Conquest: India's First and Largest Student-Run Startup Accelerator

Conquest exists at this intersection of ambition and acceleration, helping founders move from early validation to scalable growth within a structured, high-intensity program.

What Makes Conquest Unique

We're one of the rare programs that operate on a completely equity-free model, ensuring that our family of founders maintain ownership of what they love while growing alongside Conquest.

Startups gain access to a network of over 150 mentors, 50+ investors, and leading operators across domains for no expense of their own apart from a hunger to grow their business. The emphasis is not just on funding but on long-term value creation.

Structure at a Glance

Launch Event

A networking event held in Gurugram officially marking the start of the accelerator

Structured Selection Process

Early startup outreach in March, followed by formal registration in May

Evaluation Partners

Startups are assessed by our evaluation partners, consisting of VCs and Angel Investors

1:1 Mentorship

Personalized guidance from industry experts to accelerate your growth

Knowledge Sessions

Deep insights from seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders

Pod Sessions

Small-group discussions fostering peer learning and collaboration

Online Workshops

Hands-on learning experiences to build practical skills and expertise

Coworking Spaces

Collaborating and innovating in startup friendly spaces

Offline Workshops

Domain specific workshops from investors, operators and industry experts

Knowledge Sessions

Informative sessions targeting common startup pain points

Networking Events

Opportunities to interact and learn from industry veterans

300+ High-Profile Attendees

Conquest's flagship offline event bringing together investors, operators, and industry leaders

Founder Pitches

Top cohort startups pitch their ventures on stage to a distinguished jury

Distinguished Jury

Evaluated by leading VCs, angel investors, and seasoned industry experts

Networking & Exposure

Unparalleled access to the investor and operator ecosystem in one room

FAQs

Does Conquest take equity?

No. Conquest operates on a completely equity-free model, meaning founders retain full ownership of their startups throughout and after the program.

Is there any cost to participate?

Conquest runs on a zero-cost model. Founders gain access to mentors, investors, and operators at no expense — the only requirement is a drive to grow.

Is Conquest open to all industries?

Yes. Conquest is sector-agnostic, meaning founders from any industry are welcome to apply.

How long is the program and what does it look like?

The program runs for 6+1 weeks. The first 6 weeks (Bootcamp phase, held in June) involve online learning sessions and one-on-one mentor calls. The final week is an offline phase in Bangalore featuring networking events and in-person workshops. The program culminates in Demo Day, where founders pitch to investment partners.

Who is Conquest best suited for?

Conquest is designed for early-stage, MVP-ready startups that are actively building and looking to scale. It’s particularly valuable for founders seeking structured mentorship, investor access, a strong peer group, and preparation for fundraising.

What have past Conquest startups gone on to achieve?

Several alumni have built impactful, venture-backed companies. Notable examples include Atlan (formerly SocialCops), now a global data collaboration platform valued at over $750 million; Sarla Aviation, working on electric air mobility; and Thinkerbell Labs, which developed learning devices for visually impaired students.

How can I apply?

If you’re building something technically strong and are early but ambitious, you can register for Conquest ’26 by clicking the apply button to take the next step in your startup journey.