Archives January 2026

Bengaluru,  Jan 9: The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at JAIN  Faculty of Engineering & Technology, is set to host the second edition of Inceptrix, a national-level, hackathon-driven technical event focused on student-led innovation and applied technology learning, scheduled for 27–28 February 2026.

The previous edition, Inceptrix 2025 conducted as a two day intercollegiate technical fest in  May 2025 had witnessed participation from students representing 27 states, with over 1000 registrations and a total prize pool of Rs 1,75,000. The event had created a collaborative environment where participants engaged in real world problem solving, peer learning, and technical experimentation.

Inceptrix 2.0 aims to expand its academic and innovation footprint. The 2nd edition will feature competitive hackathons, hands on workshops, and expert led sessions aimed at encouraging creativity, collaboration, and solution oriented thinking among students. The event aims to support JU FET’s focus on industry-relevant education and future-ready skill development.

The initiative is led by the Tech Council of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, a professional student body that oversees more than fifteen specialized technical clubs. The council functions as a central platform for technical initiatives, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential learning through structured events and competitions across the institution.

Inceptrix 2.0 will also open opportunities for industry partners to engage through event sponsorships, workshops, digital promotions, prize sponsorships, and on ground brand presence. These collaborations aim to create meaningful interaction between emerging talent and the technology ecosystem while supporting student innovation at scale.

As part of the hackathon competitions, participants will compete for an attractive prize pool. The Winner will receive a cash prize of INR 1,00,000, the First Runner-Up will be awarded INR 50,000, and the Second Runner-Up will receive INR 25,000. In addition, Top 10 teams will be recognized with exclusive gift hampers, further motivating innovation and excellence among participants.

The event will be hosted at JAIN Global  Campus at Kanakapura Main Road in Bengaluru.

Students from engineering and technology disciplines across institutions are welcome to register before 31 January 2026.

IIT Roorkee Para Athlete Turns Struggles into Strengths, Inspires Generations A Journey from Campus Pool to World Para Swimming Championship

Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Jan 09: Defying odds, breaking barriers, and inspiring generations, Saurav Kumar’s recent B.Tech graduate journey in Engineering Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) is a story of courage, resilience, and hope. Living with a lower-limb disability since childhood, Saurav has turned challenges into opportunities, proving that the body does not define disability, but the mind.

Saurav’s tryst with para sports began in 2024, when a campus event he organised brought national heroes, including Paralympians Md. Shams Aalam and Pramod Bhagat to IIT Roorkee. Inspired by their stories, and even as he coped with the loss of his mother to cancer, he resolved to learn swimming, a sport he had never tried before. Despite initial hesitation from coaches and authorities, Saurav’s determination prevailed.

Within just three months of entering competitive swimming, he won two silver medals at the state level and secured a top-10 position at the National Para Swimming Championships in 2024. Continuing his progress, on 21st and 22nd September 2025, he participated in both the state and district competitions, winning two gold medals at the state level and two gold medals at the district level. He further strengthened his national standing by securing 4th position at the National Championship on 15th November 2025, competing among 17 participants in the 100m butterfly stroke, with a timing of 2 minutes and 43 seconds.

Today, he can swim up to 5 km in a single session and is preparing to represent India and institute in upcoming Asian game and Khelo India, he is also selected the World Para Swimming Championship Series in Italy on March 12, 2026, with full sponsorship and support from IIT Roorkee.

Beyond the pool, Saurav is also the Institute Champion in Snooker (2025), co-founder of IRIS Eco-Tech, a deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Roorkee’s TIDES, and an innovator working on prosthetic leg technology. For his exceptional contributions, he was honoured with the Professional Development and Innovation Award 2025 and the Hari Krishna Mittal Leadership Award 2025.

Speaking on his journey, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said,

 “Saurav’s story is not just about medals or achievements, it is about courage, determination, and the will to rise above challenges. At IIT Roorkee, we are proud to support his journey and remain committed to creating an inclusive ecosystem where every student, irrespective of ability, can thrive and chase their dreams.”

