Archives June 2025

Kryolan Expands Its Retail Footprint With 3rd Store In Mumbai, Marking 20 Years in India and 80 Years Globally

Mumbai, 26th June 2025 – Kryolan, the global leader in professional make-up, has announced the opening of its third store in Mumbai, located in the culturally rich and commercially significant Colaba district, one of South Bombay’s most iconic neighborhoods. This launch represents the brand’s 11th retail outlet in India, coinciding with two major milestones, 80 years of Kryolan’s international legacy and 20 years of operations in the Indian market.

With its strong heritage rooted in performance-driven make-up innovation, Kryolan has become a trusted brand for professionals across theatre, film, television, bridal, and fashion industries worldwide. The new Colaba store signals the brand’s sustained commitment to geographic expansion, retail visibility, and deeper engagement with India’s evolving beauty landscape.

The launch also witnessed the presence of Kryolan’s global leadership, including Mr. Wolfram Langer, Managing Director and son of Kryolan’s founder, and Mrs. Malgorzata Langer, Executive Director. They were joined by Mr. Madhivanan Ramaswamy, CEO of Kryolan Cosmetics India Pvt.Ltd. (KCIPL), and Mrs. Klaudia Korolec Loretti, COO of KCIPL, underlining the brand’s high-level commitment to the Indian market.

“This launch is more than a new store, it’s a strategic reaffirmation of our long-term investment in India. Mumbai has been pivotal to our India journey, and expanding into Colaba is about acknowledging the city’s role as a creative capital while strengthening our proximity to professionals and consumers alike. Over the past two decades, we have seen India emerge as one of Kryolan’s most dynamic markets. The opening of our 11th store reflects our continued confidence in the region. We aim to empower artists, facilitate industry collaboration, and contribute to the growing sophistication of India’s beauty and performance industries” said Wolfram Langer, Managing Director, Kryolan International.

“The location for our 3rd store was carefully chosen as Colaba is known for its blend of artistic relevance, tourism, and consumer diversity, offering Kryolan a unique opportunity to serve both domestic and international audiences. The store features a walk-through layout, dedicated professional make-up stations, and plethora of products , reaffirming its strategic intent to offer not just retail, but a creative and educational experience,” added Madhivanan Ramaswamy, CEO, KCIPL.

The Colaba store also reflects the brand’s philosophy of combining global standards with local relevance. Kryolan’s products, designed and manufactured in its Berlin and Chennai facilities, are formulated with professional precision, but also tailored to local climate conditions, skin tones, and application needs. Kryolan India has played a crucial role in training programs, and the professionalisation of make-up education in the country. Kryolan conceived the “Make in India” policy over 20 years ago and strategized R&D localization & Production in Chennai, India.

Over the next 2–3 years, Kryolan plans to further expand its footprint across India with additional 10 stores, regional hubs, and enhanced digital integration. The company also plans to deepen its educational ecosystem through masterclasses, certifications, and collaborations with film schools, fashion institutions, and beauty academies.

The Colaba store is a continuation of Kryolan’s vision to build a physical and creative network that supports the next generation of Indian make-up artists, while staying rooted in a global legacy of uncompromising quality and innovation.

Bengaluru, 26^th June 2025 — Curefoods announced the onboarding of two directors, Mala Todarwal and Natrajan Ramkrishna, to its Board of Directors. Their association commenced in April 2025. Both directors bring experience across finance and accounting having held leadership positions at premier accounting and advisory firms, as well as on the board of various listed companies.

Mala Todarwal, a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, holding Certificate of Practice since more than 15 years and is currently a Partner at Arun Todarwal & Associates LLP and Arun Todarwal & Co LLP. She has served as the Chairperson as well as member in various audit committees and has been on the boards of multiple organizations across sectors, offering insights into financial compliance and risk governance. At Curefoods, she chairs the Audit Committee, overseeing financial reporting and internal control systems.

Natrajan Ramkrishna, also a Chartered Accountant and Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, has experience in accounting and advisory services and holds the Certificate of Practice for over 40 years. His past tenures include Country Head of Audit and COO at KPMG, Partner roles at S. R. Batliboi & Co. LLP, Price Waterhouse LLP, and RSM & Co., Chartered Accountants. At Curefoods, he leads the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, playing a key role in board diversity, succession planning, and performance evaluation.

