These Terms and Conditions (hereinafter referred to as the “Terms” or “T&C”) govern participation in the Global Readiness Immersion Trips program (hereinafter referred to as “GRIT” or the “Program”) organized by NxtWave Disruptive Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “NxtWave”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) under its NxtWave of Innovation in Advanced Technologies (“NIAT”) initiative. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you (hereinafter referred to as “you”, “your”, or “Participant”) and NxtWave in connection with your participation in GRIT.

By registering for or participating in GRIT, you confirm your acceptance of and agreement to be bound by these Terms, the Privacy Policy, and any other related terms and guidelines communicated by NxtWave from time to time. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, kindly refrain from registering for or participating in the Program.

In compliance with applicable laws of India, only persons of 18 (eighteen) years of age or above are eligible to enter into a contract. If you are below the age of 18 years, your participation shall be contingent upon the acceptance of these Terms by your parent or legal guardian, who shall be jointly responsible for your compliance herewith. By enrolling in the Program, you affirm through your actions that you are eligible to accept these Terms and/or have the requisite consent of your parent or legal guardian.

The Participant and NxtWave are collectively referred to as “Parties” and individually as a “Party”.

1. Definitions and Interpretation

1.1 “Applicable Laws” means all relevant and enforceable laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines issued by competent authorities having jurisdiction over the Program.

1.2 “Miles” means the performance score earned by a Participant through GRIT Contests on the Platform. Each GRIT Contest is conducted around one skill level, and upon completion, a Participant is awarded a grade (Gold, Silver, or Try Again) with corresponding Miles credited accordingly. Cumulative Miles determine a Participant’s standing on the Qualiflyer Leaderboard.

1.3 “Bonus Miles” means additional performance score earned by a Participant upon achieving prescribed milestones on the Platform or through qualifying external achievements, contributing to the Qualiflyer Leaderboard standing, subject to conditions herein.

1.4 “Code of Conduct” means the behavioral, academic, and disciplinary standards prescribed by NxtWave, as amended from time to time.

1.5 “Confidential Information” means any non-public information disclosed by NxtWave to the Participant, whether oral, written, or electronic, including business plans, technology, trade secrets, financial data, and all copies or derivatives thereof.

1.6 “GRIT Contest” means offline assessments conducted by NxtWave at designated NIAT campus premises.

1.7 “Immersion Trip” means the fully funded international travel experience for Selected Participants, focused on global tech immersions, technology conferences, R&D institution visits, and industry site visits, as described in Clause 7.

1.8 “NIAT” means NxtWave of Innovation in Advanced Technologies, an initiative by NxtWave, an education technology company engaged in offering edtech solutions and upskilling programs designed to enhance the employability of students, duly empaneled with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under which the Program is conducted.

1.9 “Official Channels” means NxtWave’s officially designated communication platforms, including the NIAT website, registered email addresses, the Platforms, Instagram, WhatsApp groups, and direct communications by authorized NxtWave representatives.

1.10 “Open Source Contribution” means a verifiable and substantive contribution to a publicly recognized open-source project, as evaluated and accepted by NxtWave in its sole discretion.

1.11 “Platform” means NxtWave’s digital learning and engagement infrastructure through which Participants access course materials and Program content, and access a dedicated dashboard to track progress, view rankings, and schedule or book participation slots for activities, including the GRIT Contests.

1.12 “Pre-Qualiflyer Leaderboard” means the preliminary ranking system on the Platform where all Participants are initially placed prior to qualifying for the Qualiflyer Leaderboard, based on their performance in Program activities.

1.13 “Qualiflyer” means the structured competitive evaluation framework, comprising the Qualiflyer Leaderboard and associated selection pathways, through which a Participant competes for selection for the Immersion Trip, as described in Clause 5.

1.14 “Qualiflyer Leaderboard” means the ranking system tracking Participant scores based on performance across Miles, Bonus Miles, and associated contests, restricted to Participants who have earned at least one Track Badge, for the purpose of GRIT selection.

1.15 “Selected Participant” means a Participant who has received formal confirmation of eligibility for the Immersion Trip from NxtWave through official communication from niat.grit@nxtwave.tech. The final list of Selected Participants will be displayed on the website from time to time.

1.16 “Sponsorship” means the fully or partially funded financial support provided by NxtWave to Selected Participants for costs expressly specified in Clause 7.

1.17 “Student Committee” means the group of Participant volunteers selected by NxtWave to assist in organizing, promoting, and managing Program events.

