Rev. Dr. S. Mariadoss, S.J.
Principal
St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli
Principal's Message
It gives me immense joy and great pride to welcome you to SJC PitchFest 2026, an inspiring platform dedicated to nurturing innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking, organized by the Department of Computer Science, St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. This event serves as a dynamic bridge between academia and industry, empowering participants to explore sustainable business models aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
PitchFest 2026 brings together innovators, startups, and industry professionals to present transformative ideas and solutions before a distinguished panel of investors, mentors, and corporate leaders.This collaborative environment reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and meaningful societal impact.
I wholeheartedly encourage every innovator to seize this opportunity, challenge conventional boundaries, and showcase ideas that have the potential to create lasting change. May this initiative ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and guide you toward a future filled with purpose, creativity, and achievement.
Rev. Dr. S. Mariadoss, S.J.
Principal
What is PitchFest?
PitchFest 2026 is a premier platform that empowers innovators to transform creative ideas into impactful solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Showcase Ideas
Present innovative solutions that address real-world SDG challenges
Learn from Experts
Gain insights from industry mentors, HR professionals, and sustainability experts
Network & Grow
Connect with recruiters, entrepreneurs, and like-minded innovators
Compete & Win
Compete for prizes worth Rs.85,000+ and SDG recognition
Prize Pool
Chief Guests
Phases
SDG Goals
The event connects academia with industry, enabling participants to present their concepts before distinguished experts and mentors. It offers a unique space to gain industry insights, network with forward-thinking peers, and shape meaningful societal impact. With a special focus on aligning business models with sustainability, PitchFest 2026 empowers the next generation to build a sustainable future.
Your PitchFest Journey
From registration to the final pitch battle - follow your path to innovation
Registration
Step Into Create Impact - Your Journey Begins
Ideation
Ignite SDG Innovation - Where Ideas Take Flight
Prototyping
Build Sustainable Solutions - From Concept to Creation
Project Submission
Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Final Submission
Final Submission. Host the solution in a production environment
Final Pitch Battle
Present to industry leaders, judged on SDG impact
Rules & Regulations
Your roadmap to success - understand the guidelines for each phase
General Rules
- Teams may consist of up to four members with one mentor; all members need to register
- Faculty members are encouraged to participate in PitchFest
- Registration fee of Rs.500/- per member includes mentorship, executive breakfast, lunch and refreshments for two days, certificate, and PitchFest kit
- Interdisciplinary teams are welcome
- All submissions must follow deadlines
- Mentorship sessions are recommended in all phases
- Jury decisions are final
- Any form of misconduct or plagiarism leads to disqualification
- Best pitches are recommended to potential investors
- Screening will be based on presentations during the pre-screening session on 5th February 2026. Best pitches from this round will be shortlisted for the final presentation
Ideation Phase
Ignite SDG Innovation - Where Ideas Take Flight
- Submit a clear problem statement and describe the innovation behind your idea
- Address real-world needs, preferably aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Include Problem & Solution Overview in your submission
- Explain Desirability: Why this idea matters? Who needs it?
- Demonstrate Feasibility: Can it be built with available resources?
- Show Viability: Can it sustain, scale, or generate value?
- Ideas must be original. Plagiarized or copied concepts will lead to disqualification
- Submit as a PPT with 4 slides only: Problem, Solution, Innovation, Desirability/Feasibility/Viability
Prototyping Phase
Build Sustainable Solutions - From Concept to Creation
- Prototype must reflect the idea submitted in Phase 1
- Demonstrate core functionality or process flow online
- Jury will assess usability, clarity, and potential impact
Project Submission
Pitch for People, Planet, and Prosperity
- Develop a fully functional MVP with real working features
- MVP must be deployable, accessible, and demonstrable
- Allowed formats: web app, mobile app, hardware prototype, IoT model, software tool, AI solution
- Include user flow, technical architecture, feature list, screenshots or demo video
- Be ready to deploy and demonstrate the MVP live
Final Pitch Battle
Present to Industry Leaders
- Solution should be refined beyond MVP with improved performance and UI/UX
- Must be hosted in a production environment or demonstrable cloud/server setup
- Deliver a live demo with Pitch Deck (10-12 slides)
- Include business model / sustainability plan
- Document mentorship utilization (if any)
- Evaluation based on innovation, technical strength, market relevance, usability, presentation, and impact
Important Notice
All submissions must adhere to the specified deadlines and guidelines. Any form of misconduct, plagiarism, or violation of rules will result in immediate disqualification. Jury decisions are final and binding. For clarifications, please attend the mentorship sessions or contact the organizing committee.
Distinguished Chief Guests
Learn from industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who will share their insights and experiences
More speakers and judges will be announced soon.
Compete for Glory
Win exciting cash prizes and gain recognition for your innovative solutions
Total Prize Pool
Second Prize
First Prize
Third Prize
Plus Additional Benefits
What You'll Experience
Every participant gets access to exclusive benefits and opportunities
Mentorship
Learn from faculty & CIEL HR experts on SDG Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship
Executive Breakfast
Network with industry leaders over breakfast sessions
PitchFest Kit & Swag
Exclusive merchandise and event materials for all participants
Certificate of Participation
Recognition certificate for all qualifying participants
Networking with Recruiters
Connect with HR professionals and potential employers
Investor Introduction
Best pitches recommended to potential investors
Building for a Better World
Your ideas should address one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. PitchFest 2026 encourages solutions that contribute to these global objectives.
Click on any goal to learn more
Who Can Participate?
PitchFest 2026 welcomes innovators from diverse backgrounds
General Rules
Note: Form teams with diverse skills and focus on SDG-driven challenges. Ideas must be original - plagiarized or copied concepts will lead to disqualification.
Secure Your Spot
Registration is now open! Join hundreds of innovators in this exciting competition
Registration closes in
Registration Fee
per member
What's Included:
Last date extended to 30th November 2025
Free Accommodation
Register early and get a decent place to stay during PitchFest 2026! Limited slots available for eligible teams.
Basic Stay Package
Decent accommodation subject to eligibility and admin approval
Basic Dormitory
Clean rooms with essential amenities for your stay
Meals Included
Simple, wholesome meals during the event
24/7 Security
Safe and secure campus environment
Limited Availability: Free accommodation is available for the first 50 boys and 50 girls on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply now to secure your spot!
How It Works
Apply Online
Fill the accommodation form with your team details and payment info
Admin Review
Our team reviews your application and verifies eligibility
Get Notified
Receive confirmation via email if your application is approved
Sponsors
Platinum Partners
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
Bronze Partners
Supporting Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about PitchFest 2026
Get in Touch
Have questions? Reach out to us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible
Venue
St. Joseph's College (Autonomous)
Department of Computer Science
Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu