National Startup Awards 6.0 (NSA 6.0)

About

DPIIT has launched the sixth edition of the National Startup Awards, inviting eligible startups and student innovators across India to apply by 20 November 2026 across 20 sectoral categories and three special categories.

Benefits

• 💰Cash prize
  Winners in any of the 20 sectoral categories and the two startup-focused special categories are eligible for a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh per category, subject to the award guidelines.
• 🎓Student prize pool
  The Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award has a total prize pool of Rs 25 lakh, distributed across four sub-categories.
• 🤝Ecosystem support
  The awards are aimed at helping winners through mentorship, investor connections, market access, industry partnerships and wider visibility within the startup ecosystem.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligibility requirements for NSA 6.0 are not publicly detailed and should be confirmed before applying.
• Eligible startups and student innovators can apply through the official Startup India portal.
• The Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award is aimed at school and college students across all 36 States and Union Territories.

Participation Commitments

• Eligible startups and student innovators can apply through the official Startup India portal.
• Applications opened on 27 October 2026 and will remain open until 20 November 2026.

Target Region

Startups across States and Union Territories of India; the Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award is aimed at school and college students across all 36 States and Union Territories.

Target Sector

Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other