ASUS ushers in a new era of Intel powered computing solutions with their latest launches

India, 30th September 2024: ASUS, a Taiwanese tech giant today launched its new lineup of AI-enabled PCs powered by the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2) across its consumer and commercial portfolio. The next-generation ASUS Copilot+ PCs – Zenbook S 14, ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI (Desktop), and ExpertBook P5405 – feature integrated NPU (Neural Processing Units) delivering up to 47 TOPS (Tera Operation Per Second). The new PCs are further enabled with on-device AI capabilities designed to significantly upgrade user experience, augment productivity and streamline creative workflows for users.

The new launches will receive a free update to Copilot+ PC experiences, when available, with timing varying by device and region. ASUS India as an innovative PC manufacturer offers cutting-edge sustainable technology with a diverse lineup that meets the evolving users’ need for durable and reliable solutions. The brand’s partnership and the strategic decision to incorporate the prowess of Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2) is an endeavour to make computing more intuitive while retaining superior software performance across form factors. The ultra-portable ultimate Zenbook S 14 is one of the most refined AI equipped laptops, blending exquisite design with power-packed performance.

The latest laptop comes with a stunning OLED display and ergonomic designs featuring premium chassis made from exclusive Ceraluminum™ – a high-tech ceramic material, the laptop seamlessly integrates high-functionality, efficiency and a design factor. The Intel software solutions are also prevalent in the commercial-focused computing solutions by ASUS. The ExpertBook P5405 is an AI-powered computing for businesses. It features cutting-edge Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2) and integrates ASUS AI ExpertMeet tools for an unparalleled AI-enhanced work experience. The ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI offers desktop capability in a compact form factor, delivering advanced AI capabilities and unmatched performance for demanding applications. ASUS NUC 14 Pro shows a sleek design that is apt for office use or edge computing as it strikes a balance between portability and power.

Commenting on the launch of the Zenbook S 14, ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI and ExpertBook P5405, Mr. Eric Ou, Country Head, President and Director, Systems Group, ASUS India, said, “We at ASUS pride ourselves on being pioneers in bringing the latest technology and innovations in the country. Comprehending how AI will become a driving factor in laptop experience and align with our vision of ‘Ubiquitous AI.

Incredible Possibilities,’ I am elated to introduce our latest innovation that delivers optimum performance in exquisite designs. Our strategic decision to integrate Intel Core Ultra Processors in our latest offerings will ensure that our users experience best-in-class AI capabilities, promised to make functioning and interface more seamless and refined.” ” The Intel Core Ultra 200V series of processors is an incredible new product that raises the bar on AI PC experience.

With this new family of processors, we are delivering incredible performance gains across traditional and AI computing, while being up to 40 percent more efficient, yielding incredibly competitive battery life. At Intel, we’re always in the pursuit of delivering the best possible user experiences and with Intel Core Ultra 200V series, we’re redefining the x86 paradigm,” added Santhosh Viswanathan, Vice President and Managing Director, India Region, Intel.

This upcoming lineup of consumer and business PCs highlights ASUS’ commitment towards making high-performance, efficiency-driven and ergonomically designed devices. The Zenbook S 14 will be available for sale starting today and the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI will be available for sale from December 2024. The Zenbook S 14 starting at a price of INR 1,42,990 while the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI price will be confirmed closer to the release date. On the other hand, the ASUS ExpertBook P5404 will be available in India starting November 2024 through their extensive partner network, offering businesses a powerful, secure, and sustainable solution for their computing requirements.

NIIT Foundation and Ciena India Empower Over 10,000 Beneficiaries Digitally

National, 30th September 2024: NIIT Foundation, together with Ciena, a networking systems, services, and software company, has launched an initiative called the “Digital Empowerment Program through the Digital Transformation Vehicle (DTV)” initiative in Faridabad, Haryana .This program is a mobile education and training program that aims to provide digital literacy and skills to underserved and remote communities, with the goal of narrowing the digital divide.

