Meet visionary entrepreneurs defining the future | Forbes 2026

Popularly known as an “Entertainpreneur,” Pankkaj Agarwal has spent more than two decades building businesses centered around entertainment, leisure, and shared experiences. As the Founder and CEO of PUNO, he has played a key role in shaping India’s growing experiential entertainment industry through destinations that combine entertainment, technology, hospitality, and customer experience under one roof. With a vision to build PUNO into a truly pan-India brand, Mr. Agarwal is actively driving the company’s expansion through and new centers & with multiple formats across India. At the core of Pankkaj Agarwal’s vision is the belief that entertainment should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, occasion, or interest. Whether it’s families looking to spend quality time together, colleagues celebrating milestones, friends enjoying themselves, or individuals seeking fun, PUNO’s experience-led approach reflects the changing way consumers choose to relax, socialize, and celebrate in rising India.

Zootii by Bibliophiles, a premium, children-safe lifestyle brand, is redefining how Indian families shop for everyday school essentials. Founded by Apurva Mhatre and Adnyesh Dalpati, who walked away from high paying corporate careers. Zootii is on a mission to become the one-stop global brand for all premium and safe children essentials, trusted by parents and loved by children. The brand has crossed 1,00,000+ customers and counts celebrity parents like Virat Kohli and Ranveer Singh among its buyers, powered by a proprietary AI personalization engine even the world’s largest marketplaces have been unable to crack at scale.

Studio EBBXFLO is pioneering a new creative discipline in India, one that unites design, psychology, culture, art and science into a single practice. Founded by Akash Kumawat and Anusha Tallam, the Bengaluru-based studio builds brands as systems of meaning rather than exercises in aesthetics. Through its proprietary Brand Therapy™️ framework, EBBXFLO works across branding, packaging, experiences and cultural strategy, developing original methodologies that challenge conventional approaches to brand building. Beyond client work, the studio has established initiatives such as Briefs Are Lies, a peer-to-peer creative learning cohort, Freeze, an exploration of visual communication beyond language, and KAOZ, an experience design practice focused on translating ideas, emotions and narratives into immersive brand encounters. Recognised by Kyoorius, Abby One Show, International Design Awards and Design India, EBBXFLO is helping shape the future of creativity through originality, authorship and cultural relevance.

Founded by Rithwik Srinivas Ennamuri, With a strong focus on strengthening university-industry collaboration, Unlox has been actively working alongside academic institutions and industry leaders to create more relevant and career-oriented learning ecosystems. Through strategic partnerships with 130+ institutions and universities, 150+ hiring partners, and industry experts, Unlox has helped bridge the gap between classroom and industry, benefiting over 2 lakh students across India. These collaborations have enabled practical learning, mentorship, industry insights, and career opportunities beyond traditional academic frameworks. Through its hybrid learning model, Unlox is advancing an outcome-driven education ecosystem focused on career readiness and future success.

Dr. Alisha Madhok Walia, Founder & CEO of Sunbeam World School, is redefining the future of education by making world-class learning accessible beyond geographical boundaries. Under her leadership, Sunbeam has grown into one of Asia’s largest online schools, serving over 100,000 students across 30+ countries through technology-driven, future-ready education. With over 15 years of experience in the education sector, Dr. Walia has championed AI-powered learning, inclusive education, and personalized academic pathways. Her vision is transforming traditional schooling into a borderless ecosystem that empowers students with the skills, confidence, and global mindset required for tomorrow’s world.

More than a decade ago, Janaki Pulaparthi recognized that data analytics would become the foundation upon which artificial intelligence would evolve. That belief led her to pursue a Master’s in Business Analytics from the Indian School of Business (ISB), followed by the prestigious ISB PGPMAX programme, combining analytical expertise with strategic leadership.

Today, she leads Akin Analytics Solutions, a DeepTech company focused on AI-Augmented Drone Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Industry 4.0 technologies for governments and legacy industries. Under her leadership, the company has established a Centre of Excellence for Drone Technologies, developed AI-powered industrial intelligence solutions, designed the DGCA Type-Certified NIKA2 Multi-Payload Kisan Drone, and is advancing indigenous Nano Recon Drone technologies for defence applications. Supported through NIDHI PRAYAS, SISFS, and a MeitY-backed fund, Akin Analytics continues to contribute to Digital India, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Access to specialist dermatology care remains a challenge for many people, particularly outside major cities. Dr. Alok Sahoo, an AIIMS New Delhi-trained dermatologist with more than a decade of clinical experience, founded Alloroots and Allodermis to make expert skin and hair care more accessible through a doctor-led approach.

By combining personalized treatment plans with technology-enabled consultations, he has helped expand access to dermatology services across India and beyond. Over the years, Dr. Sahoo has performed more than 3,000 hair transplant procedures for patients from over 10 countries while treating a wide range of concerns, including hair loss, scalp disorders, acne, and pigmentation. His focus remains on evidence-based care and improving access to qualified dermatological support.

Dr. Tallapalem Manoj Kumar is the Founder and CEO of MK DIGITALMARE Pvt. Ltd., a Hyderabad-based digital transformation company specializing in digital marketing, software development, and AI-driven advertising solutions. With over a decade of experience in technology, digital marketing, and business development, he has helped organizations accelerate growth through innovative digital strategies. Under his leadership, MK DIGITALMARE has successfully served startups, SMEs, and enterprises across multiple industries. He is also the visionary behind HIFIAD, a product-based advertising technology platform designed to simplify digital advertising, enhance audience targeting, and deliver measurable business outcomes. Passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, Dr. T Manoj Kumar continues to build scalable technology solutions that empower businesses in the evolving digital economy.

Mohammad Ameen, Founder & CEO of BHADOHI RUG, has been leading the company’s growth and innovation since its establishment in 1988 in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, the rug capital of India. Under his leadership, BHADOHI RUG has become a trusted manufacturer and exporter of premium handmade rugs and carpets, serving clients across global markets. With deep expertise in craftsmanship, customization, and sustainable production, he is committed to preserving Bhadohi’s rich weaving heritage while delivering world-class designs for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. His vision continues to position BHADOHI RUG as a globally recognized name in handmade rugs & carpets.

In 2017, Hemin Shah started Cake2homes with a simple goal: making gifting more convenient, reliable, and accessible. What began as a home-based venture has since grown into a platform serving customers across more than 150 cities in India, offering cakes, flowers, and personalized gifts for every occasion.

The journey was not without challenges. Hemin Shah navigated funding constraints and a serious health setback while continuing to expand the business. Rather than slowing down, he adapted and strengthened the company’s online presence. More recently, he launched Floweree, a premium flower-gifting brand that achieved EBITDA profitability within just six months of launch. As he looks ahead, Shah is now investing in the development of an AI-powered ecommerce platform aimed at making gifting more personalized and intuitive for consumers.

The pages slugged ‘Brand Connect’ are equivalent to advertisements and are not written and produced by Forbes India journalists.