Archives November 2024

November 20, 2024: – CII – IGBC, Annual 22nd edition of the GREEN BUILDING CONGRESS 2024, Asia’s largest conference & expo on green built environment, that promotes sustainable building practices and technologies concluded in Bengaluru last week. The Green Building Congress called for further policy reforms to achieve India’s goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030, including universal net metering, removing solar capacity limits, and reducing wheeling and green tariffs. It also urged updates to building codes to align with green & Net Zero norms, reducing costs for energy and water use. The three-day Conference and Expo brought to fore the progress of sustainable building practice so far in the country. Nationwide there has been the greening of an impressive 12.816 billion square feet of built-up area through 14,680 registered projects adopting IGBC GREEN and Net Zero standards. The impact of these projects goes beyond sustainability to inspire innovation and community development, with over 150 projects already achieving the net–zero status. Among the states in India, Karnataka has been one of the significant contributors to India’s green and net zero building movement. The state boasts a registered green footprint of 1 billion square feet, with more than 1,120 projects aligning with IGBC’s green building standards. Karnataka ranks among the top four states in renewable energy development, with an installed capacity of 22.37 GW as of October 2024. Bengaluru, as the host city of this year’s IGBC Green Building Congress, reinforced its position as a hub for green innovation and sustainability leadership.

This flagship event was the only event supported by WorldGBC in India. 18 Green Building Councils from across the globe supported and shared similar goals to develop a unified strategy to help achieve Net Zero goals and engage stakeholders from the building and construction industry. The event highlighted the critical role of collective action, cross-border partnerships, and shared innovation in delivering impactful solutions to address climate change.

Commenting on the success of the 22nd Green Building Congress, Mr B Thiagarajan, National Chairman, Indian Green Building Council, said, “This year’s Green Building Congress, aimed at advancing green building practices and creating actionable strategies for sustainable urban development. It is a critical step towards achieving the national goal of sustainable growth. By bringing together industry experts, policymakers, and practitioners, the event served as a platform to exchange ideas, showcase innovative solutions, and strengthen collaborative efforts. Over the course of three days, it has played a pivotal role in setting the groundwork for accelerating progress towards greening and ensuring a more sustainable future for India.”

Mr C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman, Indian Green Building Council said, “The Expo at Green Building Congress 2024, featured 150 exhibitors showcasing advanced Net Zero products and technologies, has witnessed 7,000+ visitors that raised awareness and built confidence among stakeholders to embrace Net Zero solutions. I urge all industry associations in the building and construction sector—CREDAI, NAREDCO, BAI, IIA, ICI, IIID, ISHRAE, and others—to collaborate and work towards the shared vision of a green and sustainable future for India, paving the way for a Net Zero nation.”

Speaking about the event, Dr Chandrashekar Hariharan, Chairman, IGBC Bangalore Chapter said, “The Green Building Congress that returned to Bengaluru after 18 years, has been a milestone in shaping India’s sustainability journey. The future of urban development lies not just in constructing buildings, but in creating spaces that are resilient, sustainable, and integrated with nature. This event exemplifies our collective determination to drive sustainable development and make net zero a reality.”

Commenting on the Green Building Congress, Ar Anup Naik, Co-Chair IGBC Bangalore Chapter said, “At a time when our cities are expanding at an unprecedented rate, the opportunity to build with purpose has never been more critical. Green building is not just a trend—it’s a necessity, one that requires us to rethink how we design, build, and live in our urban spaces. By embracing sustainability at every level, from materials to energy, we not only enhance the quality of life today but also lay the foundation for a thriving tomorrow.”

The third day of the Green Building Congress convened experts, policymakers, and innovators to spotlight pathways for achieving a sustainable, net–zero future. Through the day, speakers emphasized that achieving net–zero goals requires robust policy frameworks and regulatory support. Sessions like “Renewables for Buildings and Built Environment” and “Enabling Policies and Regulations for Achieving Net Zero” explored how government initiatives, public-private partnerships, and financial incentives can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices.

