Archives February 2024

New Delhi, 21st February 2024 The Good Food Institute India (GFI India), the central expert organization, thought leader, and convening body of the smart protein sector in India, launched its first-of-its-kind science-focused fellowship initiative—the SPARK Fellowship program today. It is now inviting applications from postgraduate university students from diverse scientific disciplines like food technology, biotechnology & bioengineering, microbiology, and chemical engineering to work on industry-relevant applied research topics in the smart protein sector.

Successful candidates for the Smart Protein Academic Research and Knowledge (SPARK) Fellowship get a chance to conduct fully-funded lab-based research for six months in plant-based food, fermentation-derived alternative proteins, and cultivated meat and seafood. The research will be conducted at esteemed Indian R&D institutions like CSIR-NIIST, CSIR-IHBT, and WRCB, IIT Bombay under the guidance of expert faculty mentors. Offering unique business perspectives, industry partners FlavingredProducts and Services Pvt Ltd. and HiMedia will provide expert guidance for the commercialization of plant-based and cultivated proteins’ project outcomes. Throughout the duration of the fellowship, GFI India’s scientists will provide personalized support and closely monitor the progress.

Commenting on the launch of the SPARK Fellowship program, Padma Ishwarya S. PhD, Sci Tech Specialist, GFI India said, “This is a groundbreaking fellowship which uniquely encompasses all three modalities of smart protein: plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat. By fostering translational technological research in alternative proteins, this program will not only help bridge the talent gap in the industry but also propel innovation in sustainable food solutions and aid the future of our global food system.”

A research grant of INR 1,00,000, along with a monthly stipend of INR 10,000 for students, will cover consumable costs and relocation or accommodation expenses during the project. Upon successful completion, students will receive the SPARK Fellowship certificate of completion and a testimonial from their mentor as recognition for their valuable contribution to smart protein research.

Postgraduate students (M.Sc, M.Tech, final year of dual degree programs, or similar) in key scientific disciplines are invited to apply for the SPARK Fellowship. Additionally, individuals who have recently completed their post-graduation in relevant disciplines and are seeking early-career research opportunities are also encouraged to apply.

More information about the fellowship and the full program benefits are available on GFI India’s website. Applications are open until March 15, 2024, 11:59 p.m. IST.

21st February 2024: US-based ZeeVee, a leading provider of AV distribution technology, has announced its continued expansion in the Indian market. The strategic partnership aims to simplify AV installations through state of art AVoIP and RF products with Alphatec for India market. This partnership marks a significant milestone in ZeeVee’s commitment to delivering innovative AV solutions across diverse sectors.

Founded in 2007, ZeeVee is renowned for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, offering innovative AV over IP and RF modulation solutions to businesses, institutions, and organizations worldwide. With a focus on delivering transformative AV solutions, ZeeVee continues to shape the future of AV distribution with its innovative products and unparalleled expertise. ZeeVee offers pro AV integrators and consultants award-winning encoders, decoders, and software solutions tailored for the Pro AV and IT marketplace. Renowned for its pioneering role in AV over IP technology, ZeeVee offers the most comprehensive line of AV signal distribution solutions from network based SDVoE and AVoIP to streaming and RF modulation.

The partnership between ZeeVee and Alphatec will cater to a diverse array of target markets, including corporate environments, healthcare facilities, government institutions, educational campuses, entertainment venues, and more.

Talking about ZeeVee collaboration with Alphatec, Rajesh Patkar, ZeeVee India Country Manager, stated, “Our collaboration with Alphatec signifies a strategic alignment of our objectives to provide cutting-edge AV solutions to the Indian market. Alphatec’s extensive reach and expertise complement ZeeVee’s innovative product offerings, enabling us to better serve our customers and drive growth in India.”

Devasis Barkataki, Founder and Managing Director of Alphatec, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to join forces with ZeeVee, a global leader in AV distribution technology. Alphatec is committed to delivering the best-in-class AV solutions to our customers across India. This partnership enables us to enhance our portfolio with ZeeVee’s state-of-the-art products, further solidifying our position as a leading distributor of professional audio and video equipment.”

