Nasscom Emerge 50 — India's Emerging Deeptech Champions 2026
By NASSCOM
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Quick Answer
Nasscom's flagship 16-year-old recognition programme for India's top emerging deeptech startups, now in its 2026 edition with awards announced at Nasscom Future Forge in Bangalore.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- NASSCOM
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 17 May 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by NASSCOM. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
About Emerge 50 Nasscom Emerge 50 is Nasscom's flagship recognition programme for India's emerging deeptech startups, now in its 16th year. The 2026 edition continues a 16-year track record (7,350+ applications, 775 winners, 10 unicorns, 12 IPOs, 129 startup exits, and US$1.17B raised by 72 of the 2025 cohort) and is designed to surface the next wave of deeptech pioneers building product-led, science-and-engineering-rooted ventures that solve complex problems for India and the world.
Who Should Apply Indian deeptech startups that meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Registered as a Private Limited company, Partnership firm, or LLP in India
- Maintain a functional office in India (HQ or active operational office; technical-support-only doesn't count), even if you operate abroad
- Founded after March 2016 (within the last 10 years)
- Annual turnover under INR 100 crores in any previous financial year
- Team of at least 2 people
- Independent company — not a subsidiary or spin-off
- Building on a new technology, scientific discovery, or complex engineering process
- Currently between TRL 2/3 and TRL 8/9 (early-stage development through to early commercialization or first-funding-round stage)
- Have evidence to support deeptech claims: scientific validation, proof of concept, or prototype
What Counts as Deeptech Deeptech here means startups that use advanced technologies (AI/ML, IoT, blockchain, big data & analytics, AR/VR, robotics, 3D printing, drones, etc.) to create novel-to-market solutions, often combining multiple technologies, with the potential to redefine or create new markets.
Tracks Emerge 50 cohorts span the full deeptech surface area, including: Manufacturing / Industrial Automation / Robotics, Health Tech, Biotech, Energy & Climate Tech, Mobility & Logistics, Semiconductors, GenAI, Enterprise Tech, Cybersecurity & Quantum, Space / Satellite / Defense Tech, Agri & Food Tech, and Fintech.
Evaluation Criteria Applications are judged on: strength of scientific foundation and technical innovation; depth of R&D efforts; potential impact and scalability of the deeptech solution; clarity of commercialization strategy and business model; and the expertise and experience of the founding team.
Timeline
- Nominations: 13 April – 17 May 2026
- Evaluation & Shortlisting: 27 May – 8 June 2026
- Jury Round (virtual): 15 – 19 June 2026
- Award Ceremony: 6 – 7 August 2026 at Nasscom Future Forge, Bangalore (winners must attend in person to collect their awards)
What Winners Receive No cash prize, but high-value recognition and platform: national visibility through Nasscom's network, features in industry events, reports, and publications, an in-person pitch slot to renowned investors and industry leaders at Nasscom Future Forge 2026, dedicated mentorship to refine business strategy and prepare for fundraising, priority access to Nasscom's exclusive networking events, and entry into a global deeptech community for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Application No application fee. Apply online via the Accubate form linked above before 17 May 2026. For queries, contact emerge@nasscom.in.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Go Premium to view.
Organizers
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) is India's largest technology trade body, representing over 3,000 member companies in the IT-BPM sector. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, NASSCOM has been a driving force behind…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
What You Get
This is a recognition programme, not a cash grant — winners receive no cash prize. The value is platform and access: national visibility through Nasscom's network, including features in industry events, reports and publications; an in-person pitch slot to renowned investors and industry leaders at Nasscom Future Forge 2026; dedicated mentorship to refine business strategy and prepare for fundraising; priority access to Nasscom's exclusive networking events; and entry into a global deeptech community for collaboration and knowledge sharing. There is no application fee to enter.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 2
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
