Presented at The Founders Meet, the NeuSource Rising Startup Awards recognise the work behind building a business—understanding customers, executing ideas and demonstrating meaningful progress.
Each nomination is assessed against criteria relevant to its award category and startup stage. Submitted achievements and supporting evidence help the jury evaluate both demonstrated progress and future potential.
Every startup has a story. These awards celebrate the progress behind it.
Choose from 7 nomination categories. All eligible nominations will also be considered for the Grand Jury's Choice Award.
Recognising early-stage startups with validated customers, early traction and strong potential.
Best suited forStartups with a prototype or pilot and early proof of customer interest.
Recognising startups achieving measurable growth in revenue, customers or market reach.
Best suited forStartups showing consistent growth in revenue, customers or market reach.
Recognising innovative products, technologies or business models that solve real problems.
Best suited forStartups with a working solution that solves a real problem in a new way.
Recognising startups driving measurable impact for communities or the environment.
Best suited forStartups creating proven social or environmental impact backed by evidence.
Recognising self-funded startups growing through resourceful execution and discipline.
Best suited forSelf-funded startups building steady traction without external investment.
Recognising women founders building strong, scalable startups with clear market traction.
Best suited forStartups founded or led by women with clear traction and business vision.
Recognising startups with a strong business model, a solid team and a clear path to funding.
Best suited forStartups with a clear business model, strong team and scalable growth plan.
Recognising a standout startup selected by the jury for its overall excellence and promise.
How it worksChosen by the jury from all eligible nominations. No separate application needed.
Nominations are evaluated according to the category and startup stage. The decision of the jury appointed by NeuSource shall be final and binding. No appeals or requests for reconsideration will be entertained.
Review the requirements below before submitting your startup for the NeuSource Rising Startup Awards.
Revenue and external funding are not mandatory for every category. Applicants must meet the requirements of their selected category.
For selected winners, an award offers a platform to showcase their business and share a meaningful milestone.
Winners are honoured on stage at The Founders Meet before founders, investors and industry leaders.
Winners receive an official award trophy and certificate to celebrate and showcase their achievement.
Winning startups are featured across NeuSource's social media channels, reaching a wider founder community.
Share your award recognition with customers, partners and investors to build trust in your brand.
Connect with fellow founders, investors and industry leaders to build valuable relationships.
Nomination does not guarantee an award, funding or an investor meeting. Nomination and general event entry are free; optional investor meetings, sponsorship activities and food are chargeable.
Follow the five steps below, from submission to the award ceremony.
Choose a category and share your startup details, pitch deck and evidence.
Our team checks the eligibility and completeness of every entry.
Eligible entries are reviewed against category criteria before jury evaluation.
The jury assesses shortlisted entries and may contact founders to verify claims.
Winners are honoured at The Founders Meet on 28 November 2026 at 5:30 PM.
Sponsorship or paid participation does not guarantee an award. Jury members with a conflict of interest will not evaluate the affected nomination.
The jury considers the following areas, with emphasis tailored to each startup's stage and selected award category.
Evidence of customer demand through feedback, pilot results, adoption, repeat usage or revenue.
The problem addressed, the solution's practical value and its advantage over existing alternatives.
Revenue approach, cost understanding and a credible path towards a financially viable business.
Team capabilities, milestones delivered and the ability to turn plans into real, measurable results.
Market opportunity and the ability to expand while managing costs, quality and operations.
Evidence specific to the chosen award category, such as impact, leadership or investor readiness.
Support claims with relevant metrics and documents. Distinguish achieved results from projections.
The relevance and emphasis of each criterion vary by category and startup stage. Revenue or funding raised alone does not determine award selection.
Our jury brings together investors, entrepreneurs and industry experts to evaluate startup achievements, execution and potential.
Confirmed jury profiles will feature each member's photograph, designation, organisation and relevant experience.
Angel Investor
Organisation
Investor
Founder & CEO
Organisation
Entrepreneur
Industry Expert
Organisation
Industry Expert
Venture Partner
Organisation
InvestorJury members with a conflict of interest will not evaluate the affected nomination. Sponsorship or paid participation does not influence award selection.
Follow the schedule for the November 2026 edition of the NeuSource Rising Startup Awards.
Shortlisted startups will receive verification requirements and next-step instructions at the email address provided in their nomination.
Apply for the November 2026 Edition. Nomination is freeDeadline: 14 November 2026
Step 1 of 8 · Founder
The nomination deadline has passed.
Thank you. Please keep your reference number for all communication about this nomination.
The Rising Startup Awards close a full day of speaker sessions, investor meetings, live pitches and founder podcasts at Hyatt Centric Janakpuri.
Keynotes from chief guests, investors and industry leaders.
Meet a minimum of 3 investors of your choice, one-on-one.
Shark Tank-style pitches before a 4-investor panel.
A 1:1 studio podcast to share your founder journey.
Booking an event pass has no bearing on nomination evaluation.
No. Nominating your startup is completely free.
No. Entry to The Founders Meet and the award ceremony is free. Food is not included.
Charges apply only if you choose the 1:1 Investor Meeting Room, a sponsorship activity, or food. These are optional, and prices will be shared before booking.
Each nomination form covers one award category. If your startup fits another category, you may submit a separate nomination for it, supported by achievements and evidence relevant to that category.
A team member may help prepare the application, but the nomination must be authorised by a founder or co-founder. Please provide the founder's contact details for further communication.
If you need to correct your submission, contact the awards team with your nomination reference number. They will confirm whether the correction can be accepted at that stage.
Check your spam or junk folder. If you still cannot find it, contact the awards team with your startup name and the email address used to apply.
Your nomination does not automatically authorise public sharing of your pitch deck or financial information. Please review the form's privacy and consent terms for how your submission will be used.
The review format and any founder interaction requirements will be shared with shortlisted startups before the scheduled review.
Inform the awards team in advance. They will confirm the arrangements for an authorised representative or award collection.