AI SummaryNational Startup Awards 2026, run by Startup India under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), recognizes and rewards outstanding startups and ecosystem enablers that are building innovative products or solutions and scalable enterprises. All interested startups, incubators and accelerators can fill the National Startup Awards apply online form at startupindia.gov.in.
Startups in India have high potential for employment generation or wealth creation while showing measurable social impact. Their success is measured not only by financial gains for investors but also by their contribution to social good. The latest edition, National Startup Awards 5.0, has closed its applications, and details of the next edition will be shared on the official website.
National Startup Awards 2026 Online Registration / Login
Below is the complete process to apply online for National Startup Awards 2026:-
STEP 1: Firstly visit the official website at startupindia.gov.in
STEP 2: At the homepage, click at the "Apply Now" link on the "National Startup Awards".
STEP 3: At this page, candidates can make registration by clicking at either "Apply as Startup" or "Apply as Incubator" or "Apply as Accelerator". The National Startup Awards online registration form will appear as follows:-
STEP 4: After making registration, participants can make National Startup Awards login as shown below:-
National Startup Awards 2026 Online Application Form for Startups / Incubators / Accelerators
After successful login, candidates can complete their profile to fill the online application form for National Startup Awards 2026 which will appear as shown below:-
After completing the profile, candidates can fill the National Startup Awards online application form. To check how to fill the online application form and award rules, please visit - https://www.startupindia.gov.in/awards
Prize & Eligibility for Startups in National Startup Awards 2026
A cash prize of rupees 10 lakh shall be awarded to one winning startup in each of the general award categories by DPIIT. The winners and finalists are given priority for participation in various national and international startup events where DPIIT is participating. The complete eligibility criteria for startups in National Startup Awards 2026:-
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Startup Awards |
| Launched By | Startup India, DPIIT |
| Beneficiaries | Startups, Incubators, Accelerators |
| Benefit Amount | rupees 10 lakh cash prize per category |
| Application Mode | Online at startupindia.gov.in |
| Official Website | startupindia.gov.in |
- The startup must be a DPIIT-recognized startup and registered with BHASKAR at the time of application. The entity must submit a valid certificate of recognition issued by DPIIT.
- The entity must have a hardware or software product or a process solution that is present in the market.
- The entity must have all applicable trade-specific registrations as applicable to their business (example: CE, FSSAI, MSME, GST Registration, etc.)
- There should not have been any default by the startup in the last three years (FY 22-23, 23-24, 24-25) by the startup itself or any of its promoters or any of their group entities.
- The entity must submit audited financial statements (balance sheet, profit and loss account) for the last three financial years (FY 22-23, 23-24, 24-25). Startups less than three years old can upload all available financial statements, while startups less than a year old are exempt. In case of non-availability of audited financials for FY 2024-25, provisional statements issued by a chartered accountant may be provided.
- The entity should not be completing 10 years of incorporation on or before the last date of submission of applications.
Prize & Eligibility for Incubators & Accelerators in National Startup Awards 2026
Cash prize of rupees 10 lakh shall be awarded to one winning startup in each of the general categories. The eligibility criteria for incubators and accelerators is given below:-
- The incubator or accelerator must be registered with BHASKAR.
- They should be actively working towards supporting startups.
- There should not have been any default by them in the last three years (FY 22-23, 23-24, 24-25).
Award Categories in National Startup Awards 2026
There are 20 award categories in National Startup Awards 5.0 for startups:-
- Women-led Innovator Award - for startups led by women founders
- Aspire Award - for startups building from the heart of India
- Make in India Excellence Award - for startups supporting local manufacturing
- Innovation Trailblazers from North-East and Hilly States - for startups from these regions
- Rising Star Award - for fast-growing startups
- NextGen Innovator - for young innovators
- Humanitarian Impact Award - for social impact
- Creative Industry Disruptor Award - for creative industries
- Urban Mobility Excellence Award - for transport and mobility
- Community Development Catalyst Award - for community work
- Circular Economy Innovator Award - for waste to value
- Supply Chain Startup of the Year Award - for supply chain solutions
- Fintech Revolution Catalyst Award - for financial technology
- Inclusive Design Excellence Award - for inclusive products
- Bootstrapped Startup Award - for self-funded startups
- Best Deeptech Startup Award - for deep technology
- F&B Trailblazer Award - for food and beverage
- Agri Innovation Award - for agriculture
- Health-Tech Excellence Award - for healthcare technology
- Visionary Award for Infrastructure Excellence - for infrastructure
Award Categories for Enablers (Accelerators / Incubators)
For Accelerators - Recognizing accelerators in the field of entrepreneurship development and for their efforts in supporting the startup ecosystem. Here is the link to apply for award categories for enablers:- https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/accelerator-awards.html
For Incubators - Recognizing incubators in the field of entrepreneurship development and for their efforts in supporting the startup ecosystem. Here is the link to apply for award categories for incubators:- https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/incubator-awards.html