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Mumbai, Dec 16 : ITC Grand Central, Mumbai will host RISE 100x, an exclusive growth and networking event by 39 Solutions, on 15 December 2025. The platform will bring together 100 top-performing mentees, MSME entrepreneurs, and startup founders for a full day of learning and interaction with industry leaders.

Led by business coach Basesh Gala, the event is designed to accelerate entrepreneurial growth through strategic coaching, fireside conversations, and expert-led sessions.

The lineup includes interactive fire chat, coaching sessions, and manifestation workshops with leading experts: Amiett Kumar, Holistic LOA & Manifestation Coach with 5 million+ social media followers; Abhishek Kar, Financial Influencer & Entrepreneur with over 7 million subscribers; and Divas Gupta, a communications and public speaking coach with more than 2 million followers.

Industry leaders sharing insights include Basesh Gala himself, Ashok Shah, Chairman of V-Trans (India) Ltd, a 2000+ crore transportation logistics company; Kirit Gala, CMD of Gala Precision, a publicly listed company with a market cap exceeding 1000 crores; Sunil Gala, MD & CEO of Navneet Education, and Deepak Daiya, YouTube Creator and Digital expert.

The event is designed to create a platform where high-potential entrepreneurs can interact with industry stalwarts, exchange ideas, and gain strategic insights to scale their ventures. Attendees will benefit from a combination of practical business coaching, networking opportunities, and expert-led sessions aimed at personal and professional growth.

Speaking about the event, Basesh Gala sir said:

“RISE 100x is about connecting ambitious entrepreneurs with the right mentors and peers. We aim to provide actionable guidance that helps them scale with confidence.”

RISE 100x is part of 39 Solutions’ efforts to strengthen India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through curated mentorship, outcome-driven coaching programs, and high-impact networking platforms.

Gurugram, Dec 16: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, a luxury urban sanctuary, announces an exquisite year-end celebration featuring thoughtfully curated dining experiences, refined entertainment, and the brand’s signature warmth. As the year draws to a close, guests can immerse themselves in bespoke evenings across the hotel’s distinguished restaurants, each presenting a unique expression of culinary artistry and hospitality.

Spectra: A Global Culinary Showcase for the Final Night of the Year Festivities unfold at Spectra, the hotel’s award-winning all-day dining destination. Celebrated for its seven live culinary islands, Spectra presents a vibrant year-end experience featuring an expansive array of global flavours crafted by expert chefs. Live music enhances the ambience, as the restaurant transforms into an immersive and spirited setting for the last night of the year.

Diya: Indian Cuisine Presented with Live Ghazals 

Those seeking the warmth of Indian hospitality can immerse themselves in the refined setting of Diya, the hotel’s signature Indian restaurant. An elegant ambience, complemented by dishes crafted with authenticity and finesse, shapes a thoughtful culinary journey. Soft traditional melodies further elevate the dining experience, creating a graceful close to the year.

Rubicon: A Sophisticated Lounge Experience for an Elevated Celebration

For guests wishing to mark the occasion with sophistication, Rubicon Bar and Cigar Lounge offers an indulgent lounge atmosphere. An exclusive tapas bar experience is paired with privileged access to Spectra’s grand buffet dinner and live music. 

With each venue presenting its own blend of flavour, ambience, and design, The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences curates New Year celebrations to suit every palate and preference. From global feasts to elegant Indian cuisine and sophisticated lounge soirées, the hotel is ready to welcome 2026 rooted in luxury, enriched by artistry, and imbued with the inimitable warmth of The Leela.

Bengaluru, India, Dec 16: Lam Research Corp. (Nasdaq: LRCX) today announced the winners of its annual Lam Research Challenge 2025, one of India’s first exclusive systems engineering competitions in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing industry.  

The first prize was awarded to Ashish Negi, Shivam Kumar Jha, Swayam Bansal, and Sai Tejaswi from Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, while Anubhav Anand, Anumula Bharath Kumar, Daksh Sambhare, and Smit Kadu from Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati stood second, and Harshan J, Mohammed Rehan Tadpatri, Thareesh Prabakaran, and Thiruchalvan Thiyagarajan from National Institute of Technology, Calicut secured third place. 

