AICCI National Startup Excellence Awards 2026
Celebrating the Startups Building Tomorrow
The AICCI National Startup Excellence Awards 2026 is one of the flagship highlights of the National Startup Summit.
Hosted by AICCI Tuticorin, these awards celebrate outstanding startups creating meaningful impact through innovation, technology, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and social transformation.
Rather than recognising only a handful of winners, AICCI believes in celebrating a broader ecosystem of entrepreneurs solving real world challenges and contributing to India's startup journey.
During the Valedictory Ceremony, 25 exceptional startups will be honoured across multiple sectors and special recognition categories.
Award selection process
Every startup participating in the Hackathon is evaluated by an independent jury comprising:
Independent jury
- Industry Leaders
- Startup Founders
- Investors
- Domain Experts
- Corporate Executives
- Academic & Innovation Leaders
Evaluation criteria
Startup Excellence Awards
Category awards honouring the standout startup in each of the summit's core innovation sectors.
Best Port, Shipping & Smart Logistics Startup
Recognising startups transforming logistics, maritime technology, ports, supply chain, exports, warehousing, and transportation.
Best SpaceTech & Aerospace Startup
Awarded to startups developing innovative solutions in aerospace, satellites, drones, robotics, remote sensing, defence technologies, and advanced engineering.
Best MedTech, HealthTech & BioInnovation Startup
Honouring startups improving healthcare delivery, medical devices, biotechnology, diagnostics, digital health, and patient care.
Best BlueTech, Sustainability & Green Energy Startup
Recognising startups creating impact in renewable energy, environmental sustainability, circular economy, ocean technologies, ESG, and climate innovation.
Best AgriTech & Food Innovation Startup
Awarded to startups improving agriculture, food processing, smart farming, rural innovation, food security, and agri value chains.
Best D2C, RetailTech & Consumer Innovation Startup
Celebrating innovative consumer brands, retail technologies, digital commerce, customer experience, and next generation consumer products.
Special Excellence Awards
Additional recognition for startups demonstrating exceptional leadership, growth and impact.
Startup of the Year
Emerging Startup of the Year
Innovation Excellence Award
Social Impact Startup Award
Sustainability Excellence Award
Women Entrepreneur of the Year
Student Startup of the Year
Best Industry Collaboration Award
Fastest Growing Startup Award
Jury's Choice Award
People's Choice Startup Award
Optional (Public Voting)
Community Impact Award
Best DeepTech Startup
Best AI & Digital Innovation Startup
Startup Ecosystem Champion Award
Recognition beyond awards
Every shortlisted startup gains lasting visibility, connections and support well beyond the ceremony.
Why these awards matter
The AICCI National Startup Excellence Awards aim to recognise startups creating measurable value for society, industries, communities, and the economy.
These awards celebrate founders who are solving real world problems, generating employment, driving innovation, supporting sustainability, and building businesses that create long term impact.
Our vision is not only to reward successful startups but also to encourage emerging entrepreneurs whose ideas have the potential to transform industries and improve lives.
Recognition categories
25
Startup Excellence Awards across six sectors and special categories.
Presented During
National Startup Summit 2026
20th & 21st August 2026
Hosted By
AICCI Tuticorin
AVM Kamalavel Mahal, Thoothukudi
Theme
Thoothukudi to Global
Think your startup deserves recognition?
Submit your nomination for the AICCI National Startup Excellence Awards 2026 and get evaluated by our independent jury.
Apply / Nominate Your StartupApply for the Startup Excellence Awards
Nominate your startup for the AICCI National Startup Excellence Awards 2026. Applications are reviewed by an independent jury of industry leaders, founders and investors.