The Retailers Association of India (RAI) announced the winners of the prestigious Retail Startup Awards 2026 at a grand ceremony held during the Retail Leadership Summit 2026 in Mumbai on February 18, 2026. Now in its ninth year, the initiative continues to spotlight emerging retail startups that are shaping the future of India’s retail ecosystem through innovation, technology, and scalable business models.
Instituted by RAI, the Retail Startup Awards celebrate entrepreneurial excellence and recognise ventures that have successfully addressed market gaps while enhancing consumer experiences through seamless and tech-driven solutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Hitesh Bhatt, Director – Marketing and Communication, Retailers Association of India, said, “Each edition of the Retail Startup Awards reinforces the depth of entrepreneurial talent across the country. We continue to witness an impressive spectrum of startups from diverse geographies and segments, all contributing fresh thinking and transformative solutions to the retail sector. Their ability to create meaningful value for both businesses and consumers is truly commendable. We are proud to recognize and celebrate this year’s winners, who exemplify excellence, resilience, and forward-looking innovation,”
The finalists were evaluated through a structured selection process, with a shortlist of ten startups reviewed by a distinguished jury comprising Amit Sarda, MD, Soulflower, and Rehan Huck, VP & Head of Leasing, DLF Malls.
Winners of RAI Retail Startup Awards 2026:
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Winner: Sleepycat
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1st Runner-Up: Gokyo Outdoor Apparel and Lifestyles Pvt Ltd
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2nd Runner-Up: Club York
The awards reaffirm RAI’s commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship, positioning India’s retail startups as key drivers of future growth.