ZeeVee, a leader in digital video solutions, offers award-winning encoders, decoders, and software for the pro AV and IT markets. As the foremost manufacturer of SDVoE products, ZeeVee holds a GSA schedule and TAA compliance. With headquarters in Boston, European HQ in Augsburg, Germany, and SE Asian offices in Singapore, ZeeVee provides a comprehensive range of AV signal distribution solutions, from network based AVoIP to RF modulation. Partnering with Alphatec, ZeeVee aims to enhance communication and productivity through advanced audiovisual technology.

New Delhi, 21st  February 2024: NueGo, India’s leading intercity electric AC bus service from GreenCell Mobility, proudly announces its latest collaboration with Delhi Capitals for the upcoming cricket season, set to commence on February 23rd

NueGo will partner as the Associate Sponsor for Delhi Capitals cricket franchise. NueGo brand logo will be featured on the leading trouser of the team’s official & training jersey, as part of the deal. This collaboration aligns with NueGo’s core values towards promoting eco-friendly travel and empowering women.

Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD, GreenCell Mobility, “Our collaboration with Delhi Capitals signals a significant stride in our growth journey, emphasising our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and a shared winning ethos. In partnership with Delhi Capitals women’s team, our focus expands beyond sustainable mobility – it’s about fostering inclusivity and empowering women. Aligned with the vision of Delhi Capitals, NueGo is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where every woman can excel, both on the field and beyond.”

Sukhvinder Singh, Interim CEO, Delhi Capitals, “NueGO are one of the leaders in the sustainable mobility, and as they aim to expand their vision to inclusivity and women empowerment, we are delighted to welcome them to the Delhi Capitals family as our associate sponsor in this landmark moment for women’s cricket in India. This partnership symbolises our shared values and commitment towards making an impact in the society. We look forward to a successful association with NueGo.”

With this new alliance, NueGo has solidified its position with all three major sports leagues of the country: cricket, football, and kabaddi. This expansion, combined with existing agreement with Chennaiyan FC, demonstrates NueGo’s continued commitment to fostering an eco-conscious culture and improving women sports in the country. Through this cricket partnership, NueGo will aim to inspire and spread awareness about safe and sustainable transportation to a wider audience.

Shark Tank India has struck a chord with the Indian population, who now see entrepreneurship as a viable career path. The third season is continuing the show’s remarkable legacy of catalyzing India’s startup ecosystem. The diverse mix of participants seen on the show till now has showcased the growing entrepreneurial will in the country breaking away from the geographical constraint.

Returning as a shark for the second time on Shark Tank India, Amit continues to contribute and impart his valuable experience to the upcoming entrepreneurs. In line with his motto of “Pehle Banda, Phir Dhandha”, Amit is seen placing his bets on inspiring founders rather than just attractive business models. This was evident in his recent investments in The Honest Home Company and Tiggle, where he saw the grit and growth-focused mindset of entrepreneurs.

In Episode 17 of Season 3, Amit opted not to invest in any of the three pitches presented. However, he shared his detailed feedback highlighting his investor approach – balancing founder appreciation with business model critique. His suggestions emphasized brand-building, customer-centricity and sustainable unit economics as crucial for scaling brands. Though the deals didn’t materialize, Amit wished the best to the spirited founders behind VOLD Energy Drink, Quirksmith and Urban Space.

Read about Amit Jain’s learnings from the latest episode in the three pitches below:

Vold Energy Drink:

Devesh Bochre from Nighoj walked into the tank with a passion to disrupt the energy drink market with his VOLD Energy Drink. He aimed to provide energy to one and all with sips that are both affordable and tasty. Although I feel such drinks are not good for health, especially for children. His fighter spirit to build a brand with limited resources was admirable, just like his jugaadu approach to marketing. Though I felt the approach wasn’t very scaleable for building a long-term brand but a good hack to start with. I try to find uniqueness in either product(10x better) or in some area which can act as a moat to build a long-term business. I could find the energy and passion but not that. This will require careful business build-up with efficient planning of brand building, working capital management and distribution. All areas will need deeper attention and skill sets for this to scale. I do applaud Devesh’s high-energy spirit, but I couldn’t overlook these gaps in the business model and thus I was out. I’m glad Aman closed the deal. All the very best to him and VOLD!

