All posts by Sujata Achary

Mumbai, 28th February, 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India, today announced the pilot launch of a new functionality for merchants built on the “Programmability” functionality of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) – the “Merchant Loyalty/ Cashback Programme” in collaboration with a fintech company. This industry-first initiative enables small and medium merchants to independently design and launch loyalty/cashback programmes for their customers, usually designed by large brands, using Bank of Baroda’s “bob Merchant App”.

Merchants such as local retail shops, grocery stores, pharmacies etc that have an account with Bank of Baroda and are registered on the bob Merchant App, can now independently design and run Cashback/Loyalty programmes, without the need to make any corresponding investments in procuring the infrastructure or software to operate such a reward programme.

This initiative will go a long way in boosting the adoption of CBDC, making it more appealing & rewarding for merchants and customers. It will also help small & medium merchants to stay competitive, encourage repeat business and expand their customer base.

Speaking on the launch, Shri Sanjay V Mudaliar, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “Bank of Baroda continues to be at the forefront in driving innovation in the banking sector. Our new “Merchant Loyalty/Cash Back Programme” using Programmable CBDC (PCBDC), a first in the Indian banking sector, is an innovative use case that empowers our small and medium-sized merchants to create tailored cashback offers that will foster greater customer engagement & retention. This initiative will benefit both merchants and customers.”

Key Features of Bank of Baroda’s “Merchant Loyalty /Cashback Programme” Merchant Use Case through PCBDC

•  Bank’s merchant customers will configure their own cashback or loyalty programme using the “bob Merchant app”, specifying the period of the campaign, percentage of cashback and validity/expiry date of the cashback received by customers.
•  During the campaign period, customers (presently for BOB customers only) who make a purchase using the bob World Digital Rupee app, will receive cashback in the form of PCBDC from the merchant as per the prevailing offer at the merchant outlet.

· These PCBDCs can be used by customers at the specific merchant outlet until expiry.

Chennai, 28th February, 2025: Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) announced the inauguration of its 6 new branches in Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh today. These branches will offer a comprehensive range of banking services like accounts, deposits and loans including savings and current accounts.,
During the financial year 2024-25, the bank added 35 branches and the bank now has 877 branches.
The new branches that were opened today:

1. 872ndBranch – Salem (Cherry Road)-inaugurated by Mr. Balasubramaniyan, Deputy Commissioner, Salem Corporation
2.  873rdBranch – Proddatur(Andhra Pradesh)-inaugurated byMr. Mallikarjuna, Municipal Commissioner, Proddatur
3.  874thBranch – Tiruvallur (Manavala Nagar) – inaugurated by Mr. Thirunavukkarasu, Municipal Commissioner, Tiruvallur
4. 875th Branch – Trichy (Melachinthamani) -inaugurated byDr.Kumaravel, Dean, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, Trichy
5. 876th Branch – Chennai (Chitlapakkam) -inaugurated by Mrs. Sasikala, Deputy Commissioner, Tambaram City MunicipalCorporation
6.  877th Branch – Tiruppur (Neruperichal) -inaugurated by Mr. Chikkannan, Trustee, M N ChickkannaChettiar Trust, Tiruppur

The new branches shall cater to all basic banking transactions and also specific needs of customers, offering the entire spectrum of banking products and financial services covering Retail, Institutional and Consumer lending.
KVB offers Internet Banking and Mobile Banking facilities. KVB DLite, the Mobile Banking app of the Bank offers convenience of financial and non-financial services through 150+ features.The app has been recently upgraded with several customer friendly features.

New Delhi, February 28, 2025: In a strategic move to enhance the living experience for its discerning buyers, Krisumi Corporation, one of Delhi-NCR’s leading developers, has partnered with Cushman & Wakefield Property Management Services India Pvt. Ltd., a globally renowned real estate services provider, to manage its ultra-luxury residential project, Waterfall Residences, in Sector 36A, Gurugram.

The agreement entrusts Cushman & Wakefield with the comprehensive management of Phase 1 i.e. Waterfall Residences, a landmark component of the ambitious Krisumi City. The scope includes the operations and maintenance of common areas, including the exclusive clubhouse, and a robust complaint resolution system, ensuring residents enjoy a seamless and world-class lifestyle.