1.18 “Ticket To Finale” means the pathway by which a Participant becomes eligible for Immersion Trip without competing through the Qualiflyer Leaderboard, by virtue of qualifying external achievements, as described in Clause 5.

1.19 “Track Badge” means a milestone-based recognition awarded upon the successful completion of a prescribed basket of skills through GRIT Contests and a qualifying interview round. Badges range from Novice to Grand Master, with each Track requiring completion of all designated skills and the corresponding interview as a prerequisite for Badge award.

2. Program Overview and Objectives

2.1 GRIT is a year-long, performance-driven program designed to promote global readiness, employability, and excellence among eligible NIAT students. The Program rewards the students demonstrating strong academic commitment, continuous technical skill development, and active participation in the technology ecosystem by offering Selected Participants fully funded international immersion opportunities.

2.2 The Immersion Trip is a structured educational experience providing exposure to global technology ecosystems, including technology conferences, R&D institutions, innovation labs, and industry facilities. It is not a leisure, tourism, or recreational initiative. All activities, destinations, and schedules are curated exclusively to advance the Program’s academic and professional objectives and may include, without limitation, attendance at global technology conferences and summits, visits to R&D institutions and innovation hubs, tours of industrial facilities, participation in workshops and panel discussions, and interactions with international industry professionals and technology leaders.

2.3 The tentative travel period is May to July 2027, with a duration of four to seven days. NxtWave reserves the right to modify, postpone, reschedule, or alter travel dates, duration, destinations, itinerary, or structure at any time based on operational, logistical, regulatory, or other considerations. Such changes shall be communicated through official email from niat.grit@nxtwave.tech and shall be final and binding.

2.4 During the Immersion Trip, all Participants shall comply with the laws and regulations of jurisdictions visited, and with conduct standards, safety instructions, and guidelines issued by NxtWave or its authorized representatives. NxtWave reserves the right to disqualify, suspend, or remove any Participant at any stage for breach of these Terms, violation of the Code of Conduct, non-compliance with applicable laws, or any behavior deemed disruptive, unsafe, or detrimental to the Program. Any Participant so disqualified, suspended, or removed shall not be entitled to any compensation, reimbursement of expenses, or substitutionary or alternative benefit of any nature.

3. Eligibility Criteria

3.1 Participation in the Program is restricted exclusively to eligible students enrolled in designated NIAT programs who continuously satisfy the eligibility criteria prescribed under these Terms. Eligibility shall be assessed at the time of registration and shall remain subject to ongoing review throughout the duration of the Program cycle.

3.2 The Participant must be an active student enrolled in the NIAT 2023, NIAT 2024, or NIAT 2025 cohort. Students belonging to any other cohort or program shall not be eligible to participate in the Program unless expressly permitted by NxtWave in writing. This eligibility criterion is specific to the Immersion Trip 2027.

3.3 The Participant must maintain a minimum cumulative attendance of seventy-five percent (75%) as recorded and verified by NxtWave through its official systems or the Platform, calculated for the period commencing from 15th February 2026 and ending on 28th February 2027. Attendance compliance shall be assessed on a semester-wise basis, and failure to maintain the prescribed attendance threshold at the time of any periodic review may render the Participant ineligible to continue participation in the Program.

3.4 The Participant must ensure that all semester registrations applicable to their NIAT program are completed within the timelines prescribed by NxtWave. Participants who have outstanding dues, delayed registrations, administrative holds, or unresolved academic or institutional requirements shall be deemed ineligible to participate in the Program until such deficiencies are fully rectified, subject to NxtWave’s discretion.

3.5 The Participant must remain in full and continuous compliance with the Code of Conduct and all institutional policies applicable to NIAT students throughout the Program cycle. Any disciplinary action, misconduct finding, warning, suspension, or violation of NxtWave rules may result in disqualification from the Program at the sole discretion of NxtWave.

3.6 The Participant must earn at least one (1) Track Badge on or before 31st December 2026 as a mandatory condition of continued eligibility. Failure to meet this requirement by the stipulated date shall render the Participant automatically ineligible, in accordance with Clause 5.

3.7 The Participant must obtain a valid passport on or before the deadline communicated by NxtWave through the website or Official Channels from time to time. Failure to obtain a valid passport by this date may render the Participant ineligible for the Immersion Trip notwithstanding any selection, leaderboard ranking, or Qualiflyer Ticket earned. The costs of obtaining, renewing, or maintaining a passport shall be borne solely by the Participant.

