Noida, July 15, 2026: Jubilant Bhartia Foundation (JBF), in partnership with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, today announced the five finalists of the 17th edition of the Social Entrepreneur of the Year (SEOY) India 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.

SEOY India Award 2026 Finalists

• Dr. Neha Verma – Intelehealth, Maharashtra
  Leveraging open-source, AI-enabled telemedicine infrastructure to expand access to quality healthcare in underserved communities.
• Nidhi Pant – Science For Society Techno Services Pvt. Ltd. (S4S Technologies), Maharashtra
  Empowering smallholder women farmers through solar-powered food processing solutions and market-linked rural entrepreneurship.
• Nuneseno Chase – YouthNet, Nagaland
  Driving youth-led development through initiatives focused on education, livelihoods, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability.
• Vinay Kumar Reddy Vadde – Sickle Innovations Pvt. Ltd., Telangana
  Building technology-led agricultural solutions that improve farm productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and enhance farmer incomes.
• Vineet Saraiwala – Atypical Advantage, Jharkhand
  Creating inclusive livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities through a technology-enabled employment and skilling platform.

Award Ceremony

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.

“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.”

— Vivek Prakash, Head, Jubilant Bhartia Foundation

“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.

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.”

— Dr. Francois Bonnici, Director, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship

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 is shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and equitable future for India.

About Jubilant Bhartia Foundation

Jubilant Bhartia Foundation (JBF), established in 2007, is the not-for-profit organisation of the Jubilant Bhartia Group, driving the Group's social development initiatives across health, education, livelihoods, rural development and social entrepreneurship.

With a pan-India presence, JBF reaches over 2 million beneficiaries through community-focused interventions, while advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship through its BHARAT IMPACT platform and strategic collaborations with institutions and ecosystem partners.

Follow Jubilant Bhartia Foundation

• Website: www.jubilantbhartiafoundation.com
• X (Formerly Twitter): @indiaseoy
• Facebook: India SEOY

About the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship

In partnership with the World Economic Forum, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship is the foremost global community of pioneering social innovators driving systemic change.

It was co-founded by Klaus Schwab, Founder of the World Economic Forum, and Hilde Schwab, Chairperson of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.

Since 1998, the Schwab Foundation has supported the world’s leading social innovators to create a more just, equitable and sustainable world. The Foundation provides unparalleled regional and global platforms to highlight and advance leading models of sustainable social innovation.

Follow the Schwab Foundation

• Website: www.schwabfound.org
• Facebook: Schwab Foundation
• Instagram: @schwabfoundation
• LinkedIn: Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship

Media Contact

Mumbai, India, February 28, 2026: The Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, in collaboration with McGill University (Canada), today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Centre of Excellence in AI Education and Research.

The MoU was signed on the margins of an event attended by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Anita Anand, and Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India.

The MoU was signed by Shyam S. Bhartia, Founder & Chairman, Jubilant Bhartia Group; Hari S. Bhartia, Founder & Co-Chairman, Jubilant Bhartia Group; and Professor Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor, McGill University.

This Centre of Excellence in AI Education and Research is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry-relevant applications, with the goal of producing job-ready AI engineers and future research leaders.

The Centre will initially offer a Master's program that combines strong academic foundations with applied learning and industry engagement. Students will work on projects connected to real technological challenges and emerging needs in India's AI sector.

L-R: Shyam S. Bhartia, Founder & Chairman, Jubilant Bhartia Group; Professor Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor, McGill University; Hari S. Bhartia, Founder & Co-Chairman, Jubilant Bhartia Group

“India is at the forefront of digital innovation, and the need for industry-ready AI talent has never been greater. Through our partnership with McGill University, we are creating a powerful ecosystem where academic rigor meets real-world execution, thus supporting India’s vision of becoming a global AI powerhouse.

The Centre of Excellence in AI Education and Research will produce professionals who can move seamlessly from classroom concepts to enterprise-scale AI deployment.”

