Every year, thousands of startups across India dream of making their mark in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. The National Startup Awards (NSA) serve as a shining beacon for these startups, offering them a platform to gain recognition, credibility, and support to grow their ventures. As the fifth edition of the awards opens for applications, it continues to inspire entrepreneurs nationwide to push boundaries and create meaningful change.

A Key Initiative Under Startup India

The National Startup Awards are organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This flagship initiative is part of the broader Startup India program, launched in 2016 to transform the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem. With over 1.75 lakh startups now recognized by DPIIT, the movement has reached nearly every district in India, empowering diverse founders, including youth, women, and first-time entrepreneurs from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Aligning with India’s Growth Vision

The NSA aligns with the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, and the ambition to build a five-trillion-dollar economy. The awards celebrate startups that go beyond business success and focus on creating social impact, sustainability, and scalable solutions. This makes NSA not just a competition but a tool for nation-building. Startups applying to NSA go through a well-structured evaluation process. This includes initial eligibility checks, shortlisting by domain, and final assessments by panels made up of industry leaders, investors, academics, and senior government officials. The involvement of different ministries ensures that the winners represent the country’s priorities and diverse sectors.

Wide Sector Coverage and New Opportunities

NSA covers a vast range of sectors, including agriculture, clean energy, fintech, aerospace, health, education, cybersecurity, and accessibility. With each edition, new categories are introduced to reflect evolving market demands and emerging technologies. This inclusive approach ensures that startups from both traditional and cutting-edge fields get a chance to shine.

Winning a National Startup Award offers much more than financial rewards. It provides national credibility that helps startups attract investment, secure government support, and build valuable partnerships. Winners also gain visibility on global platforms and access to mentoring and networking opportunities that can accelerate their growth. Behind every award-winning startup is a story of determination, risk-taking, and resilience. Many founders face challenges like lack of funding, limited access to mentors, and geographical barriers. The NSA not only celebrates their success but also acknowledges their personal journeys. This human connection makes the awards deeply meaningful and relatable.

Empowering Founders from Every Corner

For young entrepreneurs, especially those from smaller towns and rural areas, NSA is a powerful motivator. It tells them that innovation can happen anywhere, and their ideas matter. The awards also promote inclusivity by encouraging participation from women entrepreneurs and startups focused on social development. The fifth edition of the National Startup Awards is now open for applications. This is not just a chance to win recognition but to join a larger movement driving India’s progress. It’s an opportunity for startups to show how their work contributes to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient nation. As India’s startup ecosystem continues to evolve, the National Startup Awards will remain a key platform for identifying and nurturing high-potential ventures. They serve as a reminder that entrepreneurship is about more than profit—it is a force for good, capable of solving real-world problems and shaping a better future.

Applications for the National Startup Awards 2025 are now open. Visit: https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/nsa2025.html