Startup World Cup 2026 Bengaluru: Pitch for the ₹9.2Cr Investment Prize
A global startup pitch competition by Pegasus Tech Ventures and CEDAT, where the Bengaluru regional winner advances to the Silicon Valley Grand Finale to compete for a $1 million investment prize. Applications close 10 July 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹9.2Cr (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Pegasus Tech Ventures (VC / Investor)
- Application deadline
- Closed (10 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Startup World Cup is an international pitching competition run by Pegasus Tech Ventures, a venture capital firm that backs early-stage technology companies. The 2026 Bengaluru edition is delivered together with CEDAT, a Bengaluru-based organisation that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.
Entries are open to founders and startups at an early stage of their journey, based anywhere in the world. The Bengaluru round acts as the entry point for Indian teams, placing them on the same global ladder as participants from other countries.
The rewards at the top of that ladder are substantial. The team that wins the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley takes home a $1 million investment, listed against this programme as up to ₹9.2Cr.
Applications opened on 3 March 2026 and close on 10 July 2026. The top 10 entries are announced on 20 July 2026, those teams pitch at the Bengaluru regional finale on 8 August 2026, and the regional winner heads to Silicon Valley for the Grand Finale on 6 November 2026.
Highlights
- Global pitch competition run by Pegasus Tech Ventures in collaboration with CEDAT
- Grand prize: a $1 million investment, listed as up to ₹9.2Cr, decided at the Silicon Valley finale
- Applications close 10 July 2026
- Top 10 announced 20 July 2026; regional finale in Bengaluru on 8 August 2026
- Grand Finale in Silicon Valley on 6 November 2026
- Open to early-stage founders and startups worldwide, with Indian entrants specifically invited
Who can apply
Eligibility for Startup World Cup 2026 - Bengaluru is broad by design.
- Stage: early-stage founders and startups, as well as ventures that are already scaling — no specific stage restriction is stated.
- Geography: entries are accepted from anywhere in the world, and founders in India are specifically invited to take part.
- Team and sector: no team size limits or industry restrictions are mentioned.
- Registration: the published eligibility notes do not list a DPIIT or MSME requirement.
Startup World Cup 2026 Bengaluru: Pitch for the ₹9.2Cr Investment Prize 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 Startup World Cup 2026 Bengaluru: Pitch for the ₹9.2Cr Investment Prize closed on 10 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The prize at the end of the competition is a $1 million investment for the winner of the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley. Against this programme the amount is shown as up to ₹9.2Cr.
- The grand prize is described as an investment rather than a grant, so the winning startup should expect it to be structured as one.
- Organisers note that finalists may also gain exposure to global investors, venture capital firms and others in the startup ecosystem.
- Reaching the Bengaluru regional finale on 8 August 2026 puts a team on an international pitching stage, and its winner earns the place at the Grand Finale on 6 November 2026.
About the provider
Startup World Cup 2026 Bengaluru: Pitch for the ₹9.2Cr Investment Prize is offered by Pegasus Tech Ventures. It is delivered directly by Pegasus Tech Ventures as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications opened on 3 March 2026 and remain open until 10 July 2026.
Once the window closes, entries are reviewed and the top 10 startups are announced on 20 July 2026.
Those ten teams pitch at the regional finale in Bengaluru on 8 August 2026. The winner of that round advances to the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley on 6 November 2026, where the $1 million investment prize is decided.
No further screening rounds, judging criteria or scoring details are described in the programme information.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Startup World Cup 2026 Bengaluru: Pitch for the ₹9.2Cr Investment 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.
Who this is best for
Startup World Cup 2026 Bengaluru: Pitch for the ₹9.2Cr Investment Prize is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹9.2Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is on offer at Startup World Cup 2026?
The grand prize is a $1 million investment, shown against this programme as up to ₹9.2Cr. It is awarded to the winning startup at the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley. Finalists may also gain exposure to global investors, venture capital firms and ecosystem enablers.
Who is eligible to enter the Bengaluru round?
The competition is open to early-stage founders and startups based anywhere in the world, and founders in India are specifically invited to take part. No specific team size or stage restrictions are mentioned, so both founders who are just starting out and those already scaling can apply.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration to apply?
The published eligibility details for Startup World Cup 2026 do not mention a DPIIT or MSME registration requirement.
Is the prize equity investment or a grant?
Organisers describe the $1 million grand prize as an investment rather than a grant, so the winner should expect it to be structured as an investment. No further terms are given in the programme information.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 10 July 2026. The application window opened on 3 March 2026.
How do I apply?
Entries are accepted through the Eventbrite registration link for Startup World Cup 2026. Register before the deadline of 10 July 2026.
What happens after applications close?
The top 10 startups are announced on 20 July 2026. Those ten teams pitch at the regional finale in Bengaluru on 8 August 2026, and the winner advances to the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley on 6 November 2026.
Can startups from outside India apply?
Yes. Entry is open to early-stage founders and startups from anywhere in the world, and Indian startups are welcome to compete.
Is there a sector or industry restriction?
No industry restriction is stated in the programme details, and no specific stage limits or team size requirements are mentioned either.
Who organises Startup World Cup?
It is organised by Pegasus Tech Ventures, a global venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology startups and runs the competition annually. The Bengaluru edition is hosted in collaboration with CEDAT, a Bengaluru-based innovation and entrepreneurship support organisation.
Who offers Startup World Cup 2026 Bengaluru: Pitch for the ₹9.2Cr Investment Prize?
Startup World Cup 2026 Bengaluru: Pitch for the ₹9.2Cr Investment Prize is offered by Pegasus Tech Ventures. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Startup World Cup 2026 Bengaluru: Pitch for the ₹9.2Cr Investment Prize
Not sure Startup World Cup 2026 Bengaluru: Pitch for the ₹9.2Cr Investment Prize is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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