Meet HMD, short for Human Mobile Devices… and say hi to Barbie

February 27th, Mumbai: HMD has today revealed what life will look like as Human Mobile Devices. As part of its evolution, HMD is about making phones that are affordable, beautiful, desirable, and repairable. Or, to keep it simple, they help you get what you need without breaking the bank. That means creating devices that help tackle human tech challenges like e-waste and digital fatigue and make your life that little bit better.

In short, the makers of Nokia phones since 2016 will create new HMD original devices, continue to sell Nokia phones, and work with exciting partners you definitely know as part of a multi-brand vision.

HMD_Pixelated_Summer_Lineup1

“We are very excited to announce the new HMD multi brand strategy which opens infinite colab possibilities. Our global association with Mattel to launch a Barbie co-branded device is a prime example. HMD will have ‘easy repairability’ and ‘sustainability’ as part of its brand promise always. We are confident about a strong smart 5G portfolio for India and other markets which we will announce very soon.” Ravi Kunwar, Vice President – India & APAC at HMD

“In our seven-year journey, collaboration and support has allowed us to achieve so much. And we have plans to do so much more as we introduce the world to the new HMD. We want to be a catalyst for positive and profitable change by embracing a multi-brand strategy: crafting new HMD original devices, creating Nokia phones and collaborating with well- known global partners.”
Jean-Francois Baril, HMD Co-founder, Chairman and CEO

Transformation to profit

For the first time ever, the mobile market declined two years in a row in the face of challenging economic conditions, yet HMD bucked the trend thanks to its major transformation project allowing for a significant improvement in operational profitability YoY in 20231. This success is all thanks to fresh, energetic leadership, a sharp focus on strategy, staying nimble, and getting better at keeping costs down.

Repping repair-at-home devices this summer

E-waste is one of today’s most important issues for tech makers and tech users. HMD crafts phones that don’t just turn heads, but also aim to be kinder to the planet and your bank balance.

We make award winning repairable devices (we didn’t say it, TIME Magazine did2) and phones that last longer. HMD is pushing boundaries to make the repairability experience accessible to everyone.

Did you know on average 66% of people in the UK currently live with a smashed screen?3 In Europe and ANZ, repairable devices made up 1:4 of HMD smartphone sales in 20234. This year we expect that to grow to 3:4 devices in Europe and ANZ and we expect half of the smartphone devices we sell globally to be repairable.

This summer, HMD repairability goes to the next level, substantially reducing the number of steps it takes to fix the screen. You can say goodbye to phone separation due to a broken screen and get swept up in the ‘FIY’ (Fix it Yourself) movement.

“One year ago, we introduced our first repairable phone to a great response. 12 months on, we are determined to continue to push the boundaries to reimagine repairability. As more and more people seek out easy to repair devices so they can keep their phone longer – and save hassle or delays when fixes are needed – we’re excited to make that process as easy as possible, starting this summer.”

James Robinson, HMD VP Europe, Americas and Enterprise

Purposefully leaving a lot to the imagination

HMD is all about human innovation. That means making normally expensive digital tools globally accessible and affordable. Whether that’s introducing new payment options to feature phones or adding microfinancing capabilities to smartphones, HMD already has a tradition of human innovation with purpose.

This summer, we are launching a smartphone that is a platform for innovation, making technology more accessible to more communities around the world.

Today, we are releasing a first version toolkit for developers and businesses, which contains design files and information on software integration, that is available now on our website. We are embracing open innovation, making sure people and businesses can augment their phone to fit their needs.

We want to champion many people’s creativity- which is leaps and bounds beyond what we can achieve solo. The potential is endless.

These could be as simple as a fashionable outfit, an outfit with an extended battery, a payment terminal, barcode scanners, or even portable, connected medical equipment, it really is a blank canvas for creativity.

Multi-brand for the things you expect, and the things you don’t

As Human Mobile Devices, HMD aims to redefine screen time, champion repairability, and forge meaningful partnerships as part of a multi-brand vision.

You’ll continue to see Nokia phones and we will bring back an iconic phone this summer. You’ll also see a stellar line up of exciting new brands coming to you this year.

“Our commitment to human-centred innovation has spurred our expansion, unlocking new prospects for us and our collaborators, and has been a driving force behind our adoption of a multi-brand strategy. We take pride working with remarkable partners and are excited about extending our collaborative efforts with dynamic new partners like Mattel. Barbie and HMD are on a mission to shake things up with a new flip phone coming this summer”.