— Shyam S. Bhartia, Founder & Chairman and Hari S. Bhartia, Founder & Co-Chairman, Jubilant Bhartia Group

“The Centre of Excellence in AI Education and Research in India represents an important step in expanding the University’s global presence, strengthening international partnerships, and extending its academic reach.

I want to thank both the Government of Canada and the Government of India for acknowledging the Centre, as well as our partner, the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, for its close collaboration.

I look forward to the next steps of this project in which we will design the curriculum, apply academic standards, oversee quality assurance, and enhance research partnerships.”

— Professor Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor, McGill University

This partnership will leverage McGill University’s research-led AI ecosystem to create an innovative program that integrates strong theoretical foundations with practical implementation.

The Centre will also serve as a research hub to foster AI solutions tailored to India’s digital transformation journey.

Program Highlights

The Centre will offer a Master’s program for Indian graduates each year with a focus on:

• Rigorous academic quality
• Curriculum agility aligned with evolving industry needs
• Applied learning through live projects and industry case studies
• Global best practices in AI research and innovation
• Continuous assessment and mentorship from international faculty and industry experts

Driving India’s AI Vision

India’s digital economy is growing rapidly, with artificial intelligence adoption at the forefront of this transformation. However, industry continues to report a shortage of engineers with deep expertise in AI systems, while traditional degree pathways struggle to keep pace with technological advancement.

Anchored by McGill University’s academic excellence and supported by extensive industry collaboration from the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, the Centre of Excellence in AI Education and Research aims to bridge this critical talent gap.

The Centre is expected to:

• Develop high-impact AI professionals ready for global careers
• Accelerate research and innovation in applied AI
• Strengthen industry-academia collaboration models

About Jubilant Bhartia Group

Jubilant Bhartia Group is a multi-billion-dollar global conglomerate with presence across Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Food Service (QSR), and Auto Retail sectors.

With a workforce of over 56,000 employees and operations in more than 80 countries, the Group has four listed companies on Indian stock exchanges.

The Group prioritises Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), renewable energy adoption, and digitisation across its businesses.

Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, the CSR arm of the Group, is deeply committed to Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives focused on:

• Primary Education
• Healthcare
• Skill Development
• Community Development
• Social Entrepreneurship

About McGill University

Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, McGill University is Canada’s top-ranked medical doctoral university and one of the world’s leading institutions of higher education.

McGill comprises:

• 12 Faculties
• 14 Professional Schools
• 700 Academic Programs
• More than 40,000 Students
• Over 10,000 Graduate Students
• Research Activities Across Three Campuses

The University attracts students from nearly 150 countries, with international students accounting for approximately 27% of the student population.

Media Enquiries

New Delhi, India, August 8, 2025: Amid growing recognition of grassroots innovation as a force for systemic change, the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, a sister organisation of the World Economic Forum, honoured Piyush Tewari with the 16th Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award (SEOY) – India 2025.

The prestigious award was presented at a ceremony in New Delhi in the distinguished presence of Shri Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Minister, Government of India and India’s Sherpa to G7 and G20, along with dignitaries from policy, business, academia and civil society. Mr. Anshu Gupta, Founder Director, GOONJ, also graced the event.

The work of this year’s winner and finalists highlighted societal challenges ranging from poverty alleviation and road safety to sustainable livelihoods for rural artisans and community-led development in underserved regions.

Winner: Piyush Tewari

Piyush Tewari was recognised for his pioneering work in road safety and emergency care through the Zero-Fatality Solution (ZFS), a data-driven model deployed across 36 highways in 16 states, reducing road crash deaths by up to 67% on key corridors.

Through SaveLIFE Foundation, he has influenced landmark policy reforms such as the Good Samaritan Law, enabled safer travel for over 190 million people, and mobilised more than USD 70 million in public investment for road safety infrastructure and trauma care.

“The greater contribution of all the social entrepreneurs is truly commendable. My congratulations to all finalists. The final goal is to make all lives happy. Social institutions are essential for the betterment of society. Today’s program will be another accelerator in that direction. I feel fortunate to be here among those who are working to make the lives of others better.”