The initiative features a mobile training facility equipped with 16 computers, internet connectivity, and comprehensive training materials. Certified trainers, including an IT trainer and a mobilizer, who encourages individuals to enrol in the program, travel with the vehicle to provide hands-on support. The program offers customizable courses tailored to community needs, covering digital literacy, financial literacy, and vocational skills.

Since its inception, the program has made significant strides in impacting lives. The DTV has reached 8,667 beneficiaries, while the Hole in the Wall Learning Stations, which are installed in the villages after the DTV departs, have engaged 2,190 individuals. The initiative has successfully installed 12 Hole in the Wall Learning Stations across various locations from August 2023 to March 2024, promoting digital literacy and self-directed learning.

Highlighting the need for such initiatives, Amit Malik, Vice President, Ciena India, said, “In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, it has become increasingly crucial to equip our youth with the skills they need to thrive and navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively. Our collaboration with NIIT Foundation allows us to manifest our commitment to narrowing the digital divide while also encouraging skill development – creating meaningful opportunities for communities far and wide.”

Further highlighting the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, Charu Kapoor, Country Director at NIIT Foundation, noted, “Leveraging the expertise and resources of the private sector, paired with an NGO’s reach, and understanding of the demographic landscape paves the way for maximising the impact of such initiatives. Our collaborative efforts with Ciena, in this regard, have made substantial strides since its commencement and we aim to continually stride towards effectively prepare the youth for the highly competitive job market in our ever-evolving world.”

Looking ahead, NIIT Foundation and Ciena aim to expand the program’s reach across Faridabad (Haryana) to impact more than 8,500 beneficiaries, introducing new courses aligned with emerging digital trends and exploring further opportunities to empower the youth and allow them to confidently steer through the rapidly digitising world.

Netweb Technologies India Limited wins Outstanding Growth

India, September 30, 2024 Netweb Technologies India Limited, a leading provider of high-end computing solutions, is proud to announce that Intel Corporation has recognized the company with an Intel Partner Award in the category of Outstanding Growth – Data Center & AI Group.

The company has been delivering AI-ready solutions for enterprises focusing on the “AI-First” strategy to provide exceptional capabilities for its customers and improve overall organisation efficiency. The company is also actively pursuing setting up a Private AI lab for universities and research institutions looking to leverage AI’s power to effect transformative changes. Furthermore, Netweb has a complete stack and platform for sovereign AI cloud with its Make in India Servers.

“We are deeply honored to accept this prestigious award from Intel, which stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to technological innovation and excellence,” said Sanjay Lodha, CMD of Netweb Technologies. “Our strategic partnership with Intel has been instrumental in our journey to deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower our customers to achieve advancements in AI, High-Performance Computing (HPC), storage, data centers, and private cloud infrastructures. This accolade reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence and our commitment to creating transformative solutions that drive efficiency, scalability, and innovation. We will continue to push the boundaries of technology to ensure our customers remain at the forefront of their industries, leveraging the best in AI and data center technologies.”

“We are thrilled to recognize Intel’s Partner Award winners across APJ and India,” said Trevor Vickers, Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s Global Partners and Support. “Our partners have achieved the highest standards in growth, innovation, and market acceleration. Congratulations to Netweb Technologies Limited for your remarkable achievements. We value your collaborative partnership and look forward to continued innovation and success.”

“Congratulations, Netweb Technologies Limited, for your unwavering support, innovative solutions, and excellence in serving customer needs.  We look forward to what we can achieve together. Congratulations to all the winners,” said Santhosh Viswanathan, Managing Director & Vice President of Intel – India Region.

Netweb Technologies India Limited was rewarded for continually applying their expertise in ways that help Intel’s products outshine competitors and win customers.

It has made significant contributions to revenue and increased the number of channel partners reached on behalf of Intel.