Larsen & Toubro’s Chennai Technology Centre – 4 made history at the Green Building Congress by becoming the first to receive the IGBC Net Zero (Design) Certification for Net Zero Energy, Carbon, Near Net Zero Water, and Zero Waste to Landfill. The Green Building Congress 2024 also featured IGBC Green Your School Competition with an overwhelming response of 400+ Schools across the country along with IGBC Green Design Competition, themed “Vibrant Urban Voids: Endless Possibilities,” encouraging students to transform neglected urban spaces into vibrant public areas. The Green Building Congress felicitated IGBC Green Champions, IGBC Performance Challenge Award, IGBC Senior Fellow and IGBC Fellow Awards. These are leading organizations who have delivered outstanding results in the area of GREEN BUILDINGS. This is one of the highest honours bestowed by IGBC upon the leaders of the green building movement in India. IGBC also felicitated 21 winners of the IGBC Performance Challenge Award for Green Buildings & Built Environment 2024. This award is given to IGBC certified green building projects which continue to maintain the facility as green. Also, CII IGBC bestowed 6 IGBC Senior Fellows and 23 IGB Fellows awards to corporate leaders who are playing an important role in leading the NET ZERO and Green Buildings movement in India.

An important aspect of this event was the EXPO where visitors could pick and choose to get the touch and feel of green products and technologies for their homes, offices, and buildings. This year’s Green Building Congress showcased 1,000 green building products and technologies, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate and innovate towards a more sustainable future for the city.

The Green Building Congress brought together a diverse group of attendees, including architects and designers, builders and developers, corporate and academia, representatives from the government and international agencies and green product manufacturers.

CII IGBC’s Mission on Net Zero envisions all green field projects should go net zero carbon by 2030, and both green and brown field projects should go net zero by 2050. Its Net Zero Carbon Rating System promotes the use of low-embodied carbon materials and technologies and on-site or off-site renewable energy sources, and adherence to a Whole Building Life Cycle Analysis. The rating system addresses projects in both ‘Design & Construction’ and ‘Operations’ phases. This approach allows tailored strategies for minimising or eliminating carbon emissions at different project stages.

20th  November 2024: Emoneeds, a leading digital mental health platform, has announced its strategic hiring initiative aimed at expanding its talented team as part of its growth and commitment to offering top-tier mental health services across India. With a current workforce of 67 employees, including three contractual staff members, Emoneeds is set to add eight new professionals by the end of 2024. This expansion focuses on bolstering the company’s clinical, technology, and administrative departments.

The company’s present employee base boasts a diverse gender balance with 40 female and 27 male employees, reflecting Emoneeds’ commitment to inclusivity and a supportive workplace. The hiring initiative will target key positions, including trainee psychologists, front-end and back-end developers (via third-party partnerships), an admin cum front desk executive, a graphic designer, and a data analyst. These roles will help Emoneeds enhance its digital offerings, operational efficiency, and clinical expertise as the platform scales to meet the growing demand for mental health services.

As Emoneeds continues to grow, the company recognizes the importance of hiring professionals who share its startup mindset. Dr. Neerja Aggarwal Co-founder & CEO emphasized this, stating, “At Emoneeds, we believe in nurturing young, driven professionals who are not only passionate about mental health but are also aligned with our long-term vision. Our expansion reflects our commitment to creating a collaborative environment where everyone contributes to shared goals. Expanding our team allows us to invest in the future success of Emoneeds, ensuring that we continue to provide innovative and empathetic care to individuals across India.”

With an initial investment of half a million US dollars from its founders, Emoneeds has cemented its position as a comprehensive platform offering specialized mental health services across a broad spectrum of conditions, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, OCD, and schizophrenia. Combining expert clinical care with cutting-edge digital innovation, the mental health startup places a strong emphasis on relapse prevention and functional recovery, ensuring long-term well-being for its patients. Since its inception, Emoneeds has empowered countless individuals, providing over  1,20,000  therapy and counseling sessions across 145 towns in India, transforming lives and redefining the future of mental health care in the country.

New Delhi, India, November 20, 2024: The US production ‘American Warrior’, featured and awarded at multiple international film festivals, will have its Asia premiere at the 55th IFFI in Goa on November 24 at 12:30pm at INOX, Panjim. The heartfelt story of an Indian immigrant set in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) centres on the universal theme of redemption and second chances. Peruvian-American director Gustavo Martin Benites makes his debut with American Warrior.

