Bakul Limbasiya, founder of Bhathwari Technologies, has been conferred the APO National Award in New Delhi in January 2026 for his contributions to productivity, innovation and leadership in India’s lab-grown diamond sector.

The APO National Award is instituted by the Asian Productivity Organization and administered in India by the National Productivity Council under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India. It recognises individual contributions to productivity excellence, innovation and leadership across industries.

The recognition also marks a development for the Indian lab-grown diamond industry. Past recipients of the award include Anil Naik of Larsen & Toubro and Verghese Kurien, indicating the award’s positioning within India’s industrial and manufacturing landscape.

Limbasiya has been associated with the lab-grown diamond sector since 1998 and is credited with producing India’s first lab-grown diamond in 2004. His early involvement is cited as contributing to the establishment of a technology-based lab-grown diamond manufacturing ecosystem in the country.

Through Bhathwari Technologies, Limbasiya has been involved in the development of diamond growing and processing technologies and export-oriented manufacturing models within the sector.

Commenting on the award, Limbasiya said, “This honour goes beyond individual recognition; it is a validation of India’s lab-grown diamond community that is redefining the future of the diamond industry. Our sector stands at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and value creation, and India is uniquely placed to lead this global shift.”

The award highlights the role of lab-grown diamonds within India’s broader manufacturing and export framework, particularly in technology-driven production.