How to Apply for SPARK x MGA Shark Tank Challenge — Student & Early-Stage Pitch Contest

Selection runs across two rounds.

Round 1 – Submission and evaluation. Every registered 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 include a GitHub repository link, and a live deployed demo, website or app link is strongly recommended where one exists. Entries are judged on innovation, practical implementation, technical depth, feasibility, clarity of presentation, real-world impact and scalability. Roughly 15–20 teams move forward.

Round 2 – Final Shark Tank pitch. Shortlisted teams pitch live before the judging panel. The round combines a live presentation or demo, a question-and-answer session, and a thorough technical and business evaluation that includes product validation and an assessment of how well the team can execute. Judges may probe technical implementation, the solution approach taken, system architecture, validation work, obstacles faced, how the project differs from alternatives, scalability, business model and future milestones. Teams should expect to explain their build in depth: AI tools are permitted only as an assistant, and participants must fully understand and be able to justify what they have produced.

Organisers note that timelines and formats may be adjusted to keep the challenge running smoothly.