The award will aim to pick the startup that has the potential to become a blue-chip corporation. The ET Startup of the Year will be characterised by breakthrough innovation, top-class execution and fast-paced growth. The quality of the founding and management team was an important component in decision-making.

The award will recognise innovations that launch a business or give it a big boost. It should be an original idea that is core to the business or one that provides the differentiation that sets it apart from competition.

The award will showcase a startup whose impact can be judged both by the idea and the execution. The founders should have been students whose aim was to build a commercial enterprise. There must be some level of validation either through an investor or a customer. College projects don’t qualify.

The startup should be launched and led by a woman who competes and wins against the best in the business

The Bootstrap Champ will have demonstrated the ability to win customers and earn revenue for at least a year. Without raising external capital it should possess the potential to scale into a large enterprise.

This award will recognise the startup that best embodies the ‘double bottomline’ model combining profits and public good.

The award will recognise the most lucrative exit in the year. The decision will be made based on the volume of deals as well as the size of exit.

This award celebrates failure and recognises those who have survived to tell the tale. It will be given to entrepreneurs who rebuild or launch a more successful business.