DPIIT Opens Applications for Sixth National Startup Awards With Rs 25 Lakh Prize per Category

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has officially opened applications for the sixth edition of the National Startup Awards. Organised under the overarching Startup India initiative of the commerce and industry ministry, the awards aim to identify and recognise innovative, scalable, and impactful entrepreneurial ventures across India.

Selected winners in each of the designated categories will receive a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh. According to the DPIIT, the selection process focuses on startups that demonstrate outstanding performance in innovation, scalability, sustainability, and socio-economic impact.

The current edition spans 20 distinct sectoral categories, covering diverse fields ranging from agriculture to space technology. In addition to these sectoral tracks, the awards feature special categories specifically designated for women-led startups, North-East Startup Excellence, student innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Eligibility to apply is open to DPIIT-recognised startups, of which over 2.6 lakh units are currently registered with the department. Furthermore, student innovators aged 10 and above are also eligible to submit applications, provided their proposed solutions align with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the 'Shakti Ki Sapta Dhara' framework.

The 'Sapta Dhara' framework stems from a seven-point reform layout presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15. The framework is designed to accelerate India's journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, focusing on seven key pillars: manufacturing, agro-food production and food processing, technology and innovation, logistics, defence, green and blue economy, and soft power.

Beyond the cash prize, the awards are intended to provide national-level visibility and recognition to selected enterprises. The platform also aims to facilitate closer access to relevant industry stakeholders and potential investors.

Interested applicants can submit their entries through the official Startup India portal at https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/nsa2026.html.

"Government-backed initiatives like the National Startup Awards play a vital role in validating early-stage innovation and operational grit. Beyond the financial incentive of Rs 25 lakh per category, the national visibility and direct access to industry stakeholders and investors are invaluable for scaling startups. For founders, participating in structured platforms like Startup India helps build institutional trust, which is critical when navigating future fundraising and market expansion." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes