The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has opened applications for the fifth edition of the National Startup Awards.
The awards recognise not just commercial success but also social impact, sustainability, and scalability, said DPIIT.
Startups applying to the awards 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.
The awards, according to DPIIT, cover a wide range of domains including agriculture, clean energy, fintech, aerospace, health, education, cybersecurity, and accessibility.
DPIIT in partnership with Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, IVCA, HDFC, and others, launched the Startup Maha Rathi challenge in March as part of the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh.
This flagship programme was designed to bolster Indian startups by offering Rs 30 crore in funding, along with mentorship from industry veterans and access to global investor networks. The initiative aligns with India’s long-term development roadmap, Viksit Bharat 2047, and includes special recognition for startups emerging from lesser-represented states and union territories.
To advance inclusive entrepreneurship and enhance the startup landscape, DPIIT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with YourStory Media Private Limited, a digital platform focused on startups and innovation.
This partnership is in line with DPIIT’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent from the grassroots level, especially in Tier II, Tier III cities and the rural regions of India.
Through this collaboration, the two entities will work together under Bharat Project, with the goal of enabling 1 million entrepreneurs via AI-based tools, venture-building platforms, and regional language storytelling to spotlight local innovation.
Edited by Swetha Kannan
