StratEdge 3.0 — IIM Lucknow Case Contest with ₹75,000 Prize Pool
IIM Lucknow's online strategy case competition for teams of 2–3 students, with a ₹75,000 cash prize pool and free entry through Unstop.
- Funding amount
- ₹75,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (20 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
StratEdge 3.0 is a business strategy case contest hosted by the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow. Student teams move through a multi-round format that finishes with a live pitch to a panel of IIM Lucknow alumni, and those judges decide the final standings.
Everything happens online, so participants can take part from any campus or city without travelling to Lucknow. Entry is free — teams register through Unstop.
The contest is built around real-world business problems rather than textbook theory. Round 1 screens the field with an online quiz, Round 2 asks teams to analyse and submit a solution to a real-life problem statement, and Round 3 brings the shortlisted teams in front of the alumni panel.
Three teams take home cash: ₹35,000 for the winner, ₹25,000 for the first runner up and ₹15,000 for the second runner up, out of a total prize pool of ₹75,000. Winners also receive certificates.
Highlights
- Organised by IIM Lucknow and conducted fully online across three rounds
- Total cash prize pool of ₹75,000 — ₹35,000, ₹25,000 and ₹15,000 for the top three teams
- Open to students from any discipline and any institution
- Teams of 2–3 members; no registration fee to enter
- Round 1 is an online quiz, Round 2 submissions are cut down to the top 10 teams
- Registration closes on 20 July 2026 through Unstop
Who can apply
StratEdge 3.0 is open to students — any discipline, any institution. Whether you study engineering, commerce, arts, management or anything else, you are eligible to enter.
Entries have to be teams, not individuals. Each team needs 2 to 3 members, and the same team competes across all three rounds.
There is no registration fee, so nothing is payable to take part.
Because every round is conducted online, teams do not need to be based in Lucknow or travel to the IIM Lucknow campus.
StratEdge 3.0 — IIM Lucknow Case Contest with ₹75,000 Prize Pool 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 StratEdge 3.0 — IIM Lucknow Case Contest with ₹75,000 Prize Pool closed on 20 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
This is a prize-money competition rather than a grant or an investment programme. The cash is prize money awarded to the top three teams, and it comes with no repayment obligation.
- Winner: ₹35,000 in cash, plus a certificate
- First Runner Up: ₹25,000 in cash, plus a certificate
- Second Runner Up: ₹15,000 in cash, plus a certificate
The total cash prize pool across the three positions comes to ₹75,000.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
StratEdge 3.0 runs entirely online and narrows the field across three rounds.
- Round 1 — Online quiz: an elimination round. Teams that clear the quiz move ahead.
- Round 2 — Case submission: shortlisted teams analyse a real-life problem statement and submit their work. The submission format is shared with participants later, and only the top 10 teams progress.
- Round 3 — Final presentation: the surviving teams present before a panel of IIM Lucknow alumni judges. Winners are decided on the panel's scores.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to StratEdge 3.0 — IIM Lucknow Case Contest with ₹75,000 Prize Pool, 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
StratEdge 3.0 — IIM Lucknow Case Contest with ₹75,000 Prize Pool is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹75,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is StratEdge 3.0?
It is a strategy case competition run by the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow. Teams of students solve business problems across three online rounds, and the contest ends with a final presentation to a panel of IIM Lucknow alumni who decide the winners.
How much prize money is on offer at StratEdge 3.0?
The winner takes ₹35,000, the first runner up gets ₹25,000 and the second runner up receives ₹15,000, making a total prize pool of ₹75,000. All three winning teams are also given certificates.
Who is eligible to participate in StratEdge 3.0?
Any student can enter, from any discipline and any institution. There is no restriction to business or management students, and no requirement to be based in a particular state or city.
Can I take part as an individual?
No. Entries are accepted only as teams of 2 to 3 members, and the same team stays together through all three rounds of the competition.
Is there a registration fee for StratEdge 3.0?
No, registering is free. Teams sign up through the official Unstop listing and pay nothing to enter.
What is the last date to register?
Registrations close on 20 July 2026. Teams need to complete their Unstop registration before that date.
How does the competition work across rounds?
Round 1 is an online quiz that eliminates teams. Round 2 requires shortlisted teams to analyse and submit a solution to a real-life problem statement, with only the top 10 teams advancing. Round 3 is a final presentation in front of a panel of IIM Lucknow alumni judges, whose scores determine the winners.
How do I apply for StratEdge 3.0?
Register your team through the official Unstop competition page before 20 July 2026. There is no registration fee at any point in the process.
Do I have to travel to IIM Lucknow for the rounds?
No. The competition is conducted entirely online, including the final presentation round, so teams can compete from anywhere.
Does StratEdge 3.0 take equity in my team or business?
No. This is a case competition with cash prizes, so nothing is taken in equity and the prize money does not have to be repaid. Winners simply receive the cash and a certificate.
Is DPIIT recognition required for StratEdge 3.0 — IIM Lucknow Case Contest with ₹75,000 Prize Pool?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for StratEdge 3.0 — IIM Lucknow Case Contest with ₹75,000 Prize Pool, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to StratEdge 3.0 — IIM Lucknow Case Contest with ₹75,000 Prize Pool
Not sure StratEdge 3.0 — IIM Lucknow Case Contest with ₹75,000 Prize Pool is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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