The challenge, in its second year, attracted close to 7000 students from 474 colleges across 24 states in the country, all of whom demonstrated a passion for tackling complex engineering problems using technology, innovation, and teamwork. The Lam Research Challenge is one of the country’s only systems engineering competitions that requires participants to integrate hardware, software, systems thinking, along with agility and project management skills to solve real world engineering problems for the semiconductor industry. Students from across the country participate for a chance to win a total of 10 lakh INR in cash prizes, and a select few are offered exclusive internships at Lam India.  

“The Lam Research Challenge has evolved into more than a systems engineering competition. Through problem-solving and transformative learning, we strive to inspire the spirit of innovation and help foster future talent for the semiconductor industry. Congratulations to this year’s winners and all the bright students who made the competition a success,” said Rangesh Raghavan, corporate vice president and general manager, Lam Research India. 

Part of the company’s broader initiative to build a pipeline of technical talent to address the needs of the growing semiconductor industry in India, the Lam Research Challenge gives students hands-on experience in systems engineering, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.  

The Lam Research Challenge is the latest in a series of progressive developments from the company to support innovation, collaboration and a pipeline of engineering talent to meet the future needs of the semiconductor industry. Through the broad deployment of its Semiverse® Solutions courseware that offers a virtual nanofabrication environment, Lam aims to upskill engineers across Indian universities.

Bengaluru, India, Dec 15 : Ravi Naidu’s life began with heartbreak. Abandoned as a newborn at the Government Hospital on Magadi Road in 1967, he was left behind because his parents, who were returning to their home in Myanmar, could not arrange a passport for him. A compassionate couple from Rajajinagar, Ethy Raju Naidu and his wife, took the infant home and raised him as their own.

But childhood was far from easy for Ravi. As a young boy, Ravi grew up battling ridicule, questions about his birth and the circumstances of his abandonment. Worn down by constant taunts, he dropped out of school after completing Class 10. Yet beneath the pain lay an unbreakable spirit.

Inspired by national icons Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh, whom he admired since childhood, Ravi made a life-changing decision in 2000: he would cycle across India’s borders to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS. Spotting a broken bicycle in a heap of trash, he repaired it himself and prepared to set off on a mission few would dare to attempt.

When he approached the Commissioner’s office, Mr. Sangam Singh initially refused permission, insisting he could travel only if officially invited. Determined, Ravi wrote an undertaking on a ₹20 bond paper, declaring that no authority would be held responsible for anything that might happen to him.

A Lone Cyclist on India’s Borders

Beginning his journey at Mekhri Circle and joining NH7, he pedalled across some of the most challenging terrains in the country including Nagaland, Manipur, Shillong, Mizoram, reaching India’s farthest frontiers. Along the way, he adopted a new name, Ram Bahaddur, symbolizing resolve and courage. 

Ram spent a day or two in each location, interacting with communities, raising awareness, and moving onward. Resources were scarce, but his grit carried him forward. Across India, he travelled across 33 states, covering nearly 118,687 kilometres in 3 years. Along the way, he was gifted a bicycle, and with it, he began cycling beyond India into other countries. His relentless expeditions and tireless efforts eventually earned him recognition from the Indian Government and a Guinness World Record. But that was then.

Recently, a video of Ram working as a garbage picker surfaced online and quickly went viral. When people discovered he was the same man who had cycled across India’s borders, his story moved thousands. Invitations for interviews followed, shedding light on his remarkable journey.

A New Home of Hope

Today, Ram has found a home at AiR Humanitarian Homes, a haven where many residents share similar stories of abandonment, rescue and healing. For Ram, it is also a return to the same kindness that had shaped his earliest years.

More than 50 years ago, one act of compassion had changed the course of his life. Now, in another moment of struggle, he has found kindness once again, this time at AiR Humanitarian Homes, where care, dignity and love await every individual in need.

