🌍 AndPurpose Forums bring together changemakers across cities, igniting collective imagination to build a just and sustainable India.
Innovation, Technology & AI for Good for
PEOPLE, PLANET
ANDPURPOSE
AndPurpose Forums Hyderabad 2026
AndPurpose Hyderabad Forum 2026
Sustainability & Social Impact Summit
Tech & AI for Good
20
Innovations
200
Changemakers
20
Speakers
Located at the intersection of innovation, public policy and entrepreneurship, Hyderabad is emerging as one of India’s leading hubs for AI, mobility, climate innovation and sustainable business. The Forum brings together the ecosystem that shapes the future.
The AndPurpose Forum, Hyderabad 2026, brings together 200+ leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across India for a one-day summit focused on innovation-led solutions for people & planet.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
SPEAKERS
I am a CA, CFA, FRM charterholder, and Company Secretary (AIR 9), driven by work that combines rigor, scale, and real-world outcomes—particularly initiatives that expand access to jobs, income stability, and economic mobility. My work spans equity and grant investing, end-to-end deal execution, and active portfolio engagement across skilling, workforce platforms, the gig economy, financial inclusion, and affordable finance.
Samrat is a purpose-driven professional in the social and environmental impact sector, with over 23 years of experience at the intersection of science, policy, business, and development. Trained as a water resources management specialist, he brings both optimism and pragmatism to tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including environmental pollution, water security, climate change, and nature-positive development. His career has spanned diverse sectors including working with government agencies, philanthropic donors, bilateral funders, international financial institutions, corporates, start-ups, and communities - where he has designed and led solutions that are science-based, context-specific, inclusive, and actionable. He thrives at the interface of nature, people, business, and building partnerships that translate science into solutions and ambition into action. Looking ahead, he is keen to continue shaping strategies, investments, and innovations that create resilient futures for all.
V Laxmikanth is a Managing Partner at Pavestone, a venture capital firm, with over 35 years of experience in Global Leadership in Business Strategy and Sales, Product and Technical Innovation, Mergers and Acquisitions.
As a pioneer of the Indian IT industry, over the last 15 years he has been the India MD and Member of the Global Executive Committee of Broadridge Financial Solutions. Prior to this, he established and grew India offices for Global Enterprises such as ADP, D.E. Shaw and Intergraph. He was a Member of the Investment Committee and an LP in Parampara Early-Stage Opportunities Fund. He is also part of the NASSCOM GCC Council and was its chair for several years.
He has extensive experience in building, deploying and supporting large scale Enterprise grade products in SAAS model for global clientele. Additionally, he has set up centers of excellence for AI/ML and Big Data and supported the innovation of Blockchain technology in India.
As a pioneer of the Indian IT industry, over the last 15 years he has been the India MD and Member of the Global Executive Committee of Broadridge Financial Solutions. Prior to this, he established and grew India offices for Global Enterprises such as ADP, D.E. Shaw and Intergraph. He was a Member of the Investment Committee and an LP in Parampara Early-Stage Opportunities Fund. He is also part of the NASSCOM GCC Council and was its chair for several years.
He has extensive experience in building, deploying and supporting large scale Enterprise grade products in SAAS model for global clientele. Additionally, he has set up centers of excellence for AI/ML and Big Data and supported the innovation of Blockchain technology in India.
Dr. G. Venkateshwarlu is the Managing Director of AgHub, the Agri Innovation Hub of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTAU), Hyderabad. With extensive experience in agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship development, and technology-driven rural transformation, he has played a key role in nurturing agri-startups and fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Under his leadership, AgHub has supported numerous agri-entrepreneurs, driving sustainable growth and impactful solutions for the agriculture sector across India.
Mahak Agrawal is an urban planner, sustainability expert, and climate policy professional with extensive experience in climate action, sustainable infrastructure, and public policy. She currently serves as Head of India at Riding Sunbeams, leading initiatives to integrate solar energy into rail and mass transit systems. Mahak is also the founder of All Bits Count (ABC), a climate science and storytelling platform launched at the UN Summit of the Future and COP29. A Columbia University Environmental Fellow and Gold Medalist from the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, she has been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Green Voice, TEDx Fellow, and UN Fellow. Her work has contributed to projects with organizations including the OECD, UNEP, World Bank Group, and the Government of India, advancing sustainable urban development and climate resilience.