To qualify as a winner in this category, organizations must be a member of the Intel Partner Alliance; demonstrate year over year (YoY) growth, as well as an increase in overall partner revenue, number of partners adopted, and/or is well-positioned to increase their expected YoY growth.

Samsung’s New Health Software Development Kit Suite Powers Advancements in Healthcare Innovation

New Delhi – Sept. 27, 2024 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today
introduced a new Samsung Health Software Development Kit (SDK) Suite. Designed to better support developers and researchers in creating innovative healthcare solutions, the SDK Suite leverages Samsung’s advanced sensor technology and comprehensive Samsung Health platform. The new complete package of sensor, data, accessory and research stack components is now readily accessible to an expanded range of partners, developers and researchers.
 
Sensor SDK: Fueling Health Services Development through Advanced Sensor Technology
The Sensor SDK provides developers with Samsung’s powerful BioActive Sensor algorithm on the Galaxy Watch, empowering them to explore new sectors of health services and create advanced new solutions. The BioActive Sensor measures a diverse range of health metrics including heart rate, skin temperature, electrocardiogram (ECG) and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). A notable update features continuous access to Photoplethysmogram (PPG) Infrared (IR) and Red LED sensor data for the first time. This advancement will help enhance health services related to blood oxygen level (SpO2) to improve sleep quality and beyond. The upgraded BIA now provides additional measurements—magnitude and degree—expanding on the existing eight indicators, including skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass, to present more precise body composition analysis to offer deeper insights into overall physical health.
Data SDK: Comprehensive Health Insights Unlock New Value in Health Services
Starting from October, the newly added Data SDK enables developers to utilize integrated health data gathered from diverse devices such as Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Ring, smartphones or even third-party devices to create innovative digital health solutions. Data SDK provides access to health metrics on the Samsung Health app—including sleep, exercise, blood pressure, food intake, and blood glucose levels—analyzed by its advanced algorithm. These streamlined insights generated by Samsung Health enable developers to enhance their productivity when developing the healthcare services.
Accessory SDK: Holistic Health Insights from Various Health Devices in One Place
 
With Accessory SDK, developers can integrate compatible third-party heath devices—such as blood pressure monitors, fitness devices like bike sensors, heart rate monitors and even glucose monitors—through the Samsung Health app. This makes it easy to view health status information in one place without activating separate third-party apps, promoting a seamless and simplified experience and expanding the ecosystem for end-to-end health management.
Research Stack: Empowering Research Institutions To Further Support the Healthcare Industry
Research Stack is an open-source project that aims to expand the digital health research ecosystem. Research Stack creates a flexible and versatile research environment, by providing not only the mobile and wearable app SDK but also web portal and backend services, to support all stages of the research process, from recruitment and surveys to progress tracking and results monitoring. The recently updated Research Stack boasts a comprehensive toolset developed based on valuable feedback from research institutions and their experiences implementing complex, large-scale studies. Additionally, the forthcoming 2.0 version will directly integrate Sensor SDK and Data SDK from the Health SDK Suite. Research Stack has already been used by leading institutions as part of their research and discovery processes, underscoring Samsung’s active support for the healthcare industry, providing researchers with more efficient studies and meaningful results.

TCY Launches AI-Powered Test Preparation Resources for the Duolingo English Test in India

India, September 27, 2024TCY Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd, a leading provider of test preparation and educational technology, has announced the launch of AI-powered test preparation resources specifically designed for the Duolingo English Test (DET). This new initiative aims to offer more accessible and effective study tools for students preparing for the DET, helping them achieve their goal of studying abroad.

Duolingo English Test in India

The Duolingo English Test has rapidly gained global recognition and is now accepted by over 5,000 universities worldwide, including prestigious institutions in the United States, the UK, Canada, and beyond. With its cost-effective pricing of $65 (approximately INR 5,500) and the convenience of online testing with results available within 48 hours, the DET has become a popular choice for Indian students aiming to study abroad.

