Ideathon & Pitchfest

Empowering Innovation and Entrepreneurial Thinking.

ABOUT US

Call For Abstracts Live!.......

The Ideathon and Pitchfest track is a dynamic platform designed to empower women re-entering the workforce by transforming their ideas into actionable ventures. It blends creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking, offering participants an opportunity to rediscover their professional identity while addressing real-world challenges. This track serves as a bridge between potential and opportunity, providing a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and equips returning mothers with the tools needed to enter the professional world as innovators and founders.

OBJECTIVES

Foster essential skills in project development, strategic planning, business modeling, and fundraising.

Connect with technical mentors, industry professionals, and business experts. Get comprehensive guidance and support tailored to your journey.

Establish a collaborative platform that encourages the exchange and development of innovative, diverse, and socially impactful ideas.

Provide participants with opportunities to present and pitch their ideas to potentialinvestors, collaborators, and strategic partners.

Deliver personalized mentorship and support tailored to the unique requirements of individuals and their respective projects.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Individuals passionate about creating socially impactful solutions

STEAM graduates seeking to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges

Innovators and students from technical and non-technical backgrounds

Professionals and mothers returning to the workforce after a career break

Aspiring entrepreneurs committed to transforming ideas into viable ventures

KEY GUIDELINES

Original submissions only; plagiarism will not be entertained.
Ensure all ideas and proposals are respectful, inclusive, and free from gender prejudice.
Participants must use the official abstract template provided on the portal.
Only one abstract may be submitted per team; separate accounts may be created for additional submissions, if permitted by the organizers.
Participants are advised to regularly check the portal for updates, announcements, or changes in deadlines.

Note:
Ensure that you get the template from this portal for the Ideathon and Pitchfest, fill it up with your ideas, and submit it here.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 We are excited to announce that the final pitch will be conducted in an offline mode at our designated venue. After selecting the final teams, each team will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas in person. This is a great chance to present your project directly to the judges and audience, receive immediate feedback, and network with other participants. Prepare your presentations and get ready to impress!

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞

Kalyan Grand,Chennai

View Location

18-19 September 2026

KEY FOCUS AREA

IDEATHON PHASE

Brainstorming and developing ideas across diverse domains (flexible work solutions, childcare innovations, wellness, education, digital services).

DESIGN THINKING

Identifying key problems, exploring user needs, and crafting practical, impactful concepts based on lived experiences.

PITCHFEST PHASE

Delivering structured pitches (problem, solution, target audience, impact) to a panel of judges, investors, and advocates.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Enhancing storytelling, feasibility planning, scalability assessment, and presentation skills.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE ?

Open to participants from all age groups.
Teams may consist of up to 4 members (1 Team Leader and up to 3 TeamMembers).
Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to participate with inclusive andunbiased ideas.

INTENDED PARTICIPANTS

Returning mothers with entrepreneurial ideas or aspirations.
Women re-entering the workforce interested in startup culture, flexible employment models, or running their own business.
Individuals looking to develop problem-solving, design thinking, and public speaking skills.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Experience in transforming a raw idea into a structured, actionable venture.
Improved presentation and pitching skills developed in a high-support, Shark Tank-style environment.
Valuable feedback and mentorship from industry experts and investors.
Potential opportunities for networking, funding, and launching viable projects.

What You’ll Need Before You Start?

Team Leader’s Name andEmail ID (for registration and official communication)
Team Name (optional but recommended)
Selected Theme from the available categories
Title and brief description of the proposed idea
Team Member details including name, email, role, and organization/city
Completed Abstract Template downloaded from the portal

How to Submit Your Abstract (Step-by-Step)

Open the portal IEEE RMC 2026 Ideathon & Pitchfest and fully complete the team registration fields.
In the next section,provide your Problem Statement, Proposed Solution, and Impact Assessment.
Outline your Primary Objective, Innovation/Differentiation, and Current Stage of Development.
Define your Scope of Implementation, Resource Requirements, and Scalability Plan.
Detail your Awareness of Support Mechanisms, Feasibility/Confidence Levels, and Mentorship Requirements.
Share your Inspiration Behind the Idea and its Relevance to Returning Mothers.
Agree to the declaration and click Submit to finalize your proposal.

What Happens Next?

You’ll receive email updates at key stages:

THEME AREAS FOR 2026

Are you ready to transform ideas into real-world impact? This is your opportunity.

Tech-Driven Comebacks

Technology empowers fresh beginnings and fearless career comebacks.

AI for Inclusion

Innovation becomes meaningful when intelligence is accessible to all.

Future of Caregiving

The future of care lies in solutions that are compassionate, connected, and human-centered.

Digital Dignity

An inclusive digital world begins with safety, respect, and equal access for everyone.

Climate-Conscious Living & Resource Protection

Sustainable innovation today creates a healthier and more resilient tomorrow.

Micro-Entrepreneurship & Rural Innovation

Transforming local ideas into powerful drivers of community growth and change.

Smart Wellness

Technology-driven wellness is shaping healthier minds, bodies, and communities.

Next-Gen Learning Spaces

The future of learning is flexible, inclusive, and built for lifelong growth.

Empowering Returning Mothers

Every comeback story begins with confidence, opportunity, and support.

Open Innovation

Great ideas emerge when creativity transcends boundaries and disciplines.

Submission Deadline: 10 July 2026

Timeline

Phase 1

Abstract Submission

Submit your idea using the official abstract template available on the portal.

All entries will be evaluated based on originality, feasibility, and potential impact. Shortlisted teams will be announced following the review process..

Phase 2

Mentorship & Workshops

Shortlisted teams will be paired with mentors for guidance and feedback.

Workshop 1: Open to all participants – focused on idea validation and presentation skills.

Workshop 2/ Panel Discussion: Exclusive for shortlisted teams – expert insights to prepare for finals.

Phase 3

Final Pitchfest

Finalists present their ideas to a panel of investors, leaders, and experts.

Winning teams are selected based on innovation, scalability, and social impact.

Phase 4

Results & Recognition

Winners, runners-up, and women-led teams are recognized.

Certificates and prize money are awarded to participants.

Structure

Download Template Submit Your Idea