Clearly identify the categories

Many of the themes for each category were drawn from the themes that are core to Forbes India’s editorial agenda—leadership, corporate governance, entrepreneurship, technological innovation and a deep social commitment. These are also areas that the magazine’s writers and web editors have been on top of.

New categories were designed to reflect the current ecosystem: A rapidly expanding universe of profitable unicorns in a challenging startup ecosystem, regional brands which have started to challenge pan-India companies and startups which are actively involved in climate-related businesses.

• Gennext Entrepreneur
• Turnaround Star
• Regional Goliath
• Grassroots Philanthropist
• Climate Warrior
• Outstanding Startup
• Promising Startup
• Institution Builder
• CEO of the Year
• Entrepreneur for the Year

Define objective and qualitative criteria for each category

We vetted the criteria with acknowledged experts in relevant areas, especially for social entrepreneurship and conscious capitalist categories.

Build a long-list of nominations

The entire Forbes India editorial team was involved in building the initial long list. Our topic editors led the nomination process in each category and took responsibility for due diligence. Extensive research was done on each nomination, including primary research.

Venture Intelligence, a research firm which tracks private company financials, private equity, venture capital and M&A transactions and valuations of Indian businesses, was our data partner.

Arrive at a short-list

The Forbes India editors finally picked about seven to 12 nominees in each categorybased on a set of profiles and data. There was a second round of vetting, before wepicked the nominations based on an internal debate and presented them to the jury.

Jury meeting

The final stage of selection is through a jury meeting chaired by Mr Harsh Mariwala, Founder and Chairman, Marico. They select one winner in each of the categories.