{"id":250511,"date":"2026-09-16T17:54:37","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T12:24:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-09-16T17:54:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T12:24:37","slug":"axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Review 2026: NAV, Returns, Portfolio &#038; Should You Invest?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/axis-innovation-fund-g-direct-plan\">Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a> has a NAV of \u20b922.98 as of 15 Sep 2026 and an AUM of \u20b91,362 Cr. Its 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns are 12.98%, 17.39% and 11.57% respectively, and the fund sits in the High Risk category. Our view is that the scheme has rewarded longer holding periods better than short stretches, but it still carries the kind of volatility that suits investors who can stay invested through uneven phases.<\/p>\n<p>The current profile looks more suitable for investors who want an equity fund with a thematic growth tilt and can accept swings around the benchmark. The portfolio is spread across 58 holdings, yet the largest positions still matter meaningfully, so the return path is likely to depend on a relatively active mix of stock-specific outcomes.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Quick_facts\" title=\"Quick facts\">Quick facts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Performance\" title=\"Performance\">Performance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Should_you_BUY_or_HOLD_Axis_Innovation\" title=\"Should you BUY or HOLD Axis Innovation?\">Should you BUY or HOLD Axis Innovation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Peer_comparison\" title=\"Peer comparison\">Peer comparison<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Portfolio_where_your_money_goes\" title=\"Portfolio: where your money goes\">Portfolio: where your money goes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Who_should_invest\" title=\"Who should invest\">Who should invest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Tax_and_exit_load\" title=\"Tax and exit load\">Tax and exit load<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Frequently_asked_questions\" title=\"Frequently asked questions\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#What_is_the_current_NAV_of_Axis_Innovation_Fund_Direct_Growth_Plan\" title=\"What is the current NAV of Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Plan?\">What is the current NAV of Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Plan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#What_are_the_funds_1-year_3-year_and_5-year_returns\" title=\"What are the fund\u2019s 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns?\">What are the fund\u2019s 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#How_does_the_fund_compare_with_the_Nifty_50_benchmark\" title=\"How does the fund compare with the Nifty 50 benchmark?\">How does the fund compare with the Nifty 50 benchmark?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#How_does_it_compare_with_peer_funds_on_recent_returns\" title=\"How does it compare with peer funds on recent returns?\">How does it compare with peer funds on recent returns?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#What_is_the_minimum_SIP_amount\" title=\"What is the minimum SIP amount?\">What is the minimum SIP amount?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Who_manages_the_fund_and_what_is_its_exit_load\" title=\"Who manages the fund and what is its exit load?\">Who manages the fund and what is its exit load?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Bottom_line\" title=\"Bottom line\">Bottom line<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Explore_mutual_funds_with_Univest\" title=\"Explore mutual funds with Univest\">Explore mutual funds with Univest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-innovation-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#RIA_disclosure\" title=\"RIA disclosure\">RIA disclosure<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_facts\"><\/span>Quick facts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Particular<\/th>\n<th>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>NAV<\/td>\n<td>\u20b922.98 as of 15 Sep 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AUM<\/td>\n<td>\u20b91,362 Cr<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Expense Ratio<\/td>\n<td>1.3%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Launch Date<\/td>\n<td>24 Dec 2020<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Min SIP<\/td>\n<td>\u20b9100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Risk Category<\/td>\n<td>High Risk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Benchmark<\/td>\n<td>Nifty 50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fund Category<\/td>\n<td>Equity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Exit Load<\/td>\n<td>Nil for 10% of investment and 1% for remaining investment on or before 12M, Nil after 12M<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fund Managers<\/td>\n<td>Ashish Naik, Krishnaa N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The fund is managed by Ashish Naik and Krishnaa N.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Performance\"><\/span>Performance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Period<\/th>\n<th>Fund return<\/th>\n<th>Benchmark return<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>1M<\/td>\n<td>0.22%<\/td>\n<td>-4.81%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3M<\/td>\n<td>12.54%<\/td>\n<td>-3.63%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1Y<\/td>\n<td>12.98%<\/td>\n<td>-8.27%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3Y<\/td>\n<td>17.39%<\/td>\n<td>5.59%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5Y<\/td>\n<td>11.57%<\/td>\n<td>5.58%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The recent pattern is more resilient than the benchmark, especially over 1 month and 3 months. The fund stayed positive over both windows while the Nifty 50 was negative, which suggests it did not track the benchmark\u2019s weaker short-term stretch and instead held up better through the drawdown.