TCY’s new resources leverage its expertise in AI-driven educational technology to offer personalized and adaptive learning solutions tailored specifically for the DET. With a proven track record of successful collaborations and cutting-edge solutions in test preparation, TCY, serving around 8 million learners and supporting over 2,000 coaching centers across India, will provide students with customized study plans, in-depth analytics, and remedial technologies designed to enhance their DET preparation, thereby improving their test readiness and chances of success.

Mukta Gogia, Vice President at TCY, commented, “As the Duolingo English Test (DET) rapidly gains popularity across India, coaching centers turned to TCY for the real-like mock tests and practice resources we’re known for. Responding to this demand, we partnered with the DET for their inputs in developing prep materials specifically designed for the exam. This collaboration has resulted in a unique test prep package, offering students and teachers an authentic DET preparation experience. With this, we’re not just preparing students, but we’re setting a new standard in language testing.

The new resources will include real-time performance analytics and personalized feedback, allowing students to focus on areas that need improvement and track their progress more effectively. This approach is expected to enhance individual performance and support students in achieving their goals.

Rashi Dhanani, Head of Business Development for the Duolingo English Test, India said “With the rapid adoption of the Duolingo English Test by students in India and beyond, we’re excited to see innovative test preparation resources like those offered by TCY. These offerings reflect the growing demand for high-quality, personalized test prep solutions that enhance students’ readiness and confidence in taking the DET.”

Additionally, TCY will offer vouchers that enable students to book their DET exams at reduced rates through their website and partner institutes. This initiative aims to make the DET more accessible and affordable, further supporting students in their study-abroad endeavours.

Boost Your Home Security: 4 Must-Have Smart Locks

Smart locks are redefining home security by offering advanced technological features that blend convenience with protection. As India embraces smart home solutions, several brands are leading the charge with reliable, feature-packed smart locks designed for Indian homes. Unlike traditional locks, smart locks allow homeowners to control access remotely, monitor entry activity, and even grant temporary access to guests—all via a smartphone app. This real-time control minimizes the risk of unauthorized entry and offers peace of mind. If you’re looking to enhance your home security, these smart locks are a game-changer, providing both convenience and enhanced protection for your home.

smart lock

1. Yale YDM 7116 Smart Digital Door Lock with Mortsie Lock for Main Door
The Yale YDM 7116 Smart Digital Door Lock is an advanced solution for securing your main door, combining modern technology with convenience and safety.  This smart lock features a sleek, minimalist design, making it a stylish addition to any home. Equipped with a Mortsie Lock mechanism, it ensures robust security against tampering. It offers multiple access options including PIN codes, RFID cards, and a mechanical key override, ensuring you are never locked out. The lock also supports smart connectivity, allowing you to control it remotely via a mobile app. Additionally, it comes with security features like automatic locking, alarm notifications for tampering, and low battery alerts. Ideal for homeowners seeking a high level of security and the convenience of keyless entry, the Yale YDM 7116 provides peace of mind and ease of use, making it a top choice for modern smart homes.

2. Godrej Smart Lock – Advatis Rimtronic Digital Lock – 360° Fingerprint Access
The Godrej Advatis Rimtronic Digital Lock is a cutting-edge smart lock designed to offer top-tier security with 360° fingerprint access. This advanced feature allows for precise and seamless fingerprint recognition from any angle, ensuring quick and secure entry for authorized users. In addition to fingerprint access, the lock also offers multiple access modes, including a numeric passcode and mechanical key, providing flexible and reliable entry options. Built with Godrej’s trusted legacy in security, the Advatis Rimtronic Smart Lock combines innovation with durability. It’s perfect for modern homes, offering both high-end protection and ease of use. The lock’s sleek design complements the aesthetics of any door, while its robust build ensures long-lasting performance.

