SPARK x MGA Shark Tank Challenge — Student & Early-Stage Pitch Contest — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about SPARK x MGA Shark Tank Challenge — Student & Early-Stage Pitch Contest — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SPARK x MGA Shark Tank Open Innovation Challenge?
It is a nationwide online innovation and pitching contest for students and early-stage innovators, organised jointly by Project SPARK and Mission Gen Atlantis. Entries are assessed in two rounds: a submission round judged on the deck, video and project details, and a live final where shortlisted teams pitch and answer questions from a judging panel in a Shark Tank-style format.
Who can apply, and can I take part on my own?
The challenge is open to all students and early-stage innovators, whatever your college, specialisation, domain or background. You can enter alone or as part of a team of up to 4 members, and interdisciplinary, inter-college and inter-specialisation teams are encouraged. You do not need to be an incorporated company to apply.
Is there an entry fee, and when does registration close?
Yes — there is a one-time participation fee of ₹500 per team. Registration closes on 20 June 2026, and entries are submitted through the official Google Form.
What do I need to submit in Round 1?
Each team submits an 8–10 slide pitch deck, a project video of no more than 2 minutes, and written details covering the problem statement, proposed solution, tech stack, current progress, future roadmap and contact information. Software projects must provide a GitHub repository link, and a live deployed demo, website or app link is strongly recommended if you have one.
How many teams reach the final round, and what happens there?
Around 15–20 teams are selected from the first round. They pitch live to a judging panel in a final that includes a presentation or demo, a Q&A session, and a full technical and business evaluation covering product validation and execution capability.
Which sectors or domains can I submit my project in?
There is no closed list. Projects can come from areas such as AI and machine learning, SaaS, fintech, healthcare, robotics, IoT, sustainability, edtech, automation, social innovation or open innovation — and other domains are welcome too.
Is there a cash prize, and does the competition take equity?
The organisers describe the competition's value as non-cash. There is no grant, loan or investment component, and no equity stake is taken — participants keep full ownership of their intellectual property. What shortlisted teams gain is a live pitching platform, technical and business feedback, validation and exposure.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration?
No. The challenge lists no DPIIT recognition or MSME registration requirement. It is open to students and early-stage innovators, and there is no condition that you be a registered or incorporated entity.
Can I use AI tools to build my project?
AI may be used only as an assistant tool. Participants are expected to genuinely build their own project and must be able to explain and defend their technical decisions in detail during the Q&A, so a project you cannot fully justify will not hold up in the final round. Plagiarism, offensive content or false claims lead to immediate disqualification.
How do I apply?
Applications are made through the official Google Form at https://forms.gle/SLC2KKj2DyHtKeXTA, and the one-time ₹500 team fee applies. Complete your entry before registration closes on 20 June 2026.
What is the application deadline for SPARK x MGA Shark Tank Challenge — Student & Early-Stage Pitch Contest?
The application deadline for SPARK x MGA Shark Tank Challenge — Student & Early-Stage Pitch Contest is Closed (20 Jun 2026). Deadlines can be revised, so reconfirm on the official source before applying.
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