Ronit Kanwar

BA Economics and Management 2016
Entrepreneur

At just 21 years old, Ronit Kanwar may be the youngest subject in the portrait exhibition, but his list of achievements is already impressive.Earlier this year he made the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List with his social enterprise start-up Empower Energy, which is “connecting rural India to the modern economy”. The company is enabling rural families in India to use life-enhancing products through its franchisee network. It is already providing clean, safe and renewable energy solutions and has transformed lives in Odisha, east India.

He co-founded the company in his second year and, as CEO, has led the venture to success which has won numerous high-profile awards. For example, Empower was selected as one of six Hult Prize global finalists from over 100,000 entries, which culminated in pitching for $1m at the UN.

The Moritz-Heyman Scholar and former JCR President also made an impact in College, for example by successfully introducing a visiting College counsellor. He was also one of 22 first-generation students selected worldwide for the Future Leaders Foundation. As a result of this fellowship, Ronit spent three weeks hiking over 93 miles with a 40-pound backpack through bear territory in Wyoming, USA. He is also a Global Shaper, part of a community of young leaders spearheaded by the World Economic Forum, and a One Young World Lead2030 winner.

His entrepreneurial journey started at Warwick School, which he was able to attend as a result of bursaries and scholarships. Whilst at school, he started a healthy snacking company and won Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Ronit strives to alleviate poverty on a global scale and is a proud advocate of social entrepreneurship.

“The three years I spent at College were incredibly fulfilling and memorable. I am walking away with a degree, life-long friends and a community which I will cherish forever.”