Archives September 2023

Jains may be fewer in numbers but contribute significantly to the GDP: Rajarshri Shah, IAS, Dist Collector, Medak

Hyderabad, September 30, 2023...Jain International Trade Organisation–JITO Hyderabad organising Umang 2.0, South India’s biggest Jewellery and Lifestyle Expo at Hitex in Madhapur city. This is open from 10 am to 8 pm till Sunday. Entry to the expo is free.

The inauguration was a grand affair. To mark the inauguration, Colours of India, a dance drama was performed. It featured various cultures of India with an inspiring message.

JITO Hyderabad, the organisers have also roped in a band Mirajkar, composed of 50 performers, both men and women from Solapur, Maharashtra, performing on the dol(drums).

The visitors were given a surprise by ferrying them in retro, vintage cars such as Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Audi cars.

The expo spread over 2 lakh sq foot areas is spread over all three hangers at Hitex and has 500 exhibitors showcasing jewellery, lifestyle, furniture, automobiles, home decoration products and others.

It was formally inaugurated by Shri Rajarshri Shah, IAS, Dist Collector, Medak accompanied by JITO Dignitaries Sanjay Ji. Ghodawat, Director, JITO Apex, Prithviraj Jii Kothari, Zone Chairman, Mumbai.

The other office bearers of JITO who graduated include Sushil Sancheti, Chairman; Paresh Shah, Chief Secretary; B.L. Bhandari, Treasurer–JITO Hyderabad Chapter; Gautam Sehlot, Expo Chairman and Surender Bantia, Rohit Kothari, Lalit Chopra, Expo Co-Chairman.

Speaking at the inauguration, Rajarshri Shah, District Collector of Medak District said that Umang 2.0 is not just an expo but is a spirit of entrepreneurship and a platform celebration. It is also a fusion of tradition. The Jain community is traditionally a business community. Business is there in their genes. But, of late they are also getting into administration, Judiciary, Police and service sectors. I am an example of Jains getting into administrative services. The major philosophy taught in Jainism is to keep the tradition to heart. And this expo is about both tradition, trade and whatnot. The Jain community may be less in numbers in terms of population, but their contribution to the GDP is very significant.

Jains are less than 0.5% in India still; they are among the highest contributors to personal Income tax. Jains are the only minority community in this country that never sought any minority favours/reservations.

Giving his opening notes, Sushil Sancheti said the exhibition is the labour of love of many months. It is spread over 4 halls. Hall 1 is the Corporate and Wedding Arena; Hall 2 is the Diamond / Gold / Silver Jewellery section; Hall 3 is the Lifestyle Arena and related Products and Hall 4 is the Automobile Arena. Nearly 75,000 footfall is expected in the next three days.

Prakash Sethiya, TNAPTS Zone (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Zone) described it as a red-letter day, as JITO Hyderabad has put up a mega Jewellery show, which has now become the talk of the nation.

Paresh Shah, Chief Secretary said JITO Hyderabad has done 169 programs in the last year

The Project Chairman Gautam Sehlot said the expo is a result of 4 months of labour. The main aim of this is to provide a platform to showcase products, start-up ideas and women entrepreneurs’ potential to explore the market, encourage economically poor women, and businesses by offering stalls at economical prices, and also celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship.

A spiritual session by renowned spiritual leader Mahatria Ra was held. Over 1,500 people were in attendance at the session. If you want to have a great family, create a family of friendship, he told his audience, who listened for 90 minutes with rapt attention.

GM Modular stationed a unique bus, a ‘showroom on the wheels. This is the world’s first luxury showroom on wheels. The bus which is said to have been built at a cost of Rs 5 crore is designed by Dilip Chhabria, an acclaimed automobile designer in India. The state-of-the-art bus fully equipped with the latest innovations like designer switches, decor lighting, home automation solutions and more from GM offered an opportunity for everyone to experience the cream-of-the-crop products in a unique way. This bus has turned many heads and visitors have been enthusiastically checking up on the products on display in the bus.

