Archives February 2024

India,20th February 2024 NXP India, one of NXP Semiconductors’ largest R&D facilities proudly announces the commencement of the 4th Season of the NXP India Tech Startup Challenge 2024. This initiative, in partnership with Startup India, reflects NXP’s commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation and supporting the growth of emerging startups in India. The NXP India Tech Startup Challenge serves as a unique platform for deep tech startups focusing on IP, Processors development, Semiconductor fabless ASIC design, Systems Solutions, Embedded product development and design houses, and Tier 1 & Tier 2 technology product companies across various sectors. By connecting with and nurturing these startups, we aim to propel India’s tech ecosystem towards global prominence.

Jointly organized with Startup India, this event is an initiative by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aimed at linking the Indian startup ecosystem. The program aims to propel the Indian ecosystem towards global visibility and network scalability for tech startups as these startups will get an opportunity to present to thousands of tech leaders. Deep tech startups focusing on technology areas such as AI (Accelerators, Trained Models, Software Enablement), ML, Edge Computing, Secured Connectivity, Software Defined Vehicle, Functional Safety, Human Machine Interface, Security, Motor Control, Ultra-Wideband, Voice, Wifi, 5G, RISC V, Quantum, Digital Twins (Software Modelling), In-Memory Computing, Body Wireless-LAN, etc. are invited to participate in the challenge.

Startup Sectoral Focus Areas:

• Automotive
  • In-Vehicle Networking/Network Processing
  • Electrification/E-Mobility
  • ADAS & Autonomous Driving
• Industrial & IoT
  • Smart City
  • Smart Fabs (Logistics & Factory Automation, Robotics)
  • Smart Home
• Health
  • Personal devices
  • Diagnostics, Monitoring, Therapy

Key Highlights of the Program:

• Prize and Mentorship: The top 3 finalists will receive a total prize of INR 10 Lacs along with mentorship opportunities provided by NXP India.
• Supporting Partners: Partners such as Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC), Electropreneur Park, Semiconductor Fabless Acceleration Lab (SFAL), InCeNSE at IISc Bengaluru will provide additional support to the program.
• Application Details: Applications open from February 19, 2024.

Benefits for Top 3 Selected Startups:

• Total prize money of INR 10 Lacs along with mentorship opportunity (3 interactive sessions with mentor each month for 3 months) from NXP India Technical Leadership Experts.
• Invitation to participate in the Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) as finalists, entering global competitions and exposure to elite panel investors.

Benefits for Top 10 selected startups include:

• Opportunity to share their business value proposition to NXP and Industry partners along with networking opportunities.
• Invitation to participate in up to a 3-month Equity-free Pre-Incubation at Electropreneur Park (ESDM Incubator). This opportunity entails complimentary access to cutting-edge ESDM Lab test equipment, facilitating the transformation of ideas into prototypes. Startups will also benefit from mentorship sessions aimed at refining their business plans, technical guidance, connections to ESDM suppliers, and reimbursement of prototyping expenses up to INR 50,000.
• Entry into a 4-month equity-free Cohort period in collaboration with SFAL – Semiconductor Fabless Acceleration Lab (a Semiconductor & IP Design Incubator). During this period, startups will benefit from access to In-Kind Partner (IKP) assets (with a value per startup potentially exceeding INR 10 lakhs), including the FPGA Innovation Lab@SFAL and tools provided by In-Kind Partners. Additionally, they will gain access to webinars hosted by SFAL and IKP partners, as well as guidance on business strategies and potential investments.
• Opportunity for up to a 3-month equity-free pre-incubation at InCeNSE, located at IISc Bengaluru. During this period, startups will receive support from in-kind partners (valued at INR 50,000 per startup through the inupi2i program) to utilize CeNSE facilities for nanofabrication (NNFC), characterization (MNCF), system engineering, and packaging. Additionally, they will have access to events and seminars organized by InCeNSE and FSID, along with mentoring sessions conducted by faculty and research staff (up to 2 hours per month per cohort).

Supporting Quote

Hitesh Garg, Vice President & India Managing Director, NXP Semiconductors

“We are thrilled to launch Season 4 of the NXP India Tech Startup Challenge, building on the success of the previous three seasons. These successive years have strengthened our commitment, aligning with the Government of India’s vision to foster startups. The challenge is designed to connect, collaborate, and nurture Indian technology startups as it serves as a catalyst, driving global visibility and network scalability for tech startups. Our goal is to contribute to making India a global leader in sustainable tech innovation, support the ecosystem for global impact and showcase untapped talent on a global stage.”