Reflecting on his own journey, Saurav Kumar said,

“You don’t need a perfect body to chase your dreams; what you need is belief, determination, and the courage to begin. If I can do it, so can every student who dares to dream, no matter the challenges. I carry with me the strength of my family, my mentors, and my Institute, and I hope my journey inspires others never to give up.”

Saurav’s story highlights the spirit of inclusivity and resilience at IIT Roorkee. With over 150 students with disabilities on campus, the Institute is working to strengthen support mechanisms to ensure equal participation and opportunities for all. His appeal for a dedicated support channel for students with disabilities serves as a reminder that empowerment begins with access, and true inclusion stems from collective responsibility.

Saurav Kumar’s journey stands as a beacon of hope, proving that limitations are only as real as we allow them to be. His success belongs not only to him, but to everyone who believes in the power of courage, community, and compassion.

The Dean of Students’ Welfare (DoSW), IIT Roorkee, has been a strong pillar of support in Saurav Kumar’s journey, ensuring that students with diverse abilities receive the encouragement and resources they need to excel. Through its inclusive initiatives and mentoring ecosystem, the DoSW office facilitated Saurav’s access to training facilities, travel assistance, and institutional sponsorship for his participation in national and international para swimming events. The office also played a key role in promoting awareness and inclusion across campus, helping foster a culture where determination and talent are celebrated beyond physical limitations. This support reflects IIT Roorkee’s deep commitment to student welfare, empowerment, and equal opportunities for all.

Bangalore, Jan 9: MathWorks, the leading developer of mathematical computing software, today predicted a major shift in the global connectivity landscape, with 2026 expected to be the first year when satellite and 5G networks will start functioning as a unified system, rather than parallel infrastructures. The company said it expects hybrid satellite-5G connectivity to move from pilot projects into real-world deployment with 3GPP Release 17 and 18, enabling deeper integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and Terrestrial Networks (TN). This convergence is expected to unlock a new generation of resilient, globally accessible communication services, reshaping applications in mobility, public safety, IoT, and remote connectivity.

The 3GPP Release 17 standard provides a baseline for NTN-TN interoperability, specifying reliability and latency parameters. Release 18 expands support for NTN-IoT and higher frequency bands, which are critical for scalable, high-throughput architectures.

“2026 is going to mark the moment when satellite links start behaving like a natural extension of existing 5G networks,” said Mike McLernon, Principal Technical Marketing Engineer, MathWorks. “For engineers, this means building systems that can operate seamlessly across sky and ground with critical simulation-led design.”

India is a key market poised to accelerate NTN-TN adoption. With operators exploring space-based coverage for rural regions and emergency communications, the country is expected to play a central role in bringing hybrid connectivity to scale.

This shift will introduce new design challenges for telecom R&D teams, ranging from satellite-cell handovers and multi-band transceiver design to high-mobility user scenarios and real-time coordination between ground and space systems. As telcos race to deliver direct-to-device satellite services, hybrid networks will demand more complex testing, simulation, and system-level validation.

“NTNs will not be replacing TNs; rather, they will be augmenting them, forming a hybrid ecosystem that will define the next generation of global wireless connectivity,” said McLernon. “A major technical focus for wireless engineers is to ensure reliable transitions between satellite and terrestrial links.”

Interoperability between NTNs and TNs is paramount, as handover management and resource coordination will ultimately determine the success of the overall system design. For the RF community, the emergence of NTN-TN networks also signals a growing need for flexible, multi-band transceivers and robust channel modeling across variable propagation environments.