Ankit Nagori, Curefoods, said, “We are privileged to have professionals of Mala’s and Natraj’s caliber contribute to Curefoods’ governance framework. Their domain expertise and strong track records in board leadership will be invaluable as we continue to build a resilient, future-ready organization.”

National, 26 June 2025: Herbalife India, a premier health and wellness company, community, and platform, announces the extension of its partnership with two of India’s leading sports icons – Smriti Mandhana, Indian cricketer, and Manika Batra, Indian table tennis player –for its vritilife Ayurvedic skin care range. This strategic partnership aims to address wellness through clinically tested skincare routine and reflects Herbalife’s commitment to promoting well-being from the inside out.

As athletes who face high levels of physical and environmental stress, Smriti Mandhana and Manika Batra understand the importance of conscious skincare that supports their active lifestyles without compromising on quality or authenticity. This partnership reflects a shared vision in championing skincare — one that blends Ayurvedic tradition with modern science to empower every individual to feel confident in their own skin.

Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, said, “vritilife reflects our ongoing commitment to nutrition and conscious skincare, rooted in the principles of Ayurveda and backed by science. As we continue to expand this range, we are delighted that Smriti Mandhana and Manika Batra—already valued ambassadors for Herbalife—are extending their association to champion the vritilife skincare range. They embody the spirit of balance, strength, and authenticity—values that are integral to vritilife. Their inspiring journeys will help us encourage more people to embrace skincare as an empowering aspect of holistic well-being.”

vritilife’s Ayurvedic skin care range currently includes a Facial Cleanser, Facial Toner, Facial Serum, and Moisturizer. The skin care range stands out for its use of botanicals like Neem, Turmeric, Aloe Vera, and Kumkumadi oil. These ingredients are combined with actives that are dermatologically tested, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and hypoallergenic.  Each formulation is crafted to deliver efficacy , backed by rigorous clinical validation and Herbalife’s global quality standards. These products, developed at the Herbalife’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, are Made in India, for India, and formulated specifically to suit Indian skin types.

Smriti Mandhana, Indian cricketer, said “I’m delighted to join vritilife family as their brand ambassador. As an athlete, taking care of my skin while constantly being on the move is essential, and vritilife’s Ayurvedic-based formulations truly align with my lifestyle. I believe in promoting wellness, and vritilife reflects that ethos perfectly.”

Manika Batra, Indian table tennis player, said “In sport and in life, discipline and self-care go hand in hand. With vritilife, I’ve found skincare that is deeply rooted in tradition, and yet refreshingly modern. I am happy to represent the brand and celebrate the diverse beauty traditions of this nation.”

For the past 25 years, Herbalife India has played a key role in promoting health and wellness across the nation. Since its inception, the brand has been committed to empowering individuals to lead active lives through its scientifically backed nutrition and personal care products. Over the years, Herbalife has grown into a trusted name, supporting thousands of independent distributors and fostering a community driven by fitness and holistic well-being. With a strong focus on quality, innovation, and customer-centric solutions, Herbalife continues to inspire positive lifestyle changes, cementing its legacy as a leader in the wellness industry in India.

New Delhi, 25th June 2025: Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited (formerly known as Max Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited), one of India’s leading standalone health insurance providers, has announced a strategic partnership with Upstox, one of India’s fastest-growing wealth platforms. This collaboration marks a significant step toward integrating health protection with digital financial ecosystems, enabling millions of tech-savvy Indian consumers to access comprehensive health insurance solutions with the same ease and convenience as managing their investments.

By bringing Niva Bupa’s trusted and innovative health insurance offerings to the Upstox platform, the partnership aims to simplify the health insurance journey, foster financial wellness, and contribute meaningfully to the broader national agenda of increasing insurance penetration across the country.

With this collaboration, Niva Bupa becomes the first standalone health insurance company to partner with Upstox, marking a significant milestone in the convergence of health protection and digital financial services. As part of the partnership, a curated range of Niva Bupa’s health insurance products are now live and available for purchase directly on the Upstox platform, empowering millions of users to secure their health while managing their investments — all in one place.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Krishnan Ramachandran, MD & CEO at Niva Bupa Health Insurance, said “At Niva Bupa, we are committed to delivering innovative and customer-centric solutions that meet the evolving healthcare needs of today’s consumers. This partnership with Upstox not only strengthens our digital distribution strategy but also aligns with IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’. By embedding health insurance into a leading wealth platform like Upstox, we are taking a significant step toward democratising access to quality healthcare in India. Upstox’s tech-driven, rapidly growing user base makes it an ideal partner in reaching the new-age Indian consumer with relevant, flexible, and affordable health insurance products.”

