India ranks 2nd in innovation & quality of scientific publications & universities among middle - income nations. The Country is emerging as a key destination for innovation and R&D and ranks 39th in GII in 2024. One of the key contributors to innovation in the country is startups and entrepreneurs, which are serving as catalysts for change in the dynamic landscape of business and innovation.
This achievement underscores India's growing prominence as a hub for innovation and research and development (R&D). A key driver of this progress is the dynamic startup ecosystem, with entrepreneurs acting as catalysts for change in the evolving business and technology landscape.
Recognizing the pivotal role of startups, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has been dedicated to fostering a robust startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem across the country. To further this mission, CII established the Startupreneur Awards, aiming to promote innovation and honor startups that have made substantial contributions through their innovative products, services, technologies, or business models.
This year, CII is excited to launch the 6th Edition of the CII Startupreneur Awards with a new framework, designed to recognize and celebrate exceptional startups driving change across various sectors.
Objectives
Encourage innovations for driving technological advancements, addressing societal challenges, and fostering economic growth.
Develop robust entrepreneurial ecosystem
Embracing diversity and inclusion towards
Honoring start-ups publicly boosts investor confidence in the startup ecosystem.
Support Government vision of “Startup India”
Benefits
Recognition as a best innovation or socially driven startup or a best women entrepreneur.
Branding the business through awards logo
Opportunity for startups (selected after evaluation) to be affiliated with CII CIES as members, entitling with exclusive benefits
Promotion through CII’s website, social media and other channels
Complimentary delegate passes for ICONN Summit 2025
Award Category
Excellence in Products / Technology Innovation by Startup
Recognize for the exceptional performance, quality, and innovation demonstrated by a startup in its technology or products or/ and the introduction of innovative solutions.
Best Social Impact Startup
Recognize the exceptional innovation by start-up (s) that has demonstrated significant
positive social or environmental impact alongside its business operations
Best Women led Innovation
Recognize the outstanding innovation by woman (en) entrepreneurs in terms of product, technologies, business process which demonstrate has significant impact on their business, society, communities; environment etc.
Key Sectors
Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering
EdTech
FinTech
Food & AgriTech
Biotech, Pharma & HealthTech
Logistics & Transportation
Defence & SpaceTech
RetailTech
Enterprise Technologies
Emerging Technologies
(AI, DeepTech, Quantum Data Science)