3.8 The Participant acknowledges that achievement of any eligibility criterion or qualifying milestone under these Terms shall not automatically guarantee selection for the Program or the Immersion Trip.

4. Program Timeline and Registration

4.1 All specific dates for Qualiflyer phases, submission deadlines, leaderboard cut-offs, and selection announcements will be communicated through official email from niat.grit@nxtwave.tech. NxtWave reserves the right to revise, postpone, or extend any part of the timeline. Participants shall not be entitled to make any claims or raise objections in respect of any rescheduling, delay, or cancellation of any Program phase.

4.2 Eligible students must complete the official registration process by submitting accurate and complete information through the designated Platform or form. Registration is complete only upon receipt of formal written confirmation from NxtWave. Each Participant may register under a single identity only; multiple registrations using different credentials are strictly prohibited and shall result in disqualification.

5. Selection Process

Selection for the Immersion Trip shall be conducted through the following pathways, subject to the eligibility conditions in Clause 2:

5.1 Direct Ticket to Finale Route

5.1.1 A Participant may be considered for Direct Entry upon achieving recognized external milestones, subject to verification and confirmation by NxtWave. Qualifying achievements include:

i. Qualification for the regional round of the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC), as may be notified by NxtWave through Official Channels subject to documentary verification satisfactory to NxtWave.

ii. Formal selection into a recognized startup, entrepreneurship program, or accelerator, subject to verification and NxtWave’s assessment of the nature and merit of the Participant’s role and contribution therein. NxtWave may require supporting documentation, including incorporation documents, confirmation letters, or any other documents it deems relevant, to verify eligibility. Where a Participant qualifies as a co-founder, a maximum of two (2) co-founders from the same startup shall be eligible for a Ticket to Finale under this route, determined on a first-come, first-served basis at the time of application, and NxtWave may require written confirmation from the startup identifying the nominated co-founders. Any additional co-founders or team members from the same startup shall not be eligible, regardless of their individual roles or contributions.

iii. Verifiable contributions to recognized open-source software projects such as Google Summer of Code 2026 & 2027, assessed solely by NxtWave based on contribution records, repository activity, commit history, maintainer acknowledgments, or other relevant evidence.

iv. Any additional qualifying achievements notified by NxtWave through Official Channels from time to time.

5.1.2 Notwithstanding the above, eligibility under the Ticket to Finale pathway is subject to the mandatory requirement that the Participant has successfully earned the Track Badge. NxtWave reserves the right to conduct interviews, technical evaluations, or any other assessments prior to confirming Direct Entry eligibility. Achievement of any qualifying milestone does not automatically guarantee selection for the Program or the Immersion Trip.

5.1.3 Qualifying achievements under the Ticket to Finale pathway shall ordinarily relate to the period commencing 1 February 2026 and ending 28 February 2027. Given that the timelines of external programs, contests, and selection cycles are determined by third parties and may vary, NxtWave reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to recognize achievements falling outside this period and to consider exceptional cases on a case-by-case basis. All such determinations by NxtWave shall be final and binding on the Participant, and no appeal or correspondence shall be entertained in this regard.

5.2 Surprise Pass

NxtWave may, at its sole discretion, award a limited number of Surprise Passes to Participants at any point during the Program cycle. A Surprise Pass entitles the recipient to advance directly to the Finale, similar to the Direct Ticket to Finale route. Notwithstanding the award of a Surprise Pass, the Participant must continue to satisfy all eligibility criteria prescribed under Clause 3 and all qualifying requirements applicable to the Program. The award of a Surprise Pass shall not constitute a guarantee of selection for the Immersion Trip and may be withdrawn at any time if the Participant fails to maintain the requisite eligibility or qualifying standards. NxtWave’s decision regarding the award, withdrawal, or validity of any Surprise Pass shall be final and binding.

5.3 Leaderboard

a. Qualiflyer Leaderboard

5.3.1 The Qualiflyer Leaderboard shall be maintained and updated by NxtWave on the Platform and may be made visible to all Participants. By participating in the Program, each Participant expressly consents to the display of their name, batch, section, Track Badge level, Miles score, and ranking on the Leaderboard and in any Program-related promotional or informational materials published through Official Channels.

5.3.2 NxtWave reserves the right to determine the format, update frequency, and scope of information displayed. The Leaderboard is subject to change at any time, and NxtWave’s decisions regarding rankings, score corrections, and disqualifications are final and binding. Any attempt to artificially inflate Miles, manipulate Qualiflyer Leaderboard rankings, or exploit Platform vulnerabilities constitutes a material breach of these Terms and shall result in immediate disqualification.