Dr. Sujeet Ranjan is a senior development sector leader with more than two decades of experience in public health, nutrition, philanthropy, and social development. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Delhi, where he works on fostering collaborations between corporates, nonprofits, and communities to drive sustainable social impact.
Prior to this role, Dr. Ranjan held several leadership positions, including Associate Director – Nutrition at Tata Trusts, Executive Director of the Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security (CFNS), Director at CARE India, and Chief Operating Officer at Swasthya Management and Research Institute (SMRI). His expertise spans public health program management, nutrition, policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and institutional development.
As a thought leader, he has been recognized as one of the Top 200 Reproductive Health Fellows across Asia and Africa, reflecting his longstanding contributions to advancing public health, equity, and sustainable development. in the development sector. Dr. Ranjan has been associated with various national and international leadership fellowships and has contributed significantly to advancing nutrition, health, and community development initiatives across India. He is known for promoting collective action and cross-sector partnerships as key drivers of long-term, scalable social change.
Krishna Chaitanya (Assistant General Manager) – CSR at Biological E. Limited, leading the CSR arm Dr. Vijay Kumar Datla Foundation's initiatives in healthcare, education, skill development, and community development. With over 12 years of CSR experience across Biological E. and Cyient Ltd, I am passionate about building partnerships that create sustainable and measurable social impact
Prior to this role, Dr. Ranjan held several leadership positions, including Associate Director – Nutrition at Tata Trusts, Executive Director of the Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security (CFNS), Director at CARE India, and Chief Operating Officer at Swasthya Management and Research Institute (SMRI). His expertise spans public health program management, nutrition, policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and institutional development.
Prior to this role, Dr. Ranjan held several leadership positions, including Associate Director – Nutrition at Tata Trusts, Executive Director of the Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security (CFNS), Director at CARE India, and Chief Operating Officer at Swasthya Management and Research Institute (SMRI). His expertise spans public health program management, nutrition, policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and institutional development.
As a thought leader, he has been recognized as one of the Top 200 Reproductive Health Fellows across Asia and Africa, reflecting his longstanding contributions to advancing public health, equity, and sustainable development. in the development sector. Dr. Ranjan has been associated with various national and international leadership fellowships and has contributed significantly to advancing nutrition, health, and community development initiatives across India. He is known for promoting collective action and cross-sector partnerships as key drivers of long-term, scalable social change.
Rashmi Pimpale is the CEO of RICH (Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad)-Hyderabad S&T Cluster, an initiative of the Telangana government and O/o Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India, which facilitates the process of taking research to market by fostering collaboration between research and academic institutions, industry, entrepreneurs, start-ups, NGOs and civic society for an effective innovation ecosystem. Prior to RICH, she has worked in the pharmaceutical sector for over 12 years in R&D and Intellectual Property management roles. She holds a post-graduate degree in pharmaceutical sciences from Pune University and MBA from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
We’re a leading Agri & food incubator in India called Indigram Labs with about 100 startups. We have made over 90+ Agri and food pre-seed investments in the last 8 years and these companies have raised over USD 600 Million in follow-on equity institutional capital so far and currently also running a micro VC fund called Benzai10 ventures to invest in rural Agri and food ventures. A lot of our investments intersects with climate theme and also have Deeptech / Biotech and food consumer brands.
Alokparna Sengupta is the Managing Director of Humane World for Animals India Foundation (formerly Humane Society International/India) and one of India's leading voices in animal protection and welfare. With more than 15 years of experience spanning policy advocacy, law, science, public engagement, and institutional leadership, she has been at the forefront of some of the country's most significant animal welfare reforms.
A trained biotechnologist and legal professional, Alokparna holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Osmania University and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from National Law University, Delhi. Her unique interdisciplinary expertise has enabled her to bridge science, law, public policy, and compassion to drive meaningful systemic change.
Alokparna played a pivotal role in securing India's landmark ban on animal testing for cosmetics and subsequent restrictions on the import of animal-tested cosmetic products. Working closely with regulatory authorities, including the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), she helped advance India's position as a global leader in cruelty-free innovation.
A trained biotechnologist and legal professional, Alokparna holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Osmania University and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from National Law University, Delhi. Her unique interdisciplinary expertise has enabled her to bridge science, law, public policy, and compassion to drive meaningful systemic change.
Alokparna played a pivotal role in securing India's landmark ban on animal testing for cosmetics and subsequent restrictions on the import of animal-tested cosmetic products. Working closely with regulatory authorities, including the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), she helped advance India's position as a global leader in cruelty-free innovation.