Mumbai, Jan 8: Every life saved begins with a race against time and at the heart of that race are ambulance drivers who navigate chaos, uncertainty and urgency to deliver hope. Honouring these unsung heroes and their families, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata organised ‘Salute the Real Heroes Family’, a heartfelt initiative dedicated to ambulance drivers and their families, in the presence of Dr. Kishen Goel, Consultant and Head of Emergency, Manipal Hospital; Broadway, Kolkata; Dr. Indranil Das, Senior Consultant and In-Charge, Emergency Medicine, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass,  Dr. Saurav Das, Consultant  Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass; Dr. Sujoy Das Thakur, Consultant & In-Charge  Emergency Medicine, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur,  Dr. Subhasish Deb, Consultant  Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur; Dr. Osama Ashfaque, Consultant -Emergency Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria and Prof (Dr.) Rakhi Sanyal Dutta Sarma, Senior Consultant  Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Broadway and other eminent specialists in observance of World Ambulance Day. The event was conceptualised to recognise the selfless dedication of ambulance drivers who serve as the first responders during medical emergencies, often becoming the crucial link between life and death. Through this initiative, Manipal Hospitals aimed to extend gratitude to the drivers and to their families who stand by them through demanding and unpredictable schedules.

The programme began with a warm welcome and formal introduction, setting the tone for the day, followed by the launch of a specially curated Wellness Plan and Privilege Card for ambulance drivers and their families. A felicitation ceremony thereafter recognised exemplary drivers for their unwavering commitment and dedicated service. The event also featured Basic Life Support (BLS) training sessions led by doctors from Manipal Hospitals, equipping drivers with vital life-saving skills. An informative session on Manipal Hospitals’ healthcare services further enhanced awareness around emergency care, after which an ambulance rally was flagged off, symbolising speed, preparedness, and the urgency that defines lifesaving response. The day concluded on a celebratory note with engaging family games and fun activities, fostering togetherness and honouring the families who stand as the silent strength behind these frontline heroes.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kishen Goel said,

“Ambulance drivers are often the first medical contact in moments of distress, and their calm presence and swift response save countless lives every day. Through this initiative, we aim to recognise their contribution and reaffirm their vital role within the healthcare ecosystem. In India, delayed medical care significantly affects outcomes, with over 50% of cardiac arrest patients reaching hospitals late. Timely intervention in emergencies like accidents or cardiac arrest can be lifesaving. By providing BLS training, we are empowering individuals to act as immediate responders. Manipal Hospitals remains committed to building a skilled force to effectively manage life-threatening situations.”

Dr. Indranil Das stated,

“In medical emergencies, a trained individual can mean the difference between life and death. Through the ‘Salute the Real Heroes’ initiative, we are equipping ambulance drivers with essential BLS training to strengthen emergency response. We also recognise that their contribution goes beyond their professional role. Through family engagement programmes and health cards, we are focusing on their overall well-being. By supporting both their professional skills and personal lives, we aim to empower them to continue their invaluable service with confidence and pride.”

Dr. Sujoy Das Thakur said,

“Ambulance drivers are often the first responders during critical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, and accidents. Their quick decisions during the golden hour can directly impact patient survival. Through this initiative, Manipal Hospitals seeks to equip these unsung heroes with essential skills while also extending meaningful support to their families. By recognising both the drivers and their loved ones, we acknowledge the unseen strength behind emergency care one that helps lifesaving begin long before a patient reaches the hospital.”

Speaking on the occasion, MARS ambulance driver Sarjit Yadav, age 34, who has been serving as an ambulance driver for the past eight years, shared,

“As ambulance drivers, it is our duty to bring patients to the hospital on time during the most critical moments. We are deeply grateful to Manipal Hospitals for this initiative and for giving us this platform to recognise our tireless 24/7 service. It is truly an honour to be here.”

Sarika Saha, wife of an ambulance driver present at the event, said,

“My husband has been an ambulance driver since a very young age, and with two daughters aged 8 and 5, they often miss spending time with their father because of his service. Today, thanks to Manipal Hospitals’ initiative, our children truly understood how crucial his role is in saving patients’ lives, we are really having to be here.”

During his address, Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional COO, Manipal Hospitals  said,

“With accidents and medical emergencies being a daily reality, ambulance drivers are often the first medical contact for patients in distress. Their calmness and quick response save countless lives, every day. Through this initiative, we recognise their vital contribution and reaffirm that they are valued members of the healthcare ecosystem. By providing BLS training and supporting their families, Manipal Hospitals aims to empower these unsung heroes and strengthen emergency care from the very first response.”

