Future Defence 2026
Awards & Recognition

Celebrating Excellence

Innovation

Leadership

At Future Defence Conclave 2026, we honour the outstanding achievements of organisations and individuals driving the next generation of defence and security innovation. Our awards recognise excellence across professional, women-focused and early-career categories, underscoring our commitment to a diverse, inclusive and forward-looking defence ecosystem

Award Categories

Best Defence Start-up of the Year

Recognises a start-up that has demonstrated breakthrough technology, scalable business model and tangible defence or dual-use impact.

Women in Defence Leadership Award

Recognises a female leader who is significantly impacting the defence domain through strategy, operations, innovation or industry leadership

Excellence in Aerospace & Avionics

Awarded to an organisation or individual who has delivered significant advances in aerospace systems, avionics integration or mission-critical engineering.

Young Researcher Award (Under 35)

Acknowledges early-career professionals or researchers (under age 35) who have produced outstanding work in defence technology, policy or academia

AI in Defence Award

Honours exceptional innovation in artificial intelligence, machine learning or autonomous systems applied to defence, security or surveillance

Emerging Talent Award

Women Innovators – Dedicated to women in the early or mid-career stage who are creating novel solutions, fostering start-ups or leading projects within the defence and security ecosystem

Lifetime Leadership Award in Defence

Celebrates a distinguished leader whose vision, service and strategic impact have shaped the defence sector and inspired the next generation of talent.

Professional Excellence Award

Industry & Supply Chain – Awarded to organisations or individuals demonstrating excellence in defence manufacturing, supply-chain integration, localisation, export readiness or dual-use innovation

Why These Awards Matter

Global Prestige:

Winners gain international recognition among defence ministries, armed forces leadership and industry peers

Business Advantage:

Awardees are positioned for procurement opportunities, partnerships and enhanced credibility in market engagement

Brand & Exposure:

The awards platform amplifies visibility through media, press coverage and executive-level networking

Talent & Inclusion:

Special categories for women and young researchers reinforce our commitment to a broad and inclusive defence ecosystem

Legacy & Leadership:

Acknowledging past contributions as well as promising future impact ensures the awards embody both heritage and innovation

Selection Process

Nomination & Important Dates

Independent Jury: Comprised of senior defence officials, industry leaders, technology experts and academia
Transparent Evaluation: Nominees are assessed on innovation, impact, scalability, execution and alignment with defence goals
Submission & Shortlisting: Organisations and individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by peers. Shortlisting is announced prior to the event
Award Ceremony: Winners are announced live at the Future Defence Conclave 2026 gala dinner, followed by a recognition reception

Call for Nominations Begins: December 15, 2025
Deadline for Submission: June 30, 2026
Shortlist Announcement: July 20, 2026
Award Ceremony: August 12, 2026 (New Delhi)