#NationalStartupAwards #NSA2025 #StartupIndia #AatmanirbharBharat #InnovationIndia #IndianStartups #MakeInIndia #InclusiveInnovation #StartupEcosystem
Celebrating India’s Most Impactful, Innovative and Inclusive Startups
New Delhi: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has officially opened applications for the Fifth Edition of the National Startup Awards (NSA 2025)—a prestigious platform to recognise and honour the most promising and impactful startups across India.
Launched in 2019 as part of the flagship Startup India initiative, the National Startup Awards aim to identify and reward ventures that are not only driving commercial success but also delivering social impact, environmental sustainability, and scalability. Now in its fifth year, the NSA has grown into one of India’s most recognised platforms for innovation-driven entrepreneurs.
🏆 Elevating Startups That Make a Difference
NSA 2025 focuses on startups that embody the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and are aligned with India’s ambition to become a $5-trillion economy. Startups from across the country are encouraged to apply, especially those contributing meaningfully to inclusive development, digital transformation, and grassroots innovation.
“The National Startup Awards are not just about recognising successful businesses, but about championing ventures that are changing lives—from rural innovations and healthcare access to clean energy and defence tech,” said a senior DPIIT official.
🔍 Rigorous Selection Process
The NSA follows a multi-stage evaluation process, beginning with:
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Eligibility screening
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Sector-wise shortlisting
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Expert panel assessments
Juries comprise industry leaders, investors, government representatives, academicians, and domain specialists. The process is jointly managed by DPIIT in collaboration with relevant line ministries and government departments to ensure sectoral and regional diversity.
🌍 Sectoral Focus & New Frontiers
NSA 2025 will accept applications across a wide range of sectors, including:
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Agriculture and Allied Services
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Health and Diagnostics
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Clean Energy and Climate Tech
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Aerospace and Defence
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Cybersecurity
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EdTech and Skill Development
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Accessibility and Assistive Technologies
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FinTech and Inclusion
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Mobility and Smart Cities
Each year, new award categories are introduced to reflect emerging challenges and technologies, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to evolving national and global priorities.
💡 Beyond Cash Rewards
While monetary recognition is part of the award, NSA offers startups far-reaching non-financial benefits, including:
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Credibility and visibility at a national level
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Investor and corporate partnerships
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Government engagement and policy support
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Mentorship from sector experts
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Access to global markets
Past winners have gained not just recognition but influence, shaping public policy and expanding internationally.
🏅 Notable Past Winners:
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Innaumation Medical Devices – Honoured for low-cost voice prosthesis; later featured in global social enterprise competitions.
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Micob – Recognised for sustainable construction technology; secured defence orders through the iDEX platform.
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Blackfrog Technologies – Developer of ‘Emvolio’, a WHO-qualified portable vaccine carrier now deployed in India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Fiji.
🚀 Startup India: Building the Innovation Nation
Since its launch in 2016, Startup India has transformed India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative provides startup recognition, tax exemptions, funding access, regulatory simplification, and more. It also focuses on enabling women entrepreneurs, first-time founders, and innovators from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
As of July 2025:
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Over 1.75 lakh startups have been recognised by DPIIT.
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Startups are now registered in nearly every district of India.
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Ventures span deep tech, agri-tech, health, education, fintech, and renewable energy.
📅 Apply Now for NSA 2025
Applications for the National Startup Awards 2025 are now open and can be submitted online through the official portal:
🔗 Apply Here
Eligible startups are encouraged to apply early and present their case for impact, scalability, and innovation.
🇮🇳 Shaping a Viksit Bharat Through Startups
NSA 2025 is a key pillar in India’s innovation journey and a testament to the government’s commitment to entrepreneurship, youth-led growth, and inclusive development.
“Startups are engines of change. Through these awards, we honour not just business acumen, but the courage to solve hard problems and create shared prosperity,” said the DPIIT in a statement.
📌 Key Highlights:
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Fifth edition of National Startup Awards now open
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Recognises high-impact ventures across commercial and social domains
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Focuses on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, sustainability, and inclusiveness
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Over 2,300 applications received in 2024
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Startups benefit from visibility, partnerships, mentoring, and policy support
📢 Hashtags:
#NationalStartupAwards #NSA2025 #StartupIndia #AatmanirbharBharat #InnovationIndia #IndianStartups #MakeInIndia #InclusiveInnovation #StartupEcosystem #ViksitBharat #TechForGood #DPIIT #EntrepreneurshipIndia #StartupAwards #5TrillionEconomy
