Indian Innovation Icons 2027
By Marico Innovation Foundation
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Quick Answer
Biennial national recognition and mentorship programme for Indian startups and non-profits solving real-world problems, with strategic mentorship, investor introductions and media visibility.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Marico Innovation Foundation
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this competition
Indian Innovation Icons is a biennial programme from the Marico Innovation Foundation. The 11th edition is for 2027. It is for founders and innovators tackling real-world problems, from for-profit businesses and not-for-profit organizations alike.
There is no direct cash prize and no equity taken. Winners get a one-hour strategic diagnosis session with Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Limited, and six months of customized mentorship from Marico's senior leadership in Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Operations and Strategy. You also get introductions to venture capital firms, grant makers and corporate partners, plus national media visibility, executive presence coaching and long-term strategic guidance within the Marico Innovation Foundation ecosystem.
Indian startups and non-profits with an incorporated legal entity can apply. Your innovation must solve a real-world problem and show strong potential for national or global impact. Idea, prototype, user traction and paying-customer stages are all welcome. Prior funding or revenue is not required.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF) is the not-for-profit arm of Marico Limited. Harsh Mariwala, who chairs Marico, founded it in 2003 to run programmes that support innovators through their growth and to share ideas and insights with the wider business community in India. It…
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What You Get
The Indian Innovation Icons program offers a comprehensive support package designed to accelerate the growth and impact of selected innovations. While there is no direct cash prize or equity taken, winners receive invaluable non-monetary benefits. These include a guaranteed one-hour strategic diagnosis session with Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Limited, providing unparalleled executive insights. Additionally, participants benefit from six months of customized mentorship from Marico's senior leadership across various business functions (Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Operations, Strategy), ensuring tailored guidance. The program also facilitates direct investor introductions to leading venture capital firms, grant makers, and corporate partners, often with personal outreach from Mr. Mariwala himself. Further benefits include national media visibility, executive presence coaching, and long-term strategic guidance within the Marico Innovation Foundation ecosystem.
- Duration
- 6 months
- Cohort size
- 10 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications submitted to the Indian Innovation Icons program undergo a comprehensive review by the dedicated selection committee of the Marico Innovation Foundation. This initial screening evaluates the submitted innovations based on their novelty, potential impact, and the clarity of their problem-solving approach. Shortlisted innovators then proceed to a more in-depth evaluation phase. During this stage, candidates are rigorously assessed across key criteria including the uniqueness of their innovation, the scalability of their solution, the potential for national or global impact, and the strength and vision of the leadership team. This phase may involve detailed interviews, due diligence, and presentations to a panel of experts. The final winners are chosen based on their overall merit and alignment with the program's objectives, culminating in their recognition at the Grand Finale and subsequent integration into the mentorship and support ecosystem.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Complete and submit your application online via the F6S portal, providing all necessary details and documents.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 2
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indian Innovation Icons program?
The Indian Innovation Icons 2027 is a national innovation recognition and mentorship platform run by the Marico Innovation Foundation. It aims to identify and support high-impact Indian startups and social innovators through strategic mentorship, investor access, and national visibility.
Is there any cash funding provided through this program?
No, the program does not offer direct cash prizes or take any equity. It focuses on providing non-monetary support in the form of mentorship, investor connections, business acceleration, and national recognition.
Who is eligible to apply for the Indian Innovation Icons 2027?
The program is open to incorporated organizations in India, including both for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations (NGOs, trusts). Innovations should be solving real-world problems and demonstrate strong potential for national or global impact. Applicants can be at any stage from idea/prototype to having user traction or paying customers, and prior funding is not a barrier.
What kind of support can I expect if my innovation is selected?
Selected innovators receive six months of customized mentorship from Marico's senior leadership, investor introductions, a strategic diagnosis session with Harsh Mariwala, executive presence coaching, national media visibility, and long-term ecosystem support. Winners also get the opportunity to present at a Grand Finale and participate in 'InnoWin Day' for high-intent meetings.
Is there a specific deadline to apply?
No, applications for the Indian Innovation Icons 2027 are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning there is no fixed submission deadline stated. You can apply at any time while applications remain open.
What are the key sectors supported by the program?
The program is open to innovations across a wide range of sectors including Social Impact, HealthTech, EdTech, AgriTech, ClimateTech, Environmental Sustainability, Clean Energy, Financial Inclusion, Mental Health, Employment, Food Security, Sanitation, and various other areas addressing critical societal needs.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
News
- Are you India's next big thing? Apply for Marico Innovation Foundation's Indian Innovation Icons 2027 to find outyourstory.com · 2 months ago
Source: Google News aggregated
