# National Startup Awards 6.0 launched: 20 sector and 3 special categories, apply by 20 November URL: https://kasba.co.in/en/story/national-startup-awards-6-0-launched-20-sector-and-3-special Language: en · Section: Jobs & Exams · Published: 2026-10-27 Last date: 2026-11-20 (Last date to apply for National Startup Awards 6.0) Source: PIB, "डीपीआईआईटी ने नवाचार और उद्यमिता को मान्यता देने के लिए राष्ट्रीय स्टार्टअप पुरस्कारों के छठे संस्करण का शुभारंभ किया", 2026-10-27, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2329211 DPIIT launched the sixth edition of the National Startup Awards (NSA 6.0) on 27 October 2026, with 20 sector categories and 3 special categories. It matters to startup founders and school and college student innovators, who can apply until 20 November 2026. ## What this means for you If you run a startup, or are a school or college student working on an idea, this award is open to you. Winning startups can get a cash prize of up to Rs 25 lakh per category, along with mentoring and a chance to connect with investors. Ordinary readers are not directly affected; those who want to apply must do so on the Startup India portal before 20 November 2026. ## Key facts - Applications open from 27 October 2026 to 20 November 2026 - 20 sector categories and 3 special categories - 12 new sector categories added this edition - Winners in the 20 sector and two startup-focused special categories get Rs 25 lakh cash prize per category - Student Innovator/Emerging Entrepreneur award has a total prize pool of Rs 25 lakh across four sub-categories - Apply on the Startup India portal, www.startupindia.gov.in ## What has been launched The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched the sixth edition of the National Startup Awards (NSA 6.0) under the Startup India initiative. The aim is to recognise innovation and entrepreneurship and to strengthen the country's startup ecosystem. The awards began in 2019 and five editions have been held so far. The year 2026 also marks 10 years of the Startup India initiative, which was launched in January 2016. ## Who can win NSA 6.0 has 20 sector categories and 3 special categories. The sector list includes agriculture and food systems, deep tech, climate tech, fintech, healthcare, sports tech, space tech and tourism, among others. The three special categories are women-led startup, North East region startup, and student innovator/emerging entrepreneur. ## What is new This edition adds 12 new sector categories, such as bio-manufacturing, consumer industries, defence and security, rural economy and traditional industries, education and skill development, electronics and semiconductors, sports tech, future mobility, ocean and blue economy, space tech and drones, telecom, and travel and tourism. For the first time, a Student Innovator/Emerging Entrepreneur award has been introduced. It is meant to encourage a culture of innovation among school and college students in all 36 states and union territories. ## How much is the prize Winners in the 20 sector categories and the two startup-focused special categories will be eligible for a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh per category, subject to the applicable award guidelines. The Student Innovator/Emerging Entrepreneur award has a total prize pool of Rs 25 lakh across four sub-categories. Beyond the money, the awards aim to help startups with mentoring, investor engagement, market access, industry partnerships and greater visibility. ## How to apply Applications opened on 27 October 2026 and will remain open until 20 November 2026. Eligible startups and student innovators can apply through the official Startup India portal, www.startupindia.gov.in. DPIIT said it will work with central ministries, state governments, incubators, academic institutions, banks, investment funds and industry bodies to support outreach, participation and evaluation. The awards also aim to encourage participation from startups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. ## Questions and answers **When is the last date to apply for National Startup Awards 6.0?** 20 November 2026. Applications opened on 27 October 2026 and can be submitted on the Startup India portal. **How much prize money does the National Startup Awards give?** Winners in the 20 sector categories and two startup-focused special categories get a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh per category. The Student Innovator/Emerging Entrepreneur award has a total pool of Rs 25 lakh across four sub-categories. **Can school and college students apply?** Yes. A Student Innovator/Emerging Entrepreneur award has been started for the first time, for school and college students across all 36 states and union territories. **Where do I apply?** On the official Startup India portal, www.startupindia.gov.in. Eligible startups and student innovators have been asked to apply there. **Which new categories have been added this time?** 12 new sector categories have been added, such as bio-manufacturing, consumer industries, defence and security, rural economy, education and skill development, sports tech, space tech and tourism. Kasba Desk, Kasba. This routine notice was drafted with AI from an official source and published automatically; an editor reviews it after publishing.