Lars Silberbauer, HMD CMO

Speaking of which…

Hi, Barbie!

As we venture into new partnerships, HMD will be guided by its core values, seeking collaborations that resonate with its mission. On that note, *drumroll please*, it is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Mattel and with Barbie, highlighting our joint dedication to shake things up, empower connections and enable some quiet amidst digital noise and interruptions.

The Barbie Flip Phone will arrive this summer 2024. Promising style, nostalgia and a much-needed digital detox, this retro feature phone will flip the script on smartphone culture and will be this summer’s hottest accessory.

Head of Consumer Products, Publishing, and LBE, Mattel EMEA, Ruth Henriquez said “At the heart of Mattel is design and innovation, and this latest collaboration is another step forward in that direction. The Barbie x HMD launch promises to be an exciting moment for Barbie fans of all ages, we’re excited to flip the switch and unveil it to the world at Mobile World Congress.”

Huawei’s Li Peng: Unleashing new growth in 5G

Barcelona, Spain, February 26, 2024: Huawei hosted the 5G Beyond Growth Summit at MWC Barcelona 2024 today. At the summit, Li Peng, Huawei’s Corporate Senior Vice President and President of ICT Sales & Service discussed how carriers can achieve business success in 5G and how 5.5G will further unlock the potential of networks and create new growth opportunities.

“5G is on the right path to business success,” said Li. 5G began commercialization in 2019, and over the past five years, it has already gained 1.5 billion 5G users around the world. It took nine years for 4G to make this happen. Currently, 20% of global mobile subscribers are using 5G. These users generate 30% of all mobile traffic and contribute to 40% of mobile service revenue.

Li explained, “5.5G is entering commercial use in 2024, and as 5.5G, AI, and cloud converge, carriers can unlock the potential of new applications and capabilities.”

He went on saying carriers around to the world should focus on high-quality networking, multi dimensional monetization, emerging services, and generative AI to grasp these opportunities.

High-quality networks are still the foundation of business success

Mobile users have proven willing to purchase experience upgrades for their mobile packages if their networks are of high enough quality. The traffic generated by these users is therefore expected to significantly increase, allowing carriers to maximize the value of traffic. This has led to more and more carriers proposing strategic goals that include the construction of high-quality 5G networks.

Some carriers in the Middle East, for example, have already deployed Massive MIMO networks, and the optimal experience delivered by these networks have made 5G FWA rollout a success. Currently, 5G FWA has connected nearly 3 million households, making it a powerful engine of revenue growth for carriers.

Multi-dimensional monetization maximizes the value of each bit

More than 20% of global 5G carriers have already adopted speed-tiered pricing models. One carrier in Thailand, for example, recently released a 5G Boost Mode add-on, which allows subscribers to select different speed tiers to best meet their usage needs. This model has helped the carrier increase its ARPU by about 23%. Another Chinese carrier has launched a guaranteed uplink package to provide livestreamers with smooth, high-definition livestreaming experiences. The package has become quite popular and helped the carrier increase its ARPU by more than 70%.

New emerging services enable long-term sustainable growth

New services like New Calling, cloud phones, and glasses-free 3D are getting more and more attention from consumers. For example, New Calling’s value-added functions like virtual avatars are becoming quite popular. Users are also willing to pay more for services that deliver real-time experience, such as one-stop car insurance claims.

5G has been also adopted among many industries. In China, more than 50,000 private 5G network use cases have entered commercial use in over 50 industries. The new capabilities of 5.5G, including deterministic latency, precise positioning, and passive IoT, are expected to create even more opportunities for carriers in the B2B market.

Generative AI will drive the mobile industry into the era of all intelligence

According to IDC, global AI mobile phone shipments will reach 170 million in 2024. This will account for 15% of all smartphone shipments. Next-generation AI phones will have more powerful storage, display, and imaging capabilities. The AIGC applications powered by these phones will generate hundreds of billions of GB data and create new opportunities for carriers.

Li closed out his remarks at the summit by promising, “Together with carriers, we will unlock the potential of 5G and 5.5G, and drive incredible new growth.”