<\/p>\n<p>That short-term strength is not an isolated feature. The 1-year return remains comfortably ahead of the benchmark, and the 3-year and 5-year figures also show a clear edge over the index. The gap is wide enough to say the fund has added value versus the benchmark across multiple holding periods, not just in one market phase.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, the path has not been smooth. The time pattern shows noticeable swings rather than a straight climb, which fits a high-risk equity strategy. For investors, that means the fund has shown the ability to recover and compound, but the route has involved drawdowns that require patience.<\/p>\n<p>Overall, the current picture is one of better medium- and long-term compounding than the benchmark, with a particularly strong recent run relative to the Nifty 50. The main question is not whether returns have been better than the index; it is whether an investor is comfortable with the higher volatility that has accompanied them.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<section class=\"univest-mf-premium-cta\" style=\"margin:28px 0;padding:24px;border-radius:10px;border:1px solid #d8e3f0;background:#f7faff\">\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_you_BUY_or_HOLD_Axis_Innovation\"><\/span>Should you BUY or HOLD Axis Innovation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A fund&#8217;s past returns alone don&#8217;t tell you whether you should buy it today or continue holding it.<\/p>\n<p>The right decision depends on factors such as your current allocation, purchase price, risk profile, investment horizon and the role this fund plays in your overall portfolio.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Already holding Axis Innovation? Thinking of investing now?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\" style=\"font-weight:700;text-decoration:none\">Get your portfolio analysed for FREE by SEBI-registered Investment Adviser (RIA) through Univest MF Premium<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Peer_comparison\"><\/span>Peer comparison<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Fund<\/th>\n<th>1Y return<\/th>\n<th>3Y return<\/th>\n<th>5Y return<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/axis-innovation-fund-g-direct-plan\">Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>12.98%<\/td>\n<td>17.39%<\/td>\n<td>11.57%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/icici-pru-strategic-metal-and-energy-equity-fof-g-direct-plan\">ICICI Pru Strategic Metal and Energy Equity FoF Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>69.8%<\/td>\n<td>36.32%<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/kotak-healthcare-fund-g-direct-plan\">Kotak Healthcare Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>26.51%<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/motilal-oswal-active-momentum-fund-g-direct-plan\">Motilal Oswal Active Momentum Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>25.46%<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/hdfc-pharma-and-healthcare-fund-g-direct-plan\">HDFC Pharma and Healthcare Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>25.31%<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/pgim-india-healthcare-fund-g-direct-plan\">PGIM India Healthcare Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>23.52%<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>This assessment is prepared by Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd. under SEBI Registered Investment Adviser registration INA000017639.<\/p>\n<p>Against the peer set, the fund\u2019s 1-year return is well below the strongest recent figures, although it still stays positive. That makes the short-term picture more moderate than the peer leaders, but not weak in absolute terms.<\/p>\n<p>The longer view is more balanced. The 3-year return is ahead of the only peer in the table with a comparable 3-year figure, while the 5-year return also looks constructive versus the benchmark-style comparison available elsewhere in the review. In other words, the fund\u2019s medium-term profile is sturdier than its near-term relative standing suggests.<\/p>\n<p>What stands out is the difference between the short and longer horizon stories. Recent peer numbers are led by sharper momentum strategies and sector-focused funds, while this fund shows a steadier compounding profile over multi-year periods. That makes the comparison less about chasing the highest short-term number and more about judging whether the investor prefers a more measured equity path.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<div class=\"univest-peer-login-cta\" style=\"margin:20px 0;padding:16px 18px;border:1px solid #d8e3f0;border-radius:8px;background:#f7faff\">\n<p style=\"margin:0\"><strong>Want to know more?