NDTV Profit has announced the nominees for its Business Leadership Awards 2026, bringing together some of the most influential leaders, companies and institutions that are shaping India’s economic growth story. The winners will be revealed on July 26 in Mumbai in the presence of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

According to an NDTV press release, the awards continue a legacy that began in 2006 and have emerged as one of India’s most respected recognitions for excellence in business, entrepreneurship, innovation, governance and leadership. This year’s nominations reflect the breadth of India Inc., featuring established industry leaders alongside new-age businesses that are driving transformation across sectors.

The winners have already been selected by a distinguished jury chaired by Sunil Bharti Mittal. The jury also includes Noel Tata, Cyril Shroff, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, U.K. Sinha, Jayant Sinha, Ramesh Damani and C.S. Setty.

The awards cover a wide range of categories reflecting the changing face of Indian business. The AI Champion of the Year category includes companies such as Sarvam AI, Neysa, Fractal Analytics and Qure.ai, highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence and deep technology in India.

The New Economy Leader of the Year category features prominent digital-first companies including Eternal, Policybazaar, Nykaa, CarTrade Tech and Delhivery, all of which have played a significant role in reshaping digital commerce and consumer services.

Among the nominees for Wealth Creator of the Year are BSE, MCX India, Transformers & Rectifiers India and Neuland Laboratories. The Financial Powerhouse categories feature major private and public sector financial institutions, including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India and Punjab National Bank.

The IPO of the Year category includes highly anticipated listings such as Meesho, Groww, Lenskart, LG Electronics and Tata Capital.

The awards also recognise leadership and social impact. The Trailblazer of the Year category features business leaders including Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Falguni Nayar and Mallika Srinivasan. For Philanthropist of the Year, nominees include Shiv Nadar, Azim Premji, Nandan Nilekani and Nithin Kamath.

In the Reformer of the Year category, nominees include Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Yogi Adityanath, Devendra Fadnavis, N. Chandrababu Naidu and Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Commenting on the nominations, Rahul Kanwal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of NDTV, said, “The NDTV Profit Business Leadership Awards have always celebrated leadership that matters – leadership that builds institutions, creates value, strengthens trust and contributes to India’s larger growth story. This year’s nominees represent the full spectrum of India Inc. – legacy companies, new economy disruptors, market leaders, reformers, wealth creators, innovators and public purpose champions. The winners have been selected after a rigorous jury process, and we look forward to celebrating them on July 26 in Mumbai.”

Tamanna Inamdar, Managing Editor of NDTV Profit, added, “These nominations capture the many forces shaping Indian business today – technology, capital, governance, sustainability, entrepreneurship and ambition. At NDTV Profit, we look at business not only through numbers and markets, but through the people, decisions and institutions behind those numbers. The nominee list this year reflects a country that is winning on the global stage, with leaders and companies that are not only responding to change, but actively defining the next era of growth.”

The NDTV Profit Business Leadership Awards 2026 will celebrate individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact on India’s economic landscape. As the country continues to strengthen its position on the global stage, the awards aim to recognise the leaders and institutions driving innovation, business excellence and long-term growth.