Any questions?
Find quick answers to the most common questions about the Start Smart Competition, from eligibility and application to judging and participation details.
Does StartSmart Competition own my idea after applying to the competition?
No, StartSmart Competition does not claim any proprietary rights over the initiatives, technologies, or ideas that are submitted to the competition. All ideas and technologies are the sole property of the submitters.
Does StartSmart Competition take equity in the winning startups?
The winners of the competition are granted equity-free prize money; hence StartSmart Competition does not have any ownership entitlement to the startup.
How many teams get to the semifinals?
The number of teams that get to the semifinals is sixty (60) from the 4 tracks - Startups, Ideas, Social Entrepreneurship, and Environment.
When and how are the semifinalists announced?
The semi-finalists are usually announced a few weeks after the application deadline. They are announced on the competition website and the selected teams are also notified by email.
What are the next steps after being selected as a semifinalist?
The next step after being selected as a semifinalist is to attend a boot camp, where you will receive training and mentoring to help you prepare for the second judging round.
The program starts with a 3-day intensive training designed by StartSmart Competitions with partnering institutions. After which, the teams will pitch in front of the Round 2 judging where the 36 finalist teams will be selected. The 36 Finalists will undergo a one-month journey of mentorship.
Selected finalists’ teams will participate in a total of a 2-day event in the host city. They will in turn pitch to the Round 3 judges who will select the final 12 winners of the competition. The judges of each round will be from different professional backgrounds.
The Exhibitions Booth and the final conference will provide the teams with activities where they get the chance to network with professionals and investors.
The program starts with a 3-day intensive training designed by StartSmart Competitions with partnering institutions. After which, the teams will pitch in front of the Round 2 judging where the 36 finalist teams will be selected. The 36 Finalists will undergo a one-month journey of mentorship.
Selected finalists’ teams will participate in a total of a 2-day event in the host city. They will in turn pitch to the Round 3 judges who will select the final 12 winners of the competition. The judges of each round will be from different professional backgrounds.
The Exhibitions Booth and the final conference will provide the teams with activities where they get the chance to network with professionals and investors.
What is Bootcamp? And who should attend from the team?
The Bootcamp is an intensive 3-day training program designed to bootstrap teams for the second judging rounds. Participation is mandatory for at least 1 member from the founding or management team of the startup.
If a team is selected as a finalist, who covers the expenses of the teams?
StartSmart Competition covers the expenses of the finalist teams for up to 2 members per team. The travel expenses covered include flight tickets, accommodation, and transportation from/to the venue (if needed).