Organisation Name:
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
Application Deadline:
20 November 2024
About Organisation
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, is responsible for promoting industrial development, entrepreneurship, and innovation across the country. Through the Startup India initiative, DPIIT works to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by supporting emerging businesses, encouraging innovation, facilitating investment, and improving access to entrepreneurial opportunities.
The National Startup Awards are a flagship initiative under Startup India that recognise startups developing innovative, scalable, and impactful solutions. The sixth edition, National Startup Awards 6.0, introduces multiple sectoral and special award categories, including a dedicated recognition category for women-led startups.
About the Grant
The National Startup Awards 6.0 – Women-Led Startup of the Year 2026 is a national recognition opportunity designed to celebrate women entrepreneurs who are building innovative businesses and contributing to India’s economic and social development. The award recognises women-led startups demonstrating innovation, business growth, scalability, sustainability, and measurable impact. It aims to highlight entrepreneurial achievements and provide successful businesses with greater visibility within India’s startup ecosystem.
The winning startup in the Women-Led Startup of the Year category will receive a cash prize of ₹25 lakh. In addition to the financial award, selected startups can benefit from national recognition, expert evaluation, opportunities to connect with investors and government institutions, industry engagement, mentorship, and improved market access.The awards are evaluated with participation from government ministries, incubators, Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), banks, financial institutions, and industry experts.
Who can Apply?
The opportunity is open to startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and registered on the Startup India portal, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
For the Women-Led Startup of the Year category, applicants must satisfy the programme’s specific definition and criteria for women-led businesses. The application announcement specifies a requirement involving at least one woman director. Startups should consult the detailed official guidelines to confirm the applicable ownership, leadership, and directorship conditions.
Applicants should demonstrate their business’s innovation, market potential, operational progress, scalability, and contribution to the economy or society. Startups must also provide the required organisational and financial documentation during the application and evaluation process.
How to Apply?
Interested startups should visit the official Startup India National Startup Awards 6.0 portal and review the general and category-specific guidelines. Applicants must have valid DPIIT recognition and an active registration on the Startup India portal.
Eligible businesses should select the Women-Led Startup of the Year category and complete the online application form in English. The application should provide information about the startup’s business model, innovative solution, leadership, market presence, growth, and measurable impact.
Applicants must also submit the supporting documents required under the official guidelines. Applications will undergo eligibility screening and evaluation, followed by further assessment and pitching opportunities for shortlisted candidates.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 20 November 2026
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