Samsung Presents Galaxy AI Vision at MWC 2024 with Latest Products and Services

Gurugram, India – February 26, 2024: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. will unleash new mobile experiences with Galaxy AI at Mobile World Congress 2024, which kicks off today in Barcelona, Spain. Visitors to the Samsung booth will experience Galaxy AI hands-on across all Galaxy products, centered around Galaxy S24 series which leads the way into a new era of mobile AI. Galaxy AI[1] will also be expanded across the Samsung portfolio, including more intelligent productivity with Galaxy Book4 series, intelligent health with Galaxy Watch6 series, and Galaxy Ring which is being publicly displayed for the first time.

SAMSUNG

“Our latest Galaxy products and innovations unlock the power of mobile AI to empower users in their everyday lives to open up new possibilities,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “At MWC this year, we’re excited to showcase Galaxy AI across our portfolio, including Galaxy S24 series, proving just how powerful these devices are in enabling a better, more intelligent and connected future.”

Introducing a New Era of Mobile AI

Samsung will present the AI features of Galaxy S24 series that empower user’s communication and creativity, brought to life in everyday scenarios at the booth. This includes features such as Live Translate[2] powered by on-device AI for two-way, real-time translations of phone calls that defy language barriers. Circle to Search with Google[3] enables quick and easy, more intuitive searching to make new discoveries with just a simple gesture. Also on show will be Note Assist[4], which simplifies and organizes complex texts, as well as Generative Edit[5], which allows a user to freely resize or reposition subjects within photos for more creative freedom.

Samsung has also organized a space where visitors can check out the powerful camera performance of Galaxy S24 series. In the zone resembling a dim concert hall, close-up shots can be taken of small objects placed on stage to utilize the Nightography capabilities of Galaxy S24 series, upgraded to be more stable in low light thanks to Galaxy’s AI-based ProVisual Engine[6].

These Galaxy AI capabilities are soon to be expanded to existing Galaxy models, including Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series, as well as Galaxy S23 series and S23 FE[7]. In addition, Samsung is offering the chance to experience enhanced productivity first-hand with Galaxy Book4 series, set to launch globally from February 26. Displayed at the Samsung booth, connectivity features on Galaxy devices will demonstrate how users can elevate productivity seamlessly, such as easy transfer and editing of photos and videos between Galaxy S24, Galaxy Book4 and Galaxy Tab S9.

More Connected Wellness Experiences, Powered by AI

Samsung will be displaying its intelligent health lineup at MWC, offering users even more personalized and seamless health experiences with the transformative power of AI, across even more devices. As part of this portfolio, Galaxy Ring is being unveiled as a new health form factor that simplifies everyday wellness, supporting smarter and healthier living via a more connected digital wellness platform – Samsung Health.

Samsung is also set to exhibit upcoming intelligent health features. For example, My Vitality Score[8] offers personalized health insights based on multiple factors including Sleep, Activity, Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability, while Booster Card[9] helps make each day healthier by tracking predefined goals and delivering actionable insights. Visitors will be able to see the benefits of these features on Galaxy Watch6 series paired with Galaxy S24, prior to public availability later this year.

Leveraging Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem, Samsung is showcasing how the home can be turned into a place for healthier living[10]. Control connected lights to automatically turn off and on for a more optimal sleep[11] or set alerts as a reminder to take medicine. It also allows a user to track exercises and measure heart rate and calories burned in real-time while following a fitness video on a connected TV, all at the same time.

The Samsung Galaxy Experience booth at MWC 2024 is located in Hall 3 of the Fira Barcelona Gran Via.

NMIT’s ERCICAM Shines Spotlight on Emerging Technologies

 ERCICAM

Bengaluru, 26th February 2024 Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT) hosted the First International Conference on Emerging Research in Computing, Information, Communication, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning event (ERCICAM 2024), which brought together experts, enthusiasts, and their research from across the field of emerging technologies.

The event featured an expert keynote speech on the impact of AI on jobs, democracy & decision-making processes; research paper presentations and discussions, all focused on the latest trends and developments in computing, information, communication, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research and development, network with industry leaders, and gain insights into how emerging technologies are shaping the future of their respective fields.

The conference was graced by the presence of prominent dignitaries including Dr. G. R. Sinha, Provost (Vice Chancellor), GSFC University, Vadodara, Gujarat. Speaking at the occasion, he noted “AI is playing a significant role in revolutionizing the technological landscape of different sectors including healthcare and sustainability. We are advancing in the 5G and 6G Technology which has created a potential to integrate AI in telehealthcare in rural India. AI is now driving the focus of the industry towards ESG: Environment Sustainability Governance. With these developments, it has become extremely necessary to bring the industry and academia closer and, there are tremendous efforts being made here at NMIT in bringing the two closer. I want to advise the students and researchers that we are surrounded by data and we need to exploit that data in real time”.

