Pitching Challenge Registration Deadline: 10th April 2025

Mesa’s High School Pitching Challenge

Pitch your idea to a mystery Shark Tank judge, get live feedback & win upto Rs. 20,00,000

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For 11th & 12th graders only

What is the High School Pitching Challenge?

A never-seen-before challenge that brings together the brightest, entrepreneurial minds from India's top schools 

Pitch to a shark tank judge & win upto Rs 20,00,000

Register Now

Ideate & build your startup idea from scratch

Get mentored by legendary startup leaders to perfect your pitch

Pitch directly to a mystery celebrity Shark Tank judge

Massive cash prize up for grabs upto Rs 20,00,000

The Roadmap.


Step 1

Register solo or with your dream team by filling out the registration form

Step 2

Submit a 3-minute video pitching your startup idea by April 10th, 2025

Step 3

Await your shortlist notification after evaluation by a panel of startup experts

Step 4

Touchdown at Mesa Campus on April 19th, 2025 for shortlisted students

Step 5

Immerse yourself in a startup bootcamp: attend sessions & get 1:1 mentorship

Step 6

Pitch to India’s most influential entrepreneurs & unicorn founders

Crafting the Perfect Pitch Video

Your 3-minute window to showcase entrepreneurial brilliance by answering these 5 questions

Get mentored by India's top entrepreneurs

APPLY NOW

What is the problem you're trying to solve & who are the customers facing it?

How large is this problem?

Why is now the right time & why hasn't it been solved yet?

What is your unique solution to the problem?

What are some reasons why your solution may not work?

Day 1 on Mesa Campus: Startup Bootcamp

Shortlisted students visit the Mesa campus for an action-packed weekend.

Immerse yourself in a startup bootcamp

KNOW MORE

Attend sessions on creating

compelling startup presentations

Participate in communication workshops

that will make you a confident presenter

Engage in high-stakes mock pitch sessions

that simulate real-world investor interactions

Receive personalized mentorship

from entrepreneurs who will elevate your pitch

Navigate & participate

in challenging knockout rounds

Day 2 on Mesa Campus: The Ultimate Pitch Arena

The moment of truth when all the hard work comes together in your startup's live debut

Make your first pitch to India's unicorn founders

Sign Up Now

The top 10 pitch decks are shortlisted

by an expert panel of startup founders & operators

Pitch directly

to India’s most successful entrepreneurs

Receive real-time,

professional feedback on your business concept

Receive personalized mentorship

from entrepreneurs who will elevate your pitch

Compete for the ₹20,00,00 cash prize

to kickstart your startup journey

Leaders who've been at the Mesa Campus

  • Abhiraj Bhal
    Co-founder, Urban Company
  • Vidit Aatrey
    Founder & CEO, Meesho
  • Vedang Patel
    Co-Founder, Souled Store
  • Armaan Sood
    Founder, Sleepy Owl
  • Anil Goteti
    Founder, Scapia
  • Utkarsh Gupta
    Founder, Comet
  • Sajith Pai
    Partner, Blume Ventures
  • Ragini Das
    Co-founder, Leap Club
  • Revant Bhate
    CEO, Mosaic Wellness
  • Nikhil Sikri
    Co-founder & CEO Zolo
  • Faye D'souza
    Founder, Beatroot News
  • Vinay Dubey
    Co-Founder, Wint Wealth
  • Savitri Bobde
    Co-founder & COO, Belong
  • Vartika Bansal
    Founder & CEO, Floik
  • Rajesh Yabaji
    Co-founder & CEO, Blackbuck
  • Prashant Sachan
    Founder, Apps for Bharat

Frequently asked questions

Who can participate in the Pitch Fest?

11th & 12th standard students from any school in India can participate in this event. We give no preference to any stream or board.

Do I apply solo or in a team?

You can apply solo OR in a team. Maximum number of participants in a team is 5. You can form a team with students from different schools.

Do I need to have a complete startup idea to apply?

No, you just need a compelling problem statement and an initial concept. The event is designed to help you develop your idea, refine your pitch and get feedback from the right people.

What are the key dates for the event?
  • Pitch video submission deadline: 10th April
  • Shortlisted teams announcement: 14th April
  • Final RSVP + flight booking: 27th January
  • Event Dates: 19th April – 20th April
How is travel & accommodation planned?

Students are required to book their travel themselves. Accommodation & food will be taken care of by the university.