When most travellers think of Rajasthan, images of golden deserts, sun-soaked forts, and warm climates instantly come to mind. Yet tucked away in the Aravalli range lies a lesser-known, charming contrast — Mount Abu, the state’s only hill station, where winter unfolds with misty mornings, forested landscapes, and a refreshingly cool climate.

This January, Sterling Holiday Resorts invites travellers to rediscover Rajasthan through a different lens with “Meet Winter at Abu”, a seasonal campaign highlighting Mount Abu as an ideal escape for festive weekends and the long Republic Day break. With winter temperatures dipping to a crisp 9–13°C at night and settling into a comfortable 22–24°C during the day, Mount Abu offers the rare pleasure of chilly mornings, sunlit afternoons, and cosy evenings — a combination seldom associated with the state.

Winter in Mount Abu brings with it a slower, more intimate rhythm. Early mornings are perfect for curling up with a hot cup of tea as the hills awaken in soft light, while daytime invites leisurely sightseeing, forest walks, and outdoor exploration without the intensity of summer heat. Evenings turn pleasantly cool, making warm winter layers a welcome companion as the town settles into quiet calm.

Positioned as Rajasthan’s coolest secret, Mount Abu appeals strongly to families and short-break travellers from Gujarat and Rajasthan, looking for an easy-to-reach hill destination that feels refreshing yet familiar — without the crowds of more popular winter hill stations.

At Sterling Mount Abu, guests can experience this seasonal charm through unhurried days and immersive surroundings. Sunset views from iconic vantage points such as Prithvi Vilas, tranquil walks through forest trails, temple visits, and peaceful, sun-drenched resort mornings come together to create a restorative winter holiday. The destination’s natural beauty — from golden-hour skies to lush green paths — is brought alive through visual storytelling that captures Mount Abu’s serene, wintertime personality.

“January is the perfect time to experience Mount Abu,” said Harinath M, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd. “With festive weekends and the Republic Day break, families can rediscover a cooler, greener side of Rajasthan in a way that feels both relaxing and memorable.”

This winter, Sterling Holiday Resorts invites travellers to rethink Rajasthan and meet winter in a place where cool mornings, pleasant days, and mountain calm come together — at Sterling Mount Abu.

Mumbai, Jan 8: In a strong show of community-led preventive healthcare, HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, in collaboration with the Mumbai Dabbawala Association, conducted a two-day men’s health awareness campaign on 6th and 7th January 2026. The initiative saw over 500 dabbawalas wearing blue jackets to raise awareness on men’s health and early cancer detection, using their daily citywide presence to spread the message.

The campaign, titled “Delivering Hope Together,” symbolised the shared commitment of HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai and the Mumbai Dabbawala Association to take preventive healthcare beyond hospital walls and into the heart of the community. By leveraging the dabbawalas’ unmatched reach and trust across Mumbai, the initiative aimed to deliver not just meals, but also lifesaving messages on early cancer detection, reinforcing the belief that timely awareness and screening can significantly reduce the cancer burden among working men.

The campaign focused on creating awareness around head and neck cancer and prostate cancer, which are among the most commonly detected cancers in men. Through the trusted and extensive network of Mumbai’s dabbawalas, the initiative ensured that the message of preventive care reached every corner of the city in an organic and impactful manner.

To further extend its gratitude to the lifeline of the city  the dabbawalas  HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai set up a dedicated mobile medical van to provide free cancer screening. This van was exclusively dedicated to the dabbawalas and stationed at key locations across the city, including Churchgate, Borivali, Grant Road, and Mira Road. The screenings were conducted by HCG’s medical team, who also counselled participants on early warning signs, risk factors, and the critical role of timely diagnosis in improving treatment outcomes.

