Apply to the IGNOU Startup Competition 2024

There is good news for all the students and alumni of IGNOU who have set up or are planning to set up a startup or business venture. The good news is that the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) at IGNOU has started inviting applications for the Startup Competition 2024. This competition is open to IGNOU students and alumni. Apply soon and transform your business idea into reality. 

The competition will have two rounds. In the first round, participants must submit details about their startup or business venture through a Google form. An expert committee will screen and shortlist entries for the second round. Submit entries for the first round by July 31.

In the second round, shortlisted students or alumni will pitch their startup or business using a provided template. The Best Startup Award 2024 will be given to the top startups, business ventures, or to-be startups. Read this NOTICE to know more. 

Who can Participate?

All IGNOU students and alumni who have started or are in the advanced stages of setting up their startups or business ventures can participate in the Startup Competition 2024.

Why Participate?

• The top three startups/business ventures will receive the Best Startup Award 2024.
•  First, second, and third-place winners will get cash prizes of Rs. 10,000, Rs. 7,000, and Rs. 5,000, respectively.
• Shortlisted participants will get support, training, and guidance to grow their startups/business ventures.
•  Participants will showcase their startups on a national platform.
•  Certificates of Participation will be given to all shortlisted students and alumni.
• You will have the chance to network with other innovators and entrepreneurs.
•  Guidance and help in securing financial support from funding agencies will be provided.

What are Different Stages?

• Interested students and alumni must submit details about their startup/business venture or plan through a Google Form for the First Round.
• An Expert Committee will review entries received by the deadline to shortlist startups or business ventures or planned ventures.
• Shortlisted students and alumni can participate in the Second Round of the Startup Competition 2024.
• Shortlisted candidates will present their startup/business venture or plans to the Expert Committee to select the top three. This presentation is tentatively scheduled for the second week of August.
• Shortlisted participants will receive a presentation template for the Second Round of the Startup Competition 2024.
• Selected startups or business ventures or planned ventures will have the opportunity to present at an event celebrating World Entrepreneurship Day, tentatively scheduled for August 21, 2024.

What are the Suggested theme areas?

• The university also suggested some themes. They are mentioned below :
• Food, Agriculture and Rural Development 
• Clean Energy and Alternate Fuel 
• Clean Water and Water Management 
• Environmental Issues and Waste Management 
• Swacchhata Initiatives, Health Care, Hygiene, Lifestyle and Sports 
• Smart Transportation and Traffic Management 
• Smart City and Urban Development 
• Social Issues and Security System 
• Scientific and Technological Developments 
• Education and Online Teaching-learning System 
• Hospitality, Travel and Tourism 
• E-Governance, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing 
• Robotics and Drones 
• ICT, Cyber Security Systems, Blockchain, Cognitive Computing, AI and ML 
• IoT-based technologies 
• Any other Area like Fashion, Art, Entertainment, Retails and Banking, etc. (Please specify) 

Who will get a certificate? 

Shortlisted students and alumni from the First and Second Rounds will receive a Certificate of Participation. Winners of the First, Second, and Third positions in the Second Round will receive a Certificate of Merit along with the Best Startup Award 2024. The University's decision regarding awards will be final.

Who can I apply to?

Interested students and alumni of IGNOU with a startup or business venture, or those in the advanced stages of setting one up, can submit their detailed entries via Google Form by July 31, 2024.

Important Dates:

• The last date to submit entries for the First Round is July 31, 2024.
• Pitching Day: Shortlisted startups/business ventures will present to the Expert Committee in the second week of August in hybrid mode.
• Award Function: Selected startups/business ventures will present during an event in hybrid mode, date to be announced.

Who to Contact?

For any other clarification or doubt, you can contact directorncide@ignou.ac.in