- S4S Technologies co-founder recognised for pioneering sustainable biotechnology solutions that transform waste into bio-based products and eco-friendly agricultural inputs
- Her farm-factory model takes food processing directly to farmers’ fields, creating new livelihood and income opportunities
- Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and Schwab Foundation honour changemakers tackling India’s toughest social and environmental challenges
- Finalists showcase innovations spanning healthcare, agriculture, education, livelihoods, financial inclusion, climate resilience and disability inclusion
- N K Singh calls for greater trust in society, stronger R&D capabilities and ecosystems that enable social innovations to multiply
NE FEATURES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, AUG 23
What if the biggest challenges confronting society are not problems to be solved—but opportunities waiting to be reinvented?
That question found compelling answers in New Delhi as India’s social innovation ecosystem celebrated entrepreneurs who are turning adversity into opportunity, technology into inclusion and grassroots challenges into scalable solutions.
Nidhi Pant, Co-Founder of Science For Society Techno Services Pvt. Ltd. (S4S Technologies), has been named the winner of the 17th Social Entrepreneur of the Year (SEOY) Award India 2026, instituted by the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation (JBF) in partnership with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, a sister organisation of the World Economic Forum.
Pant was recognised for developing sustainable biotechnology solutions that convert waste into bio-based products and eco-friendly agricultural inputs, while taking the concept of a ‘farm factory’ directly to farmers’ fields.
Through S4S Technologies, her work is enabling smallholder women farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, strengthen livelihoods and unlock new economic opportunities, while simultaneously advancing circular approaches to waste management.
The prestigious award was presented at a ceremony in New Delhi in the presence of N K Singh, former Member, Rajya Sabha, and former Chairman, 15th Finance Commission, Government of India, who was the Chief Guest.
The gathering brought together leaders from government, business, academia, philanthropy, civil society and the social innovation ecosystem, turning the awards into a powerful showcase of India’s growing community of purpose-driven entrepreneurs.
From farm waste to a new economic model
Pant’s winning model demonstrates how technology can bridge the gap between sustainability and rural prosperity.
By deploying solar-powered food processing solutions and creating market-linked rural entrepreneurship opportunities, S4S Technologies is helping smallholder women farmers add value to agricultural produce instead of allowing it to become waste.
The approach goes beyond conventional livelihood interventions. It seeks to place processing capabilities closer to the point of production, helping farmers participate more actively in the value chain while promoting cleaner and more resource-efficient practices.
The five finalists collectively reflected the extraordinary diversity of India’s social entrepreneurship landscape, with innovations addressing healthcare, education, agriculture, livelihoods, youth empowerment, financial inclusion, climate resilience, women’s empowerment and technology-enabled development.
‘We need to inspire trust—and not stigmatise failure’
Addressing the gathering, N K Singh underlined the need to create an ecosystem in which unconventional ideas can flourish and successful innovations can be replicated.
“This is an admirable venture to award, recognise the diversity of people who have made a difference in their lives, transcending all the barriers to make a more wholesome society. All these are celebrations of change, of innovation ushering a better future.”
Describing the awardees as examples of people willing to challenge conventional thinking, Singh said:
“We need to inspire trust in society to accept both success and not to stigmatise failure, and dramatically enhance the capability of research and development.”
He congratulated the finalists and appreciated the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation for nurturing the initiative over the past 17 years.
Seventeen years of turning the spotlight on change
François Bonnici, Director, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum, said the partnership with the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation had, over 17 years, created a platform for recognising individuals challenging established norms and developing new pathways for inclusion, opportunity and resilience.
“This year’s finalists exemplify the power of social entrepreneurship to address complex societal challenges through innovation, collaboration, and systems-level thinking. Their work offers valuable lessons not only for India but for the wider global community.”
Shyam S Bhartia, Chairman and Founder, Jubilant Bhartia Group and Founder Director, Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, said the award had evolved into a community united by a common purpose.
“The 17th edition of the Social Entrepreneur of the Year India Award brings together a community united by a common purpose to create meaningful, sustainable and lasting social impact.”
He said the partnership with the Schwab Foundation had helped recognise and amplify the work of remarkable social entrepreneurs across India.
“This year’s finalists embody the courage, persistence and innovation required to turn a vision into transformative change. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the promise of what lies ahead.”
Five changemakers, five radically different answers
During the vote of thanks, Aashti Bhartia, Director, Jubilant Ingrevia and Non-Executive Director, Jubilant FoodWorks, said social transformation demanded more than ideas and resources—it required courage and resilience.
“Beyond ideas, technology and resources, it takes the courage to look at long-standing challenges differently, along with the conviction to begin and the resilience to continue.”
She added:
“The award is more than about picking a winner; it is about shining a light on what is possible. Our finalists have shown us that and inspired us.”
The other finalists represented equally compelling models of social innovation:
- Neha Verma, Intelehealth, Maharashtra — leveraging open-source, AI-enabled telemedicine infrastructure to expand access to quality healthcare in underserved communities.
- Nuneseno Chase, YouthNet, Nagaland — advancing youth-led development through education, livelihoods, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability.
- Vinay Kumar Reddy Vadde, Sickle Innovations Pvt. Ltd., Telangana — developing technology-led agricultural solutions aimed at improving farm productivity, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing farmer incomes.
- Vineet Saraiwala, Atypical Advantage, Jharkhand — creating inclusive livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities through a technology-enabled employment and skilling platform.
The event was also attended by renowned social entrepreneur Chetna Gala, Founder, Mann Desh Mahila Bank.
Beyond an award: building an ecosystem for impact
Over the past 17 years, the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award has evolved from a recognition platform into a broader ecosystem designed to give social entrepreneurs visibility, networks, mentorship, knowledge exchange and opportunities to strengthen and scale their impact.
The 2026 edition highlighted the accelerating momentum of India’s social innovation landscape, supported by evolving policy frameworks, greater access to impact capital and increasing cross-sector collaboration.
The central message emerging from the gathering was unmistakable: India’s most consequential innovations may not always emerge from conventional laboratories or boardrooms. They can emerge from farms, underserved communities, grassroots networks and entrepreneurs willing to challenge the status quo.
And if Nidhi Pant’s journey is any indication, the next big revolution may not merely create wealth—it could create wealth while healing the planet and empowering those at its margins.
