Ideas On Trial

About the Event:

Ideas on Trial is a high-concept business plan competition hosted by TechShuttle BVCOE and Horizon Society. Taking place in a creative, courtroom-style setting, the competition challenges teams to take failed or unsuccessful business concepts, analyze their downfalls, defend their viability, and prove to a strict jury why their case deserves a second chance.

The event is aligned with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Participants are expected to evaluate their business cases through the lens of resilient infrastructure, sustainable innovation, urban development, and community impact.

Motto: Ideas Enter. Verdicts Follow.

Round Wise Details:

Round 0: Online Selection (Unstop Screening)

• Format: Online preliminary screening on Unstop.
• Mechanism: Registered teams submit basic business concept details and problem analysis as per the official Unstop prompt. Shortlisted teams qualify for the live courtroom trials.

Round 1: The First Trial (1v1 Knockout)

• Format: 1v1 courtroom-style debate.
• Mechanism: Qualified teams are paired against each other via a spin-wheel system. Each team presents a single-page overview of their business idea, covering the core model and failure points. Teams then cross-examine and defend their cases against their opponent before the judges.
• Outcome: Winners advance to Round 2; losing teams are eliminated and assigned the event dare!

Round 2: The Case (PPT Battle)

• Format: Detailed presentation battle.
• Mechanism: Advancing teams present an in-depth slide deck analyzing the business model, market failures, unit economics, and growth potential under strict time constraints.
• Outcome: Top-scoring teams advance to the Grand Finale; losing teams receive the designated event dare.

Round 3: The Final Trial (Pitch Deck & SDG Jury Cross-Examination)

• Format: Comprehensive pitch deck defense + SDG question sheet.
• Mechanism: Finalist teams present their full pitch deck to the jury panel. Following their pitch, the jury hands the team a custom question sheet with 7–8 high-level questions tied to SDG 9, SDG 11, and their specific business model. Teams receive prep time before stepping back onto the witness stand for live cross-examination by the jury.

Rules and Guidelines:

• Eligibility: Open to students registered via the official Unstop platform.
• Team & Idea Policy: Submissions must reflect genuine work. Misrepresentation of data or deliberate plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.
• Courtroom Decorum: While the event follows a heated trial format, all arguments must remain focused purely on the business case. Personal attacks, discriminatory remarks, or abusive language will lead to immediate expulsion.
• The Dare Element: Eliminated teams will participate in designated, fun dares designed to maintain event energy within safe, respectful, and institutional guidelines.
• Evaluation Criteria:
• Depth of business understanding & failure analysis
• Structure and clarity of argument
• Resilience under pressure during cross-examination
• Alignment with SDG 9 & SDG 11 themes
• Final Authority: The decision of the judges, jury, and organizing committee is final and non-contestable.