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/user\/log-in\" style=\"font-weight:700;text-decoration:none\">Log in to Univest<\/a> for more mutual fund insights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Portfolio_where_your_money_goes\"><\/span>Portfolio: where your money goes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Holding<\/th>\n<th>Sector<\/th>\n<th>Weight<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Eternal Limited<\/td>\n<td>Retailing<\/td>\n<td>5.28%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>One 97 Communications Limited<\/td>\n<td>IT<\/td>\n<td>4.13%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ather Energy Limited<\/td>\n<td>Domestic Equities<\/td>\n<td>3.78%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Billionbrains Garage Ventures Ltd<\/td>\n<td>Domestic Equities<\/td>\n<td>3.42%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>FSN E-Commerce Ventures Limited<\/td>\n<td>Retailing<\/td>\n<td>3.05%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lenskart Solutions Limited<\/td>\n<td>Domestic Equities<\/td>\n<td>2.93%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Aether Industries Limited<\/td>\n<td>Chemicals<\/td>\n<td>2.67%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Info Edge (India) Limited<\/td>\n<td>IT<\/td>\n<td>2.6%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>PB Fintech Limited<\/td>\n<td>IT<\/td>\n<td>2.47%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Divi&#8217;S Laboratories Limited<\/td>\n<td>Healthcare<\/td>\n<td>2.23%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The top 10 holdings account for approximately 32.56% of the portfolio.<\/p>\n<p>To see all holdings, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/axis-innovation-fund-g-direct-plan\">Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a> page<\/p>\n<p>The largest holding, Eternal Limited, carries a 5.28% weight, which is meaningful but not dominant on its own. The next few positions are also in the 2% to 4% range, so the weight does taper down after the first holding rather than staying evenly spread.<\/p>\n<p>By the tenth holding, the weight is 2.23%, which suggests the portfolio still gives several mid-sized positions a real role. The gap from the largest holding to the tenth is noticeable, but not so steep that the portfolio becomes a single-position story.<\/p>\n<p>With the top 10 accounting for 32.56% of the portfolio and 58 holdings disclosed in total, the scheme appears to spread risk across a broad tail after its leading names. That structure may reduce dependence on any one stock, while the named positions may still have enough size to influence returns meaningfully.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_should_invest\"><\/span>Who should invest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This fund fits investors who are comfortable with High Risk equity exposure and can hold through sharp ups and downs. The return pattern suggests it has been able to outperform the benchmark over 1, 3 and 5 years, but not in a smooth straight line, so a medium-to-long horizon is more suitable than a short one.<\/p>\n<p>The main trade-off is between stronger compounding potential and a bumpier ride. Investors who want a portfolio with a broader set of holdings and who can tolerate periods of underperformance relative to the market may find the profile understandable, while those looking for steadier benchmark-like behaviour may find the swings difficult to accept.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tax_and_exit_load\"><\/span>Tax and exit load<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Holding period<\/th>\n<th>Tax rate<\/th>\n<th>Description<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Units held less than 1 year<\/td>\n<td>20%<\/td>\n<td>Short-term capital gains tax<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Units held more than 1 year<\/td>\n<td>12.5%<\/td>\n<td>Long-term capital gains tax<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Exit load: Nil for 10% of investment and 1% for the remaining investment if units are sold on or before 12 months; no exit load after 12 months.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_current_NAV_of_Axis_Innovation_Fund_Direct_Growth_Plan\"><\/span>What is the current NAV of Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Plan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The current NAV is \u20b922.98 as of 15 Sep 2026.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_funds_1-year_3-year_and_5-year_returns\"><\/span>What are the fund\u2019s 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The fund\u2019s returns are 12.98% for 1 year, 17.39% for 3 years and 11.57% for 5 years.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_the_fund_compare_with_the_Nifty_50_benchmark\"><\/span>How does the fund compare with the Nifty 50 benchmark?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It has outperformed the Nifty 50 across the 1-month, 3-month, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year periods shown here. The strongest gap appears in the shorter windows, where the benchmark was negative and the fund stayed positive.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_it_compare_with_peer_funds_on_recent_returns\"><\/span>How does it compare with peer funds on recent returns?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Its 1-year return is below the strongest peer figures in this set, but it remains positive. The longer-horizon picture is more constructive, with the fund showing 3-year performance that is ahead of the peer with an available 3-year figure in this group.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_minimum_SIP_amount\"><\/span>What is the minimum SIP amount?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There is no minimum SIP row shown in the fund facts used for this review.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_manages_the_fund_and_what_is_its_exit_load\"><\/span>Who manages the fund and what is its exit load?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The fund is managed by Ashish Naik and Krishnaa N. The exit load is nil for 10% of investment and 1% for the remaining investment if units are sold on or before 12 months; there is no exit load after 12 months.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bottom_line\"><\/span>Bottom line<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Plan has a mixed but generally constructive profile: the near-term return path is positive, while the 3-year and 5-year numbers show better compounding than the benchmark. The fund\u2019s high-risk label matches its uneven behaviour, so it is better understood as a volatile equity option rather than a smooth core holding. Its portfolio is also fairly broad, with 58 holdings and a leading position that is meaningful but not overwhelming.