Founded in 1998 by AiR-Atman in Ravi, an Enlightened Soul, Happpiness Ambassador, philanthropist, author, singer and poet, AiR Humanitarian Homes have transformed over 50,000 lives till date and care for more than 600 people every single day. Guided by the belief that Service to Humanity is Prayer, the Homes continue to uplift the destitute, the homeless, the forgotten— those whom society often overlooks. 

Telangana attracts INR 15,000 crore investments across 31 tourism projects within months of launching new Tourism Policy: Valluru Kranthi, MD, TGTDC

Hyderabad, Dec 15: The Tourism Committee of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in association with the Tourism Department of the Government of Telangana, the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM), Incredible India, Ramoji Film City, Pragathi Resorts, and Summer Green Resorts, organised India’s first-ever conference on “Building the Weekend Tourism Economy” on Saturday at NITHM, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

The pioneering conference attended by resort owners, getaway destination promoters, tourism and hospitality professionals, academicians, and students—was inaugurated by Ms. Valluru Kranthi, Managing Director, Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC), in the presence of Mr. R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI; Mr. K.K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President; Mr. Srinivas Garimella, Vice President; Dr. G.B.K. Rao, CMD, Pragati Group; Mr. A.V. Rao, Vice President, Ramoji Film City; Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Director, Summer Green Resorts; Mr. Prakash Ammanabolu, Chairman; Mr. D. Ramchandram, Co-Chairman, FTCCI Tourism Committee; and Ms. Sangeetha, Director, FTCCI.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Department of Tourism, said

“Weekend Tourism is one of the most promising segments for Telangana. “Nearly 2.5 million people employed across IT and Life Sciences sectors eagerly look for frequent short breaks to rejuvenate. Unlike the past, tourism is no longer a hobby—today it is a lifestyle,” he said. Referring to the state’s new tourism policy, he urged the industry to make full use of Telangana’s forward-looking incentives and to help build themed tourism experiences. Citing Pochampally as an example, he emphasized how destinations can be enriched through layered experiences involving crafts, cuisine, culture, and history. He also encouraged citizens to participate in FTCCI’s ongoing Traffic Junction Jewels Photo Contest and the Weekend Getaways Reel Contest.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Valluru Kranthi, MD, TGTDC, said the conference was timely and significant given the rising need for stress relief and mental wellness in post-pandemic life. “Nearly one million IT professionals in Hyderabad seek refreshing weekend breaks. Telangana must identify at least 150 potential weekend getaways and promote them effectively,” she said. Highlighting the success of the new Tourism Policy (2025–2030), she shared that the state attracted ₹15,000 crore investments across 31 projects within months of its launch on World Tourism Day. Telangana is developing nine tourism clusters initially, with a larger plan for 27 clusters, focusing on curated attractions and customized tourist packages.

Representing Ramoji Film City, Mr. A.V. Rao remarked, “Tourists trust tourists,” and highlighted how the Film City continues to drive tourism through innovative concepts such as newly introduced glamping experiences that appeal to weekend travelers.

The event witnessed the signing and exchange of an MoU between NITHM and Mr. Ravi Bura, aimed at training rural women in wedding planning and related services—an emerging sector within tourism.

The dignitaries also inaugurated the rejuvenated lake within the NITHM campus.

FTCCI President Mr. Ravi Kumar underscored the importance of positioning Hyderabad as the Weekend Tourism Capital of India. Echoing this, Mr. Prakash Ammanabolu and Mr. D. Ramchandram stated that while the Incredible India Tourism Investors Summit has encouraged weekend circuit identification near major metros, this conference marks India’s first structured national-level dialogue on the Weekend Tourism Economy. “Weekend Tourism is not just leisure—it is a new economic model. Our goal is to champion a 360° approach involving government, industry, academia, media, and influencers,” they said.

Mr. D. Ramchandram added that Hyderabad is surrounded by nearly 460 weekend getaways within a radius of 150–200 km, ranging from eco-retreats and adventure zones to heritage sites and farm stays. Telangana’s strategic location, excellent road network, and diversity of landscapes make it an ideal pilot state to build weekend tourism circuits that can be replicated nationwide.