Quirksmith :

Divya Batra Das and Pragya Batra’s journey with Quirksmith is the entrepreneurial proof of their passion for jewellery and storytelling. This was visible in their pitch as well. I loved their way of making jewellery a conversation starter, and the attention to detail they put in the brand and just not the business. I felt that the brand still has a long way to go as the direct traffic wasn’t a very large proportion of overall traffic. As the brand builds up a large portion will come as direct sales. I loved the resilience and persistence of the founders, in a covid struck journey. I felt their talent could be used in doing even larger things. So I took a bet on the talent(Pehle Banda Fir Dhanda) and future that can unfold and made my offer. I could not justify the valuation finally, and hence, I was out. But I wish the amazing founder sisters all the very best!

Urban Space:

Coming from a textile background in the family, Rohit Agarwal and Radhika Koolwal created and pitched Urban Space with a vision to redefine home furnishing with quality and affordability. Their focus on profitability and impressive sales figures through 1200+ SKUs showcased strong unit economics and customer satisfaction in an era where such products are beyond functional – they are aspirational now. They ticked all the traits I look for in founders and business. I had my input on their valuation and growth roadmap. As an investor, I consider it my duty to give them a realistic, fair valuation, even if others have different thoughts, or even if the deal doesn’t get closed. Wish them all success nonetheless.

Episode 4 highlighted the importance of great brand-building, along with short and long-term strategic planning. Stay tuned for more Shark Tales!

New Delhi,21st February 2024 AdLift, a global digital marketing agency, has announced the onboarding of Two Brothers Organic Farms. Won in a multi-agency pitch, AdLift will be handling the paid marketing responsibilities for the brand.

Founded by two brothers Satyajit Hange and Ajinkya Hange in 2014, TBOF has revolutionised organic farming in India. From selling their produce in farmer’s markets to distributing their products to 250000+ families in over 60+ countries and 1000+ cities- they have come a long way. AdLift will be managing the paid media marketing mandate for the brand. We aim to conceptualize and create campaigns that match the innovation and creativity of TBOF. We are confident that with our strategies we will fuel sales and create loyal customers fulfilling the brand’s goal of empowering organic farmers and boosting rural livelihood and employment.

AdLift brings to the table a wealth of expertise in digital marketing, with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results for its clients. The agency’s innovative approach, data-driven strategies, and comprehensive understanding of the digital landscape were key factors in winning the trust of Two Brothers Organic Farms.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Two Brothers Organic Farms and excited about the opportunity to elevate their brand through our paid marketing initiatives,” said Prashant Puri, Co-Founder & CEO, AdLift. “Our team is committed to leveraging the latest technologies and trends to ensure Two Brothers Organic Farms receives the visibility it deserves in the highly competitive organic market.”

The paid marketing strategy devised by AdLift for Two Brothers Organic Farms encompasses a multi-faceted approach, combining targeted advertising, search engine marketing, and social media campaigns. The goal is to not only increase brand awareness but also drive meaningful engagement and conversions for Two Brothers Organic Farms.

Two Brothers Organic Farms expressed confidence in AdLift’s capabilities, citing their reputation for delivering results and their client-centric approach as decisive factors in the selection process.

“We were looking for a digital agency that could not only understand our brand ethos but also create impactful campaigns that resonate with our audience. AdLift impressed us with their strategic insights and proven track record, and we are excited to embark on this journey with them,” stated Satyajit Hange, Co-Founding Farmer, Two Brothers Organic Farms.

This collaboration between AdLift and Two Brothers Organic Farms marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in the brand’s digital journey. The partnership is poised to set new benchmarks in the organic industry, showcasing the power of strategic and targeted paid marketing in driving business growth.

India,21st February 2024: Noise, India’s leading smartwatch and connected lifestyle brand, is thrilled to announce its latest innovation in the TWS category, Noise Buds N1. Engineered to deliver exceptional sound in a premium chrome design, the earbuds are set to compliment users’ lifestyle by allowing them to stand out with the new elevated audio experience. The Noise Buds N1 are ergonomically designed to suit users’ fashion with segment’s most aspirational features. With a playback time of up to 40 hours, the new TWS from Noise will be your best pick without going heavy on pocket. Be it commuting, working out, or simply relaxing at home, these earbuds provide the perfect soundtrack to your day.

The Noise Buds N1 will be available in a fascinating range of colours including Carbon Black, Ice Blue, Forest Green, and Calm Beige. Priced at just INR 899, the TWS is set to go on sale on 27th February 2024 on Amazon.

