Here's to the unstoppable entrepreneurs who are building a better India

Our 2019 Finalists have shown a clear strategy, steadfast focus on staying relevant for their customers and a commitment to creating long-term impact.

2019 was an extraordinary year marked by intense geopolitical shifts and economic upheavals. After years of being one of the fastest growing economies in the world, India is facing relatively slower growth. Now, more than any other time in recent history, the ‘pursuit of opportunity in adversity’ has become relevant for businesses.

At EY, through our annual Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards (EOY) Awards program, we celebrate the ‘unstoppable’ entrepreneurs who are resolutely focused on creating lasting value for their stakeholders. We take great pride in nurturing and recognizing the exemplary Indian entrepreneurs who have taken the road less travelled and are becoming the builders of a better India. Each year, entrepreneurs from around the world congregate at the prestigious EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year in Monte Carlo and the winner from India goes on to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of our country on the global stage. 

Like every year, the EOY 2019 Finalists inspire many others with their ambition and resilience. Our finalists this year have shown clear strategy, a steadfast focus on staying relevant for their customers and a commitment to creating long-term impact.

From an over 75-year old paints company that has maintained its leadership position through constant innovation to a new-age branded beauty products start-up that has carved a niche in a hyper-competitive market through its differentiated omni-channel strategy, each one of our finalists demonstrate the value of being customer-centric. Among them is also a first-generation entrepreneur who is a pioneer and, in many ways, synonymous with the India biopharmaceuticals space. Her focus on innovation and research & development is matched in equal measure with her compassion for giving back to the society.

As technology shapes many business models, it is no surprise that many of them are entrepreneurs who have built their enterprises using the power of digital. Revolutionizing the eye-wear industry, our finalist has transformed eyewear into a cool accessory and is using mobile innovations to enhance customer experience. There is also one of India’s most innovative fintech, which has disrupted the traditional insurance industry, bringing the benefits of insurance to millions of Indians. Addressing the inefficiencies in the supply chain ecosystem, our finalist has grown his first-ever online marketplace for inter-city full-truck load to capture a dominant market share of online truck aggregator space in India.

The stories of bold vision and passion to make a difference of all our 17 finalists are truly inspiring. Each one of them is a winner. On behalf of EY, I congratulate all our 2019 EOY finalists. Do take a few minutes to learn more about them at this link.

I also congratulate Mr. Adi Godrej, Chairman of the Godrej Group, honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Over five decades of his entrepreneurial journey, he has reinvented the 120-year old brand of consumer and home products to create a multi-billion-dollar, agile multinational conglomerate. Deeply respected for his integrity and highest ethical values, Mr Godrej is not only a torch-bearer for the industry but also a committed philanthropist, providing financial support and counsel to a variety of initiatives in the areas of education, healthcare and the environment.

Our Jury Panel, some of the most renowned names in Indian business, had a notable task in hand-picking these outstanding stories from among hundreds of noteworthy nominations. We are grateful for their insights on the finalists and their valuable time to select the most remarkable entrepreneurial achievers of 2019.

On 19 February 2020, we will recognize the 2019 Finalists and Winners at an Awards Banquet. Join this special celebration of Indian entrepreneurship by watching the live stream on 19th, 6:45 pm onwards.