Dr. Dana Rezazadegan, “the superstar of STEM”, from Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne Australia, delivered her keynote address on the topic “AI Horizons: Opportunities & Threats that reshape our Future”. Addressing the gathering she said, “AI has the potential to revolutionize various domains, including healthcare, science, and communication. However, its responsible use is crucial to address concerns about misinformation and fake news. The focus of researchers should be on developing responsible, explainable and ethical AI.” She also emphasized the importance of integrating AI systems into energy hubs and transportation, while ensuring that AI is used for the betterment of society.

Venugopal K R, Former Vice- Chancellor of Bangalore University said , “The world is now moving from Artificial Intelligence to Super Artificial Intelligence. While AI plays a major role in data management, it is our duty to ensure AI is explainable, accountable and responsible for mankind. Although we are witnessing the threatful impact of advancement in AI with Deep Fake technology, we should navigate the advantage of Digital twin creations in life ailing requirements. Cloning, DNA Profiling, Co-operative robots, STEM cell technology, Artificial and real synthesis will be one of the leading cutting edge technologies of the future”

Dr. I.R. Vijay S. Rao, Research Lead (Principal Director), Technology Incubation Group, LTIMindtree Ltd. Netherlands delved into the emerging trends and research arena of Internet of Things (IoT).

Dr.H.C. Nagaraj, Principal, NMIT delivered the welcome address. Dr. Nalini N, Professor in CSE, Program Chair, ERCICAM 2024 delivered an introductory address on ERCICAM 2024. Dr. Parameshachari B.D, Associate Dean R&D, ECE dept rendered the vote of thanks. Prof N R Shetty, Chief Advisor of NMIT and Former VC of Bangalore University, delivered the Presidential address. Dr V Sridhar, Dean- Academics, Dr Srikanth R – HOD-MCA, Dr Piyush Kumar Pareek- HOD of AI and ML Dept, and Dr J. Sudheer Reddy, Dean – International Relations were present during the event as well.

NMIT’s ERCICAM stayed true to its word of being a platform for researchers, industry leaders, and enthusiasts to come together and discuss the latest trends and developments in emerging technologies. The event was a testament to the growing importance of these fields, and we look forward to seeing what new breakthroughs and innovations will emerge in the coming years.

Murugappa Water Technology & Solutions Partners with AquaKraft Group Ventures

Mumbai, 15th February 2024 : Murugappa Water Technology & Solutions Private Limited (www.murugappawater.com) company Headquartered in Chennai – India and part of diversified global business conglomerate Murugappa Group today announced a strategic Water Sustainability Partnership with AquaKraft Group Ventures (www.aquakraft.net ) to address the growing demand for sustainable water solutions.

The partnership aims to offer integrated solutions in water desalination and recovery and will leverage the technological innovations, expertise, and extensive experience of both partners. The initial geographical focus will be the Middle East eventually spanning out to other parts of the globe.

Speaking on the occasion Jayateerth Nadgir, Chief Executive, Murugappa Water Technology & Solutions Pvt Ltd (MWTS) said “We are very excited with our partnership with AquaKraft as our vision is congruent towards R&D (Revolutionizing & Disrupting) the water & energy sustainability space by providing sustainable water solutions across stakeholders. At the same time, our innovations complement each other seamlessly providing a one-stop shop for water sustainability and stewardship. MWTS has diverse business verticals from traditional EPC, Chemicals, O&M and Products but deeply engaged in a Transformative approach to SOLVE the UNSOLVED with NATURE RESTORATIVE approach, MWTS continues to be the leading solution provider to have launched/partnered with global startup-ecosystem in Water sustainability, MWTS uses the 4 ACES approach A- Automation, C-Chemistry, E- Engineering, S-Services. Further on, our customers will be incentivized with AquaKredits on AquaKraft’s digital innovation, AqVerium – the World’s 1st Digital Water Bank making the proposition unique and bankable. We are grateful to Dr Subramanya Kusnur, Water Man of India, for his inspired leadership and look forward to creating long-term impact together.”

