Mumbai | June 22, 2026:
11th edition aims to identify bold ideas addressing India’s evolving challenges
Applications Open for Indian Innovation Icons 2027
Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF), a pioneer in championing impactful innovations, has invited applications for the 11th edition of its flagship biennial platform — Indian Innovation Icons.
Launched in 2006, Indian Innovation Icons has emerged as one of India’s premier innovation recognition platforms, spotlighting hidden yet potentially game-changing innovations creating socio-economic and environmental impact. Over the years, the platform has recognized innovators whose solutions have transformed communities and industries nationwide.
Applications will remain open from June 22, 2026 to July 22, 2026. Innovators can apply through the Indian Innovation Icons 2027 Application Form.
Rigorous Evaluation Process
Indian Innovation Icons follows a unique eight-month evaluation process:
- Two rounds of deliberations by an independent jury for each category.
- Detailed on-ground due diligence conducted by knowledge partner Deloitte Monitor.
Categories & Jury
The 11th edition will recognize innovations across:
- Business (For-Profit)
- Social (Not-For-Profit)
Business Category Jury (Chaired by Amit Chandra, Bain Capital & ATE Capital):
- Namita Thapar, Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals
- Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog; former President, Nasscom
- Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
- Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive India
- Ravi Mariwala, Chairman & MD, Smaart Water
- Sanjiv Kaul, Senior Partner, ChrysCapital
Social Category Jury (Also chaired by Amit Chandra):
- Deepali Khanna, SVP & Head of Asia, The Rockefeller Foundation
- Samarinita Shetty, Co-founder & CEO, IDR
- Chetna Gala Sinha, Founder & Chairperson, Mann Deshi Bank & Foundation
- Aniket Doegar, CEO, Haqdarshak
- Prateek Madhav, CEO & Co-founder, AssisTech Foundation
- Luis Miranda, Co-founder & Chairperson, Indian School of Public Policy
Grand Finale
The grand finale will take place on March 4, 2027, at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai, bringing together leaders from business, startups, investment, social impact, and media to celebrate extraordinary stories of innovation and change.
Harsh Mariwala, Founder, Marico Innovation Foundation, said: “India is witnessing a strong wave of innovators building solutions with the potential to create meaningful impact at scale. Yet, many breakthrough ideas remain under-recognized. Through Indian Innovation Icons, we aim to identify and champion such disruptive innovations by providing visibility, networks, and opportunities to accelerate growth and impact.”
Amit Chandra, Jury Chair, added: “India’s future will be shaped by people who see problems differently and have the courage to build disruptive solutions. Past winners like Skyroot Aerospace, Dozee, and Astrome Technologies show what happens when bold ideas are recognized early.”
Suranjana Ghosh, Head, Marico Innovation Foundation, said: “It has been exciting to witness the progress of past winners and the evolution of India’s innovation ecosystem. We look forward to spotlighting the next generation of path-breaking innovations through the 11th edition.”
Legacy & Impact
- Previous winners include Skyroot Aerospace, Indra Water, PARI, IDR, Ishitva Robotic Systems, Dozee, Khushi Baby.
- The last edition received 1,100+ applications from across India, showcasing diverse innovations addressing national challenges.
- Winners gain strategic guidance from Harsh Mariwala, access to MIF’s ecosystem of investors, business leaders, grant makers, and mentors, enhanced national visibility, and curated opportunities to accelerate growth.
