The Economic Times and Cashfree Payments have launched the One Of A Kind Startup Awards 2026, spotlighting digital-first ventures in India that redefine industries by creating entirely new markets through innovation and long-term vision.
- Category Creator honors startups that create new markets
- Awards open to early-stage, digital-first Indian startups
- Recognition boosts credibility and ecosystem access
What happened
The Economic Times, in partnership with Cashfree Payments, introduced the One Of A Kind Startup Awards 2026 to acknowledge groundbreaking startups in India's digital economy. Among five key categories, the Category Creator segment stands out by recognising startups that disrupt existing industry norms by building novel markets.
Startups eligible for this category must be incorporated on or after April 1, 2020, operate primarily as internet-first platforms, and generate up to ₹10 crore in annual revenue. The process allows nominations from founders, investors, and ecosystem facilitators, highlighting ventures forging paths that have not existed before.
Why it matters
India’s startup landscape is evolving beyond just scale and funding, placing growing importance on ventures that solve unmet needs with fresh business models. The Category Creator award shines a spotlight on startups whose innovations reshape consumer behaviour and create demand in entirely new segments.
Recognition in this segment not only validates unconventional ideas but also enhances a startup’s credibility with potential investors and partners. This validation is critical in competitive environments requiring conviction and long-term strategy to establish and grow newly created market spaces.
What to watch next
With nominations now open, attention will focus on identifying startups that push the boundaries of conventional entrepreneurship by developing original services and platforms in India. The award evaluation, conducted by industry veterans and ecosystem leaders, promises to highlight ventures with lasting impact potential.
As the startup ecosystem matures, these winners could set precedents influencing how sectors evolve over the next decade. Observers should monitor how these category creators scale, attract investment, and shape broader market dynamics across India’s fast-growing digital economy.