PUNE: The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) announced the winners of the Infosys Prize 2025 in six categories—Economics, Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Since its inception in 2009, the Infosys Prize has honored the remarkable accomplishments of individuals whose research and scholarship significantly impact India. The prize for each category comprises a gold medal, a citation, and a prize purse of USD 100,000 (or its equivalent in INR).

The laureates of the Infosys Prize 2025 were selected by an international panel of jurors comprising renowned scholars and experts. Since its inception, the ISF has recognized groundbreaking research and scholarship that have influenced various aspects of human life. From 2024, the prize has shifted focus to honor researchers under the age of 40, emphasizing the need for early recognition of exceptional talent. This encouragement of early-career researchers will serve as an inspiration for the next generation of scholars and innovators.

The winners of the Infosys Prize 2025 were announced by the trustees of ISF — Mr. K. Dinesh (President, Board of Trustees), Mr. Narayana Murthy, Mr. Srinath Batni, Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Dr. Pratima Murthy, and Mr. S. D. Shibulal. The other trustees of ISF — Mr. Mohandas Pai, Mr. Nandan Nilekani, and Mr. Salil Parekh — extended their congratulations to this year’s recipients.

The Infosys Prize remains the largest award in India that acknowledges excellence in science and research. In addition, laureates of the Infosys Prize have gone on to receive several prestigious international awards, including the Nobel Prize (Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo), the Fields medal (Manjul Bhargava and Akshay Venkatesh), the Dan David Prize (Sanjay Subrahmanyam), the MacArthur ‘genius’ Grant and British Academy Book Prize (Sunil Amrith), the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics (Ashoke Sen), and the Marconi Prize (Hari Balakrishnan). Several laureates have been elected fellows of the Royal Society, among them Gagandeep Kang, who became the first Indian woman to be elected Fellow of the Royal Society.

K. Dinesh, President – Board of Trustees, Infosys Science Foundation, said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the Infosys Prize 2025, whose achievements reflect the vital connection between research, science, and society, inspiring the next generation of innovators. The Infosys Prize continues to embody our belief that research and science are cornerstones of human progress. It reflects the Foundation’s enduring commitment to nurturing a culture that drives innovation and broadens understanding across disciplines.”

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Medikids secured first place for its innovative waqf initiative, addressing waqf management challenges in Indonesia. The initiative leverages dental clinics for children and families to generate sustainable funding. Established in 2018, Medikids achieved financial stability within three years and launched a scholarship program for healthcare professionals in its second year. A portion of its net profit waqf is dedicated to enhancing waqf assets and various social welfare initiatives.

The selection committee has decided to withhold the second-place award.

The third-place prize was awarded to the Blue Filter initiative, which created a prototype to purify water by removing harmful pollutants like nitrates, chloride, and heavy metals. This technology combines natural filtration techniques with advanced automation and control systems, resulting in a solution that is both sustainable and highly effective. It also features real-time monitoring and loss management systems to ensure optimal performance and minimize water waste.

The prizes will be presented at the IsDB Group Annual Meetings, scheduled for 19-22 May 2025, in Algiers, Algeria.

IsDB Group Chairman HE Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser congratulated the winners, praised their contributions to Islamic economics, and wished them continued success. “The IsDB Prize serves as a key driver of strategic significance, promoting the transformation of knowledge and principles of Islamic economics into actionable initiatives and innovative projects aimed at fostering comprehensive economic development,” stated Dr. Al Jasser.

The winners were chosen by the IsDB Prize Selection Committee, which comprises eminent experts and scholars, coordinated by the IsDB Institute.

Excerpts from the IsDB Prize Selection Committee Citations:

Medikids Clinic

• It serves the important role of civil society waqf in supporting the mission of a combined health sector and education sector, serving the underprivileged component of society.
• The waqf-based model is considered sustainable due to its appropriate earning incentive framework, which is in harmony with the principles of Islamic economics.

Blue Filter

• It provides a potential solution for IsDB member countries while aligning with the strategic goals of the IsDB, especially concerning food and water security.
• The model emphasizing blue and bio elements has rendered it more appealing than alternative solutions that are generally contaminated with chemicals.

Established in 1988 as the ‘IsDB Prize in Islamic Economics, Banking, and Finance,’ the prize expanded in 2020 to recognize achievements in two categories, offered alternately: (i) Development Achievement and (ii) Knowledge Contribution. The 1446H (2025) Prize cycle focuses on Development Achievement, highlighting successful projects addressing development challenges in IsDB member countries and Muslim communities worldwide.

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The Farmer Cup competition was hosted between 4,300+ farmer collectives (almost 2000 all-women groups) from 46 talukas of Maharashtra. Bhagyoday Shetkari Gat from Tasgaon taluka, Sangli district, clinched the first prize at the state level, winning a cash prize of Rs. 25 lakhs, as well as the coveted Farmer Cup trophy. The second prize at the state level was Rs. 15 lakh, and the third prize was Rs. 10 lakh. All-women groups performed excellently in the competition. Two groups won two state-level prizes and several taluka-level prizes of Rs. 50,000 each.

Paani Foundation’s founder Aamir Khan made a grand announcement at the ceremony, announcing that starting 2026, Paani Foundation will scale its work pan-Maharahstra. This means that every single farmer in the state of Maharashtra will have access to the Farmer Cup competition platform which trains them and imparts knowledge to reduce per-acre costs and improve per-acre productivity and incomes.