Vivek Jain is the Co-Founder & CEO of Stride Green, a technology-enabled climate finance platform accelerating the adoption of sustainable infrastructure through innovative green asset financing, leasing, and asset management solutions. Under his leadership, Stride Green has emerged as a leading enabler of India's energy transition, supporting electric mobility, battery storage, and renewable energy with technology-driven capital solutions. Previously, Vivek served as Director at Stride Ventures, where he led investments and built strategic partnerships across the venture ecosystem. With over 19 years of experience spanning wholesale banking, structured finance, investment banking, and startup financing, he has held leadership roles at HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, and Aditya Birla Finance. Vivek is a passionate advocate for climate finance, sustainable innovation, and building scalable financial ecosystems for the green economy.
Innovation Partners
Ecosystem Partners
Associate Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Banking Partners
Technology Partners
Art Partners
Gifting Partners
Social Innovation & Purpose Pitch Partners
Our Partners
Agenda
Hall 1 - MARVEL (5th floor)
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM - Registration & Arrival
- Kamna Hazrati – Founder – AndPurpose
10 AM - 10:10 AM - Welcome Address - Opening Plenary: Reimagining Business with Purpose
- Kamna Hazrati – Founder – AndPurpose
10:15 - 11:00 AM - Panel Discussion - EVs, Public Transport & Road Safety: Building Telangana's Mobility Future
-Gopalakrishnan VC – Director – Automotive & Electric Vehicles Sector
– Venkat Rajaraman – CEO – Cygni Energy Private Limited
-Vivek jain – MD & CEO – Stride Green capital
–Mahak Agarwal – India Head – Riding Sunbeams
12:20 PM - 1 PM - Panel Discussion - Regenerative Agriculture & Food Systems
Scaling Sustainable Rural Prosperity
Speakers of the Event:
- Vamsi Udayagiri – Founder & CEO – Hesa
- Dr. G. Venkateshwarlu – Managing Director – AgHub
- Ashish Khetan – Founding Partner – Indigram
- Ms. Rashmi Pimpale – CEO – Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad
1 PM - 1:45 PM - Powering Change - How Telangana is Shaping India's Sustainable Future
Exploring how businesses are accelerating climate action through clean energy, water stewardship, resource efficiency, and sustainable innovation.
Speakers of the event:
Speakers of the event:
- Namita Banka – Founder & MD – Banka Bioloo
- Radhika Choudary – Co Founder – Freyr Energy
- Rashi Aggarwal – Chief Growth Officer – T-Hub
- Krishna Thota – Senior Vice President – Re Sustainability
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM - Panel Discussion - From CSR to Shared Value: Unlocking India's ₹33,000 Crore Corporate Impact Opportunity
Speakers of the event
– Samrat Basak – Director – Resilience Actions
– Krishna Mohan Deevi – Senior Director – Cyient
– Dr Sujeet Ranjan – CEO – United Way of Delhi
– Alokparna Sengupta – Managing Director – Humane World for Animals India Foundation
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM - Panel Discussion - Sustainable Capital: Financing for the future
Speakers of the event
– Laxmikanth V – Managing Partner -PAVESTONE
– Yashodhara Bakliwal – CA/CFA/CS -Transition VC
-Arvind Modi – Partner – Sathguru Catalyser Fund
– Kamna Hazrati – Founder & CEO -AndPurpose
Hall 2 - OASIS (7th floor)
THEME - Animal Welfare: The Next CSR Frontier
The future of CSR extends beyond people and the planet – it must also include animals. From supporting rural livelihoods and food systems to strengthening ecosystem resilience, animal welfare is deeply interconnected with some of today’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.
This event explores how corporates can unlock greater impact by incorporating animal welfare into their sustainability agenda.
- Alokparna Sengupta – Managing Director – Humane World for Animals India Foundation
- Dr. Sujeet Ranjan – Chief Executive Officer – United Way of Delhi
Request for Invite, Register for Event
*Entry subject to approval
INTRODUCTION
Animal welfare is deeply connected to climate resilience, public health, sustainable food systems, and livelihoods. As businesses increasingly focus on sustainability and ESG goals, understanding these intersections has become essential. This session will explore why corporates should view animal welfare through a broader lens and how integrating it into business strategies can help build more resilient communities, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable future.
