• Recognizing trailblazing contributions in fintech, healthtech, edutech, and innovative digital business models in any business verticals.

• Honouring Digital Leaders and CDO’s who have demonstrated outstanding results in business transformation.

Maverick Effect Awards

• Celebrating companies and individuals creating a Maverick Effect in the industry and contributing towards India's growth.

• Companies applying for this category, kindly download the application, fill the details and upload the completed application at www.imc-itawards.in or email it to imc-itawards@imcnet.org.
• Award is open to companies working in Fintech, Healthtech and Edutech. A sub category is available to applicants of any business vertical including retail, manufacturing, Agriculture, Government etc.
• Fill the details in the form given in Part A and B, upload all relevant documents and a brief on the merits of your project.
• Category I Applications are invited from companies, enterprises, organizations both government and private and startups

Category I: Applicants are expected to provide below given details section wise in a Ms Word as a write-up or in a PPT format.

• A brief about your organization, type of Business
• A brief about Vision, objectives and goal
• Technology landscape like Agility, Digital platform, API & microservice architecture, which all digital technology are being used
• Inbuilt capabilities data and cyber security, data privacy
• Customer segment that the business model is serving
• Why you consider the solution is innovative?
• Since how long the solution is functioning?
• Challenges faced so far
• Value added for customers and stake holders
• Testimonials and accolades, if any
• Any other information, you want to submit

Please note incase there is any difficulty in providing details in some of the above areas, application with partial details will be accepted; and if the application is shortlisted then during direct one on one interaction with jury, details will have to be shared.

• The first level scrutiny of application will be done to check whether the minimal required information has been submitted.
• Shortlisting Process: Two levels of shortlisting:
  • Screening of applications will be done by the internal technical expert committee and
  • Shortlisted entries would be submitted to the esteemed jury for their shortlisting of winners and runner ups in each category
• Jury may ask company’s to present merit of their project through online interaction as a part of the verification process
• Please note, at present this category of award is open to all type of companies, major, medium, small and start ups. Jury’s decision on the category’s awarded will be treated as final and binding.

Each entry will be assessed by expert committee and jury on a point scale of 100 with the below weightage

1.	Problem, solution & value creation	20 %
2.	Impact on Customer experience	20 %
3.	Technology maturity	20 %
4.	Business Model maturity level	20 %
5.	Cyber security and Data Privacy	10 %
6.	Sustainability and Scalability	10 %

Honouring CDOs and Digital Leaders who have demonstrated outstanding results in business transformation

• In the age of AI and Digital transformation, CDOs and Digital heads have a transformative role in Business.
• Best CIOs/Digital Leaders in various business verticals will be honoured with this Award for their outstanding contribution in bringing about digital transformation.
• Assessment Criteria has been described in the next slide.
• Based on the number of applications received, candidates will be selected from different verticals, if their application complies with the criteria's laid down by the Jury

(PART B) Honouring CDOs and Digital Leaderswho have demonstrated outstanding results in business transformation

• Applications for this category of award will have to stipulate the following information section wise in MS Word or PPT format:
  • A brief about the applicant and the years of experience
  • A brief of the applicant’s company or consultancy
  • List of at least 2 projects reflecting the key contributions. Please provide following details related to the project:
    • Name of Project
    • A brief description of the project
    • Applicant’s role in the project
      • As Technologist
      • As Business Manager
    • Brief of Business Impact
    • Brief of Operation excellence
    • Key challenges faced and overcome
  • A brief about business Value created
  • Any additional information to support the candidature
  • Awards, accolades or recognitions received

Each entry will be assessed by expert committee and jury on a point scale of 100 with the following weightage

1.	Technology Excellence demonstrated	20 %
2.	Business Impact demonstrated	20 %
3.	Contribution in building People	20 %
4.	Contribution in building System	20 %
5.	Overall Customer Value creation	20 %

• The Maverick Effect can be defined as: An approach where fierce competitors or industry stakeholders collaborate to solve the industry’s problems and prioritize the greater good / betterment of a nation, by partnering with the government as well as the relevant stakeholders of that industry’s ecosystem.
• The Maverick Effect exemplifies the power of collaboration built on a neutral, trustworthy, and transparent platform that brings together a collective of unique individuals interested in co-creating the future building on their shared values and purpose.

• Industry Associations and Consortia: Groups, associations or consortia formed by multiple organizations for a certain sector that focuses on collaborative projects or initiatives that address industry-wide challenges or opportunities.
• Multi-Organization Collaborations: Joint initiatives by multiple organizations, especially where competitors come together to solve common problems, innovate, or drive industry standards for the greater good. This could include collaborations for research and development, industry benchmark setting, or shared technology platforms.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between government bodies and private sector organizations or consortia, aimed at leveraging technology for public good, policy-making, or societal benefit.
• Academic-Industry Collaborations: Joint projects between universities, research institutions, and industry players that focus on technological innovation, research, and development with potential industry applications.
• Non-Profit Collaborations: Non-profit organizations that partner with technology companies or industry associations to leverage any technology for social impact or to address societal challenges.

Incase there is a nomination other than above categories, the same will be considered if it meets the criteria.

