National Startup Awards 6.0: Latest Update
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has launched the sixth edition of the National Startup Awards under the Startup India initiative. According to the official Press Information Bureau (PIB) announcement dated 27 October 2026, applications are open from 27 October to 20 November 2026.
The awards recognise startups for innovation, scalability, sustainability and socio-economic impact. The sixth edition covers 20 sectoral award categories and three special categories, including a new Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award.
National Startup Awards 6.0 Overview
| Award | National Startup Awards 6.0 |
| Department | DPIIT |
| Ministry | Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Initiative | Startup India |
| Announcement Date | 27 October 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 27 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20 November 2026 |
| Award Categories | 20 sectoral and 3 special categories |
| Prize | ₹25 lakh per eligible category, subject to guidelines; separate prize pool for the student award |
| Official Application Portal | Startup India |
What Are the National Startup Awards?
The National Startup Awards are a Startup India initiative designed to recognise entrepreneurial excellence and innovative solutions that address important challenges. The programme highlights startups that demonstrate innovation, scalability, sustainability and socio-economic impact, while helping showcase their work at the national level.
The 2026 edition also marks ten years of the Startup India initiative, which began in January 2016.
Application Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official announcement | 27 October 2026 |
| Applications open | 27 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 20 November 2026 |
Applicants should check the official Startup India portal for the live application form, detailed eligibility requirements and applicable award guidelines before submitting an application.
The 20 Sectoral Award Categories
According to the official announcement, National Startup Awards 6.0 recognises startups across the following 20 sectors:
- Agriculture, AgriTech and Food Systems
- Biomanufacturing
- DeepTech and Frontier Technologies
- Climate-Tech, Clean Energy and Sustainability
- Consumer Industries
- Creative Industries, Media and Digital Content (Orange Economy)
- Defence and Security
- Rural Economy, Traditional Industries and Livelihoods
- Education and Skilling
- Electronics, Semiconductors and Advanced Manufacturing
- FinTech, Financial Services and Inclusion
- Food-Tech, Biotechnology and Nutrition
- Healthcare, MedTech and Life Sciences
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Sports, Fitness and Sports-Tech
- Future Mobility and Automotive
- Ocean and Blue Economy
- Space-Tech, Drones and Aerospace
- Telecom, Connectivity and Digital Infrastructure
- Travel, Tourism and Hospitality
This edition introduces 12 new sectoral categories, expanding the awards to cover additional emerging industries and technology areas.
Three Special Award Categories
- Women-Led Startups: Recognition for eligible startups led by women.
- Startups from the North-Eastern Region: Recognition for startups from the North-Eastern states.
- Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur: A new category introduced to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among school and college students across States and Union Territories.
Prize Money and Other Benefits
The official announcement states that winning startups across the 20 sectoral categories and the two startup-focused special categories will be eligible for a cash prize of ₹25 lakh per category, subject to the applicable award guidelines.
The Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award has a total prize pool of ₹25 lakh across four sub-categories.
In addition to monetary recognition, the awards aim to support mentorship, investor engagement, market access, industry partnerships and greater visibility within the startup ecosystem. Applicants should read the official guidelines for the exact terms and conditions.
How to Apply for National Startup Awards 6.0
- Visit the official Startup India portal.
- Locate the National Startup Awards 6.0 announcement or application section.
- Read the official eligibility conditions and award guidelines carefully.
- Identify the sectoral or special category relevant to your application.
- Complete the application using the information and supporting documents requested in the official form.
- Review the details before submitting the application.
- Submit the application before the deadline of 20 November 2026 and retain any acknowledgement provided by the portal.
The steps above are general guidance. The live portal and official award guidelines determine the actual form fields, required documents and submission procedure.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Do not wait until the final day to review the application requirements.
- Confirm your category and eligibility from the official guidelines.
- Provide accurate information and any documents required by the application form.
- Check the portal for any official clarification or deadline-related announcement.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or an award.
Official Links
| PIB Announcement | Read Official Announcement |
| Startup India | Visit Application Portal |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did National Startup Awards 6.0 applications open?
Applications opened on 27 October 2026, according to the official PIB announcement.
What is the last date to apply?
The announced application deadline is 20 November 2026.
How many award categories are included?
The sixth edition covers 20 sectoral categories and three special award categories.
What is the prize money?
Eligible winners in the 20 sectoral categories and two startup-focused special categories may receive ₹25 lakh per category, subject to the award guidelines. The student award has a total prize pool of ₹25 lakh across four sub-categories.
Where can I apply?
Visit the official Startup India portal and follow the National Startup Awards 6.0 application instructions.
Does applying guarantee an award?
No. Applications are subject to the official eligibility requirements, evaluation process and award guidelines.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes. The official PIB announcement, Startup India portal and applicable award guidelines are the authoritative sources for eligibility, required documents, evaluation criteria and application conditions. Applicants should verify all details before applying.
