Publishing Innovation Award
Transformative business models, digital-first initiatives, AI-enabled workflows, or platform innovations.
Founders Edition · 2026
Excellence,
beyond the bestseller.
Nominations are now closed. Thank you to everyone who put forward an organisation, initiative or individual advancing Indian publishing.
Nominations have closed
Nominations closed at 5:00 pm IST on 10 September 2026. Winners will be announced on 25 September 2026.
Supporting partners
Knowledge partner
Integra Software Services Pvt. Ltd.
Content and technology solutions for academic, educational and professional publishing.
Banking partner
DCB Bank Limited
A scheduled commercial bank regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.
Supporting partner
Sanjeev Surana & Co.
A firm of Chartered Accountants.
Why these awards
The work behind the work deserves to be seen.
Publishing in India is being reshaped by digital innovation, AI, new distribution models, sustainability imperatives, and a deeper responsibility to widen access to knowledge.
The API Excellence Awards recognise individuals, organisations, publishers and teams enabling that transformation. Entries are considered for their quality, originality, rigour, and demonstrable impact.
Founders Edition · Year One
The five Founders Edition awards
Each category recognises a distinct contribution to Indian publishing. The Jury will select up to three finalists in each, and the winners will be announced at the ceremony.
Editorial Excellence Award
Outstanding editorial craft across trade, education, or academic publishing.
Production & Sustainability Excellence Award
Excellence in production, supply chains, responsible sourcing, efficiency, or environmental stewardship.
Publishing for Social Impact Award
Publishing initiatives advancing education, language inclusion, social awareness, or public good.
Young Publishing Professional of the Year (Under 35)
A rising professional showing leadership, innovation, and measurable contribution to publishing.
How nominations are assessed
A clear and fair process.
Independent jury
An independent Jury appointed by API will assess every eligible nomination.
Clear safeguards
Jury members will step aside where they have a direct or material conflict.
Evidence of impact
Entries are considered for the work itself, its significance and its demonstrated impact.
The awards evening
Winners announced in New Delhi.
The five Founders Edition winners will be revealed at the API Excellence Awards ceremony. Finalists are invited to attend.
- Date
- 25 September 2026
- Time
- 7:00 pm onwards
- Venue
- Tamarind HallIndia Habitat Centre
Lodhi Road, New Delhi
What happens next
From nominations to the awards evening
Nominations closed at 5:00 pm IST on 10 September 2026.
- The independent Jury reviews every eligible nomination
- Finalists may be asked for clarification or supporting evidence
- Up to three finalists are selected in each category
- Winners are announced at the ceremony on 25 September 2026
Nominations closed
Thank you for your nominations.
Nominations for the API Excellence Awards 2026 closed at 5:00 pm IST on 10 September 2026, and no further entries can be accepted.
If you submitted a nomination, your confirmation email carries its submission reference. For any questions, write to associationofpublishers@gmail.com.
Ceremony details