5.3.3 Miles are earned by a Participant upon completion of GRIT Contests conducted per skill on the Platform. Upon completion of each GRIT Contest, the Participant is awarded a grade of “gold”, “silver”, or “try again”, with corresponding Miles credited to their account accordingly. Each skill-based GRIT Contest may be attempted multiple times by the Participant. Where a Participant attempts a GRIT Contest more than once, the highest grade achieved across all attempts shall be considered the final grade for that skill, and the Miles corresponding to such highest grade shall be counted as the final Miles for that GRIT Contest. For example, if a Participant receives a “try again” grade in the first attempt and a “silver” grade in the second attempt, the “silver” grade shall be treated as the final grade and Miles shall be credited accordingly. Cumulative Miles across all completed GRIT Contests shall determine the Participant’s standing on the Qualiflyer Leaderboard. NxtWave reserves the right to revise the Miles framework, including the grading structure and corresponding Miles allocation, at any time. Miles accrued under this clause shall not constitute a guarantee of selection for the Immersion Trip.

5.3.4 Participants who have earned the Track Badge may earn Bonus Miles by achieving prescribed milestones on the Platform or through qualifying achievements, as notified through Official Channels. Bonus Miles contribute to the Qualiflyer Leaderboard standing. NxtWave reserves the right to introduce, modify, or discontinue the Bonus Miles framework at any time. Bonus Miles earned shall not constitute a guarantee of selection.

5.3.5 Participants must complete the GRIT Contests in its entirety and earn the requisite Track Badge as a mandatory prerequisite. Each Participant must earn at least one (1) Track Badge on or before 31st December 2026 as a mandatory condition of continued eligibility. Participants who fail to meet this requirement by the stipulated date shall be automatically disqualified from the Program, forfeiting all accrued Miles, Bonus Miles, leaderboard standings, Qualiflyer rankings, and associated entitlements, with no right to appeal or reinstatement. NxtWave’s determination regarding Badge completion shall be final and binding.

5.3.6 The Qualiflyer Leaderboard ranks Participants based on cumulative performance across Platform milestones, and offline GRIT Contests held at NIAT campuses under invigilation. GRIT Contests must be completed in person at designated campuses under authorized supervision. Selection from the Leaderboard shall be made at NxtWave’s sole discretion, including determination of available seats and minimum qualifying thresholds.

5.4 Final Selection

Final selection of Participants for the Immersion Trip shall be made at NxtWave’s sole and absolute discretion, considering leaderboard rankings, Direct Entry qualifications, overall conduct, ongoing eligibility compliance, and any other criteria NxtWave deems relevant. Selection through any route does not constitute a binding commitment until NxtWave issues formal written confirmation. All decisions regarding selection are final and binding, and no correspondence or appeals shall be entertained.

6. Sponsorship and Coverage

6.1 NxtWave may, at its sole discretion, provide fully funded Sponsorship to a limited number of Selected Participants for the Immersion Trip. The number of sponsored seats shall be determined exclusively by NxtWave and may be revised, increased, reduced, or withdrawn at any time. The total number of sponsored seats is not subject to prior disclosure or guarantee.

6.2 The Immersion Trip may be conducted in multiple batches across different destinations, within the travel window tentatively scheduled between May to July 2027. Each Selected Participant is eligible for one Immersion Trip to one designated destination. Allocation of Participants to specific destinations, batches, and travel dates shall be determined exclusively by NxtWave. Participants shall not be entitled to request a specific destination, travel batch, or travel date.

6.3 Where Sponsorship is granted, it shall be strictly limited to the following components as determined by NxtWave:

i. Round-trip international airfare arranged by NxtWave through group bookings in economy class.

ii. Accommodation at venues designated by NxtWave for the duration of the official trip schedule.

iii. Standard meals provided in accordance with the approved Program itinerary.

iv. Local ground transportation required for participation in activities forming part of the official Program schedule.

6.4 All travel arrangements, including flight selection, accommodation standards, room allocation, itinerary scheduling, and transportation providers, shall be determined exclusively by NxtWave. Participants shall not be entitled to request upgrades, alternative bookings, reimbursement of independently arranged travel, or deviation from NxtWave’s arrangements.