The story follows an Indian immigrant, “Jai Kumar” (played by Indian-American actor, Vishy Ayyar), a former convict and amateur MMA fighter who rises from obscurity to local fame after thwarting a convenience store robbery. As “Jai” navigates newfound and unwelcome attention, he is pushed to confront his past demons. Against all odds, he seizes the opportunity for a comeback. With the deck stacked against him, he enters a local MMA tournament for one last shot at redemption.

In a historic first, ‘American Warrior’ brings together Indian, American, and Latin-American stars in a Hollywood production. The dynamic and star-studded cast includes acclaimed actors such as Omi Vaidya, best known for his performance as “Chatur Ramalingam” in the Indian film 3 Idiots. Danny Trejo, known globally for his iconic roles in action movies like Machete, plays the role of “Dennis”, a seasoned MMA coach. Veronica Falcón, Ozark fame, as “Marcella”, the tenacious owner of a local gym; and Andrew Gray, who starred as the Red Ranger in Power Rangers Megaforce, as “Marcus”, “Jai’s fierce opponent in the ring.

Each actor brings a depth of emotion to the screen. They embody characters marked by resilience and the message that it is never too late to pick yourself up and move forward with the life you truly want.

Vishy Ayyar, the protagonist, is one of the few Indian Americans actors dedicated to pushing boundaries in leading roles within Hollywood’s action genre. Vishy is the story’s creator, and shines in the lead role of “Jai Kumar”, bringing his real-life experience as an MMA fighter and his personal journey as an immigrant to the screen. Speaking about his character, Ayyar shared, “‘Jai’s journey mirrors my own experiences in many ways, and I’m grateful to bring a piece of my own life story to such an impactful role. ‘American Warrior’ is about finding strength in vulnerability. It’s a raw portrayal of identity and what it means to grapple with one’s past. It was an honour to share that message with audiences, and I hope they see themselves in it.”

Verónica Falcón describes her role as Jai’s unlikely mentor, “Marcella’s grit is unmatched, and she sees something in Jai that others have overlooked. ‘American Warrior’ is about second chances, and it was a privilege to bring Marcella’s unapologetic strength to the screen.” Veronica is one of Mexico’s most celebrated actresses, and was the first Mexican-born actress to land a leading role in US Television. Her most recognisable US productions include Jungle Cruise, Voyagers, Queen of The South, Ozark, Perry Mason, and Why Women Kill?

Taylor Treadwell plays “Melissa”, a role that required navigating complex and delicate human relations as a single mother in recovery and the love interest of the film. She is not only in love with “Jai” but also becomes his emotional anchor. “Melissa’s journey is about healing and understanding. Working on this film reminded me of the importance of resilience and forgiveness—qualities that resonate with all of us”, says Taylor. She is known for her roles in Big Little Lies, Knight & Day, Ray Donovan, and Vampire Diaries.

‘American Warrior’ was shot in the vibrant, atmospheric city of Chicago in real old school boxing gyms and features real MMA fighters. ‘American Warrior’ is visually spectacular. It uses a strong singular point of view and the elevated-documentary approach.

The film’s producers, Naveen A. Chathapuram, Cristy Coors Beasley and Rashaana Shah, as a team have more than two dozen feature films, shorts and digital series to their credit in Hollywood.

Cristy Coors Beasley, one of the producers, shared her thoughts on bringing American Warrior to life, “Producing it has been an incredible journey. This film is about finding purpose – a subject that feels deeply personal to all. We wanted to show the intense, gritty heart of MMA. At the same time, portray the vulnerability and strength of the human spirit. And the immensely talented cast and crew were committed to telling that story. So, the result was as powerful emotionally as it was visually. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.”

New Delhi, November 20, 2024 – GADDA CO, one of the leading names in the mattress and bedding industry, announces the launch of its latest ad campaign, Ab Stress Nahi Hai Sehna, Yahi Hai Shaktimaan Ka Kehna, featuring veteran actor Mukesh Khanna. Best known for his iconic roles as Shaktimaan and Bhisma from Mahabharat, Khanna brings his superhero persona to life in the campaign, highlighting the importance of quality sleep in reducing stress and promoting well-being.

