DPIIT Launches NSA 6.0 to Recognize Innovation and Entrepreneurship Across 20 Sectoral Categories

Key facts

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, launched the 6th Edition of the National Startup Awards (NSA 6.0) on October 27, 2026.
• NSA 6.0 aims to recognize innovation and entrepreneurship by evaluating startups across 20 sectoral categories and three special award categories.
• The awards introduce 12 new sectoral categories, including Biomanufacturing, Space-Tech, and Future Mobility & Automotive.
• Three special award categories include Women-Led Startup of the Year, North-East Startup Excellence, and the newly introduced Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award.
• Winning startups in the 20 sectoral categories and two special categories are eligible for a cash prize of ₹25 lakh per category.
• The Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award has a total prize pool of ₹25 lakh across four sub-categories.
• Applications for NSA 6.0 are open from October 27, 2026, and will remain open until November 20, 2026.