🌟 Nothing Incubator: Nothing Launches First-Ever Student Competition in India
London-based smartphone brand Nothing has unveiled its first-ever student innovation contest in India: the Nothing Incubator. Designed for students across 60+ premier institutions, this initiative challenges young technologists to rethink what tech can be—infusing fun, creativity, and community-driven solutions into tomorrow’s ideas.
🎓 Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students from over 60 top Indian universities—such as IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIM Ahmedabad, BITS Pilani, XLRI Jamshedpur and FMS Delhi. Interdisciplinary teams of 1–3 members using college email IDs are eligible.
🎯 Theme & Format
Under the theme “Making Tech Fun Again”, student teams are expected to pitch innovative tech concepts that combine usability, creativity, and impact.
- Round 1: Submit a one-slide pitch between July 31 and August 24, 2025. Top entries advance.
- Round 2: Shortlisted teams prepare a three-page strategic deck (Sept 5–14), including market positioning and 3-year rollout plan.
- Grand Finale: Finalists deliver a live three-minute pitch to a panel of startup mentors, VCs, and industry leaders. Winner gets ₹2 lakh and a Nothing Phone (3).
🏆 Prizes, Perks & Opportunities
Winners receive ₹2 lakh, a Nothing Phone (3) each, and a winner’s certificate. First and second runners-up get Nothing Phone (3a) Pro or Phone (3a) and certificates. Exceptional finalists may earn internship or job offers with Nothing.
💡 Why This Matters to Students
This isn’t just a competition. It’s a launchpad. The program offers:
- Hands-on mentorship from tech industry experts
- A chance to co-create with Nothing’s design and engineering teams
- Cash prizes and flagship tech gear
- Visibility within India’s fast-growing tech ecosystem
- First access to future intern or job offers
🌏 About Nothing & Student Programs
Founded by Carl Pei, Nothing is known for its minimalist design, transparent aesthetic and strong community ethos. It was earlier known for “Generation Nothing,” a student program launched in 2023 in partnership with Yuvaa to promote creative tech thinking among Gen-Z audiences. The new Incubator builds on that legacy by formalizing competition and rewards.
📅 Timeline Summary
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Idea Submission (1‑slide) | July 31 – August 24, 2025 |
| Strategy Deck | September 5 – 14, 2025 |
| Live Pitch Finalist Event | Mid‑September 2025 |
✅ Benefits Checklist
- Platform to express bold, tech-oriented ideas
- Earn prize money and tech gadgets
- Receive guidance from veteran entrepreneurs
- Potential entry into pre-placement pipeline at Nothing
- Become part of a creative and disruptive tech community
📲 Registration & How to Join
Students can register through the official portal powered by Unstop. Only college email IDs are accepted. Forms remain open until August 24 for the first round. Team size: 1–3 members max; cross-disciplinary collaboration encouraged.
🧠 FAQs
Q: Is this open to students outside tech disciplines?
A: Yes—students from any academic background are eligible. Cross-year and interdisciplinary teams are encouraged.
Q: Are participants expected to keep their idea confidential?
A: Yes—teams must sign NDAs and maintain confidentiality until Nothing grants permission.
Q: Can I keep the device if I win?
A: Winners receive their prize phones (Nothing Phone 3 or 3a Pro / 3a) permanently. Non-winners get certificates or runner-up prizes.
🎯 Final Thoughts
The Nothing Incubator isn’t just a contest—it’s an invitation. An opportunity for creative Indian students to design the future of “fun tech.” With mentorship, real-world impact, and top-of-class rewards, this is a golden chance for driven teams to elevate their ideas from pitch deck to reality.