Leap to Unicorn
A programme by SanchiConnect
A phased founder competition open to any sector, narrowing a large registration pool through a bootcamp and pitch rounds to a final cohort for mentoring and media exposure.
At a glance
| Best for | India-based early-stage founders in any sector with an MVP or working prototype |
|---|---|
| Stage | Prototype – MVP |
| Duration | Multi-phase, including a 15-day bootcamp |
| Format | Online |
| Cost | Free, no equity |
| Run with | IDFC FIRST Bank, Moneycontrol, CNBC-TV18 |
About Leap to Unicorn
Leap to Unicorn is a founder programme structured as a competition: open registration, a bootcamp, pitch rounds and a jury finale. It is currently between cycles — its last published round closed registration in February 2024, though SanchiConnect's homepage references a later season, so it may run again.
What you get
- A 15-day virtual bootcamp of masterclasses in the phase after shortlisting
- Mentoring and investor access for founders who progress
- Media exposure, including a feature in a top-100 startups-to-watch report, for finalists
- No application fees
Who can apply
- Startups based in India, any sector
- At least one founder or co-founder over 18
- An MVP or working prototype (formal incorporation not required to register)
How selection works: open registrations are shortlisted to roughly 400 for the bootcamp, narrowed to 20 through a pitch-video round, then to a final 5 through a jury round for the studio finale.
How to apply: registration form on the Leap to Unicorn page, with product images or video and identity documents.
Where to apply
Other SanchiConnect programmes
- Pulse — AI & FinTech AcceleratorA 24-week accelerator for early-stage AI-driven fintech startups, run with Thinkuvate, offering mentoring, a demo day and investment via a term sheet.
- VELOCITYA 60-day scale-up accelerator for DPIIT-registered deep-tech startups, run with YourNest VC, offering mentorship and milestone-based investment.