Program details

To participate in the program, the nominee must be:

• Be an owner/manager of a private or public company.
• Be primarily responsible for the recent performance of the company or organisation and should have played an active role in its success.
• Be an active member of the top management of the company.

Nominations can be submitted by entrepreneurs themselves, or anyone associated, including spouses, employees, bankers, attorneys or public relations managers. All financial information submitted in the nomination form will be considered confidential.

The finalists and winners will be selected from all eligible nominations by a distinguished panel of independent judges. Participants will be judged basis the following:

• Entrepreneurial Spirit
  • Identifies opportunities to innovate and create a better world.
  • Takes risks to realize their vision.
  • Demonstrates courage, perseverance and resilience to overcome significant obstacles.
• Purpose
  
  • Commits themselves and their organization to an inspiring purpose and vision.
    
  • Drives strategies for a sustainable future business.
  • Creates and protects values in the long-term, across a broad group of stakeholders, including consumers, employees, suppliers, government, communities, investors and shareholders.
• Growth
  
  • Increases market share and expands into new markets.
    
  • Drives positive financial performance.
  • Invests in attracting, developing and retaining a diverse mix of talent.
  • Builds a culture of innovation that pioneers new approaches or technologies.
• Impact 
  
  • Positively impacts the customer they serve.
  • Integrates sustainable Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) practices in their strategy, with robust commitments and execution plans.
    Focuses on diversity and inclusion across multiple dimensions

An independent jury will determine the final award categories. In the past, awards have been presented in categories such as Start Up, Financial Services, Services, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Manufacturing, Consumer Products & Retail, Energy, Real Estate & Infrastructure, Entrepreneurial CEO and Business Transformation.

Program calendar

Each year, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Program honors entrepreneurs who are helping build a better India during an awards gala held in February. The evening witnesses some of India’s most prominent business leaders, government officials and policymakers come together to celebrate the entrepreneurial ingenuity. The winner from India then represents the nation at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year in Monaco in June.

Selection process