Buddha Startup Pitchfest 1.0

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.