IGNITE 2024: BITS Pilani to launch startup pitching competition on November 9-10

The participants will compete for a prize pool exceeding 1 million and $25,000 in tech credits. The top 100 startups will have the opportunity to incubate at PIEDS, BITS Pilani's renowned startup incubator.

IGNITE 2024: The competition is targeted at early-stage startups and seeks to bring together over 70 of India's venture capitalists and angel investors (Express image)

BITS Pilani will be launching its flagship startup pitching competition – IGNITE 2024 at the BITS School of Management (BITSoM) in Mumbai on November 9 and November 10. The event will be organised by the Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS). Startups willing to scale their businesses and make their mark can apply at ignite-bitspilani.org by September 15.

The competition is targeted at early-stage startups and seeks to bring together over 70 of India’s venture capitalists and angel investors including Anthill Ventures, Acumen, and Unicorn India Ventures. Startups will have the rare chance to secure key investments while forging long-lasting relationships that could accelerate their growth.

According to a BITS Pilani statement, IGNITE 2024 will make sure that beyond the pitch, startups will gain exclusive access to a nationwide network of incubators.

“These incubators, built in collaboration with key stakeholders, offer more than just co-working spaces. They provide mentorship, resources, and industry expertise that will help startups refine their ideas, sharpen their product-market fit, and scale their businesses efficiently,” it added.

The participants will compete for a prize pool exceeding 1 million and $25,000 in tech credits. The top 100 startups will have the opportunity to incubate at PIEDS, BITS Pilani’s renowned startup incubator. This grants startups direct access to expert mentorship, cutting-edge resources, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that extends well beyond the competition itself.

PIEDS at BITS Pilani has long been a pillar in nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship, boasting a strong track record of incubating successful ventures. IGNITE 2024 extends this legacy, offering startups more than just a pitching platform — it provides an opportunity to integrate into one of India’s most vibrant and influential startup ecosystems. With BITS Pilani’s deeply connected alumni network and a rich history of innovation, participating startups are primed for success.

In addition to the pitching sessions, IGNITE 2024 will host numerous networking events to enable founders to engage with fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts and potential collaborators. These gatherings are crafted to spark discussions that could evolve into future partnerships, strategic alliances, or joint ventures. The aim is to cultivate an atmosphere where ideas thrive through collaboration and knowledge exchange.