Krisumi Corporation’s flagship project, Waterfall Residences, has recently received the Occupancy Certificate (OC). Spread across 5.43 acres, the premier residential project is now set to offer possession, marking a new chapter in luxury living along Gurugram’s Central Peripheral Road on Dwarka Expressway.

Part of the expansive Krisumi City, a 33.38-acre self-sustained township, Waterfall Residences is a testament to Japanese-inspired design and architectural precision, offering a harmonious blend of serenity and sustainability. The project features 433 meticulously crafted luxury apartments across three elegant towers, in addition to 77 units dedicated to the Economically Weaker Section. More than just a housing development, Waterfall Residences redefines luxury living, with its crown jewel—The Clubhouse—a 36,000-square-foot lifestyle hub equipped with state-of-the-art amenities designed for unparalleled comfort and recreation.

Speaking on the collaboration and occupancy certificate, Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, of Krisumi Corporation & Krishna Group, said, “Quality, design, architecture, and timely delivery are at the core of our ethos. With Waterfall Residences, we are setting a benchmark for excellence in Gurugram, creating spaces that truly stand the test of time. With this partnership with Cushman, we are reinforcing our dedication to providing residents with not just a home but an elevated lifestyle experience. Cushman &Wakefield’s global expertise will add immense value, ensuring that Waterfall Residences remains a benchmark for luxury living in India.”

“At Krisumi, we’ve built Waterfall Residences with precision, passion, and a vision to redefine luxury living,” said Mr. Akash Khurana, President & CEO, of Krisumi Corporation. “Partnering with Cushman & Wakefield—a name synonymous with excellence in property management—is a step towards ensuring our buyers experience unparalleled comfort and convenience. Their proven expertise aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering excellence.”

Mr. Yuji Kato, Director and Co-CEO of Krisumi Corporation India, said, “This collaboration is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, precision, and customer satisfaction. With Sumitomo’s deep-rooted philosophy of Kaizen (continuous improvement), coupled with Cushman & Wakefield’s expertise, we are ensuring that Waterfall Residences sets a new standard for luxury living in India. At Krisumi, we are not just building homes; we are curating an experience that embodies Japanese efficiency, aesthetics, and excellence.”

With this strategic partnership, Krisumi Corporation ensures that residents of Waterfall Residences experience an unparalleled standard of living, combining Japanese precision with global property management expertise.

Mr. Manoj Sharan, Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield Property Management Services India, said, “We are honored to manage ‘Krisumi Waterfall Residences,’ a project that epitomizes luxury living. With our deep expertise in managing high-end residential complexes, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge, technology-driven solutions to ensure compliance, safety, and an elevated living experience for the residents. This partnership further strengthens our footprint in the luxury property management space, and we look forward to exceeding the expectations of Krisumi’s esteemed buyers.”

Krisumi Corporation, a joint venture between Krishna Group and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation, is developing the sprawling Krisumi City township in a phased manner. Following the completion of Phase 1, the construction of Phase 2 (Waterfall Suites), featuring 320 luxury units, is progressing swiftly and is set for delivery by the End of December 2028.

In the financial year 2024-2025, Krisumi further cemented its leadership in the luxury real estate market by announcing the launch of Phase 3 and Phase 4, continuing its commitment to creating a self-sustained township where luxury and functionality converge. Waterside Residences and Waterfall Suites-II (phases three and four) launched in the second half of 2024, together offer 1,051 units.

“This partnership is not just about managing property but ensuring a premium lifestyle for our residents,” said Mr. Vineet Nanda, Director of Sales & Marketing, at Krisumi Corporation. “Cushman & Wakefield’s expertise in handling luxury developments will ensure that every detail, from maintenance to service delivery, reflects the exceptional standards that Krisumi City stands for. Our goal has always been to exceed customer expectations, and this collaboration is a step further in that direction.

Munich, Germany | 28 February 2025: India proudly took on the role of official partner country at INHORGENTA 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the global gem and jewellery industry. The show, which took place from 21st to 24th February, was inaugurated at the India Pavilion by Mr. Shatrughna Sinha, IFS, Consul General of India, Munich; Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München; and Ms. Stefanie Maendlein, Exhibition Director of INHORGENTA.

