Terms and Conditions

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Hillsgrowth website, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use our website.

About Hillsgrowth

Hillsgrowth is a startup incubation and innovation hub that supports entrepreneurs through mentorship, education, networking, and business development programs.

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old or have the permission of a parent or legal guardian to use our services or apply to our programs.

Applications

Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into any Hillsgrowth program. All applications are reviewed according to our selection criteria.

Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, logos, graphics, videos, and designs, is the property of Hillsgrowth or its licensors and may not be copied or distributed without written permission. Startups participating in Hillsgrowth retain ownership of their own intellectual property unless otherwise agreed in writing.

User Responsibilities

Users agree to:

• • Provide accurate information.
• • Use the website lawfully.
• • Not attempt to hack, damage, or disrupt the website.
• • Respect other users and community members.

Confidentiality

Hillsgrowth respects confidential business information. However, applicants should avoid submitting highly confidential information unless a separate confidentiality agreement has been signed.

Limitation of Liability

Hillsgrowth provides educational and mentoring services. We do not guarantee funding, business success, investment, or commercial outcomes.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. Hillsgrowth is not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms and Conditions at any time. Continued use of the website means you accept the updated terms.

Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by the laws applicable in the country where Hillsgrowth is legally registered.

Introduction

By submitting an application, you agree to these terms.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• • Provide accurate and truthful information.
• • Be authorized to submit the application on behalf of the startup or organization (if applicable).
• • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Hillsgrowth may establish additional eligibility requirements for specific programs.

No Guarantee of Acceptance

Submitting an application does not guarantee:

• • Acceptance into any program.
• • Funding or investment.
• • Mentorship.
• • Partnerships.
• • Business opportunities.

Applications are evaluated based on the specific criteria of each program.

Accuracy of Information

Applicants certify that all information submitted is true, complete, and accurate. Providing false or misleading information may result in:

• • Rejection of the application.
• • Removal from a program.
• • Disqualification from future Hillsgrowth opportunities.

Intellectual Property

Applicants retain ownership of all intellectual property submitted with their application. By submitting an application, applicants grant Hillsgrowth permission to review, evaluate, and internally share submitted materials with authorized staff, mentors, judges, or selection committee members for the purpose of evaluating the application.

Confidentiality

Hillsgrowth will take reasonable measures to protect confidential information submitted during the application process. However, applicants should avoid submitting highly sensitive or confidential information unless a separate Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) has been signed.

Selection Process

Hillsgrowth reserves the right to:

• • Accept or reject any application.
• • Request additional information.
• • Conduct interviews or due diligence.
• • Modify application requirements or deadlines.
• • Cancel or postpone any program.

All decisions made by Hillsgrowth regarding applicant selection are final.

Use of Personal Information

Personal information submitted through the application process will be handled in accordance with the Hillsgrowth Privacy Policy.

Communications

By submitting an application, applicants agree that Hillsgrowth may contact them regarding:

• • Application status.
• • Program updates.
• • Events and workshops.
• • Other opportunities related to Hillsgrowth.

Applicants may unsubscribe from non-essential communications at any time.

Limitation of Liability

Hillsgrowth shall not be responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential loss or damage arising from the application process or participation in any program.

Changes to These Terms

Hillsgrowth may update these Application Terms at any time. The latest version will be published on this website.

Governing Law

These Application Terms shall be governed by the laws of the country where Hillsgrowth is legally registered.

Introduction

By accepting a mentoring role, you agree to comply with these terms.

Role of the Mentor

Mentors are expected to:

• • Share knowledge, experience, and professional guidance.
• • Support founders in developing their businesses.
• • Encourage ethical and responsible entrepreneurship.
• • Act in the best interests of the startups they mentor.
• • Maintain professionalism in all interactions.

Mentors serve as advisors and do not make business decisions on behalf of startups.

Volunteer or Paid Engagement

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, mentoring services are provided on a voluntary basis. Any compensation, reimbursement, or honorarium will be governed by a separate written agreement.

Confidentiality

Mentors may receive confidential information from startups and Hillsgrowth. Mentors agree to:

• • Keep confidential information private.
• • Use such information only for mentoring purposes.
• • Not disclose confidential information without written permission, unless required by law.

