New Delhi: Nurtured by the innovative minds at BITS Pilani, the Conquest startup accelerator has undergone a huge evolution since its inception as a B-Plan competition in 2004. Now standing as India’s preeminent student-led startup accelerator, it has attracted a remarkable turnout of over 2000 registrations, a testament to its growing significance.
Driven by the fervour of 30 students, Conquest operates as a passion-fueled initiative originating from dorm rooms. These students channel their dedication into supporting the trajectories of emerging startups. Distinct in its approach, Conquest stretches over a 7-week timeline, striking a balance between 6 weeks of virtual engagement and an offline convergence in Bengaluru. The recent completion of the online phase, known as Ignition, underscored its focus on nurturing a select cohort of 22 handpicked startups.
Noteworthy personalities like Kailash Nath from Chiratae, Srikanth Prabhu from Qapita, and Amit Agarwal from NoBroker.com spearheaded discussions on topics such as Seed Funding and GTM Planning. These deliberations were to address the common hurdles that beset startups in their early stages.
A distinctive feature within Conquest’s framework is the formation of pods, whereby startups with similar interests are grouped together. These pod-based interactions allowed participants to forge connections with like-minded founders, paving the way for the exchange of insights and experiences.
Transitioning from the Ignition phase to the Inflection phase, the programme will bring 13 of the most disruptive startups to Bengaluru. The schedule encompasses a medley of mixers and personalized pitching workshops over the span of 7 days, magnifying opportunities for startups to interface with industry stalwarts and enhance their pitch decks for potential investors.
Culminating the rigorous 7-week journey is the highly anticipated Demo Day. The Demo Day has panel discussions, keynote sessions, and curated networking breaks. At this crescendo, the cohort of startups will present their refined pitches to a discerning panel of judges. The stakes are high, with a non-equity grant of ten lakh rupees hanging in the balance, offering a substantial boost to ambitions.
The upcoming edition of this grand event is slated to unfold at The LaLiT Ashok in Bangalore on 13 August, promising an enriching and impactful affair. The distinguished roster of attendees includes pioneers like Sameer Brij Verma of Nexus Venture Partners, Abhishek Goyal from Tracxn, and Pratham Mittal from Masters Union. Aspiring participants and enthusiasts can secure their presence by registering through the designated portal, unlocking a front-row seat to witness the culmination of a transformative startup journey.
Conquest 2023 has been organised by BITS Pilani. ThePrint is its Digital Outreach Partner.