Curated by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the India Pavilion showcased a stunning array of diamond jewellery, gold and platinum pieces, fine jewellery, and loose gemstones. These collections highlighted India’s ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, offering global buyers unmatched quality and artistry.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Sinha Said, “Germany is one of India’s key trading partners in Europe, with strong exports in leather, auto components, chemicals, and electronics. In 2023, bilateral trade between India and Germany reached an impressive USD 33.33 billion, showcasing the immense potential of our economic relationship. I am glad that for the first time, India is the official partner country at INHORGENTA 2025. This partnership is not just a recognition of India’s growing influence in the global gem and jewellery industry, but also a continuation of the deep-rooted 500-year-old economic and cultural bond between India and Germany. It will pave the way for new collaborations, opening up fresh opportunities for the mutual benefit of both nations.”

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJPEC said, “India has long been a trusted global partner, renowned for its manufacturing excellence and now emerging as a hub for technology and design in the jewellery industry. With a rich legacy of artistry, USD 32 billion in exports to key markets like the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and China, and a strong focus on skill development, innovation, infrastructure, and global standards, India is shaping the future of the industry. Our partnership with INHORGENTA fosters collaborations that will drive growth and elevate the global gem and jewellery sector together.”

Bhansali further added, “India is actively driving diamond promotion by collaborating with global stakeholders, including De Beers and Chow Tai Fook, for consumer campaigns in China. Additionally, GJEPC has collaborated with De Beers to launch a B2B Campaign called INDRA – Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance. This campaign will focus on supporting jewellery retailers in India to strengthen demand and push diamond jewellery sales.”

Talking about the Collaboration with India, Mr. Stefan Rummel, CEO, of Messe München said, “We are thrilled to have India as the partner country at INHORGENTA 2025. This partnership will deepen trade relations between India and Germany, showcasing India’s rich history and exceptional craftsmanship in jewellery. In collaboration with GJEPC, we look forward to presenting India’s brilliance through the India Pavilion and various special activities.”

The India Experience Lounge at INHORGENTA 2025 offered visitors a multi-sensory journey into India’s rich heritage, blending craftsmanship, culture, and innovation. From the exquisite jewellery and Manchaha Rugs, handwoven by rural artisans, to the flavours of Kashmiri Kahwa and Masala Chai, every element engages the senses. The aroma of sandalwood and the melodic strains of the Sitar create an immersive atmosphere, making the lounge a true celebration of India’s artistry and tradition.

Additionally, the Brand India Gallery displayed masterpieces from the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards, demonstrating India’s exceptional talent and creative excellence.

A panel discussion, The Rising Indian Jewellery Influence in the Global Landscape, explored India’s growing impact on the global market, featuring industry experts Alice Cicolini, a high-end jewellery designer based in the UK, and Radhika Somaia, a brand architect, curator, and jewellery contributor.

Partnering with India goes beyond acquiring exquisite gemstones and jewellery—it’s about accessing creations that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. Powered by ethical sourcing, advanced technology, and skilled artisans, India continues to set global benchmarks in quality, innovation, and design.

Bangalore/Mangalore, February 2025:Superhuman Battleground delivered a night of intense combat as the Amateur MMA League 4 took center stage in Manipal, Karnataka, showcasing some of India’s finest up-and-coming fighters. The event, held at the Superhuman Gym, brought together 42 athletes across multiple weight divisions, each stepping into the cage with unrelenting determination. The energy in the arena was electric, with the audience witnessing a thrilling mix of knockouts, submissions, and tactical wars that left no doubt about the rising level of Indian MMA. The whole event was streamed live on YouTube and the whole event received over 1 million hits across all platforms.

Among the many battles that kept fight fans on the edge of their seats, Jiu-Jitsu gold medalist Angel Patil and Bhakti Katudia delivered a clash that instantly became a classic. Both fighters traded relentless offense and defensive mastery, pushing each other to the limit in a contest that rightfully earned the Fight of the Night honor. Bhakti Katudia emerged victorious, securing a unanimous decision win after three hard-fought rounds.

