The future belongs to those who can lead with AI. Are you one of them?
For 16 years, NEXT100 has identified exceptional IT talent destined for the C-suite.
Now we're raising the bar to find leaders ready for the AI revolution.
No popularity contests. No politics.
Just a merit-based, comprehensive evaluation developed by CIOs, for future CIOs
NEXT100 2025: India's AI-Ready CIOs of Tomorrow
NEXT100 is an annual awards program instituted by IT Next and 9.9 Group that aims to identify 100 experienced IT managers who have the skills, talent and spirit to become CIOs.
The awards process invites aspirants to self-nominate themselves for consideration and qualification for the award.
Why NEXT100?
NEXT100 isn't just about recognition—it's about identifying the visionaries who will transform Indian business through AI leadership.
The NEXT100 program has been re-imagined to discover exceptional professionals who combine technical excellence with AI-driven strategic thinking.
Unlike other industry recognitions, NEXT100 employs a rigorous, holistic assessment developed with input from India's leading CIOs that takes into account:
. Professional accomplishments
. Psychometric assessments
. AI-readiness
. Jury interactions
Why Recognition Matters?
Join the prestigious community of NEXT100 winners and experience career acceleration that comes with this exclusive recognition:
. Get featured in the commemorative NEXT100 book which is circulated to hundreds of premier organizations
. Connect with an influential network of senior technology executives
. Receive validation from India's top CIOs and technology leaders
. Demonstrate your AI readiness to potential employers and stakeholders
What Makes NEXT100 Different?
The NEXT100 awards program draws on the expertise, contributions and support of India’s CIO community. Senior technology leaders from India’s top companies are involved in the NEXT100 process by determining the selection criteria, interacting with aspirants—approving the final list of award winners.
Unlike other industry recognitions, the NEXT100 evaluation process is comprehensive and merit-based:
. Holistic Assessment: Your application is evaluated on professional accomplishments, technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and future potential.
. Expert Validation: One-on-one interactions with a jury of accomplished CIOs and technology leaders enables personalized assessment
. Scientific Approach: Professional psychometric assessments provide insights into your leadership style and emotional intelligence
. Peer Recognition: Recommendations from supervisors and professional references validate your contributions
Jury Panel
India’s leading CIOs and business leaders play a large role in the selection of the NEXT100 award winners. The NEXT100 jury members cumulatively represent hundreds of years of managerial experience and technical expertise. They define the award selection criteria, interview candidates, and approve the list of winners.
Samrat Bhatt, Director information security, MatchMove Pay
Shweta Srivastava, Chief Technology Officer, Paul Merchants
Vineet Mehta, Co founder & CTO, Alyve Health
NEXT100 Awards 2021
NEXT100 Awards 2020
NEXT100 is an awards programme from ITNEXT, which identifies and honours’ India’s top 100 Senior IT Managers who have the leadership and technology acumen to become visionary IT leaders of tomorrow.
NEXT100 Winner 2017 talks about the NEXT100 selection process
"The NEXT100 applicants should be practical enough to understand business requirements. They also need to have the right attitude to learn." - Jayantha Prabhu, Group CIO, Essar Group on his expectations from NEXT100 applicants
"The next-in-line managers need to have strategic thinking in terms of what their organizations are doing, competitive landscape and partners from which they can gain value. They should also look at customers as their primary focus." - Parmeshwar Menon, SVP - IT, SBI Life Insurance Co
The NEXT100 program follows a rigorous process designed to identify true leadership potential:
1. Application: Fill and submit the online form to provide a summary of your professional experience and achievements.
2. Psychometric Assessment: Take the two online tests to gain valuable insights about your leadership style and emotional intelligence.
3. Professional Validation: Obtain references from your supervisor and self-designated referees.
4. AI-Readiness: Answer a simulated business scenario (mini case study).
5. Jury Interaction: Shortlisted candidates will engage with a panel of CIOs for discussions and evaluations.
6. Recognition: Selected winners will receive trophies and citations at an awards ceremony in the presence of top CIOs at the 26th CIO&Leader annual conference.
7. Publication: Winners will be featured in the prestigious NEXT100 commemorative book.
Who Should Apply?
The ideal NEXT100 candidate is:
* A seasoned IT professional with at least 10 years of progressive work experience
* Currently employed full-time in a technology role
By applying for the NEXT100 award, you have the opportunity to get recognized as India's future CIO. Your profile will be featured in a special edition book that will be circulated to India's top companies. You will also be felicitated with the award in the presence of 100 top CIOs at the 26th CIO&Leader annual conference. Plus, you will get free assesment reports on your personality and leadership traits from Central Test, France.
To apply for the NEXT100 award, register on this website. You can begin your application at any time. Your application and online evaluations must be completed by Saturday, 10th May 2025 (Deadline Extended).
