The Economic Times' 11th annual 40 Under Forty awards ceremony, held on October 16, 2025, at the ITC Grand Central, celebrated India's most dynamic young achievers. The event recognized individuals who are not only rewriting the rules of innovation and leadership but also elevating India's presence on the global stage with their ingenuity and purpose.
This year's list showcased leaders from a diverse range of sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, hospitality, beauty, and more. A significant portion of the winners, 12.5%, hailed from the rapidly growing fields of spacetech, AI, and blockchain, highlighting the increasing importance of these sectors in India's economic landscape. For the first time, the awards also recognized individuals making an impact in art, culture, and sports, honoring five exceptional individuals whose influence extends beyond traditional business. This inclusion marks a shift in how leadership is defined, valuing imagination and cultural contribution alongside intellect and economic success.
The selection process was overseen by a distinguished jury led by Rishad Premji, Executive Chairman of Wipro. Other jury members included Gunjan Soni from YouTube, Harsh Goenka from RPG Enterprises, and other leaders from various prominent organizations. The jury evaluated nominees based on several key parameters, including leadership excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, industry impact, and potential for future growth.
The evening buzzed with anticipation as the winners arrived, accompanied by their families and partners. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and laughter, as attendees shared stories of old friendships turned into co-founding ventures and early-stage funding rounds that blossomed into unicorns.
Sivakumar Sundaram, CEO of The Times of India, delivered the opening remarks, urging the honorees to channel their efforts towards nation-building and to view the award as a launchpad for their future endeavors.
The ET 40 Under Forty list has become a benchmark for business leadership in India, recognizing and fostering exceptional talent. Past honorees include names like Adar Poonawalla, Rishad Premji, Deepinder Goyal, and Aman Gupta, who have all made significant contributions to their respective fields. The 2025 list continues this tradition, showcasing a new generation of leaders who are shaping the future of India's economy. Some of the winners of the ET 40 Under Forty 2025 include Gukesh Dommaraju, World Chess Champion; Jay Kotak, Co-head of Kotak811; Aparajita Puri, Partner at McKinsey & Co.; and Madhav Singhania, Jt. MD & CEO, JK Cement.
