Phase 1 Open · Free to Apply
India's Premier Entrepreneur Recognition Contest
RISE STAR
· 2 0 2 6 ·
You've been building quietly. Paying clients. Growing every year.
Now let India see what you've created.
We're searching for entrepreneurs with a Story, Tenacity, an AI-powered edge, and Results that cannot be questioned. If that's you — step forward.
Winner Takes
₹11 Lakh
Prize Money
The Framework
What makes a RISE STAR?
We don't just reward revenue. We recognise the rare combination of traits that separates entrepreneurs who last from those who fade.
S
S
Story + Strategy
Your Narrative & Blueprint
Every great business begins with a reason. We want to know yours — the origin, the pivot, the lesson that shaped your entire strategy. A compelling story backed by a clear, executable plan.
T
T
Tenacity
Never Give Up
The market tested you. Cash dried up. Customers left. And yet — here you are, still building. Tenacity isn't just resilience. It's choosing to move forward when quitting would have been the rational choice.
A
A
Automation & AI
Innovation in Action
You're not surviving the AI wave — you're riding it. Show us how automation or AI is embedded in your operations, delivery, or decision-making. You're building the business of tomorrow, today.
R
R
Results Verifiable
Creating Real Impact
Ambition is common. Proof is rare. Numbers, client outcomes, community impact, revenue growth — your results must be real and verifiable. No smoke. No mirrors. No inflated claims.
The Movement
India's best entrepreneurs build in silence.
We end that.
"India has millions of entrepreneurs who have never been seen — not because they lack results, but because they lacked a stage."
RISE STAR is launched by Riddhi Siddhi Entrepreneurs — an initiative of 39 Solutions LLP — to discover, celebrate, and amplify India's most resilient business builders who combine strategy, tenacity, and innovation to create real, measurable results.
If you've been paying your team, serving clients, and growing every year without a single headline — this stage is yours. The movement starts now.
₹11L
Total prize for the winner
5
Rigorous selection phases
4
STAR criteria evaluated
Free
Phase 1 application fee
RISE
A movement for those who build with purpose, grow with discipline, and impact with integrity.
This isn't a startup pitch. This is for the entrepreneur who already has a business — one with real clients, real revenue, and a real story.
— Basesh Gala, Founder · 39 Solutions LLP
Contest Timeline
Application OpenNow
Deadline31 July 2026
Mumbai StudioOct 2026
Winner Announced22 Nov 2026
Eligibility
This is for you if…
RISE STAR celebrates every form of entrepreneurship — from solo founders to growing SMEs. You qualify if you tick these boxes.
Registered Business
Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, or Pvt Ltd — any registered entity with a valid PAN/TAN/GST qualifies.
Operating 1+ Years
Your business must have been running for at least one year with documented operations and financial records.
Using AI or Automation
You actively use AI tools, automation systems, or tech to run, scale, or deliver your business — even partially.
Verifiable Results
You can back your growth claims with ITR, P&L statements, or CA-certified financials for FY 2024–25.
Age 21+
The primary entrepreneur must be at least 21 years old and an Indian citizen residing in India.
MSME or SME
From micro businesses to growing SMEs — we welcome all sectors: services, products, tech, consulting, retail, and beyond.
This is NOT for you if…
You're a student startup without clients, or a business with no verifiable financial records. RISE STAR is for entrepreneurs with a real, operating business — not pitches or ideas.
₹11L
The Reward
Win more than money
₹11,00,000
Eleven lakh rupees for the one entrepreneur who truly RISEs. But the real prize is the recognition, the platform, and the community that follows.
Cash Prize ₹11 Lakh
Mumbai Studio Podcast
National Media Coverage
R.I.S.E. Community Access
Official Recognition Certificate
Social Media Amplification
Phase 1 application is completely free · No hidden charges
Selection Process
5 Phases to the Crown
Rigorous. Fair. Transparent. Every phase is designed to surface the most authentic entrepreneurs — not the most polished presentations.
01
Open Now · Deadline 31 July 2026 Online
Online Application
Submit your personal details, business registration proof, FY25 financials, and your full STAR profile. Completely free. Applications reviewed within 14 working days. Shortlisted candidates proceed to Phase 2.
02
Shortlisted Candidates · Aug–Sep 2026 Online
Structured Video Interview
A deep-dive conversation about your entrepreneurial journey, strategy, and future vision. This is your opportunity to bring your application to life and show the person behind the business numbers.
03
Finalists · Sep 2026 Online
Reel / Short Video Challenge
Create a compelling short video showcasing your business story, impact, and STAR attributes. Both authenticity and creativity matter. This content reaches our national audience.
04
Top Candidates · October 2026 · Travel Required
Mumbai Studio Podcast Recording
Travel to our Mumbai studio for an in-depth podcast conversation. A permanent record of your entrepreneurial journey — for clients, partners, and investors to discover. Logistics shared with confirmed finalists.