— Shri Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Minister, Government of India

“Social entrepreneurs in India continue to inspire the world with their deep-rooted commitment to equity, inclusion and innovation. This year’s finalists have built locally embedded, people-centric models—from empowering rural women to transforming public safety—that deliver real, systemic change.”

“As we mark 16 years of partnership with the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, we are proud to celebrate these visionary leaders who are redefining development and influencing global conversations on inclusive growth.”

— Hilde Schwab and Professor Klaus Schwab, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship

“This year’s finalists are true nation-builders. Their work in the areas of public safety, women’s economic empowerment, rural innovation and artisan leadership embodies a spirit of self-reliance and dignity.”

“Through the SEOY India platform, we are proud to honour changemakers who are solving India’s toughest challenges with deep local insight that has global relevance. The world of business has much to learn from social entrepreneurs—their proximity to the problem, agility in response and purpose-driven approach.”

— Mr. Shyam S. Bhartia and Mr. Hari S. Bhartia, Founder Directors, Jubilant Bhartia Foundation

Bharat Impact Launch

During the event, the formal launch of Bharat Impact – The Jubilant Bhartia Centre for Social Entrepreneurship was announced.

The initiative aims to provide mentorship, incubation support and networking opportunities to social entrepreneurs across India and serve as an ecosystem to help scale social innovations nationwide.

The award ceremony was hosted by Ms. Sheeren Bhan, Managing Editor of CNBC TV18.

Finalists

• Nagakarthik MP – Sauramandala Foundation, promoting decentralised development hubs in the Northeast through community-led governance and policy integration.
• Kalpanaa Sankar – Hand in Hand Foundation, working to eradicate poverty through sustainable, community-led interventions.
• Sumita Ghose – Rangsutra Crafts India, empowering more than 8,000 rural women artisans through an inclusive, co-owned craft enterprise.

About the Award

Now in its 16th year, the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award – India is a joint initiative of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation.

The award celebrates transformative leaders driving large-scale impact through innovative, inclusive and sustainable approaches.

About the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship

In partnership with the World Economic Forum, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship is the foremost global community of pioneering social innovators driving systemic change.

Founded in 1998 by Professor Klaus Schwab and Hilde Schwab, the Foundation supports leading social innovators in creating systemic change and advancing a stakeholder economy.

Follow the Schwab Foundation

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

About Jubilant Bhartia Foundation

Established in 2007, Jubilant Bhartia Foundation (JBF) is the not-for-profit organisation of the Jubilant Bhartia Group.

The Foundation conceptualises and implements CSR initiatives for the Group, focusing on:

• Community Development
• Healthcare Programs
• Cultural and Sports Initiatives
• Environmental Preservation
• Vocational Training
• Women Empowerment
• Education
• Promotion of Social Entrepreneurship

Follow Jubilant Bhartia Foundation

• Website
• X (Twitter)
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Media Contact

New Delhi, July 23, 2025: Jubilant Bhartia Group announced today that Jubilant Beverages Limited has successfully closed the acquisition of a 40% equity stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings Pvt. Ltd. (HCCH), the parent company of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. (HCCB), the largest bottler for The Coca-Cola Company in India.

In December 2024, the Group had announced an agreement to acquire a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings Pvt. Ltd.

Noida, December 11, 2024: The Jubilant Bhartia Group announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement for a strategic investment whereby the Jubilant Bhartia Group will acquire a 40% equity interest in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings Private Limited (HCCH), through its entity Jubilant Beverages Limited.

HCCH is the parent company of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. (HCCB), the largest Coca-Cola bottler in India.

“We are excited to partner with TCCC, that has a portfolio of the most well-recognized, iconic beverage brands across the world. India is one of the largest and fastest-growing beverage markets globally and a key focus within the TCCC ecosystem.

