The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched the second edition of the National Startup Awards (NSA) 2021 and have called for entries to reward the outstanding startups. This initiative by the DPIIT aims to acknowledge  the efforts, initiatives and resilience demonstrated by the startups over the period of unprecedent challenges during the pandemic.

This year, additional categories have been introduced to NSA 2021. The NSA aims to recognise innovations focussed towards indigenisation of key products essential for realisation of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Here's How to Apply for National Startup Awards (NSA), Eligibility and More

  1. Startups can register for the National Startup Awards (NSA) 2021 on www.startupindia.gov.in. The applications for the awards are open till January 31, 2021.

  2. The awards for startups will be given in 49 areas classified into 15 broad sectors. The 15 sectors are Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Drinking Water, Education and Skill Development, Energy, Enterprise Systems, Environment, FinTech, Food Processing, Health and Wellness, Industry 4.0, Security, Space, Transport and Travel.

  3. In addition, there are six special awards for startups from educational institutions, making impact in rural areas, women entrepreneurs, potential for import substitution, innovation for combatting COVID-19 and content delivery in Indic languages. It will also reward exceptional incubator and accelerator as key building blocks of a robust startup ecosystem.

  4. All the other details of the application process may be seen at www.startupindia.gov.in.

Awards for National Startup Awards (NSA) 2021:

  1. A cash prize of Rs 15 lakh each will be awarded to one winning incubator and one winning accelerator as well.

  2. A cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each will be awarded to the winning startup in each area.

  3. The winner and two runners up will also be given opportunities to present their solutions to relevant public authorities and corporates for potential pilot projects and work orders.

  4. They will also be given priority for participation in various national and international startup events. Click Here for more details on awards.

DPIIT had initiated the first ever National Startup Awards in 2019 with a view to recognize and reward outstanding startups and ecosystem enablers that are building innovative products or solutions and scalable enterprises, with high potential of employment generation or wealth creation, demonstrating measurable social impact. Taking forward the overwhelming success of the first edition of NSA, DPIITnow announces the launch of second National Startup Awards 2021.