Introduction
Start-A-Thon is an inter-college startup pitching competition hosted by E-Cell IGDTUW and powered by Unstop. This article explains the competition structure, eligibility, submission requirements, judging parameters, and prizes in detail. Whether you are an undergraduate, postgraduate, or from engineering, management, arts, commerce, sciences or other disciplines, Start-A-Thon allows teams of 1–3 members to showcase startup ideas through a two-stage process: online submissions followed by on-site live pitching. Read on to understand what to prepare for Round 1 and Round 2, how entries are evaluated, and the rewards available, with the registration deadline of 2026-01-17.
Overview of Start-A-Thon and Eligibility
Start-A-Thon is an inter-college, multi-discipline pitching competition designed to bring student startup ideas to the fore. It is hosted by E-Cell IGDTUW and powered by Unstop. Team composition is limited to 1–3 members, and eligibility spans a wide range of academic backgrounds: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Engineering, Management, Arts, Commerce, Sciences & others. The competition comprises two stages—an initial online submission phase and a final on-site live pitching round. Successful teams progress from the online selection to live presentations judged by industry experts, founders, and investors.
Round 1 — Online Submissions: What to Submit
In Round 1 teams must submit a comprehensive package of materials online. The required components are:
- Business Plan PPT covering: problem, solution, target market, business model, competitive edge, execution plan.
- Video: a 2–3 minute prototype or explanation video that communicates the core idea and demonstration.
- Optional: a public GitHub repository link and a live deployment link, if applicable.
From these submissions, the top 10 teams are shortlisted to advance to Round 2. The online stage focuses on clear presentation of the business plan elements specified in the PPT and the supporting video and technical artifacts where available.
Round 2 — On-site Live Pitching and Judging Criteria
Shortlisted teams participate in an on-site live pitching round. Each team is allotted a 5-minute pitch followed by a 3-minute Q&A session with the panel. The judging panel consists of industry experts, founders, and investors who evaluate entries based on defined parameters. The judging criteria include:
- Problem Identification
- Innovation
- Market Feasibility
- Business Model
- Execution Strategy
- Pitch Quality
Performance across these parameters during the live pitch and Q&A determines the winners. Judges will weigh the team’s ability to articulate the problem and solution, demonstrate innovation, validate market potential, outline a viable business model, present a clear execution plan, and deliver a compelling pitch.
Prizes, Awards and Registration
Start-A-Thon offers a mix of rewards for participating and winning teams. Prizes include cash prizes and sponsored rewards, along with premium memberships, certificates, and perks. The winning teams receive prizes worth approximately ₹60K. There is a special award recognizing the best all-women team, and participation certificates are provided to entrants. Interested teams must register before the deadline: 2026-01-17.
Conclusion
Start-A-Thon, hosted by E-Cell IGDTUW and powered by Unstop, is a structured inter-college startup pitching competition open to a broad range of academic disciplines, with teams of 1–3 members. The two-stage format—online submissions including a business plan PPT and 2–3 minute video, followed by an on-site 5-minute pitch and 3-minute Q&A—culminates in judged awards based on clear criteria such as problem identification, innovation, market feasibility, business model, execution strategy, and pitch quality. With prizes worth ~₹60K, a special all-women team award, and a registration deadline of 2026-01-17, Start-A-Thon is an opportunity for student startups to compete and be recognized.