“At Upstox, our mission has always been to simplify and empower financial decision-making for our users,” said Kavitha Subramanian, co-founder, Upstox.. We believe that true financial well-being goes beyond just investments—it includes being prepared for life’s uncertainties. Health is wealth, and through this strategic partnership with Niva Bupa Health Insurance, we’re making it easier for our users to access trusted, comprehensive health insurance solutions directly through our platform. This collaboration marks a significant step toward enabling holistic financial planning, giving our users the tools they need to secure both their financial future and their health.”

Through this integration, Upstox users can now explore, compare, and purchase Niva Bupa’s health insurance offerings seamlessly, with a few clicks — ensuring financial and physical well-being are addressed together.

Mumbai- Following the recent Air India incident in Ahmedabad, many travelers are grappling with renewed anxiety about flying. While commercial aviation remains statistically one of the safest modes of transportation, the psychological aftershock of such events can be long-lasting.

Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, urges travelers not to ignore their emotional responses. “Accidents like these can trigger a ripple of fear—even in seasoned flyers. It’s a natural reaction. But if left unchecked, anxiety can escalate into chronic flight phobia or panic disorders,” she says.

To help anxious passengers regain confidence, Dr. Anand shares key mental health strategies:

Stay Informed, Not Overexposed: Follow only credible news sources. Avoid looping media coverage, which often amplifies fear rather than informs.

Talk It Out: Discuss your concerns with friends, family, or a mental health professional. Bottled-up fears often intensify over time.

Use Calming Tools: Simple techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises can help reduce stress before and during flights.

Choose Your Seat Smartly: Opt for seating that makes you feel safer—typically over the wings or near exits—to boost your sense of control.

Know When to Get Help: If pre-flight anxiety leads to insomnia, panic attacks, or recurring nightmares, it’s time to consult a mental health expert.

“In the long run, unresolved fear can impact daily functioning, strain personal relationships, and even limit career growth,” Dr. Anand notes. “Therapies like CBT and exposure therapy have shown excellent results in helping individuals reshape fearful thought patterns and gradually re-engage with air travel.”

She also calls on airlines and aviation authorities to prioritize psychological safety. “Clear communication about safety protocols and access to mental health resources—especially after incidents—can go a long way in reassuring passengers,” she adds.

Manika Plastech Limited, a design-led, precision engineered, rigid polymer packaging manufacturing company has filed Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI for an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The public offer comprises of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to ₹ 1,150 millions by company (THE “FRESH ISSUE”) and an offer for sale (OFS) aggregating up to 15 million equity shares of face value of ₹2 each by VRIDAA Holding Trust the Promoter Selling Shareholders (“OFFER FOR SALE”).

Nikunj Mohanlal Kapadia, Munjal Nikunj Kapadia, Mihir Nikunj Kapadia, Pratik Nikunj Kapadia and VRIDAA Holding Trust are the promoter of the company.

Manika Plastech Limited is a design-led, precision-engineered rigid polymer packaging manufacturer catering to diversified critical industries such as energy storage, dairy and edible food products, paints, and chemicals. The company’s products are designed and developed in-house, with 36 designs registered as unique intellectual property, out of which two have been applied for renewal, under the Designs Act, 2000 and the Designs Rules, 2001. (Source: Technopak Report)

With focus on application specific performance, durability, product safety and efficiency, the company has product portfolio built around precision engineered solutions such as high-performance battery casings, pail & thinwall containers, each tailoring to serve industrial and consumer use cases. These offerings cater to a broad spectrum of industries, including automotive, energy storage, telecommunications, paints, lubricants, agrochemicals, food, and dairy, among others. The company undertakes production in injection moulded, rigid polymer components, such as precision battery casings pails and thinwall containers.

The company proposes to utilize the Net Proceeds towards Funding the capital expenditure towards purchase of plant and machinery, Repayment/pre-payment, in part or full, of certain borrowings availed by the company; and General Corporate Purposes.

The Company is proposing to implement using ISBM technology to manufacture additional range of products like PET bottles, jars, containers etc. for industry segments such as, personal care, cosmetics, beverage and pharmaceutical applications, among others.

