To most people in college, ideas are nothing new, discussed at dinner tables, over coffee and at parties; and then discarded. Rarely do we see an idea being passionately heralded into the world. BITS Pilani has been a thought-leader in this field.

An experiment by BITS’ Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, called Conquest, five years ago is today one of the most prestigious business events from India. Famous entrepreneurs and VCs have held workshops for Conquest participants in its previous editions. Last edition of Conquest saw participation from five continents. Finalists of Conquest also get intensive legal and business mentoring for over a month. The prize money for Conquest 2008 is INR 1.5 lakhs. The winners not only get an opportunity to pitch their business plan at various TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) conventions across the country but also on www.foundercontact.com which is a global networking organization for entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.

We all have seen ideas completely change our world, and the way we live in it. Google, Apple, Microsoft, Yahoo, HP, Sony, Dell, Domino’s and lots more like them started as ideas by young minds, under the age of 25, at college. They built teams, gained experience, became role models and created a place of their own – they started with none of them. Just the willingness to stick on to their dreams, grab opportunities, risk failure and of course make big money! Or probably something they call ‘the entrepreneurial spirit’.

The last date for submission of entries for this year is December 23, 2007.

To participate in Conquest 2008 and get a head start for your venture, visit www.celbits.org for more details.