6.5 The Sponsorship does not extend to the following, for which each Participant shall remain solely responsible:

i. Passport procurement, renewal, or any related documentation costs.

ii. Visa application fees, consular charges, and document preparation costs. NxtWave shall provide reasonable administrative guidance on the visa application process but shall not bear visa costs or guarantee visa issuance.

iii. Personal expenses including shopping, leisure activities, incidental purchases, or any activity outside the official itinerary.

iv. Personal travel insurance, medical insurance, or any other form of insurance coverage.

v. Any costs arising from deviation from the official itinerary, voluntary travel extensions, independent travel arrangements, missed flights, or rescheduling requests.

6.6 In the event of a visa rejection by the relevant consular authority, NxtWave shall bear no responsibility for such rejection or any resulting costs, losses, or damages. NxtWave reserves the right to allocate the affected Participant’s seat to the next eligible Participant on the Qualiflyer Leaderboard or at its sole discretion, discontinue the opportunity altogether. A visa rejection shall not entitle the Participant to compensation, an alternative destination, or any refund.

6.7 In the event that NxtWave or its authorized representatives incur any costs directly and solely attributable to the wilful misconduct, gross negligence, or violation of applicable law by a Participant during the Immersion Trip, including but not limited to medical expenses, hospitalization charges, fines, penalties imposed by authorities, legal fees, third-party claims, or any other expenses arising from the Participant’s conduct, acts, omissions, or emergencies, such costs shall be deemed a personal liability of the Participant, and the Participant unconditionally agrees to reimburse NxtWave in full within 60 (sixty) days of receipt of a written demand supported by reasonable documentation. This obligation shall survive the completion or termination of the Program and the Immersion Trip.

7. Participant’s Obligations and Conduct

7.1 Participants shall comply with the obligations set out in this clause throughout the duration of the Program and, where applicable, during participation in the Immersion Trip. Compliance with these obligations is a fundamental condition of continued participation in the Program.

7.2 Each Participant shall ensure that all information submitted during registration or at any subsequent stage of the Program is accurate, complete, and current, and shall promptly update any information that becomes inaccurate or outdated. The submission of false, misleading, forged, fabricated, or incomplete information at any stage may result in immediate disqualification. NxtWave reserves the right to independently verify any information submitted by a Participant at any time.

7.3 Participants are required to actively and continuously engage with the Platform and complete all prescribed learning, activities, submissions, and assessments within the timelines communicated by NxtWave. Failure to earn the Track Badge or any other mandatory Program requirement within the applicable time period shall render the Participant ineligible for consideration under any selection pathway. Passive registration without active and sustained engagement does not satisfy the requirements of the Program.

7.4 Participants shall maintain the highest standards of academic integrity and professional conduct throughout the Program. Participants shall not engage in cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, collusion, unauthorized collaboration, contract cheating, use of unauthorized aids, fabrication of data or results, or any other form of academic or intellectual dishonesty in connection with any Program activity. Any such conduct shall constitute a material breach of these Terms and shall render the Participant liable to immediate disqualification, without prejudice to any further remedies available to NxtWave.

7.5 Where a Participant is required to appear for offline GRIT Contests, assessments, or qualifying rounds, the Participant must attend in person, carry valid government-issued photo identification (such as Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID) and their NIAT student ID, and cooperate fully with invigilators and authorized NxtWave personnel. Any attempt to impersonate another individual, facilitate impersonation, or circumvent the invigilation or verification process shall constitute a material breach of these Terms and shall result in immediate disqualification.

7.6 Participants shall remain in full and continuous compliance with NxtWave’s Code of Conduct and all applicable institutional policies at all times during the Program cycle. Participants shall conduct themselves with integrity, professionalism, and respect toward all persons associated with the Program and shall refrain from any behavior that is abusive, threatening, discriminatory, or disrespectful, or that may disrupt the orderly conduct of the Program, adversely affect NxtWave’s reputation, or bring disrepute to the Program through public statements or communications of any kind.

7.7 As a mandatory condition of participation in the Immersion Trip, each Selected Participant must obtain and maintain valid comprehensive travel insurance and medical insurance covering the full duration of the trip, including coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalisation, evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal liability to third parties. A Participant who fails to obtain adequate insurance coverage shall not be permitted to travel and shall forfeit their seat without compensation.

7.8 Participants shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those of any jurisdiction visited during the Immersion Trip, and with all instructions, safety guidelines, and operational directions issued by NxtWave or its authorized representatives, whether in advance or on-site. During the Immersion Trip, Participants shall adhere strictly to the official itinerary, comply with all venue-specific rules, and follow all safety and security protocols. Any conduct deemed by NxtWave to be disruptive, inappropriate, unsafe, or detrimental to the Program shall render the Participant liable to immediate removal from the Immersion Trip without any entitlement to compensation, reimbursement, or alternative benefit, and NxtWave shall bear no liability for any resulting consequences.