Manika Plastech Limited is one of the top three players for recycled polymers/ post- consumer recycled processing output in CY 2023/ FY 2024. Manika Plastech Limited incorporates recycled and eco-friendly materials, along with energy-efficient production processes. (Source: Technopak Report).

For the nine months ended December 2024 the company reported a total income of ₹ 3,017.54 million, while the company reported a profit after tax of ₹ 116.90 million for the same period.

Currently, the Company’s operations are spread across seven Operating Facilities, in Dehradun, Hosur, Panipat, Una and Dadra and five warehouses.

The Company customers include Livguard Energy Technologies Private Limited, Luminous Power Technologies Private Limited, UNO Minda Limited, JSW Paints Limited, Indigo Paints Limited, Jotun India Private Limited and Grasim Industries Limited, and ULTRAVIOLETTE Automotive Private Limited.

The Equity Shares that will be offered through the Red Herring Prospectus are proposed to be listed on the BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

26^th June 2025: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON India) will be organizing over 150 Rath Yatras of Lord Jagannath across the India in 100 cities and towns from Kerala to Punjab and Tripura to Gujarat between 27^th June (Ashadha Shukla Dvitiya) to 5^th July (Ashadha Shukla Trayodashi).

As part of ISKCON’s annual services to Lord Jagannath’s devotees during Rath Yatra, ISKCON monks and volunteers, with the support of Mr. Gautam Adani and Adani group, will be serving sumptuous prasadam along with fruit juice daily to over 2.5 lakh pilgrims in Puri, Odisha, from day of Rath Yatra till the next 11 days. Mr. Gautam Adani is also expected to personally take part in the Annadan seva at Puri in the coming days.

For over 50 years, ISKCON has spread the teachings and bhakti of Lord Jagannath all over the world through its 900+ temples in more than 80 countries. Today, hundreds of ISKCON temples have deities of Lord Jagannath wherein festivals like Snana-yatra and Rath Yatra are celebrated and countless devotees with deep devotion and cultural dignity, preserve the spiritual essence of these sacred events to practice Jagannath bhakti around the world.

Though the Vedic scriptures allow observing the Rath Yatra festival at different times of the year, considering the request of Gajapati Divyasingh Dev (the King of Puri), in 2021, ISKCON India decided to align the festivities in the 11-day period, even though it had a significant impact on the outreach efforts of introducing people to Lord Jagannath in places like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu due to climatic conditions.

ISKCON’s scholars are currently in dialogue with the scholars appointed by the King of Puri and Sri Jagannath Temple Administration. ISKCON’s scholars have presented scriptural injunctions and evidence from the Vedas, Puranas and Itihasas to prove the religious authenticity of its Rath Yatra celebrations. The response from the Puri scholars is pending for the past several months.

“Today, even in India it is difficult to obtain permission to celebrate the Rath Yatra in many cities. It is stricter and more difficult to obtain permits in other countries, where the permission for public events is accorded only on certain days of the year. Moreover, the month of June-July are winter season in the Southern hemisphere and some places even witness’s snowfall. Besides that, most of the community members in places outside of India are either students or working people who find it very difficult to participate on working days” said Yudhistir Govinda Das, National Director of Communications for ISKCON India.

“We need to understand the original mood and purpose of celebrating the Rath Yatra festival which is for everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion or nationality, an opportunity to receive the darshan and thereby the mercy of Lord Jagannath while seated on his chariot. Our intention has been to spread the bhakti and glories of Lord Jagannath, and we hope the King of Puri appreciates this noble effort and doesn’t deprive lakhs of people from Lord Jagannath’s mercy. We assure the King of Puri and Jagannath temple administration of our respect for the devotional essence, scriptural respect, and cultural sanctity of Lord Jagannatha’s festivals” he continued.

Since organizing the first ever Jagannath Rath Yatra in the western world at San Francisco in 1967, today ISKCON has made this festival a well-known event in cities like New York, Moscow, London, Sydney, Durban among others. Apart from introducing the teachings of Lord Jagannath to crores of people of various nationalities and ethnicities, ISKCON’s efforts have also significantly contributed to religious tourism of Odisha by inspiring thousands of devotees to visit every year Jagannath Puri and the related places of pastimes in the state.

