Are You Ready With Your Startup? Apply For IIT Madras’ Elevate 8.0

Starting a new venture is no easy feat. With fierce competition, limited resources, and the constant struggle to find your feet in the business world, the journey can seem daunting. But for ambitious entrepreneurs, there are various schemes and initiatives that lights up the path to success. One suchh initiative is Elevate 8.0, the flagship national startup competition by the Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) at IIT Madras.

What is Elevate 8.0 and how can you apply for it? Read on as TICE simplifies it for you!

Elevate by IIT Madras

A springboard for innovation and entrepreneurship, Elevate has evolved into one of the most sought-after platforms for startups. With each passing edition, it has helped hundreds of startups across India make their mark in a highly competitive business landscape, offering not just recognition, but critical resources that are often the difference between success and failure.

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The E-Cell at IIT Madras, a student-driven organization, has consistently shaped India's innovation ecosystem by nurturing groundbreaking ideas. With its unparalleled mentorship, a strong network of investors, and a plethora of resources, E-Cell has earned its place as one of the top entrepreneurial hubs in the country. It is no wonder that Elevate, as one of their flagship initiatives, is now regarded as a stepping stone for the next wave of startups.

What’s New in Elevate 8.0?

The eighth edition of Elevate, aptly titled Elevate 8.0, introduces exciting new opportunities that cater to startups from diverse industries. This year, Elevate 8.0 brings two specialized tracks designed to meet the unique needs of different types of ventures:

• The Tech Track: Exclusively for tech-driven startups, this track is aimed at ventures that are pushing the boundaries of innovation through technology. From AI to blockchain and everything in between, this track provides tailored support for tech startups looking to grow and scale.

• The Sector-Agnostic Track: This track is open to startups from all other industries, excluding tech. Whether it’s healthcare, agriculture, education, or retail, Elevate’s sector-agnostic track ensures that entrepreneurs from various sectors receive the mentorship and resources needed to thrive.

These tracks ensure that startups, whether they are tech pioneers or innovators in other sectors, will receive specialized guidance that fits their unique challenges, helping them build strong foundations for sustainable growth.

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Transformative Opportunities Awaiting Participants

What makes Elevate 8.0 truly stand out is the value it offers to participating startups. The competition features an investment pool of over INR 30 crores sourced from IIT Madras’ extensive network of investors. This is an incredible opportunity for startups to secure funding and fuel their growth, ensuring they have the financial support needed to take their ideas to the next level.

In addition to the investment pool, Elevate 8.0 also boasts a prize pool of INR 3 lakh, rewarding excellence and innovation in both the Tech and Sector-Agnostic tracks. These rewards not only recognize the best ideas but also provide crucial financial backing that can help startups scale quickly.

Startups will also receive immense value from the partnerships Elevate has secured. Awfis, MSG91, and CleverTap—leading names in co-working spaces, communication platforms, and analytics tools—are offering their support to the competition. Startups can benefit from access to co-working spaces, communication solutions, and analytics tools, all designed to make business operations smoother and more efficient.

To ensure that participants can fully focus on their journey, travel benefits have been secured with partners such as Abhibus and Ease My Trip. These travel perks will ensure smooth participation, providing startups with one less hurdle to cross on their entrepreneurial journey.

One of the standout features of Elevate 8.0 is the Live Product Showcase, a rare chance for participants to pitch their products to a national audience, including industry leaders, investors, and media. This exposure is invaluable, offering startups the kind of visibility they need to capture the attention of key decision-makers and potential investors.

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A Step Toward Entrepreneurial Excellence

What makes Elevate more than just a competition is the entire ecosystem it fosters. Through its platform, IIT Madras’ E-Cell connects entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and industry leaders, offering startups not just a chance to showcase their ideas, but also a support system that nurtures them through their growth phases.

This year, Elevate 8.0 is positioned to continue its legacy of shaping the future of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering startups across all sectors a chance to innovate, grow, and scale. It’s more than just a competition; it’s a launchpad for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

For startups, the message is clear: Elevate 8.0 is here, and it’s time to fuel your startup journey. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to take your startup to new heights, there’s no better platform to turn to. This is your chance to connect, grow, and showcase your innovation to the world.

So, if you have a groundbreaking idea and the passion to take it forward, don’t miss out on Elevate 8.0. The journey to success starts here.

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