Nation of Innovation 2026, MDI Gurgaon
Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
Nation of Innovation 2026, MDI Gurgaon: Stages and Timelines
Idea/ Rationale Submission Round
Startups will have to present their Busiess idea, the focus should be on creativity and innovation (2-3 slider PPT or 2-minute video submissions are allowed ).
VCs will be provided with a case study (Snacky) and they have to submit a 2 slider PPT representing the rationale behind their investment decision (whether as a VC you would invest or not and at what valuation)
Naming convention for submission: Track_Team Name_College Name (Ex: VC_Team X_MDI Gurgaon).
This is an elimination round! Once the round is live, you will see the “Submit” button here.
Note: The Snacky Case is for VC track only, Startups will have to come up with their own unique business idea.
Offline Round
Finalist teams would be invited for an offline simulation where they would work in a real-time scenario of start-ups and venture capitalists, in the backdrop of live politico-economic situations. The final teams of start-ups would have to pitch ideas to VCs and seek their investment. VCs decide and provide their reasoning for investing in a particular start-up. The final selection would be made by the judges based on the presentation and logical reasoning of each team. The selected teams have been informed via email. Thank you for your contribution.
All that you need to know about Nation of Innovation 2026, MDI Gurgaon
Nation of Innovation is a premier real-world startup simulation competition where participants step into the shoes of Founders and Venture Capitalists. This event bridges the gap between academic theory and the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship, requiring teams to make strategic decisions, raise capital, and negotiate deals in real-time.
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Founder & VC Roleplay: Experience both sides of the fundraising table.
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Real-time Simulations: Respond to market shifts and policy-driven scenarios.
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National-level Exposure: Compete with top minds from MBA and UG institutes.
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Expert Judging: Evaluated by active Founders, VCs, and Industry Leaders.
Please Note-
We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. You do not need a fully robust or existing startup idea; a clear gist and an ambitious plan are all it takes to compete. Similarly, for the VC track, you don't need to be a finance expert—we value rational thinking and logical opinions on valuation over complex financial modeling
Guidelines:
- A team shall consist of 1-4 members, one of whom would be the team leader
- Participants of one team should be from the same institute
- No participant can be a part of more than one team
- Working professionals are also eligible for the competition
- There is no restriction on the number of teams from an institute
Round 1:
- Teams will have to submit a task based on their chosen track, specific details of which will be shared later.
- The participants registering in the Startup track would have to prepare an elevator pitch of any startup of their choice (Maximum 4 slides excluding intoduction, annexures and thank you)
- The participants registering in the VC track would have to prepare a two-slider presentation related to a case problem. As VC, you have to present your rationale- why would you invest in Snacky and at what valuation
Round 2:
- The finalist teams will be invited for an offline simulation, details of which will be shared later. Let's keep the surprise going!
- The Event will start from 9:00 AM onwards.
Important dates & deadlines?
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21 Jan'26, 11:59 PM IST Registration Deadline
Contact the organisers
Send queries to organizersRewards and Prizes?
Exciting Prizes in Cash and Kind
WINNER STARTUP TRACK
Additional exciting surprises
RUNNER-UP STARTUP TRACK
Additional exciting surprises
WINNER VC TRACK
Additional exciting surprises
RUNNER-UP VC TRACK
Additional exciting surprises
MARKET MOVERS (Appreciation Prize- Across Track)
Additional exciting surprises
About Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
- MDI Gurgaon is one of India's leading B-Schools.
- The 'National Board of Accreditation' of AICTE awarded “A” Grade to its PGPM program.
- MDI is headed by its Director, followed by 5 Deans – Dean (Graduate Programmes), Dean (Executive Graduate Programmes), Dean (Research), Dean (Continuing Education and Consultancy) and Dean (Placement & Corporate Affairs).
- It is among the selected few B-School accredited by SAQS and the first Indian B-School to be accredited by AMBA.
- It has about 70 nationally and internationally acclaimed full-time faculty.
- It is the largest training institute in the country with more than 68000+ manager beneficiaries.
- It has been ranked consistently among the top B-Schools of India.
- The lush green campus of MDI Gurgaon spreads over 40 Acres.