Applications Open for Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award India 2026

Noida, March 11, 2026: Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship have opened applications for the 17th edition of the Social Entrepreneur of the Year (SEOY) Award India 2026. The award recognises social entrepreneurs and organisations developing innovative and scalable solutions to address pressing societal challenges across the country.

Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official website of Jubilant Bhartia Foundation until April 5, 2026. The winner of the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award India 2026 will be announced on August 21, 2026, in New Delhi.

The award evaluates nominees based on several parameters, including market-based approaches, technology enablement, sustainability, direct social impact, reach and scope, and replicability. Finalists will be selected through a multi-stage evaluation process that includes expert reviews, interviews and site visits, with the final winner chosen by a jury comprising leaders from government, business, media and civil society.

Launched in partnership in 2010, the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award India aims to recognise individuals and organisations that implement innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the lives of underserved communities. Over the years, the award has become one of the prominent recognitions for social entrepreneurship in India.

The initiative highlights work across sectors such as healthcare, education, employment, water, clean energy, financial literacy, identity and entitlements, and access to information and technology. By showcasing impactful models, the award seeks to encourage social innovation and expand solutions that contribute to inclusive development.

Beyond recognition, the award offers opportunities for social entrepreneurs to join a network of leading changemakers, showcase their work to decision-makers and strengthen their leadership capacity. Selected awardees may also participate in executive education programmes at top universities and peer-learning engagements to enhance their organisational and strategic capabilities.

In 2025, Piyush Tewari, founder of SaveLIFE Foundation, received the award for his work in improving road safety and advocating the Good Samaritan Law in India. His organisation’s data-driven interventions have contributed to reducing crash fatalities on several high-risk highways.

The award continues to serve as a platform to promote social innovation and support leaders working to address complex social challenges through scalable and sustainable models.