Parvez Khan, stepping into the cage with an impressive 11-2-0 record, proved to be too much for Nitish Kumar, who found himself overwhelmed by Khan’s precise striking and relentless pressure. In a dominant display, Khan secured a technical knockout victory just before the round ended, stopping Kumar at the 2:59 mark. Meanwhile, Mumbai’s Vikas Gupta faced Hyderabad’s seasoned fighter Sandeep Baghel, a veteran of 32 professional fights. Gupta dominated the first two rounds with calculated aggression and relentless ground control, but in a stunning turn of events, Vikas Gupta pulled off a dramatic submission in the final round, forcing Baghel to tap and sealing one of the most unexpected comebacks of the night.

The most electrifying moment came when Amit Cheeda backed up his pre-fight words with brutal precision. Having confidently promised a knockout victory, he delivered spectacularly, landing a ruthless front kick to the face of Muhammad Favas. The strike was both devastating and clinical, sending Favas crashing to the mat as Cheeda walked away with a statement victory.

SomeshKamra, Co-Founder of Superhuman Battleground, reflected on the success of the event, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of Indian MMA. “This league is setting the foundation for the next generation of Indian fighters. The level of talent we’re seeing here is remarkable, and with more opportunities like this, these athletes will be ready to compete on the global stage.”
As the event came to a close, the roadmap for Superhuman Battleground’s future became clear. The organization is set to expand the amateur league to multiple cities, giving even more fighters the chance to compete at an elite level. The next event is scheduled for May 2025, with a total of four amateur events planned for the year. By 2026, Superhuman Battleground will also introduce a professional league, further strengthening India’s position in the global MMA landscape.

BANGALORE, India, February 28, 2025 — Whatfix, the global leader in Digital Adoption Platforms (DAP), today introduced ScreenSense, an innovative AI technology that powers the next generations of its product suite—DAP, Mirror, and Product Analytics. Built on a Computer Use model trained to understand and interact with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) like humans, ScreenSense applies enterprise business knowledge to enhance digital workflows, making tasks more efficient and intuitive.

ScreenSense leverages patented algorithms to create next-gen digital experiences that are more intuitive to the end-user and also evolve with technology changes. Its capabilities include advanced element and context detection, precise segmentation, behavioral intelligence, and inference generation.

“At the heart of the userization approach is ScreenSense, a next-generation suite of patented technologies, that fuels Whatfix’s products to empower organizations in accelerating digital adoption, enhancing user experiences, and delivering maximum ROI from their transformation efforts,” says Sharath Hari N, Vice President at Everest Group.

“ScreenSense is the core of our AI-driven digital adoption strategy. It leverages our patented innovations to simplify enterprise technology adoption,” said Khadim Batti, CEO and Co-Founder of Whatfix. “As AI reshapes how users and enterprises interact with software, ScreenSense is enabling Whatfix to ensure digital adoption is more intuitive, scalable, and impactful in helping businesses drive productivity and ROI from their technology investments.”

Gina Smith, Ph.D., Research Director at IDC, said, “The integration of agentic AI amplifies DAP capabilities… When thoughtfully administered, DAPs can accelerate AI adoption and ensure organizations can achieve (the) full value of their software investments.”

2024 Highlights of Whatfix’s Achievements:

A Year of Milestones and Growth

2024 was marked by significant milestones that underscore the unmatched innovation at Whatfix and the trust of its customers.

•  38% YoY revenue growth, with a 150% EBITDA improvement since 2022, reflecting strong market demand and financial discipline.
•  12 new Fortune 500 customers spanning industries such as BFSI, Manufacturing, Retail, and Technology.
•  111% Net Revenue Retention (NRR) for enterprises, demonstrating deeper integration and customer trust.

As noted by Morten Rye Christensen, Vice President, Infrastructure & Operations, Semler Gruppen, “Whatfix has been instrumental in improving user adoption, engagement, and productivity across our platforms. Their AI-driven solutions and user-centric design have created a seamless experience for our users. Our collaboration with Whatfix is making digital tools accessible and intuitive for everyone – We’re transforming how our teams and customers interact with technology. Rather than wrestling with complex systems, we’re prioritizing empowerment and adoption, enabling faster, smoother processes where anyone can jump in, learn, and get more done effortlessly.”

