Expo
7–11 Dec 2026
New Delhi
7–11 Dec 2026
New Delhi
HONOURING Excellence
National SOF Awards · 1st Edition 2026–27
The National SOF Awards recognise ventures with genuine product innovation, measurable traction and national relevance. Outstanding Categories and the Outstanding Performance Award together carry a total pool of ₹1 Crore, presented live on Awards Night in New Delhi.
Overview
Every entry is reviewed by an independent jury against a published scoring framework, so recognition is earned on evidence — not on visibility or spend.
For the Startup of the Future (SOF) Startup Expo 2047, 2026–27, a Mega National Award Program brings together startups, innovators and companies from across India on one stage.
A clear award structure defines how the ₹1 Crore Outstanding Awards pool is distributed across the two tracks.
Sector-wise recognition across the core innovation domains of the expo. One national winner and two runners-up are announced in each category.
The headline national honour of the edition, presented to the venture with the strongest overall performance across growth, innovation, impact and governance.
Award grants for the national winner and runners-up in every sector category.
The Outstanding Performance grand award, the largest single share of the pool.
Complimentary exhibition space in the winners’ pavilion at the next edition.
Investor introductions and media value across SOF partner channels.
Eligibility
An entry must satisfy every mandatory requirement below, with proof submitted alongside the nomination.
| Criteria | Requirement | Proof Required |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Registered in India as a Private Limited Company, LLP or Registered Partnership | Certificate of Incorporation |
| Age of company | Incorporated within the last 10 years as on 31 March 2026 | MCA record |
| Annual turnover | Turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation | Audited financials or CA certificate |
| Innovation | Working towards innovation, development or improvement of a product, process or service | Product demo, deck or IP details |
| Traction | Live product with paying customers, users, pilots or signed LOIs | Customer list, revenue or usage data |
| Scalability | Scalable business model with potential for employment and wealth creation | Business plan & growth projections |
| Compliance | No pending statutory default; GST, PAN and bank details valid and active | GST & PAN copies |
| Originality | Not formed by splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business | Self-declaration on letterhead |
Assessment
Every shortlisted entry is scored out of 100 on five published parameters.
Process
Complete the online nomination form with company, product and traction details. Entry is free.
The awards desk verifies registration, financials and compliance documents.
Shortlisted entries are scored by an independent national jury on the published framework.
Top three per category present a live pitch to the jury panel during the expo.
Winners are announced and honoured on stage in New Delhi, with national media coverage.
Winner Benefits
Entry to the ₹1 Crore National SOF Awards is free and open to every eligible Indian startup.