The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is launching the second edition of the National Startup Awards (NSA) 2021. 

 

NSA 2021 aims to recognise innovations focused towards indigenisation of key products essential for realisation of an Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and the applications are open till 31st January 2021.

 

The awards for startups will be given in 49 areas classified into 15 broad sectors. The 15 sectors are agriculture, animal husbandry, drinking water, education and skill development, energy, enterprise systems, environment, fintech, food processing, health and wellness, Industry 4.0, security, space, transport and travel. 

 

In addition, there are six special awards for startups from educational institutions, making impact in rural areas, women entrepreneurs, potential for import substitution, innovation for combatting COVID-19 and content delivery in Indic languages. It will also reward exceptional incubators and accelerators as key building blocks of a robust startup ecosystem.

 

A cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh each will be awarded to the winning startup in each area. The winner and two runners up will also be given opportunities to present their solutions to relevant public authorities and corporates for potential pilot projects and work orders. 

 

A cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh each will be awarded to one winning incubator and one winning accelerator as well. The details of the application process may be seen at www.startupindia.gov.in