The inaugural One of a Kind Awards, presented by The Economic Times and Cashfree Payments, honored early-stage Indian startups that earned the public's vote, underscoring the critical role of customer trust and advocacy in the growth of emerging businesses.
- Pokonut won for Ayurvedic skincare and personal care innovation.
- FemiSafe and E42.ai recognized as runners-up for personal hygiene and AI automation.
- Award emphasizes trust and advocacy over expert evaluation.
What happened
The One of a Kind Awards marked its inaugural event on August 21, 2026, at Novotel Bengaluru, celebrating early-stage Indian startups. Presented by The Economic Times in partnership with Cashfree Payments, the awards featured a unique People’s Choice category highlighting startups that have gained public trust through open voting.
Pokonut was named the winner for its modern formulation of Ayurvedic skincare, haircare, and personal-care products designed for Indian consumers. FemiSafe and E42.ai were honored as first and second runners-up, recognized respectively for innovations in women’s personal hygiene products and a no-code AI process automation platform.
Why it matters
While expert evaluation remains essential for assessing innovation and business metrics, the People’s Choice Award underscores the importance of public trust as a potent form of validation. Early-stage startups often rely on customer advocacy and community confidence to build credibility and scale effectively.
In a marketplace increasingly shaped by community-driven growth, capturing the imagination of users extends beyond direct sales. Customers who become brand advocates help startups expand their visibility, reach new audiences, and build a supportive ecosystem critical for their sustainable growth.
What to watch next
Winners and runners-up from the One of a Kind Awards stand to benefit from enhanced national exposure through feature stories and brand spotlights on prominent digital platforms from The Economic Times and Cashfree Payments. This increased visibility may open doors to new customers, partners, and investors.
Additionally, winning startups gain access to Cashfree Payments’ infrastructure credits, aiding in payment processing and international transactions. This strategic support aims to convert community acclaim into tangible growth, enabling startups to strengthen their operational capacity and scale more rapidly.