CII Industrial Innovation Awards.. a valuable learning for Startups and Corporates...

I have had the privilege to be personally involved in the CII industrial Innovation awards in the year of launch – 2013. I had just taken on a new role in the corporate world, and had launched the Global Technovation center. We were looking to baseline our value proposition and benchmark our ecosystem to that of the industry leaders. Fortunately for me, the CII Industrial Innovation award was launched, and we jumped into the program as participants. After a rigorous preparation, we hosted our First Jury – the renowned Professor Mashelkar at the Centre. And what tremendous learnings we had from those few hours. It set the pace for how we design and strategize our long term programs. Later, in 2021 again I had the privilege to program manage the team to win the award from CII in 2021 for the organization in the Special Services category. It was a joy to present and learn from to Aynampudi. Subbarao, who was the jury in 2021. Presenting to the grand jury is an experience within itself.

In the year 2022, it was a proud moment for me to be invited to join the First Jury for the Innovation awards. It was a wonderful learning on the other side of the table, as a Jury. How I wish this experience to all the passionate innovators out there in the market place. You cannot put a price to these learnings. I have enjoyed my journey as a First jury. Then the 10th anniversary last year in 2023, the jury experience was that much more amazing, and in addition, I got the privilege to attend the awards ceremony in person in Delhi. After the pandemic, this was the first in person awards ceremony, and that was an experience in itself.

Participating in awards like the CII Industrial Innovation Awards can offer strategic benefits to companies that extend well beyond immediate recognition. Cultivating a culture that consistently pushes for new solutions and improvements, driving long-term growth, align innovation strategies with their overall business goals, reassess and refine their innovation processes and outputs, ensuring they are effectively contributing to the broader business objectives.

The CII industrial innovation award can be an advantage in industries where technological advancements and innovative solutions are key drivers of customer preference and market leadership. Generating Market Insights by interaction with other innovating firms and leaders during the awards ceremony can be of immense value.

Participating in an innovation award can provide the impetus needed for companies to invest in these areas, leading to better products and services. Recognition for innovation can make a company more attractive to investors. It signals strong management and a forward-looking approach, which are critical factors for investors looking for growth opportunities.

Companies can enhance their long-term value creation, ensuring sustained growth and adaptability in changing markets.

It is a joy to see India Innovation ecosystem evolve over the years and mature to make a big global impact. CII has a very big role to play in nurturing the ecosystem. I would high encourage all Entrepreneurs, Corporate leaders and CXO's to participate in the CII Industrial Innovation awards 2024 (has been launched), leverage, learn, win and nurture the Innovation ecosystem in India. Do take a look at the winners over the years, and you will see a pattern....

CII Industrial Innovation Awards 2024

Tiksha Madan Namita Kapoor Bahl Aynampudi. Subbarao