NDTV Profit has announced the nominees and jury for the Business Leadership Awards 2026, recognizing top executives and AI innovators in India [1].
The event marks a significant return for the honors, which reappear after a 13-year hiatus [2]. By highlighting leaders who drive economic transformation, the awards aim to showcase the current state of corporate governance and technological advancement within the Indian market.
Among the primary honors is the "CEO Of The Year" award. The NDTV Profit editorial team said the award is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in scaling an enterprise, driving strategic growth, and shaping industry impact through decisive execution [3].
The ceremony also focuses heavily on the evolving role of technology. Six companies have been nominated for the AI Champion of the Year award [4]. The NDTV Profit editorial team said this specific honor recognizes companies shaping India's artificial intelligence ecosystem through breakthrough products, foundational models, and sovereign AI infrastructure [5].
Selection for these awards is handled by a specialized panel. A distinguished jury of seasoned business leaders, bankers, and industry experts has convened to evaluate India Inc.'s most deserving nominees with a clear eye on merit and gender parity, according to NDTV Business Leadership Awards video narration [6].
The awards recognize a broad spectrum of visionaries, entrepreneurs, and companies. By focusing on both traditional leadership and emerging AI infrastructure, the event seeks to document the shift in India's industrial priorities toward high-tech growth and scalable enterprise models.
“The awards return after a 13-year hiatus”
The revival of these awards after more than a decade suggests a strategic effort to define the new face of Indian leadership during a period of rapid digital acceleration. The specific inclusion of a category for sovereign AI infrastructure indicates that India is prioritizing technological autonomy and domestic innovation as core pillars of its economic strategy.
