Indo-French Business Awards 2026 Spotlight Indo-French Innovation, Excellence, and Strategic Collaboration

Held under the esteemed patronage of H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, the evening honoured excellence across key sectors, including innovation, energy, healthcare, food and beverage, luxury, manufacturing, digital transformation, and sustainability.

Bringing together over 150 senior industry leaders, CEOs, CXOs, diplomats, and senior business executives, the event celebrated the shared vision, growth, and collaborative spirit that continue to define the Indo-French business landscape.

This year witnessed over 95 nominations from across India and France, with the highest participation in the ‘French Group of the Year’ category, showcasing the growing depth of Indo-French economic engagement and the increasing momentum of cross-partnerships between the two countries.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, remarked, “At a time when innovation is becoming the cornerstone of sustainable growth, it is encouraging to see companies and business leaders from both countries driving meaningful progress across sectors. As we celebrate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, these achievements reflect our shared ambition to deepen collaboration in technology, industry, and sustainable development.”

Ms Payal S. Kanwar, Director General of IFCCI, added, “These awards celebrate not only excellence, but also the growing strength of Indo-French synergies. Over the past eight years, the Indo-French Business Awards have evolved into a premier platform for recognising excellence in Indo-French cooperation and honouring the outstanding achievements of French and Indian companies and individuals. These collaborations are poised to deepen further, driving new breakthroughs and strengthening industrial partnerships across sectors.”

Winners of Indo-French Business Awards 2026 are as follows:

1. French Group of the Year -  Air Liquide India Pvt. Ltd.

2. Indo-French Innovation Partnership of the Year - ENGIE India Pvt. Ltd.

3. Entrepreneur of the Year - Monique Patisserie LLP

4. SME of the Year - Nutrivita Foods Private Limited

5. Jury Special - Schneider Electric India

6. Choose France – Best Indian Investment in France - Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

7. La French Tech India - H Company

8. Personality of the Year - Leena Nair CBE, Global Chief Executive Officer, Chanel

9. CSR Project of the Year - STMicroelectronics Foundation India (Project: Digital Unify)

Winners of Grand Prix VIE Awards 2026 are as follows:

Organised by Business France, these awards honour outstanding young professionals working in India through the Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) programme.

1. Prix du Leadership “Chalo, Let’s Go !" - Alice Robichet, V.I.E at Santos

2. Prix France–India Bridge - Léo Castaing, V.I.E at Thales

3. Grand Prix V.I.E/ V.I.A Inde – Jugaad ~ Innovation - Clara Feuvrier, V.I.E at MBDA

These recognitions further reinforce IFCCI’s role as a catalyst for bilateral collaboration and a promoter of excellence in Indo-French business development.

The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it aligns with the ongoing India-France Year of Innovation 2026, a landmark initiative dedicated to deepening bilateral cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and transformative industries.

At the recently concluded AI Impact Summit hosted by India in February 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the immense potential for collaboration between India and France in the field of innovation, further strengthening the foundation for future partnerships and joint breakthroughs.

About the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI)

The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) is the most active bilateral chamber promoting economic and commercial relations between India and France since 1977. Representing over 800 member companies and a strong network of institutional partners and industry stakeholders, IFCCI plays a pivotal role in fostering trade, investment, innovation, and strategic partnerships across sectors.

Visit: www.ifcci.org.in.