BITS Pilani’s ‘Conquest’, a seven-week-long startup accelerator programme, is gearing up for its 20th edition, aiming to provide invaluable mentorship and funding opportunities to early stage startups.
Structured Support for Startup Growth
Run entirely by a team of 25 dedicated students, Conquest offers a structured programme divided into two phases: online mentorship and a one-week offline phase. Through this, it aims to empower startups with equity-free grants, mentorship, and industry exposure.
During the online mentoring phase, scheduled from June 10 to July 25, 2024, founders will receive personalized guidance, including 1:1 mentorship sessions and interactive discussions with successful entrepreneurs. This phase lays the foundation for addressing critical challenges such as product-market fit and customer acquisition.
Offline Phase: Networking and Learning Opportunities
The offline phase, scheduled from July 29 to August 3, 2024, in Bengaluru, promises exclusive networking opportunities for the cohort’s top startups. Participants will engage in knowledge sessions, investment workshops led by senior leaders from renowned investment firms, and office visits. This phase aims to foster collaboration and provide valuable insights crucial for startup growth.
Culminating in Demo Day
The accelerator programme culminates in ‘Demo Day’, where startups showcase their progress and innovations. Winners stand a chance to receive grants exceeding INR 10 lakh, as seen in previous editions. Moreover, Demo Day features keynote addresses from industry experts, adding further value to the learning experience for participants.
Notable Mentors and Alumni
Conquest boasts a stellar lineup of mentors, including industry leaders like Amit Agarwal from NoBroker and Abhijeet Kane from Postman. Additionally, past alumni include successful startups like Thinkerbell, BiteSpeed, and Atlan, the latter currently valued at approximately $500 million.
Addressing the Need for More Support
In light of the burgeoning startup ecosystem in India, programmes like Conquest play a vital role in nurturing entrepreneurial talent. By offering funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, they equip budding founders with the skills and resources needed to navigate the complexities of the startup journey.