The conference featured a high-impact lineup of speakers. Dr. Mani Pavitra, Founder of Creatorwerse and a leading digital mentor, spoke on “Reels to Real: How Screen Tourism Can Take Weekend Destinations to Places.” She was followed by Mr. Mir Khan, Founder, Deccan Terrain Heritage, who presented “Heritage This Weekend,” illustrating how Hyderabad’s rich heritage can be explored through short, meaningful weekend itineraries. Hospitality expert Ms. Anuhya Nallani Chakravartula delivered her talk titled “From Getaways to Growth Engines: Redefining Telangana’s Travel Future Through the Weekend Tourism Movement.”

A session by the Telangana Forest Development Corporation, led by Ms. K. Shireesha, Senior Divisional Manager and Assistant Director, along with naturalist Mr. Akhil and consultant Mr. Suman, highlighted eco-tourism opportunities across Telangana’s forest and wildlife destinations.

Startup ecosystem leader and TEDx licensee Mr. Viiveck Verma shared insights in his talk, “Weekends: The New Tourism Currency,” exploring how micro-travel is shaping modern tourism behaviour.

The conference concluded with an engaging panel discussion titled “Unscripted Conversations on India’s Weekend Tourism Future,” moderated by Prof. Satya Kiran, Vice President, eThames College. The panel included Mr. Valmiki Harikishan, Advisor, FTCCI Tourism Committee, offering global perspectives; Ms. Dilnaz Baig, 74-year-old custodian of Hyderabadi Nizami cuisine, advocating for the preservation of traditional recipes; and Ms. Niveditha, COO, Experium, who explained how Experium is partnering with Hyderabad to help shape the city as India’s Weekend Capital.

The conference witnessed participation from over 150 delegates, including hoteliers, resort owners, tour operators, corporate HR leaders, event planners, digital influencers, travel bloggers, government officials, and students.

Highlighting the broader impact, the FTCCI Tourism Committee said that building a Weekend Tourism Economy will create new growth engines by converting tourism into a year-round activity, strengthening rural economies, enabling wellness and mental health, preventing overcrowding at major tourist hubs, and promoting civic pride and content creation.

The conference also drew inspiration from global best practices, particularly micro-tourism and workation models seen in Japan, Spain, and Italy, which have led global recovery in the post-pandemic era. FTCCI’s initiative marks the first step in bringing such structured approaches to India.

“For urban citizens seeking wellness, family time, and rejuvenation, weekend travel is becoming a necessity. If Hyderabadis start exploring nearby destinations regularly, Telangana can build a thriving Weekend Tourism Economy that creates jobs, boosts rural incomes, strengthens infrastructure, and celebrates the state’s cultural and natural richness,” the FTCCI Tourism Committee stated.

Hyderabad, Dec 15: DEEP Trust, a collective of Doctors and Responsible citizens, is a non-profit organisation working to uplift vulnerable children and communities celebrated 11th anniversary with DEEP Annual Day DEEP Elevate 2025 on Saturday at Hotel Daspalla, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

The milestone event brought together children, youth, educators, volunteers, partners, and supporters to reflect on DEEP’s journey over the past decade and to unveil its roadmap for the future.

A major highlight of DEEP Elevate 2025 was the launch of the DEEP Mobile Health & Screening Bus, a fully equipped mobile facility designed to deliver preventive healthcare directly to underserved communities. The mobile unit provides free breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, basic diagnostics, and essential health education, enabling early detection of diseases and reducing the financial burden associated with late-stage treatment. By reaching remote and low-resource areas, the initiative is expected to benefit thousands of women and families, significantly strengthening community health outcomes.

The Mobile Health and Screening Bus was formally unveiled by Dr Madhu Vasepalli, Founder and Trustee, Ms Swati Mohanti, Trustee, Ms Priya Ieyngar, Legal Advisor, Dr Arya Yashashree, Volunteer and Phanindra, Manager Communications.

On this occasion, DEEP Trust also launched the DEEP Mobile App, a user-friendly digital platform that enables beneficiaries to access information and services seamlessly.

Founder Trustees Dr Rakesh Kalapala and Dr Madhu Vasepalli unveiled DEEP Vision 2030, an ambitious roadmap aimed at transforming 5 million lives through equitable healthcare, quality education, and innovative skill development initiatives.

