The One of a Kind Startup Awards 2026, supported by The Economic Times and Cashfree Payments, seeks to uncover India’s most promising digital-first startups through a rigorous evaluation by a distinguished jury featuring veteran investors, a unicorn founder, and a key policymaker.
- Expert jury includes investors, unicorn founder, and policymaker
- Focus on early-stage digital startups reshaping Indian markets
- Applications open until May 28, 2026
What happened
The One of a Kind Startup Awards 2026 launched a nationwide search for India’s most promising internet-first startups, with entries invited through the end of May. The awards, presented by The Economic Times in partnership with Cashfree Payments, aim to identify startups that are reinventing their industries with innovative, founder-driven solutions.
A four-person jury has been assembled to evaluate applicants, including seasoned investors, a founder of a unicorn startup, and a policymaker. Their combined expertise spans early-stage investing, category creation, and ecosystem infrastructure, ensuring the selection process prioritizes startups with strong founder conviction and scalable potential.
Why it matters
This award program highlights India’s evolving digital startup ecosystem at a crucial time when internet-first business models are rapidly gaining ground. By involving jurors who have built and supported category-defining companies, the awards bring credibility and valuable mentorship to emerging founders.
The presence of highly experienced decision-makers like Vikram Chachra, who has backed over 30 startups collectively valued above $1 billion, and Saurabh Garg, who built India’s first proptech unicorn, underscores the awards’ commitment to identifying startups that combine innovation with resilience and real-world impact.
What to watch next
Applications for the One of a Kind Startup Awards 2026 remain open until May 28, providing an opportunity for early-stage founders to gain national visibility and to be assessed by leaders who understand the challenges of starting and scaling internet-first ventures in India.
As entries are reviewed, the jury’s diverse perspectives will highlight startups that not only demonstrate novel solutions but also possess the clarity and grit needed to thrive in competitive markets. The selections and winners announced later this year could set the tone for India’s digital innovation landscape in the coming years.