Jubilant Bhartia Group operates India’s largest foodservices company that has a proven track record of operational excellence and successful partnerships with global brands. Our deep understanding of the Indian market, combined with TCCC’s global perspective, will further enhance HCCB’s value and accelerate its impressive growth trajectory.

This investment underscores our belief in the significant long-term growth potential of India’s F&B sector and aligns with our strategic intent to expand and diversify into high-growth industries.”

— Mr. Shyam S. Bhartia, Founder & Chairman and Mr. Hari S. Bhartia, Founder & Co-Chairman, Jubilant Bhartia Group

This strategic investment will contribute to HCCB’s ongoing success and help strengthen its position in the Indian market.

“The Jubilant Bhartia Group will bring invaluable experience and insights to our business as we continue to grow our presence in India.”

— Henrique Braun, President, International Development, The Coca-Cola Company

“We welcome the Jubilant Bhartia Group to the Coca-Cola system in India. With its diverse experience in various sectors, Jubilant brings decades of rich experience that will help accelerate the Coca-Cola system, enabling us to win in the market and provide greater value to local communities and consumers.”

— Sanket Ray, President, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

The Jubilant Bhartia Group was supported by Morgan Stanley as the exclusive financial advisor and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. as legal counsel for this transaction.

About The Jubilant Bhartia Group

Jubilant Bhartia Group is a multi-billion conglomerate with global presence across Pharmaceuticals, Contract Research & Development Services, Proprietary Novel Drugs, Life Science Ingredients, Agri Products, Performance Polymers, Food Service (QSR), Food, Auto, Consulting in Aerospace, and Oilfield Services.

With a workforce of over 43,000 employees globally, the Group has four listed companies on Indian stock exchanges:

• Jubilant Pharmova Limited
• Jubilant Ingrevia Limited
• Jubilant FoodWorks Limited
• Jubilant Industries Limited

The Group prioritizes ESG (Environment, Social and Governance), renewable energy adoption, and digitalization across its operations.

Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, the CSR arm of the Group, focuses on:

• Primary Education
• Healthcare
• Skill Development
• Community Development
• Social Entrepreneurship

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Its portfolio includes brands such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Powerade, Costa, Minute Maid, Simply, fairlife, and AdeS.

The company focuses on water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing, and reducing carbon emissions across its value chain.

Media Contacts

Jubilant Bhartia Group, in a press statement, said that it has contributed Rupees 10 Crores to PM Cares fund to support Government of India’s initiatives in mitigating the COVID-19 crisis.

Two group companies: Jubilant Foodworks Limited (one of the largest food service companies in India and master franchise of Domino’s Pizza and Dunkin' Donuts) and Jubilant Life Sciences Limited (an integrated global pharmaceuticals and life sciences company) contributed Rupees 5 Crores each to the fund. The contribution of Jubilant Life Sciences Limited, along with all its subsidiaries, includes one day gross salary of its 5300 employees.

The Jubilant Bhartia Group companies are committed to support the Government, both central & states, in controlling the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spirit of the Group’s promise of Caring, Sharing, Growing. Jubilant Bhartia Foundation (JBF), a not-for-profit organization of the Group, has taken several measures at the grassroots level in the areas of health & safety, food & ration distribution, sanitization, communication, medical & medicine, distribution of PPEs and support to the administration across various locations.

JBF is distributing sanitizer manufactured by Jubilant Life Sciences Limited within the community, to healthcare workers and the Government at both central and state level. Food and medicine distribution (ready to eat food packets and dry ration) is also being undertaken to the vulnerable community members like migrant labourers, pregnant women, senior citizens, children at various places in the country. JBF is facilitating the stitching of reusable cotton masks at various sites in the country through Self Help Groups (SHGs). These masks are washable and reusable and the Foundation has been providing the raw material for them.

Additionally, Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has been providing PPE kits and food distribution for the impacted citizens and Police staff. It has also leveraged its Domino’s delivery team and supply chain network for distribution of Essential commodities like flour, milk etc. to help citizens get their daily needs in the safety of their homes.