About CNLU

Chanakya National Law University (“CNLU”) was established under the Chanakya National Law University Act, 2006 (Bihar Act No. 24 of 2006) on July 15, 2006, with the altruistic goal of serving society by disseminating high quality legal education and legal awareness.

About CIILE & Startup Cell

Centre for Innovation, Incubation, and Legal Entrepreneurship is a not-for-profit Centre at CNLU. CIILE encourages start-ups in the areas of Legal and Social Entrepreneurship within the institute and the society at large. The goal of CIILE is to motivate, build and promote out of box thinking, development of innovative ideas amongst start-ups.

About Catalyst 2025

CATALYST: Startup Law and Policy Summit 2025 centers its focus on the transformative role of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in shaping the future of startups within India’s dynamic corporate ecosystem. As startups pursue rapid growth, attract investments, and explore viable exit strategies, M&A has emerged as a pivotal pathway—enabling them to scale into unicorns, forge strategic alliances, or integrate with larger corporations.

The 2025 edition of the Summit will bring together leading voices from law, policy, and industry to critically examine how corporate structuring, governance frameworks, and regulatory compliance influence startup valuation and deal- making potential. From shareholder rights and due diligence to antitrust regulations and cross-border M&A considerations, the Summit aims to decode the legal and policy infrastructure that governs strategic consolidations in the startup space.

Themes

• Impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Regulations on Startup M&A in India.
• Due Diligence in Startup Acquisitions: Legal, Financial, and IP Risks.
• Role of Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Compliance in M&A Transactions Involving Tech Startups
• Regulatory Challenges in Startup M&A: Navigating Indian and Cross-Border Deal Structures.
• M&A as an Exit Strategy for Startups: Legal and Strategic Considerations.
• Competition Law and Killer Acquisitions: Startup Acquisitions by Big Tech.
• ESOPs in Startup M&A: Legal, Tax, and Policy Perspectives.
• Valuation and Structuring Challenges in Acquiring Early-Stage Startup
• SPACs and Indian Startups: Opportunities and Legal Hurdles
• Term Sheet Negotiations and Founder Protection in M&A Deals
• Representation and Warranties Insurance in Startup Acquisitions
• Reverse Mergers and Shell Company Structures: Regulatory Implications
• Dispute Resolution in Cross-Border Startup M&A Deals
• Intellectual Property as a Driver of Startup M&A Strategy
• ESG Due Diligence in M&A Transactions: Startup-Specific Concerns
• Acqui-Hiring: Legal and Ethical Considerations
• Taxation in Startup M&A: Domestic and International Dimensions
• The Role of Founders Post-Acquisition: Retention, Incentives, and Governance
• Merger Control and Startup Acquisitions: CCI and Global Trends
• Recent Regulatory Developments (SEBI, RBI, MCA) Impacting Startup M&A

(The Themes are merely suggestive in nature, the participants are free to opt-in for sub- themes under these themes to narrow down their topics)

Eligibility

The competition is open to any student pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate or PhD scholars course in any recognized university in India. Participants are requested to produce a university-issued ID Card or Bonafide certificate issued by their respective universities stating that they are students of the same.

Important dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 4th June 2025
• Full Paper Submission Deadline: 30th June 2025
• Declaration of Result for Phase I: 18th July 2025
• Paper Presentation, Panel Discussion (Phase II): 17 August 2025

Submission Details

• Manuscript Submission: Word Count: 2500-3000 words
• Team Composition: Max 2 Authors per Team

Fee

• For Non- CNLU Students
  • Single Author: 900 INR
  • Co-Authors: 1600 INR
    For the Finalists: Rs. 2000 INR (Each Author) has to pay for Accommodation and Food
• For CNLU Students
  • Single Author: 600 INR
  • Co-Authors: 1000 INR

Prizes & Awards

• Publication: Top 15 manuscripts shall be published in an ISBN-bearing book by an national/International publisher.
• Presentation: The top 6 manuscripts will be invited for final rounds of presentation at CNLU Campus.
• Winner: 35,000 INR Cash Prize + Internship Opportunity with Nishith Desai Associates + Gold Medal + Trophy and Certificate
• Runner-Up: 25,000 INR + Internship Opportunity with Nishith Desai Associates + Silver Medal + Trophy and Certificate.