7.9 Failure to comply with any obligation set out in this clause shall result in disciplinary action, suspension, removal from Program activities, or disqualification, as determined by NxtWave at its sole discretion.

8. Disqualification

8.1 NxtWave reserves the right to verify the eligibility of any Participant at any stage of the Program and to disqualify any individual who fails to meet the prescribed eligibility criteria or who provides false, incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading information in connection with the Program. Such disqualification may be exercised at NxtWave’s sole discretion and may occur without prior notice. NxtWave further reserves the right to disqualify any Participant from the Program at any stage, with or without prior notice, if the Participant fails to comply with these Terms or otherwise engages in conduct that, in the reasonable judgment of NxtWave, undermines the integrity, fairness, or objectives of the Program. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Participant may be disqualified for any of the following reasons:

i. Failure to satisfy or maintain any eligibility criteria prescribed under these Terms at any point during the Program cycle, including but not limited to attendance thresholds, registration requirements, passport procurement, or compliance with institutional policies.

ii. Submission of false, misleading, forged, fabricated, or incomplete information at any stage of the Program, whether during registration, evaluation, verification, selection, or at any other point in the Program cycle.

iii. Engaging in plagiarism, academic fraud, impersonation, cheating, collusion, unauthorized collaboration, or any other form of academic or intellectual dishonesty in connection with any assignment, assessment, competition, submission, or activity forming part of the Program.

iv. Violation of any provision of these Terms, breach of the Code of Conduct, or engagement in any behavior that is disruptive, abusive, threatening, unlawful, or otherwise detrimental to the reputation, integrity, or orderly conduct of the Program or NxtWave.

v. Any attempt to artificially inflate Miles, manipulate the Qualiflyer Leaderboard, tamper with scoring systems, exploit Platform vulnerabilities, or otherwise interfere with the selection process through unauthorized or improper means.

vi. Failure to comply with any lawful instruction, rule, directive, or guideline issued by NxtWave or its authorized representatives in relation to the Program or the Immersion Trip.

vii. Any disciplinary proceedings, misconduct reports, warnings, suspensions, or violation of institutional rules applicable to NIAT students during the Program cycle.

viii. Any instance of impersonation or circumvention of the invigilation or verification process in connection with such evaluations.

ix. Any conduct during the Immersion Trip that violates the laws or regulations of the jurisdiction visited, or that is deemed by NxtWave, in its sole judgment, to be disruptive, inappropriate, unsafe, or detrimental to the interests or reputation of the Program.

8.2 Upon disqualification, the Participant shall immediately and automatically forfeit any and all eligibility for selection, Sponsorship, Miles, Bonus Miles, leaderboard rankings, recognitions, Ticket to Finale or Surprise Tickets, and any other benefits or entitlements associated with the Program. Any provisional selection, confirmation, or benefit previously granted to the Participant shall be deemed revoked with immediate effect. NxtWave shall bear no liability for any loss, cost, damage, or consequence arising from or in connection with such disqualification. All determinations made by NxtWave in relation to disqualification, including the assessment of violations and the decision to impose disqualification, shall be final, conclusive, and binding on the Participant, and no appeal, review, challenge, or correspondence shall be entertained in this regard.

8.3 For the avoidance of doubt, disqualification under these Terms shall apply to the ongoing Program cycle and shall not, by itself, render the Participant ineligible for participation in any future editions, batches, or cycles of GRIT; provided, however, that NxtWave reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to restrict or deny such participation.

9. Confidentiality, Data Protection and Privacy

9.1 Participants who access Confidential Information in the course of the Program shall maintain its strict confidentiality and shall not disclose, reproduce, or use such information for any purpose other than participation in the Program without NxtWave’s prior written consent. Participants shall implement reasonable safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse of such information. Any actual or suspected data breach must be promptly reported to NxtWave. Upon completion of the Program, termination of participation, or upon NxtWave’s request, Participants shall promptly cease use of and delete or return any Confidential Information in their possession. Breach of this clause may result in immediate disqualification and legal action.

9.2 NxtWave collects, stores, and processes personal data of Participants for the purposes of administering, operating, evaluating, improving, and promoting the Program and related services, in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and NxtWave’s Privacy Policy, which forms an integral part of these Terms. Personal data collected may include: name, phone number, email address, and contact details; educational information such as entrance examinations, stream, branch, qualification, college, year of graduation, and academic preferences; geographic information including state and district; interaction or engagement data from WhatsApp, forms, assessments, or other Program tools; and device and technical information including browser type, IP address, cookies, and device identifiers.

