Propel Pitchfest26
BML Munjal University (BMU), Gurgaon
Propel Pitchfest26: Stages and Timelines
Qualifier Round
In this round the team needs to submit the application with the required data and upload applicable files for eg., Pitch Deck (which will include Problem Statement, Solution, Opportunity Size, Traction Information, Funding till date, Team Details), and include an Elevator Pitch video which is not more than 3 minutes (talk about the start-up, co-founders and anything related to the start-up).
Semi-Final
The upcoming round will take place either Live-in-Person, online, or through a mix of both, as decided by the organizers. Shortlisted teams will receive detailed instructions via email. In this round, each selected team from the qualifiers will deliver a 5-minute live pitch to a panel, followed by a Q&A session to dive deeper into their ideas
Masterclasses and Bootcamp
In order to provide the relevant inputs and mentoring to assist the young startups in their ventures, a series of Masterclasses covering areas of Valuations, Legal Readiness and Funding will be conducted. A bootcamp for the participating startups would be held to help them develop their idea further.
Investor Clinic
As part of Investor Clinic the startups would be provided with the opportunity to have individual sessions with various investors. The potential incubates for ACIC-BMU | Propel would be identified from these sessions.
Grand Finale
This round will be conducted either Live-in-person or via an online platform, as arranged by the organizers. Shortlisted teams will receive all necessary details through individual emails. Finalists will then deliver a 5-minute live pitch to a panel, followed by a Q&A session to discuss their ideas in depth.
All that you need to know about Propel Pitchfest26
About ACIC–BMU | Propel
ACIC–BMU Foundation (ACIC–BMU), established at BML Munjal University (BMU) with support from the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, is dedicated to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. The center empowers innovators within the university and the broader community by providing resources, mentorship, and a thriving ecosystem for idea development and venture creation.
Vision:
To build an ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurs who are innovative, resilient, ethical, and committed to generating economic value and positive social impact.
Mission:
- Conduct programs, courses, challenges, and events to fuel innovation and entrepreneurship among students, faculty, and the community.
- Build a strong network of entrepreneurs, mentors, experts, and service providers to support emerging start–ups.
- Foster strong industry engagement to drive innovation and collaborative growth.
About Propel Pitchfest 2026:
Propel Pitchfest26, organized by ACIC–BMU | Propel at BML Munjal University, is designed to encourage bold ideas, innovative solutions, and early-stage start-ups. It provides budding entrepreneurs with the platform to pitch to investors, showcase their ventures, participate in industry challenge statements, and gain access to funding, acceleration, and strategic support to scale.
Theme: Pitch to Scale-Up
Highlights of Pitchfest26:
- Pitch to 20+ Angel Investors & VCs: Backed by an investment pool exceeding USD 1 Million.
- Opportunity to Apply for Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
- Eligibility for ACIC–BMU Accelerator Cohorts
- Women in Tech
- Deep Tech / AI
- Tier 2 / Tier 3 Startups
- Panel Discussions with leading voices from the startup ecosystem.
- Masterclasses, Bootcamps & Fireside Chats delivering insights from industry leaders.
- One-on-One Mentoring & Networking opportunities with investors, founders, legal experts, and industry professionals.
Focus Areas:
Startups across the following domains are encouraged to apply:
- Women in Tech
- AI in Manufacturing
- Deep Tech / AI
- MedTech
- Sustainable Mobility
- Others — Startups outside the listed focus areas are also welcomed.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applications are open to individuals or teams (up to 5 members).
- Founder or Co-founder must be present during the pitch.
- Startup should be less than 5 years old.
- Startups incubated at ACIC–BMU | Propel are eligible.
- ACIC–BMU | Propel and BMU employees are not eligible unless their startup is incubated at ACIC–BMU | Propel.
- Startups applying for SISFS must meet DPIIT eligibility criteria.
The Benefit Basket:
Investment Opportunities:
- Collective investment potential exceeding USD 1 Million from: Real Time Angel Fund, ah! Ventures Fund, Fluid Ventures, and other investor networks.
- Investors may fund individually or jointly, with final decisions formalized via a mutually agreed Term Sheet.
ACIC–BMU Accelerator Program:
Selected startups will gain entry into structured acceleration cohorts:
- Women in Tech
- Deep Tech / AI
- Tier 2 / Tier 3 Startups
Includes long-term mentorship, resources, and ecosystem support.
Access to SISFS:
Startups may be invited to apply for the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, subject to DPIIT compliance and internal evaluation.
Networking & Partner Benefits:
Get access to:
- Investor interactions
- Partner credits
- Mentorship from domain experts
- Corporate and industry connections
All benefits are subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Important dates & deadlines?
-
27 Dec'25, 12:01 AM IST Registration Deadline
Contact the organisers
Send queries to organizersDownload attachments
Rewards and Prizes?
Winner
The applicants selected for the acceleration cohort would have the opportunity to seek funding from the set of investors (Angel & VC) who collectively have the appetite to invest USD 1 Million (INR 8+ cr). Besides funding from investors, applicant startups in the cohort stand to get various benefits from the multiple eco-system enablers that would help the startups to grow.