TiE U: Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

TiE U is a six-month accelerator program to transform collegiate entrepreneurs' innovative ideas into market-ready ventures. This global initiative is crafted to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators by providing mentorship, educational resources, investment readiness training, and opportunities to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

100

Started in

5000+

Total Students Engaged

Countries Covered

Chapters Involved

100

Prize Money Awarded

What Participants Gain

Mentoring

Founders receive guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs, offering students a valuable opportunity to refine and validate their ideas with insights from industry leaders and experts. This mentorship is a cornerstone providing practical knowledge and real-world perspectives.

Education

Participants gain access to workshops, seminars, and boot camps at both the chapter and global levels, covering a wide range of entrepreneurship-related topics. Winners also benefit from exclusive learning sessions sponsored by industry partners, enhancing their skills and knowledge.

Networking

The program connects participants with entrepreneurs within the TiE ecosystem and peers from across the globe. These interactions help build meaningful relationships, fostering potential collaborations and partnerships among emerging startups.

The TiE Ecosystem: Fostering Mentorship & Investment for Entrepreneurs

What’s Planned for 2025

March 2025

Applications Open

May 15, 2025

Application Deadline

June 2025

Team Selections and Program Outreach

July – Aug 2025

Chapter level mentoring and Pitch Prep

Aug – Sep 2025

Chapter-level pitch competition to select global representative

Oct – Nov 2025

Mentoring for winning team | Mock Rounds and Semi-Finals

Dec 2025

Global final pitch competition at TiE Global Summit 2025

Who Can Participate

TiE U will accept applications in two distinct tracks to offer tailored support to all participants. Shortlisted teams from each track will receive mentorship and compete in regional pitch competitions. The winners from each region will advance to the global pitch competition at the prestigious TiE Global Summit, gaining unmatched international visibility and opportunities.

The two tracks are:

Pre-Revenue Track – For startups in the ideation stage.
Revenue Track – For startups in the early revenue stage.

Track 1: Pre-revenue Track(For startups in the ideation stage.)

Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students with a validated startup idea

All team members must be currently enrolled in a college or university

Teams should have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 members (max. limit is optional)

The applicant must be the founder or co-founder of the startup

A basic prototype should be developed, with some level of customer validation completed

Revenue generated by the startup must be under $5,000 (as the startup is in its early operational phase).

Track 2: Revenue Track For startups in the early revenue stage.

Open to undergrad, postgrad/graduate students

The startup must have a real product and early customers.

Teams should have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 members. (max. limit is optional)

At least one team member must be a current postgrad/graduate student.

If any co-founders/team members have graduated, it should be no more than two years ago.

Revenue requirements: (since the startup is operational)

Eastern Hemisphere startups: ≥$5K revenue
Western Hemisphere startups: ≥$25K revenue

TiE U Alumni are eligible to reapply (but not past chapter winners)

Apply Now

How it works

STEP 1:
TEAM FORMATION

Students with startup ideas or existing startups form teams. Teams can include current students and co-founders who have graduated earlier.

STEP 2:
APPLY ONLINE

Submit the online application form with contact details (unique email and phone numbers) for all the team members, a basic pitch deck, and a 1-minute video.

STEP 3:
ORIENTATION

A TiE chapter representative briefs the team(s) on the program structure and timelines, either virtually or in person.

STEP 4:
BASIC WORKSHOPS

Students attend workshops conducted by local chapters or globally, covering fundamental requirements for the pitch competition.

STEP 5:
FILTERING

For larger cohorts, chapters may filter teams based on pre-defined criteria using submitted pitch decks and videos.

STEP 6:
FINAL COHORT

Filtered teams are selected to join the cohort to undergo additional coaching and mentoring.

STEP 7:
MENTORING

Teams are paired with experienced mentors who guide them on various business aspects.

STEP 8:
EDUCATION

Access specialized workshops on topics like pitch deck creation, financial modeling, go-to-market strategies and more.

STEP 9:
SEMI-FINALS

For larger cohorts, chapters may conduct a semi-final round before the final.

STEP 10:
FINALS

Teams pitch their ideas/startups to a jury panel. The winner is selected based on scoring criteria to represent the chapter at the global finale.

What’s New?..

  
Before
Now


  
Focused on a Pitch Competition
Focused on Creating Entrepreneurs

Limited to a Global Pitch Competition
Beyond a Pitch Competition - it is an ecosystem and experiential program to connect, learn and fast-track your venture’s growth

Everyone is eligible to apply and judged with the same criteria - mostly idea-stage startups
Applications in two tracks: Idea Stage and Revenue Stage, Judging in different tracks - more efforts to bring market-ready startups too

Global Pitch in May at TiEcon SV
Global Pitch in Dec at TGS every year along with a youth fest

The curriculum at Chapter Level
More Structured Curriculum by Global

Before	Now
Focused on a Pitch Competition	Focused on Creating Entrepreneurs
Limited to a Global Pitch Competition	Beyond a Pitch Competition - it is an ecosystem and experiential program to connect, learn and fast-track your venture’s growth
Everyone is eligible to apply and judged with the same criteria - mostly idea-stage startups	Applications in two tracks: Idea Stage and Revenue Stage, Judging in different tracks - more efforts to bring market-ready startups too
Global Pitch in May at TiEcon SV	Global Pitch in Dec at TGS every year along with a youth fest
The curriculum at Chapter Level	More Structured Curriculum by Global

TiE DC: Fueling Entrepreneurship and Innovation

TiE DC is the regional chapter of TiE, the world’s largest network of entrepreneurs dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. As a leader in advancing entrepreneurial growth in the region, TiE DC firmly believes that entrepreneurship is the foundation of economic development and job creation.

With a bold vision, we are committed to expanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem, identifying new opportunities across industries and emerging platforms, and delivering essential management training to empower both aspiring and established entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential.

Why Be a Part of the TiE Community

Global Pitch Competition

Worldwide Networking Opportunities

Access to Global Markets

Direct Investor Connections

Expert-Led Masterclasses & Workshops

Guidance from Seasoned Entrepreneurs

Cash Prizes & In-Kind Rewards

Certificate of Participation

Be Part of 1000+ TiE U Alumni Network

TiE Global Summit 2024

Founders, mentors, and industry leaders from the US and India gathered at TiE UNICON for a transformative one-week immersion program. This unique experience combined learning, networking, and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit while exploring diverse cultures and forging lasting connections.