The event showcased DEEP’s flagship programmes, including DEEP on Wheels (Mobile Health), the Physiotherapy Centre (KGNMT), and education support programmes across schools and Child Care Institutions (CCIs), such as Asritha, Srividhya, VSS, THARA Home, Balyam Home, and Government Special Homes, among others.

 It also highlighted skill-building centres for youth and women, scholarships for economically weaker students, and environmental awareness drives. Volunteers and partners were honoured for their invaluable contributions to grassroots development.

Products made by special children from Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust and Sri Vidya Centre for the special children.

Bengaluru, Dec 13:  Leading POSH advisory firm Metis Posh Consultants announced the launch of Metis Posh  Radio, India’s first and only radio platform dedicated to POSH (Prevention of Sexual  Harassment at the Workplace) awareness, education, and empowerment. The aim is to  spark meaningful conversations about workplace dignity and inclusion. 

Metis Posh Radio offers a curated line-up of audio shows that touch upon and explain the  nuances and grey areas pertaining to workplace safety. Listeners can find a host of topics  categorised under four segments: 

• POSH Conversations — engaging discussions with HR leaders, legal experts, and  advocates on a variety of topics 
• POSH Files — true stories of courage, resilience, and finding one’s voice at work 
• POSH Judgements — case-based narratives decoding landmark court rulings across  India 
• Did You Know — short, insightful snippets that explain the nuances of POSH law 

Through this initiative, Metis Posh aims to educate, engage, and inspire organisations to  build safer and more inclusive workplaces. It further underscores Metis Posh’s ongoing  commitment to create awareness and compliance through training, audits, and advisory  services.

Speaking on the launch, Rajesh Atihalli and Jayaprada Hemmige, Founders of Metis Posh  Consultants, said: 

“Metis Posh Radio is more than just a platform, it’s a movement. Every story,  every voice, and every discussion here is about changing how India talks about  workplace safety. Our goal is to make POSH awareness accessible, relatable,  and continuous because safe workplaces start with informed people.”

The platform is designed for HR professionals, corporate leaders, and employees who wish  to stay informed, compliant, and proactive about POSH law and workplace culture. With on demand and live programming, Metis Posh Radio blends expert knowledge with storytelling  to make learning engaging and impactful. 

TDDCF plans to set up 400–500 Vijaya Dairy Parlours in 3–4 years; aims to raise milk procurement from 4 lakh to 6 lakh litres per day: Gutha Amith Reddy, Chairman, TDDCF

Hyderabad, Dec 12: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FTCCI), in collaboration with the Indian Dairy Association – Telangana Local Centre, organised a full-day national seminar titled “Innovations and Opportunities in Dairy Entrepreneurship: From Farm to Market” at the KLN Prasad Auditorium, Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad.

The seminar was organised as part of National Milk Day 2025, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien, the Father of India’s White Revolution. Though National Milk Day falls on November 26, the celebrations were observed on the occasion of this seminar.

The event was graced by Sri Gutha Amith Reddy, Chairman, Telangana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation Ltd (TDDCF) as Special Guest; Sri Ch. Rajeshwara Rao, Chairman, Indian Dairy Association – Telangana Local Centre as Keynote Speaker; and Dr A. Sarat Chandra, Registrar, P. V. Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University. Senior FTCCI leadership present included Sri K. K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President; Sri Srinivas Garimella, Vice President; and Sri S. Chandra Mohan, Chairman, FTCCI Agro & Food Processing Committee.

Addressing the gathering, Sri Gutha Amith Reddy announced that the Telangana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation Ltd plans to expand its Vijaya Dairy parlour network by setting up 400 to 500 new parlours over the next three to four years. He invited interested entrepreneurs and applicants to come forward to establish Vijaya Dairy parlours, stating that marketing and branding are currently a key focus area. He informed that 50 new parlours have already been opened within GHMC limits and another 25 in rural areas, adding that the expansion is an ongoing process, with a possible rollout of around 25 parlours per month.

