Opportunity brief
About the Competition:
Pitch the idea that changes everything.
Next Gen Pitch 2026 is CSMU's premier startup pitching competition organized by the Incubation, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Cell (IIEC), CSMU, under NEC 2026 in collaboration with E-Cell, IIT Bombay.
Bring your startup idea, product, or early-stage venture and pitch it to experienced mentors and ecosystem players. Get meaningful feedback, sharpen your vision, build connections, and take your next step with confidence.
Top-performing teams stand a chance to progress towards the Eureka! 2026 Zonal Rounds, along with recognition and certificates for participants.
Event Details:
- Date: 24 August 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM Onwards
- Venue: Pratapgarh Block, Seminar Hall, CSMU
- Mode: Offline
- Registration Deadline: 20 August 2026
- Team Size: 1–3 members
- Organized By: Incubation, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Cell, CSMU
- In Collaboration With: E-Cell, IIT Bombay
Who Can Participate?
- CSMU students — participating individually or in teams of up to 3 members.
- Local startups and aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Participants from outside CSMU interested in pitching their ideas.
- Students, founders and aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea, product, or early-stage startup.
Team Size:
- Maximum 3 members per team, including the team leader.
- Individual participation is allowed.
What Can You Pitch?
- A startup idea
- A product
- A prototype
- An early-stage startup
- An innovative business solution
- A venture that you are currently developing
Do I Need a Registered Startup?
No. An idea is enough.
Students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and early-stage startups are welcome to participate.
Why Participate?
- Meet Mentors: Connect with experienced mentors and ecosystem players who can challenge and strengthen your thinking.
- Get Feedback: Present your vision, understand what works and what doesn't, and leave with actionable insights.
- Go National: Stand a chance to represent your startup on a larger platform through Eureka! 2026, along with recognition and certificates.
Pitch your idea. Get expert feedback. Connect with mentors & ecosystem players.
What Comes Next?
Top-performing teams will stand a chance to progress towards the Eureka! 2026 Zonal Rounds, providing an opportunity to take their venture to a larger platform.
Register → Pitch → Get Feedback → Connect → Go National
Rules & Guidelines:
- Each team can have a maximum of 3 members, including the team leader.
- Individual participation is permitted.
- Participants may pitch an idea, product, or early-stage startup.
- A registered startup is not mandatory.
- Participants must provide accurate and authentic information during registration.
- Selected teams must follow the pitch preparation and submission guidelines communicated by IIEC.
- Selected teams must be present at the venue at the time communicated by the organizers.
- The decision of the organizing team regarding selection and participation shall be final.
- The organizers reserve the right to modify event arrangements if required.
Problem Statement / Questions:
There is no predefined problem statement.
Participants are expected to pitch their own idea, product, or early-stage startup.
The competition is about presenting your vision, demonstrating the potential of your idea, and receiving expert feedback.
Round Duration:
The official event page currently specifies the overall event timing as 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
The individual pitch duration and Q&A duration will be communicated to selected teams through the pitch preparation guidelines.
Pitch Deck Submission:
After completing the initial registration, the IIEC team will review the details.
Selected teams will receive another form to submit their startup and pitch information, including their pitch deck link.
Recognition & Opportunities:
- Opportunity to pitch before mentors and ecosystem professionals.
- Expert feedback to improve your idea.
- Networking opportunities.
- Recognition and certificates for participants.
- Opportunity for top-performing teams to progress towards Eureka! 2026 Zonal Rounds by E-Cell, IIT Bombay.
Important Dates:
- Registration Deadline: 20 August 2026
- Next Gen Pitch 2026: 24 August 2026
- Event Time: 10:00 AM Onwards
- Venue: Pratapgarh Block, Seminar Hall, CSMU