Besides the exhibition, the expo has a conference and motivational enclosure, where speaker sessions and entertainment activities are held. Women, youth conclaves, Sufi Night, Dr Vivek Bindra, Motivational Session, Kavi Sammelan, Dandiya Raas etc.

30th September 2023, Mumbai – Medsea, an International SOS company and a leading provider of health services to thousands of seafarers worldwide, provides their top four commercial maritime health trends for the remainder of 2023. The medical team analysed case data for 2023 so far, to help make predictions for the months ahead, during the colder months of the northern hemisphere winter.

Seafarers are often exposed to many occupational risk factors and face tough and harsh working conditions. The demanding working environment, which includes exposure to noises, chemicals, vibrations as well as isolation can lead to various physical diseases and mental illness. Research has shown that seafarers have a 1.3 times higher mortality rate than other employees. The mortality rate was especially high in smoking and alcohol-related causes. 1

Dr Katherine Sinclaire, Senior Medical Advisor at MedSea, comments “Promoting the health and wellbeing of seafarers is of paramount importance, not only for their individual welfare but also for the safety and efficiency of maritime operations. We encourage seafarers to call us regardless of their situation. This is not only to help mitigate the risks of a worsening medical situation but to also collect data and help us to better understand how to address the types of health conditions and medical needs onboard.”

Dr Sinclaire added “A key part of our role as medical professionals is to use this data to promote health at sea. We always want to minimise any unnecessary discomfort to seafarers, especially when shoreside medical assistance is days away, so we aim to prevent and educate wherever we can.”

Four key trends that appear in the case data are:

1. Dental health cases increasing

From January to August 2023, 13% of International SOS Maritime cases were related to dental issues, making it the second highest case category next to COVID-19. While this category has always seen high case volumes, it represents an increase year on year.

It is widely reported that poor dental hygiene may be linked to other chronic diseases2, such as diabetes and heart disease. In general, dental issues are preventable and can be avoided, therefore it is crucial for ship owners/operators to promote dental health onboard.

2. Seafarers need to be protected from the risks of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Global COVID-19 cases remain significant and this is reflected in MedSea data, with COVID-19 remaining the highest case category by volume. As winter approaches, this trend is expected to continue alongside viruses such as Influenza and RSV.

Ship owners should consider COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccinations where possible for their seafarers at risk, to minimise the potential for illness at sea and operational impact.

3. Addressing gastrointestinal challenges and norovirus outbreaks on board

Another common ailment encountered by MedSea is gastrointestinal issues. Prolonged periods at sea, irregular working hours, limited access to fresh and nutritious food can lead to digestive problems such as gastritis, constipation and food poisoning. Furthermore, Noroviruses are often associated with the maritime industry2. The highly contagious virus can spread rapidly in close quarters such as cruise ships and can result in severe gastrointestinal illnesses among crew members.

To prevent gastrointestinal diseases on board, ship owners should implement stringent sanitation measures, ensuring access to clean drinking water and promoting hygiene practices on board. It is crucial for seafarers to understand food safety practices, including proper food handling, preparation, and storage.

4. A culture of healthy lifestyle should be promoted among seafarers

Encouraging healthy eating habits, regular exercise, smoking cessation and preventing alcohol abuse among seafarers can have far-reaching benefits. A balanced diet ensures seafarers receive essential nutrients needed for optimal physical and mental performance during lengthy trips at sea.

Smoking cessation reduces the risk of tobacco-related diseases and improves respiratory health, which is vital for those working in confined spaces. Additionally, addressing alcohol abuse not only enhances seafarers’ health, but also mitigates the risk of accidents, ensuring a healthier and safer maritime environment.