New Delhi, 20th February 2024: BioAsia 2024, Asia’s largest life-sciences and healthcare conference, is set to ignite innovation and entrepreneurship with its amplified focus on Startup showcase. As Asia’s premier life sciences event, BioAsia, hosted by the State government of Telangana, is poised to transform the entrepreneurial journey for startups within the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

The ‘Innovation Zone’ at BioAsia 2024 will be a dynamic hub showcasing the Startup Stage Pavilion and the Incubator Pavilion, igniting innovation, and unlocking investment opportunities. In line with BioAsia’s ethos of fostering innovation, a select group of about 70 startups have earned coveted spots in the 21st edition of this global conference to showcase their innovative solutions that have potential to transform healthcare globally. These startups will benefit from participation fee waivers and complimentary display booths, providing them with a prestigious platform to present their ground-breaking concepts.

In a unique and unparalleled opportunity, selected startups not only gain access to complimentary exhibition space but also unlock the doors to exclusive interactions with industry titans such as Mr. David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, Mr. Chris Boerner, CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, and other influential Global Leaders. This golden opportunity, exclusive to BioAsia, offers startups unprecedented access to invaluable mentorship, networking, and potential partnerships with global leaders in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. It’s an unparalleled chance to propel their innovations onto the world stage and accelerate their journey towards success.

The response from industries to attend BioAsia 2024 has been overwhelming, with numerous companies eagerly lining up to participate. The event has attracted interest from both national and international corporations, indicating a strong desire to engage with the latest innovations and developments in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. This enthusiastic response underscores the significance of BioAsia as a premier platform for industry collaboration, networking, and growth, providing start-ups with unparalleled opportunities for exposure, mentorship, and potential partnerships to accelerate their growth trajectory.

The line-up of startups set to grace BioAsia 2024 spans a diverse spectrum, from medical technology startups revolutionizing Drug Discovery Platforms to medical device startups solving for cancer screening, nasal septum, limb movements etc., Additionally, biotechnology startups are making strides in areas such as small molecule nanoparticles and novel drug candidates.

Mr. D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and IT, Government of Telangana said “We are thrilled by the overwhelming response from industries to participate in BioAsia 2024, demonstrating the event’s pivotal role in fostering innovation and collaboration within the life sciences and healthcare sectors. This enthusiasm extends to the start-up ecosystem, where promising ventures eagerly anticipate showcasing their ground-breaking solutions to a global audience. As we witness enthusiastic engagement from both national and international companies, it reaffirms our commitment to positioning Telangana as a global leader in the field, empowering start-ups to thrive and innovate on a world stage.”

Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Principal Secretary, I&C and IT, Government of Telangana stated, “As AI continues to permeate the life sciences sector, there is a growing interest among stakeholders to leverage its potential for accelerating research and development in healthcare. To fuel this momentum, Incubator Pavilion and Innovation Zone will be aimed at fostering innovation and business growth through the application of data and AI in healthcare and life sciences.”

Mr. Shakthi Nagappan, Director (Lifesciences), Government of Telangana said “After witnessing the positive impact of these initiatives in previous editions of BioAsia, we are further enhancing this platform. With this year’s theme centered around the Data and AI revolution, BioAsia 2024 presents an unparalleled opportunity to forge partnerships and drive impactful collaborations,” he added.

Start-up Stage has witnessed an overwhelming response from startups worldwide, with over 700 innovative ventures vying for recognition on this prestigious platform. A panel of seasoned experts representing both industries and academia have shortlisted approximately 70 start-ups for exhibiting at the venue. Among these, the top 5 standouts will have the exceptional honor of presenting their groundbreaking ideas during BioAsia’s Valedictory session, further amplifying their visibility and potential for collaboration. BIRAC, Government of India has partnered with BioAsia for the start-up stage further solidifying the event’s stature as a catalyst for fostering innovation and entrepreneurial growth in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.

With the theme “Data & AI: Redefining Possibilities” BioAsia 2024 is set to take place from February 26th to 28th, 2024, in Hyderabad. Over three days, industry stalwarts, distinguished scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs will converge to explore the potential of reshaping the future of healthcare delivery in the country. Through engaging discussions, BioAsia aims to integrate cross-sectional ecosystems, harness disruptive technologies, and prioritize quality healthcare with accessibility and affordability at the forefront.