The campaign, now live across Instagram and Facebook, focuses on the modern-day stress levels caused by poor sleep and presents GADDA CO mattresses as the ideal solution. In the ad, Mukesh Khanna’s Shaktimaan delivers a powerful message that proper sleep is the foundation of a healthy life, urging viewers to choose GADDA CO for their sleep needs.

Commenting on his association with the brand, Mukesh Khanna said, “I’ve always promoted health and well-being, and I believe that good sleep is crucial to that. GADDA CO’s commitment to offering products that enhance sleep quality and reduce stress aligns perfectly with my values. I’m happy to be part of a campaign that brings attention to such an important aspect of our lives.

Shish Kharesiya, Founder and CEO of House of Brands – Baby & Mom Retail, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to have Mukesh Khanna on board as the face of GADDA CO. His legacy as an actor is a symbol of trust and protection, perfectly mirrors our mission of providing stress-free, quality sleep solutions. With this campaign, we hope to reinforce the message that GADDA CO mattresses are the go-to choice for a healthier, more relaxed life.”

The ad portrays the stress caused by inadequate sleep, using Mukesh Khanna’s Shaktimaan character to emphasize the life-changing impact of a good night’s rest. Through engaging visuals and storytelling, the campaign educates consumers on why GADDA CO mattresses are designed to provide superior comfort, support, and durability – ensuring a restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.

Mumbai, 20 November 2024:  According to the IVCA-EY monthly PE/VC roundup, PE/VC investments in October 2024 were 40% higher than September 2024.

Vivek Soni, Partner and National Leader, Private Equity Services, EY said, “October recorded US$4.7 billion in PE/VC investments, 4% higher than investments in October 2023 and 40% higher than in September 2024. The number of deals in October 2024 was 21% higher year-on-year.

Pure-play PE/VC investments in October 2024 (US$2.7 billion) declined by 19% compared to October 2023 (US$3.3 billion) and declined by 6% compared to September 2024 ($2.9 billion). The real estate and infrastructure asset class saw a growth of 67% year-on-year (US$2 billion in October 2024 vs. US$1.2 billion in October 2023). In terms of the number of deals, pure-play and real estate and infrastructure asset classes grew by 18% and 40% year-on-year, respectively.

Credit investments were the highest deal type in October 2024 at US$1.8 billion, followed by growth investments at US$1.6 billion. From a sector point of view, infrastructure was the top sector in October 2024, recording US$1.8 billion, followed by technology (US$1.1 billion).

PE/VC exits were at US$1.1 billion across nine deals in October 2024, 40% lower than in October 2023 (US$1.9 billion). Secondary exits in October 2024 accounted for 96% of all exits by value (US$1.1 billion).

While the startup world is experiencing rapid growth, established and mature companies are experiencing a surge in interest due to their balanced risk-return profiles. These companies promise substantial returns in a shorter period and offer greater predictability compared to investments in early-stage companies. This makes them an attractive target for PE and VC investors looking to generate value from growth investing. Please refer to the spotlight section on Growth capital strategy for more details.

The last quarter of the year witnessed a strong start, with October PE/VC investments growing by 40% compared to September. However, rising inflation, rupee depreciation and the significant dip in 3Q2024 corporate earnings and ensuing earning downgrades are making investors adopt a cautious approach. The Trump 2.0 US administration brings with it its own share of uncertainties which will play out when the new US govt start articulating its policies in January 2025. Although the Indian equity markets have seen some correction, challenges around bid-ask spreads in private transactions remain. While we remain cautiously optimistic in the medium term, for the next 2-3 months, we project tepid PE/VC investment activity. On the exits front, PE backed IPO’s and open market exits are expected to reduce significantly if volatility in midcap-small cap space continues.”

by Mr. Dinesh Chandra Pandey, Managing Director, of Shankar Fenestrations Glasses (PABROS)

Safety glass is a significant material in modern architecture, impacting both the safety and aesthetics of construction. Beyond just being transparent or colored, safety glass is essential for improving building durability, safeguarding occupants, and providing creative design options. The selection of safety glass, whether for 1windows, doors, facades, or interior applications, affects everything from the building’s structural integrity to the occupants’ well-being. A thorough understanding of safety eyewear and its uses can aid in the decision-making of architects, builders, and homeowners.

