The fifth edition of the Express Awards for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is underway in Mumbai tonight, recognising women entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses while contributing to India’s evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
An initiative of The Financial Express in partnership with FICCI Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO), the awards aim to honour women leaders who have demonstrated vision, resilience and impact through their enterprises. Over the years, the platform has emerged as a credible forum celebrating women who are shaping India Inc with innovation and purpose.
The awards have attracted significant interest from across industries since their launch, highlighting the growing presence of women in leadership roles across sectors. The event also seeks to spotlight entrepreneurial journeys that reflect determination, creativity and the ability to overcome barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
The winners for this year’s edition were selected by a jury chaired by Deepak Parekh. Other members of the jury include Zia Mody, Mallika Srinivasan, Preetha Reddy and Anjali Bansal.
The jury evaluated nominations from across sectors, selecting entrepreneurs whose businesses demonstrate growth, innovation and broader impact.
Zia Mody recieves Lifetime Achievement award at AWE 2026
Zia Mody recieves Lifetime Achievement award at AWE 2026. Mody is widely regarded as one of India’s most influential corporate lawyers and serves as the co-founder and managing partner of AZB & Partners, among the country’s largest and most prestigious legal firms.
She is the daughter of Soli Sorabjee, who served as India’s Attorney General and was one of the nation’s most distinguished jurists.
Guneet Monga Kapoor recieves AWE 2026 in Entertainment category
Guneet Monga Kapoor recieves the AWE 2026 in the Entertainment category. Guneet is among India’s most celebrated independent film producers, globally recognised as a two-time Academy Awards winner and the founder of the Mumbai-based production house Sikhya Entertainment, known for backing distinctive and globally acclaimed cinema.
AWE in the Finance category goes to Ruchi Kalra
Ruchi Kalra recieves AWE in the Finance category. Kalra is the co-founder and CEO of Oxyzo Financial Services, one of India’s leading digital lending unicorns. Known for her entrepreneurial acumen, she has achieved the rare feat of building not one but two unicorn startups alongside her husband, Asish Mohapatra.
Mariam Mammen Mathew recieves AWE 2026 for Media
Malayala Manorama's Mariam Mammen Mathew recieves AWE 2026 for Media. Mariam is the CEO of Manorama Online, which oversees the digital media operations of Malayala Manorama.
Founded in 1888, Malayala Manorama has grown into one of India’s most prominent media groups, with a widely read daily newspaper.
Dr. Geetha Manjunath recieves Health & Wellness AWE 2026
The AWE 2026 for Health & Wellness goes to Dr. Geetha Manjunath. She is the woman behind developing a portable, low-cost medical device, called the Smile 100. It is designed to help doctors and technicians screen for cancer across a range of settings, from large urban hospitals to small rural clinics.
AWE LIVE: Evening so far in Mumbai - In Pictures
A look at the evening so far to honour women entrepreneurs at AWE 2026.
AI is actually an asset fo healthcare industry, says Preetha Reddy
Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals says, "In our industry, AI is actually an asset. We dont have a skill manpower in diagnostic work. It has become an assistant to a physician. Where we have to be cautious - we need high-tech, but we should never replace it with high-touch. We should never let it overtake our lives."
Much harder for women to raise capital, says Avaana Capital Founder
Much harder for women to raise capital, says Avaana Capital Founder Anjali Bansal. "My portfolio is 30% women founders and they are not just token. That is because we don't have the gender bias. We look at the idea and invest in them accordingly," she added.
Zia Mody shares her views on AI
Intelligence that human minds bring cannot be replicated by AI yet, Zia Mody said when asked about her views on artificial intelligence. Mody added, "I'm a half-believer."
Panel discussion underway
The evening move on to a panel discussion with members of the jury, offering perspectives on entrepreneurship, leadership and the expanding role of women in shaping India’s economic future.
The topic of the discussion is 'Raising Capital in the World of AI and Trump'.
Neha Bansal honoured with Lifestyle entrepreneurship leader award
Lifestyle entrepreneurship leader award goes to Neha Bansal, a board member and head of global merchandising at Lenskart.
Preiti Patel recieves FICCI-FLO Award
The first honour of FICCI-FLO Award goes to Preiti Patel.
Meet the jury for AWE
The winners were selected by an eminent jury of leaders whose own professional journeys have inspired generations of entrepreneurs. The panel was chaired by Deepak Parekh and included Zia Mody, co-founder and managing partner of AZB & Partners; Mallika Srinivasan, chairman and managing director of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited; Preetha Reddy, executive vice chairperson of Apollo Hospitals; and Anjali Bansal, founding partner of Avaana Capital.
From Mukesh Ambani to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: India Inc turns up for previous AWE
Over the years, the awards have attracted some of the most influential names from India Inc. Last year’s edition saw the presence of industry leaders including Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani, Anand Piramal, Swati Piramal, Venu Srinivasan, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Meher Pudumjee, Ektaa Kapoor, Kiran Rao and Lakshmi Venu, among several other prominent figures from across the corporate and creative worlds.
Who chose AWE winners? A look at the jury of India’s business stalwarts
The winners were chosen by an eminent jury of leaders whose own professional journeys have inspired generations of entrepreneurs. Chaired by Deepak Parekh, the panel included Zia Mody, co-founder and managing partner of AZB & Partners; Mallika Srinivasan, chairman and managing director of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited; Preetha Reddy, executive vice chairperson of Apollo Hospitals; and Anjali Bansal, founding partner of Avaana Capital.
AWE returns for its fifth edition
Now in its fifth edition, the Express Awards for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) has evolved into one of the most credible platforms spotlighting women who lead with vision, resilience and tangible impact. An initiative by The Financial Express in partnership with FICCI Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO), the awards recognise women who are not only building thriving enterprises but also redefining the contours of India’s entrepreneurial landscape.