The 14th edition of the ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards 2025 was held in Chennai on Saturday, where three innovative ventures were honored for their groundbreaking solutions. The event, instituted in memory of the late Shri R. ChinniKrishnan, aims to recognize and celebrate exemplary entrepreneurial ventures in India. Each winning venture received ₹1 lakh, a trophy, and a citation, as well as access to CavinKare’s industry support, spanning marketing, finance, design, packaging, R&D, and HR.
The first winner, Avay Biosciences, developed a 3D bioprinting platform that eliminates the need for animal testing in preclinical drug trials. The second winner, Dhanvantri Biomedical Pvt Ltd, created the Sahayatha Wheelchair, the world’s first wheelchair with an integrated toilet, cleaning system, and water storage. The third winner, Urdhvam Environmental Technologies Pvt Ltd, developed the ‘Bore Charger’, a patented smart rainwater harvesting system that restores low-yielding or dry borewells without the need for construction or maintenance.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including R. Dinesh, Executive Chairman of TVS Supply Chain Solutions, who lauded the thought process behind the innovations. C.K. Ranganathan, Chairman and Managing Director of CavinKare, remarked that true innovation is about creating solutions that improve lives and inspire others to think differently. Lakshminarayanan Duraiswamy, President of the Madras Management Association, noted that the 300-plus nominations received this year highlight the exponential growth of India’s innovation ecosystem.
Since its inception in 2011, the ChinniKrishnan Innovation Award has recognized 39 exemplary entrepreneurial ventures from across India. The award ceremony aims to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for startups and innovators to showcase their solutions and receive support to scale their ideas for real-world impact. The winners of this year’s award demonstrate the potential for innovation to transform lives and create a positive impact on society.