Marico Innovation Foundation Invites Applications for the 11th Edition of Indian Innovation Icons
Applications Open Until July 22, 2026
Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF), a pioneer in promoting impactful innovations, has invited applications for the 11th edition of its flagship biennial platform, Indian Innovation Icons.
Launched in 2006, Indian Innovation Icons has become one of India’s leading innovation recognition platforms. The initiative identifies and celebrates hidden yet potentially game-changing innovations that create social, economic, and environmental impact. Over the years, the platform has recognized several innovators whose solutions have transformed communities and industries across the country.
Applications for the 11th edition are open from June 22, 2026, to July 22, 2026. Innovators can apply under two categories: Business (For-Profit) and Social (Not-For-Profit).
A Rigorous Evaluation Process
Indian Innovation Icons follows a comprehensive eight-month evaluation process. First, independent juries assess the applications in two rounds for each category. Next, Deloitte Monitor, the platform’s independent knowledge partner, conducts detailed on-ground due diligence.
As a result, the platform identifies innovations with strong potential for large-scale impact and long-term growth.
Distinguished Jury for the Business Category
The Business Category jury will be chaired by Amit Chandra, Chairperson of Bain Capital India and Co-Founder of ATE Capital.
The jury members include:
- Namita Thapar, Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals
- Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog and former President of Nasscom
- Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
- Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive India
- Ravi Mariwala, Chairman and MD, Smaart Water
- Sanjiv Kaul, Senior Partner, ChrysCapital
Together, these leaders bring expertise from business, technology, science, and investment sectors.
Social Category Jury Features Leading Changemakers
Amit Chandra will also chair the Social Category jury.
The panel includes:
- Deepali Khanna, Senior Vice President and Head of Asia, The Rockefeller Foundation
- Samarinita Shetty, Co-founder and CEO, India Development Review (IDR)
- Chetna Gala Sinha, Founder and Chairperson, Mann Deshi Bank and Mann Deshi Foundation
- Aniket Doegar, CEO, Haqdarshak
- Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-founder, AssisTech Foundation
- Luis Miranda, Co-founder and Chairperson, Indian School of Public Policy
These leaders have extensive experience in social innovation, philanthropy, policy, and community development.
Grand Finale Scheduled for March 2027
The 11th edition of Indian Innovation Icons will conclude with a grand finale on March 4, 2027. The event will take place at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
Moreover, the event will bring together leaders from business, startups, investments, social impact organizations, and the media. The gathering will celebrate stories of innovation, perseverance, and transformative change.
Harsh Mariwala on the Importance of Recognizing Innovation
Harsh Mariwala, Founder of Marico Innovation Foundation, emphasized the need to support emerging innovators.
“India is witnessing a strong wave of innovators building solutions that can create meaningful impact at scale. However, many breakthrough ideas remain under-recognized despite solving real challenges. Through Indian Innovation Icons, we aim to identify and support such innovations by providing visibility, access to networks, and growth opportunities.
Over the years, the platform has recognized innovators who have created significant change across sectors and communities. We now look forward to discovering the next generation of transformative ideas.”
What Winners Will Receive
Winners of the 11th edition will receive several growth opportunities.
These include:
- Strategic guidance from Harsh Mariwala
- Access to investors, business leaders, grant makers, and ecosystem partners
- Bespoke mentoring from Marico’s senior leadership team
- Enhanced national visibility
- Curated opportunities to accelerate growth and scale
Consequently, winners can strengthen their impact and expand their reach more effectively.
Amit Chandra Highlights the Power of Early Recognition
Amit Chandra, Jury Chair and Chairperson of the Governing Council at Marico Innovation Foundation, highlighted the importance of identifying innovators early.
“India’s future will be shaped by people who view problems differently and build disruptive solutions. Indian Innovation Icons exists to identify and support such innovators early in their journey.
Past winners such as Skyroot Aerospace, Dozee, and Astrome Technologies demonstrate the value of early recognition and support. Every edition inspires me with the ingenuity, resilience, and ambition of India’s innovators. I look forward to discovering the next generation of innovators who can create large-scale impact and shape India’s future.”
Notable Past Winners
Over the years, Indian Innovation Icons has recognized several outstanding organizations.
Previous winners include:
- Skyroot Aerospace
- Indra Water
- People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI)
- India Development Review (IDR)
- Ishitva Robotic Systems
- Dozee
- Khushi Baby
Many of these organizations have gone on to scale their solutions and create measurable impact.
Strong Participation Across India
The previous edition received more than 1,100 applications from across the country.
Furthermore, the submissions showcased innovative solutions that addressed a wide range of challenges. This strong participation reflects India’s growing culture of innovation and problem-solving.
Interested innovators can submit their applications before July 22, 2026, through the official Indian Innovation Icons application portal.