Conflicts of Interest

Mentors must promptly disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest, including:

• • Financial interests in a participating startup.
• • Relationships that may affect impartiality.
• • Any circumstance that could influence objective advice.

Hillsgrowth may reassign mentors if a conflict of interest arises.

Intellectual Property

All intellectual property created by participating startups remains the property of the startup unless otherwise agreed in writing. Mentors shall not claim ownership of a startup's ideas, inventions, business plans, software, trademarks, or other intellectual property solely because they provided mentoring or advice.

Professional Conduct

Mentors agree to:

• • Treat all participants with dignity and respect.
• • Promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
• • Avoid harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior.
• • Comply with all Hillsgrowth policies and applicable laws.

Non-Solicitation

Without the startup's prior written consent, mentors shall not:

• • Solicit investments or personal financial benefits from startups.
• • Recruit startup employees for unrelated business opportunities.
• • Misuse their mentoring position for personal gain.

No Guarantee

Mentors acknowledge that:

• • Hillsgrowth does not guarantee the success of any startup.
• • Mentoring does not create an employment, partnership, agency, or fiduciary relationship between the mentor and Hillsgrowth or participating startups.

Termination

Hillsgrowth may suspend or terminate a mentor's participation at any time if the mentor:

• • Violates these Terms.
• • Acts unethically or unlawfully.
• • Engages in conduct that harms participants or the reputation of Hillsgrowth.

Mentors may also withdraw from the program by providing reasonable notice.

Limitation of Liability

Hillsgrowth is not liable for any claims, losses, or damages arising from mentoring activities, except where required by applicable law.

Governing Law

These Mentor Terms shall be governed by the laws of the country where Hillsgrowth is legally registered.

Purpose

Hillsgrowth is committed to creating a professional, inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for founders, mentors, investors, partners, employees, volunteers, speakers, and guests. This Code of Conduct applies to all Hillsgrowth activities, including online and in-person programs, workshops, networking events, demo days, meetings, and communications.

Our Values

Everyone participating in Hillsgrowth is expected to uphold these values:

Expected Behavior

Participants are expected to:

• • Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• • Listen to different perspectives.
• • Communicate honestly and professionally.
• • Be punctual and prepared.
• • Respect confidentiality.
• • Support a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• • Follow all applicable laws and regulations.
• • Protect Hillsgrowth's reputation.

Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors are prohibited:

• • Harassment or bullying.
• • Discrimination based on race, nationality, gender, religion, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.
• • Intimidation or threats.
• • Hate speech or abusive language.
• • Sexual harassment or unwanted advances.
• • Violence or threats of violence.
• • Fraud, corruption, or bribery.
• • Theft or misuse of property.
• • Sharing confidential information without permission.
• • Plagiarism or intellectual property theft.
• • Disruptive behavior that interferes with programs or events.

Confidentiality

Participants must respect confidential information shared by startups, mentors, investors, partners, and Hillsgrowth staff. Confidential information must not be disclosed without permission unless required by law.

Conflict of Interest

Participants should disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may affect their impartiality or professional responsibilities.

Respect for Intellectual Property

Participants must respect copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and other intellectual property rights. Startups retain ownership of their own intellectual property unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Responsible Use of Technology

Participants must not:

• • Hack or attempt unauthorized access.
• • Upload malicious software.
• • Misuse Hillsgrowth systems.
• • Share false or misleading information.

Social Media

Participants should:

• • Represent Hillsgrowth professionally.
• • Avoid posting confidential information.
• • Respect the privacy of others.
• • Avoid defamatory or offensive content related to Hillsgrowth or its community.

Reporting Concerns

Anyone who experiences or witnesses misconduct is encouraged to report it promptly to Hillsgrowth. Reports will be handled fairly and confidentially to the extent possible.

Consequences

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in:

• • Verbal or written warning.
• • Removal from an event or program.
• • Suspension from participation.
• • Permanent removal from Hillsgrowth programs.
• • Termination of partnerships or mentorship.
• • Legal action where appropriate.

Non-Retaliation

Hillsgrowth prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith or participates in an investigation.

Changes

Hillsgrowth may update this Code of Conduct from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.