Do you have an idea? Or a product? Or want to build a startup?
Then this is the platform for you!
Round 1 Deadline: 16th Feb 2026
Apply Now
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Bachelor of Management & Technology Bachelor of Finance & Artificial Intelligence Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence Master in Management of Technology
Bachelor of Finance & Artificial Intelligence Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence Master in Management of Technology
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About
Begin your Application
Please fill out the form below to register your team for the Tetr Emerging Founder’s Challenge.
What is the Tetr Emerging Founder's Challenge?
The Tetr Emerging Founder's Challenge brings together ambitious students from Asia and the Middle East who want to build real products, solve real problems, and be seen by the right people.
No case-study thinking; this is for students who want to create. Whether you're validating an idea or scaling something you’ve already built, this challenge gives you a platform to get mentorship, visibility, grants, and the credibility to grow.
Two Tracks. Two Ways to Build.
Zero-to-One | Idea Stage
- For aspiring founders with a research-backed idea and the drive to take their first bold step.
- You’ve identified a real problem, studied the user, validated early signals, and are ready to build from scratch.
One-to-N | Growth Stage
- For early stage founders who already have a working product, early users, traction, or revenue.
- Designed to help you accelerate growth, sharpen your model, and strengthen your fundamentals.
Who Can Apply?
Built for students who want to create, experiment, and grow.
You're eligible if you are:
- A final or pre-final year student in any recognised undergraduate program
- Or a recent graduate
- Based in India, South Asia, Southeast Asia or the Middle East
Additional notes:
- No prior funding or incubation required
- Zero-to-One Track: Only consumer business ideas allowed
- One-to-N Track: All businesses accepted with a working product, traction, or revenue
Why Join The Builder Challenge?
A challenge designed to accelerate your founder journey with capital, visibility, mentorship, and community.
Monitory Grants
Fuel for ideas and startups ready to break out.
Overall Championship Winner
5000 USD
One-to-N Track
Regional Winners
2500 USD
Growth | One-to-N
500 USD
Idea | Zero-to-One
E-Cell Grants
2500 USD
Growth | One-to-N
500 USD
Idea | Zero-to-One
Join the Tetr Tribe: Scholarships
High-potential participants, even those who don’t win, can earn the Promising Entrepreneur Scholarship for the Tetr Master in Management of Technology (Class of 2027).
- 100% Scholarship (worth 50,000 USD)
- 50% Scholarship (worth 25,000 USD)
- 25% Scholarship (worth 12,000 USD)
Visibility That Matters
Your work deserves the right spotlight!
- Get featured in regional media and PR
- Pitch to leading VCs and angels across India & the Middle East
- Appear in the Tetr newsletters and brand channels
Learning & Mentorship
Grow with people who've built and scaled companies.
- 5+ expert-led masterclasses
- Direct mentorship for finalists
- Access to regional startup ecosystems, mixers, and founder meet ups
Your Path Through the Challenge
A fast-paced competition designed for momentum.
10th
Dec'26
Registrations Open
Dec -
Jan
Webinars, Meetups & Summits
5th
Dec'26
Round 1 - Pitch Deck Submission
10th
Feb'26
Round 2 - Shortlist
20th
Feb'26
Round 2 - Video Submission
28th
Feb'26
Regional Finals
15th
Mar'26
Championship Finale
How to Apply?
Clear, simple and founder-friendly! All submissions must be uploaded through the official form before the deadline.
Participants must submit:
The official template pitch deck
A 60-90 second elevator pitch video
Your founder journey starts now
APPLY NOW