Opportunity brief
About Startup Conclave 2026
Startup Conclave 2026 is a two-day entrepreneurship event hosted by Idea Lab at Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College (AKGEC), Ghaziabad, on 15–16 October 2026. Its theme is "Bridging the Gap Between Vision and Venture".
The conclave brings together students, aspiring entrepreneurs, founders, mentors, industry experts and innovators. It gives young innovators a platform to present their ideas, gain exposure and connect with the wider startup ecosystem.
What to Expect
Expert Sessions
Gain practical insights into entrepreneurship, startup development, funding, intellectual property and the evolving startup ecosystem through sessions led by industry experts.
Founder Interactions
Hear directly from founders about their entrepreneurial journeys, experiences, challenges and the process of taking an idea from concept to market.
Startup Exhibition
Explore innovative startups, interact with founders and discover emerging ideas, products and solutions.
Investor Interaction
Engage with investors and industry representatives to understand the funding landscape and explore opportunities within the startup ecosystem.
Mentorship
Receive valuable guidance and feedback to refine your ideas, strengthen your business approach and understand the path towards commercialization.
Startup Pitching Competition
Present your startup or innovative idea before a jury and demonstrate its potential, vision and approach.
The two-day programme includes expert sessions, workshops, founder talks, a startup exhibition, investor interactions, mentorship and the Startup Pitching Competition.
Why Participate?
- Pitch your startup idea, concept or working prototype to industry experts
- Showcase your work at the startup exhibition
- Compete for cash prizes for the best pitching ideas with prototypes
- Explore pre-incubation support of up to ₹3 lakh
- Learn from founders, investors and mentors, and build your network
Who Can Participate?
- Students with a startup idea, an innovative concept or a working prototype can register under Startup/Pitch Registration.
- Students who want to attend, explore the ecosystem and meet innovators can register under Attendee Registration.
- Eligibility:
Startup Conclave 2026 welcomes:
- Students
- Startups
- Innovators
- Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Founders
- Individuals interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Registration Categories
- Startup/Pitch Registration: for students who wish to pitch and showcase their startup idea, concept or working prototype.
- Attendee Registration: for students who wish to attend, connect and engage with the startup ecosystem.
Event Highlights
Startup Pitching Competition
Present your idea before a jury and demonstrate its potential.
Expert Sessions
Learn from professionals working across entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem.
Founder Interactions
Gain insights from real entrepreneurial journeys and experiences.
Startup Exhibition
Discover and engage with innovative startups and ideas.
Investor Interaction
Connect with investors and understand the startup funding ecosystem.
Mentorship
Receive feedback and guidance to help refine your venture.
Awards and Recognition
Get recognized for promising ideas and entrepreneurial potential.
Seed Funding Opportunity
An opportunity of up to ₹3 lakh for the most promising startups.
Competition Structure
- Round 1: Registration and Application. Submit your idea details through the registration form. The organising team reviews all Startup/Pitch applications.
- Shortlisting. Shortlisted participants are contacted separately by the organising team about the final round.
- Final Round: Pitching Competition. Shortlisted teams pitch live before industry experts at AKGEC, Ghaziabad
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Registration deadline: 10th October 2026, 11:59 P.M IST
- Shortlist announcement: 13th October 2026
- Event: 15–16 October 2026 (Day 1 starts at 9:00 AM; Day 2 starts at 10:00 AM)
- Final pitching round: 16 October 2026.
Venue
Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (offline event)
Rewards and Prizes
- Pre-incubation support of up to ₹3 lakh.
- Participation certificate.
Important Security Advisory
- All official updates will come only from idealab@akgec.ac.in or the contact numbers below.
- The organising team will never ask for banking details, OTPs, sensitive credentials or any payment for shortlisting or selection.
- Do not make payments to external links, personal UPI IDs or third-party contacts claiming to represent the conclave.
Take Your Idea from Vision to Venture
An idea becomes meaningful when it is developed, tested and given the right opportunity to grow. Startup Conclave 2026 brings together the people, knowledge and opportunities that can help bridge that journey.
Pitch your idea. Connect with the ecosystem. Build what comes next.
15–16 October 2026 | AKGEC Campus, Ghaziabad
Contact the Organisers:
+91 7982756664
+91 95487 08361