AquaKraft Group Ventures (www.aquakraft.net ), a sustainability and impact group, focused on providing actionable solutions on the ground in the area of drinking water and sanitation. AquaKraft has innovated technologies for drinking water, sewage treatment & recycling & biodigesters for sanitation, all of them which are energy efficient, green, sustainable & Water+ve. AquaKraft has been advocating sustainability since its inception in 2010 and has treated 9 billion+ litres, recycled 34 billion+ litres, harvested & saved 115 trillion+ litres of water and implemented over 9000 water +ve bio-toilets across India. AquaKraft’s focus is to be a global leader in this socio-commercial enterprise space while staying committed to its mission of providing clean water to all at their affordability index and a clean sanitation methodology that will aid in arresting the spread of disease and provide a basic human need in dignity. AqVerium( www.aqverium.com ) – The World’s 1st Digital Water bank is a significant innovation by AquaKraft to provide a first-of-its-kind platform to report and monitor water use & efficiency and incentivise good behaviour in Water with AquaKredits. The platform also offers offset of AquaKredits and a Water Sustainability Score for branding sustainability. AquaKraft is now ready for launch in international markets across the Middle East, Africa, the USA and Asia.

“MWTS & AquaKraft has been at the forefront of advocating sustainability much before the advent of UN SDGs and it forms an integral part of our ethos and business philosophy. Our partnership aligns with our joint ethos and philosophy as they strongly exemplify the same. The focus of our partnership is to provide green solutions that are climate-friendly and environmentally conscious. Having innovated and implemented our vision across the length and breadth of India has given us a strong understanding of key success parameters and the recipe to make the world water +ve. According to the research report “Middle East & Africa Water Desalination Market Research Report, 2029” published by Actual Market Research, the Middle East & Africa Water Desalination Market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 17 billion by 2029 and our partnership is well poised to address a majority of the same.” Said Dr. Subramanya Kusnur, Founder Chairman & CEO, AquaKraft Group Ventures.

Driven by Data: Fueling EVs

Imagine a world where the hum of engines and the smell of exhaust are things of the past. That’s the future electric vehicles (EVs) promise us. As it stands, our roads contribute about 12% of global carbon emissions, but the rise of EVs is key to turning this around and making transportation cleaner and greener.

But, to accelerate EV adoption, the sector needs to leverage a new type of fuel altogether: data.

EVs are game changers for infrastructure around the globe. With their growing numbers, they’re reshaping everything from city layouts to how we manage our electricity supply. The shift to EVs brings new challenges for our power grids and the need for innovative infrastructure to keep them running.

Here’s how data can help meet those challenges:

THE GRID

The central challenge that data can solve boils down like this: Lots of people tend to charge their EVs at the same time, placing sizable strain on electricity grids. But there are also periods when few people are charging their cars, meaning there is excess capacity in the grid. Is there a way to shift EV owners’ behaviors so they charge during times of lower demand?

“Intelligent EV charging is becoming a big area,” said IEEE Senior Member Kyri Baker. “Charging EVs at high power rates can strain infrastructure like transformers, so smart scheduling of charging can help extend the lifespan of these components.”

By looking at how customers have used power in the past, it’s possible to make the distribution of electricity – especially for charging things – more efficient. By figuring out the busiest times and places for electricity use, the people running the power grid can spread out the power usage better. This way, they can avoid overloading the system, save on energy costs, and make the whole network run smoother.

WHERE CAN YOU CHARGE?
Knowing how much battery power an EV has left is super useful, not just to individual drivers, but to all their fellow drivers on the road. That information, sometimes referred to as the vehicle’s state of charge, can tell an individual motorist how far they can go before they need to refuel. By collecting and analyzing state-of-charge data for many vehicles, a driver can know the best charging station to use to avoid a wait. And builders would also be able to use the data to understand the best place to build new charging stations.

“By analyzing the historical data of electric vehicle charging station use, like time of day, day of the week, seasonal variations, etc., it is possible to understand where the demand is high,” said IEEE Senior Member Marcio Andrey Teixeira. “The behavior of the data is another important factor because it provides insights like preferred charging times and popular routes. This information helps in the optimization of the placement of charging stations along frequently traveled routes.”

Learn more: Electric vehicles are here to stay, according to an editorial from IEEE Power & Energy Magazine. This means that the distribution grid and its stakeholders need to ensure that EVs and the grid work together. The Nov.-Dec. 2023 issue devotes numerous articles to the challenges of integrating EVs.

