BITS Pilani Startup Hub, Bengaluru has invited applications for its first Demo Day, scheduled for October 9, 2026, at Hustlehub Tech Park in HSR Layout, Bengaluru.
The initiative, backed by BITS Pilani alumni, is aimed at technology-led startups seeking access to talent, customers, industry networks and investors. Applications are open and will close on October 2, 2026.
Alumni-powered startup ecosystem
Established in January 2026, BITS Pilani Startup Hub, Bengaluru is designed to strengthen the institute’s startup ecosystem by leveraging its extensive alumni network in the city.
Bengaluru is home to more than 700 BITS alumni who have founded startups, along with several alumni-led venture capital firms. More than 30,000 BITS alumni are based in the city, including CXOs and senior industry leaders.
The Hub provides founders with access to mentorship, customer introductions, industry partnerships, hiring opportunities and fundraising networks. Alumni participate in activities ranging from startup curation and workshops to mentoring and angel investments.
BITS Pilani Group Vice Chancellor Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao said, “BITS Pilani’s real strength is its network of over 210,000 alumni, many of whom have built successful global companies. The Bengaluru Startup Hub turns that strength into action, connecting founders with alumni mentors, capital and infrastructure when they need it most.”
12 startups to showcase at Demo Day
The first Demo Day will feature 12 selected companies, comprising alumni-founded startups developing scalable technologies at the revenue stage and startups graduating from the Hub’s first three-month acceleration cohort.
The showcase is intended to connect participating startups with investors and industry leaders while providing visibility to the Hub’s alumni-led acceleration model.
Next acceleration programme announced
The Hub is also launching its next 12-week, on-site acceleration programme for incubated startups.
The alumni-led programme will combine one-on-one mentorship, strategy sessions, founder-led workshops, investor interactions and pitch refinement. Startups will also receive support in product positioning, go-to-market strategy and business model refinement.
The programme is designed to help startups build traction and improve fundraising readiness through multiple opportunities to pitch to investors and the wider startup ecosystem.
For deep-tech startups developing hard-tech products, the Hub is introducing a six-month high-touch acceleration track limited to five startups.
BITS Pilani Startup Hub Founding Lead Prof. Mridula Goel said, “This Demo Day is the first opportunity to showcase to Bengaluru’s startup community what we are building through an alumni-led accelerator. At the same time, it opens up multiple channels for the city’s large BITS alumni community to reconnect with their alma mater.”
Founder & CEO, HustleHub and Alumni (1994-98 Batch), BITS Pilani, Rajesh Kumar Kotta, said, “My vision is to make the BITS Pilani Startup Hub the natural choice for BITSians looking for a home to begin their startup journey.”
Startups eligible to apply
Startups applying to the accelerator must be registered as a private limited company or equivalent and demonstrate technological innovation with scalability potential.
At least one founder must be committed full-time to the startup, while at least one founder must be a BITS Pilani alumnus.
Applications for the Demo Day close on October 2, 2026, ahead of the event on October 9.