In the startup world, your achievements are your identity.
Startup Awards and Business Awards 2025 not only give you fame, but they also take your company to new heights, build investor confidence, and, more importantly, boost the enthusiasm and morale of your team.
If a founder or young entrepreneur is looking for growth, this list of awards will serve as a great guide. Let's explore them together.
Role of Startup Awards in Growing a Business
For any startup, its recognition is its biggest and most valuable asset.
When a startup or business registers for the Best Startup Award or wins it, they not only receive media coverage but also gain the trust and confidence of many investors and customers.
Important benefits of startup awards
Brand value: Winning a startup award means gaining credibility in the market and your sector.
Attracting investors' attention: Winning Business Awards 2025 opens up many funding opportunities and doors.
Networking: You get the opportunity to connect with big-name companies, renowned mentors, and even the government.
Boosting team enthusiasm and motivation: When the company reaches new heights, nothing can boost the excitement of your team more than that.
Are the Startup Awards Needed?
When you are a new and young entrepreneur, it is natural that the question may come to your mind, 'Is it worth investing time and money in awards or not?' The answer is yes, but choose wisely.
- Not every award is equal; you need to choose the right award.
- Stay away from pay-to-win awards— This is like fooling yourself; in this category, you just pay money to get your name, not your hard work, praised.
- You can choose awards from your industry or sector that match your business and work.
- Once you have strong traction and reliable data, apply for a startup award.
Top 10 Startup Awards in 2025
WIPO Global Awards 2025
Focus on: Acknowledging SMEs, startups, and university spin-outs that use intellectual property (IP) to innovate, scale, and make an impact.
Startup Benefits: Tailored mentorship on IP commercialization, global visibility, networking events, and particular recognition for women and youth entrepreneurs.
Website: https://www.wipo.int/en/web/awards/global
Where to apply: You register for the WIPO Global Awards 2025 using the official WIPO website, which includes an online application form. Visit the official WIPO Global website.
National Startup Awards 5.0 (India)
Focus on: Indian entrepreneurs recognized by the Government of India through DPIIT; innovative, scalable, and impactful solutions
Startup Benefits: Cash prize (INR 10 lakh in general categories), visibility, assistance, links to government, and market access.
Website: https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/nsa2025.html
Where to apply: Applies to DPIIT-recognized startups; follows internal schedules. Founders must apply through Startup India when nominations are open. Visit the official National Startup website.
The Economic Times Startup Awards 2025
Focus on: Recognizing startups in a variety of categories, including Best Startup, Bootstrap, Female Founder, and more, based on creativity, growth, and social impact.
Startup Benefits: Media exposure, prestige, and investment exposure all contribute to developing a reputation in the Indian ecosystem.
Website: https://www.etstartupawards.com/
Where to apply: Applications and deadlines are normally in the middle of the year; keep an eye out for announcements. Visit the official The Economic Times Awards website.
Top 100 Swiss Startup Awards
Focus on: Celebrating Switzerland's most promising startups, particularly in the cleantech, engineering, and fintech fields.
Startup Benefits: Local market reputation, access to Swiss investors, engagement with IMD, and strategic direction.
Website: https://www.top100startups.swiss/index.cfm
Where to apply: Must operate in Switzerland (or be connected); application deadlines follow the Swiss Startup Awards calendar. Visit the official Swiss Startup website.
VivaTech Innovation of the Year 2025
Focus on: Europe's largest technology event features innovative startups.
Startup Benefits: Pitching opportunities and gaining worldwide media exposure.
Website: https://vivatechnology.com/awards
Where to apply: Apply before the event, which is usually during the lead-up to VivaTech. Visit the official VivaTech website.
TiE50 Awards
Focus on: Global growth-stage startups are rated on traction, model, and scalability.
Startup Benefits: Global recognition, investor visibility, the opportunity to present in front of experts, and receiving feedback.
Website: https://tiecon.org/programs/tie50/
Where to apply: Registration deadlines (such as April for many years). Visit the official TiE50 website.
BRICS Women-Led Startup Contest & Solutions Awards
Focus on: Women-led startups and high socioeconomic influence solutions in BRICS countries.
Startup Benefits: International recognition among BRICS members, exposure, potential financing or partnerships, and a social impact focus.
Website: https://bricswomen.com/
Where to apply: Application windows are determined by BRICS forums; check WBA and partner announcements for details.
TechCrunch Startup Battlefield (USA)
Focus on: Competition for global startups in the technology sector.
Startup Benefits: Pitching investors, media coverage, and reward money.
Website: https://techcrunch.com/startup-battlefield/
Where to apply: You can register for the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield award by filling out an application on the official TechCrunch website.
European Startup Awards
Focus on: Innovative startups across Europe.
Startup Benefits: European Networking and Market Access.
Website: https://centraleuropeanstartupawards.com/
Where to apply: To apply for the European Startup Awards, register a nomination or application via the official website.
Startups Awards Asia (Singapore)
Focus on: Asia-Pacific's fastest-growing startups.
Startup Benefits: Asian Investor Network and Brand Visibility.
Official website: https://www.globalstartupawards.com/
Where to apply: You can apply to "Startups Awards Asia" by participating in specialized regional awards such as the Global Startup Awards, the SAARC Startup Awards, or country-specific awards such as the National Startup Awards in India, which are part of broader projects.
The Proven Guide for Every Startup Enthusiast
- Set a goal, like what do you want—investment, PR, or recognition?
- Selection of the right award is essential for your market, sector, and country.
- Be prepared to keep all documentation ready, such as traction, innovation metrics, and revenue.
- Wait for the right time when all your data is solid.
- Know how to use the award and make the best use of it in the media, website, and in pitch deck.
- Startup Awards, Best Startup Awards, and Business Awards 2025 are integral to any success story.
Participation in an award not only gives your company significant exposure but also gives your startup the trust of investors and customers and opens it up to a whole new world of opportunities.
This blog not only informs you about the awards but also inspires every founder and new entrepreneur to take a step toward "building a strong identity" for their startups.
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