3. Ozone Oracle Smart Lock with Rose Plate with 5-way access
The Ozone Oracle Smart Lock with Rose Plate is a premium smart lock designed to enhance home security with advanced features.  It provides unmatched convenience, allowing homeowners to unlock the door via fingerprint, passcode, RFID card, mechanical key, or smartphone app. This versatility ensures you always have a secure entry method, even in case of power outages or lost keys. Crafted with a sleek rose plate design, the Ozone Oracle Smart Lock adds a touch of elegance to your home’s aesthetics while maintaining robust security. Its fingerprint recognition technology is highly responsive, ensuring quick access while preventing unauthorized entry. The lock is also equipped with real-time access logs, allowing you to monitor who enters and exits your home via the app.

4. LAVNA LE50 Smart Electronic Metal Door Lock with Bluetooth Mobile App
The LAVNA LE50 Smart Electronic Metal Door Lock is a versatile and secure solution for modern homes, offering seamless access through its Bluetooth mobile app.  The Bluetooth-enabled app allows users to lock and unlock their door remotely, manage multiple users, and keep track of entry logs in real time. In addition to smartphone control, the LAVNA LE50 provides multiple access modes, including a numeric passcode, mechanical key, and RFID card. This flexibility ensures that you always have a reliable backup for entry, even in the event of a power outage or phone issues. Ideal for Indian homes, the LAVNA LE50 combines advanced technology with a user-friendly interface, making it easy to secure your home. Its sleek design and robust features make it a perfect blend of convenience, security, and style for those looking to upgrade their home protection system.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, smart locks are transforming home security by offering advanced, user-friendly features that provide both convenience and enhanced protection. With options like fingerprint recognition, numeric passcodes, RFID cards, and smartphone control, homeowners can easily manage access and monitor entry activity in real-time. These locks, designed specifically for the needs of Indian homes, combine cutting-edge technology with robust security measures to protect against unauthorized entry. Whether you opt for the premium Yale YDM 7116 or the budget-friendly LAVNA LE50, these smart locks offer versatile access methods and peace of mind. By upgrading to a smart lock, you ensure that your home remains secure while embracing the convenience of modern, connected living.

CitiusTech Teams Up with Novant Health to Enhance Decision Intelligence

September 27, 2024, PRINCETON, N.J. – CitiusTech, a leading provider of healthcare technology, services & solutions, announced that it is Novant Health’s preferred vendor for Enterprise Data & Decision Intelligence services. Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 850 locations, including 19 medical centers, more than 700 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Novant Health aims to harness the power of enterprise data to drive improved patient outcomes and greater operational efficiency through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. To that end, CitiusTech will provide Novant Health with a comprehensive suite of data, analytics, and digital services along with strong healthcare domain knowledge. These services include data platform development, engineering and supporting analytic products leveraged for clinical and operational decision-making. The key focus for Novant is building a suite of platforms and products and ensuring its successful implementation across the enterprise.

“We are committed to helping Novant Health achieve its goals by providing robust, scalable, and secure enterprise solutions that drive measurable results,” said Rajan Kohli, CEO, CitiusTech. “This collaboration is all about using enterprise information to push healthcare forward. By bringing together our strengths in advanced analytics, AI, and data integration with Novant Health’s innovative delivery model, we’re focused on creating solutions that improve patient care, boost efficiency, and drive real impact across the board. Together, we are redefining what quality healthcare can look like.”

As healthcare organizations continue to recognize the critical importance of taking a data-first approach in driving innovation and improving patient care, partnerships like the one between Novant Health and CitiusTech are likely to become increasingly important. This collaboration not only underscores CitiusTech’s position as a leader in healthcare technology but also highlights Novant Health’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of its patients and communities.

Cisco Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility in Chennai

Chennai, September 27, 2024 Cisco, the worldwide leader in security and networking, has today inaugurated its first manufacturing facility in India, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to building manufacturing capabilities in the country. This state-of-the-art site will produce a range of Cisco’s best-in-class routing and switching products to meet the rapidly growing technology needs of organizations in India and around the world. With this strategic investment, Cisco aims to drive over USD $1.3 billion in revenue, broadening its diverse and resilient supply chain. The facility is also expected to create 1200 jobs in the state.

