Hyderabad, June 9, 2026: Telangana’s growing stature as one of India’s most dynamic business and innovation destinations was on full display at the FTCCI Excellence Awards 2026, where industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and social changemakers were recognised for their contributions to economic growth and societal development.
Organised by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) at Hyderabad’s JRC Convention Centre, the annual awards ceremony brought together representatives from manufacturing, technology, exports, healthcare, tourism, defence, startups and the social sector under one roof.
While Telangana Chief Minister Sri A. Revanth Reddy was originally scheduled to attend the event, he was unable to participate due to other official commitments. The proceedings were led by Sri D. Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce, and Legislative Affairs, who addressed the gathering and presented the awards to the winners.
The FTCCI Excellence Awards have evolved into one of the state’s most respected industry recognition platforms. More than a ceremony, the event serves as a reflection of Telangana’s economic transformation over the past decade.
From becoming a preferred destination for global investments to emerging as a leader in technology, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, defence manufacturing and startup innovation, Telangana has steadily strengthened its position within India’s growth narrative.
The diversity of award categories at this year’s event highlighted the broad spectrum of sectors contributing to that success. Awards were presented for industrial performance, export excellence, product innovation, aerospace and defence, environmental and social governance (ESG), tourism promotion, corporate social responsibility (CSR), women entrepreneurship, science and engineering, startup innovation and social entrepreneurship.
Addressing the audience, Sri D. Sridhar Babu underscored the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship and industry-government collaboration in driving sustainable economic growth.
His presence reflected the Telangana government’s continued focus on creating an enabling environment for businesses while encouraging investments in emerging sectors. Industry observers noted that such engagements strengthen dialogue between policymakers and business leaders, helping align public policy with the evolving needs of industry.
The Minister also felicitated award recipients whose organisations have demonstrated excellence in competitiveness, innovation, employment generation and social impact.
Among the major winners were organisations that have established themselves as leaders in their respective sectors.
Mahindra & Mahindra’s Farm Division received recognition for excellence in industrial all-round performance among large industries, while Avantel Limited was honoured in the small and medium enterprise category.
Export excellence awards recognised companies that have successfully expanded Telangana’s global footprint, while innovation-focused awards celebrated organisations developing products and technologies with national and international relevance.
Recognition was also extended to businesses that have embraced sustainability and responsible corporate practices, reflecting the increasing importance of ESG standards in modern enterprise.
One of the strongest themes emerging from the event was the growing influence of startups and innovation-driven enterprises.
The startup category highlighted how young companies are disrupting traditional sectors through technology, digital solutions and new business models. As Telangana continues to strengthen its startup ecosystem through incubation support, policy initiatives and investor engagement, entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly important role in job creation and economic diversification.
Experts attending the event noted that the state’s innovation ecosystem is no longer limited to Hyderabad’s technology sector but is increasingly expanding into healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, education and social enterprise.
Beyond corporate success stories, the awards also celebrated individuals whose work has transformed lives and communities.
Special recognition was given to leaders in women entrepreneurship, science and engineering, inclusive innovation and social entrepreneurship. Their achievements served as a reminder that economic progress becomes truly meaningful when it creates opportunities for underserved communities and contributes to broader social development.
Particularly noteworthy was the recognition of individuals working in rehabilitation, accessibility and inclusive innovation, highlighting the growing emphasis on building a more equitable society alongside economic advancement.
The recognition of women-led enterprises at the event reflected a broader trend visible across Telangana and India.
Women entrepreneurs are increasingly leading businesses in manufacturing, technology, healthcare, sustainability and social enterprise. Their growing participation is helping reshape India’s entrepreneurial landscape and contributing significantly to employment generation and community development.
Industry experts believe that greater access to finance, mentorship and market opportunities will further accelerate the growth of women-led enterprises in the coming years.
While trophies and recognition formed the visible aspect of the event, the FTCCI Excellence Awards also served as an important networking and knowledge-sharing platform.
Business leaders, startup founders, policymakers, investors and social sector representatives exchanged ideas on innovation, sustainability, investment opportunities and future growth sectors.
Such interactions are increasingly important as India moves toward its ambition of becoming a multi-trillion-dollar economy. Strong partnerships between government, industry and civil society will be essential to sustaining long-term growth and ensuring that development remains inclusive.
The FTCCI Excellence Awards 2026 demonstrated that Telangana’s growth story is being driven not only by large corporations but also by startups, innovators, social entrepreneurs and community leaders.
As businesses adapt to new technologies, global market shifts and sustainability expectations, the organisations and individuals recognised this year offer valuable examples of resilience, innovation and purpose-driven leadership.
Their success stories highlight an important lesson for India’s future: economic progress is strongest when innovation, entrepreneurship and social impact advance together.
For Telangana, the message from the FTCCI Excellence Awards 2026 was clear – the state is not merely participating in India’s growth story; it is helping shape it.
