Innovation from Asia
that changes Asia and the world
Winner 2022
Saathi
India-based biodegradable sanitary pad maker wins Nikkei Asia Award
AHMEDABAD, India -- An Indian startup that makes biodegradable and compostable sanitary pads has been named winner of the Nikkei Asia Award for its unique technology and potential benefit to society, Nikkei announced on Tuesday.
It was Kristin Kagetsu's passion to work for a sustainable environment and underprivileged women that brought the American of Chinese and Japanese descent to India.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate developed the concept with co-founder Tarun Bothra, leading them to establish Saathi -- a Hindi for "companion" -- in Ahmedabad, in the western Indian state of Gujarat.
That was in 2015, and Saathi now produces sanitary napkins from locally sourced banana and bamboo fibers as well as other natural materials.
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KRISTIN KAGETSU [Saathi CEO]
TARUN BOTHRA [Saathi CTO]
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Asian
Innovation
Innovation from Asia
that changes Asia and the world
The NIKKEI ASIA AWARD is a project to recognize innovation originating Asia. “Innovation from Asia” involves any novel and innovative activities that promote the transformation of Asia and the world, and support the realization of a free and prosperous society from the Asian perspective – based on the diverse value.
The award focuses on novel and innovative activities started in Asia, and led by people from and living in Asia, creating a free and prosperous society by revitalizing the region and improving lives.
Nikkei newly launched the Nikkei Asia Award in 2021. The Nikkei Asia Prizes, established in 1996, had ended with the announcement of its 25th winners in 2020.
Mr. Fujio Mitarai is currently the Chairman & CEO of Canon Inc. Since 2014, he has served as Honorary President of The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and has served as the Honorary chairman of Nippon Keidanren since 2010.
He joined Canon Camera Co., Inc. in 1961, and held the position of President of Canon U.S.A. In 1989, he returned to Canon Inc. in Japan and was assigned to the position of Director of Corporate Administration. In 1995, he became the President and Representative Director of Canon Inc. From 2006, he held the positions of Chairman, President & CEO. From 2006 to 2010, he served as Chairman of Nippon Keidanren. He has served in his current position since 2020. He studied law at Chuo University.
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Brahma Chellaney
Professor, Strategic Studies at the Center for Policy Research in New Dehli
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Un Chan Chung
Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea
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Kayoko Hayashi
President, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Japan
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Masami Iijima
Counselor, Mitsui & Co Ltd.
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New
Advisory
Board
In order to reflect the diversity of perspectives in Asia, Nikkei has established the Advisory Board for the NIKKEI ASIA AWARD. The group consists of ten experts from Asian countries, including Japan. Nikkei appoints experts from nations and regions with shared values such as democracy, liberalism and market economy.
The Advisory Board submits the evaluations and opinions of the prospective candidates, selected by the Nikkei Selection Committee. Based on opinions and advice from the Board, the Nikkei Selection Committee chooses the award winner at the selection meeting, and obtains the approval of the Board.
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Tetsuo Kitani
Professor/Chair of IMS Lab, Office of Society-Academy Collaboration for Innovation, Kyoto University.
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Shinichi Kitaoka
Special Advisor to the President (former President), Japan International Cooperation Agency
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Takehiko Nakao
Chairman of the Institute at Mizuho Research & Technologies, Ltd.
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Soh Wai Lin, Christina
Dean, College of Business (Nanyang Business School) , Nanyang Technological University
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Somkiat Tangkitvanich
President, Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI)
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Who's Next?
from Asia to the World
Nominations are welcome from anyone who knows about worthy candidates. You may nominate candidate via our nomination form. Self-nominations are not accepted.