Bengaluru Meets the Bay: A Challenge for Startups Building What’s Next with MongoDB

Bengaluru is home to some of the world’s most ambitious founders, and MongoDB is searching for the next generation of startups building what’s next. In partnership with Cerebral Valley, MongoDB is hosting the Bengaluru Meets the Bay startup challenge, designed to identify and elevate promising early-stage startups and MongoDB customers, based in Bengaluru. 

3 selected participants will receive a curated trip (flight + hotel accommodations) to San Francisco during #SFTechWeek (October 5–11, 2026), where they'll connect with MongoDB leaders, Bay Area builders, startups and founders, investors, and more. Each winner will also be invited as a VIP to MongoDB-hosted programming, designed to help them learn, build, and scale their startup.

Show us what you’re building and your next stop could be San Francisco!

How It Works

1. Submit your startup for consideration by July 7: Join MongoDB for Startups for early access or attend .local Bengaluru to receive priority review.

2. Advance as a finalist: MongoDB and Cerebral Valley will select 20 finalists.

3. Show us what you’re building: Record and submit a short demo video for review by a panel of judges from MongoDB.

4. Complete your finalist submission: In addition to the demo video, finalists will post their participation on social media, submit their MongoDB org ID for validation, and join MongoDB for Startups.

5. Win a trip to San Francisco: A panel of judges will select 3 winners to receive travel, hotel, MongoDB credits, and access to MongoDB’s #SFTechWeek programming.

Travel arrangements are the responsibility of the winner and will be reimbursed after attendance at the event is confirmed. Reimbursement is subject to the official contest terms and eligibility requirements. Winners may be responsible for applicable taxes associated with the prize package, and MongoDB may require completed tax documentation before prize fulfillment.

Key Dates

• June 26 at 9:00 AM IST: Early access opens for MongoDB for Startups

• June 30 at 9:00 AM IST: Submissions open at MongoDB.local Bengaluru

• July 7 at 11:59 PM IST: Submissions close

• July 14: 20 finalists selected

• July 14 to 21: Finalist submission period

• July 24: Winners announced and notified

• October 5–11: #SFTechWeek!

FAQs

Who should apply?

This challenge is for Bengaluru-based founders and builders at Series A and below startups, who are MongoDB Atlas customers and building AI-native products, vertical SaaS, infrastructure, or another product with a meaningful data layer challenge.

How many winners will be selected?

Three participants will be selected to attend #SFTechWeek.

What do winners receive?

Winners will receive round-trip travel and hotel accommodations to San Francisco, MongoDB credits, VIP access to MongoDB SF Tech Week programming, curated networking opportunities, and more.

How are startups evaluated?

Applications will be reviewed by judging panels from MongoDB and Cerebral Valley.

Do I need a passport or visa?

Yes. Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required travel documentation for travel to the United States.

Please see the official contest terms and eligibility requirements for details.