top of page
Front banner (1)_edited.jpg

Guides & FAQs

Add a subheading (2)_edited.jpg
  • How do students participate? Do they need to have a startup at registration?
    Begin as a Visitor and follow this pathway: Register and access LMS Complete Basic Startup Course (Free) & Startup Pitching Course (Free) Generate course certificates After the completion of the course, if you have an idea, submit a 3-min video pitch to participate in the competition Submit: Basic Certificate Concept Note 3-min Pitch Video A link will be generated for your video, Copy and promote your pitch video on Social Media to gather votes
  • What are the stages of Startup Nation Olympiad?
    Stage 1: Registration through Nationwide Application Drive Stage 2: Complete entrepreneurship certification course (Free) Stage 3: Olympiad participation through pitch video submission Stage 4: Pitch video promotion Stage 5: Incubation phase for top 1000 student-led startups Stage 6: Grand Finale
  • Is there a fee at any stage?
    No. Every step—from learning to pitching—is completely free.
  • What are the evaluation criteria?
    Criteria Marks
  • What happens to the certification if a student is not shortlisted?
    If the student has completed the course module, the student will receive the certification. Certification will be considered valid and downloadable even if the student decides not to participate in the competition.
  • What support is provided before the Grand Finale?
    Access to mentors, LMS resources, incubator feedback, and startup toolkits.
  • What is the Grand Finale like?
    A 3-day event in Mumbai with: Live pitch battles Startup POD exhibitions Investor networking Launch of India’s first 6-credit startup course
  • What happens after the Grand Finale?
    Winners enter the Startup Nation Incubation support program, gain year-long mentorship, and investor access.
  • Are mixed (faculty-student) teams allowed?
    Yes, scored using a faculty evaluation rubric.
  • What is required to pitch to investors?
    Teams must score 85+ marks and be in the top 20 of its domain.
  • Can faculty members compete independently?
    Yes. Faculty-led startups are welcome and follow the same Visitor-to-Participant flow.
  • What is the 6-stage journey for faculty innovators?
    Stage 1: Among 1,500+ national entries Stage 2: Complete the Advanced Startup Certificate Course through LMS & video training Stage 3: Upload pitch video Stage 4: Get matched to incubators Stage 5: Top 200 faculty-led teams qualify Stage 6: Top 10 are nationally awarded
  • What’s the pathway for registration?
    Register online Complete Basic + Advanced Startup Courses Submit innovation pitch & documents Book POD and pitch at event
  • What scoring system applies to faculty teams?
  • Are faculty teams evaluated differently?
    Faculties also will be judged on same parameter for business potential
  • Can faculty participate in student teams?
    Yes. Such hybrid teams are common and judged with blended rubrics.
  • Is there faculty training in the Advanced Startup Certificate course ?
    Yes. its inclusive of professional learners.
  • Do faculty teams receive mentorship and matchmaking?
    Yes. Matched with domain-relevant incubators .
  • What is the Grand Finale experience for faculty?
    Includes pitching, networking with policymakers, and access to workshops with unicorn founders.
  • Can faculty receive startup seed funding?
    Yes. Those scoring 85%+ may pitch for ₹50L+ in funding.
  • What’s the 6-stage process for incubators?
    Stage 1: Registration of Incubation Center, Entrepreneurship Cell, Tinkering Labs, other startup facilitation centers. Stage 2: Accessed entrepreneurship certification course for mentor readiness Stage 3: Supported pitch development Stage 4: Incubated up to 10 startups each Stage 5: Incubation support evaluation by incubated Startups Stage 6: Grand Finale of top 100 incubators
  • What kind of startups are matched with incubators?
    Students, faculty, or alumni teams—based on domain and stage expertise. The shortlisted Incubation centres are assigned the startups to shortlist and get the chance for further incubation of the assigned ones.
  • Are there evaluation metrics for incubators?
    Yes. Includes: Startup outcomes Mentorship quality Feedback from startups Infrastructure strength
  • What are the rewards for top-performing incubators?
    National recognition CSR funding access Fully funded co-incubation opportunities Priority in partnerships for funded future programs
  • What happens at the Grand Finale for incubators?
    Booth exhibitions Co-branding opportunities Pitching for grants Policy networking
  • How is incubation impact measured?
    Based on feedback from startups and judge evaluations.
  • What’s next for top 100 incubators?
    Integration into fully funded co-incubation programs, visibility, and partnerships.
  • How do alumni/professionals join the competition?
    Register online Complete both Startup Courses Submit: Certificates Concept Note 3-min Video Social Media Upload and get selected through the social media voting system.The maximum voted gets entry at the top 100 finalists Get evaluated, qualify, and pitch at the Grand Finale
  • What is the Olympiad’s 6-stage process for alumni startups?
    Stage 1: Registration through Nationwide Application Drive Stage 2: Complete entrepreneurship certification courses (Free) Stage 3: Olympiad participation through pitch video submission Stage 4: Pitch video promotion Stage 5: Incubation phase for top 2500 startups Stage 6: Grand Finale
  • Are there registration charges?
    None. Full journey is free,including certification course and finale participation.
  • Can alumni be part of student/faculty teams?
    Yes, especially as co-founders or advisors.
  • What is the judging rubric?
    Criteria Marks
  • Are there recognition pathways post-event?
    Yes. Includes accelerator invitations, media visibility, and investor connections.
  • Can alumni enter more than one project?
    One per individual/team leader per cycle.
  • What if a project is not approved?
    They may re-enter after improving based on feedback before the end of the deadline.
  • Are international alumni eligible?
    Yes, if their venture aligns with Indian institutions or incubators.
  • Do alumni teams get to exhibit at the finale?
    Yes. POD exhibitions feature alumni, student, and faculty innovations.
bottom of page