From crisp highs to deep lows, consumers can immerse themselves in rich detailed sound with the 11mm driver. The inbuilt Quad Mic ENC further fosters a crystal-clear call quality at all times. Besides adding to your lifestyle needs, the Noise Buds N1 ensures that you never miss a beat through its Instacharge™ technology, providing 120 minutes of power with just 10 minutes of charging. The earbuds are designed to meet the lifestyle preferences of the youngsters who are always on the go. Its compact design allows one to wear it for prolonged hours without creating discomfort. Given it is a fleet-footed world, one must not miss a chance to flaunt their latest lifestyle statement in front of their peers!

Commenting on the launch, Amit Khatri, Co-Founder, Noise said, “We always believe in bringing the best and latest to our consumers, offering the meaningful upgrade they seek for from their lifestyle accessories. The innovative Noise Buds N1 brings the perfect synergy of style and innovation, and is certain to enhance the overall user experience while allowing users to make a statement.”

In addition to all this, the earbuds sport ultra-low latency of up to 40ms for users to avoid lagging during their gaming or video playback experience. The Noise Buds N1 further offers HyperSync™ technology for seamless and instant pairing, enhanced by the consistent connectivity of Bluetooth Version 5.3. It delivers an outstanding calling experience for the users because of its thorough digital tuning. Meanwhile, crafted to withstand sweat and water splashes, its IPX5 water resistance rating guarantees that they are a perfect partner for fitness routines and any other outdoor use cases. The Noise Buds N1 stand as a true example where style meets substance.

Product Specifications

Noise Buds N1

Mumbai/Jammu, 21st February 2024: Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today, laid the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art Common User Facility (CUF) POL Terminal in the outskirts of Jammu city. The project, led by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and other participating companies, will address critical challenges posed by the space-constrained existing depots of PSU OMCs in the region.

Scheduled for completion by 31st March 2025, the proposed CUF POL Terminal, situated at Pargalta and Kanna Chhargal villages near Bajalta railway station, spans a total land parcel of 115.41 acres. The estimated total capital cost, including land acquisition, for the Jammu CUF POL Terminal is Rs.676 Crore.

This modern facility is designed to have a fully automated depot with a storage capacity of 100,000 KL. It will store a variety of petroleum products, including MS, HSD, SKO, ATF, Ethanol, Biodiesel, and winter-grade HSD. The terminal will be equipped with an administrative block, control room, and sub-station, meeting the latest safety standards and fire-fighting facilities. It will also include TLF Gantries, to efficiently distribute petroleum products to Retail Outlets and consumers in major districts of J&K, Ladakh, Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh will also be built up.

The project is poised to generate substantial direct and indirect employment, contributing to the economic growth of the local community. It is anticipated to generate approximately Five Lakh man-days of employment during the construction period, providing a significant boost to the region.

Post-commissioning, the facility is expected to generate direct employment for 100 individuals. Additionally, the project is anticipated to create substantial indirect employment opportunities, totaling approximately 1500 persons daily. These roles extend beyond the facility itself, encompassing support services, subcontractors, and ancillary businesses that contribute to the operation and success of the facility.

Beyond employment opportunities, the facility is expected to reduce congestion in Jammu city, minimize road movement (approximately 500 lorries per month), and decrease lead time for supplies to Leh, Kargil, and Srinagar. This will significantly enhance the overall Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) quotient, leading to an approximate reduction of 2.4 million kilograms in CO2 emissions annually.

The primary sources of bulk product supply to the proposed CUF POL Terminal will be from BPC (Piyala/Bina via tank wagons), IOC (Panipat through a proposed pipeline extension to Jammu via tank wagons), and HPC (HMEL, Bathinda via tank wagons).

The Jammu CUF POL Terminal will stand as a beacon for progress, combining modernization, employment generation, and environmental stewardship. The completion of this project will mark a milestone in ensuring a secure and efficient supply chain for petroleum products in the strategically vital Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Guruji presents the award at SMX CSR Leadership Summit 3.0.

Bengaluru, Feb 20: The “Spark of Curiosity” event of Synopsis India flagship programme of Taare Zameen Par – has bagged the Best CSR award at the SMX CSR leadership summit 3.0 at the Art of Living Centre on Saturday.

B. U. Chandrashekar, Senior Architect of Synopsis India, Founder of Taare Zameen Par organisation Dinesh Bhadagandi, Operational Chief Abhijit Chaudhary received the award at a glittering function in the presence of more than 200 CSR companies from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Guruji.

