Opportunity brief
Date of Event : 20 November 2026
Pitching Requirements
PITCHING REQUIREMENTS
Team Size
1–4 participants
Eligibility
Students of Classes 9–12 with valid school/student identification
Format
Live pitch to a panel of judges
Mandatory Document
A completed Business Model Canvas covering all nine building blocks
Visual Aids (optional) Presentation of up to 8 slides, printed canvas, poster, or simple prototype
Equipment
Teams bring their own files and materials. A projector may be provided, subject to venue availability.
TIME LIMIT
Up to 6 minutes to pitch, followed by up to 4 minutes of questions from the judges. A timekeeper will signal when 1 minute remains. The pitch stops when the time limit ends.
SCORING
Teams are scored out of 100 by the judging panel using the criteria in this section.
SAFETY
Any prototype or demo material must follow the General Rules: safe batteries and electrical connections, and no hazardous materials or mechanisms.
THE BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS
Every team must complete all nine blocks of the canvas below. Use the guiding question in each block as a prompt.
KEY PARTNERSHIPSWho are your key partners and suppliers? KEY ACTIVITIESWhat must you do to deliver your idea? VALUE PROPOSITIONSWhat problem do you solve, and why is your solution better? CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPSHow will you win and keep customers? CUSTOMER SEGMENTSWho are you creating value for?
KEY RESOURCESWhat people, tools, and money do you need? CHANNELSHow will you reach your customers?
COST STRUCTUREWhat will be your main costs? REVENUE STREAMSHow will you earn money?
Rules:
- Each team may consist of 1–4 participants.
- Each team must present one original start-up idea developed by its members. Presenting an existing company, product, or someone else's idea as your own is not permitted.
- Every team must prepare a Business Model Canvas that covers all nine building blocks.
- The completed canvas must be submitted to the organizers by the deadline announced at registration. Late or incomplete submissions may receive a penalty or may not be accepted.
- Teams will pitch in the order drawn by the organizers. A team that is not ready when called may lose its slot or be disqualified.
- The pitch should clearly explain the problem, the target customers, the proposed solution, and how the idea can grow into a sustainable business.
- Each team has a maximum of 6 minutes to pitch, followed by up to 4 minutes of questions. Teams that exceed the time limit may be stopped by the judges and may receive a score deduction.
- All team members should take part in the pitch or the question-and-answer session.
- Teams may use a presentation of up to 8 slides, the printed canvas, posters, or a simple prototype as visual aids. Teams must bring their own files and equipment.
- Teachers, mentors, and parents may not speak for, prompt, or assist the team during the pitch or the question-and-answer session.
- Ideas must be appropriate for a school-level event. Ideas that are illegal, harmful, hateful, or unsafe are not permitted.
- Ideas remain the property of the presenting team. Teams should avoid sharing confidential details they are not comfortable discussing in public.
- Copied content, plagiarism, or deliberately false claims may lead to disqualification.
- The team with the highest total score will be declared the winner. If scores are tied, the team with the higher Business Model Quality score ranks first, followed by Innovation & Originality.
- The judges' decision will be final and binding.
Judging Criteria:
CRITERIA
WHAT JUDGES LOOK FOR
Problem & Customer Understanding
A clearly defined problem and a well-understood target customer.
Innovation & Originality
A fresh, creative idea developed by the team.
Business Model Quality
A complete, logical canvas where all nine blocks fit together.
Market & Revenue Viability
A realistic way to reach customers and earn revenue.
Presentation & Communication
A clear, confident, well-organized pitch delivered within time.
Q&A and Team Coordination
Thoughtful answers and a team that works together.