Protean eGov Technologies unveils a new campaign ChangeIsGrowth

14th October 2023 Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited), a pioneer and technology leader in creating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and population-scale e-governance solutions unveiled its first ever 360° brand campaign titled ‘Change is Growth’ today.

The campaign is the company’s first attempt to create awareness of Brand Protean after its rebranding from NSDL e-Gov Infrastructure Limited two years ago. The campaign further attempts to highlight Protean’s leadership position in digital public infrastructure and reg-tech space, showcasing Protean’s impact in its 28-year-long dedication to pioneering innovation in this field.

Speaking about the campaign, Gaurav Ramdev, Chief Marketing Officer, Protean eGov Technologies said, “We are thrilled to launch Protean’s 360-degree campaign. Protean has been at the forefront of creating Digital Public Infrastructure for India in the last 28 years, and we continue to stay committed to our mission of financial & social inclusion. Through this campaign, we hope to deliver mass awareness for the brand and reaffirm our commitment of driving transformative change for a billion people. Our endeavors such as Pan Card processing, National Pension Scheme (NPS), Founding partner to ONDC, and regulatory tech services like E-sign, E-KYC, and E-Authentication services, among others stand as examples of our dedication to contribute toward the digital infrastructure landscape.”

Conceptualized and developed by Ogilvy, the campaign conveys how initiating positive change can lead to a better transformation. “Change is Growth” is a visually captivating TV film that embarks on a transformative journey, symbolizing the power of change. The campaign’s centerpiece is a sixty-second TV commercial showcasing India’s DPI transformation. Starting in a cluttered office, a rolling glass paperweight that transforms itself into a giant digital ball symbolizes change, transforming the setting into a digital landscape, symbolizing progress. The message, “What happens when you set change in motion?…Everything changes,” emphasizes the campaign’s core. The new Protean logo, evolving from the NSDL eGovernance Infrastructure logo, embodies the brand’s new identity.

To watch the campaign TVC, click here

Speaking about the film, Piyush Pandey, Chief Advisor, Ogilvy said “India is admired today as a country that is transforming itself into a digitally empowered society at great speed and scale. It gives us great pride to partner Protean, formerly known as NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited. The impact they have had has transformed people’s lives and businesses, empowering them digitally. This campaign celebrates the contribution that Protean has made to bring about a positive ‘Change’ in so many aspects of every Indian’s life. It is a brand that we should all know and be proud of and it has been our privilege to bring Protean’s contribution to life in this campaign.”

Protean is popular for its e-governance capabilities that have enabled national transformation in the spaces of taxation (PAN and TIN), social security (NPS and APY) and national identity (Aadhaar). It has expanded its services to the ONDC network and Account Aggregator ecosystem and also forayed into providing cloud and Infosec solutions for businesses.

4 tech lead fundraising platforms to look out for your Startup

Crowdfunding is a vital fundraising method for startups, offering access to capital from a diverse pool of backers via online platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. It enables entrepreneurs to validate their ideas, build a community of early supporters, and secure initial funding without relying solely on traditional investors. By tapping into the collective power of the crowd, startups can gather valuable feedback, generate buzz, and raise the capital needed to kickstart their ventures. This democratized funding approach has revolutionized the startup landscape, fostering innovation and leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs who might otherwise struggle to secure financing. Some of the leading platforms helping brands to raise funds are mentioned in the story.

Impact Guru

Impact Guru is a donation based crowdfunding platform for NGOs, social enterprises, startups and individuals. Impact Guru has mobilized ₹150 crore (US$19 million)for various NGOs and social enterprises in more than 15 countries.

POD WORLD

Founded by Vittal Ramakrishna and Neelendra Nath in 2022, POD is a full-stack fundraising platform in the making and is working towards building an ecosystem that makes startup fundraising seamless and transparent, in addition to providing retail investors the opportunity to invest in promising startup deals.

Tyke Investment

Tyke invest strives to make the investment space more inclusive by granting retail investors access to opportunities that were previously available only to a very small portion of the population. Lower minimums provide a broader section of the population an opportunity to participate. At the same time,they want to make it easier for founders to raise and create their own community of engaged users.

Lets Venture

Let’s Venture was conceptualized in 2013, on a simple premise – to make fundraising & investing easier for start-ups and investors respectively.

Today they are poised to scale private markets on a global level and aim to build the world’s largest ecosystem for founders and investors.