• The candidate/organisation for this Award shall be nominated by the knowledgeable stalwarts of the industry and will have to share information as per the application questions given in the following slide
• Jury will holistically contemplate and decide the winners (one or more) in the following titles:
  • Maverick Effect Catalyst, 2024
  • Maverick Effect Trailblazer, 2024
  • Maverick Effect Pioneer, 2024
• or any other title decided by the esteemed Jury members
• The information is being asked for making the decision transparent and authoritative for the Jury

Nominees to demonstrate their actions in any 3-5 criteria to qualify,

Collaborative Impact: Evidence of significant impact achieved through collaboration, especially in challenging or competitive environments.

• Innovation and Creativity: Frugal and creative innovation in technologies, problem solving at an industry or national level, improving business processes.
• Innovation and Creativity: Frugal and creative innovation in technologies, problem solving at an industry or national level, improving business processes.
• Industry / Sector Contribution: Contributions to the broader technology industry, beyond the collective’s own interests, commercial or otherwise.
• Sustainability and Scalability: Long-term sustainability and scalability of the collaborative or initiative.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Inclusion of diverse perspectives and equitable participation in the collaborative effort.
• Meritocracy and Integrity: Adherence to meritocratic standards and integrity in all collaborative efforts.
• Greater Good of Industry/Sector/India: Shows clear evidence of actions taken for the broader benefit of the industry, sector, or India, rather than just individual or organizational gain.
• Prioritizing the Highest Common Denominator: Evidence of decision-making within the collective that benefits the largest number of stakeholders, aiming for inclusive and composite outcomes.
• Separating Signal from Noise: Demonstrates the collective’s ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities within challenges, using innovative thinking to turn potential adversities into advantages.
• Beyond Personal Agendas: Shows a commitment to collective growth, rallying members around a shared vision for the greater good, rather than serving the interests of a select few.

Depending on the shortlisting criteria chosen, the following questions can help the nominees explain their impact and can help jury members assess and evaluate the entries.

• Describe your collective collaborative initiative and objective
• How has your collective fostered collaboration within your industry or across sectors?
• How does your collective serve as a neutral, transparent and open forum for expression of its members?
• Can you provide examples of how your collective has ensured that diverse voices and perspectives within your group are heard and addressed?
• What frugal / innovative approaches or technologies has your collective employed?
• Give us an instance of how meritocracy, diversity and inclusion has been upheld within your collective?
• In what ways does your collective act in the greater good of the industry, sector, or India?
• How do you measure the impact of your collective?
• How do you ensure that your collective’s decisions prioritize the highest common denominator? Can you give an example of a decision that benefitted a large number of stakeholders?
• Describe how your collective has identified and capitalized on opportunities hidden within adversities?
• How does your collective transcend personal or organizational agendas to focus on the greater good of the industry or India’s growth?
• What strategies do you employ to rally members around a shared, grander vision for India?
• Can you provide an example of how the unified voice of your collective has communicated and achieved its objectives between its members and other ecosystem stakeholders?

NASSCOM’S HANDLING OF IT MNC ENTRY INTO INDIA

• In the late 20th century, India’s economic landscape was heavily influenced by protectionist policies, casting the Indian Information Technology (IT) sector primarily as an outsourcing destination for low-cost software labor. NASSCOM was determined to transform India’s image from a mere cost-effective solution to a hub of quality and innovation in the IT domain.
• One of NASSCOM’s most significant moves that exemplifies the Maverick Effect it has had on Indian IT and India was its advocacy for the entry of Multinational Companies (MNCs) in the tech space into India. NASSCOM faced resistance and skepticism both from within its ranks and from external policymakers. To combat this, the strategy employed by NASSCOM was multifaceted. It included hosting an open forum for debate, where extensive and inclusive discussions were had about the entry of MNCs over eighteen long months. This approach ensured that every member, regardless of size or influence, had their voice heard.
• NASSCOM also relied on data-driven advocacy, presenting comprehensive data to support the benefits of allowing MNCs and GCCs into India. This approach helped in balancing the national identity with the need for global integration, emphasizing the development of human capital in India as a key criterion for inclusion in NASSCOM.
• The impact of NASSCOM’s efforts was profound and quantifiable. The entry of MNCs and GCCs into India has not only contributed a staggering $34 billion, approximately 2% of India’s GDP, but also employed more than a million people. This significant economic contribution was coupled with a paradigm shift in the global perception of India. The nation transitioned from being viewed as a low-cost labor market to being recognized as a center of innovation and quality. NASSCOM’s approach benefitted not only the entire IT ecosystem in India but also the nation and economy. Furthermore, projections indicate a potential growth to $100 billion of revenue by 2030, underscoring the long-term impact of this move.
• NASSCOM’s journey and its handling of the MNC situation stand as a testament to the power of the Maverick Effect. It demonstrates how collective action, driven by shared values and a shared vision for the greater good of the industry and the nation, can lead to transformative change.

• Nominating person or Candidate should decide the category and furnish information as required and to be uploaded on www.imc-itawards.in or sent to imc-itawards@imcnet.org
• Jury decision will be final and binding
• IMC will be using the data submitted in the nomination for aggregate analysis and research which would help identify digital trends and best practices for the greater good of the industry. No individual data will be revealed
• Name of company and category of the award/nomination and initiative will be announced at the award function and IMC websites
• In case of queries please reach out to :
  • Ms Selby Nambisan, Director – IT & Events, at +91 22 71226659 or email at selby@imcnet.org
  • Mr. Narendra Kadam, Deputy Director – IT at 9833351219 or email at narendra@imcnet.org