1.1 Participant Eligibility

• Participation in BUZZTECH 2.0 is open only to students currently enrolled at SVIT, Vasad.
• Students from all departments and all years of study are eligible to participate.
• Inter-departmental and inter-year teams are permitted.

1.2 Team Composition

• BUZZTECH 2.0 is open only to team-based participation.
• Each team must consist of 2 - 4 members.
• Each participant may be a member of only one team.

1.3 Team Lead

• Each team must nominate one Team Lead who will serve as the primary point of contact with the Organizing Committee.

1.4 Team Changes

• Team composition cannot be changed after registration without prior approval from the BUZZTECH 2.0 Organizing Committee.

1.5 Track

• Each team must participate in one track only.
• A team cannot participate in multiple tracks.

2.1 Registration Process

• All teams must register through the official BUZZTECH 2.0 registration process within the announced registration period.
• Teams must provide all required information and documents during registration.

2.2 Accuracy of Information

• All information submitted during registration must be complete and accurate.
• Submission of false or misleading information may result in cancellation of registration or disqualification.

2.3 Registration Deadline

• Registrations must be completed before the officially announced deadline.
• Late registrations will not be accepted unless explicitly permitted by the Organizing Committee.

2.4 Official Communication

• All official announcements, deadlines, instructions, and updates will be communicated through the official BUZZTECH 2.0 communication channels (email & whatsapp).
• Participants are responsible for keeping themselves informed of such announcements.

3.1 Business Idea

• Each team must participate with one original business idea.
• The proposed idea must have a clear product, service, or business model that can be developed and executed during the BUZZTECH 2.0 challenge.
• Teams must submit a brief description of their proposed business idea during registration.
• The business idea must comply with the eligibility and prohibited-category rules of BUZZTECH 2.0.

3.2 Track Selection

BUZZTECH 2.0 will have the following tracks:

• Technology Startup Track – for ventures where technology, software, AI, hardware, digital platforms, or technological innovation is a core part of the product or service.
• Business Startup Track – for ventures based on a non-technology-first product, service, commerce, or business model.

3.3 Track Allocation

• Each team must select one track only during registration.
• Teams must participate in the track that best represents the nature of their proposed venture.
• Teams may not participate in multiple tracks.

3.4 Idea Changes

• Teams are expected to work on the business idea submitted during registration.
• Any major change in the core business idea or business model after registration must be communicated to and approved by the Organizing Committee.

4.1 Restricted Business Categories

• Businesses primarily engaged in the preparation, sale, delivery, or distribution of food or beverages are not eligible for BUZZTECH 2.0.
• Business ideas involving illegal activities, prohibited products, or services are not permitted.

4.2 Unethical Business Models

• Business ideas involving fraud, deception, misleading claims, or unethical practices will not be accepted.
• Any business model that violates applicable laws, regulations, or institutional policies is ineligible.

4.3 Technology-Based Solutions

• Technology-based solutions serving restricted industries may be considered eligible if their primary business model is technology-driven and does not involve the direct sale, preparation, or distribution of restricted products.

4.4 Eligibility Review

• The BUZZTECH 2.0 Organizing Committee reserves the right to review the eligibility of any proposed business idea.
• If a business is found to violate these rules after registration, the team may be removed from the competition.

5.1 50-Day Challenge

• BUZZTECH 2.0 is a 50-day entrepreneurship challenge in which teams are expected to develop and execute their registered business idea.
• Teams are expected to work towards real-world validation, customer engagement, and measurable business progress during the challenge.

5.2 Active Participation

• All team members are expected to actively contribute throughout the 50-day challenge.
• Teams must complete the official activities, milestones, submissions, and reviews within the specified timelines.

5.3 Business Execution

• Teams are expected to make genuine efforts towards building, marketing, selling, validating, or otherwise executing their business idea.
• All business activities and progress must be genuine and accurately represented.

