IGNOU Invites Startup Entries From Students And Alumni Till August 31

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has invited applications for the IGNOU Startup Competition 2026, providing current students and alumni with an opportunity to showcase their innovative startups and business ventures. Organised by the Institution's Innovation Council (IIC), IGNOU, the annual competition aims to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and self-employment among members of the university community. Interested candidates can submit their applications online until August 31, 2026.

The competition is open to all IGNOU students and alumni who have already launched a startup or are operating an innovative business venture. Applicants are required to submit details of their startup through the prescribed online application form. Entries will be assessed on factors such as originality, innovation, social or commercial impact, and the overall growth potential of the venture. The winner of the competition will receive the Best Startup Award 2026.

The selection process will be conducted in two stages. In the first round, an expert committee will screen all applications received through the online submission portal. Based on the evaluation, shortlisted participants will be selected to advance to the next phase of the competition, where they will compete for the final award.

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During the second stage, shortlisted candidates will present their startup ideas before a jury through a pitching session. IGNOU will provide the required presentation template to participants after the screening process. The final selection will be based on the quality of the startup, the level of innovation demonstrated, the feasibility of the business model and the effectiveness of the presentation before the evaluation panel.

According to the university, the initiative is part of its broader efforts to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem among learners across the country. By recognising promising business ideas and innovative ventures, IGNOU aims to encourage students and alumni to transform their concepts into sustainable enterprises while promoting self-reliance and employment generation in line with the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The university has advised eligible students and alumni to complete the online application process before the August 31 deadline. Through the Startup Competition 2026, IGNOU hopes to identify talented entrepreneurs from its nationwide academic network, provide them with recognition for their work and inspire more learners to pursue innovation-driven business opportunities in the future.

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