Startup Showdown | Xenith’26
IEEE Student Branch JIIT, Noida
Startup Showdown | Xenith’26: Stages and Timelines
ROUND 1 — ONLINE SUBMISSION
Once registered, teams submit a pitch deck outlining their venture concept. This is the first filter — only teams with a clear, well-structured idea move forward to the on-campus rounds.
Submission Format : PPT or PDF , Slides : Strictly 8 slides , Language : English
Submission Mode : Via Unstop portal
Deadline : 4th April, 12:00 pm
The required slide structure and presentation guidelines are provided in the attached document. Teams must follow the specified format without deviation.
Evaluation Criteria:
● Clarity and originality of the core idea
● Relevance to the sustainability theme
● Logical structure and depth of research
● Viability of the business model
● Overall presentation quality
Shortlisted teams will be notified via email and invited to present at the on-campus rounds.
ROUND 2 — MENTOR SCREENING (ON-CAMPUS)
Each team pitches to two independent mentor panels | Format: 1-min pitch per panel, no presentation aids | Focus: clarity and precision under strict time constraints | Evaluation: Clarity, problem-solution depth, feasibility, Q&A handling | Qualified: Top teams based on combined panel scores
ROUND 3 — FINAL SHOWDOWN (ON-STAGE)
ROUND 3 — SHARK ROUND (ON-CAMPUS): Finalist teams pitch to a panel of investors (Sharks) | Format: 5–7 min pitch + live negotiation | Focus: business viability, scalability, and persuasion | Evaluation: Innovation, market potential, financial understanding, negotiation skills | Outcome: Sharks invest GB for equity; top startups determined by deal value and final scoring
All that you need to know about Startup Showdown | Xenith’26
About The Competition:
- Startup Showdown is a high-intensity pitching competition organized as part of Xenith’26 by IEEE SB JIIT.
- The competition challenges participants to present innovative startup ideas and defend them under scrutiny from mentors and judges.
- The event simulates a real investment environment where ideas are evaluated based on feasibility, market potential, and execution strategy.
- Only the most convincing pitches will move forward and secure simulated investment deals.
Event Details:
- Dates: 4th – 5th April 2026.
- Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
- Venue: JBS Lecture Theatre, JIIT Noida.
Rules And Guidelines:
- All submissions must be original.
- Plagiarism in any form will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Participants must strictly follow the allotted time limits during presentations.
- The decision of the judges will be final and binding.
Code Of Conduct:
- Participants must maintain professional and respectful behavior throughout the competition.
- One member must act as the primary spokesperson during the pitch and discussions.
- Use of offensive or unethical content is strictly prohibited.
- Participants must report at least 30 minutes before their scheduled presentation slot.
Disqualification Criteria:
- Violation of time limits.
- Submission of false or misleading information.
- Plagiarism or copied ideas.
- Any form of misconduct.
Important Notes:
- Mentors will provide guidance to participants during the competition.
- The final round will involve live interaction with the panel acting as investors or “sharks.”
- Greenbucks (GB) is a simulated currency used only for the negotiation process during the event.
Whatsapp group : https://chat.whatsapp.com/CGxxr8u6CZv742uOPejv61?mode=gi_t
Important dates & deadlines?
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4 Apr'26, 11:59 PM IST Registration Deadline
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5 Apr'26, 01:00 PM IST (Participants only) Mentor Screening Starts
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5 Apr'26, 02:00 PM IST (For everyone) On-stage event starts