Hall 1 - MARVEL (5th floor)
Hall 1 - Marvel (5th floor)
Hall 3 - PINNACLE (7th floor)
09:15 AM – 09:30 AM - Future Outlook - Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks & Setting the Context: The Future of Work, Climate, AI, and Impact Careers
Keynote by Meraj Faheem, CEO of Telangana State Innovation Council (TGIC)
09:30 AM – 11 AM - Career Discovery Workshop by TopRankers Udaan & Masters’ Union
Career Discovery Workshop –
Facilitated by Aditya Bose, Product Owner, TopRankers Udaan,
Co-facilitated by Anushree Poddar, Programme Director, PGP Sustainability & Business Head, Masters’ Union
11:00 AM to 11: 15 AM - Networking Break
Tea, Coffee & Networking Break
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM - Panel: Future-Ready Careers
Uncensored! Future-Ready Careers: What Employers, Founders and Investors Are Looking For in Sustainability & Impact
- Dr. Malini Reddy – Head of Business Solutions & Strategy, Re Sustainability
- Jeeten Desai – Founder, Ambiator
- Shramay Jha – Investor, Pavestone VC
- Aishwarya Srinivasan – Policy & Strategy Lead, G Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Sciences | Curator, Global Shapers Hyderabad
Session Moderated by Deepa Sai – Founder, EcoHQ
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM - Hot Tables - Future Makers Circles!
Sector Champions Tables: Climate & Sustainability, Entrepreneurship & Startups, Venture Capital & Investing, Social Impact & Development
- The ClimatAct Initiative
- Ambiator
- Pavestone VC
- Re Sustainability
- Global Shapers Hyderabad
- Hyderbadi Thrifters & ESI Sustainable Solutions
- Telangana Innovation Cell (TGIC)
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM – QS ImpACT SDG Pitch Challenge
Hosted in partnership with QS ImpACT, a UNEP-accredited and UK-registered global charity and the social impact arm of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, empowering young people worldwide through sustainability, innovation, and leadership programmes aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Student teams will pitch their SDG-focused ideas to a judging panel, with the top teams winning complimentary passes to the QS ImpACT Youth Summit 2026 in London.
Hosted by QS ImpACT
SDG Pitch Innovation Challenge Jury Members:
- Aashna Shah, Managing Director, QS ImpACT
- Anushree Poddar, Masters Union
- Deepa Sai, Director, EcoHQ
1:30 PM – 1: 45 PM - Closing Note & Networking
Delivered by Kamna Hazrati, Founder of AndPurpose
Media Mentions
AI for Planetary Health: Technology Tackling Climate Change
Exploring how AI and data-driven technologies are addressing climate challenges, from prediction and mitigation to resource optimisation, enabling smarter, scalable solutions for planetary health.
Energy Access & Just Transitions: Ensuring No Community Is Left Behind
Focusing on equitable energy transitions, ensuring access to clean, affordable energy while supporting vulnerable communities, livelihoods, and inclusive development pathways in emerging economies.
Regenerative Agriculture: Restoring Land and Livelihoods
Exploring regenerative agriculture practices that restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and improve farmer livelihoods, building resilient food systems in the face of climate change.
E-Waste, Plastics & Packaging: Innovations in Recycling and Recovery
Exploring innovations in recycling, material recovery, and circular design to tackle growing e-waste, plastic, and packaging challenges across urban and industrial ecosystems.
Future Mobility & EV Ecosystems: Cities Leading the Transition
How cities are driving the shift to electric mobility through policy, infrastructure, and innovation – building integrated EV ecosystems that enable cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable transport systems.
The growing role of CSR & Sustainable finance
From CSR to Shared Value: Unlocking India’s ₹33,000 Crore Corporate Impact Opportunity
FOR PEOPLE & THE planet —
PAST INNOVATION PARTNERS
What You’ll Experience at AndPurpose Forums, Hyderabad 2026
Panel Discussions & Fireside Chats
Sharp conversations with industry leaders on innovation, climate, mobility, AI-enabled solutions, sustainable business and impact capital.
Sharp conversations with industry leaders on innovation, climate, mobility, AI-enabled solutions, sustainable business and impact capital.
CSR Workshop
Hands-on session for corporate leaders to translate sustainability commitments into actionable programmes.
Hands-on session for corporate leaders to translate sustainability commitments into actionable programmes.
Purpose Pitch
Watch impact-driven startups pitch in front of investors, CSR leaders, and ESG heads looking for their next partnership.
Watch impact-driven startups pitch in front of investors, CSR leaders, and ESG heads looking for their next partnership.
