New Delhi [India], April 2: Karthik Raja Karnan, the CEO & Founder of MADique Technologies and Co-Founder of Smiles of India Foundation, has once again made headlines by securing the India’s Top SME 100 Award (2025) at the India SME 100 Awards in New Delhi. This recognition comes after a rigorous selection process from over 27,500+ MSMEs across the nation.
In addition to this prestigious honor, Karthik Raja Karnan has been conferred with multiple national and international awards in 2025, celebrating his excellence in entrepreneurship, social impact, and business leadership. His unwavering dedication to technological innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability has positioned him as a trailblazer in India’s MSME sector.
India SME 100 Awards: A Milestone Achievement for MADique Technologies
The India SME 100 Awards, organized by Axis Bank in partnership with the India SME Forum, honored the top-performing MSMEs for their contributions to India’s economic growth, innovation, and industrial transformation. The 11th edition of the awards was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including:
- Hon’ble Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Ministry of MSME
- Shri Amitabh Chaudhry, MD & CEO, Axis Bank
- Shri Prahlad Kakkar, Chairman, India SME Forum
Speaking at the event, Shri Amitabh Chaudhry, MD & CEO of Axis Bank, remarked:
“India’s MSMEs are not just business entities; they are the engines of economic transformation. Through resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurship, they are shaping India’s global business landscape. We take immense pride in recognizing and celebrating leaders like Karthik Raja Karnan, who are driving progress in the industry.”
The winners were evaluated on growth performance, financial strength, innovation, people capital, international outlook, and corporate governance. Karthik’s ability to scale MADique Technologies into a global food automation leader exporting to 30+ countries was a significant factor in his selection.
A Year of Exceptional Achievements & Global Recognition
Beyond the India SME 100 Award, Karthik Raja Karnan has been honored with an array of prestigious national and international awards in 2025, recognizing his contributions across business, technology, and social welfare. Some of his most notable accolades include: Major Awards & Recognitions (2025)
- Pride of Tamil Nadu Award – Youngster Times Media, Madurai
- Youth for Social Empowerment Award – Aram Foundation, Chennai
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam National Star Award – WELRED Foundation
- Best Social Welfare Initiative Award – World Talent Network, India
- Business Leader Award – Indian Achievers Forum, Delhi
- Social Entrepreneur Award – All India Business & Community Foundation
- Honorary Doctorate – OXFAA University, Trichy
- Top 100 Leader Award – MTTV News Media
- National Talent Award – Indian NGO Award Council, Bangalore
- Rising Star Award – Heights of Success Magazine
- National Pride Award – Socially Point India Foundation
- Best Entrepreneur Business Award – Paneerthevar Memorial Foundation
- Impact Innovator – Tamil Nadu State Award – Veyil Foundation
- National Social Achievement Award – Global Achievers Council, Chennai
- National Pride Award – Trust of Pressman, Jaipur
These recognitions further highlight his commitment to business excellence, social responsibility, and impactful leadership in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Legacy of MADique Technologies: Innovation Meets Social Responsibility
Karthik Raja Karnan’s vision for MADique Technologies goes beyond business success. The company integrates technology, education, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that its growth positively impacts entrepreneurs, marginalized communities, and the planet.
1.Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Automation
Under Karthik’s leadership, MADique Technologies has developed groundbreaking food automation machines, including:
- The world’s smallest automatic idiyappam machine (recognized by the Kalam Book of World Records)
- Affordable automation solutions empowering 3,000+ entrepreneurs worldwide
- Expansion to 30+ countries, helping small businesses thrive globally
- Inclusivity & Community Support
MADique Technologies actively supports differently-abled individuals, ex-military personnel, and families of active-duty military members through a 10% discount initiative, making automation accessible to marginalized communities.
- Education & Inspiration
To promote lifelong learning, every MADique customer receives a copy of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s biography, inspiring entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, perseverance, and visionary thinking.
- Environmental Sustainability
Inspired by Dr. Kalam’s vision, MADique Technologies launched an eco-friendly initiative, gifting seed balls enriched with nutrients and fertilizers to customers, promoting reforestation and environmental consciousness.
Giving Back: The Smiles of India Foundation
Beyond MADique Technologies, Karthik Raja Karnan is the co-founder of the Smiles of India Foundation, an initiative dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities.
For every machine sold, ₹500 is donated to support:
- Providing food and educational materials to underprivileged children
- Supporting rural development projects
- Creating access to education and healthcare for those in need
Through this initiative, Karthik ensures that every MADique customer becomes part of a larger social movement.
Karthik Raja Karnan: A Journey of Grit, Vision, and Impact
Born in Salem, Tamil Nadu, Karthik’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to perseverance and innovation. After completing his Electrical & Electronics Engineering degree, he turned down a lucrative job offer from Titan to pursue his startup dream.
Starting MADique Technologies from a small car shed, he built an empire that now:
Exports automation machines to 30+ countries
Has empowered 3,000+ small businesses worldwide
Holds multiple records & prestigious business awards
His goal? To empower 10,000 entrepreneurs by 2030 through automation, skill development, and social impact.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Innovation & Impact
As MADique Technologies continues to scale new heights, Karthik Raja Karnan remains focused on:
Advancing food automation technology for global markets
Expanding social responsibility programs under the Smiles of India Foundation Inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs & innovators
“Success isn’t just about business growth; it’s about the lives we impact along the way. At MADique Technologies, we are building a future where innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability go hand in hand.” – Karthik Raja Karnan
