Call for Participants: IEEE ACEI 2026

Get ready for ACEI 2026 – The Venture, an initiative by the IEEE Region 10 AdHoc Committee on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, brought to you by the IEEE Pulchowk Student Branch.
Designed to foster entrepreneurship and innovation among undergraduate students, ACEI 2026 – The Venture provides a unique opportunity for aspiring founders to showcase their startup ideas, receive expert feedback, and compete for a chance to represent their section on the regional stage.
Deadline: 25th July.
About the Competition
IEEE ACEI 2026 – The Venture is a startup pitching competition exclusively for undergraduate students. The competition aims to encourage innovative thinking, support entrepreneurial talent, and provide a platform where students can present their ideas to industry experts and experienced judges.
The competition begins with a Call for Proposals, inviting teams to submit their startup concepts for evaluation. Shortlisted teams will then be invited to pitch their ideas before a panel of judges.
Competition Tracks
This year's competition features two exciting tracks:
1. The Block-Series
The Block-Series is dedicated to startup ideas that are primarily based on blockchain technology. Teams developing innovative blockchain-powered solutions, decentralized applications, digital asset platforms, or related technologies are encouraged to participate.
2. Idea2Startup
Idea2Startup is an open category that welcomes startup ideas from any domain, including but not limited to:
- AgriTech & Food Systems
- Clean Energy & Climate
- Digital Technologies & ICT
- Education & Learning
- Financial Services & FinTech
- Health & MedTech
- Manufacturing & Hardware
- Tourism & Culture
- Water & Sanitation
Innovations beyond these categories are also welcome.
Competition Process
Call for Proposals
Teams are invited to submit their startup proposals during the application phase.
Evaluation
Submitted proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the organizing committee and experts based on innovation, feasibility, impact, and overall potential.
Pitching Competition
Selected teams will receive an invitation via email to present their startup ideas before a judging panel during the pitching competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can non-IEEE members participate?
Yes. Non-IEEE members may participate; however, at least one member of each team must be an active IEEE member.
How many members can a team have?
Each team must consist of 2–4 members.
My startup is still in the ideation stage. Can I still apply?
Yes. Startups in the ideation stage are encouraged to participate. However, applicants should demonstrate some level of progress, such as:
- A Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- A prototype or demo
- A business plan
- Early market validation or customer interest
- Any other evidence of development or commitment
Can team members be from different campuses or institutions?
Yes. Team members may belong to different campuses or institutions.
Can we participate in both tracks?
Yes. Teams may participate in both The Block-Series and Idea2Startup. A separate proposal submission is required for each track.
Why Participate?
Participating in ACEI 2026 – The Venture offers students the opportunity to:
- Showcase innovative startup ideas
- Receive feedback from industry experts
- Develop entrepreneurial and pitching skills
- Build connections within the startup ecosystem
- Gain regional and international exposure
- Represent their section at the IEEE Region 10 ACEI Regional Pitching Competition
Stay Connected
More details, timelines, registration information, and competition updates will be announced through the official social media channels of IEEE Pulchowk Student Branch.
Ready to Build the Future?
Take the first step toward transforming your idea into impact. Submit your proposal and become part of the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers through IEEE ACEI 2026 – The Venture.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact:
Ishant Yadav
📞 +977 9804700266
Suparna Neupane
📞 +977 9766516799
Innovation starts with an idea. The Venture helps turn it into impact.