The future is shaped by leaders who dare to think differently, challenge the status quo, and transform bold ideas into meaningful impact. Through innovation, resilience, and visionary leadership, they are redefining industries and creating lasting value. As we look ahead to 2026, these exceptional changemakers stand out for their ability to inspire progress and shape what's next. Here are the visionaries to watch in the year ahead.
Falguni Nayar, Founder, Nykaa
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Falguni Nayar is the Founder and Executive Chairperson of Nykaa, one of India's most successful consumer technology and beauty retail companies. After an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades in investment banking, she took the entrepreneurial leap at the age of 50 to build a platform that transformed the way Indians discover and shop for beauty, fashion, and lifestyle products. Under her leadership, Nykaa has evolved into a trusted omnichannel brand serving millions of customers across the country, with a strong focus on authenticity, innovation, and customer experience. In 2021, Nykaa became one of India's most celebrated startup listings, making Falguni one of the country's leading self-made women entrepreneurs. Her journey has inspired countless professionals to embrace entrepreneurship, proving that vision, resilience, and execution can redefine industries while setting new benchmarks for innovation and women-led leadership in India.
Shhilpaa Batra - Driving Data-Led Growth and Marketing Excellence
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With over 12 years of experience in performance marketing, data analytics, and growth strategy, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shilpa-batabyal?utm_source=share_via&amp;utm_content=profile&amp;utm_medium=member_android" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ms. Shhilpaa Batra</a> has built a reputation for turning data into measurable business success. Specializing in data-driven go-to-market strategies, she has helped both B2C and B2B brands unlock scalable growth through precision-led marketing and performance optimization. Having managed over ₹250 crore in paid media budgets, Shhilpaa brings deep expertise in media planning, buying, and digital customer acquisition, consistently delivering strong returns on investment. Beyond driving business outcomes, she is passionate about nurturing the next generation of marketers, having mentored and trained more than 100 young professionals in performance marketing. Her ability to combine analytical rigor with strategic thinking enables organizations to make informed decisions, accelerate growth, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Through her leadership, Shhilpaa continues to redefine how data can power meaningful marketing impact and long-term business value.
Mr. Rajat Tewari, Founder, Adsgrip: India&rsquo;s One of the Best Performance Marketing Agency Driving Measurable Business Growth
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Adsgrip, headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is redefining performance marketing through search intelligence, data-driven strategies and measurable business growth. Founded in 2017 by Rajat Tewari, alongside Co-Founder Vipasha Bhatnagar, <a href="https://adsgrip.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Adsgrip</a> has grown into a trusted digital growth partner for organisations across India and international markets. Recognised as a Google Premier Partner, Meta Business Partner, and recipient of YouTube Gold and Silver Creator Awards, Adsgrip helps businesses across India, Europe, the Middle East and America scale through Google Ads, Meta Ads, conversion optimisation and integrated digital growth strategies. Unlike conventional agencies, Adsgrip focuses on business outcomes by combining paid media, analytics, websites and intelligent marketing systems into a unified growth framework. Today, the company partners with organisations across education, healthcare, hospitality, tourism and manufacturing. As digital marketing continues to evolve, Rajat Tewari envisions Adsgrip setting new benchmarks in performance marketing while demonstrating how innovation from Jaipur can create global business impact.
Know More: https://adsgrip.com
Sriram Manoharan, CEO &amp; Founder, CONTUS Tech
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Sriram Manoharan is the CEO of <a href="https://www.contus.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Contus Tech</a>, which he co-founded in 2008 with a foresight into the video streaming and communication industry. Since then, Sriram Manoharan has been the driving force in reshaping how the venture is curated and consumed worldwide. Partnering with his dedicated co-founders, he built a dream team ready to share and empower his vision.
Over the years, Sriram Manoharan&rsquo;s resilience and dedication have transformed the company from a start-up into an industry-standard multi-million-dollar business that employs 400+ experts. Leveraging his market expertise, Sriram Manoharan has expanded the business operations across India, the UAE, and the USA.
Recognizing Sriram Manoharan&rsquo;s exemplary work in the technology landscape, Forbes has listed him as one of India&rsquo;s dynamic entrepreneurs and business disruptors. At present, he continues to challenge the impossible, proving that with the right vision, innovative strategy, and an expert team, one can build a business of growth and excellence.
Pavan Puri, Founder &amp; Managing Director, Greencore
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Pavan Puri is the Founder and Managing Director of Greencore, a leading automotive electronics company focused on delivering innovative solutions for vehicles across India. With a background in mechanical engineering, an MBA from the US, and six years of international professional experience, he founded Greencore to bridge the growing demand for technology-driven automotive solutions in India.
Under his leadership, Greencore has expanded its nationwide distribution network and nearly doubled its revenue over the past four years. Pavan oversees the company's overall strategy, operations, and technology roadmap, with a strong focus on integrating emerging automotive technologies into future mobility solutions.
Driven by a lifelong passion for automobiles, Pavan has positioned Greencore as a trusted name in automotive electronics, catering to two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and construction equipment. He remains committed to driving innovation, expanding the company's global footprint, and shaping the future of automotive electronics.
Vinod Janardhan, Founder &amp; Managing Director, TEAM RUSTIC
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Transforming visionary concepts into tangible realities requires a rare mastery of both strategy and execution. For over two decades, Vinod Janardhan has embodied this synergy as the Founder and Managing Director of TEAM RUSTIC. Under his strategic leadership, the organization has evolved into a premier MICE-led powerhouse, seamlessly executing over 200 high-impact events annually across 11 countries for leading BFSI, automotive and consumer brands.
A visionary entrepreneur, Vinod&rsquo;s influence extends far beyond traditional corporate events. He actively redefines modern audience engagement through a diverse portfolio of successful ventures, including EVA Live, Shooting Starz, MSEED and DOREMI. By elevating event management from simple logistics into a strategic tool for corporate communication, he ensures every narrative delivers measurable business impact.
Highlighting this exclusive Mid-Day feature, Vinod Janardhan exemplifies the transformative, forward-thinking leadership required to shape India&rsquo;s experience economy in 2026 and beyond.
Deepinder Goyal, Founder &amp; CEO, Zomato
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Deepinder Goyal is the Founder and CEO of Zomato, one of India's leading food-tech companies, and has played a transformative role in reshaping the country's dining and food delivery ecosystem. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, he launched Zomato in 2008 with the vision of making restaurant discovery and food ordering seamless. Under his leadership, the company has evolved into a diversified technology platform spanning food delivery, quick commerce, dining-out, and B2B restaurant supplies. He successfully led Zomato to its landmark public listing in 2021, making it one of India's most prominent new-age technology companies. Known for his customer-first approach, data-driven decision-making, and focus on innovation, Deepinder continues to drive the company's long-term growth. His entrepreneurial journey has established him as one of India's most influential startup founders and a key voice in the country's digital economy.
Vikalp Singh - Shaping India's Future Through Youth Empowerment
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Vikalp Singh is a youth leader and social activist committed to empowering young Indians through leadership, civic participation, and grassroots development.
Driven by the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, he works to inspire youth to become active contributors to nation-building through skill development, public policy engagement, sports, and community initiatives. As President of Utthan Seva Foundation and the District Football Association, Satna, he has led programs focused on youth empowerment, employment, and social impact. An alumnus of the University of Delhi, Amity Law School, and the London School of Economics, Vikalp continues to advocate for transparent governance, inclusive development, and youth-led change as the foundation of a developed India.

Meet the visionary entrepreneurs, founders and leaders shaping innovation, business and social impact across India in 2026.

Visionaries to look forward to in 2026

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Visionaries to look forward to in 2026

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