30th September 2023: Avaali Solutions, a leading provider of hyper-automation solutions, recently partnered with UiPath (NYSE: PATH), a leading enterprise automation software company, to deliver Customer Info Roadshows in Bangalore, Gurugram, and Mumbai. Held from September 8th to September 13th, the roadshows saw participation from large enterprises and comprehensively covered AI-powered automation products and services to empower organizations to enhance their operational efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline business processes effectively.

As a highlight of the event, Avaali also unveiled its Velocious Invoice Portal, powered by UiPath, designed to help businesses reduce Accounts Payable process cycle times and enhance process visibility.

Speaking about the success of the event, Srividya Kannan, Founder-Director at Avaali said, “As businesses grapple with the challenges of rapidly changing market demands and ever-increasing competition, automation has become the key to unlocking operational efficiency and competitive differentiation. And when it comes to automation, UIPath solutions stand out as one of the most compelling options for enterprises. Their comprehensive suite of solutions can transform businesses by automating complex and high-volume processes. At Avaali, we recognize the immense value of automation, and our strong partnership with UIPath enables us to deliver innovative solutions that enable businesses to thrive and differentiate themselves from the competition. With this partnership, we help businesses unlock new levels of operational excellence and drive significant cost optimization. Automation is no longer an option; it is a necessity for businesses today, and together, Avaali and UIPath are perfectly positioned to help enterprises of all sizes achieve this critical objective.”

Nitin Kotian, Regional Vice President, Partner/GSI, India & Asia South, UiPath said, “We’re delighted to collaborate with Avaali Solutions and excited with the opportunity to interact with enterprises that span across different industries and contribute to the discourse on AI and automation. Automation is the compass that helps organizations navigate the complexities of digital transformation with ease. By leveraging AI-powered automation to streamline processes, boost efficiency, and enhance customer experiences, businesses can achieve better business outcomes and gain a competitive advantage.”

The Velocious Invoice Portal was met with great enthusiasm as it is designed to help businesses reduce Accounts Payable process cycle times and enhance process visibility.

The roadshows have cemented Avaali’s dominant voice in the conversation on digital transformation for businesses. Avaali is committed to helping organizations on their automation journey and will continue to host more roadshows in the future. With the help of UiPath, Avaali is confident that it can provide the best solutions to help businesses achieve their digital transformation goals.

Mumbai, 30th September 2023: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the 6th largest jewelry retailer globally with over 330 outlets across 11 countries, will invest Rs.1,000 crore and generate 4,000 jobs in Maharashtra by FY25. The announcement came during the launch of Malabar National Hub (M-NH), its centralized base of India operations, at Andheri East in Mumbai. The state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in the presence of Shri M.P Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, Shri Vijay Darda, former Member of Parliament and Chairman, Lokmat Media Group, Shri K.P Abdul Salam, Vice Chairman, Malabar Group, Shri Asher O, MD – India Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Group Executive Directors AK Nishad, KP Veerankutty, Mayinkutty, Abdul Majeed, AK Faisal, Abdulla, West Regional Head Fanzeem Ahammed, other official dignitaries, management team members of Malabar Group, industry partners, and well-wishers.

Spread over 50,000 sq. ft., M-NH brings under one roof Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ multiple operations such as retail, procurement and supply chain, e-commerce, digital gold, digital marketing, CRM, omnichannel operations, merchandising and bullion, corporate gifting and B2B divisions, human resources and legal. M-NH will usher in a new era of growth and catapult the brand to new heights by paving the way for Malabar Gold & Diamonds to achieve its business goals. The company has deployed more than 450 employees to run the operations at M-NH.

Mumbai being the financial capital of India and a major global jewellery and diamond trading hub, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has set up its base for its national operations in the city to leverage its strategic advantages.

