The Entrepreneurship Cell of BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus is gearing up to host Launchpad 2026, the 10th edition of its flagship startup summit, from April 3 to 5, 2026. Marked by the theme “A Decennial Journey,” this milestone edition reflects ten years of fostering innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Recognised as one of South India’s largest student-led entrepreneurship summits, Launchpad brings together a diverse mix of students, startup founders, investors, and professionals to exchange ideas and build meaningful connections within the startup ecosystem.
What to Expect at Launchpad 2026
This year’s edition features a packed agenda of curated experiences designed to support founders at every stage. Key highlights include:
- Pitchers Pilot, a Shark Tank-style pitching competition connecting startups with investors
- Ground Reality, a national platform for early-stage ventures
- Startup Expo, showcasing emerging startups and innovations
- Teen Tycoons, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking among school students
- Networking Arena, enabling direct engagement with industry leaders
Adding to the scale, DP World joins as the title sponsor and will host a flagship hackathon during the summit.
Introducing SEED: A New National Initiative
A major addition this year is SEED (Summit for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development) a new initiative aimed at building stronger collaboration between E-Cells across India. The platform is designed to encourage shared learning, partnerships, and long-term ecosystem growth beyond individual campuses.
Speakers and Participation
Launchpad 2026 will feature an exciting lineup of speakers, including digital creator Sejal Kumar, along with industry leaders like Sahil Makkar, Rajeev Suri, and former Air Chief RKS Bhadauria.
The summit expects participation from a wide audience aged 15 to 45, including aspiring entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and startup enthusiasts.
Proven Track Record of Impact
Previous editions of Launchpad have delivered measurable outcomes, including:
- Over ₹7 crore in investment offers through Pitchers Pilot
- Participation from 100+ startups in competitive platforms
- Engagement from 60+ schools via Teen Tycoons
- Millions of digital impressions and strong on-ground turnout
E-Cell’s continuous support has also helped campus startups like Apollyon Dynamics scale rapidly, showcasing the summit’s real-world impact.
Building the Next Generation of Founders
With dedicated passes, workshops, and networking opportunities, Launchpad 2026 aims to help participants refine ideas, secure funding, and build long-term collaborations.
As the summit marks its 10-year milestone, it continues to strengthen its mission of bridging the gap between education and entrepreneurship, empowering the next generation of innovators in India.