After the successful completion of National Startup Awards 2020, Startup India is accepting applications for 2021. The National Startup Awards 2021 seek to recognize and reward outstanding startups and ecosystem enablers that are contributing to economic dynamism by spurring innovation and injecting competition. Startups that are building innovative products/solutions, scalable enterprises, with high potential of employment generation or wealth creation, demonstrating measurable social impact. The measure of success will not only be the financial gains for the investors but also the contribution to the social good.
Startup India’ is a flagship initiative that aims to build a strong eco-system for nurturing innovation and Startups in the country that will drive sustainable economic growth and generate large-scale employment opportunities. Startup India Action Plan comprises of 19 specific action items spanning across areas such as “Simplification and handholding”, “Funding support and incentives” and “Industry-academia partnership and incubation”. Substantial progress has been achieved not only on the Action Plan but on many other initiatives beyond the Action Plan that have been undertaken for the development of the overall growth of the startup movement in the country. Actions taken so far have resulted in a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship take firm roots across the length and breadth of the country. The results are visible across all fields of human endeavour and all sectors of the economy. The National Startup Awards have been conceptualized to further strengthen the startup ecosystem in the country.
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Despite the challenging times, the Indian Startup ecosystem has showcased unprecedented resilience and zest for innovation, which have been playing an important role in propelling the nation’s socio-economic growth trajectory. As a successor to the first edition, National Startup Awards 2021 shall recognize and reward outstanding startups and enablers who have demonstrated exceptional capabilities not just in terms of financial gains but also for the measurable impact on society. NSA 2021 also aims to cover flagship schemes launched by the Government of India through innovations in corresponding areas, thereby solving community problems at large. Consideration is also being given to champion sectors identified by the Government of India with a focus on improving India’s manufacturing capabilities towards the mission of an “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”. The recognized entities will benefit from such recognition, not only in terms of being able to attract more business, financing, partnerships, and talent, but also enable them to serve as a role model for other entities, budding entrepreneurs, and to inspire them to be purposeful and responsible about their socio-economic impact.
Benefits
Following prizes that shall be awarded to Startups, Incubators, and Accelerators
- Startups
- A cash prize of INR 5 lakh shall be awarded to one winning Startup in each of the Subsectors
- The Winners and Runners up shall be given priority for participation in various National and International Startup events sponsored by DPIIT
- Incubators
Cash Prize of INR 15 Lakh shall be awarded to one winning Incubator. - Accelerators
Cash Prize of INR 15 Lakh shall be awarded to one winning Accelerator.
Eligibilities
- Startups
- The entity should be a DPIIT-recognized startup. The entity must submit its certificate of incorporation or partnership deed
- The entity must have a hardware or software product or a process solution that is present in the market
- The entity must have all applicable trade trade-specific registrations (example: CE, FSSAI, MSME, GST Registration, etc.)
- There should not have been any default in the last three years (FY 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20) by the entity or any of its promoters or any of their group entities
- The entity must submit Audited Financial Statements (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Account) for the last three financial years (FY 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20)In case of unavailability of audited financial statements for FY 2019-20, an entity may submit a provisional financial statement for FY 2019-20 issued by a chartered accountant
- Incubators
- The Incubator should be structured as an independent entity-a section 8 company, a Public trust, or a Society
- The Incubator should be operational at least for two years as of 01st January 2021
- The Incubator must have successfully graduated a minimum of 15 Startups
- Accelerators
- The Accelerator should be structured as an independent entity- A Public trust, or a Society
- The Accelerator should be operational at least for two years as of 1st January 2021
- The Accelerator must have successfully graduated a minimum of 10 Startups.
Application Process
Apply online through the given link.
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Application Deadline: January 31, 2021
Application ClosedOfficial link