Over the years, the event has immensely benefitted from its participant history including the likes of several Nobel Prize winners, Lasker Awardees and eminent industry leaders like Mr. Bill Gates (Chair, Gates Foundation), Mr. Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft), Mr. Alex Gorsky (Executive Chairman, Johnson & Johnson), Dr. Vas Narasimhan (CEO, Novartis), Mr. Geoff Martha (Chairman & CEO, Medtronic), besides hosting the Country Ministers and Delegates from Asia, America, Africa, and Europe. Being the first edition post pandemic, BioAsia 2023 was extremely successful with the virtual participation of more than 3000 global participants from over 50+ Countries.

Gulshan Group, a distinguished name in the real estate sector in the national capital region, delightedly announced the receipt of the Completion/Occupation Certificate for its prestigious project, Gulshan Dynasty, located in Sector-144, Noida. This marks a significant milestone for Gulshan Dynasty, a much-anticipated luxury residential project that seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with a dedicated wellness ecosystem.

Gulshan Dynasty, offering only 36 units per acre and featuring just 2 apartments per floor, promises an exclusive and opulent living experience. The project’s commitment to creating a space that reflects magnificence and well-being is underlined by its unique design and limited occupancy.

Yukti Nagpal, Director, of Gulshan Group, expressed her elation on achieving this milestone, stating, “Receiving the Completion Certificate for Gulshan Dynasty is a proud moment for us and encourages our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in the real-estate sector. We have crafted Gulshan Dynasty with a vision to provide not just luxury living but an entire wellness experience. This achievement reinforces our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.”

Gulshan Group continues to set new benchmarks in the real estate industry, delivering projects that go beyond expectations.

Mumbai,20th February 2024 Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited’s (BFIL’s) pioneering CSR initiative ‘Bharat Sanjeevani’ was honored as the Best CSR Initiative by IIT Madras at their prestigious summit ‘Building India 2047 – Technologies for a Better Tomorrow’. Focusing on the theme of ‘Technology-Driven Social Impact,’ the award aims to honor companies who have enabled technological solutions that address prevailing societal challenges through scalable & sustainable solutions.

Honorable Minister of Information Technology and Digital Services of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan presented the award to the Chief People Officer & Head of CSR, Mr. Kishore Sambasivam at the event held in TTJ Auditorium, IC&SR Building, IIT Madras on 17th February 2024.

Bharat Sanjeevani, the unique and indigenous CSR initiative provides livestock care at the doorstep of rural farmers. The ‘Doctor-at-doorstep’ approach uses a first-of-its kind mobile app-based platform where any farmer can call a toll-free number and avail qualified services for livestock treatment, emergency care, vaccination, artificial insemination and nutrition within a stipulated timeframe. The integrated IT platform and the mobile app used by doctors and veterinary staff helps in timely and diligent services. The search to support livestock owners and related livelihood incomes led to the birth of this initiative. It addresses the core issue of lack of quality and timely care, significantly impacting income and possible loss of life.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Kishore Sambasivam, Chief People Officer & Head of CSR at Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited said, “We at BFIL are truly honored to be the first ever recipient of this award from IIT Madras (one of the premier IITs). Established in the year 2016, Bharat Sanjeevani has catered to more than 15 lacs farmers and 20 lacs plus livestock across 7 states. In times of distress, the initiative has provided immense relief to farmers where in case of livestock illness, they had to incur huge expenses in transporting their cattle for treatment. We look forward to extending the program to other states in India.”

The recognition by IIT Madras underscores Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited’s commitment to corporate
social responsibility and sustainable development.

Bengaluru | 20th February 2024 The successful completion of Mumbai High’s 50 years marks an extraordinary and glorious journey, complimented Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Hardeep Singh Puri on 18 February 2024. Mr. Puri emphasized Mumbai High’s pivotal role as a beacon for future exploration, urging ONGC to embrace cutting-edge technologies like AI and Data Analytics for sustainability and reduced environmental impact. He expressed satisfaction with ONGC’s efforts in bringing new discoveries into production, signaling a strategic path for further advancements to bolster the nation’s growth.

The Golden Jubilee Celebrations in Mumbai was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Hon’ble MoS, PNG and Labour and Employment Shri Rameswar Teli, Secretary, MoPNG Shri Pankaj Jain, IAS, and ONGC Chairman and CEO Shri Arun Kumar Singh

Encouraging ONGC to lead exploration in the sedimentary basin, Mr. Puri stressed the importance of blending experience with fresh perspectives to enhance production and rejuvenate plans. He commended the new ISPHEM facility in Goa, acknowledged as a world-class establishment ensuring safety in the E&P industry, with recognition from the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

ONGC commemorated the occasion by honoring past leaders and young achievers contributing to Mumbai High’s development. Additionally, a short film titled “ONGC Promise” depicted the company’s journey, past, present, and future, through the perspective of a veteran ONGCian portrayed by actor Paresh Rawal.

Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stressed the significance of combining expertise with new viewpoints to boost production and rejuvenate strategies

In his welcome address, the Chairman assured intensified production plans and significant investments for exploration, expressing hope for discovering a new field akin to Mumbai High soon. The Chairman reiterated ONGC’s commitment to exhaustively explore every opportunity within Mumbai High until every last drop of oil is recovered, underscoring the company’s dedication to maximizing resource utilization

20th February 2024 AISECT Group has established India’s biggest skill bases hyper local job portal Rojgarmantra.com as a one-of-a-kind job portal focused on providing skill-based employment opportunities and related services to employers/job seekers. The platform actively connects job seekers with businesses through organized job fairs, providing enterprises direct access to a diverse pool of skilled candidates. Rojgarmantra streamlines recruitment for MSMEs and SMEs, saving time and resources by sourcing skilled candidates. Beyond recruitment, the platform enhances candidate employability through specialized training programs.

Enterprises can access a cost-effective online candidate database, allowing streamlined hiring without exorbitant expenses. With an extensive pool of skilled manpower, Rojgarmantra fosters inclusivity, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas.

If you’re seeking to deploy or hire skilled manpower in diverse sectors such as Retail, Sales, IT, Customer care executives, Data Entry Operators, Sewing Machine Operator, Green Energy, Construction, and more, visit Rojgarmantra.com. Empowered by AISECT, a pioneering force in India’s skill ecosystem, Rojgarmantra provides access to a database of over 20,000 employment training centers nationwide.

Seminars promoting apprenticeship programs strengthen the symbiotic relationship between businesses and potential employees. The platform’s extensive reach, with offices across state capitals and district towns, ensures comprehensive coverage and support for MSMEs and SMEs.

Rojgarmantra Employment Information Centers (RMEIC) act as hubs, facilitating new associations with local employers such as Jehan Numa Palace, Magnum Group, We Win Ltd, Technotask Business Solutions, Isuzu Motors Ltd, Bend Joints Pvt Ltd, Daawat and others. They organize drives and conduct career counselling sessions, resulting in approximately 30 thousand candidates getting placed every year.

The Rojgar Mela for the year 2024 is planned to be held across various states, featuring a tentative schedule. The job fair are organized in states such as Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Gujarat, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

Rojgarmantra has signed recent MOUs with companies like Righill Electrics Pvt Ltd., Sweety Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, SS Eduks Management Consultants, Paridhi Industries Unit II, M/s Cosmos Manpower Pvt Ltd., SKG Royal Palace, Carz Café, Ambition, Mehar Holidays Planners, TecknoSIM Training Services, Parlani Cloth Store, Safe & Secure Systems, Shree Kushal Fabricators, Art Image, and others underline Rojgarmantra’s commitment to providing effective employment solutions.

Rojgarmantra aims to play a crucial role in this transformative phase. Log on to Rojgarmantra.com now for your recruitment solutions.

Trichy, 20th February 2024: Get ready to witness the skies come alive as Propeller Technologies, in collaboration with BVM Global School, presents a thrilling air show on February 24th, 2024, from 12.30 pm. This dynamic event, to be held at Morais City near Trichy airport, promises to ignite the passion for aviation in young minds, offering a front-row seat to the mesmerizing world of miniature flights.

The air show promises a diverse lineup of models, ensuring a visual feast for the students. From miniature models of Control Line aircraft and trainer Model Aircraft to Helicopters, Glider Aircraft, Ornithopters, and 3D aircraft, the event will showcase the full spectrum of aerodynamic wonders, illustrating the intersection of science, engineering, and technology in aviation.

Mr. Subramanyam Kantheti, CEO of Veranda K-12, which manages BVM Global Schools, said, “At BVM Global School, we believe in providing holistic learning experiences. This air show is an exciting blend of entertainment and education, offering our students a unique chance to witness the marvels of aviation in a lively and engaging atmosphere. We would want our students at BVM Global School to be inspired and embark on a journey of innovation, potentially creating their own miniature aircraft in the future.”