5.4 Withdrawal

• Teams wishing to withdraw must inform the BUZZTECH 2.0 Organizing Committee.
• Unjustified withdrawal or prolonged inactivity may result in elimination from the challenge.

6.1 Academic Attendance

• No additional academic attendance will be provided for BUZZTECH 2.0 related work or activities.
• Participants must not miss regular lectures or academic commitments for BUZZTECH 2.0 work.

6.2 BUZZTECH Activities

• Attendance may be considered only for official BUZZTECH 2.0 activities specifically notified by the Organizing Committee.
• Participants are expected to manage their academic responsibilities alongside their BUZZTECH 2.0 participation.

6.3 Activities During Lecture Hours

• Teams must not conduct BUZZTECH 2.0 business activities, meetings, customer visits, marketing activities, or development work during scheduled lecture hours.
• Teams found violating this rule may be subject to appropriate action by the Organizing Committee.

7.1 Weekly Progress Updates

• Each team must submit weekly progress updates through the official BUZZTECH 2.0 process.
• Updates must briefly include the work completed, current progress, and key developments during the week.

7.2 Supporting Proof

• Teams must maintain authentic records or supporting proof of their business activities, customer interactions, sales, expenses, and other relevant progress.
• The Organizing Committee may request supporting proof at any stage of the challenge.

7.3 Missed Updates

• Failure to submit two consecutive mandatory progress updates without an approved reason may result in elimination from BUZZTECH 2.0.

8.1 Official Sessions

• Teams must attend official mentor, expert, review, and industry interaction sessions as communicated by the Organizing Committee.
• Attendance may be mandatory for sessions specifically designated by the Committee.

8.2 Participation

• Teams are expected to come prepared with relevant business progress, updates, and questions for scheduled sessions.
• Teams must follow the instructions and timelines communicated for each session.

8.3 Review & Feedback

• The Organizing Committee, mentors, or experts may review team progress and provide feedback or recommendations during the 50-day challenge.
• Teams are expected to consider relevant feedback and incorporate improvements where appropriate.

9.1 Evaluation

• Teams will be evaluated based on their performance and progress throughout the 50-day challenge.
• Evaluation will consider both the business execution and the team's ability to present and demonstrate its venture.

9.2 Evidence-Based Evaluation

• Teams must provide authentic data, records, and supporting evidence wherever required to substantiate their progress and claims.
• Teams must provide genuine and verifiable information regarding their customers, sales, revenue, traction, partnerships, and other business claims. Any fabrication or deliberate misrepresentation may result in disqualification.
• Claims regarding customers, sales, revenue, partnerships, or traction may be verified by the Organizing Committee or judges.

9.3 Final Decision

• The final scores and rankings will be determined by the appointed judging panel based on the announced evaluation criteria.
• The decision of the judging panel shall be final and binding.

10.1 Final Submission

• Each team must submit all required materials within the officially announced deadline.
• The final submission must accurately represent the team's 50-day business journey, achievements, and current status.

10.2 Final Presentation

• Shortlisted teams will present their venture before the judging panel during the Grand Finale.
• Teams must adhere to the presentation format, time limit, and guidelines communicated by the Organizing Committee.
• All information presented must be accurate and verifiable.

10.3 Submission Deadline

• Failure to submit the required final materials within the specified deadline may result in elimination from the final evaluation.

11.1 Organizer Rights

• The BUZZTECH 2.0 Organizing Committee reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the schedule, venue, timelines, or operational procedures when necessary.
• Any significant changes affecting participants will be communicated through the official BUZZTECH 2.0 communication channels.
• The decision of the BUZZTECH 2.0 Organizing Committee and appointed judging panel, within their respective areas of authority, shall be final and binding.

11.2 Important Notes

• Intellectual Property: All intellectual property developed during BUZZTECH 2.0 remains the property of the respective participating team unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Internal Team Disputes: Internal team disputes shall first be reviewed by the BUZZTECH 2.0 Organizing Committee before any further administrative escalation.