Apna Campus Tank 2026
By Apna
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Quick Answer
India's Next Unicorn, Season 2 (Campus Tank) by Apna and Chandigarh University, is a high-impact startup funding and incubation platform offering access to a $15 million pledged funding pool for future-ready startups.
About this funding program
Apna Campus Tank 2026, branded as India's Next Unicorn Season 2, is a premier startup funding and incubation initiative launched by Apna in collaboration with Chandigarh University. This program is meticulously designed to identify and empower innovative founders who are developing groundbreaking solutions across diverse sectors and industries. Following the successful inaugural season, Season 2 expands its network, bringing together a robust consortium of leading investment partners and influential figures from the startup ecosystem.
This platform provides an unparalleled opportunity for founders across India to pitch their ventures, secure significant capital, and accelerate their growth trajectory. Whether you're at the nascent ideation stage, actively scaling a product, or strategizing for your next funding round, India's Next Unicorn offers a unique pathway to engage directly with prominent investors, gain access to structured incubation support via Cube Founders Space by Chandigarh University, and benefit from extensive ecosystem resources.
Selected startups will have the chance to pitch for investment from a substantial pledged funding pool of $15 million, primarily led by Chandigarh University and its partner investors. Beyond capital, participants will gain invaluable exposure, mentorship, masterclasses, and networking opportunities. The program culminates in a live Demo Day, offering finalists a prominent stage to present their innovations to top investors and industry leaders, securing visibility and potential investment to fuel their journey towards becoming India's next unicorn.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
CU-TBI, the Chandigarh University Technology Business Incubator, is an incubator on Chandigarh University's Gharuan campus in Mohali, Punjab. It is a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, hosted by the university rather than run as a university…
Learn moreFounded 2016, 206 investments, 10 exits (source: Failory).
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
What You Get
- Investment Opportunity: Pitch for investment from a pledged pool of $15 million, led by Chandigarh University and partner investors, spanning pre-seed to Series A stages.
- Incubation Support: Selected startups will receive comprehensive incubation and ecosystem support through Cube Founders Space by Chandigarh University, fostering growth and development.
- Masterclasses & Mentorship: Gain access to exclusive pitch refinement masterclasses, mentorship from startup and industry leaders, and expert sessions designed to polish business models and presentation skills.
- Investor Access & Visibility: Opportunities to pitch to top investors, participate in a live Demo Day, get featured across Apna’s social media platforms, and gain recognition within the wider India’s Next Unicorn ecosystem.
- Networking: Connect with a broad network of investment partners, ecosystem leaders, and fellow founders, facilitating valuable collaborations and future opportunities.
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for India's Next Unicorn involves multiple stages designed to progressively identify and refine promising startups. Initially, applications undergo an Idea Submission phase where detailed pitch decks are evaluated. Shortlisted teams then advance to an exclusive Masterclass Series focused on pitch refinement and business model development. Subsequently, these startups participate in an Online Pitch round, presenting virtually to an investor panel for further assessment. The most promising ventures are then selected for the final Offline Pitch, a live Demo Day at Chandigarh University, where they present to a panel of leading investors and ecosystem leaders. Final funding decisions are subject to investor alignment, due diligence, and final approval by the investor panel.
Application Process
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Idea Submission
Submit a detailed pitch deck and optional 90-second video via the application form.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
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Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
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Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
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Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Any founder or founding team building a startup across any sector can apply. The founder representing the startup must be a graduate or currently pursuing a graduation degree.
Does my startup need to be a registered entity?
Not necessarily. Founders at the idea or prototype stage can apply without a registered entity. However, startups seeking investment consideration must be registered or in the process of registering as a private limited company in India.
What stages of startups are eligible?
Startups ranging from idea and MVP to early traction or Product–Market Fit (PMF) are welcome.
What funding is available?
Selected startups may raise investment from a pledged pool of $15 million, spanning pre-seed to Series A stages. Please note: funding is not guaranteed. Investments are subject to investor alignment, due diligence, and final approval by the investor panel.
What do I need to submit as part of my application?
A pitch deck is mandatory. Applicants are strongly encouraged to also submit a 90-second video explaining their startup and vision.
When will startups pitch live?
Shortlisted finalists will pitch in person at the Demo Day at Chandigarh University, in front of leading investors and ecosystem leaders.
Will participants receive mentorship or support?
Yes. Shortlisted startups receive pitch preparation support, expert mentorship, and VC interactions. Select startups will also gain incubation support from Cube Founders Space by Chandigarh University.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Participation is completely free.
Are all sectors eligible?
Yes, startups from all sectors are eligible to apply.
Is the program remote or in person?
The program includes virtual stages, followed by an in-person Demo Day at Chandigarh University.