Mr. Aashik Rahman, Founder & CEO of Propeller Technologies, expresses his excitement, saying, “We’re on a mission to turn dreams into flight. This air show is an embodiment of our commitment to inspire the future aviators, engineers, and innovators of Trichy. These miniature aircrafts, showcased at the event, have been built by our own students at Propeller Technologies, highlighting the creativity and innovation within our community.”

Mr. Subramanyam further emphasized the impact of such events on students, stating, “Experiences like these go beyond textbooks, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of our students. We believe that witnessing the magic of aviation at a young age can inspire future leaders and innovators.”

Mr. Rahman went on to point out, “These models are a journey into the possibilities of the future. We want these young minds to look up and dream big, to see the potential that lies within the realms of science and technology.”

Mumbai, 20th February 2024: Samsonite, the global leader in travel solutions, proudly presents an awe-inspiring campaign, ‘Tested Like Samsonite’, showcasing a century-long legacy of excellence. Transcending the horizons of resilience and endurance, Samsonite sets on a journey to redefine strength and durability featuring an exceptional lineup of influential personalities testing the brand’s latest products.

Samsonite, a stalwart in the travel industry for 113 years, introduces the ‘Tested Like Samsonite’ campaign as a testimonial to individuals who symbolize immense strength and valor in the face of adversities. Highlighting similarities between the resilient journey of each individual and the durability of Samsonite’s diverse range of products, the campaign goes beyond conventional product testing.

Ms. Anushree Tainwala, Executive Director – Marketing, emphasizes, “Samsonite products are not just luggage; they are a testament to our commitment to quality and durability. ‘Tested Like Samsonite’ is a celebration of resilience and quality. Our carefully crafted marketing campaign captures the very essence of the Samsonite – resilience and perseverance. This campaign highlights our strong commitment to excellence. Our ultimate goal is to ignite inspiration in our audience by showcasing the enduring spirit of each Samson creation.”

As part of the ‘Tested Like Samsonite’ campaign, the latest video features tennis legend, Sania Mirza, who demonstrates the impact resistance of the Proxis series. A visual spectacle unfolds as Sania Mirza serves powerful smashes against the Proxis luggage pinned to a target wall. Showcasing the intensity of a tennis court, the 1-min adrenaline-pumping video captures the force of her hits, with the speed gun readings escalating, and she finally runs out of balls. Examining her resilient opponent, Sania Mirza claims, “This Samsonite is indeed a tough opponent!” The video reiterates the fact – the incredibly strong built and light Roxkin™ material, enables Samsonite products to withstand high-energy impacts, effortlessly.

This campaign marks a groundbreaking moment for the brand by assembling an exceptional lineup that includes not only sports and fitness icons but also renowned figures from the culinary and business realms. The ensemble, comprising Karun Chandhok, Milind Soman, Sania Mirza, Chef Garima Arora, Vidyut Jammwal, and Ghazal Alagh, reflects the brand’s commitment to embracing a spectrum of talents and achievements.

The campaign unfolds in a compelling 6-part video series, where each influencer subjects Samsonite’s iconic luggage to tests mirroring the challenges, they have overcome in their own journeys. The video campaign will feature across digital platforms, outdoor spaces, and social media networks, showcasing stories of resilience and strength portrayed by influential icons.

19^th February 2024, Riyadh – In a celebration of creativity and cultural enrichment, the Museums Commission, Ministry of Culture, Saudi Arabia proudly presents the groundbreaking exhibition, “In the Night,” at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA@Jax). This exhibition showcases the transformative power of art in interpreting the domain of the night. Artists from Saudi Arabia and the world, including from France, Morocco, Tunisia, India, Japan, Argentina Pakistan, Croatia, Australia, and the UK, take part in the exhibition with creative artworks shedding light on the mystery of the night and its intricate dimensions.

Vision 2030: Fostering an environment of creativity and artistic expression in Saudi Arabia and positioning the Kingdom as a new destination for art lovers and enthusiasts. Vision 2030 has transformed the way Saudi citizens live, work and play, with sweeping social reforms propelling the Kingdom into a new era of opportunity and prosperity. 

Ministry of Culture: Developing Saudi Arabia’s cultural economy and enriching the daily lives of citizens, residents, and visitors. Overseeing 11 sector-specific commissions, the Ministry is leading a cultural transformation to develop an abundant ecosystem that nurtures creativity, unlocks the economic potential of the sector and unleashes new and inspiring forms of expression.

Museums Commission: The Museums Commission strengthens the Kingdom’s identity, history, heritage, and culture by developing and enhancing the quality of museums.