The initiative received an overwhelming response, with a large number of dabbawalas voluntarily coming forward for check-ups over the two days. More than 500 dabbawalas participated in the screenings, reflecting growing awareness and acceptance of preventive healthcare among working communities.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Avik Chauhan, Cluster Chief Operating Officer at HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, said, 

“This initiative with the Mumbai Dabbawala Association reflects our belief that awareness and early detection must reach people where they are. Dabbawalas are the backbone of Mumbai’s daily life, and by engaging with them, we were able to take the message of men’s health and cancer prevention directly to the community. The enthusiastic participation over the last two days reinforces the importance of such grassroots initiatives in saving lives through early detection.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Ulhas Muke. President, Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Charity Trust, said,

 “We appreciate the efforts and recognition extended to the dabbawalas by HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai. We are proud to be part of this awareness drive that focuses on reducing cancer cases through early detection. We are grateful to HCG for providing free screenings and medical guidance to our community and for empowering us with knowledge that encourages preventive healthcare and timely action.”

The two-day campaign concluded with meaningful interactions between healthcare professionals and participants, reinforcing HCG’s commitment to accessible, community-centric cancer prevention efforts. Through initiatives like Delivering Hope Together, HCG continues to work towards building healthier communities and reducing the burden of cancer through awareness, early screening, and timely intervention.

New Delhi, India, Jan 08: Univest today announced the appointment of three senior leaders as it strengthens its leadership bench and accelerates expansion across its advisory-first broking and wealth-tech platform. The company has appointed Girraj Prasad Garg, former Executive Director at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), as Non-Executive Director; Sachin Gupta, former senior leader at Lenskart and AstroTalk, as Chief Marketing Officer; Gagan Singla, former Managing Director at BlinkX and senior leader at HDFC Securities and Angel Broking, as CEO – Broking Business and Aman Bindal, former CTO at Creditas, as Chief AI and Technology Officer.

The appointments significantly enhance Univest’s leadership across governance and regulatory oversight, brand and growth, and end-to-end broking execution, strengthening capabilities across product, technology, analytics-driven growth and P&L ownership as the company enters its next phase of scale.

The leadership expansion comes as Univest continues to deliver strong momentum, recording over 150% year-on-year growth, even as segments of the broader broking industry face moderation due to regulatory changes and evolving market conditions. Backed by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), Univest is targeting 200%+ growth by FY 2026–27, driven by disciplined execution, expanding product offerings and a sharp focus on investor trust.

As part of its growth strategy, Univest has recently launched its Mutual Fund business, introducing a research-first, goal-linked Mutual Fund advisory model. The offering maps investor goals with high-performing Mutual Funds and keeps portfolios aligned through continuous monitoring. Powered by a Human + AI research framework, Univest provides Regular Mutual Fund plans for long-term investors, along with UniClub (Pro MF)—a premium solution offering analyst-built, actively reviewed and rebalanced portfolios for serious investors.

With the expansion into Mutual Funds and strengthened leadership across key functions, Univest is consolidating its position as a one-stop Wealth Operating System, uniting advisory, broking and Mutual Funds within a single, research-driven ecosystem designed to deliver consistent, goal-oriented investment outcomes.

Pranit Arora, Co-Founder and CEO, Univest, said, 

“These leadership appointments strengthen Univest across governance, growth and broking execution at a critical stage of our journey. With our expansion into Mutual Funds and a continued focus on research-led advisory, we are building a platform that helps investors stay disciplined and focused on long-term wealth creation.”

New Delhi,  Jan 8: Project Management Institute  the world’s leading authority in project management, has released new research that directly links the global strategy-execution gap to how organizations run projects, revealing a clear pathway to improve the odds that transformation efforts pay off dramatically.

The report, Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E. conducted with 5,800 respondents globally, arrives as organisations globally including India, face unrelenting pressure to reinvent themselves. In a parallel global survey of senior executives, 35% identified a disconnect between planning and execution as one of the biggest barriers to reinvention, underscoring how the strategy-execution gap is widening at the very moment organisations need to transform fastest.

Only half of projects succeed  putting transformation at risk.

The study revealed that just half of today’s projects meet the modern definition of success: delivering value that exceeds the effort and expense involved as perceived by all stakeholders. Thirteen percent of projects fail outright and 37% only partially deliver the expected results.

