The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has opened applications for the sixth National Startup Awards, expanding the programme to 20 sectoral and three special categories. Applications are open from 27 October to 20 November 2026 through the Startup India portal.
The new edition introduces 12 sectors and a Student Innovator Award. DPIIT said eligible category winners can receive a cash prize of ₹25 lakh, alongside recognition and opportunities to connect with government departments, investors and ecosystem institutions.
The programme broadens its innovation map
The awards are intended to recognise startups with measurable innovation, commercial potential and social or economic impact. The 2026 edition places additional emphasis on participation from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and from entrepreneurial ecosystems outside the largest technology centres.
DPIIT plans outreach through central ministries, state and union-territory governments, incubators, academic institutions, banks, alternative investment funds and industry associations. That network can widen the applicant pool, but awards remain competitive and do not substitute for customer demand, funding or regulatory approvals.
Student innovators receive a dedicated route
The Student Innovator Award creates a separate entry point for younger builders whose ideas may not yet fit the operating history of a conventional startup. It also reflects the programme's focus on converting research and campus prototypes into scalable businesses.
Applicants should distinguish technical novelty from commercial readiness. A strong submission needs evidence of the problem being solved, the defensibility of the approach, user adoption, business economics and the team's ability to execute.
Twelve new sectors reflect changing priorities
The expansion comes as Startup India completes ten years in 2026. New sectors allow the programme to cover a wider range of technology and business models, including areas shaped by climate needs, digital infrastructure and changing industrial supply chains.
The official announcement does not guarantee that every applicant will receive funding, procurement access or incubation support. The ₹25 lakh amount applies to eligible categories and should be read with the detailed rules on the portal.
Key dates and figures
- Applications opened: 27 October 2026
- Application deadline: 20 November 2026
- Sectoral categories: 20
- Special categories: three
- New sectors introduced: 12
- Cash prize for eligible categories: ₹25 lakh
What founders should note
- Does the application show verified outcomes rather than only a product description?
- Which category best matches the startup's principal business and impact?
- Are ownership, recognition and other eligibility records current before submission?
Source: DPIIT via PIB, 27 October 2026. This is a summary of an official release, published as general information. It is not legal, tax or investment advice.
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