He further stated that TDDCF is currently procuring around 4 lakh litres of milk per day and aims to scale this up to 6 lakh litres per day. Elaborating on the federation’s operations, he said that while approximately 4.40 lakh litres of milk are procured daily, sales are about 3.20 lakh litres, with the surplus converted into products such as milk powder and butter. Strengthening milk procurement and market absorption remains a key priority, he added.

The Chairman noted that the federation has moved from survival mode last year to a sustainable phase now, and explained that urbanisation—nearly 50% of the population around Hyderabad being urban—is one of the reasons Telangana lags in milk production. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to improving dairy output and shared that AI and ERP systems are being used in breeding, rearing, and operational management at the federation.

In his keynote address, Sri Ch. Rajeshwara Rao said that farmers’ declining focus on livestock rearing, especially milk-giving animals, is driven not by lack of awareness but by economic stress, structural shifts, and policy gaps. He stressed that livestock rearing remains the best alternative source of steady income for farmers and called for assured milk pricing, timely payments, village-level fodder security, strong and transparent cooperatives, and animal insurance and health cover to revive dairy farming as a primary livelihood.

Dr A. Sarat Chandra pointed out that while India is the world’s largest milk producer with 248 million metric tonnes, productivity remains low. He noted that average milk yield per lactation in India is around 1,700 litres, compared to 3,500 litres in Western countries, underscoring the need for focused productivity enhancement. He also highlighted that while India is food-secure, it remains protein-deficient, and milk is a critical source of nutrition.

In his opening remarks, Sri K. K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President, FTCCI, recalled the transformative contribution of Dr Verghese Kurien to India’s White Revolution. Sri S. Chandra Mohan emphasised the need for policies encouraging every farmer to rear livestock to ensure nutritional security and steady income.

The one-day seminar featured four technical sessions covering Dairy Farming and Production, Processing and Value Addition, Dairy Technology and Digital Transformation, and Financial Support, with participation from experts from academia, industry, dairy cooperatives, and financial institutions. The objective was to create a knowledge-sharing platform for dairy startups, FPOs, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs.

Among others present were Sri Srinivas Garimella, Vice President, FTCCI; P. Vijay Gopal Reddy; Prof. B. P. Acharya; Madhusudhan Rao, GM, TDDCF; Dr Yadlapalli Venkateswara Rao; Sri Patanjali Rao Upadrasta; Dr N. Natraj; Jayakumar Udernani; Dr Ch. Harikrishna; Vamseedhar; Dr J. Tamizh Kumaran; Dr Ch. Satyanarayana; A. Praveen Reddy; V. Gopala Krishna Murthy; and Shri Panduan N. Marpalle.

Arthro Biotech, Pinnacle Biotech, and Silverphage Technologies emerged as the top three startups in India’s first-ever Startup Challenge in the BioAgri space

Hyderabad, Dec 12: The BioAgri Input Producers Association (BIPA), the world’s oldest trade body in the agricultural biology space, announced the winners of India’s first-ever Startup Challenge dedicated exclusively to the BioAgri sector, held as part of the two-day BioAgri 2025 conference at just concluded Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.

Arthro Biotech, Pinnacle BioSciences, and Silverphage Technologies emerged as the top three winners, while V-Humate received the consolation prize. The Startup Challenge marked a significant milestone for the Indian BioAgri ecosystem, offering emerging startups national and global visibility and a rare opportunity to pitch before investors and industry leaders, even though no prize money was attached to the competition.

The BioAgri Startup Challenge witnessed participation from 20 startups from across India and was jointly organised by BIPA in collaboration with leading biotech and deep-tech incubators, including IKP Knowledge Park (International One Health Incubator), Venture Centre Pune, AgHub Hyderabad, Pusa Krishi, and Social Alpha. The entire initiative was coordinated by a BIPA member and a successful entrepreneur, reflecting the association’s industry-driven approach.

The finalists presented their innovations to an audience of over 200 stakeholders from across India and abroad during BioAgri 2025, India’s largest agri-input professionals conference. After two rounds of jury evaluation, the top five startups were shortlisted for live pitching, from which the final three winners were selected.