Chennai, June 25, 2025–Zoho, the global technology company headquartered in Chennai, today announced that the Indian retail sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with 60% of businesses planning to adopt AI and ML by 2030 to stay competitive, and 44% betting on AI-powered personalisation to enhance the shopping experience for their customers. These findings were revealed in The Indian Retailer Survey, launched on the occasion of MSME Day. Zoho Commerce, the company’s comprehensive commerce platform, surveyed over 2,700 MSMEs across India to highlight key trends, opportunities, and challenges that are shaping the country’s retail sector.

“Indian MSMEs are creating a pivotal shift in the retail sector,” says Prashant Ganti, Vice President, Global Product Strategy, Finance and Operations Platform, Zoho. “Our study shows that embracing a seamless online and offline selling strategy, coupled with the adoption of the right tools, including AI, to enhance the buyer experience, is essential for growth and future-proofing a retail business. This shift requires a modern platform that is both intuitive for customers and agile for retailers. With Zoho Commerce, we are helping businesses build, market, and manage their online stores with ease, provide personalised customer experiences, and sell globally across multiple channels.”

Six out of ten MSMEs stated that they have adopted an omnichannel selling strategy, operating in both online and offline channels, with the majority (75%) of them claiming this expands their reach and customer accessibility; 68% of retailers reported an equal revenue share from both retail channels. The survey found that Indian retailers are increasingly prioritising their online presence to stay relevant and competitive. In fact, 82% of offline retailers want to go digital, the marketplace being the most preferred platform for sales.

Despite the shift online, the physical retail experience still holds value. According to the survey, 71% of businesses say customers shop in-person to touch and see products before buying. As per the retailers, personalised in-store service (66%), and instant product access (59%) are the other top reasons for consumers to prefer an in-store experience. Interestingly, nearly 50% of retail MSMEs considering a physical presence said they prefer to start with pop-up stores as they are flexible and and cost-effective. The survey also found some key challenges that retailers face when it comes to maintaining a seamless omnichannel experience. Around 60% of retail MSMEs cited facing issues in logistics and supply-chain management, while 57% found the operational costs high for physical stores.

Consumers prefer Speed, Convenience, and Tech-enabled Experiences

Around 57% of retailers identified faster delivery as the most critical customer demand, with over half of the online retailers seeing increased interest in same-day delivery. Businesses cite convenience (82%) and competitive pricing (71%) as top motivators for online shopping.

Meanwhile, technology is revolutionising in-store experiences as well. Nearly 70% of the respondents now offer mobile payments, while others are adopting tablets for product browsing (66%) and kiosks for instant ordering (50%). Features such as digital reviews, online discounts, and AI-powered personalisation are making physical stores deliver the convenience and interactivity of an online store.

Social Media: The Top Customer Touchpoint for Indian Retailers

Social media emerged as a key discovery and engagement channel for Indian retailers, with 72% of businesses citing it as their primary customer touchpoint, followed by search engines (67%) and marketplaces (60%). Apart from discoverability, retailers are also leveraging social media platforms as a prominent source of customer engagement, with 61% of digital businesses and 30% of offline businesses collecting customer feedback from the platforms.

Zoho Commerce Enhances Platform to Meet Evolving Retail Demands and Support Omnichannel Selling

In line with the findings from The Indian Retailer Survey, Zoho is unveiling a new version of its comprehensive commerce platform, Zoho Commerce, that helps businesses build, market, and manage their online store. The enhanced platform delivers a redesigned, intuitive user interface with over 15 modern online store templates for rapid digital store front creation, and native mobile applications for both Android and iOS, enabling seamless store management from anywhere. The platform enables businesses to sell digital downloads, manage loyalty point programs, offer multi-currency checkout, and track and recover cart abandonment.

Zoho Commerce now also supports social selling, enabling retailers to sell using multiple channels, including WhatsApp. Customers can view the catalogue from the business profile, add items to the cart, and automatically transition to the online store for a smooth checkout experience. The platform also offers end-to-end order lifecycle management and workflow automation for streaming internal processes for retailers. Businesses operating in B2B and wholesale selling can manage quote requests, price negotiations, and set credit limits as well.

Delhi, June 26th, 2025: Sustain Labs Paris (SLP), the world’s largest sustainability-focused venture builder, has unveiled the 2025 cohort of its prestigious Climate Leadership Certificate program. The summer cohort brings together 20 intergenerational climate leaders from eight countries, each committed to driving systemic change across business, government, research, and civil society.