Investor Roundtable
A closed-door session connecting impact investors and philanthropic capital with high-potential ventures in Telangana and beyond.
A closed-door session connecting impact investors and philanthropic capital with high-potential ventures in Telangana and beyond.
Art & Purpose
Where storytelling meets systems change – art installations and creative sessions that make the intangible tangible.
Where storytelling meets systems change – art installations and creative sessions that make the intangible tangible.
KEY THEMATIC AREAS
With Action Comes Hope
AndPurpose Forums blend social innovation, art, and storytelling to move conversations into action. Each forum is designed to spark collaboration, showcase solutions, and inspire change through art & storytelling. By uniting changemakers and innovators, we create spaces where purpose drives progress and ideas transform into lasting impact.
See what the Industry Stalwarts have to say
KEY CONVERSATIONS —
From circular fashion and climate resilience for coastal regions, to finance as a force for good and gender & inclusion, the Forum is designed to spark partnerships and ideas that balance people, planet, and profit.
Feedback from Past Attendees
Our Attendees
Philanthropists Impact Investors Social Entrepreneurs CSR Leaders Civil Society leaders Foundations
About AndPurpose Forums, Hyderabad 2026
What is the AndPurpose Forum, Hyderabad 2026?
The AndPurpose Forum, Hyderabad 2026, is a one-day sustainability and social impact summit bringing together 200+ leaders from industry, government, civil society, and impact capital. It convenes changemakers to drive action across the circular economy, EV mobility, HealthTech, AI for climate, clean energy, and climate-smart agriculture.
When and where is the AndPurpose Forum Hyderabad?
The forum is scheduled for July 17, 2026, at T-Hub, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is a one-day, curated gathering with limited availability. Book your tickets now.
Who should attend the AndPurpose Forum Hyderabad?
The forum is designed for CEOs and CXOs, CSR and ESG heads, impact investors, VCs and philanthropies, startup founders, policymakers, think tanks, social entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders working across sustainability, climate, health, and inclusive growth sectors.
What are the key themes at the Hyderabad sustainability summit?
The forum covers six thematic areas: Circular Economy & Waste Innovation, Future Mobility & EV Ecosystems, Sustainable Capital & Impact Innovation, CSR, Tech and AI for good, Clean Energy Transitions, and Climate-Smart Agriculture & Food Systems.
How is AndPurpose Forum different from other sustainability events in Hyderabad?
AndPurpose Forums are deliberately curated and kept intimate, never more than 200 attendees. Every speaker, exhibitor, and attendee is selected for relevance and impact. This means higher quality conversations, fewer generic panels, and more meaningful connections than a large open-access conference.
How can I register for the AndPurpose Forum Hyderabad 2026?
You can register directly through the registration link here. Tickets are also available on BookMyShow and District. Seats are limited, so early registration is recommended.
Can startups and social enterprises apply to showcase at the Hyderabad Forum?
Yes. Startups and nonprofits can apply for the Social Innovation Exhibit or the Purpose Pitch, a live pitching session in front of investors and CSR leaders. Applications are open at andpurpose.world/social-innovation-exhibits/.
Can organisations become sponsors or partners for the Hyderabad Forum?
Yes. AndPurpose offers multiple partnership tiers for corporates, foundations, and impact organisations looking for brand visibility, audience engagement, and co-creation opportunities. Visit the PARTNER link here or write to hello@andpurpose.world.
Is the AndPurpose Forum Hyderabad part of a larger series?
Yes. The Hyderabad Forum is part of AndPurpose’s India-wide Forums series, building towards the flagship Global Summit in New Delhi in 2026. Past city editions were held in New Delhi (March 2025), Bengaluru (July 2025), and Mumbai (December 2025).
What has been the reach and impact of past AndPurpose Forums?
Past forums in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru collectively brought together 600+ changemakers, 1M+ Digital reach, and generated 400M+ media impressions. Past venues include Jio World Convention Centre (Mumbai) and Sabha (Bengaluru).
What CSR and ESG opportunities are available at the Hyderabad Forum?
CSR leaders can speak and attend the dedicated CSR Workshop, connect with vetted nonprofits and social enterprises at the exhibition, and explore partnership opportunities with innovators working on Telangana and Andhra Pradesh-specific sustainability challenges.
Are there networking opportunities at the forum?
Yes. Networking is a core part of the design; the curated format means every connection is high-value. There are dedicated networking sessions, an investor roundtable, and exhibition spaces built for introductions to happen organically across changemakers, funders, and corporates.