The Chennai-based manufacturing facility was inaugurated by Shri. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communications; and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, along with Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco; Jeetu Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, Cisco; Dave West, President, Cisco APJC; Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India & SAARC; and state and local government officials. This opening marks an important expansion milestone in Cisco’s worldwide manufacturing footprint.

Cisco has collaborated with Flex  to successfully build the Chennai site and bring advanced telecom technology that can help connect citizens in India and globally. This is the next milestone in Cisco and Flex’s longstanding 25-year partnership to ramp up manufacturing across the globe with speed, resilience, and sustainable practices.

The facility, which will initially focus on Cisco’s Network Convergence System (NCS) 540 Series of routers, represents the first phase of the company’s multiyear investment plan. Significant innovation and technical advancements are planned in the next phase including printed circuit board assembly components with several layers; products requiring, at times, thousands of individual components; and industrial-grade products that are built to endure severe environmental conditions. With this, Cisco is broadening its technical manufacturing capabilities to enable additional customers and market segments.

“The inauguration of the Cisco’s manufacturing facility in India producing advanced telecom equipment is a testament to the country’s growing Atmanirbharta in the global technology landscape. Certain that the factory will strengthen Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub and amplify the holistic growth of India’s telecom ecosystem,” said Shri. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communications; and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India.

“We congratulate Cisco on the inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility in Tamil Nadu. This facility is in line with Tamil Nadu becoming a critical hub for advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. Under the leadership of Honourable Chief Minister Thiru. MK Stalin, Tamil Nadu continues to attract world-class investments, reinforcing our position in the global supply chain, especially in electronics manufacturing. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Cisco as we continue to drive technological growth and industrial leadership in the region,” said Dr. T.R.B Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu.

“India has been an important market for Cisco for nearly three decades, and we are immensely proud of our progress and partnerships here,” said Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco. “The inauguration of a manufacturing facility in Chennai marks a significant advancement in our commitment to the region. This expansion not only deepens our presence in India, but also strengthens our partnerships with customers, partners, and the government. By delivering cutting-edge technology from this facility to our customers in India and across the globe, we are enhancing supply chain reliability and catalyzing innovation, both locally and globally.”

“We are proud to officially open a new manufacturing facility in Chennai, which is a pivotal step in our investments in India,” said Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India & SAARC. “This new facility strengthens our capabilities in the country to produce state-of-the-art technologies, contributing to our nation’s technological advancement and global competitiveness.’’

The new facility enhances Cisco’s manufacturing capabilities and is a step towards helping accelerate India’s transition into a leading digital economy. By diversifying supply chains, Cisco is committed to helping global organizations bolster their resilience.

The German University of Digital Science opens for students from all over the world

Potsdam, September 20th, 2024 – The first of October 2024, Germany’s first fully digital university will launch its initial MBA and Master’s degree programs as well as Open Courses and Micro-Degree Programs to train training professionals for the digital transformation worldwide. This is the vision of computer science professors Mike Friedrichsen and Christoph Meinel. The initiators of the innovative digital university concept expect approval as a state-recognized university in the first quarter of 2025. The private and non-profit “German University of Digital Science” (German UDS) is based in the media city of Babelsberg in Potsdam, where the headquarters and the so-called “Maschinenhaus”, hosting the servers for teaching operations, are located.

 German UDS – Germany’s First Globally Operating Digital University

Why does the German UDS call itself the first fully digital university? Since the COVID-19 pandemic at the latest, online lectures have become common practice for students and lecturers alike. However, most universities in Germany and abroad continue to offer in-person classes alongside online lectures.  At German UDS both studies and continuing education are entirely possible in a 100% digital format. Moreover, from the start, the new university positions itself as an explicitly global educational institution. This means that students and lecturers from around the world can become part of the German UDS, as all lectures, exercises, seminars, and exams are offered digitally and exclusively in English.

