DPIIT Launches 6th Edition of National Startup Awards (NSA 6.0) with Special Categories for Women, Students, and NE Region

Why in the News?

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (**DPIIT**) launched the sixth edition of the **National Startup Awards (NSA 6.0)** in New Delhi on **October 27, 2026**. The awards recognize outstanding startups not only for commercial success but also for social impact, sustainability, and scalability.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Award Categories:

- **20 Sectoral Categories:** Covers agriculture, fintech, aerospace, health, education, biomanufacturing, defence, semiconductors, and space technology.

- **3 Special Categories:** Dedicated to Women-Led Startups, North-East Region Excellence, and Student Innovators.

- Cash Prizes and Benefits: Winners in each sectoral category and the two startup-focused special categories will receive a cash prize of **₹25 lakh**. A separate ₹25 lakh prize pool is allocated for the Student Innovator Award across four sub-categories.

- Application Timeline: Applications are open on the official Startup India portal until **November 20, 2026**.

- Startup India Milestones:

- Launched in January 2016, Startup India has recognized **over 2,25,000 startups** to date across India.

Static GK Facts:

- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT):

- Nodal Ministry: **Ministry of Commerce and Industry**.

- Current DPIIT Secretary: **Amardeep Singh Bhatia**.

- Startup India Initiative:

- Launched: **January 16, 2016**.

- National Startup Day: Celebrated annually on **January 16**.

- National Startup Awards Scheme:

- First Edition Instituted: **2020** (announced in 2019).

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Which edition of the National Startup Awards was launched by DPIIT in October 2026?

A: 6th Edition (NSA 6.0)

Q: What is the cash prize awarded to individual winning startups in NSA 6.0?

A: ₹25 Lakh

Q: On which date was the flagship Startup India initiative launched?

A: January 16, 2016

Q: Under which parent ministry does the DPIIT function?

A: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

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