PAST HIGHLIGHT
2014
About Meraki(2014)
The term Meraki—a Greek word meaning “to do something with soul, creativity, or love”—perfectly captures the spirit of this competition. Since its inception in 2012, Meraki has grown into a sought-after event for aspiring entrepreneurs nationwide.
Why Meraki Stands Out:
- Pan-India Reach: Participants from top institutions like IITs, IIMs, and emerging colleges.
- Rigorous Evaluation: Multi-stage process ensures only the best ideas advance.
- Esteemed Jury Panel: Judged by prominent venture capitalists and business leaders.
Competition Structure
- Stage 1: Registration & Executive Summary Submission
Participants register and submit an executive summary of their business idea. - Stage 2: Business Plan Submission & Evaluation
Shortlisted teams provide a detailed business plan for assessment by industry experts. - Stage 3: Final Presentations
The top 10 teams pitch their ideas to a distinguished jury at the FIIB campus in a “Dragon’s Den” style format.
Rewards and Incentives:
- 1st Prize: ₹1,00,000 + Trophy + Certificate
- 2nd Prize: ₹75,000 + Trophy + Certificate
- 3rd Prize: ₹50,000 + Trophy + Certificate
- Entry into Fortune Venture Incubator (FVI) for incubation and mentorship.
Success Stories from Meraki 2014
Meraki’s 2014 edition showcased diverse ideas with real-world impact.
Winner: Elixir Biomedical (₹1,00,000)
Medical devices for efficient healthcare administration.
1st Runner-up: Weddings R’ Us (₹75,000)
Customized wedding planning services for India’s middle and upper-middle-class markets.
2nd Runner-up: Eccentrics (₹50,000)
Highway dhabas offering authentic North Indian cuisine in South Indian metros.
Top 10 Finalists and Their Ideas:
- Aces (Fore School of Management, Delhi)
A portal for affordable, secure home rentals targeting migrant students in Delhi/NCR. - Eccentrics (Goa Institute of Management, Goa)
Affordable highway restaurants offering authentic North Indian cuisine in southern cities. (3rd Place) - Elixir Biomedical (D J Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mumbai)
Medical devices for better healthcare administration, with tested solutions for hospitals. (1st Place) - Hash Tag (IMI, Delhi)
Mobile apps solving parking and navigation challenges in major metro cities. - Lost Beat (NSIT, Delhi)
A networking platform for musicians, integrating online tools and event management. - Mavens (NIAM, Jaipur)
Large-scale hydroponic and vertical farming initiatives in Rajasthan. - Roadeo (FIIB, Delhi)
Last-mile delivery solutions for unorganized F&B and pharmacy sectors in Delhi. - Spartans (Army Institute of Technology, Pune)
Affordable vegetable and fruit purifiers with lab-tested results. - Utopia (Jamia Millia Islamia & SCIT Pune)
Green rickshaws offering employment to disabled individuals and existing rickshaw pullers. - Weddings R’ Us (FIIB, Delhi)
Customized wedding planning and retail stores for middle and upper-middle-class families. (2nd Place)
Esteemed Jury Panel (2014)
Meraki 2014 featured an elite jury of industry leaders and venture capitalists:
- Alok Mittal: Managing Director, Canaan India
- Vishal Dixit: Director, Zephyr Peacock India
- Amit Khosla: Managing Director, Asia Bridge Capital
- Sarbvir Singh: Managing Director, Capital18
- Anshoo Sharma: Principal, Lightspeed Venture Partners
- Manish Kheterpal: Ex-Director, Providence Equity Partners
Other notable ideas included:
- Utopia: Green rickshaws creating jobs for disabled individuals.
- Mavens: Vertical farming for pesticide-free produce in Rajasthan.
- Lost Beat: A networking platform for struggling musicians.
Entrepreneurship Summit: Learning from the Best
Meraki includes the FIIB Entrepreneurship Summit, offering workshops and panels led by industry experts.
Judging Criteria and Evaluation
Meraki evaluates business plans based on:
- Value Proposition: Innovation and problem-solving potential.
- Market Opportunity: Size, target audience, and scalability.
- Business Viability: Revenue streams, cost structure, and competitive advantage.
- Execution Plan: Team capability and operational feasibility.
Judges offer personalized feedback, guiding participants toward building fundable, sustainable ventures.
Fortune Venture Incubator (FVI): Driving Ideas Forward
Top teams earn entry into FIIB’s Fortune Venture Incubator (FVI), where they receive personalized mentorship, networking opportunities, and incubation support. Past incubated ventures have secured funding from angel investors and accelerators.
The Meraki Legacy
Meraki has grown beyond a competition to become a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs. By fostering innovation, connecting young minds with investors, and providing resources for growth, Meraki is shaping the future of India’s entrepreneurial landscape.
