The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has opened applications for the fifth edition of the National Startup Awards (NSA), a flagship initiative under the Startup India program.

In line with the Government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the goal of a five-trillion-dollar economy, Startup India supports startups through initiatives such as startup recognition, tax exemptions, regulatory ease, funding access, and capacity building.

 

To celebrate and spotlight high-impact ventures, DPIIT launched the National Startup Awards in 2019. The awards recognise not just commercial success but also social impact, sustainability, and scalability. The most recent edition received over 2,300 applications, reflecting the deepening reach and growing reputation of the initiative.

Startups applying to NSA are evaluated through a rigorous multi-stage process involving eligibility screening, sectoral shortlisting, and assessment by expert panels comprising industry leaders, investors, academicians, and government officials. DPIIT leads the execution, with active involvement from concerned ministries and departments to ensure that winners reflect national priorities and sectoral diversity.

 

NSA covers a wide range of domains including agriculture, clean energy, fintech, aerospace, health, education, cybersecurity, and accessibility, among others. Each edition introduces new categories to align with evolving challenges and opportunities.

More than a cash prize, NSA recognition serves as a mark of national credibility, enabling winners to access partnerships, investors, policy support, global visibility, and mentoring opportunities. Several past winners have gone on to influence policy, receive major grants, and expand their footprint internationally.

Examples include:

• Innaumation Medical Devices: Recognised for innovation in voice prosthesis, later featured in Tata Social Enterprise Challenge and international platforms.
• Micob: Invited to the ‘President with Startups’ initiative and secured defence orders via iDEX.
• Blackfrog Technologies: Their product Emvolio, a WHO-prequalified vaccine carrier, is now used in 16 Indian states and in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Fiji.

The National Startup Awards 2025 continues to be a vital pillar in India’s innovation journey, recognising changemakers and helping shape a bold, inclusive, and self-reliant Viksit Bharat.

Applications are open now at: https://rb.gy/3bg0yf

Launched in 2016, Startup India has transformed India’s entrepreneurial landscape, fostering innovation and empowering youth, women, students, and first-time founders, particularly from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Over 1.75 lakh startups have been recognised by DPIIT so far, representing nearly every district in India and spanning diverse sectors including agriculture, health, education, energy, and deep tech.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2144614)