Hyd : GITAM Innovation Challenge 2026 opens applications for national student pitching competition
Hyderabad, Sept 27 (TNT): GITAM Innovation Challenge 2026, formerly known as SmartIDEAthon, has opened applications for its national student pitching competition, inviting students from across India to showcase innovative ideas and early-stage ventures.
Organised by GITAM’s Venture Development Centre (VDC), Hyderabad, and GITAM Entrepreneurs Club (E-Club), in collaboration with GITAM i-TBI, GITAM TEC, Bower School of Entrepreneurship, Wadhwani Foundation and Balavikas, USA, the competition is in its seventh year.
The 2026 edition offers more than Rs. 50 lakh in combined cash prizes and ecosystem programme value, including over Rs. 5.9 lakh in cash prizes and benefits worth more than Rs. 44 lakh through venture coaching, mentorship, incubation and entrepreneurship programmes.
The competition features two tracks.
The Junior Track is open to students of Classes 10 to 12, while the Main Track is open to undergraduate students and graduates from 2025 onwards.
Participants can present ideas at the concept, prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) stage across five themes: Planet and Sustainability; Bio Economy and Agriculture; DeepTech and Manufacturing; Sports and Fitness; and D2C and Consumer Brands.
Participants will undergo online screening and mentoring rounds.
The Junior Track will also feature in-person regional rounds in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.
The competition will culminate in the Grand Finale at GITAM Hyderabad on December 11, where shortlisted finalists will present their ventures before a jury comprising entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts and startup ecosystem leaders.
Participants will also have opportunities to interact with entrepreneurs and startup founders, attend entrepreneurship sessions, receive personalised coaching through online boot camps and build connections within the startup ecosystem.
Applications are open until October 4. The registration fee is Rs. 499 per team for the Junior Track and Rs. 699 per team for the Main Track.
Further details are available at gic.gitam.edu, while applications can be submitted at https://gevents.gitam.edu/registration/ODkyMg== .
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