9.3 By registering for the Program, the Participant expressly consents to the collection, storage, use, processing, and disclosure of such personal data by NxtWave for purposes including identity verification, eligibility determination, Program administration, evaluation and assessment (including automated evaluation), judging and selection, distribution of rewards, coordination of Program activities including the Immersion Trip, analytics, research, service improvement, compliance with legal and regulatory obligations, and promotional, advertising, and marketing activities relating to the Program and other NxtWave programs, courses, certifications, events, products, or services.

9.4 NxtWave may share personal data with affiliates, group entities, authorized service providers, technology vendors, judges, institutional partners, travel partners, or other third parties engaged in Program administration, strictly to the extent necessary and in compliance with applicable law. Data may also be disclosed to governmental or statutory authorities as required by law. NxtWave shall implement reasonable technical and organizational security measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or misuse.

9.5 The Participant authorizes NxtWave to contact them via voice calls, AI-powered calls, SMS, WhatsApp, RCS, email, IVRS, or other electronic or physical communication channels for Program-related and promotional communications regarding NxtWave’s programs, courses, certifications, events, products, or services, notwithstanding registration under any DND or DNC registry, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Where a Participant is a minor, consent is deemed provided by the parent or legal guardian.

9.6 NxtWave may retain personal data for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfil the purposes described herein, support legitimate business interests, or comply with applicable legal obligations. Aggregated or anonymized data not identifying any individual may be retained indefinitely for analytical or research purposes. Participants may exercise rights relating to access, correction, updating, withdrawal of consent, or grievance redressal in accordance with NxtWave’s Privacy Policy.

9.7 By registering for or participating in the Program, the Participant expressly authorizes NxtWave to use the Participant’s name, profile picture, institutional affiliation, and any content created, submitted, or shared by the Participant, whether through the Platform, in connection with Program activities, or on social media platforms referencing NxtWave or the Program, including experiences and testimonials, for Program-related communications, internal analysis, publicity, marketing, and promotional purposes across any medium.

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 All Intellectual Property developed or created by a Participant in connection with the Program, including but not limited to any content, materials, solutions, code, presentations, reports, or other outputs, shall exclusively vest with NxtWave on a freely transferable, royalty-free, and worldwide basis. Where any such Intellectual Property is jointly developed or created by a Participant together with NxtWave in connection with the Program, such Intellectual Property shall be jointly owned by the Parties, and NxtWave shall have the right to use, license, and commercialize such jointly owned Intellectual Property on a royalty-free and worldwide basis. The terms governing its use, licensing, and commercialization shall be mutually decided between the Parties in writing and in good faith.

10.2 The Participant represents and warrants that any work created or used in connection with the Program shall be original or used with all necessary rights, licenses, consents, and permissions required for such use and for the assignment of rights to NxtWave as contemplated herein. The Participant agrees to indemnify and hold NxtWave harmless from any claims arising from unauthorized use of third-party intellectual property.

10.3 Any data, course materials, platform content, software, tools, APIs, documentation, or other materials provided by NxtWave remain the sole and exclusive property of NxtWave or its licensors. Participants are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to access and use such materials solely for Program participation and in compliance with these Terms. Participants shall not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works from, reverse engineer, publicly display, or otherwise exploit such materials for any commercial or non-Program purpose without NxtWave’s prior written consent.

10.4 All brand names, trade names, logos, trademarks, service marks, and other proprietary identifiers of NxtWave remain its exclusive property or that of its licensors. Participants shall not use, reproduce, display, or refer to such intellectual property for any commercial, promotional, or public purpose without NxtWave’s prior written authorization.