“As Indian industries spearhead rapid transformation driven by GenAI adoption, digital public infrastructure, and sustainability mandates we cannot afford to settle for a coin-toss probability of success. A 50% success rate poses a significant risk to the capital and effort fuelling India’s growth story. Organizations need to harness the elements of M.O.R.E. to reverse this trend and harness GenAI’s transformative potential,”

Amit Goyal, Managing Director, South Asia, Project Management Institute

 “To stay globally competitive and fully unlock the value of their strategic investments, Indian organisations and project professionals must embrace and apply the M.O.R.E. elements, thereby maximising project success and elevating our world, as reflected in the Net Project Success Score.”, added Goyal.

Industry Standard: Net Project Success Score 

The industry standard Net Project Success Score  is an industry standard metric that captures the effectiveness of project delivery by measuring the percentage of successful projects minus the percentage of outright failures.  When project professionals apply all four elements, project performance improves dramatically. Net Project Success Score jumps from 27 when none of the M.O.R.E. elements are used to 94 when all four are consistently applied. M.O.R.E. interventions are proven to improve outcomes for at-risk projects. Despite this, the report found that currently very few project professionals apply the framework holistically.

From research insight to global movement

PMI is embedding M.O.R.E. across its products, learning experiences, and community initiatives to help organizations apply the findings at scale. This includes new learning journeys, updated standards defining success by value, and expanded recognition for teams exemplifying the M.O.R.E. mindset.

“For Indian enterprises, reinvention is now a continuous journey rather than a one-time event. Consequently, project success has escalated from an operational metric to a critical boardroom agenda,” concluded Amit Goyal. “Closing the strategy-execution gap starts with a paradigm shift in how we lead and measure value. M.O.R.E. gives Indian leaders and professionals the robust blueprint needed to ensure consistency and drive high-impact outcomes.”

Sustainability, inclusion, and responsible governance are no longer optional ideals. They are fast becoming essential to how institutions, businesses, and societies define long-term success. Responding to this shift, SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies  has announced the Mirae Asset Foundation SVKM’s NMIMS ESG Research Chair, a dedicated platform focused on advancing research, education, and policy thinking in Environmental, Social, and Governance  domains.

Building on NMIMS’ long-standing focus on socially responsible management education and sustainability-oriented scholarship, the ESG Research Chair is envisioned as a national platform with a strong emphasis on the Indian and Global South context. It will develop rigorous, context-driven ESG research, case studies, policy briefs, and teaching material to contribute meaningfully to academic literature, industry practice, and public policy.

Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor, SVKM’s NMIMS, said,

“At NMIMS, we believe sustainability and ethics are part of everything we do. ESG, diversity, and inclusion are integrated across all our programmes, so students see how these ideas work in practice. With this initiative, we are not just teaching sustainability, we are creating a living ecosystem where research, education, and industry come together. The Mirae Asset Foundation SVKM’s NMIMS ESG Research Chair builds on this approach, strengthening research, encouraging dialogue, and developing leaders who can tackle today’s ESG challenges with confidence and purpose.”

The Chair will integrate ESG themes across MBA, Executive MBA, and Doctoral programmes, while also driving capacity-building through specialised workshops, executive education, and structured industry engagement. It will collaborate closely with industry leaders, regulators, policymakers, and global institutions, and host its flagship Annual ESG Conference to foster dialogue and actionable insights.

Mr. Ritesh Patel, Director, Mirae Asset Foundation said,

“This Chair reflects our shared commitment to creating leaders who understand that growth and responsibility must go hand in hand. By bringing together academia, industry, and policymakers, we aim to advance ESG thinking that drives real, measurable, and inclusive impact and results in long-term value creation and positive societal impact.  It is indeed a privilege to be partnering with NMIMS for this initiative as it has rich academia experience and has been doing extensive work in this area”.

The Chair is being set up with support from the Mirae Asset Foundation (MAF), the philanthropic arm of the Mirae Asset Financial Group in India. Guided by a human-centred investment philosophy, the Foundation enhances educational access and quality through scholarships, research and innovation support, skills development initiatives, and educational infrastructure. Its approach reflects a strong commitment to socially responsible development and aligns closely with ESG principles that promote inclusive and long-term growth.

