One Of A Kind Startup Awards 2026: GTM Excellence honours startups mastering the art of scale

India’s early-stage startup ecosystem is entering a phase where execution is as critical as innovation. Recognising this shift, The Economic Times, in association with Cashfree Payments, has introduced the One Of A Kind Startup Awards 2026 a platform designed to spotlight emerging, digital-first ventures that are building for scale. Spanning five key categories (AI Innovator, GTM Excellence, Category Creator, Customer Experience Delight, and Bootstrapped Champion), the awards recognise startups that are not just promising, but performance-driven.

The GTM (Go-To-Market) Excellence category rewards ventures that have translated product strength into market traction. This means innovative, scalable, and repeatable distribution strategies, leveraging sharp positioning, data-led acquisition, and customer insights to drive growth. In a landscape where most startups struggle with distribution, GTM Excellence platforms those that have cracked the code to reaching and retaining customers effectively.

The awards are open to early-stage, digital-first startups in India that are still in the foundational phase of their journey. Eligible startups must be incorporated on or after April 1, 2020, with annual revenue of up to ₹10 crore, and should not be pre-revenue. The business must operate as an internet-first brand or platform, where core transactions or user engagement happen online, and must be registered as a Private Limited Company or LLP within India. Founders can nominate their own startups and are also allowed to apply across multiple categories, depending on where their strengths lie.


Being shortlisted for and winning the GTM Excellence category will translate into validation of market readiness, boost credibility with investors, unlock partnerships, and attract high-quality talent.

The One Of A Kind Startup Awards are evaluated by industry veterans and domain experts who understand what it takes to build and scale successful businesses in today’s environment. This is an unparalleled opportunity for early-stage startups to showcase their growth journeys and gain recognition on a national stage.

Nominations for the One Of A Kind Startup Awards 2026 are now open. to put yourself up for contention.