He added, “The new AI capabilities offer smart, context-sensitive support, further simplifying workflows and making digital experiences even more engaging. We believe that when technology is as simple and intuitive as it is powerful, everyone wins—and that’s exactly what our partnership with Whatfix is delivering. Whatfix’s innovative approach and commitment to user experience have made them an invaluable partner for us.”

Driving Innovation & Expanding Leadership
In 2024, Whatfix expanded its capabilities. It introduced new AI-powered features, DAP on OS, and Mobile SDK 2.0, further elevating business impact and efficiency.

● New Whatfix AI Capabilities: Whatfix introduced new AI-driven features across DAP, Mirror, and Product Analytics. “Ask Whatfix AI” – a GenAI-powered conversational analytics interface enables business users and citizen analysts to access engagement and usage insights using a simple chat interface. AI-powered sentiment analysis provides users with quicker and more actionable insights from user feedback surveys – an existing DAP feature.

•  Whatfix for AI Adoption: Whatfix is investing heavily in capabilities to enable its customers to improve their AI adoption. It empowers customers to drive AI co-pilot awareness and educate users about AI co-pilot adoption best practices within enterprises. By enabling IT stakeholders to track co-pilot usage, identify adoption challenges, and optimize AI implementation and rollout plans, it ensures that enterprises can accelerate the ROI of their AI investments.
•  DAP on OS: Launched as a desktop companion, DAP on OS streamlines employee communication with desktop alerts, simplifies learning across applications, and ensures quick access to information for seamless productivity in enterprises.
•  Mirror: In 2024, Mirror gained strong market traction as many of Whatfix’s existing and new customers—including several Fortune 500s across BFSI, Manufacturing, Retail, and Technology—chose it as their preferred application simulation environment.
•  Product Analytics: Whatfix was recognized as a Representative Vendor by Gartner for Product Analytics. As a top choice for enterprise analytics, 25% of its new customers were Global 2000 companies. New capabilities added by the product include the Adoption Health Dashboard, which enables CIOs and Digital Transformation teams to gain a comprehensive view of their tech stack’s adoption and usage.
•  DAP on Mobile: With the launch of Mobile SDK 2.0, Whatfix DAP Mobile empowers customers to resolve issues faster and deliver exceptional in-app experiences while reducing reliance on development teams for minor updates. Whatfix also gained its 6th patent for “Inspect Element Framework For Building Mobile DAP Content” from the US Patent Office.

Solidifying Category Leadership in Digital Adoption
In 2024, Whatfix cemented its category leadership with top industry accolades for AI-driven innovation, enterprise impact, and sustainability:

•  ISG Paragon Awards: Innovation Award winner with Sophos.
•  Gartner’s Voice of the Customer: The only Customer’s Choice vendor in DAP.
•  Forrester Wave (Q4 2024): Leader in AI/ML, analytics, and product architecture, earning the highest Strategy score.
•  IDC MarketScape: Worldwide DAP 2024: Leader, recognized for mobile, and desktop adoption, AI innovation, and personalization.
•  Everest Group: Leader & Star Performer for the fifth consecutive year.
•  Deloitte Fast 500: Top-ranked DAP for four years running.
•  EcoVadis: Bronze Medal, placing in the top 35% globally for sustainability.

Whatfix also received the 2025 G2 Best Software Awards as the Best Software Companies in India last week and was yet again recognized as a leader in Gartner’s Voice of the Customer in 2025 for DAP.

Whatfix continues to define the future of digital adoption, setting the industry benchmark for AI-powered transformation. The company is building a strong DAP community with its Whatfix University, which certified 5,500+ professionals as yet, upskilling the leaders of tomorrow.

Expanding Partnerships & Industry Reach
Whatfix strengthened its global ecosystem by adding 11 new partners, including Temenos, Deloitte (India), Capgemini, and Indra Consulting Philippines, expanding its network to 125+ partners across key industries. Strategic collaborations with GSIs like Deloitte, Wipro, and LTIMindtree, along with regional partners such as BIP, Genpact, and NNIT, further reinforced its position as a trusted enterprise partner.