Arthro Biotech was adjudged the first prize winner for its work in producing and distributing eco-friendly animal feed components and soil conditioners. The company was founded by Praveen K. Sappa and co-founded by Kishore Nalam.

Pinnacle BioSciences secured the second position for its focus on algae-based solutions for agriculture, animal nutrition, aquaculture, and human health. The company leverages marine algae such as seaweed to develop biofertilizers, feed supplements, and health products. It was founded by Dr M. Adhi Visvanathan, a noted algology expert, and is led by Director Vishnu Ram, along with Gowtham.

Silverphage Technologies, based in Chandigarh, won the third prize. Represented by Shivam Chinyoti, the startup is known for its innovative biological solutions. V-Humate, which bagged the consolation prize, is engaged in manufacturing advanced solutions for agriculture, oil drilling, and animal feed.

Commenting on the initiative, D. R. Venkatesh, Secretary General, BIPA, said that the BIPA Startup Challenge 2025 was launched to encourage deep-tech innovation in biological agriculture by providing startups with critical business connections and pathways to commercial traction—key elements required for scaling bio-based technologies. He added that through such initiatives, BIPA continues to strengthen its long-standing commitment to advancing India’s BioAgri ecosystem by recognising current industry leaders while empowering the innovators of tomorrow.

As 2025 draws to a close, industry leaders across India’s technology spectrum reflect on a year defined by accelerated digital maturity and the convergence of intelligence, design, and sustainability. From next-gen display innovations and AI-led surveillance to the rise of accessible consumer electronics and energy-aware ecosystems, the sector is gearing up for a transformative 2026. c

BY:-  Mr Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India and South Asia

“2025 was a defining year for the display technology ecosystem, marked by accelerated adoption of smart, sustainable, and experience-driven solutions. At BenQ, we witnessed a dynamic shift in how consumers and professionals engage with technology – from hybrid work and education spaces to the growing demand for personalised entertainment and creator-focused innovation. Our focus remained on designing visual solutions that blend cutting-edge performance with user wellbeing, from eye-care monitors and laser projectors to interactive panels that foster collaboration and creativity.

As we step into 2026, the technology sector stands at the cusp of a new era, one where AI, visual intelligence, and eco-conscious innovation converge to shape more meaningful digital experiences. Key trends include accelerating OLED/microLED/quantum dot advancements for superior contrast and efficiency, rising adoption of interactive projections in education and collaboration spaces, and AI-driven personalization across displays. BenQ sees this as an inflection point to lead with purpose: advancing smarter, energy-efficient display technologies that serve both productivity and sustainability goals. The coming year will be about deepening the intersection of design, technology, and human experience – where visual innovation not only informs and inspires, but also contributes to a greener, more connected future.”

By:-  Mr Pankaj Rana, CEO, Hisense India

“2025 has reinforced a clear shift, Indian consumers are no longer satisfied with basic, functional appliances; they increasingly expect smarter, more connected and energy-efficient solutions for their homes. With rising disposable incomes and rapid urbanisation, adoption of IoT-enabled devices, especially smart TVs is moving from early adopters to the mainstream. In 2026, this momentum will only accelerate. We expect strong demand for larger-screen smart TVs, AI-enhanced picture and sound experiences, energy-efficient cooling solutions, and more voice-driven, connected home behaviour. At Hisense, we are doubling down on innovation and localisation, bringing global-quality TVs and next-generation air-conditioning solutions to India at accessible price points, anticipating that households will prioritise convenience, sustainability and intelligent living as core purchase drivers.”

By:-  Mr. Aditya Khemka, Managing Director, CP PLUS (Aditya Infotech Ltd.)

“2025 was a pivotal year for CP PLUS and the surveillance industry, characterised by rapid AI-driven security advancements improved connectivity and more intuitive surveillance systems. Trust and compliance were crucial in this rapidly evolving landscape.

