States » SouthPosted at: Sep 27 2026 10:00PM


Hyd: GITAM Innovation Challenge 2026 invites applications from students across India; offers over Rs. 50 lakh in cash prizes and support

Hyderabad, Sept 27 (UNI) GITAM Innovation Challenge 2026, a national student pitching competition, is offering more than Rs. 50 lakh in combined cash prizes and entrepreneurship support, inviting students from across India to showcase innovative ideas and early-stage ventures.
The seventh edition of the competition, formerly known as SmartIDEAthon, is 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 total offering includes over Rs. 5.9 lakh in cash prizes and more than Rs. 44 lakh worth of venture coaching, mentorship, incubation and entrepreneurship programmes, the University said in a release here on Sunday.
The competition has two tracks — Junior Track for students of Classes 10 to 12 and Main Track for undergraduate students and graduates from 2025 onwards. Participants can submit ideas at the concept, prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) stage under 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 a 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 get opportunities to interact with startup founders, attend entrepreneurship sessions, receive personalised coaching through online boot camps and connect with the wider 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. Applications can be submitted at https://gevents.gitam.edu/registration/ODkyMg== .
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