Hon’ble CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Guest of this event, appreciated these efforts and officially inaugurated the pan-Maharashtra competition. Hon’ble CM congratulated all the farmers for their outstanding work in sustainable water and agriculture practices. He also announced that Rs. 5 lakh will be given to each of the 25 state-level contender groups of Farmer Cup 2024, on behalf of the government. He also shared various achievements and updates regarding the government’s work to promote climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture and committed that the entire 1 lakh cadre of the state government working in rural development, will support the Farmer Cup endeavor. 

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Shri Manikrao Kokate presented all the taluka-level awards and inspired the farmers in his address, to continue working collectively.

The highlight of the event was a skit by the team of the popular Marathi show, ‘Chala Hawa Yeu Dyaa’ as well as a multimedia performance presented by Paani Foundation. This performance featured 3 women farmers from Maharashtra, who shared their stories of determination and success, accompanied by enthralling music, song as well as dance performances by renowned choreographer Phulawa Khamkar and troupe.

Other dignitaries such as the Chairman and MD of Sahyadri Farms, Shri Vilas Shinde, the Founder of Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana, Shri Shantilal Muttha, and Padma Shri Popatrao Pawar, also appreciated all the participating farmer groups. They applauded their unity and emphasized how collectivization in farming is the key to tackling the uncertainties and challenges posed by agriculture.

Paani Foundation’s Co-Founder, Kiran Rao spoke about the organisation’s work to tackle climate change. The CEO, Satyajit Bhatkal, presented the impact of the organization’s work, mentioning that in 2024, farmers participating in the Farmer Cup have achieved an additional profit of over 100 crore rupees, by implementing SOPs in agriculture and saving cultivation costs. The organization’s Chief Advisor, Dr. Avinash Pol, spoke about how farmer groups are going beyond the ambit of the competition and doing extraordinary work in setting up small businesses and economic initiatives.

Paani Foundation’s Founders, Aamir Khan, and Kiran Rao also congratulated the farmers in their speeches. Khan spoke about the overarching vision of the Paani Foundation. He shared how the foundation is committed to creating an economically and ecologically strong Maharashtra, where farmers are prosperous and climate-resilient.

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The coding competition, which ran from April 16th to May 2nd, 2024, aimed at recruiting young technical leaders in the Network and Digital domains of Airtel. A total of 4,104 registered participants took part in three rounds that tested their domain expertise, problem-solving abilities, and agility. Participants showcased their coding prowess and innovative thinking through a series of challenges.

The grand finale, held on May 1st, 2024, at the Airtel head office in Gurugram, saw the top teams compete for the top prizes. Subsequently, finalists underwent interviews for potential positions at Airtel. The shortlisted candidates will join Airtel in July 2025.

The following winners were announced: Ananya Bansal, Sanya Mahajan, Vanshika Khurana, and Suhana Khandelwal as part of the team Network-X.

Sanjay Goyal, Business Head of TechGig, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Airtel represents a significant step towards empowering talented coders. Through this campaign, we aim to bridge the gender gap in the tech community and create a brighter future for Indian female talent.”

Amrita Padda, Chief People Officer at Airtel, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the tech sector, saying, “We are immensely proud of the overwhelming response and enthusiasm we received for ‘SheCodes’. This initiative not only underlines our commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity but also serves as a platform to identify and nurture the next generation of female tech leaders.”

In total, 20 students secured placements at Airtel as a result of the campaign.

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The QMMF has laid on a revised three-day format that offers 13 timed special stages and 199.95km competitive kilometers in a route of 622.49km. Scrutineering facilities will be based at the Lusail Sports Arena with media and administration based out of QMMF’s offices.

The pre-event press conference and ceremonial start will take place at Lusail Boulevard for the first time. Competitors will then tackle a floodlit 3.27km super special stage at the LCSC Karting Academy from 20.00hrs on Thursday evening.

Qatar’s demanding northern deserts will then host two days of frenetic action with two loops of three special stages scheduled for both Friday, February 2nd, and Saturday, February 3rd. One stage remains unchanged from 2023, another will be run in the opposite direction, and four feature minor tweaks for safety and sporting reasons.

The rally will be held under the chairmanship of QMMF President Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, senior committee member Abdulrazaq Al-Kuwari, and the QMMF’s Executive Director Amro Al-Hamad. Portugal’s Pedro Almeida will again work as the Clerk of the Course alongside his deputy Rashid Al-Sulaiti.

“We are delighted to be hosting the opening round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship this year,” said QMMF Executive Director Amro Al-Hamad. “Our event has consistently seen the strongest entry on any round of the championship, and we have seen some fantastic competition in the last couple of years. Our team has again laid on a challenging route, and I am sure that it will provide the perfect backdrop to the start of what we all hope will be an exciting season.“

Supplementary regulations and further details are available from www.qmmf.com, with first entries closing on Wednesday, January 3rd. A final cut-off date has been set for Wednesday, January 17th.

The QMMF has also announced a series of generous concessions for international and GCC competitors. International entrants will be given a $6,000 shipping allowance, with GCC teams receiving $3,000, subject to all vehicles passing scrutineering and administrative checks.

In addition, the QMMF will arrange economy class flight tickets for both driver and co-driver, once entry fees are paid, and supply one twin room with breakfast for five nights.

Start prizes will also be awarded: entrants who pass scrutineering and administrative checks and enter before the first cut-off date will receive QR 5000, and QR 4000 will be awarded to starters who enter after the early cut-off and before January 17th.

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