Nasscom Emerge 50 2026 — Deeptech Awards for Indian Startups

Nasscom Emerge 50 is NASSCOM's flagship annual recognition platform for India's emerging deeptech companies, and the 2026 edition marks its 16th year. It exists to surface the next generation of product-led ventures whose edge comes from science and engineering rather than from a marketplace or a services model.

The programme's track record is long and measurable. Across 16 years it has drawn 7,350+ applications and named 775 winners — a group that today includes 10 unicorns, 12 IPOs and 129 startup exits. Among the 2025 cohort, 72 companies have raised US$1.17 billion between them.

This is a recognition and access programme rather than a cash competition, and there is no prize money attached to winning. What winners gain is a national platform: awards are handed over at Nasscom Future Forge in Bangalore, in front of the investors, industry leaders and corporates that make up NASSCOM's network.

Applying costs nothing, and nominations for the 2026 edition close on 17 May 2026.

• 16th edition of NASSCOM's deeptech recognition programme, with nominations closing on 17 May 2026
• No cash prize and no equity taken — winners gain visibility, mentorship and investor access instead
• Open to Indian Private Limited companies, Partnerships and LLPs with turnover under ₹100 crores
• 16-year alumni record includes 10 unicorns, 12 IPOs and 129 startup exits
• 72 startups from the 2025 cohort have collectively raised US$1.17 billion
• Awards announced 6 – 7 August 2026 at Nasscom Future Forge, Bangalore

Emerge 50 is aimed at Indian deeptech startups that can meet every criterion below — partial matches are not accepted.

• Entity type: registered in India as a Private Limited company, a Partnership firm or an LLP.
• Indian presence: a functional office in India — either the headquarters or an active operational office. A technical-support-only office does not qualify. Startups that also operate abroad remain eligible.
• Age: founded after March 2016, that is, within the last 10 years.
• Turnover: annual turnover under ₹100 crores in any previous financial year.
• Team: at least 2 people.
• Independence: a standalone company, not a subsidiary and not a spin-off.
• Technology: building on a new technology, a scientific discovery or a complex engineering process.
• Maturity: currently between TRL 2/3 and TRL 8/9 — early-stage development right through to early commercialisation or a first funding round.
• Proof: evidence that backs the deeptech claim, such as scientific validation, a proof of concept or a working prototype.

For this programme, deeptech means advanced technology — AI/ML, IoT, blockchain, big data and analytics, AR/VR, robotics, 3D printing, drones and similar — applied to build novel-to-market solutions. Many qualifying startups combine several of these technologies, and their solutions are expected to have the potential to reshape or create entirely new markets.

Nasscom Emerge 50 2026 — Deeptech Awards for Indian Startups is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Nasscom Emerge 50 2026 — Deeptech Awards for Indian Startups closed on 17 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Emerge 50 does not award a cash prize. The value on offer is recognition, visibility and access:

• National visibility through NASSCOM's network.
• Featured placements across industry events, reports and publications.
• An in-person pitch slot before well-known investors and industry leaders at Nasscom Future Forge 2026.
• Dedicated mentorship aimed at sharpening business strategy and preparing the company for fundraising.
• Priority access to NASSCOM's exclusive networking events.
• Entry into a global deeptech community for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Because this is a competition and recognition platform rather than an investor, no funding is invested and no equity is taken in the winning companies.

Nasscom Emerge 50 2026 — Deeptech Awards for Indian Startups is offered by NASSCOM. It is delivered directly by NASSCOM as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

1. Nominations (13 April – 17 May 2026). Entries are submitted online through the Accubate application form. There is no fee to apply, and the window shuts on 17 May 2026.

2. Evaluation and shortlisting (27 May – 8 June 2026). Entries are assessed against the programme's stated evaluation criteria:

• Strength of the scientific foundation and the technical innovation
• Depth of R&D effort
• Potential impact and scalability of the deeptech solution
• Clarity of the commercialisation strategy and business model
• Expertise and experience of the founding team

3. Jury round (15 – 19 June 2026, virtual). A virtual jury round is held over these dates to finalise the winners.

4. Award ceremony (6 – 7 August 2026). Winners are announced at Nasscom Future Forge, Bangalore. Winners must be present in person to collect their awards.

Before you apply to Nasscom Emerge 50 2026 — Deeptech Awards for Indian Startups, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.