Commenting on the inauguration of M-NH, Shri M.P Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group said, “As we celebrate 30 glorious years of our journey, the opening of Malabar National Hub is a proud moment and a significant landmark for us. It will further fuel our global growth aspiration and lay the foundation for the next phase of growth. The consolidation of all our key functionalities at M-NH will enhance efficiency and streamline management, as we focus on further growing our network of more than 190 retail showrooms across the country. I would like to take the opportunity to thank our loyal customers, shareholders, associates, and employees for their whole-hearted support. We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, for his support in developing M-NH and gracing the event with his august presence. We also would like to thank the Government of Maharashtra for their continuing support in helping us in setting up M-NH and serving the customers in Maharashtra.”

“The opening of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ national operational base in Mumbai is a strong testimony to the state’s conducive environment for investment and favourable business ecosystem”, commented Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. “With the brand’s well-documented tradition of transforming jewellery trade, providing employment opportunities, and championing social causes, I am confident that Malabar National Hub will be a key proponent of our state’s development, further enriching our legacy in the global diamond and gold trade”, he added.

“M-NH will play a pivotal role in spreading the famed jewellery craftsmanship of our country both in the domestic and global markets. India is our biggest market, our aim is to strengthen our retail presence in existing regions and expand into new territories including Rajasthan, Puducherry, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Goa, Assam, Tripura, and Jammu and Kashmir.Mumbai’s strategic edge will help us further drive growth in India,” said Shri Asher O, Managing Director – India Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds.

“Our continued efforts to project the country’s unparalleled craftsmanship to the domestic market and to the world are delivering the desired results. Our recent foray into Europe with the launch of our first showroom in the UK at London, as well as the setting up of Malabar International Hub (MIH) in Dubai, UAE are significant milestones in our mission, ‘Make in India, Market to the World’. M-NH will drive that mission and accelerate our global digital transformation efforts, including the implementation of omnichannel operations, digital gold, and the endless aisle concept. M-NH will play an enabling role in realising our ambitious growth plans” said Shri Abdul Salam K.P., Vice Chairman, Malabar Group.

In strict adherence to Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ commitment towards ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) guidelines, various environmental and sustainable initiatives have been incorporated in the building’s designs and the facility is in the process of getting its LEED GOLD certification.

New Delhi, 30th September 2023 Crystal Crop Protection Limited, one of the fast-growing R&D-based crop protection manufacturing and marketing companies in India, has strengthened its cotton seeds portfolio with the strategic acquisition of Sadanand Cotton Seeds business from Kohinoor Seeds.

The acquisition will boost Crystal’s goal of providing end-to-end innovative and progressive solutions to stakeholders in the cotton seed business. With a persistent commitment to innovation and quality, Crystal Crops has consistently demonstrated its dedication to enhancing agricultural productivity and crop yields for farmers across the country.

Commenting on the acquisition, Satyender Singh, CEO of Seeds at Crystal Crop Protection, said: “We firmly believe that this strategic acquisition will not only reinforce our market presence in the Cotton Seeds segment but will also substantially enhance our reach and accessibility within the broader Seeds industry. In a market where approximately five crore packets constitute the cotton seed sector, displaying consistent performance over recent years, the importance of cotton as a pivotal cash crop for farmers cannot be emphasized enough. Crystal’s commitment to actively collaborating with farmers to amplify their income levels remains consistent. This acquisition represents an important milestone in further solidifying Crystal’s presence within the cotton crop sector. We look forward to continuing the legacy of Sadanand and delivering exceptional value to our customers.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Pawan Kansal, Managing Director, Kohinoor Seed Fields India Private Limited said: “We are delighted that Crystal Crop Protection has acquired ‘Sadanand’. Crystal Crop Protection is a leading company in the segment and has been making giant strides in this space through focus on innovation and digitalisation. We believe that this acquisition will provide a unique synergy of strengths to build the brand further.”

Crystal’s seeds business has experienced substantial growth in recent years, driven by a combination of organic and inorganic expansion efforts. Today, Crystal occupies a formidable presence among the leading seed providers in multiple segments, including cotton, mustard, fodder, sorghum and pearl millet. With the strategic acquisition of Sadanand Cotton Seeds from Kohinoor Seeds, Crystal anticipates a substantial boost in its seeds business revenues, projecting an increase of approximately 20 percent.

