National Startup Awards 2021

NSA - National Startup Awards - Know more

The sequel to the initial edition, the National Startup Awards 2021, has recognised and acknowledged excellent firms and facilitators who have demonstrated extraordinary abilities, not only in terms of financial advantages but also in terms of providing a verifiable value in society.

The National Startup Awards 2021 focused on big initiatives performed by the Indian government through innovations in related sectors, therefore addressing community issues in general. In addition, champion sectors selected by the government are being considered, with an emphasis on expanding India's manufacturing capabilities as part of the goal of developing a "Atma Nirbhar Bharat."

Recognising exceptional startups across various categories that are:

  • Providing innovative solutions to solve real problems and challenges for India
  • Developing innovative technologies, products, and solutions from India to the world
  • Building businesses that are scalable, sustainable, and responsible
  • Delivering measurable developmental gains
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade will grant winners a monetary reward as well as governmental support as part of the recognition process for the National Startup Awards 2021.
  • One winning startup in each sub-sector will be awarded a cash prize of INR 5 lakh
  • One winning incubator will be awarded a cash prize of INR 15 lakh
  • One winning accelerator will be awarded a cash prize of INR 15 lakh

Applications for National Startup Awards 2021

  • Identifying and celebrating innovations across 15 sectors, 49 sub-sectors and 6 special categories
  • 2177 Startups participated in NSA 2021
  • 53 Incubators
  • 6 Accelerators

Category of NSA (National Startup Award) 2021 Awards

  • Agriculture
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Drinking Water
  • Education & Skill Development
  • Energy
  • Enterprise Systems
  • Environment
  • Food Processing
  • Fintech
  • Health & Wellness
  • Industry 4.0
  • Security
  • Space
  • Transport
  • Travel

Special Categories of Awards in National Startup Awards

  • Campus
  • Content Delivery in Indic Languages
  • Impact in Rural Areas
  • Potential for Import Substitution
  • Innovation for COVID-19
  • Women-Led
Enablers
  • Incubators
  • Accelerators

Hand holding of Winners and Finalists of National Startup Awards


One of the National Startup Awards' primary goals is to support the winners and finalists through a variety of programmes that will help them navigate their way to greater success. Through several Startup India programmes, DPIIT has been working closely with the 192 finalists of the National Startup Awards 2020 over nine tracks.

  • Investor Connect - 88+ leading investors being connected, and 320 connections facilitated
  • Mentorship - All finalists (192) received access to 1-1 mentoring from a pool of experts
  • Startup India Champions on Doordarshan - 12 episodes telecasted covering over 31 NSA 2020 winners
  • Government Connect - 80+ connection requests facilitated with officers from 21 PSUs and other government organisations
  • International Market Access - Startups taken global with support from 10 countries and 8 Foreign Missions
  • Regulatory Support - 4 major reforms undertaken to provide more avenues for funding to startups
  • Startup India Benefits - 15+ startups supported through initiatives undertaken by Startup India
  • Startup India Showcase - All 192 participants offered visibility on the showcase platform
  • Corporate Connect - 48 sector-focused sessions to meet key industry players and institutes