CEO of Arahas Technology, Receives Top Rankers Excellence Award at the 23rd Edition National Management Summit 2023

CEO of Arahas Technology

New Delhi, 20th September 2023: Saurabh Rai, the Chief Executive Officer of Arahas Technologies, has been honored with the EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP award in GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY & DATA ANALYTICS at the prestigious 23rd Edition National Management Summit 2023. This recognition acknowledges his outstanding contributions to the field and his role in harnessing future-ready enterprises for quantum growth and global leadership.

Reflecting on this achievement, Saurabh Rai stated, “I am deeply honored to receive the EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP award at the 23rd Edition National Management Summit. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Arahas Technologies team. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of geospatial technology and data analytics to drive innovation and growth in our industry.”

The Top Rankers Excellence Awards, organized by the Top Rankers Management Club in association with Top Rankers Management Consultants, celebrate exceptional leaders and their contributions to various industries. The event was generously sponsored by GAIL, IFFCO, Organic Wellness, Triveni Engineering & Industries Limited, Hughes Systique, MOIL, and Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd.

Dr. Gopichand Katragadda to take over as first Indian president of international body, the Institution of Engineering and Technology

Dr Gopichand Katragadda,

Bangalore, 16th September 2023: Dr Gopichand Katragadda, Founder and CEO of Myelin Foundry, has been appointed as the 142nd President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), an international professional engineering institution. He will be the first Indian in the history of the IET to assume this role, including the first Indian to assume the presidency of a global engineering body.

Dr. Gopichand will assume office from 1 October 2023, taking over the role from Prof. Bob Cryan CBE, Vice Chancellor and CEO of the University of Huddersfield. Prior to him, the IET was led by prominent leaders in the industry, such as Sir Robin Saxby, Founder and Ex-CEO, ARM Holdings and Naomi Climer CBE, former Vice-President of Sony Professional Solutions Europe and co-Founder and co-Chair of the Institute of Work.

“The influence and impact of the IET has grown significantly over the past few years, with our past presidents leaving a fantastic legacy of determination and expert leadership. It is indeed a momentous occasion to have Dr Gopichand Katragadda taking over the reins as a highly respected thought-leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence, and our first Indian president. With an illustrious career to his credit, I am certain that he will play a key role in steering the IET towards our vision of engineering a better world,” said Ed Almond, Chief Executive and Secretary, The IET.

A seasoned technologist and executive leader, Dr. Gopichand Katragadda is the Founder of Myelin Foundry, an AI company with a vision to transform human experiences and industry outcomes. He is also an Independent Director of Bosch India Limited and ICICI Securities.

Until January 2019, Dr Gopichand was the Group Chief Technology Officer and Innovation Head of Tata Sons. At Tata Sons, he facilitated the development of pioneering products and services, strategic technology collaboration, and innovation across the $100 Billion Tata Group. He also set up and managed the ongoing Tata research collaborations with Harvard and Yale.

India has been taking several strides towards establishing its prowess and competence at a global scale, with the G20 presidency being the most significant marker of the same. The country pioneered an inclusive and solution-oriented model of diplomacy that set a great example for global collaboration. With aspects like sustainability and women-led development being key parts of India’s agency, the country has modeled an impact-first approach for the rest of the world. In this context, Dr Katragadda’s presidency is sure to follow the same example and ensure global progress towards driving engineering excellence for social impact.

With several other achievements to India’s credit such as Rishi Sunak being elected as UK’s first Indian Prime Minister, Vivek Ramaswamy becoming a US presidential candidate and Sundar Pichai being appointed as Google CEO, Dr. Katragadda’s appointment to this role further solidifies India’s strong leadership acumen and global prowess.

“We are delighted to witness Dr Gopichand Katragadda make history by being the first Indian to be leading The IET as its president. He is a true visionary in AI and technology innovation, and we are confident that his expert guidance will propel IET to new heights. Under his guidance, we anticipate a year filled with innovation, progress, and transformative change within the engineering community”, said Shekhar Sanyal, Country Head and Director, IET India.

In his presidential year, Dr Gopichand will work closely with the IET to shape the organization’s directives and strategize the advancement of engineering and technology in society. He will represent the IET at various events and conferences, advocating for its interests in society. Dr Gopichand will also play a pivotal role in supporting the continuous professional development of IET members and participate in initiatives aimed at advancing innovation and research in the engineering community, especially in the AI space.