 German UDS Target Audiences

The German UDS is designed for all learners and teachers worldwide who want to actively shape the digital transformation. The initiators, Profs. Drs. Mike Friedrichsen and Christoph Meinel, particularly focus on the Global South: “We are not thinking exclusively, but emphatically, of people from the Global South for whom studying or further education in the western world is impossible for financial, professional, or family reasons. But even in Germany, in Europe, or other Western countries, not everyone is able to attend an in-person university.”

 Addressing the Global IT Skills Shortage

The shortage of skilled professionals in many sectors continues to grow nationally and internationally. Germany, in particular, will need more highly educated professionals in the coming years than any other European country. The increasing digitalization of all areas of life significantly raises the demand for IT experts. According to the U.S.-based Korn Ferry Institute, the global tech sector alone will face a shortage of 4.3 million IT specialists by 2030.

This is where German UDS positions itself: education and training for the digital transformation.

The clear goal of German UDS is to help alleviate the critical global shortage of IT professionals, a shortage that is stalling digital progress in many countries. “In Germany alone, almost 150,000 IT positions cannot currently be filled,” says Meinel, referring to the latest findings of the Bitkom Digital Association.

Artificial intelligence alone will not solve the skills gap, Friedrichsen emphasizes: “The future problem solvers and architects of digitalization need high-quality knowledge. German UDS intends to deliver this knowledge online, no matter where in the world people live and work.”

 The Academic Offering – Digital for Digital

Starting October 1, 2024, the following programs will be offered:

– MBA programs: Digital Technologies and Digital Transformation

– Master’s programs: Advanced Digital Reality, Applied AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Leadership

The launch of the first MBA and Master’s degree programs will be followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Digital World. “Open Courses” and ‘Micro-Degree Programs’ complement the digital learning offering in various digital topics. A course on the innovation method “Design Thinking” is also being developed.

Anyone interested can apply for the coming semester until end of September 2024.

 “We see our university’s unique selling point truly in the term ‘digital.’ It is the key to the future. That makes our offer coherent: we provide digital learning and teaching for the most central digital topics of our time – Digital Technologies and Transformation, Digital Reality and Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Digital Leadership Anyone wanting to dive deeply into these subjects should also apply digital technology practically during their studies. It’s not only our practical collaborations with companies and partners worldwide, but also the specially developed learning platform, German-UDS.academy, that synthesizes studies and practice through this study method. In our opinion, this significantly contributes to ‘learning by doing’,” Friedrichsen and Meinel explain. “After all, what better practice is there than to digitally tackle digital topics? Ultimately, we learn everything in a context – walking, speaking, reading, writing… We want to move, communicate, participate, and express ourselves. It’s no different in the digital world. Only by feeling at home in it can we dive deeper and shape it together.”

Students enrolled virtually at German UDS will pay moderate and affordable fees of €7,500 per academic year to obtain the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees.

 German UDS aims to serve as a “beacon of digital education,” democratizing global access to high-quality, innovative knowledge essential for navigating digital transformation and alleviating the IT skills shortage. “At the same time, the future digital university is also committed to actively promoting freedom, equality, self-determination, tolerance, and the rule of law in the digital world,” emphasizes Friedrichsen.

The German-UDS.academy learning platform

The German-UDS.academy is a digital education platform offering a wide range of interactive online courses (MOOCs – Massive Open Online Courses) and additional services. Professors, lecturers and researchers from the German University of Digital Science and its partners create interactive Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on various digital transformation topics, regardless of location. These courses are then made available on the German-UDS.academy platform. With these activities, the German-UDS.academy, providing a global social learning network.

“Professors and other academics involved in our project have already prepared the first courses. They are aimed at anyone who wants to help shape the digital transformation and move confidently and self-determined in the digital world,” reports Prof. Christoph Meinel, the former Director of the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) in Potsdam, who retired as HPI Managing Director in March 2023 and immediately dedicated himself to founding the German UDS.