What is a Safety Glass?

A type of glass called safety glass is intended to reduce the possibility of harm if it breaks. It is made using techniques that change how glass behaves when it breaks, avoiding big, sharp pieces that could hurt someone badly. Tempered and laminated glass are the two most popular varieties of safety glass.

Tempered Glass: It is sometimes referred to as toughened glass since it is heated and quickly cooled, increasing its strength by up to four times above that of ordinary annealed glass. Tempered glass fractures into small, blunt fragments less prone to injuring people.

Laminated glass is created by sandwiching two layers of glass between a layer of resin, typically polyvinyl butyral, or PVB. Should the glass break, the resin covering keeps the broken pieces from flying everywhere and lessens the chance of someone getting hurt.

Safety Regulations in Construction

Building rules require safety glass in many applications, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic or breakage risks. Safety glass is usually necessary for windows, doors, skylights, and glass walls, for instance. These rules guarantee that structures are not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe for building occupants and sound structural design.

Strict guidelines for the use of safety glass are outlined in the International Building Code (IBC) and other regional codes, especially in high-risk situations like:
1) High-traffic locations, such as exits and entrances
2) Restrooms and other damp areas where trips and falls could result in mishaps
3) Glass guardrails and balconies that prevent falls
4) Skylights and above windows that could shatter and fall on those below

Why Safety Glass Matters in Construction

1. Enhanced Safety
Safety glass is mostly used in construction to safeguard building inhabitants. Ordinary glass can break into deadly, sharp shards that can seriously injure someone in an accident. Nonetheless, safety glass reduces the danger by either disintegrating into innocuous fragments or remaining intact even after breaking. This function is particularly crucial in places where people’s safety is a top priority, such as public buildings, businesses, schools, hospitals, and residences.

2. Increased Durability
Not only is safety glass more resilient than ordinary glass, but it is also safer. Because of its increased tolerance, it is more resilient to impact, wind pressure, and heat stress. For instance, safety glass is advantageous for buildings in hurricane, tornado, or high wind zones because it can withstand breaking from debris or abrupt pressure changes.

Furthermore, because the resin interlayer keeps the broken glass together, laminated glass can also provide increased resistance against forced entry and burglary, making it more difficult for intruders to enter. Laminated glass adds an extra layer of security to all residential and commercial buildings.
3. Energy Efficiency and UV Protection
Energy efficiency is frequently included in building design in modern architecture. By minimizing heat transmission, safety glass—especially laminated varieties with unique coatings—can greatly reduce energy use. This reduces the need for high-capacity heating and cooling systems by keeping interior rooms warmer in the winter and colder in the summer.

Laminated glass made using with unique coating can also provide UV protection, preventing up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet rays. This helps keep the building’s interior, including furniture, artwork, and other fixtures, from deteriorating due to sun exposure. By reducing glare, it also raises occupants’ comfort levels.

4. Acoustic Insulation
The potential of safety glass, particularly laminated glass, to reduce noise pollution is another benefit that is sometimes disregarded. Laminated glass is a useful sound barrier in metropolitan settings where outside noise from surrounding companies, building sites, and traffic can be bothersome. Because of its ability to reduce noise, it is perfect for use in public areas, households, and workplaces where keeping a calm environment is crucial.

5. Aesthetic Flexibility
Beyond functionality and safety, safety glass gives endless design opportunities. Because of its strength and durability, glass may be used to create bold and imaginative designs that would be impossible with regular glass. Modern and stylish structures may be constructed with safety in mind thanks to safety glass, which can be used for sleek glass barriers, vast windows, and towering glass facades.

A building’s aesthetic value can be further enhanced by customizing the color, tint, and texture of the laminated and tempered glass. This makes it possible for designers to create environments that are both aesthetically pleasing and safe by striking a balance between form and function.