<\/p>\n<p class=\"univest-posted-at\" style=\"font-size:14px;color:#666;margin:20px 0 8px\">Published on 16 September 2026 at 5:54 PM IST<\/p>\n<section class=\"univest-login-cta\" style=\"margin:28px 0;padding:24px;border-radius:10px;background:#eef5ff;border:1px solid #cddff7;text-align:center\">\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Explore_mutual_funds_with_Univest\"><\/span>Explore mutual funds with Univest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Review mutual fund data, compare performance and explore fund insights on Univest.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/user\/log-in\" style=\"display:inline-block;padding:11px 20px;border-radius:6px;background:#1f4e79;color:#fff !important;text-decoration:none;font-weight:700\">Explore Univest<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"univest-disclaimer\">\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"RIA_disclosure\"><\/span>RIA disclosure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing. This review is prepared by Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd. (earlier known as Uniapps Global Research Pvt. Ltd.) under SEBI Registered Investment Adviser registration INA000017639 for general informational purposes and is not personalized investment advice.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"InvestmentFund\",\"name\":\"Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Plan\",\"identifier\":\"axis-innovation-fund-g-direct-plan\",\"category\":\"Equity\",\"dateCreated\":\"24 Dec 2020\",\"isAccessibleForFree\":true,\"additionalProperty\":[{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"NAV\",\"value\":22.98,\"valueReference\":\"as of 15 Sep 2026\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"AUM\",\"value\":\"1362 Cr\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Expense Ratio\",\"value\":\"1.3\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Benchmark\",\"value\":\"Nifty 50\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"1Y Return\",\"value\":12.98},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"3Y Return\",\"value\":17.39},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"5Y Return\",\"value\":11.57},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Fund Managers\",\"value\":\"Ashish Naik, Krishnaa N\"}]}<\/script><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the current NAV of Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Plan?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The current NAV is \u20b922.98 as of 15 Sep 2026.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the fund\u2019s 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The fund\u2019s returns are 12.98% for 1 year, 17.39% for 3 years and 11.57% for 5 years.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How does the fund compare with the Nifty 50 benchmark?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It has outperformed the Nifty 50 across the 1-month, 3-month, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year periods shown here. The strongest gap appears in the shorter windows, where the benchmark was negative and the fund stayed positive.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How does it compare with peer funds on recent returns?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Its 1-year return is below the strongest peer figures in this set, but it remains positive. The longer-horizon picture is more constructive, with the fund showing 3-year performance that is ahead of the peer with an available 3-year figure in this group.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the minimum SIP amount?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"There is no minimum SIP row shown in the fund facts used for this review.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who manages the fund and what is its exit load?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The fund is managed by Ashish Naik and Krishnaa N. The exit load is nil for 10% of investment and 1% for the remaining investment if units are sold on or before 12 months; there is no exit load after 12 months.\"}}]}<\/script><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd.\",\"description\":\"SEBI Registered Investment Adviser INA000017639\"}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Plan has a NAV of \u20b922.98 as of 15 Sep 2026, AUM of \u20b91,362 Cr, and 1Y\/3Y\/5Y returns of 12.98%\/17.39%\/11.57%.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":250510,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3841],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-250511","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mutual-funds"],"metadata":{"rank_math_internal_links_processed":["1"],"_thumbnail_id":["250510"],"rank_math_title":["Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Review 2026"],"rank_math_description":["Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Plan has a NAV of \u20b922.98 and 1Y return of 12.98%. Read the review, portfolio and risk."],"rank_math_focus_keyword":["Axis Innovation Fund Direct Growth Plan review"],"rank_math_robots":["a:2:{i:0;s:7:\"noindex\";i:1;s:8:\"nofollow\";}"]},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Axis_Innovation_Fund_Direct_Growth_Review_2026_NAV_Returns_Portfolio_Should_You_Invest_neutral.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/250511","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=250511"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/250511\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/250510"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=250511"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=250511"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=250511"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}