- IIT Bombay’s Eureka! 2026 returns for its 29th edition, offering founders mentorship, investor access, funding and incubation opportunities. The platform helps early-stage startups refine ideas, build scalable models and access global exposure.
The Entrepreneurship Cell of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay is bringing back Eureka! 2026, its flagship business-model competition, with a focus on helping founders transform early-stage ideas into scalable and investment-ready ventures. The 29th edition provides entrepreneurs with access to mentorship, networking, funding opportunities and incubation support.
Eureka! is positioned as a major platform for founders looking to validate their business models and connect with the wider startup ecosystem. The programme gives participants an extended opportunity to work with experienced entrepreneurs, investors and industry professionals while refining their ideas and preparing them for the next stage of growth.
The 2026 edition is designed to support founders through several stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Participants can benefit from one-on-one mentoring, investor interactions and opportunities to strengthen their business strategies. The competition also creates avenues for startups to explore fundraising and incubation support.
A key strength of Eureka is its access to a large network of mentors and investors. The 2026 programme provides founders with opportunities to interact with more than 300 mentors and over 50 venture capital firms. Such exposure can help entrepreneurs understand market requirements, improve their pitches and identify potential sources of capital.
The competition is open to founders and startups across sectors, making it relevant to entrepreneurs at different stages of development. From early ideas and minimum viable products to startups with initial revenue and growth ambitions, participants can use the platform to strengthen their business propositions and gain ecosystem exposure.
Eureka also offers access to a broader network of incubators, startup-service providers and technology partners. Selected participants can gain additional support through business-development resources, tools, credits and opportunities for international exposure.
The initiative reflects the growing role of academic institutions in India’s startup ecosystem. IIT Bombay’s E-Cell has developed Eureka into a platform that connects emerging entrepreneurs with investors, mentors and industry networks beyond the campus. The competition has evolved over nearly three decades, becoming a significant launchpad for founders seeking to commercialise innovative ideas.
With its combination of mentorship, investor access, incubation opportunities and global exposure, Eureka! 2026 aims to help founders move from ideation to execution. The initiative reinforces IIT Bombay’s contribution to India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem while giving emerging startups a structured pathway to develop scalable businesses.