6. Environmental Sustainability

Today’s builders and homeowners must take sustainability into account, and using safety glass helps create greener buildings. Because safety glass is durable and can be recycled frequently, fewer replacements are needed over time. Meanwhile, many coated and laminated glass varieties offer energy efficiency that reduces a building’s overall carbon footprint, making them a greener option for contemporary construction projects.

Beyond just reducing injuries, safety glass also improves durability, energy efficiency, and beauty in buildings. The significance of safety glass will only increase as building designs become more ambitious and safety rules change. It is an essential part of both residential and commercial buildings due to its many advantages and versatility.

India is the sixth-largest producer of chemicals in the world, enjoying a compound annual growth rate of 11–12% by 2027.Employing more than 2 million people, the industry produces a wide range of specialty chemicals, API (active pharmaceutical ingredients), agrochemicals, and flavors and fragrances.

As the sector grows, it faces increased international competition—and in this environment, functional excellence in research and development (R&D) can offer a critical business advantage. Improving R&D efficiency will be essential to enable Indian chemical companies to scale their output to contend in the global marketplace.

Jun Liu, Director, Chemicals & Materials Solutions at Revvity Signals, explores the transformative impact of digital technologies on R&D workflows in the chemical industry. He emphasizes how Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) like Signals Notebook streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and support regulatory compliance, ultimately driving greater productivity and business efficiency.

Transforming to digital technologies

Traditionally, R&D teams have relied on basic unstructured data capture tools – spreadsheets, PDFs, email, digital images, and even paper notebooks – to organize their work. For large, fast-growing teams, the lack of unified, organized workflows can soon become a challenge all of its own, with limited control of processes, documentation and information.

Increasingly, the sector is adopting Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) solutions, which provide a fully structured digital working environment to manage every aspect of R&D, from experiment design to AI-powered analytics and regulatory compliance.

In recent years, ELNs have emerged as a powerful tool for streamlining R&D workflows and improving data management. ELNs are designed to help researchers work more productively in an environment where data collection and analysis is increasingly, and sometimes exclusively, digital.The newest solutions rely on cloud technologies, delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS), enabling data to be accessed and updated from any location – a key advantage for employees and their collaborators across the globe.

Case Studies in the Chemical Industry

Aarti Industries and PI Industries are Indian chemical companies that have adopted ELNs and have experienced significant productivity gains as a result.

Aarti Industries in Mumbai, which specializes in specialty chemicals, uses Signals Notebook to improve the accessibility of experimental data, to support regulatory compliance, and to meet ISO certification standards. Vinod Shivanand Honmute, Head of R&D Excellence remarks, “After deploying Signals Notebook, previously tacit knowledge is now available to everyone with a click of a button.”

PI Industries, a fast-growing agrochemicals specialist based in Gurugram, Haryana, chose Signals Notebook as its core platform to enable collaboration within their company and with external partners. This solution, which includes Signals Notebook, provides what amounts to a shared language and resource, able to extend to third parties under full control of the PI Industries team.

NATCO Pharma, headquartered in Hyderabad, manufactures generic pharmaceuticals and is another Indian chemical company now deploying Signals Notebook to help accelerate product development and improve regulatory approvals processes. Rama Seshagiri Rao, Manager of Data Quality Assurance, emphasizes, “To remain competitive in the generic pharma industry, we need to quickly complete R&D, technology transfer, lab validation, and plant validation, and then file the product with the different regulatory agencies. Signals Notebook is fulfilling all of these expectations.”

Key Considerations for Selecting an ELN

There are three main factors to consider when selecting an ELN: functionality, integration, and scalability.

Functionality: An ELN must meet the specific needs of your research team, including features for data capture, analysis, and collaboration. Understanding the tasks, processes, and data types will help to select an ELN that merges seamlessly with your workflow. For example, you might need an ELN that can capture your chemicals value chain, or one that can restrict visibility of experimental data to specific groups of users.

Integration: Look for an ELN that can integrate with your existing laboratory instruments and software. Ensuring instrumentation compatibility will improve data exchange by automating previously manual processes and can help to eliminate data errors.

