Startup Conclave, hosted by NMIMS E-Cell, is a premier event crafted to empower startups and connect them with visionary investors and industry trailblazers. This dynamic platform spotlights a curated selection of high-potential ventures, offering founders unmatched opportunities to secure strategic funding and forge impactful partnerships.

The Conclave facilitates direct interactions with investors and mentors, enabling startups to pitch groundbreaking ideas, gain critical funding, receive actionable insights, and cultivate meaningful relationships. With an emphasis on securing investments, engaging discussions, hands-on mentorship, and high-impact networking, the event provides startups with the resources and connections necessary to scale their growth. Be a part of this transformative journey to drive innovation and shape the future of the entrepreneurial ecosystem!

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to: Early-stage Startups
• Submission Requirements: Teams must submit their ideas exclusively on Unstop.
• Language: All deliverables must be in English.
• Compliance:
  • All presentations submitted at each stage of the competition must follow the guidelines provided during the competition.
  • Submissions must comply with intellectual property regulations.

Submission Requirements

Pitch Deck

Prepare a comprehensive and professional pitch deck that effectively highlights the key aspects of your business idea. The pitch deck should be submitted in .ppt or .pptx format, saved as a .pdf, and must include, at a minimum: Problem Statement, Proposed Solution, Market Strategy, Business Model, Product Offerings, and Proof of Concept.

Ensure your pitch deck is:

• Visually Engaging: Use clear layouts, charts, and visuals to enhance understanding.
• Concise: Focus on key points and avoid overloading with text.
• Impactful: Tailor it to make a strong first impression on judges.

Note: Your pitch deck will play a pivotal role in determining your advancement to subsequent rounds.

Pitch Deck Resources

For guidance on creating an effective pitch deck, refer to these resources:

• How to Structure a Pitch Deck by Slidebean
• Pitch Deck Guide by MasterClass

Elevator Pitch (Optional)

Create a high-impact video pitch in .mp4 format, no longer than 1 minute and 30 seconds, that succinctly conveys:

• The Essence of Your Business Idea
• Unique Value Proposition

While submitting the elevator pitch is optional, it is highly encouraged as it provides an additional opportunity to impress judges and stakeholders.

Submission Guidelines

• Submit a ZIP file named: “StartUpName_SC_Ecell”.
• The ZIP file must include:
• Pitch Deck: Save the pitch deck as “StartUpName_PitchDeck.pdf”.
• If the pitch deck contains animations, you may also include the .ppt or .pptx version.
• Elevator Pitch Video (Optional): Save as “StartUpName_ElevatorPitch.mp4”.

Note: You must include the pitch deck in the ZIP file, even if you choose not to submit the elevator pitch.

Entry and Participation Guidelines

• Submission Deadline: Only entries submitted before the due date will be considered for evaluation. Any exceptions will be at the sole discretion of the management.
• Plagiarism: If any aspect of the entry is found to be plagiarized, the participant will be disqualified.
• Eligibility: Final eligibility of participants will be subject to the discretion and approval of the management.
• Deadline Extensions: Any extensions to the deadlines will be at the sole discretion of the management.
• Updates: All updates related to timelines and case rules will be shared on the Unstop website and E-Cell NMIMS Mumbai’s official social media pages Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
• Final Round Format: The final round may be conducted online at the discretion of the management.

Stages

First Stage: The Pitcher

Participants must submit their Pitch Deck and optionally an Elevator Pitch to qualify for pitching their startup to investors. All submissions must strictly adhere to the provided submission guidelines.

Final Stage: Final Tussle

Selected startups will present their proof of concept or finished products to a distinguished panel of investors at NMIMS Mumbai, showcasing their business’s potential impact and scalability. Impress with compelling storytelling, technical expertise, and clear articulation of your value proposition. Engage in a live Q&A session with industry experts, demonstrating your ability to address challenges and validate your idea’s viability. This is a chance to secure funding from angel investors and venture capitalists while building valuable connections for future growth, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.