Pitch Please

The Pitch Please! competition is an exciting opportunity designed for undergraduate students with innovative startup ideas. Hosted by Unikon.ai, this competition guides participants through a structured process, from initial concept submission to a final live pitch, culminating in mentorship and potential funding. Below is a detailed breakdown of each step in the competition.

Round 1: Submission

The first round sets the foundation for participants to showcase their ideas. Here’s how it works:

• Video Submission: Each participant must create and submit a short video (60 sec) that succinctly explains their startup idea. This video should cover key elements such as the problem being addressed, the proposed solution, target audience, and potential market impact. Creativity and clarity are essential, as this video serves as the first impression for judges and mentors.
• Profile Creation on Unikon: Alongside the video submission, participants are required to create a profile on the Unikon.ai platform. This profile will serve as a hub for their journey throughout the competition, allowing them to connect with mentors and peers.
• Credit System: To incentivize engagement and learning, every participant’s profile will be credited with ₹ 250. This amount can be used within three days to connect with top founders and industry experts available on the Unikon platform. Participants are encouraged to schedule sessions, gather insights, and seek feedback on their ideas.
• Refinement of Pitches: Based on the feedback received during these networking sessions, participants can refine their ideas and resubmit their pitches if necessary. This iterative process helps ensure that ideas are well-developed and ready for the next stage.

Round 2: The People’s Choice

Once the initial submissions are in, the competition moves to the People’s Choice stage:

• Selection of Top 100 Pitches: A panel of judges will review all submissions and select the Top 100 pitches from across the country. This selection is based on the originality, feasibility, and potential impact of the ideas presented.
• Video Upload and Voting: The selected videos will be uploaded to the participants’ Unikon profiles, making them accessible for public viewing. At this stage, it’s crucial for participants to actively share their videos within their networks to garner likes and support.
• Gaining Likes: The goal is to secure as many likes as possible on the video. This not only boosts visibility but also plays a significant role in determining the Top 10 participants who will move on to the final round. Engaging friends, family, and social media followers is key to increasing the likelihood of success.

Final Round: The Ultimate Pitch-Off

The culmination of the Pitch Please competition is the final round, where the Top 10 participants pitch their refined ideas live:

• Live Pitch Event: The selected Top 10 participants will present their ideas in a live pitch session to a panel consisting of Aakash Anand and Palash Arneja, co-founders of Unikon.ai. Each pitch typically lasts around 5-7 minutes, followed by a Q&A session where judges will ask questions to delve deeper into the participants’ concepts.
• Opportunity for Funding: This live pitch not only serves as a platform for participants to showcase their entrepreneurial skills but also provides a chance to secure funding for their startups. All ten finalists have the opportunity to convince the judges of the viability and potential success of their ideas.
• Prizes and Mentorship: At the end of the pitch-off, winners will be announced. The top participant will receive a cash prize of ₹ 1,00,000, alongside a coveted mentorship opportunity. One-on-one mentorship from Aakash Anand is designed to guide the winners as they navigate the early stages of their startup journey, offering invaluable advice and support.

Conclusion

The Pitch Please competition is more than just a contest; it’s a comprehensive program that empowers undergraduate students to transform their startup ideas into reality. Through each round, participants gain experience, connect with experts, and refine their pitches, all while vying for funding and mentorship. This competition not only fosters innovation but also builds a community of aspiring entrepreneurs ready to make an impact.