Co-founder Catalyst

Co-Founder Catalyst | BECon 2026, IIT Delhi

Co-Founder Catalyst is a curated co-founder matchmaking and pitching program conducted as part of BECon 2026, IIT Delhi’s flagship entrepreneurship summit, organised by the Entrepreneurship Development Cell (eDC), IIT Delhi.

The program is designed to help early-stage startups build strong core teams and enable skilled individuals looking to join startups to explore meaningful co-founder and early leadership roles. The format focuses on clear role articulation, focused interactions, and investor exposure, ensuring serious intent and high-quality matches.

Apply here (mandatory):
https://forms.gle/vGcqpuofg1xxiSL4A

Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is open to participants from all colleges and institutions across India.

Eligible Categories

• Startup Founders / Startup Teams
  Early-stage startups actively looking to build their core founding team.

• Individuals Looking to Join Startups
  Students, working professionals, and industry experts who want to join an existing startup team as co-founders or early core members, and are not currently building their own startup idea.

Participation Guidelines

• Individual applications are allowed

• Startup teams may apply with 1–3 founders

• Individuals looking to join startups apply individually

• Inter-college and inter-disciplinary participation is allowed

Program Format

Co-Founder Matchmaking & Pitch Session

• Date: 31 January 2026

• Mode: In-person

• Venue: IIT Delhi (BECon 2026)

Session Flow

1. Founder Elevator Pitches (90 seconds)
   Startup founders will briefly present:

   • The problem they are solving

   • The current stage of their startup

   • The specific roles they are looking to fill in their core team

2. Role & Requirement Announcements
   Founders clearly communicate:

   • Skill sets required (tech, business, operations, domain expertise, etc.)

   • Expected commitment and ownership level

3. Focused Matchmaking Discussions

   • Individuals looking to join startups interact with relevant founders

   • Structured discussions around role fit, expectations, and long-term alignment

4. Investor Pitch Opportunity

   • Selected startups will pitch in front of investors and industry leaders

   • Evaluation will focus on clarity, team strength, and execution readiness

Rules & Guidelines

• Participation is strictly based on shortlisting

• Filling the form does not guarantee selection
  Form link: https://forms.gle/vGcqpuofg1xxiSL4A

• Physical presence is mandatory on 31 January 2026

• Any misrepresentation may lead to disqualification

• The organising team reserves the right to modify the session flow if required

• Decisions of the organising team and judges will be final and binding

Important Note

Registration on Unstop alone does not count as final submission.
Completion of the Google Form is mandatory to be considered:
https://forms.gle/vGcqpuofg1xxiSL4A

Why Participate?

For Startup Founders

• Find committed, role-aligned co-founders and core team members

• Clearly communicate expectations and ownership

• Gain direct exposure to investors at BECon 2026

• Strengthen team credibility before pitching

For Individuals Looking to Join Startups

• Join startups that are actively building their founding teams

• Work closely with founders from an early stage

• Participate in serious, role-driven discussions

• Opportunity to be part of investor-facing startup pitches