Federal Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has unveiled a new term deposit product, Annuity Deposits, specifically designed for resident customers. This innovative product offers customers the opportunity to receive a stable income over a tenure ranging from 5 to 20 years. Customers can choose their preferred payout frequency – monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly. Each payout will include a portion of the principal along with the interest earned. The product was officially launched by Shalini Warrier, Executive Director, Federal Bank in the presence of senior executives Eqbal Manoj (Branch Banking Head, Federal Bank), P. V. Joy (Country Head of Deposits, Wealth & Banca, Federal Bank) and Damodaran C, (Chief Risk Officer, Federal Bank).

Commenting on the launch, Shalini Warrier, ED and Business Head at Federal Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the Annuity Deposits, stating “ The bank has launched yet another innovative product for its customers. The Annuity deposit product gives opportunity to customers to earn a stable income for a very long tenure up to 20 years which is unique in the banking industry. At Federal Bank, we are committed to providing more customer-centric products that enable them to save and generate wealth”.

The minimum investment amount required to open an annuity deposit is Rs. 15,00,000, with a maximum limit of Rs. 2,00,00,000. Additionally, customers have the flexibility to prematurely close their accounts should any emergency need arise. This product is particularly well-suited for customers seeking a guaranteed, pension-like income for longer periods.

New Delhi, 27th February 2025: NTPC Ltd., India’s largest integrated power utility, successfully concluded the NTPC Electron Quiz 2025 in Noida, witnessing participation from 64 teams representing 16 colleges from across Delhi-NCR. After a competitive battle of wits, FMS, Delhi’s team comprising Ankita Shandilya and Shashank Tyagi secured the top position. The first runner-up title was claimed by Muhammad Mahatab and Shushant Adlakha, also from FMS, Delhi.

With their remarkable performance, the top two teams from Noida have qualified for the national semi-finals, set to take place on 27th February 2025 at NTPC Power Management Institute (PMI), Noida. They will compete against winners from eight other regional competitions—Ranchi, Kolkata, Patna, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Raipur, and Lucknow. A total of 18 teams will participate in the semi-finals, out of which the best six will advance to the grand finale on 28th February 2025.

The NTPC Electron Quiz 2025 offers substantial cash prizes at both regional and national levels. At the national level, the champions will be awarded Rs 50,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000, respectively.

As NTPC marks its golden jubilee, this edition of the Electron Quiz continues to promote industry-academia collaboration and encourage students to showcase their analytical and problem-solving skills, reinforcing NTPC’s commitment to knowledge development and future leadership.

ITM School of Future Technology has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in technology through the outstanding achievements of its students at the SuperMind Innovation Hackathon and the PIWOT Innovation Challenge. These recent successes highlight the institution’s dedication to providing real-world learning experiences and cultivating problem-solving skills among its students.

The SuperMind Innovation Hackathon, organized by renowned YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Hitesh Choudhary, challenged participants to build innovative solutions under intense pressure within a 24-hour timeframe. With 150 teams and over 400 participants from prestigious institutions like IIT Bombay, NMIMS, DY Patil, and SP Jain, the competition was fierce.

Sourabh Yadav and Param Vinayak Singh, first-year BTech CSE students from ITM School of Future Technology – School of FutureTech, showcased their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities by securing the Runner-Up position. Their AI-powered Horoscope App, titled “Soul,” impressed the judges, earning them a cash prize of ₹50,000. Their participation in this hackathon honed their skills in AI and web development while reinforcing the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and effective project presentation.

ITM School of Future Technology students also made a significant impact at the PIWOT Innovation Challenge, a highly competitive event organized by the IIT Alumni Association and Reliance Industries Limited. Inaugurated by Hon. CM Devendra Fadnavis, the hackathon saw an overwhelming participation of 307 teams, 1,000+ participants, and 15,700 total registrations.

Two teams from the ITM School of Future Technology demonstrated their innovative thinking and technical proficiency at this prestigious event. The first team, comprising Abdullah Haque, Tejas Solanki, Sudarshan Devadiga, and Devdarshan Saravanan, secured the Runner-Up position and won a cash prize of ₹50,000. Their project, a platform providing instant online medical assistance and ambulance services, addressed a critical real-world issue, showcasing their ability to leverage technology for impactful solutions.