“With the first online courses of the emerging German UDS, we are demonstrating that we don’t just talk the talk, we act,” adds Prof. Mike Friedrichsen, who previously taught at Stuttgart Media University (HdM) for 25 years.

Support from an international advisory board

According to the initiators, the project of a private digital university is supported by an international advisory board of academics. The eight-member advisory board includes experts from the universities of Stanford (USA), Monterrey (Mexico), Madrid (Spain) and Cape Town (South Africa).

Non-Profit Sponsoring Organization Already Active

Friedrichsen and Meinel have established a foundation for their project, which serves as the shareholder of the non-profit “German University of Digital Science gGmbH”. This resides in the so-called “CloudHouse”, the headquarters of the German UDS, in Potsdam’s media city Babelsberg. It provides the start-up funding for the digital university and is responsible for all its rights and obligations. According to the initiators, they are currently in intensive discussions with private individuals, companies, and institutions about contributions to the initial financing.

Rakuten India Boosts Leadership with Key Appointments for SixthSense SaaS Growth

India, 26th September 2024: Rakuten India, a leader in cutting-edge technology and innovation, announces the appointment of two senior executives: Jay Swamidass as Vice President and Global Head of Sales and Subhash Chandra as Head of Global Partnerships & Alliances. These leadership appointments represent a significant step in Rakuten India’s ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint and enhance its enterprise software offerings.

Jay Swamidass, Vice President and Global Head of Sales

In recent years, Rakuten SixthSense has witnessed impressive growth, broadening its reach and becoming a key player in the global technology space. This success has been fueled by the platform’s dedication to innovation, its capacity to tackle complex enterprise challenges, and its focus on cultivating strong strategic partnerships. With the appointment of Jay Swamidass and Subhash Chandra to the leadership team, Rakuten SixthSense is poised to accelerate its growth and drive further advancements in the industry.

Jay Swamidass brings over two decades of experience in enterprise software sales, having held key positions and leadership roles at Hewlett Packard, Commvault Systems, Veeam Software, and most recently, Apica. At Rakuten India, Jay will lead the sales strategy for Rakuten SixthSense, focusing on delivering innovative solutions to enterprise customers. His expertise in analytics, cloud, AI, and enterprise infrastructure will support the company’s goal of further expanding its footprint in this critical market.

“I am thrilled to join Rakuten India at such an exciting time,” said Jay Swamidass, Vice President and Global Head of Sales, Rakuten SixthSense. “The company’s focus on cutting-edge observability solutions and its commitment to solving complex enterprise challenges align perfectly with my passion for leveraging technology to drive operational excellence and business resilience. I’m excited to work alongside this talented team to strengthen our market presence and deliver real value to our clients through unparalleled visibility and performance insights.”

Subhash Chandra, appointed as Head of Global Partnerships & Alliances, Rakuten SixthSense, brings 23 years of experience in building strategic partnerships across the technology sector, with prior leadership roles at AWS, Google Cloud, SAP, and IBM. Subhash will focus on expanding Rakuten India’s global partner network to enhance its technological capabilities and market reach, which will further fuel the company’s rapid growth.

“Rakuten India’s vision of innovation through collaboration is truly inspiring,” said Subhash Chandra, Head of Global Partnerships & Alliances. “I am eager to lead the global partnerships efforts and work closely with our partners to create synergies that empower our clients and elevate Rakuten India’s solutions on a global scale.”

Commenting on the appointments, Sunil Gopinath, CEO of Rakuten India said, “We are delighted to welcome Jay and Subhash to the Rakuten India leadership team. Their expertise and leadership will be pivotal as we continue to innovate and expand our global presence in enterprise software and observability. With their strategic insights and operational excellence, I am confident we will achieve new milestones and continue our significant growth trajectory for our Rakuten SixthSense business.”