Startups Invited to Apply for 5th National Startup Awards 2025
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has invited DPIIT-recognised startups to apply for the 5th National Startup Awards 2025. The application process is now open, and eligible startups are encouraged to submit their applications by July 20, 2025. The National Startup Awards recognize and reward innovative, impactful, and scalable startups across various categories, providing them with funding, guidance, and global platforms to help them scale and succeed.
About the National Startup Awards
Launched in 2019, the National Startup Awards aim to identify and support innovative startups that have the potential to create a significant impact on the Indian economy. The awards are designed to recognize and reward startups that are making a positive difference in various sectors, including healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, and more. The program is especially focused on supporting startups from smaller cities, which often face challenges in accessing resources, funding, and global networks.
Prizes and Recognition
The National Startup Awards offer a range of prizes and recognition to the winning startups. The top three winners in each category will receive:
- Cash prizes of ₹10 lakh (approximately $13,000 USD) each
- Mentorship support from industry experts and government agencies
- Visibility and recognition across 20 categories, including:
- Agriculture and Food Processing
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Biotechnology
- Clean Energy and Renewable Resources
- Education Technology
- Environmental Sustainability
- Financial Inclusion and Digital Payments
- Healthcare Technology
- Industrial Automation
- IT and ITES
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Materials Science and Nanotechnology
- Media and Entertainment
- Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
- Social Impact and Social Enterprise
- Space Technology and Applications
- Startup Ecosystem Builders
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Water and Sanitation
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the National Startup Awards, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Be a DPIIT-recognised startup
- Be less than 10 years old (as of March 31, 2025)
- Have a minimum annual turnover of ₹2 crore (approximately $260,000 USD)
- Have a significant impact on the Indian economy and society
- Demonstrate innovation, scalability, and potential for growth
Application Process
Startups can apply for the National Startup Awards through the official website of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The application process is online, and startups must submit their applications by July 20, 2025. The application process involves providing detailed information about the startup, including its business model, products or services, target market, and financial performance.
Benefits of Participation
Participating in the National Startup Awards can provide startups with numerous benefits, including:
- Recognition and visibility: The awards offer a platform for startups to showcase their innovative products and services to a global audience.
- Funding and support: The cash prizes and mentorship support can help startups scale their operations and achieve their goals.
- Networking opportunities: The awards provide a platform for startups to connect with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.
- Guidance and mentorship: The mentorship support from industry experts and government agencies can help startups refine their business models and overcome challenges.
Conclusion
The National Startup Awards 2025 is an excellent opportunity for DPIIT-recognised startups to receive recognition, funding, and support. With prizes, mentorship, and visibility across 20 categories, the program is designed to support innovative, impactful, and scalable startups nationwide. Startups from smaller cities are especially encouraged to apply, as the program aims to support entrepreneurship and innovation across India.
News Source
For more information on the National Startup Awards 2025, please visit: https://ascendants.in/industry_events/dpiit-opens-applications-for-national-startup-awards-2025/