This significant acquisition marks the tenth addition to Crystal’s strategic portfolio and represents the fourth investment in the Seeds business. Some notable acquisitions in the past have been the acquisition of Cotton, Pearl Millet, Mustard, and Sorghum portfolios from Bayer in 2021. In previous years, Crystal has successfully acquired a range of agrochemical and seed brands from multinational companies such as Syngenta, FMC, and Dow-Corteva etc. Additionally, the company expanded its manufacturing capabilities through the acquisition of a production facility from the Solvay group in Nagpur in 2018.

Crystal continues to advance its position as a dynamic player in the agribusiness sector, driven by a commitment to innovation, quality, and strategic expansion. This acquisition represents a valuable addition to Crystal’s diverse agribusiness portfolio. The Sadanand brand is known for its high-quality cotton seeds, which have gained the trust of farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector over the years. By incorporating Sadanand into its portfolio, Crystal aims to further empower farmers with research-backed, best-quality cotton seed varieties and advanced agricultural solutions.

Crystal’s acquisition of Sadanand Cotton Seeds is a testament to the company’s dedication to sustainable agriculture and its mission to contribute to the prosperity of Indian farmers. This strategic investment underlines Crystal’s unwavering commitment to research, development and innovation in the agri-business sector.

Award-winning integrated marketing agency Team Pumpkin hosted the first edition of Brand Buzz on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, in Gurugram. The theme of the premier edition of this invite-only event was ‘Festiverse’ which aimed to explore the nuances of festive marketing, as well as advertising & marketing trends that are relevant to the marketer of today.

Some of the key speakers at the event were Mr. Sadashiv Nayak – former CEO of Future Retail, bestselling author of the book Fast, Cheap & Viral – Mr. Aashish Chopra, and Mr. Shrey Chopra – Strategic Agency Manager, Google India. Mr. Nayak spoke about the craft and the tact of festive marketing while Mr. Ashish spoke about how brands and individuals can create content and campaigns that are truly viral.

The event also saw discussions on topics such as understanding consumer expectations during festive seasons, innovations that can elevate festive marketing, and measuring the right KPIs. Some of the key panelists who shared knowledge, experiences and perspectives at the event were Vijyendra Singh – COO, Apollo 24|7; Binit Kumar – DGM Marketing, Dabur; Achyut Daga – General Manager- Marketing, The Mom’s Co; Jasrita Dhir – Director – Marketing & Communication, Karkinos Healthcare; among several other industry veterans.

Speaking about the success of the event, Swati Nathani, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Team Pumpkin, said, “The goal of Brand Buzz was to bring some of the brightest minds from the field of marketing together and have meaningful discussions that could benefit all. I am glad we could enable that with this edition of Brand Buzz. We aim to host different editions of Brand Buzz across the country in the coming months.”

Ranjeet Kumar, CEO and Co-founder, Team Pumpkin, said, “With nearly 100 attendees, all of whom are stalwarts of their businesses, I can say that the event was a resounding success. We set out to build a community of marketing and business mavens with Brand Buzz, where like minds come together and collaborate. This is just the beginning.”

New Delhi, 30th September 2023– BOULT, the fastest-growing wearable brand in India, today announced its strategic expansion into offline retail markets across 13 states in India. This dynamic move aligns with Boult’s aggressive expansion and growth plans, as the brand has witnessed extraordinary success since its inception. It aims to bring Boult’s premium audio and wearable products closer to consumers, tech enthusiasts and fitness aficionados, reaffirming its commitment to redefining experiences.

Boult’s expansion into offline retail includes Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Kolkata, Jodhpur, Jalandhar, Kashmir, and Jammu, strategically reaching customers in diverse regions.

