The 14th edition of the ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards 2025 was recently held at IIT Madras Research Park Auditorium, hosted by CavinKare, a Chennai-based FMCG company, and the Madras Management Association (MMA). The annual award ceremony aims to identify and recognize innovative ventures that have the potential to create the next wave of solutions. This year’s winners included Avay Biosciences, a 3D bioprinting platform that eliminates the need for animal testing in preclinical drug trials, Dhanvantri Biomedical, a manufacturer of wheelchairs with integrated toilet and cleaning systems, and Urdhvam Environmental Technologies, which has developed a smart rainwater harvesting system.
Each of the winning ventures was awarded ₹1 lakh, a trophy, and a citation, in addition to access to CavinKare’s industry support across various functions such as marketing, finance, design, packaging, R&D, and HR. This support is intended to help the winners scale their innovations and create a real-world impact. The awards ceremony is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in driving meaningful change and shaping the future.
According to CK Ranganathan, Chairman & Managing Director of CavinKare, the ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards have showcased a diverse community of trailblazers who have transformed obstacles into opportunities through their relentless dedication and perseverance. The awards have recognized 39 innovative entrepreneurial ventures from across India since their inception in 2011.
Lakshminarayanan Duraiswamy, President of the Madras Management Association, expressed pride in partnering with CavinKare to celebrate innovation and inclusivity at a national level. He highlighted the exponential growth of India’s innovation ecosystem, with over 300 nominations received this year. The awards are seen as a way to honor the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the economy and pave the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future.
The ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards have established themselves as a platform for recognizing and supporting innovative ventures that have the potential to create a significant impact. The winners of this year’s awards are a testament to the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that exists in India, and the support provided by CavinKare and MMA is expected to help them take their innovations to the next level.