As the industry shifts towards reliable, scalable technology solutions that adapt to changing safety and operational demands, CP PLUS sets a benchmark. We are the first company in the industry to secure the STQC-Certification for the widest range of products and the only brand in the surveillance sector to get listed on the NSE, a testament to our commitment to quality and national standards. This achievement, coupled with our innovation-first approach, solidifies our dedication to developing technologies that precisely, resiliently, and confidently address real-world challenges.

Looking towards 2026, the technology landscape is set to deepen its focus on integrated intelligence and automation. CP PLUS has a number of technologies and inventions in the pipeline for the new India and anticipates that security solutions will increasingly leverage AI edge computing and IoT to create more proactive and adaptive environments. We anticipate innovations that extend beyond protection seamlessly integrating to streamline operations, inform strategic decisions and foster secure interconnected ecosystems.”

By:-  Ravi Agarwal, Co-founder and Managing Director, Cellecor Gadgets Ltd

“2025 has been a defining year for the Indian consumer electronics industry, and for us at Cellecor, it marked a phase of disciplined scale, stronger consumer trust, and deeper market penetration. We saw a clear shift in consumer behaviour, where value, reliability and smart functionality became non-negotiable. Demand was no longer limited to metros, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities emerging as strong growth engines across televisions, audio products and smart wearable categories. This shift reinforced our belief that accessible technology is the future of this industry.

For Cellecor, the year was about strengthening our Make in India approach, optimising our product portfolio, and building meaningful visibility across both digital-first and offline channels. We witnessed robust traction across our smart TV and audio segments, along with strong adoption in fast-moving wearable categories. The festive season, in particular, demonstrated how rapidly the market is evolving, with consumers seeking feature-rich products that offer genuine value.

Looking ahead to 2026, we believe the next phase of growth in consumer electronics will be driven by deeper integration of smart ecosystems, AI-led personalisation, and energy-efficient technologies that balance performance with sustainability. We also foresee stronger omni-channel buying journeys, where online discovery and offline experience will work together seamlessly.”

By:-  Murali M. Mantravadi, Jt. Managing Director, Energy Bots

“2025 marked a decisive inflection point for the global technology ecosystem. We witnessed the convergence of advanced compute, AI, and clean energy at a pace unmatched in the past decade. Generative AI matured from experimentation to enterprise-scale adoption, contributing to a global AI market that has reached around US$294 billion in 2025 and pushing demand for high-performance compute to historic highs. Simultaneously, renewable energy capacity expanded at record speed, with global additions crossing 500 GW for the first time, strengthening the symbiotic relationship between digital infrastructure and sustainable energy. This was a year where industries realised that intelligence and efficiency must evolve together.

Looking ahead, 2026 will intensify this shift. Industrial AI will move into full production, edge-AI shipments are expected to grow over 30%, and sustainable computing will become a standard design principle. Smart homes, in particular, will evolve into energy-aware ecosystems where appliances dynamically optimise consumption, adapt to grid patterns, and extend their lifespan through predictive maintenance and continuous updates.

At Energy Bots, we see this as the beginning of a truly integrated household energy future, one where appliances become intelligent participants in reducing waste, lowering bills, and supporting national sustainability goals. Technology is no longer just powering convenience; it is actively shaping responsible living. The transformation we are witnessing is not incremental; it is foundational, and 2026 will be the year it scales from early adopters to the mainstream.” 

By:-  Srividya Kannan, Founder-CEO, Avaali Solutions

“As we enter 2026, the AI conversation in India needs to mature rapidly. While ‘agent washing’ has dominated headlines – companies slapping AI labels on traditional automation – the real opportunity lies in building robust AI infrastructure that can support genuine intelligent systems. India has a unique advantage: we can leapfrog the mistakes other markets made by building AI infrastructure with governance, ethics, and explainability baked in from day one. What concerns me is the gap between AI ambition and AI readiness. Too many organizations are implementing AI agents without the foundational data infrastructure, security frameworks, or change management capabilities to make them work. In 2026, we need to shift from ‘AI theater’ to AI substance – investing in the unsexy but critical work of data quality, model governance, and human-AI collaboration frameworks. At Avaali, we’re focused on helping enterprises build this foundation through solutions that integrate AI thoughtfully into existing workflows rather than disrupting for disruption’s sake.”