In the first phase, Boult will initiate the expansion with a robust network of over 2500+ offline stores and will target more in the second phase. These retail outlets not only showcase Boult’s diverse product portfolio, which includes neckbands, smartwatches, and a variety of earbuds, but also provide a firsthand opportunity for customers to witness the quality and innovation that Boult stands for, up close and personal at their nearest stores.

Varun Gupta, Co-Founder of Boult, expressed his excitement about the brand’s offline expansion, saying, “We are stimulated to bring Boult’s innovative audio and wearable products closer to communities all over India. Our dedication to providing exceptional audio experiences is what fuels us. This expansion is a big step in our journey, and the incredible response from our customers inspires us to work even harder in meeting their needs. Consumers can now easily walk into the stores where Boult is present to experience our products firsthand. We are looking forward to achieving more milestones in the near future.”

In the initial phase of this expansion, Boult has partnered with 2500 + offline stores along with prominent National Large Format Retailers (LFRs) like Reliance Digital and regional LFR’s like SS Mobile, and Poojara Phonewale, Poorvika, Chennai Mobiles, Supreme, Big C, Happy and others. These retail leaders are renowned for their dedication to offering top-quality products, ensuring Boult’s innovative tech solutions are readily accessible to a broad audience.

Boult’s journey, which began in 2017 with a focus on e-commerce, has now evolved to cater to the diverse needs of consumers across India. The expansion into the offline retail space is a testament to Boult’s commitment to reaching out to customers from all walks of life. In a span of just six years, Boult has risen to become one of India’s fastest-growing wearable brands. The brand’s online success is characterized by its outstanding sales figures and a remarkable 2 million plus 4+ star ratings on leading e-commerce platforms. Boult has climbed to the #2 spot in market share in the audio industry and secured an impressive #4 ranking in the Indian smartwatches sector in under eight months. The brand maintains a consistent 100% year-over-year growth rate.

Additionally, Boult has established a robust presence across leading online channels, including Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Tata CLiQ, Nykaa, and Paytm, and has expanded its reach to international markets in Europe, the UK, and the US.

New Delhi,30th September 2023 TheTimesofIndia.com held the second part of its “Right to Excellence” series, which celebrates the spirit of perseverance, genius, and innovation across diverse fields. Titled “Tech Summit 2023”, the recently held event convened over 200+ tech leaders, industry experts, and policymakers for insightful discussions.

The summit featured engaging panel discussions with a spotlight on embracing technological advancements, fostering innovation, and tackling critical issues such as cybersecurity and regulatory challenges crucial for businesses navigating the dynamic landscape. Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the government’s commitment to adapting to the evolving tech landscape, replete with both challenges and opportunities for businesses.

Highlighting the Public-Private Partnership, CP Gurnani, MD & CEO, of Tech Mahindra, said, “India is no longer a software story. We are as much a hardware store. The government has done it in partnership with the private sector. Credit must go to the government as it has been working as a facilitator.”

Lt. Gen. Deependra Singh Hooda (Retd.) Former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian army’s Northern Command, spoke about how the need of the hour is to be on the offensive to deter cyberattacks. “Just defensive measures do not work here as stakes are very high. The government wants to protect critical infrastructure, and every small company has critical infrastructure today.”

Commenting on the privacy aspect, Abhishek Singh, CEO, of Digital India, said, “We ensure complete safety and security of Aadhaar users’ data. The amount of hacks we have is one of the highest in the world. Regular security audits are done there are people who 24/7 are protecting your data.”

“As part of the Right to Excellence series, the Tech Summit represented a significant milestone in our journey to inspire and ignite innovation in technology,” said Prasad Sanyal, Business Head of TimesofIndia.com. “The event brought together the brightest minds in the tech world, shedding light on pressing issues and decoding the future of technology’s impact on human lives.”

The “Right to Excellence” series has provided a platform for meaningful discourse, collaboration, and a shared vision for India’s technological future. Tech Summit 2023 is an essential milestone in igniting that step.