This success is a reflection of our students’ dedication, creativity, and ability to think beyond the conventional. It is inspiring to see them push their limits and come up with solutions that can create real impact. At ITM School of Future Technology, we continuously strive to provide them with opportunities that challenge them to innovate and excel on global platforms,” said Dr. (name & designation )

Additionally, another team from the university, consisting of Tanay Sahajwalla, Anusri K, Prem Thatikonda, and Manmeet S, achieved an impressive 7th position and received a funding proposal from Venture Capitalist Mr. Sunil Khosla. This recognition opens up significant opportunities for further development and commercialization of their innovative solution.

Both hackathons provided invaluable learning experiences, allowing participants to enhance their skills in AI, web development, and high-pressure problem-solving. Competing against some of the best minds in the country, the students of ITM School of Future Technology showcased remarkable resilience, creativity, and teamwork, reinforcing the institution’s standing as a hub of innovation and excellence.

These achievements serve as a testament to ITM School of Future Technology’s emphasis on hands-on learning, critical thinking, and industry-relevant education. The institution remains dedicated to supporting its students in reaching new heights and excelling on both national and international platforms.

New Delhi, February 27, 2025 – The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), IVCA, HDFC, among others, announced the launch of the Startup Maha Rathi challenge as part of the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh. A flagship initiative aimed at empowering Indian startups through every nook and corner of the country with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance, this challenge aligns with India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed economy (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. The challenge is set to provide access to up to a ₹30 crore fund, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities with global investors. In addition, it will also entail special awards for innovative startups from emerging states and union territories through a dedicated program.

Startup Maha Rathi – Rising towards Viksit Bharat – is designed to open doors for budding entrepreneurs across 11 key sectors, including AI & DeepTech, BioTech & Healthtech, Gaming & Sports, Fintech, Incubators & Accelerators, Mobility, Agritech, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, D2C, ClimateTech, and Defence & SpaceTech. The program would be awarded by the Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry and is aimed at equipping startups with the necessary resources to scale their operations and contribute to India’s technological and economic advancement. Startups selected through this initiative will gain exposure to global markets through Startup India, access to mentorship from industry veterans, investor networking opportunities, and national-level recognition by DPIIT.

The competition will follow a structured, multi-phase selection process, beginning with the application launch on February 26, 2025, and culminating in an exclusive live pitching finale from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. While each startup shortlisted for the grand jury round receives a guaranteed ₹1 Lakh, the top two startups from each sector will be awarded ₹10 Lakh respectively, while the next five will receive ₹5 lakh each. The next 5 startups in each track will gain access to ₹3 lakhs each in addition to financial grants, participating startups will receive expert guidance and investor access through a jury comprising 100+ leading VCs, angel investors, and domain specialists from Startup India and organizations such as Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, KDEM, IVCA, HDFC among many others.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, said, “The Startup Maha Rathi initiative marks a pivotal stride toward achieving India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ By offering strategic financial support and expert mentorship, this initiative will empower the nation’s most promising startups to scale, innovate, and drive transformative change, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, added, “India’s startup ecosystem is at an inflection point, and initiatives like this are crucial in ensuring that high-potential ventures receive the right support to thrive. By enabling a strong innovation-driven culture, the initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of disruptive entrepreneurs.”

Commenting on the initiative, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said, “Our mission is to focus on bridging the gap between startups and investors and this initiative will provide a structured, high-impact platform for startups to showcase their innovations and gain direct access to funding and mentorship.”

Anjali Bansal, Founding Partner, Avaana Capital, stated, “Initiatives like Startup Maha Rathi provide catalytic support to entrepreneurs solving for India’s critical priorities—green growth, sustainability, energy transition, food systems, agriculture, and deep tech. The programs not only showcase India’s entrepreneurial strength but also reinforce our ability to develop scalable solutions aligned with national priorities and position India as a global leader to accelerate towards a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive Viksit Bharat.”

Prashant Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel, remarked, “Aimed at evaluating more than 5,000 startups, Startup Maha Rathi presents a unique opportunity to identify and invest in startups that have the potential to drive India’s economic transformation. We are proud to collaborate on this initiative and support entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses with the right financial and strategic backing.”