Notably, 47% of the cohort comprises Indian delegates, including senior government officials such as an IPS officer from the Ministry of Home Affairs, visionary entrepreneurs leading sustainable businesses, and young changemakers driving grassroots climate innovation.

The cohort features sustainability and CSR leaders from Indian organisations like Havells India, FarMart, and Shiv Nadar Foundation, as well as researchers from IIT Delhi and Purdue University who are developing cutting-edge climate technologies and environmental systems. They are joined by international delegates from institutions such as Masdar, RAKBANK, SEE & G Advisory, and Saja Climate Partners, contributing global expertise in renewable energy, inclusive adaptation, and climate education across Asia and Africa.

“We are excited by the response to this year’s program; the quality, diversity, and commitment of the applicants have been truly inspiring. It’s energising to see so many leaders ready not just to talk about change, but to drive it from within their institutions, and the 2025 cohort is a powerful reflection of that.” said Dr. Miniya Chatterji, CEO of Sustain Labs Paris

The five-month program centers on science-based climate action, values-driven leadership, and personal transformation. It includes an immersive Climate Leaders Retreat in Dubai, personalised leadership coaching, and hands-on mentorship for climate passion projects. The program fosters a strong global network of skilled, resilient leaders prepared to tackle today’s most urgent sustainability challenges.

The 2025 cohort reaffirms SLP’s commitment to nurturing diverse, action-oriented leaders capable of shaping the future of climate resilience and innovation.

June 26, 2025: The World Economic Forum announces the 2025 cohort of its Technology Pioneers community, a group of 100 early-stage companies from 28 countries driving innovation across industries and borders. With 10 Indian startups featured in the list, this year’s cohort showcases greater diversity beyond Silicon Valley and the rise of more ambitious frontier technologies.

Arun Vinayak – CEO & Co-founder_Exponent

Among the 10 Indian companies, Bengaluru-based EV startup Exponent Energy has secured its position in the global list of rising deep-tech startups. The recognition underscores Exponent Energy’s breakthrough in the rapid charging space. The company has developed a full-stack system capable of charging any size of EV battery from 0 to 100% in just 15 minutes and giving a 3000-cycle life warranty for EVs (a new industry standard), all done on affordable Li-ion cells.

Joining Exponent Energy on the 2025 list are nine other distinguished Indian deep-tech startups:

• Agnikul – Providing affordable and customizable space launch services.
• CynLr – Building robots with intuitive vision and enabling manufacturers and logistics providers to build fully automated factories.
• Dezy – Leveraging AI-powered diagnostic technology to build affordable and
accessible dental care.
• Digantara – Providing crucial operational support to commercial space operators and space surveillance intelligence to global space agencies.
• Equal – Providing an integrated solution that combines identity verification with consent-driven financial data sharing.
• Freight Tiger – Building India’s largest software-enabled freight network to help businesses move goods with full visibility, efficiency and lower costs.
• GalaxEye – Creating a comprehensive, multi-sensor Earth observation system.
• SolarSquare – Helping homes switch to solar in India with its full-stack solar panel systems.
• The ePlane Co. – Developing flying electric taxis designed for intra-city transportation.

Collectively, this cohort reflects the strength of India’s innovation landscape spanning across clean energy, mobility, logistics, robotics, space tech, health tech, and fintech, signaling the country’s rising influence in shaping global deep-tech frontiers.

Exponent Energy, for instance, has attracted the backing of leading international, national, and strategic investments led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Eight Roads Ventures, YourNest VC, 3one4 Capital, AdvantEdge VC, and the family office of Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO, Hero MotoCorp, raising a total of $44.6 Million in Pre-series A, Series A and B. Co-founded in 2020 by Arun Vinayak and Sanjay Byalal, Exponent so far has 2000+ EVs using its technology on the across Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

Launched in 2000, the WEF Technology Pioneers initiative annually spotlights early-stage companies whose breakthrough technologies have the potential to transform industries and improve society. With over 1,200 past alumni, the 2025 list comprises 100 innovators from 28 countries addressing global challenges through frontier tech. Selected Pioneers join a two-year engagement with the Forum, participate in global dialogues, and attend the Annual Meeting of the New Champions, held this year from June 24–26 in Tianjin, China.