Field learnings, conversations and early preparations for the Indian Innovation Icons.
At Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF), May was shaped by what we learnt from the ground and what we are preparing for next. Across field visits, conversations, and reflections from leaders and innovators, the focus was on a vital question — what does it take to build solutions that last? May at MIF was about continuity, learning, and institutional thinking.
The MIF x Samunnati Foundation agri-pilot continues to progress across Uttar Pradesh this month, with the team visiting Mirzapur and Varanasi. Innovative post-harvest management technologies by Saptkrishi (Sabjikothi), Temperate Technologies (ColdEasy), Godaam Innovations, and Agrograde are being piloted with nearly 1,000 smallholder farmers through awareness sessions, on-ground demonstrations, and trials.
As implementation deepens, three questions are guiding the pilot:
Recent updates from the field highlighted the importance of continuous engagement with farmers, local coordination, and feedback loops during implementation.
“What stayed with me were the conversations and learning from our on-ground implementation partner, Samunnati Foundation, and from the men and women farmers. Their insights were precise, practical, and deeply rooted in lived experience, leaving us with important questions.”
-Suranjana Ghosh, Head of Marico Innovation Foundation
The lesson is clear. Innovation in agriculture cannot rely only on technological readiness alone. It also depends on trust, usability, and the ability to work within real-world farming systems.
Preparations are beginning internally for the next edition of Indian Innovation Icons. Over the years, the platform has continued to spotlight and celebrate currently hidden, potentially game changing Indian innovations, working on long-term problems across sectors. As planning begins for the 2027 edition, we are looking back at the journeys of past innovators, including reflections from Krunal Patel, Co-founder of Indra Water. Swipe through the images to know more:
The month also brought attention to the growing role of community-led conservation through the announcement of the 2026 Whitley Awards winners, with two Indian conservation leaders recognised for their work in protecting endangered species and fragile ecosystems.
Parveen Shaikh was recognised for protecting the endangered Indian Skimmer through community-led river conservation efforts across the Chambal and Ganga river systems.
Dr Barkha Subba received the award for her work on conserving the rare Himalayan salamander and restoring wetland habitats in the Darjeeling Himalaya.
The recognition of Indian conservation leaders once again highlighted the role of locally rooted solutions in addressing environmental and ecological challenges.
This month marked the 100th birthday of David Attenborough, whose work over decades has shaped global public understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate change.
His career offers an important reminder for institutions working in sustainability and innovation: long-term impact is often cumulative. It is built through consistency, observation, communication, and public trust developed over time.
At a moment when climate conversations are becoming increasingly urgent, that perspective feels particularly relevant.
“While information prepares you to know more, creation prepares you for life.”
— Harsh Mariwala, Chairman, Marico Limited
This month, Chairman of Marico Limited, and founder of Marico Innovation Foundation, Harsh Mariwala reflected on the entrepreneurial act of creation—the ability to begin in uncertainty and build through gaps in knowledge. This principle remains the bedrock of MIF: we support innovators not just at the “idea” stage, but through the long, often ambiguous journey of implementation and scale.
May was a month of staying close to the ground while thinking for the long term.
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Round 1 Jury Deliberations for Indian Innovation Icons 2027, field learnings from Uttar Pradesh and conversations on circular plastics—September at MIF.
A month of on-ground agri-tech implementation, sharper strategic alignment and reflections on building for the long term at Marico Innovation Foundation.
Implementation, demonstrations and farmer feedback take center stage in the latest phase of Marico Innovation Foundation’s Agri-Tech Pilot
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