The Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF), a torchbearer for transformative innovation in India, hosted the 10th edition of the Indian Innovation Icons at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre on March 07, 2025. Seven pioneering innovators were honored after a meticulous selection process involving two jury rounds, chaired by experts in business and social impact.

In the business category, the winners included Indra Water, which deploys a decentralized, modular system to recycle sewage and industrial wastewater, and Skyroot Aerospace, offering affordable, on-demand space access for global satellite operators. In the social sphere, AssisTech Foundation nurtures disability-focused tech startups, Rocket Learning boosts early childhood education by empowering Anganwadi workers, and the People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI) safeguards rural narratives through a digital repository. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) clinched the Global Game-Changer Award for revolutionizing digital payments in India and beyond.

Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Limited and Founder of MIF, remarked, “Indian Innovation Icons stands out for spotting trailblazers when their fields are still nascent. Across nine editions and 70 winners, over 80% have endured, delivering tangible socio-economic or environmental impact. Congratulations to the 2025 Icons, who embody India’s boundless creativity and diversity in innovation.”

Amit Chandra, Honorary Chairperson of MIF’s Governing Council, added, “Reaching our tenth edition reflects our unwavering dedication to innovation. With the refreshed identity of Indian Innovation Icons, we’re doubling down on championing game-changing ideas.”

Driving Infrastructure and Economic Progress

The business category winners are fortifying India’s infrastructure—key to its global economic aspirations. From wastewater management to space tech and clean energy, their innovations pave the way for sustainability and inclusivity. Breakthroughs like high-speed wireless systems and electric motors for EVs enhance connectivity and position India as a leader in eco-friendly solutions, making infrastructure smarter, cheaper, and greener.

Marico Innovation Foundation-Championing Social Equity

The 2025 Icons also spotlight social inclusivity, with social category winners tackling the needs of marginalized communities. Their work ensures innovation uplifts every corner of society, bridging gaps with purpose-driven solutions.

From Plastic Waste to Opportunity

A highlight of the event was a panel discussion, Turning Plastic Waste into an Opportunity: A Collaborative Sustainable Future, urging FMCG players to embrace circular economies. Featuring Harsh Mariwala, Prabha Narasimhan (MD, Colgate Palmolive India), Masood Mallick (MD & Group CEO, Re Sustainability Limited), and moderated by Anubha Bhonsle (Founder, Newsworthy.Studio), the session offered practical strategies for end-to-end sustainability, uniting communities, citizens, and brands in viable circularity models.

Beyond Awards: Nurturing Impact through Marico Innovation Foundation

MIF’s commitment extends beyond recognition, with ongoing mentorship for the Icons and a showcase of their innovations at InnoWin Day on April 3. “This isn’t just an event—it’s a movement to catapult India’s brightest innovators forward,” said Suranjana Ghosh, Head of MIF. “By identifying high-potential ideas early, each edition not only celebrates bold thinking but fosters an ecosystem to amplify their success.”

The 10th Indian Innovation Icons reaffirms MIF’s mission to propel India’s innovation landscape, spotlighting visionaries who are redefining progress with impact and ingenuity.