The Marico Innovation Foundation, in its tenth edition of the Indian Innovation Icons, honored seven game-changing innovators who have made a significant impact in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and energy. The event, which took place on March 9, 2023, aimed to recognize and reward innovative entrepreneurs, researchers, and thought leaders who have developed groundbreaking solutions to real-world problems.
The winners of the Indian Innovation Icons 2025 were chosen from over 1,200 entries and were selected by a panel of experts based on their innovative ideas, scalability, and potential to create a significant social impact. The seven winners, who were chosen across three categories – Transformative Innovation, Disruptive Innovation, and Promising Pioneer, are:
1. Sumit Lakhani, Co-founder and CEO of Pharmeasy, for his efforts to make healthcare more accessible and affordable through technology.
2. Sangeet Paul Choudary, Co-founder of TutorMe, for his innovative approach to education through AI-powered online tutoring.
3. Ragno Sekhar, Co-founder of Sustran, for developing a cost-effective and sustainable solution for urban waste management.
4. Nandan Madan, Co-founder of ChargeGrid, for his innovative approach to energy storage and grid management.
5. Abhishek Rastogi, Co-founder of Petrank, for his work on developing a low-cost, portable, and sustainable solution for clean water production.
6. Mayank Varshney for his work on Smellage, a startup that uses a smartphone-based application to help people with intellectual disabilities to access information and communicate more effectively.
7. Gaurav Gupta, Co-founder of LivClean, for his work on developing a low-cost, solar-powered water purification system for rural communities.
The Marico Innovation Foundation is committed to promoting and supporting innovation in India. Their flagship program, Indian Innovation Icons, aims to recognize and reward innovators who are creating a positive impact in their respective fields. The foundation provides a platform for innovators to showcase their work, gain visibility, and connect with potential investors, customers, and partners.
The event was attended by some of the biggest players in the Indian industry, including entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and thought leaders. The ceremony included a panel discussion on “Future of Innovation in India: Opportunities and Challenges,” which highlighted the need for a more supportive ecosystem for innovation in India.
The Marico Innovation Foundation’s efforts to recognize and support innovation are crucial in fostering a culture of innovation in India. By recognizing and rewarding innovators, the foundation is encouraging more people to pursue their innovative ideas and create positive change in their communities. The Indian Innovation Icons 2025 winners are a testament to the potential of Indian innovation, and their work has the potential to make a significant impact in the world.