at Masters' Union Campus, Gurugram; travel and accommodation are not covered.
Highlights
- ₹15,000 cash prize pool
- Open to all 18+ founders & professionals
- Teams of up to 3, or solo applications
- On-campus mentorship & jury feedback
Who can apply
Open to anyone aged 18 or above — undergrad students, postgrad students, working professionals, and first-time founders. Teams of up to 3 members are allowed; solo applications are also accepted. Inter-college and inter-specialization teams are allowed. No working prototype is required at the application stage. No enrolment at Masters' Union is required.
Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea 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 Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea closed on 2 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Winner receives ₹10,000 cash prize.
- Runner-up receives ₹5,000 cash prize.
- Finalists receive on-campus mentorship and jury feedback from real founders and operators.
About the provider
Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea 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 Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea, 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
Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹15,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The total cash prize pool is ₹15,000. The winner receives ₹10,000, and the runner-up receives ₹5,000.
What is the application deadline?
The registration deadline is 2nd July 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone aged 18 or older can apply, including undergrad students, postgrad students, working professionals, and first-time founders. You do not need to be enrolled at Masters' Union. Teams of up to 3 members are allowed, and solo applications are also accepted.
Are there any industry or domain restrictions?
No, all domains are welcome — software, hardware, services, social-impact, content businesses, etc. Ideas are judged on clarity, originality, and feasibility, not domain.
Do I need a working prototype to apply?
No, a working prototype is not required at the application stage.
What is the format of the competition?
Round 1 is online: submit your idea via a form (about 10 minutes). Round 2 is a final pitch round where 15 shortlisted finalists pitch live for 5 minutes plus Q&A at Masters' Union Campus in Gurugram.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a competition with cash prizes. It does not take any equity or ownership in your idea.
What documents are needed to apply?
The application requires submitting your business idea via an online form. Specific document requirements are not detailed, but no prototype or lengthy paperwork is needed.
How and where do I apply?
Apply via the official Unstop page linked on the program's listing. Registration closes on 2nd July.
Do finalists need to be present in person?
Yes, finalists must attend the Final Pitch Round in person at Masters' Union Campus, DLF CyberHub, Gurugram. Travel and accommodation are not covered.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea?
Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea is offered by Masters Union School of Business, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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 Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea
Not sure Pitch Fest | Pitch Your Business Idea is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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