Noida, July 15: Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, in partnership with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, announce the five finalists of the 17th edition of the Social Entrepreneur of the YearIndia Award 2026. Since its inception in 2009, SEOY has established itself as one of India’s most prestigious platforms for social entrepreneurship, recognising visionary leaders and scalable innovations that address some of the country’s most pressing social challenges.
This year’s cohort reflects the growing prominence of emerging areas of social innovation, including Climate Technology, Healthcare, Livelihoods, Agriculture Technology and Inclusion. The finalists also represent a rich diversity of geographies, leadership profiles and organisational models, spanning both for-profit and non-profit enterprises committed to driving meaningful social impact.
Selected from a competitive pool of 208 applications, nearly 70% of which were first-time applicants, the five finalists advanced through a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process assessing social impact, innovation, scalability, sustainability and potential for systemic change.
The finalists for the SEOY India Award 2026 are:
- Dr. Neha Verma of Intelehealth, Maharashtra, who is leveraging open-source, AI-enabled telemedicine infrastructure to expand access to quality healthcare in underserved communities;
- Nidhi Pant of Science For Society Techno Services Pvt. Ltd., Maharashtra, who is empowering smallholder women farmers through solar-powered food processing solutions and market-linked rural entrepreneurship;
- Nuneseno Chase of YouthNet, Nagaland, who is driving youth-led development through initiatives focused on education, livelihoods, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability;
- Vinay Kumar Reddy Vadde of Sickle Innovations Pvt. Ltd., Telangana, who is building technology-led agricultural solutions that improve farm productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and enhance farmer incomes;
- Vineet Saraiwala of Atypical Advantage, Jharkhand, who is creating inclusive livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities through a technology-enabled employment and skilling platform.
The finalists are set to present their work before an independent jury, with the winner to be announced at a special ceremony hosted by Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, together with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, in New Delhi on August 21, 2026. The winner will join the Schwab Foundation’s global community of social innovators, while all finalists will be eligible to apply for the Hindustan Times Fellowship for the Stanford Seed Transformation Program.
On the announcement of the finalists, Mr. Vivek Prakash, Head, Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, said,
“Over the past 17 editions, the Social Entrepreneur of the Year 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, demonstrating how purpose-driven leadership can address complex societal challenges through scalable and sustainable models. Together with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, we remain committed to strengthening the ecosystem by providing deserving changemakers with a platform to inspire, collaborate and scale their impact.”
“As India advances towards its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, it is important to recognise the contributions that social entrepreneurs are making to the country’s inclusive growth and development journey. Across India, they are combining innovation with a deep understanding of local realities to develop solutions that expand opportunity, strengthen resilience and improve lives at scale,” said Dr. Francois Bonnici, Director of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. “The finalists of this year’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year India Award demonstrate the potential of social innovation in contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future. Together with our partners at the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, we are proud to celebrate these finalists’ achievements – this recognition will amplify their influence, inspire others and encourage greater support for the solutions helping to shape India’s future.”
Through the SEOY India Award, Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship remain committed to recognising and amplifying innovative leaders whose work are shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and equitable future for India.