The Times Internet Ecopreneur Award 2026 is presented to businesses, industry leaders, and individuals who are taking meaningful steps toward environmental change through innovative ideas and sustainable practices. Held annually, the award recognizes efforts across various sectors that translate sustainability into measurable actions.
Ram Kuppuswamy: A Leader in Sustainable Manufacturing
In 2025, Ram Kuppuswamy was among the recipients of this prestigious award. As the Chief Operating Officer (Manufacturing) at Hero MotoCorp, he works at the intersection of climate goals and factory floors. He is part of the leadership team steering one of India's largest mobility companies through a transformation that balances industrial scale with environmental responsibility. Hero MotoCorp's journey toward responsible manufacturing gained wider recognition for its sustainability-led initiatives, acknowledging the company's achievement of 40% carbon neutrality, zero waste-to-landfill operations, and 455% water positivity, led by Kuppuswamy and his team.
Hero MotoCorp's Ambitious ESG Goals
Hero MotoCorp's sustainability ambitions are remarkable by any industrial standard. The company's ESG framework outlines goals that include 100% carbon-neutral operations by 2030, 500% water positivity, 100% zero-waste-to-landfill facilities, 95% product recyclability, 100% green dealerships, and 30% gender diversity nationwide. While such targets can often seem distant or aspirational, several of Hero's goals have already moved from paper to practice. It is crucial for companies to adopt serious climate goals so that efforts are made before environmental damage becomes irreversible.
Empowering Planet-First Businesses
The Times Internet Ecopreneur Award 2026 aims to empower businesses that dare to put the planet first. This year, the award is not limited to organizations and businesses but also includes individuals working to protect nature and the Earth through their efforts. The initiative positions itself as a platform celebrating enterprises and visionaries who integrate ecological responsibility into the core of their work.
Evaluation Criteria and Jury
According to the organizers, the evaluation process places significant emphasis on measurable environmental outcomes. Entries are expected to demonstrate real-world impact, whether through lowering carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, promoting renewable alternatives, or reducing waste via innovative production and consumption models. The jury members for this year's awards include Rajneesh Sareen (Director, Sustainable Habitat Programme, CSE), Blossom Kocchar (Clean Beauty Expert), Bhupinder Bhalla (IAS, Ex Renewable Energy Secretary), Peepal Baba (Founder & Managing Trustee, Give Me Trees Trust), and Ritu Beri (Designer & Sustainability Advocate). These personalities are among India's most respected voices in sustainability and climate action.
Beyond an Industry Honour
Recognition at the Times Internet Ecopreneur Awards therefore becomes more than just an industry honor. The award continues to highlight efforts across different sectors, applauding and encouraging individuals and organizations working toward sustainability. To nominate yourself for the Times Internet Ecopreneur Awards, click here.
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