New Delhi, Jan 8: adidas launches its most versatile training shoe to date, the Dropset 4. Engineered for the demands of multi-discipline workouts, the footwear delivers both controlled stability and explosiveness across a wide range of movement.

Based on the insight that 7 in 10 gym goers are wearing incorrect footwear, the Dropset 4 was born from a commitment to help its community of next-gen athletes cut through the noise and realise their strength by creating a shoe that is everything they need for functional training.

The Dropset 4, an evolution of Dropset 3, hosts a unique blend of technology and features to provide both all-around stability and dynamic energy return across the demands of functional training. Now with enhanced versatility, the Dropset 4 delivers robust support across the entire spectrum of a functional workout, from foundational deadlifts to high impact box jumps and up to 800m sprints.

Key features include:

• ​Full-Length Repetitor foam: Provides a consistent level of energy return and stability, supporting overall endurance throughout the toughest of workouts.
• Energyrods: Engineered for a balance of stiffness and flexibility, energyrods protect the foot through optimal force distribution, supporting the heel during heavy movements and providing a propulsive forefoot for exercises like box jumps, and skipping.
• Continental & Adiwear rubber combination: Strategically placed to offer extra traction and durability for loaded movements like sled pushes and weighted lunges.
• Footadapt sockliner: FOOTADAPT technology increases foot awareness within the shoe, improving balance control of the body to maintain form and maximum muscle engagement.
• Haptic print: The upper 3D printed layer of textured material provides increased durability against abrasion, while maintaining breathability for even the sweatiest of workouts.

Aimee Arana, adidas Global General Manager Sportswear & Training, said: “We know our community has embraced functional training as an important part of their routine and needs a shoe that will support them with the demands of their entire workout, from warm-up to cool-down. We are proud to offer them an improved solution that truly meets their different needs during training: the Dropset 4 is built to be sturdy and stable enough for those big compound strength moves, while still delivering the cushioning and energy return essential for explosive actions like box jumps or even a warm-up run.”

The launch is accompanied by a campaign that champions the Dropset 4 as ‘All You Need’ for functional training, demonstrating its capabilities across lift, jump, run movements. adidas partners, including US basketball player Hailey Van Lith, Argentinian entrepreneur Antonela Roccuzzo, Brazilian fitness star Caio Cabral, and German actor Emilio Sakraya, put the footwear to the test. Also featuring is Hungarian competitive training athlete Laura Horvath, who recently wore Dropset 4 to victory, claiming first place at one of the world’s most elite fitness stages in Aberdeen in October 2025, demonstrating how the footwear supports athletes of all levels, from everyday gym-goers to elite athletes.

Speaking on the Dropset 4, WNBA player Hailey Van Lith, said: “My training demands it all, from shuttle sprints, to deadlifts, no session is ever the same, which is why I love it. So, having a shoe that can do it all means I feel confident that it will support every move so I can focus on my performance.”

Speaking on the Dropset 4, Antonela Roccuzzo, said: “Training is such an important part of my routine, it’s not just about fitness, it’s about feeling strong, balanced and ready for everything the day brings. The Dropset 4 has everything I need for a big training day, and gives me a locked-in and stable base on big power moves whilst being explosive and responsive on box jumps.”

Speaking on the Dropset 4, Caio Cabral, said: “When I train, I’m always pushing my limits whether on big compound moves or intense sprints, so I need a shoe that can handle it all without slowing me down. The Dropset 4 is made for intensity, which is exactly how I like to train, giving me the perfect mix of stability, grip and comfort, no matter what the workout looks like.”

Speaking on the Dropset 4, Emilio Sakraya, said: “My training keeps me ready for any role, so I need footwear I can rely on. The Dropset 4 doesn’t force me to compromise, it’s light enough to accelerate, solid enough when I land and versatile enough to keep up on explosive moves.”

Speaking on the Dropset 4, Laura Horvath, said: “The Dropset 4 is my favourite adidas strength shoe yet, the stability and confidence I feel when wearing them across all disciplines, especially now with running, is next level. When I’m competing, I want to trust my footwear and concentrate on my performance, and the Dropset 4 allows me to do that.”