Meet the Judges: Industry Experts Behind EEA 2025
The countdown has begun for the much-awaited Entrepreneur Excellence Awards 2025, and the excitement is growing by the day! The entrepreneur awards organised by the deAsra Foundation have become one of the most respected entrepreneur awards in India, celebrating the unstoppable spirit of business owners from across the country. This year, the awards take a special meaning as part of the Dare2Dream theme, motivating entrepreneurs to push boundaries, aim high, and build impactful businesses.
At the heart of the Entrepreneur Excellence Awards are the inspiring entrepreneurs and equally inspiring judges who are shaping the future of this ecosystem. For the EEA 2025, we have a diverse and experienced panel of judges who bring years of knowledge, industry insights, and sharp business acumen. These experts will carefully evaluate the 460+ entries received from across India and select the most deserving winners.
Why the Jury Matters in Entrepreneur Awards
The jury plays a crucial role in shaping the credibility of entrepreneur awards. For entrepreneurs, getting recognition from such respected names is not just an achievement; it is an encouragement to continue dreaming big. The Entrepreneur Excellence Awards jury is made up of leaders from various industries — technology, design, social impact, banking, fashion, food, and more. Their collective expertise ensures that every story, every achievement, and every business challenge faced by the applicants is understood and appreciated.
Here’s your chance to meet the remarkable panel that will be selecting the winners of EEA 2025.
1. Sonali Deshpande – Chief Trustee & Chairperson, Persistent Foundation
Sonali Deshpande brings over 20 years of teaching experience and has been leading social initiatives at Persistent Foundation since 2009. She focuses on entrepreneurship, education, and community development. Her deep understanding of community building and entrepreneurship makes her a vital part of the Entrepreneur Excellence Awards jury.
2. Seema Desai – Co-founder & Managing Director, Bitwise
Seema Desai is a celebrated name in the tech world with over 30 years of experience. As co-founder and MD of Bitwise, she has led multiple initiatives in leadership, technology, and CSR. Seema has dedicated herself to empowering marginalised communities and promoting sustainable practices. For the entrepreneur awards, she brings a strong focus on businesses that are not only profitable but also socially responsible.
3. Kavita Awasthee – Founder, Poshakh
A creative entrepreneur, Kavita Awasthee founded Poshakh in 1996. She has made a mark by promoting Indian textiles and empowering artisans. Sourcing fabrics from more than 14 Indian states and leading a team of 30+ artisans, she is passionate about preserving traditional crafts. For the Entrepreneur Excellence Awards, she will be looking for entrepreneurs who are making a meaningful difference through creativity and local impact.
4. Leena Khandekar – Founder, Lee’s Beauty Centre & Spa
Leena Khandekar is a leading name in the beauty and wellness industry. Starting Lee’s Beauty Centre & Spa in 2002, she specialises in advanced beauty solutions, bridal makeup, and skin treatments. Leena also runs a training institute to mentor aspiring beauty professionals. Her insights will add depth to the entrepreneur awards, especially when identifying businesses with innovation and service excellence.
5. Sayali Rajadhyaksha – Founder, Sayali Rajadhyaksha Sarees
Sayali Rajadhyaksha has redefined handloom sarees through her brand. Since 2017, she has successfully blended traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern style. Today, with a strong social media following and a flagship store in Mumbai, her brand is a favourite among saree enthusiasts. As a jury member for the Entrepreneur Excellence Awards, Sayali will be keen to identify creative entrepreneurs who have revived and modernised traditional businesses.
6. Nikhil Chitale – Managing Partner, Chitale Dairy
Nikhil Chitale represents one of Maharashtra’s most loved brands. As Managing Partner of Chitale Dairy, Nikhil has contributed to expanding the brand to over 50 stores and launching innovative products like fortified dairy items and artisanal chocolates. His role in the entrepreneur awards in India will be crucial in recognising entrepreneurs who combine tradition with innovation.
7. Nikhil Kulkarni – GM & Head—Incubation, Nashik Engineering Cluster
With more than 16 years of experience in the engineering sector, Nikhil Kulkarni has actively contributed to enterprise development and incubation. His mentorship roles and award-winning contributions make him a respected figure in India’s startup ecosystem. His presence on the Entrepreneur Excellence Awards jury will help identify scalable and innovative businesses.
8. Ashwini Deshpande – Co-Founder & Director, Elephant
Ashwini Deshpande is a global design expert with over 35 years of experience in visual communications. She has led several award-winning branding projects and mentored women in the design industry. Her global exposure and passion for impactful design will ensure that creative ventures get the right attention during the Entrepreneur Awards.
9. Arun Vartak – Banking & Financial Services Expert
With 37 years of experience in banking and financial education, Arun Vartak brings unmatched knowledge of finance, credit, and entrepreneurship development. He has held senior roles at the State Bank of India and now serves on recruitment panels for cooperative banks. His evaluation in the Entrepreneur Excellence Awards will focus on financial resilience and sustainable growth.
What Will the Jury Look for in EEA 2025?
For the Entrepreneur Excellence Awards, the jury will go beyond the balance sheets. They will seek entrepreneurs who demonstrate resilience, innovation, social impact, customer focus, and leadership. As part of the Dare2Dream spirit, they will value those who have dared to solve real-world problems and transform communities.
For more about the judging criteria and event details, visit the official EEA 2025 page here.
Why Should You Attend?
The Entrepreneur Excellence Awards is more than just an awards night. It is a celebration of entrepreneurship. For attendees, it offers:
- Inspiring success stories from entrepreneurs across India.
- A chance to learn from leaders across industries.
- Networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors.
- Insightful discussions and panel talks.
This is one of the most awaited entrepreneur awards in India, where every participant, winner, and speaker contributes to building a more robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Meet, Learn, Celebrate!
As the event draws closer, the anticipation grows. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply someone passionate about enterprise, this is an event you should not miss. The panel of judges will not only pick winners but will also help shape a new generation of entrepreneurs who Dare2Dream.
Stay updated through deAsra’s official blog to learn more about EEA 2025 and get valuable business insights.
Join us and be part of this unforgettable journey at the Entrepreneur Excellence Awards 2025 — where dreams meet opportunities.
FAQs
1. Who are the jury members for the Entrepreneur Excellence Awards 2025?
The Entrepreneur Excellence Awards jury consists of accomplished leaders from diverse sectors such as technology, fashion, banking, entrepreneurship, social impact, and design. They bring vast experience and a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India.
2. What is the role of the jury in the Entrepreneur Excellence Awards?
The jury plays a crucial role in shortlisting and selecting the winners of the entrepreneur awards. They evaluate nominations based on innovation, impact, growth, and entrepreneurial spirit.
3. How were the judges selected for EEA 2025?
Each judge was chosen based on their industry expertise, contribution to entrepreneurship, and commitment to supporting entrepreneur awards in India. Their varied backgrounds ensure a balanced and fair evaluation.
4. Will the jury members be present at the award ceremony?
Yes, the jury will be present at the Entrepreneur Excellence Awards ceremony to interact with finalists and winners. Their presence will offer participants a chance to connect with leading industry experts.
5. Where can I learn more about the judges and the awards?
You can visit the official EEA 2025 page here and explore more insightful articles on the deAsra blog here to learn about the jury, entrepreneur awards, and event highlights.