Taare Zameen Par Trust, in collaboration with Synopsis India, has triggered interest among students in Astronomy, Mathematics, Science and Technology as well as Space Science.

Dinesh Bhadagandi has undertaken this project in as many as 15 schools in the Gadag district and has left an indelible impression on young minds.

Disclosing the information about the concept, Dinesh Bhadagandi said in all till now 23 lakh students have benefited by watching mobile Planetarium in the state.

“Our objective is to create a scientific temperament and trigger a keen interest among the students in Science and related subjects. We have gone beyond our expectations. We have actually transformed the students thinking. The response from the students is phenomenal,” Dinesh Bhadagandi explained.

According to Dinesh, this concept has not only generated interest among the students but has also enhanced the interest to learn. This has, infact, qualitatively transformed the educational atmosphere in the 15 schools of Gadag district. “In the last three years, about 10 000 students have been benefitted from this programme in North Karnataka region,” he added.

In his speech, Abhijit Chaudhary of Taare Zameen Par Trust, said “the spark of curiosity programme has not only made students to develop interest in science but has also become a source of inspiration. Interaction with scientists, seminars, science fair and kaun banega sou pati intellectual quiz competition have been a totally different experience for the students.

“Every student is given a science kit. This will enable the students to learn science beyond the school hours,” Chaudhary added

B. U. Chandrashekar of Synopsis India, in his speech said, “this concept has enabled the students to choose their career and opt for the subjects of their liking. We are happy and satisfied to see students learning science and Technology with great enthusiasm. This programme will enable the students to choose their career instead of succumbing to parental pressure.”

Former Chairman of ISRO Kiran Kumar has been a great visionary and a noble guide to our activities. After our success in Gadag, we intend to extend this programme to all districts, said Dinesh Bhadagandi.

He further said that this best award will further act as a fillip and has inspired us to take up more such projects in a much bigger way.

“If we get CSR help like we are getting from Synopsis, we can extend the project to many districts of North Karnataka region,” Dinesh added.

New Delhi, February 20, 2023: Mother’s Recipe, a renowned brand known for its delectable and traditional flavors, has announced the launch of its revamped Ready to Cook product packaging. The new design embodies a modern and contemporary look, setting a fresh and vibrant tone for the popular Ready to Cook range. It also aligns seamlessly with the brand’s values and commitments to authenticity, innovation, and consumer well-being.

The revised packaging features bright background colours in a matte finish, with green for all vegetarian variants, pink for all non- vegetarian variants, yellow for regional variants, and purple for seafood variants. The food shots captured with a special spot of glossy lamination showcases the deliciousness awaiting inside. The packaging highlights Mother’s Recipe Ready to Cook products made with superior quality products with no added Class II preservatives, keeping in mind the health and well-being of the consumers.

The redesigned packaging specifies the cooking time for each food variant. The one-step cooking method is illustrated visually on the front bottom of the pack – simply take the pack, add water, and vegetables/paneer/chicken as desired. For user convenience and to ensure access to diverse consumer base, the back panel now has usage instructions in both Hindi and English. A unique ‘Ready To Cook’ band in gold adds refinement and symbolizes the product’s ease of use.

Mother’s Recipe Ready to Cook products cater to individuals who seek minimal effort and convenience while enjoying home-cooked meals. While other market players essentially have a three-step process for their ready to cook range, Mother’s Recipe has a unique one step process as it already contains onion, tomato, ginger garlic, spices & oil. The redesigned packaging complements today’s dynamic consumer base’s lifestyle and tastes while still having a pleasing visual appeal. Mother’s Recipe strives to provide a healthy substitute for takeout food by providing an easy way to offer homecooked food.

A well-ironed outfit can transform you from shabby to smart in a matter of minutes, reflecting a well-groomed look. However, at times when we are in a real rush, the time required to set up the conventional ironing board and heating the iron before we can get down to smoothening out the wrinkles and creases of our chosen garments can be challenging. Enter garment steamers – the unsung heroes who can work their magic super quick.

Designed to cater to the most pressing consumer needs, Usha’s Techne Direct 1000 Garment Steamer conditions clothes and gives them a wrinkle-free finish thanks to its powerful steam output. It also has an overheat safety auto shutoff to prevent any untoward accidents due to overheating.

Priced at ₹5,190, the Usha Techne Direct 1000 Garment Steamer comes with a two-year warranty.