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.
