Capital Catalyst, organized by E-Cell SBMPCE, is a dynamic multi-round competition designed to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and strategic thinking among students. Participants will navigate through ideation, business planning, and a live startup simulation, culminating in an investor pitch.
Who Should Apply
This competition is open to all students passionate about entrepreneurship and business strategy. Teams must consist of 2 to 3 members. Each participant can be part of only one team.
Format & Timeline
The competition unfolds in three distinct rounds:
Round 1: Idea Ignition (Screening Round)
Teams are required to submit a pitch deck (max 8 slides) and a mandatory 2-3 minute pitch video. Submissions must cover problem definition, proposed solution, market analysis, business and revenue model, customer acquisition strategy, and risks. Judging criteria include problem clarity, solution strength, feasibility, market understanding, revenue logic, and presentation quality. Only the top 25 teams will advance.
Round 2: The Finale: Capital Catalyst Showdown
This round is a 6-8 hour live startup simulation where teams operate like real founders. Each team receives virtual capital (Startup Points) to build, manage, and grow their startup amidst real-time market challenges. Core decisions will involve product development, marketing, hiring, and operations. Evaluation focuses on revenue generated, strategic decision-making, resource allocation efficiency, and adaptability.
Final Pitch (Investor Round)
Finalists will present their refined ideas to a judging panel, followed by a dedicated Q&A session.
Prizes
Capital Catalyst offers a total cash prize pool of ₹8000+ for the winning teams.
Eligibility
Open to all students interested in entrepreneurship and strategy. Teams must comprise 2–3 members. Participants are required to bring their laptops on the day of the event.
How to Apply
Registration requires a fee of ₹150 per team. Payment must be completed via a QR code provided in the event brochure (available as an attachment on the Unstop page). After payment, teams must complete a Google Form for verification and upload the payment screenshot on Unstop. Registration is confirmed only after successful payment verification. The registration deadline is April 18, 2026.
