Make in India and Technology for Good Shine at Indian Innovation Icons 2025

Marico Innovation Foundation Celebrates Seven Groundbreaking Innovators Transforming India's Future​

Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF), a leader in driving innovation and socio-economic transformation in India, hosted the prestigious 10th edition of the Indian Innovation Icons 2025 at Mumbai's Jio World Convention Centre. This landmark event recognized seven transformative innovators, selected after rigorous evaluation from over 1,000 entries, who are reshaping India's business landscape and social fabric.

Breakthrough Innovations Propel Economic Growth and Infrastructure​

The winners in the business category demonstrated transformative solutions aligned with India's ambitious goal of becoming a global economic powerhouse:

• Astrome Technologies: Leveraging India's first commercial E-band spectrum product to revolutionize wireless telecommunication services in rural and remote regions.
• Chara Technologies: Creating electric motor systems devoid of rare-Earth magnets, essential for electric vehicles (EVs) and industrial machinery, thus significantly promoting sustainability.
• Indra Water: Implementing decentralized, modular wastewater treatment systems to efficiently recycle sewage and industrial wastewater, tackling India's growing water scarcity.
• Skyroot Aerospace: Providing cost-effective, on-demand satellite launch services, boosting India's space technology capabilities on the global stage.

These innovations are foundational for improving India's infrastructure, increasing connectivity, and accelerating its transition to sustainable, future-ready solutions.

Social Innovations Champion Inclusivity and Equity​

Social impact winners placed inclusivity at the forefront, addressing critical societal needs:

• AssisTech Foundation: Actively incubating startups that create impactful disability technology solutions, thereby fostering accessibility and equity.
• Rocket Learning: Empowering Anganwadi workers through targeted training programs, significantly enhancing early childhood education at grassroots levels.
• People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI): Digitally archiving and preserving the rich and diverse narratives of rural communities, safeguarding India’s heritage and history.

NPCI Honored for Democratizing Digital Payments Globally​

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) received the prestigious Global Game-Changer Award for its role in democratizing digital payments, transforming India's financial ecosystem, and setting a global benchmark.

Turning Plastic Waste into Economic Opportunities​

The event featured an insightful panel discussion on "Turning Plastic Waste into an Opportunity: A Collaborative Sustainable Future," emphasizing the importance of circular economy practices. Distinguished panelists included:

• Harsh Mariwala, Chairman, Marico Limited & Founder, Marico Innovation Foundation
• Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director, Colgate Palmolive (India) Ltd
• Masood Mallick, Managing Director & Group CEO, Re Sustainability Limited

Moderated by Anubha Bhonsle, Founder, Newsworthy. Studio, the discussion underscored the urgency of implementing commercially viable, community-driven sustainability models to address India's plastic waste challenges.

Commitment to Scaling Innovations for Long-Term Impact​

Highlighting their enduring commitment to innovation, MIF announced continued mentorship for the recognized innovators. Additionally, their groundbreaking solutions will be showcased during MIF’s dedicated InnoWin Day on April 3, aimed at providing a robust platform for future growth.

Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Limited and Founder of MIF, celebrated the winners:

“What sets Indian Innovation Icons apart is its ability to identify and recognize innovators at a time when their sectors are still emerging. Over nine editions and 70 winners, we’re proud that over 80% have proven their long-term socio-economic and environmental impact.”

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Amit Chandra, Honorary Chairperson of the Governing Council at MIF, further highlighted the significance:

“With the tenth edition of the awards, our commitment to nurturing bold, transformative ideas grows even stronger.”

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