11. No Guarantee of Admission or Continued Enrollment

Participation in or selection for GRIT shall not constitute, and shall not be construed as, an offer of admission, confirmation of continued enrollment, guarantee of academic progression, assurance of placement, or automatic eligibility for any other program, NxtWave’s program or benefit. Nothing in these Terms, nor any communication, recognition, Track Badge, Bonus Miles, leaderboard ranking, or Sponsorship awarded pursuant to GRIT, shall create any right, entitlement, or legitimate expectation beyond the specific benefits expressly described herein.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, NxtWave and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from or in connection with the Program, including loss of data, loss of opportunity, or disruption to academic or professional activities. NxtWave’s total liability to any Participant shall be limited to the direct, documented costs incurred by the Participant in connection with mandatory Program requirements, and only to the extent that such liability arises directly from NxtWave’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. NxtWave shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance resulting from force majeure events, including acts of God, natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, governmental restrictions, civil unrest, strikes, or interruptions to communication or internet services. In such circumstances, NxtWave shall use reasonable endeavors to reschedule or adapt the affected Program component but shall be under no obligation to provide alternative arrangements or compensation. NxtWave accepts no liability for any personal injury, illness, death, loss, or damage to property sustained by a Participant during or in connection with the Immersion Trip. Participants undertake all travel at their own risk and are solely responsible for obtaining appropriate travel and medical insurance.

13. Indemnification

Each Participant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless NxtWave, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and representatives from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or in connection with: (a) any breach by the Participant of these Terms or any applicable law; (b) any misrepresentation, fraud, negligence, or misconduct by the Participant in the course of the Program; (c) any violation by the Participant of the intellectual property rights of any third party; or (d) any act or omission by the Participant during the Immersion Trip that causes loss, damage, or injury to any third party or NxtWave. This obligation shall survive the completion, expiration, or termination of the Program.

14. Modifications to the Program and Terms

NxtWave reserves the right to modify, amend, substitute, suspend, or cancel any part of the Program or these Terms at any time, with or without prior notice, including changes to the selection process, Sponsorship scope, trip itinerary, eligibility criteria, and timeline. Any such changes shall be effective immediately upon communication through Official Channels or website. Continued participation following such communication shall constitute deemed acceptance of the modified Terms.

15. Termination of Participation

NxtWave reserves the right to suspend or terminate a Participant’s participation at any time, with or without prior notice, if the Participant ceases to satisfy eligibility criteria, commits a breach of these Terms or the Code of Conduct, engages in any fraudulent, dishonest, unethical, or improper conduct, or if NxtWave determines that the Participant’s continued participation is not in the best interests of the Program or NxtWave or for any other reason that NxtWave deems fit. Upon termination, the Participant shall immediately cease all Program activities and forfeit any accrued benefits, selection status, Bonus Miles, Sponsorship eligibility, and all other entitlements. NxtWave shall not be liable for any loss, claim, or damage arising from such termination.

16. Miscellaneous

16.1 These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any other policies incorporated by reference, constitute the entire and exclusive agreement between NxtWave and the Participant with respect to the Program, superseding all prior or contemporaneous agreements, communications, or representations relating to the subject matter hereof.

16.2 These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. In the event of any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms or the Program, the Parties shall first attempt resolution through good-faith negotiation. The aggrieved Party shall provide detailed written notice of the dispute to NxtWave, following which authorized representatives shall engage for at least 30 (thirty) days to reach an amicable settlement. If unresolved, the dispute shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, conducted by a single mutually agreed arbitrator in English, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding. The courts at Hyderabad, Telangana, India shall have exclusive jurisdiction over matters outside the scope of arbitration or requiring interim relief.

16.3 If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a court or competent authority, it shall be severed and the remaining provisions shall remain valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. No failure or delay by NxtWave in exercising any right, remedy, or power shall operate as a waiver thereof.

16.4 The Participant shall not assign, transfer, delegate, or otherwise dispose of any rights or obligations under these Terms without NxtWave’s prior written consent. Any attempted assignment in violation of this provision shall be null and void. NxtWave may assign or transfer its rights and obligations without the Participant’s consent.

16.5 Nothing in these Terms shall be deemed to create any partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship between the Participant and NxtWave. The Participant participates solely as an independent individual.

16.6 NxtWave shall not be responsible for any delay or failure in performance arising from events beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, epidemics, governmental actions, regulatory restrictions, labor disputes, or interruptions to internet or communication services.

16.7 Any provisions of these Terms which by their nature are intended to survive completion, termination, or expiration of the Program shall continue in full force and effect.

16.8 In the event that a Participant identifies any error, discrepancy, or inaccuracy in their displayed Track Badge, Bonus Miles, leaderboard standing, or any other Program-related data reflected on the Platform, the Participant must promptly report such issue to NxtWave by writing to the designated support address at niat.grit@nxtwave.tech. NxtWave may endeavor to review and address reported discrepancies within a reasonable timeframe, subject to verification through its official records and systems. NxtWave’s determination following such review shall be final and binding. NxtWave shall not be held liable for any loss or disadvantage resulting from a Participant’s failure to report a known discrepancy in a timely manner.