Pitch Arena 2026 - Startup Fundraising and Growth Platform

About

Pitch Arena 2026 is a national startup fundraising and growth platform hosted by IIT Madras, designed for early-stage B2B and B2C startups, offering multiple stages of selection, connections with top investors, and opportunities for strategic guidance, with applications open from January 6 to January 17, 2026.

Benefits

• 💰 Funding Opportunities
• Connect with top investors for potential funding
• 🎓 Strategic Guidance
• Receive targeted feedback to enhance fundraising and business growth opportunities
• 🌐 Exposure
• Gain visibility on a large national startup platform
• 🏢 Free Participation
• Free entry to the national finals at E-Summit 2026
• 🤝 Networking
• Opportunity to engage with mentors and ecosystem supporters

Eligibility Criteria

• 🌍 Geographic Eligibility
• Open to startups from across India
• 💼 Business Stage
• Must be an early-stage startup
• 🏢 Track Requirements
• Two tracks available: Elevate for B2B startups and PitchFest for B2C startups
• 📄 Submission Requirements
• Must submit basic information including MVP, prototype, and website
• ⏰ Application Period
• Applications accepted from January 6 to January 17, 2026

Participation Commitments

• 📍 Physical Attendance
• Must attend the national finals at IIT Madras on February 6-7, 2026
• 🎤 Presentation Requirement
• Must participate in online pitching rounds prior to the finals
• ⏰ Time Commitment
• Engagement in multiple stages of selection leading up to the finals

Target Region

Open to startups from across India

Target Sector

Focused on B2B and B2C startups