National Entrepreneurship Challenge
PSGIM E-Cell is competing in NEC 2026 — E-Cell IIT Bombay’s pan-India challenge to build an actively functioning Entrepreneurship Cell on every campus.
India’s largest student entrepreneurship challenge
An Entrepreneurship Cell matters to a college because it builds students’ entrepreneurial spirit — and NEC is the platform that helps a college turn that into an actively functioning E-Cell.
NEC is a roughly six-month competition run by E-Cell, IIT Bombay. Teams are given a series of tasks that are essential for any Entrepreneurship Cell to run smoothly, and are mentored through them.
PSGIM E-Cell is registered for the 2026 cycle. This page is where our campus team tracks the drive and where new members sign up.
Entrepreneurship for every student, every idea
We want NEC to leave PSGIM with a stronger, better-documented E-Cell — a repeatable calendar, a mentor bench, and a public record of what the Cell does.
Just as importantly, we want more students on campus to feel that starting something is not rocket science — that there is a room to bring an idea to, and people who will help take it forward.
Where we compete
Basic Track
For teams whose E-Cell is new to NEC. Start with fundamental concepts and the essential tasks of running a Cell.
Advanced Track
For returning teams. Deeper tasks, complex challenges, and higher stakes — the goal for PSGIM next cycle.
Mentor Track
Guide other campuses while sharpening leadership and teaching skills. Open to senior E-Cell members.
Incentives
Cash prizes
Winning teams across the challenge share a prize pool worth several lakhs, awarded by E-Cell, IIT Bombay.
Official documentation
Get the PSGIM E-Cell formally documented and recognised by E-Cell, IIT Bombay.
E-Summit passes
Free passes to E-Summit’26, Asia’s largest student entrepreneurship summit.
Networking
Build a network of student founders, mentors and investors across campuses.
Mentorship
A mentor from E-Cell, IIT Bombay assigned to the team through the challenge.
Resume value
Taking part in a pan-India challenge is a real line on every team member’s CV.
Certification
Certificates from Asia’s largest student-run Entrepreneurship Cell.
The six months
Head-start task & preliminary task launch.
Registration deadline — register before this for the early-bird bonus.
Weekly tasks; mentor allotted after the preliminary task is submitted.
Submission window closes for all tasks.
Advanced track and national finals at IIT Bombay.
Results announced at E-Summit’26.
Guidelines
- NEC is a 5–6 month challenge focused on building and strengthening your own Entrepreneurship Cell.
- PSGIM enters one team for the institute — only one team per college is allowed.
- Our team runs on the Basic Track this cycle; the track is auto-assigned from the E-Cell’s age on the NEC portal.
- Each team has a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 25 members — individuals cannot take part alone.
- Registering before the deadline earns an early-bird bonus; the task window still closes on the fixed date.
Common questions
How do I join the PSGIM NEC team?
Fill the interest form linked below. The team lead adds you to the roster on the NEC portal once the campus team is confirmed.
Do I need a startup idea to join?
No. Most NEC tasks are about running the Cell — events, outreach, documentation. Ideas help, but they are not a requirement.
What is the time commitment?
Expect a few hours a week across the six months, heavier around task deadlines and events.
Basic or Advanced track — which are we on?
Basic, this cycle. The portal auto-assigns the track from the E-Cell’s age; PSGIM moves to Advanced once eligible.
Can first-years join?
Yes — the team is open to both years and every department.
Bring an idea, or come find one
Open to every department and both years. Fill the interest form and the team lead will be in touch before the next task.
NEC poster QR
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