Buddha Startup Pitchfest 1.0
By Buddha Institute of Technology
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
Buddha Startup Pitchfest 1.0 is a two-round pitch competition in Gorakhpur, offering ₹37,100 in cash prizes and direct access to investors for top Indian startups, entrepreneurs, and students.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹37,100
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Buddha Institute of Technology
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 23 April 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Buddha Institute of Technology. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
Buddha Startup Pitchfest 1.0 is a premier pitch competition organized by the Buddha Innovation Council (BIC) in collaboration with Innovation Hub Uttar Pradesh and i-HUB Startup Jharkhand Foundation. Hosted at the Buddha Institute of Technology, Gorakhpur, this event aims to identify and nurture promising startup ideas from across Purvanchal and beyond, providing a platform for innovators to showcase their ventures and connect with potential investors.
Who Should Apply This competition is open to a wide range of participants, including existing startups, aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and students. Anyone with a compelling business idea is encouraged to participate, fostering a diverse pool of talent and innovation.
Format & Timeline The Pitchfest is structured in two main rounds. The Preliminary Round will take place on April 25 & 26, 2026, where participants will present their ideas. Following this, the top 20 selected teams (including the preliminary round winners) will advance to the Final Round, an exclusive Investors Summit on May 05, 2026. This final stage offers a unique opportunity to pitch directly to investors for potential funding. The event is held physically at the Buddha Institute of Technology, Gorakhpur, with free accommodation provided for all participants.
Prizes The Preliminary Stage offers attractive cash prizes: ₹21,000 for 1st place, ₹11,000 for 2nd place, and ₹5,100 for 3rd place, along with certificates for all winners. All participants will receive participation certificates. Beyond cash prizes, the top 20 teams gain invaluable access to the Investors Summit, opening doors to significant funding opportunities, mentorship, infrastructure support, legal & regulatory assistance, and networking.
Eligibility The competition is open to individuals and teams of 1 to 3 members. Participants can be startups, entrepreneurs, innovators, or students with a business idea. Free accommodation is provided for all participants at the venue.
How to Apply Registration for Buddha Startup Pitchfest 1.0 opens on March 20, 2026, and closes on April 23, 2026. A registration fee of ₹250 per team applies. Interested participants should register through the official application link before the deadline.
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.
Organizers
Buddha Institute of Technology (BIT) Buddha Institute of Technology (BIT) is a private engineering institute in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, affiliated with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU). It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering and…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹37,100
What You Get
- Cash prizes: ₹21,000 (1st place), ₹11,000 (2nd place), ₹5,100 (3rd place).
- Certificates for all winners, plus participation certificates for all entrants.
- Top 20 teams gain access to an exclusive Investors Summit for potential funding opportunities.
- Top 20 teams also receive mentorship, infrastructure support, legal & regulatory assistance, and networking opportunities.
- Free accommodation is provided for all participants.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.










