17th Edition of the Social Entrepreneur of the Year (SEOY) India Award Shortlists Five Finalists Driving Social Change Across India

Noida | July 15, 2026:

Synopsis:

  • Event: Jubilant Bhartia Foundation (JBF), in partnership with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, announces five finalists for the 17th edition of SEOY India Award 2026.
  • Applications: Selected from 208 entries, nearly 70% first-time applicants.
  • Focus Areas: Climate Technology, Healthcare, Livelihoods, Agriculture Technology, and Inclusion.
  • Finale: Winner to be announced in New Delhi on August 21, 2026.
  • Global Recognition: Winner joins the Schwab Foundation’s global community of social innovators.

Finalists for SEOY India Award 2026

  • Dr. Neha Verma, Intelehealth (Maharashtra): Leveraging open-source, AI-enabled telemedicine infrastructure to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.
  • Nidhi Pant, S4S Technologies (Maharashtra): Empowering smallholder women farmers through solar-powered food processing and market-linked rural entrepreneurship.
  • Nuneseno Chase, YouthNet (Nagaland): Driving youth-led development in education, livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.
  • Vinay Kumar Reddy Vadde, Sickle Innovations (Telangana): Building technology-led agricultural solutions to improve farm productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.
  • Vineet Saraiwala, Atypical Advantage (Jharkhand): Creating inclusive livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities via a tech-enabled employment and skilling platform.

Mr. Vivek Prakash, Head, Jubilant Bhartia Foundation: “Over the past 17 editions, the SEOY India Award has evolved into a platform that not only recognises exceptional social entrepreneurs but also amplifies innovative solutions that create meaningful and lasting impact. This year’s finalists reflect the strength and diversity of India’s social innovation ecosystem.”

Dr. Francois Bonnici, Director, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship: “The finalists of this year’s SEOY India Award demonstrate the potential of social innovation in contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future. This recognition will amplify their influence, inspire others, and encourage greater support for solutions shaping India’s future.”

Programme Impact

  • SEOY India Award established in 2009; now one of India’s most prestigious platforms for social entrepreneurship.
  • Recognises visionary leaders and scalable innovations addressing pressing social challenges.
  • Finalists eligible for Hindustan Times Fellowship for the Stanford Seed Transformation Program.

About Jubilant Bhartia Foundation (JBF)
Founded in 2007, JBF is the not-for-profit arm of the Jubilant Bhartia Group, driving initiatives across health, education, livelihoods, rural development, and social entrepreneurship. With a pan-India presence, JBF reaches 2 million+ beneficiaries and advances social innovation through its BHARAT IMPACT platform. 🌐 www.jubilantbhartiafoundation.com

About Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship
Co-founded by Klaus Schwab and Hilde Schwab, the foundation is the global community of pioneering social innovators in partnership with the World Economic Forum. Since 1998, it has supported leading social innovators to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. 🌐 www.schwabfound.org

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