New Delhi, Dec 15: Honouring the exemplary technological innovations in addressing India’s rising energy demands and supporting long-term sustainability targets, D V Kapur Foundation organized the First DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards at SCOPE Complex in New Delhi on 12th December 2025.
Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Govt of India, felicitated the winners. The ceremony was also graced by Dr Suresh Prabhu, former Union Minister & Chairman, DV Kapur Foundation; Padma Vibhushan, Dr Anil Kakodkar, Former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Chairman of the Grand Jury; Dr D V Kapur, Founder of the Foundation and founder Chairman of NTPC Ltd; Shri R V Shahi, Former Secretary (MoP) and a Trustee Member of DV Kapur Foundation and a Member of the Grand Jury, Dr Ajay Mathur, former DG, International Solar Alliance; and Dr Rangan Banerjee, Director (IIT-Delhi), NTPC’s top leadership; and energy sector leaders.
The awards were presented in two categories: Category 1 for young innovators under the age of 38, while Category 2 consisted of awards for individuals or organizations for tech innovation.
Dr Achu Chandran, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIIST received the award carrying a citation, trophy, and a cash prize of Rs 1 Lakh in Category 1 for his research in the field of ‘Nano Electricity Generator’.
NTPC’s R&D wing, NETRA, bagged the award in Category 2 for research advancement in the field of ‘Green Use of Coal Technologies’. Shri Shaswattam, ED (NETRA), along with his team, received the award carrying a citation, trophy, and a cash prize of Rs 10 Lakhs.
The D V Kapur Foundation stands committed to promoting technological innovation in the energy sector, supporting research, development, and indigenous solutions that strengthen India’s clean energy transition.
In his address Prof Ajay Kumar Sood pointed out that the Indian economy serves nearly 18 per cent of the world’s population while pursuing the goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy. Drawing a direct link between development and energy use, he noted that the Human Development Index of a country is closely tied to energy consumption. India’s average HDI stands at 0.67, compared to around 0.9 in developed countries. At present, India consumes about 21 gigajoules of energy per person per year, while catching up would require nearly 56 gigajoules, he added emphasising on a clear call for action. Further, he stated how India’s landscape for innovation is changing for deep tech research with introduction of Anusandhan National Research Foundation by Govt of India leading to Viksit Bharat.
Dr Suresh Prabhu in his address emphasized the changing paradigm in Energy innovations deeply praising the inspiring role of Dr DV Kapur in NTPC as founder Chairman and noble thought of establishing the awards under DVKF.
Dr Anil Kakodkar threw light upon the rigor of selection process for awards and insisted that role of senior leader is to mentor, guide and support the innovators especially the youth to come forward in nation building and setting the true path of development.
The glittering award ceremony was attended by several energy stalwarts and dignitaries.