Scalability: As workload grows, the nature and volume of R&D processes and regulations may also change. Selecting an ELN that is able to flex capacity easily will be an important future consideration. Equally, as your partner ecosystem expands, you may need an ELN that makes it easy to collaborate securely with contract partners at multiple locations.

With a modern, cloud-based ELN delivered on the SaaS model, companies can vastly improve data management, collaboration, efficiency, and compliance – ultimately, helping to deliver the next era of breakthroughs.

Signals Notebook from Revvity Signals

Signals Notebook offers a comprehensive range of integrated components designed to support R&D workflows, with extensive resources for chemicals research. For example, Signals Notebook includes automated data capture, integration with a wide range of internal and external reference sources and databases, embedded ChemDraw software and Spotfire data visualization, and a host of collaboration and management functionality.

In addition, as a SaaS solution, Signals Notebook enables users to start small and scale big, with nothing more than a modern web browser and a reliable internet connection. For global teams looking to accelerate R&D programs, Signals Notebook provides a clean, intuitive interface, ready to power the next generation of research.

• For Hiring: Streamline recruitment with AI-driven processes that elevate talent screening and interviewing.
• For Talent Management: Equip employees with tools for career path exploration, internal mobility, and job fit assessments.
• For Skills Intelligence: Improve workforce capabilities through precise skills assessments and job family analyses.

Excited about the launch Mr. Lokesh Nigam, Co-founder & CEO of Konverz AI, stated, “With the launch of our Nurture platform, we are transforming the way organizations manage and develop their internal talent. Prioritizing employee growth and engagement enables companies to build stronger internal pipelines and better prepare for future challenges. Our platform supports talent development, enhances engagement, and facilitates effective succession planning.”

Mumbai, Nov, 20 2024 – Godrej Capital, the financial services arm of Godrej Industries Group, has become one of the early adopters of Generative AI, (GenAI) in the NBFC space with the launch of various Generative AI solutions, now live.

One of the standout applications of GenAI at Godrej Capital is its role in transforming customer interactions through comprehensive AI-driven quality checks. By analyzing 100% of customer calls and email engagements, Godrej Capital enables its decision-makers to extract actionable insights that drive continuous service enhancements. This in-depth analysis streamlines workflows and reduces the manual time required to review interactions, resulting in a seamless, highly personalized experience for customers while also saving on operational costs.

In addition, Godrej Capital’s use of GenAI extends to its 100% analysis of Net Promoter Score (NPS) feedback. By assessing all NPS data, the company proactively identifies trends in customer satisfaction, allowing it to swiftly adapt to changing needs. This responsiveness is both customer-focused and efficient, as it enables Godrej Capital to address customer demands in real-time without incurring the traditional resource-intensive processes typically involved. An upcoming development in Godrej Capital’s AI-powered customer service initiative will soon offer a 360-degree view of each customer, integrating loan information, communication across channels, NPS data, and service request history. This feature will provide a holistic understanding of customer needs, enabling more responsive and effective service.

Another noteworthy implementation slated to go live is the AI/ML-driven credit risk assessment system combined with Gen AI that analyzes real-time data from credit bureaus, and soon from bank statements, to combine with applicant profiles. This allows for comprehensive assessments of creditworthiness and early identification of potential risks, enhancing the company’s risk management and decision-making capabilities.

The company is also gearing up to launch ‘Godrej Capital SAKSHAM-AI/ML’, a robust Enterprise platform that offers a unified solution for implementing GenAI and ML capabilities, focusing on integration, security, efficiency, and advanced AI model deployment. It is a scalable model architecture that adapts to evolving trends, ultimately optimizing performance. This centralized platform will provide the flexibility of using multiple LLMs through a single platform for all GenAI capabilities, simplifying access and management. It ensures precise control and security of sensitive information, with efficient management for GenAI-driven applications.

