BITS Pilani to host student-run Startup Conclave 2015

Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS), Pilani has announced Conquest 2015, an international startup conclave that aims at celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship in India. Any idea stage startup or a startup registered with the Companies Act after 01 January 2013 can participate in it.

The registration for participation began on 01 April 2015 and will be closing entries on 15 May 2015. In order to ensure a uniform selection process and comprehensive evaluation of the applicants, BITS Pilani has joined forces with Applyifi this year. During mid-June, the top 50 shortlisted contestants will be announced online, followed by mentoring sessions in various cities.

Conquest 2015 explores and caters every need of a startup - incubation opportunities, IP filing, expert mentoring and networking sessions with Industry stalwarts, Angel investors and Venture Capitalists. This year Conquest with DCB Bank as its title sponsor aims at penetrating into the Tier-II, III cities of India; which the institute believes, will be the birthplace of the next startup revolution in the country.

“With over a million dollar worth of Cash prizes, services being provided and extensive networking opportunities, Conquest is all set to make its mark as the king of Indian startup challenges,” said the company’s official release.

This BITS Pilani’s conclave in its last edition offered Rs 3 lakh in equity-less seed money and over $1 million worth of services, licenses and incubation opportunities. The resource pool for the finalists of Conquest 2015 (cloud computing credits, accounting, sales, marketing, PR etc.) has already crossed 2 crores.

Commenting on the success of Conquest 2013, Srikanth Garimella, Lead Coordinator, Conquest 2015, said, “Our vision is to unite early stage startups with the right people, to ensure that the requirements of a worthy idea and team are met with. Apart from funds, this year the conclave will have more than 20 resource partners who would provide licenses to the participants, helping them startup. We believe that great ideas are sprouting in the remotest corners of the country and we aim to expose them to the world. Therefore, this year the conclave is scaling the Tier II and II cities of our country for the ideas that can reshape the world by connecting with over 40 organizations who are actively engaged with the startups in these cities. We all are really excited for Conquest 2015 and look forward to meet India’s future entrepreneurs."