05
22 November 2026
Winner Announcement
The RISE STAR 2026 winner is announced across social media and national platforms. ₹11 Lakh transferred. The stage you've earned — finally lit.
The Jury
Judged by those who've
built before you
Our evaluation panel consists of seasoned entrepreneurs, business coaches, and industry leaders who understand what it truly takes to build.
BG
Basesh Gala
Founder, 39 Solutions LLP · Business Coach · MSME Mentor
Contest Creator
—
Industry Expert
Senior Business Leader · 20+ Years Experience
Strategy
—
AI & Tech Specialist
Technology Entrepreneur · Automation Expert
Innovation
—
Finance Expert
Chartered Accountant · SME Financial Advisor
Financials
Final jury panel to be announced. All judges are accomplished practitioners — not just academics.
Voice of the Community
What entrepreneurs
are saying
From across India, business owners who've worked with 39 Solutions and the R.I.S.E. community share their journey.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I've been running my business for 7 years and never once got recognised beyond my city. RISE STAR feels like the first time someone is genuinely looking for entrepreneurs like me."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"The STAR framework isn't just a contest criteria — it's actually how I now think about my own business. Story. Tenacity. AI. Results. It changed my lens."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Basesh and 39 Solutions genuinely understand MSME challenges. This isn't a vanity award — it's recognition that actually means something in the business community."
Why RISE STAR
Not just another
business award
Most awards reward the biggest names or the flashiest startups. RISE STAR is built differently — for the entrepreneur in the trenches.
Other Awards
- ✕Reward brand size and marketing budget, not actual results
- ✕Judged by people who've never run an SME
- ✕Complicated, expensive entry process with multiple fees
- ✕No requirement for verified financials — all claims accepted
- ✕Trophy and a plaque — no real community or follow-up impact
- ✕Focused on metro startup culture, ignores tier-2/3 India
RISE STAR 2026
- ✓Evaluates real STAR attributes: Story, Tenacity, AI use, Results
- ✓Judged by entrepreneurs and domain experts who've been in the field
- ✓Phase 1 is completely free — no barriers to start
- ✓All claims verified through actual financial documents
- ✓₹11 Lakh cash + podcast + media + community membership
- ✓Open to all Indian entrepreneurs — every city, every sector
Phase 1 — Open Now
Apply for RISE STAR 2026
Complete the form below. Phase 1 is free. Results within 14 working days. Deadline: 31 July 2026
01 — Personal Details
02 — Company Information
03 — Company Financials (FY 2024–25)
04 — Your STAR Profile
05 — Declaration
Applications reviewed within 14 working days.
Shortlisted candidates contacted for Phase 2. Deadline: 31 July 2026, 11:59 PM IST.
Shortlisted candidates contacted for Phase 2. Deadline: 31 July 2026, 11:59 PM IST.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an application fee?
Phase 1 application is completely free. Any fees applicable to later phases (if any) will be communicated to shortlisted candidates only — never a surprise charge.
Do I need to travel for every phase?
Phases 1–3 are fully online. Only Phase 4 (Podcast recording at Mumbai Studio) requires travel to Mumbai. Full logistics details, including travel support information, are shared with confirmed finalists well in advance.
What documents should I keep ready?
For Phase 1 you only need document reference numbers. Keep these ready: Government ID (PAN / Aadhaar / Voter ID), Company registration (PAN / TAN / GST), and FY25 financials (ITR, P&L, or CA-certified Balance Sheet). Originals verified only if shortlisted.
Can partnerships or LLPs apply?
Absolutely. Proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, and private limited companies are all eligible, as long as they meet the age, operating history, and financial criteria. The primary applicant must be an Indian citizen aged 21 or above.
How are finalists selected? What's the evaluation criteria?
A structured jury evaluates each application across all four STAR pillars — Story (narrative strength and strategic clarity), Tenacity (demonstrated resilience), Automation & AI (actual implementation), and Results (verified financial and impact data). The process is merit-based and transparent.
My business is small. Should I still apply?
Yes. RISE STAR is not about size — it's about STAR attributes. A ₹30 lakh turnover business with extraordinary tenacity, AI use, and impact can absolutely win over a ₹3 crore business that checks fewer boxes. Apply your story, not your scale.
What happens after the winner is announced?
The winner receives ₹11 Lakh, a formal recognition ceremony, a national media feature, social media amplification, and lifetime membership in the R.I.S.E. entrepreneurial community. All finalists receive recognition certificates and community access.
One Last Thing
Your story deserves
the spotlight.
Stop building in silence. India is looking for entrepreneurs with real Stories, real Tenacity, AI-powered businesses, and verifiable Results.
That might be you.