Mrs. Jyothirlatha, Chief Technology Officer, Godrej Capital said “As a Tech-forward company, Godrej Capital is committed to harnessing AI responsibly and ethically, particularly in the evolving financial services landscape. Recognizing the challenges within the NBFC ecosystem and MSME space, we saw an opportunity to leverage AI to improve critical processes like customer service, credit risk assessment and loan disbursement, delivering faster, more reliable services. AI also allows us to offer personalized interactions, meeting individual customer needs more effectively. This integration not only accelerates our operations but also underscores our dedication to providing responsible, secure, and innovative financial solutions.”

There are several other GenAI initiatives in progress, for productivity enhancements. The company is working on developing multilingual capabilities for internal training videos, allowing employees to receive training in their preferred language. In the next few months, Godrej Capital systems will also offer multi-lingual content services to customers.

While Generative AI may not be a solution for every challenge, its groundbreaking impact shines through when combined with machine learning and other automation tools. This powerful synergy is accelerating process efficiencies and elevating customer experiences to new heights. By ensuring that these innovations are deployed responsibly and with top-tier data protection, Godrej Capital intends to accelerate efficiency and strengthen customer trust.

November 20, 2024, Hyderabad: In collaboration with IIIT-Delhi and the DRIIV Foundation, the Indian School of Business’s Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) is taking a giant step forward to drive innovation in technologies, aimed at addressing critical social development and sustainability challenges.

The trio – Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation Foundation (DRIIV)— the flagship programme of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP), has signed an MoU to establish a Centre of Excellence on Aerial and Water Robotics for Development and Sustainability (CoE-AWRDS).

Sharing details about the CoE, Prof. Ashwini Chhatre, Associate Professor and Executive Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with IIIT-D and DRIIV for this CoE on cutting-edge research in aerial and water robotics. We will be focussing on enhancing autonomy, sensing, and navigation capabilities. Further, our strategic partnerships with communities, academia, industry, government, and civil societies will lead the Centre to facilitate the comprehension of research outcomes into practical robotic solutions. These solutions will target diverse applications such as natural resource monitoring, measurement and management, disaster management, environmental monitoring, socio-economic sensing, agriculture optimisation, healthcare delivery in remote areas, and efficient infrastructure inspection.”

As part of the MoU, the Bharti Institute of Public Policy will provide its expertise in public policy, impact assessment, policy recommendations, and partnership facilitation.

Elaborating further on the MoU, Prof. Pankaj Vajpayee, Dean of Corporate Relations & Entrepreneurship and Director of IIITD Innovation & Incubation Center, IIIT Delhi, said, “One of the key aspects of our collaboration is the nurturing of the next generation of technology experts representing tribal and rural communities through comprehensive educational programmes and hands-on training opportunities. By becoming a global leader in aerial and water robotics research and innovation, the CoE-AWRDS aspires to generate new robotic platforms, sensors, and algorithms, ultimately stimulating economic growth in the robotics sector while addressing pressing societal and environmental needs.”

In agriculture, drones can assess crop health, monitor irrigation efficiency, and detect pests and diseases, contributing to zero hunger SDG. Similarly, for SDG 6 pertaining to clean water and sanitation, drones can survey water bodies, monitor pollution levels, and assess the effectiveness of sanitation interventions. In the context of sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), drones can map urban areas, monitor infrastructure, and assess disaster risks.

Drones also play a crucial role in monitoring deforestation, biodiversity loss, and wildlife populations, aligning with SDG 15 (life on land). Furthermore, drones facilitate the monitoring of SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) by inspecting solar panels and wind turbines, ensuring optimal energy production and distribution. The use of drone technology also aligns with SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure) by promoting technological advancements and fostering innovation in data collection and analysis methodologies.

Explaining the concept of the CoE, Shipra Misra, Managing Director & CEO, DRIIV Foundation, said, “The objective of the CoE is multi-layered, cutting across various domains. From enhanced environmental monitoring and conservation to improving disaster resilience and response, promoting sustainable agriculture and food security to enhancing access to healthcare and essential services, the CoE stands to empower communities and foster sustainable development.”

Drone technology and under-water robotics have emerged as transformative tools in monitoring and measuring key indicators of sustainable development goals (SDGs). As part of the collaboration, the Bharti Institute of Public Policy will jointly organise short-term capacity building and education programmes and workshops on drone technology and under-water robotics aligning with the objectives of CoE-AWRDS.