In today’s startup ecosystem, growth is often measured through funding rounds, downloads, and valuation milestones. However, customer experience is one of the most critical, yet underrated differentiators for long-term success. Recognising startups that are excelling in this area, The Economic Times, in association with Cashfree Payments, has introduced the Customer Experience Delight category for the One Of A Kind Startup Awards .
The category rewards startups that have built strong customer engagement, loyalty, retention, and advocacy through seamless digital experiences, responsive support systems, and user-first innovation. In an increasingly-crowded digital market where consumers can switch platforms within seconds, delivering customer delight has become a major competitive advantage.
Part of a larger initiative featuring categories such as AI Innovators, GTM Excellence, Category Creator, and Bootstrapped Champion, the awards aim to spotlight startups building sustainable businesses through innovation and customer trust rather than short-term growth tactics alone.
Apart from recognition, the awards provide substantial business and ecosystem benefits to winners and finalists . Selected startups will gain access to industry-wide visibility, strategic networking opportunities, technology credits, startup enablement support, and scaling resources. Benefits include payment gateway credits, international payment support, business software advantages, compliance support, and ecosystem partnerships from brands such as Cashfree Payments, Zoho, ClearTax, and Vobiz.
Winners will receive growth resources worth over ₹65 lakh, of which ₹60 lakh comprises payment gateway credits, with the rest accounting for business software credits, startup scaling bonuses, and exclusive ecosystem advantages that contribute to operational growth and expansion. For early-stage ventures with limited resources, these benefits are a catalyst for scaling faster and smarter.
Beyond the rewards, the platform also offers startups an opportunity to strengthen credibility among investors, customers, and ecosystem stakeholders. In a cutthroat startup environment, being recognised on a national platform backed by leading industry players can boost visibility, trust, and market positioning.
The awards are open to early-stage, internet-first startups in India incorporated on or after April 1, 2020, with annual revenue of up to ₹10 crore. Founders, investors, incubators, and ecosystem enablers can nominate deserving startups redefining customer experience in India’s digital economy.
The final evaluation will be led by a distinguished jury featuring Animesh Kumar Das, Vikram Chachra, Saurabh Garg, Kanika Agarrwal, and Panneerselvam Madanagopal. Startups will be assessed on innovation, scalability, customer-centricity, impact, and long-term business potential.
With nominations now officially open, the One Of A Kind Startup Awards 2026 presents startups with an opportunity to gain national recognition, unlock valuable ecosystem benefits, and position themselves among India’s most promising customer-focused ventures. For emerging startups looking to scale in a crowded market, missing this opportunity could mean missing out on visibility, partnerships, and strategic advantages that can accelerate growth.
