New Delhi, 10 November (H.S.): The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has invited applications for the sixth edition of the National Startup Awards. Under the programme, winners in each of the 20 sectoral categories will receive a cash prize of Rs. 25 lakh.

In a post on X, DPIIT said the awards would recognise innovative and scalable startups from across the country that have made a positive impact on society. Applications for the National Startup Awards 6.0 opened on October 27 and will remain open until November 20, 2026.

According to the department, the awards seek to identify and honour startups that have demonstrated outstanding performance in innovation, scalability, sustainable growth and socio-economic impact.

The National Startup Awards are organised under the Startup India initiative of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The programme aims to identify and provide national recognition to enterprises making significant contributions across 20 diverse sectors, ranging from agriculture to space technology.

The awards also include special categories recognising women-led startups and outstanding startups from the North-Eastern region, along with a dedicated category for student innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs. DPIIT-recognised startups can apply under the 20 sectoral categories and the applicable special categories. The department has recognised more than 2.6 lakh startups across the country.

DPIIT has also invited eligible startups and student innovators to showcase their practical solutions through the 23 award categories, which comprise sector-specific and special awards. The initiative offers innovators an opportunity to take their ideas and solutions to a national platform.

Interested applicants can submit their applications through the Startup India portal.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar