Three Entrepreneurial Ventures Win the CavinKare-MMA ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards 2024
Bengaluru, 16th September 2024: CavinKare and Madras Management Association (MMA) hosted the 13th edition of the prestigious ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards 2024 on 14th September 2024 at IITM Research Park, Chennai. Three ventures received the awards, which were aimed at discovering hidden entrepreneurial talents that address real-world challenges through innovation. Each winner was awarded a cash prize of ₹1 lakh by CavinKare along with a trophy and a citation. The event was graced by Ms. Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, as the Chief Guest. A key moment of the event was the unveiling of a book dedicated to the memory of the Late Shri R. ChinniKrishnan, titled ChinniKrishnan: Father of The Sachet Revolution.
Established in 2011 in fond memory of the Late Shri R ChinniKrishnan to honor his innovations that spearheaded the FMCG industry, the award has—since its inception—recognized 36 enterprises from across the country. Now in its 13th year, the award property has scaled up the hunt for the best of the best entrepreneurs, nationally. In addition, CavinKare mentors’ winners of the innovation awards with assistance in marketing, finance, design, packaging, R&D, and HR.
Speaking on the occasion, CK Ranganathan – Chairman & Managing Director of CavinKare Pvt. Ltd said, “We are honored to celebrate the exceptional individuals whose innovations have not only sparked creativity but have also addressed critical real-world challenges. The ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards stand as a testament to this unwavering dedication. In recent years, the award has highlighted a diverse array of innovators within India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their work exemplifies how visionary thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit can effectively address societal needs and drive economic growth. These innovators have harnessed the power of technology, and sustainability, to tackle issues ranging from environmental sustainability to Healthcare. Congratulations to the exemplary individuals, whose commitment to making a profound impact provides a guiding example for us all.”
“On a personal note, I am deeply honored to launch the book of my father, Late Shri R ChinniKrishnan titled ChinniKrishnan: Father of The Sachet Revolution. This book celebrates his groundbreaking vision and indomitable spirit, which led to the sachet revolution that transformed industries and uplifted millions. His dedication to making everyday essentials accessible to all left an indelible mark on the Indian economy. His legacy of innovation and perseverance continues to inspire me and countless others. I am proud to share his story, hoping it will inspire future generations to think boldly and strive for meaningful change”, Mr. CK Ranganathan added.
Adding to this, Mr. K Mahalingam, President, Madras Management Association (MMA) said, “MMA takes immense pride in partnering with CavinKare for the ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards. This collaboration underscores our mutual commitment to celebrating the power of innovation in India and honouring the legacy of visionary leadership that drives meaningful change. Together, we are committed to recognizing and empowering innovators who are shaping the future of India with their groundbreaking ideas and support their aspirations through this accolade.”
The call for nominations process received 380 applications from across the country, where the nominees were evaluated under various stringent guidelines streamlined by process advisor—Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. The distinguished panel of Jury from across the nation for this prestigious award were—Lt Gen Karanbir Singh Brar, AVSM, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Bharat Area; Mr A R Unnikrishnan, Managing Director, Saint Gobain India Private Limited; Mr Manoj Joseph Kallarackal, Managing Director, THEJO Engineering Limited: Mr V Suryanarayanan, Managing Director, Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Co Ltd; Mr Seetharaman, Managing Director, Super Auto Forge Pvt Ltd; Mr Lakshminarayanan Duraiswamy, Managing Director, Sundaram Home Finance Ltd; and Dr L S Ganesh, Vice Chancellor, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad.