A first-generation entrepreneur with a humble background with a postgraduate degree in business administration from the Banaras Hindu University, Gupta has received many national and international awards for entrepreneurship, including the Brain Monaghan Award for his contribution to the world of holography by IHMA (International Hologram Manufacturers Association).

He started his first venture in 1978, with the manufacturing of chemicals and eventually diversified into making plastic water tanks under the popular brand name Polywell. In 1991, he established Holostik India to tackle the growing problem of counterfeiting. Today, the company is into creating customised anti-counterfeiting solutions integrating various technologies to secure not just products and brands but also the supply chains.

Under his leadership, the interests of the group range from catering anti-counterfeiting products and solutions to warehousing to real estate development and chemical trading. With his global vision and deep-rooted Indian values, Holostik Group is anchored by a professionally managed team of 750+ employees, and has a presence in more than 75 countries with 10,000+ clients.

As a chairman of Holostik Group and a former president of ASPA (Authentication Solution Providers' Association), Umendra Kumar Gupta successfully emerged as a visionary and was an inspiration for many budding business entrepreneurs. Besides being a successful businessman, he was also a philanthropist who believed in giving back to society.

Inspired by him, the group is engaged in different CSR activities, which include running a girl’s school and college at Dhampur Village in Uttar Pradesh which has benefitted more than 2,000 school children. The group’s association with Rotary International has led to the establishment of a training center at Bibipur Village in Haryana where people are being trained on sewing machines. Holostik has also contributed to Asoka University at Sonepat, Haryana.     

Accolades  

• Brian Monaghan Award – 2008 for Business achievement and innovation, awarded by International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA), the first Indian to be bestowed with such an international honour in the field of holography
• Business Sphere Golden Trophy Award for manufacturing of quality holograms in India
• Certificate of appreciation for making a difference in society by Concern India Foundation
• Director, Asia of International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA)
• Founder-member and later elected as president of hologram manufacturers association of India (HOMAI) for multiple sessions
• Former president of ASPA (Authentication Service Providers Association)
• Facilitated by BHU for being an outstanding entrepreneur and a successful alumnus