Trade Matrix
Trade Matrix is an annual macroeconomic simulation by SPADE, Shivaji College, challenging undergraduate students to build and navigate a national economy with a ₹7,000 prize pool.
- Funding amount
- ₹7,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Shivaji College, University of Delhi (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (21 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Trade Matrix is the flagship annual event of SPADE, the Economics Society of Shivaji College, University of Delhi. It is an intensive macroeconomic simulation designed for undergraduate students. Participants form a National Economic Council and must build a fully integrated national economy from scratch. They face a volatile global landscape with supply chain disruptions and shifting inflation. Teams strategically allocate limited Sovereign Credits, forge alliances, and build 5-stage value chains to maximize National Output (GDP). The competition is a single-day offline event held at Sambhaji Maharaj Sabhagar, Shivaji College. A strict 'Zero Tech Policy' prohibits the use of internet and mobile phones; all materials like Production Boards, Sovereign Credits, and Resource Cards are provided.
Who Should Apply Open to all undergraduate students from any college. Teams must have 2–3 members. Cross-college teams are highly encouraged to bring diverse perspectives.
Tracks / Themes The simulation covers core macroeconomic principles, strategic resource allocation, supply chain management, and economic volatility. Key themes include treasury management, tactical pressure in dynamic markets, inter-team negotiations, and adapting to unforeseen Black Swan events.
Format & Timeline The event has four rounds:
- PRE-ROUND: The Sovereign Briefing – Teams receive their National Production Board, Sovereign Credits, and Power Cards, along with a briefing on objectives and desk protocols.
- Round 1: Sovereign Expansion – Teams manage a ₹55,000 Sovereign Credit budget to secure resources, deploy Power Cards, and establish a 5-stage production sequence.
- Round 2: Systematic Volatility – Teams face interconnected decisions and market shifts, requiring tactical pressure and dynamic pivoting.
- Round 3: Trade And Survival – The most intense phase involves high-stakes diplomacy, critical inter-team negotiations, and adapting to live twists.
Prizes Total cash prize pool of ₹7,000. Winner receives ₹4,000, runner-up receives ₹3,000.
How to Apply Registration closes on April 21, 2026. Apply via the official competition page on Unstop.
Highlights
- Open to all undergraduate students; teams of 2–3 members.
- Cross-college teams are encouraged.
- Single-day offline event at Shivaji College, Delhi.
- Cash prizes: Winner ₹4,000, Runner-up ₹3,000 (total ₹7,000).
- Zero Tech Policy – no internet or mobile phones allowed.
- Registration deadline: April 21, 2026.
Who can apply
Open exclusively to undergraduate students (any college). Teams must consist of 2–3 members. Cross-college teams are permitted and encouraged.
Trade Matrix 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 Trade Matrix closed on 21 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Cash prize pool of ₹7,000.
- Winner receives ₹4,000.
- Runner-up receives ₹3,000.
About the provider
Trade Matrix is offered by Shivaji College, University of Delhi, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Shivaji College, University of Delhi 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 official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Selection is based on performance across three rounds of the macroeconomic simulation. Teams are evaluated on their ability to construct a national economy, manage Sovereign Credits, complete 5-stage value chains, negotiate with other teams, and adapt to volatile market conditions and Black Swan events. The team that maximizes National Output (GDP) and navigates challenges most effectively wins.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Trade Matrix, 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
Trade Matrix is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹7,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Trade Matrix competition?
Trade Matrix is an annual macroeconomic simulation organised by SPADE, the Economics Society of Shivaji College, University of Delhi. Undergraduate students form teams and build a national economy from scratch, facing supply chain disruptions, inflation, and volatile markets.
How much is the prize money?
The total prize pool is ₹7,000. The winner receives ₹4,000 and the runner-up receives ₹3,000.
What is the application deadline?
Registration closes on April 21, 2026.
Who can apply?
The competition is open only to undergraduate students from any college. Teams must have 2–3 members. Cross-college teams are allowed and encouraged.
Is there any fee to participate?
The provided information does not mention any participation fee.
Where and when does the event take place?
It is a single-day offline event held at Sambhaji Maharaj Sabhagar, Shivaji College. The exact date is not specified, but registration closes on April 21, 2026.
What is the 'Zero Tech Policy'?
During the competition, use of internet and mobile phones is strictly prohibited. All required materials such as Production Boards, Sovereign Credits, and Resource Cards are provided.
How do I apply?
You can register via the official competition page on Unstop (linked in the description).
Does the program take equity or require repayment?
No, this is a competition with cash prizes. There is no equity or repayment involved.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Trade Matrix?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Trade Matrix, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Trade Matrix?
Trade Matrix is offered by Shivaji College, University of Delhi, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Shivaji College, University of Delhi
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