Economic Times Startup Awards 2026 Recognize Indian Innovators

The Economic Times Startup Awards (ETSA) celebrated its 12th edition on October 11-12, 2026, in Bengaluru, recognizing outstanding Indian startups and entrepreneurs. This year's event marked a significant transition in India's startup ecosystem, evolving from a primary focus on scale to an emphasis on technological depth and sustainable business practices. The awards highlighted various achievements, including Groww being named Startup of the Year for its profitable growth at scale. The ceremony attracted over 300 influential figures from the startup and technology sectors, showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape in India.

Historically, India's startup ecosystem has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with a remarkable increase in the number of registered startups. Currently, there are approximately 250,000 startups in India. However, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal pointed out that despite this impressive number, the journey is just beginning, particularly in the deeptech sector, which remains relatively underdeveloped. Goyal emphasized the necessity for Indian startups to pursue international markets and compete globally, rather than focusing solely on the domestic consumer base. This shift reflects a broader aspiration within the ecosystem to build durable companies capable of addressing complex challenges across various sectors.

Key stakeholders and community actions have played a vital role in shaping the current landscape of Indian startups. The awards featured a diverse array of nominees, including AI startup Sarvam, e-commerce platform Meesho, and logistics company Porter, showcasing the breadth of innovation present in the ecosystem. The 11-member jury, chaired by Wipro executive chairman Rishad Premji, recognized Groww for its ability to maintain rapid growth while achieving profitability. Other notable winners included online yoga platform Habuild, climatetech startup Varaha, and joint winners in the Woman Ahead category, Pallavi Mohadikar and Pallavi Shrivastava. These recognitions highlight the collaborative efforts of founders, investors, and industry leaders in driving innovation and growth in the startup sector.

The broader economic, environmental, and social benefits of this evolving startup ecosystem are becoming increasingly apparent. As founders tackle deeptech issues such as AI, robotics, and agritech, the potential for sustainable development and technological advancement grows. Industry leaders like Kalyan Krishnamurthy of Flipkart and Sameer Nigam of PhonePe have noted the dynamic nature of the Indian startup scene, which continues to expand in ambition and scope. Conversations at the awards ceremony underscored the importance of fostering an environment that encourages innovation and supports entrepreneurs in addressing pressing global challenges.

Looking ahead, the future of India's startup ecosystem appears promising, with a clear focus on global ambitions and technological advancement. Minister Piyush Goyal's remarks about the need for startups to think beyond the Indian market resonate with the aspirations of many founders. As the ecosystem matures, the emphasis on building state-of-the-art technology will be crucial for penetrating international markets. The ET Startup Awards serve as a platform to not only celebrate achievements but also to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in innovation.