30th September 2023:As a step towards strengthening the brand’s retail footprint across the country, ASUS India, a Taiwanese tech giant today announced the launch of an an exclusive store in Patna. The new exclusive store is spread across 300 sq. ft. and is set to host an extensive range of electronics and computer hardware, including the ASUS flagship products such as Vivobook, Zenbook, Republic of Gamers (ROG) laptops, Gaming Desktops, All-in-One Desktops, and accessories.This is the brand’s 3rd exclusive store located in Patnataking the total count of 9AES & ROG stores in Bihar.

Talking about the expansion, Jignesh Bhavsar, National Sales Manager – PC & Gaming Business, ASUS India, said, “We are delighted to announce the expansion of our retail footprint in India. Biharbeing an important market for us, the inauguration of the new brand store in the capital, Patna will playa pivotal step towards empowering consumers across different regions of the country with aunique experience of our latest innovation.With a strategic retail expansion approach, we will continue to create more interaction and new touchpointsfor our

Boston, 30th September 2023 Keeping the semiconductor industry as its focal point, Honorable Minister for Large & Medium Industries & Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka Shri M.B. Patil on Wednesday invited global semiconductor and automotive technology companies to invest in the state.

The minister held talks with a leading foundational technology solutions provider MKS Instruments and Irish-American automotive technology supplier Aptiv Plc and discussed possibilities to deepen investment ties in the state in the semiconductor sector.

Shri Patil is leading a delegation comprising senior officials from the Department of Commerce and Industries to the USA to attract investments across many sectors into the state. The delegation is largely showcasing Karnataka’s prowess in semiconductors, aerospace and defence, auto/electric vehicles, space, and medical technology. Dr. S Selvakumar, Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Karnataka, and Smt. Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director, Industries and Commerce are accompanying the minister.

During his discussion with Aptiv, Shri Patil invited the company to explore the possibility of setting up an R&D centre in Mysuru, and Hubballi-Dharward. The development of a local supplier base for semiconductors, establishing connections with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), and assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP) for Aptiv’s products were actively discussed.

Positioned at the intersection of transformative trends in the mobility industry, Aptiv is spearheading the electrified, software-defined future of mobility. The company has been in India for nearly two decades now operating seven manufacturing plants, three technical and engineering centres, and a global tooling centre.

With MKS Instruments, the Minister discussed promising opportunities for technology advancement in vacuum and photonics along with the expansion of software engineering and the availability of a skilled workforce. The meeting also mulled over initiatives to establish connections with potential suppliers for MKS along with conversations regarding corporate tax rates, wages, and intellectual property rights.

MKS Instruments, with a market cap of $6 billion and employing over 10,000 people is a leading provider of foundational technology solutions for semiconductor manufacturing, electronics packaging, and specialized industrial applications.

Kevin C. Klein, Head of Global Public Policy from Aptiv Plc along with senior officials of MKS Instruments John T.C. Lee, President & CEO, Eric Taranto, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Vacuum Solutions Division, Dave Henry, Executive Vice President, Operations and Corporate Marketing, Madhuri Andrews, Executive Vice President, and Chief Information Officer, Manu Sabharwal, Vice President Global Tax and Treasury and David Ryzhik, Vice President of Investor Relations attended the meeting.

The delegation also held meetings with an American financial services company State Street and fluorinated solutions provider Orbia.

Orbia discussed exploring the potential use of fluorine in energy materials and potential collaborations within the EV value chain, opportunities for ethylene production, and the manufacturing of pipes for drip irrigation projects and held conversations regarding government support needed for land plots in the existing manufacturing plant in the state.

With State Street, the Minister discussed the financial services industry and its potential for the growth of financial services assets, government support for banking licenses streamlining approval processes for Joint Ventures to improve ease of doing business, and assistance in talent acquisition for Global Capability Centers.