Eureka! 2026

• Early-stage startups and aspiring entrepreneurs
• Student founders and first-time entrepreneurs
• Technology and DeepTech startups
• AI, SaaS and software startups
• Consumer brands and D2C startups
• Social impact ventures
• Innovation-driven founders preparing to raise funding

About this scheme

Eureka! 2026 is the flagship startup launchpad organised by the Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell), IIT Bombay. Recognised as Asia's Largest Startup Launchpad, the programme helps entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses through mentorship, investor access, funding opportunities, and national visibility.

The programme provides founders with structured guidance from successful entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors, and industry experts while helping startups validate their business models and prepare for fundraising.

Participants compete through multiple evaluation rounds, including zonal rounds, venture capital rounds, and the grand finale, where selected startups pitch before leading investors and ecosystem leaders.

Eureka! 2026 offers more than Rs. 2 crore in prizes, ₹25 lakh+ in equity-free grants, opportunities to pitch before 45+ venture capital firms, mentorship from 300+ founders, investors, and industry experts, and access to one of India's strongest startup communities.

Whether you are building a technology startup, consumer brand, deep-tech innovation, social enterprise, or scalable business, Eureka! 2026 provides the platform, network, and investor exposure needed to accelerate your startup journey.

Who can apply

• Open to startups and entrepreneurs across India.
• Individuals, student founders, startup teams and registered startups can apply.
• Applicants should have an innovative business idea, startup or scalable venture.
• Startups across sectors are encouraged to participate.
• Teams should be available for the evaluation rounds and final pitch events.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership, Proprietorship, Individual Innovator

Benefits & funding

• Rs. 2 Crore+ prize pool.
• Rs. 25 Lakh+ equity-free grants.
• Pitch before 45+ leading venture capital firms.
• Mentorship from 300+ founders, investors and industry experts.
• Business model validation and expert feedback.
• Access to strategic partnerships and startup ecosystem.
• National visibility and networking opportunities.
• Opportunity to connect with one of India's largest entrepreneurship communities.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell), IIT Bombay, in your own name.

1. 1

   Create your Eureka! 2026 application.

2. 2

   Submit your startup or business idea.

3. 3

   Complete the screening and evaluation process.

4. 4

   Participate in the Zonal Rounds.

5. 5

   Shortlisted startups advance to the VC Rounds.

6. 6

   Finalists pitch during Demo Day and Grand Finale.

Documents checklist 6

• Startup Pitch Deck
• Founder Details
• Business Model
• Product or Solution Overview
• Financial Information
• Company Registration Documents (if registered)

Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.

Frequently asked questions