Top 20 Startup Competitions in Sri Lanka You Should Enter
Top 20 Startup Competitions in Sri Lanka You Should Enter
Sri Lanka's startup ecosystem is thriving, offering numerous opportunities for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas, secure funding, and connect with industry leaders. Startup competitions are a fantastic way to gain visibility, receive mentorship, and network with potential investors. Here are the top 20 startup competitions in Sri Lanka that you should consider entering.
1. Startup Sri Lanka
What it is: An annual competition organized by the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) to support and promote local startups.
Why enter: Gain national recognition, access to mentorship, and opportunities for funding and networking.
2. Venture Engine
What it is: A competition that aims to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable businesses through funding and mentorship.
Why enter: Receive mentorship from industry experts, pitch to potential investors, and access seed funding.
3. Disrupt Asia
What it is: Sri Lanka's premier startup conference and innovation festival, featuring a startup battle for the most innovative ideas.
Why enter: Gain exposure, network with industry leaders, and win cash prizes and mentorship opportunities.
4. Seedstars Colombo
What it is: A global startup competition aimed at emerging markets, including Sri Lanka, focusing on high-growth, high-impact ventures.
Why enter: Compete for a chance to participate in the global Seedstars Summit, gain international exposure, and attract investment.
Website: Seedstars
5. Sri Lanka Startups Xpress
What it is: An initiative to support startups with mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to investors.
Why enter: Present your startup to a panel of investors, receive valuable feedback, and secure potential funding.
6. AngelHack Colombo
What it is: A global hackathon competition that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship among tech enthusiasts.
Why enter: Collaborate with like-minded individuals, develop innovative solutions, and win prizes and mentorship.
Website: AngelHack
7. Yarl Geek Challenge
What it is: A competition designed to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among youth in Northern Sri Lanka.
Why enter: Showcase your startup, gain mentorship from industry experts, and win cash prizes.
Website: Yarl IT Hub
8. HatchX Accelerator Program
What it is: An accelerator program that provides startups with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Why enter: Access to co-working spaces, mentorship, and potential funding from investors.
Website: HatchX
9. Dialog Axiata Innovation Awards
What it is: A competition that recognizes and rewards innovative ideas in the technology sector.
Why enter: Gain national recognition, receive mentorship, and win cash prizes and other incentives.
Website: Dialog Axiata
10. Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA)
What it is: A prestigious competition that recognizes innovation and excellence in ICT in the Asia-Pacific region.
Why enter: Gain international exposure, network with industry leaders, and win prestigious awards.
Website: APICTA
11. National Best Quality ICT Awards (NBQSA)
What it is: An annual competition recognizing excellence in software and ICT solutions in Sri Lanka.
Why enter: Gain visibility, receive recognition, and potentially represent Sri Lanka at international competitions.
Website: NBQSA
12. SLASSCOM Startup Challenge
What it is: A competition organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) to support tech startups.
Why enter: Access mentorship, networking opportunities, and potential funding from industry leaders.
Website: SLASSCOM
13. Sri Lanka Design Festival
What it is: An event celebrating design and innovation, featuring competitions for startups in the design sector.
Why enter: Showcase your design innovations, gain visibility, and network with industry professionals.
Website: Sri Lanka Design Festival
14. Techstars Startup Weekend Colombo
What it is: A 54-hour event where entrepreneurs can pitch ideas, form teams, and develop startups.
Why enter: Engage in an intensive, hands-on startup experience and connect with mentors and investors.
Website: Startup Weekend
15. Google Startup Grind Colombo
What it is: A global community of startups, with the Colombo chapter hosting events and competitions to support local entrepreneurs.
Why enter: Gain access to a global network, receive mentorship, and showcase your startup.
16. Tech in Asia Sri Lanka
What it is: A competition that provides startups with the opportunity to pitch to investors and gain international exposure.
Why enter: Gain visibility, receive feedback, and connect with potential investors.
Website: Tech in Asia
17. Women In Management Startup Awards
What it is: A competition recognizing and supporting female entrepreneurs and their startups.
Why enter: Gain recognition, receive mentorship, and network with other successful female entrepreneurs.
Website: Women In Management
18. Startup World Cup Sri Lanka
What it is: A regional competition that provides startups with the opportunity to compete on a global stage.
Why enter: Win a chance to compete in the grand finale in Silicon Valley, gain international exposure, and attract investment.
Website: Startup World Cup
19. Youth Business Sri Lanka (YBSL) Business Plan Competition
What it is: A competition encouraging young entrepreneurs to develop and pitch their business plans.
Why enter: Receive mentorship, feedback on your business plan, and potential funding.
20. Jaffna Startup Challenge
What it is: A competition aimed at promoting entrepreneurship in the Jaffna region.
Why enter: Gain visibility, receive mentorship, and connect with local investors and industry leaders.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka offers a vibrant and supportive environment for startups, with numerous competitions designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. By participating in these top 20 startup competitions, you can gain valuable exposure, receive expert mentorship, and secure the funding you need to grow your business. Whether you're a tech innovator, a social entrepreneur, or a creative designer, there's a competition in Sri Lanka that's perfect for you.
