Have a startup idea? Enter the Start-up India Funding Challenge

CNBC TV18’s Young Turks has over the past 11 years put the spotlight on innovative business ideas and young entrepreneurs. Edited and anchored by Shereen Bhan, Executive Editor of the channel, the show, entering its 12th year, presents ‘Start-up India Funding Challenge’ in partnership with Stern Fisher Angel Investors , a US-based venture capital firm.

‘Start-up India Funding Challenge’ invites start-up venture ideas and the winning venture will receive up to $1 million in angel funding, mentoring and a chance to be featured on ‘Young Turks’.

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Who can apply?

A startup that has been in operation for 1-3 years can apply.

The startup should have the potential for scaling up even if it is not does not have countrywide operations. The startup’s model should have a global replication potential.

Both for-profit and not-for-profit ideas are welcome. Organizations outside India that have solutions for Indian markets will also be welcome.

A few exceptional organizations that do not fit the eligibility criteria will also be considered.

“We were very clear on notpositioning this as another b-plan challenge hence the focus on existing companies with a track record of 3 years. We alsobelieve that businesses and ideascan’t be constrained by geography so we decided to make this a global Challenge.Moreover we do believe the winner of this challenge should be able to replicate the idea/business successfully in other emerging markets as well,” said Shereen Bhan.

The Prize

Apart from up to $1million angel funding per company, winners will have access to venture capital firms for those that require a greater infusion of funds. The program also will provide business incubation, both virtual and physical with partnerships with TiE, NEN and the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels, India Chapter.

Winners will also be mentored by industry experts such as Ranjit Shastri from Stern Fisher and Indian Angel Network and Rohit Prasad, author of Start- Up Sutra: What The Angels Wont Tell You About Business And Life. The winners will also be profiled on Young Turks TV show.

All submissions will receive specific feedback on their ideas. Entries close March 25, 2013. For details on the submission deadlines, and in order to apply, visit www.startupsutra.in