Archives July 2024

8th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  In a dynamic exchange of ideas, the fourth edition of the Indian Institute of Art and Design’s (IIAD) annual Industry Conclave brought together over 50 industry stalwarts from 40 leading brands, igniting discussions on how design can address pressing global challenges and create a social impact. From fashion giants like Urvashi Kaur Label to global corporations like Ernst & Young LLP, the conclave served as a platform for dialogue between industry experts and over 140 students and alumni.

The annual event witnessed the participation of industry heavyweights like Ernst & Young LLP, India Today, Charkhee, Groyyo, PDS Group, JCPenney, Urvashi Kaur Label, Design Plus, RLDA Studios, Miraggio, Genie Mode, Alt Mobility, QUOD, RATA, OR & Aur, Aaquib Wani Design, Kaboom Social Impact, Yellow Brick Road Media, PLUGD. Recognized for their innovative approaches, experts from these brands brought real-world insights and fueled thought-provoking discussions.

In a time marked by global challenges, the imperative for design to drive positive social change has never been more pronounced. This urgency takes center stage as the theme of the conclave: “Creating Social Impact by Design.” The event focused on how design can tackle contemporary issues, with students and industry experts from diverse design sectors – communication, fashion design fashion business management, and interior architecture and design—engaging in one-on-one dialogues through the World Cafe format.

Bridging the theory-practice gap, initiatives like Industry Conclave serve a dual purpose: sparking discussions on design’s role in driving social impact, while offering students practical insights. Beyond theoretical frameworks, these interactions establish much-needed clarity on the practical applications of design across various industries, thereby equipping students with the skills and perspectives needed to navigate the complexities of the professional landscape.

The Role of Sustainability in Fashion

Sustainability dominated the discussions at the Fashion department, where fashion design and management experts, such as Urvashi Kaur (Urvashi Kaur Label) and Shilpi Nigam Sharma (JCPenney), tackled the multifaceted issue, dissecting its true meaning and the challenges of implementing sustainable practices within the industry. A key debate centered on balancing business needs with social impact by design. While sustainable practices often incur higher costs, the conversation emphasized clear communication with consumers to bridge this gap. Experts also challenged the notion of tradition as static in fashion, arguing instead for its evolution and adaptation to changing needs and community engagement. Deconstructing outdated practices and embracing authenticity emerged as key takeaways for driving sustainable fashion forward.

User-Centric Approach in Design and Cultural Sensitivity

Conversations at the Interior Architecture and Design department shifted gears, highlighting the importance of user-centric design. Experts such as Rahul Singh (RLDA) and Abhishek Bij (Design Plus) emphasized the need for designs that adapt to specific contexts and celebrate the diverse needs of users. The dialogue expanded into ways to incorporate a range of design trends and materials while maintaining cultural sensitivity. Collaboration strategies were also a point of discussion, with some advocating for direct community involvement, not just within groups of design specialists. This focus on user-centricity and cultural awareness suggests a growing recognition of the impact interior architecture and design has on individuals and communities.

Value, Ethics and Audience Collaboration

Discussions at the Communication Design department underscored the importance of creating conscious designs that build upon existing ideas. Experts condemned the practice of free work and advocated strategies to empower local artists through fair compensation. Communication design leaders like Vandana Pant (Folklogue Studio) and Yogesh Gagotia (Simpleplan Media) emphasized the importance of ethical practices and audience-centric design. In this conversation, Nirmala Nair (Kaboom Social Impact) highlighted the need for integration between design thinking and marketing, ensuring that sustainability is addressed throughout the entire design process. A key shift advocated for by experts was the evolution of designers from creators to facilitators, collaborating with audiences and iterating designs for maximum impact. This shift highlights the growing emphasis on both ethical practices and audience-centric communication in the field.

8th July 2024  Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India  SecureKloud Technologies Limited (NSE: SECURKLOUD; BSE:512161), provider of innovative cloud solutions and AI, is pleased to announce the appointment of Venkateswaran Krishnamurthy (Venkat) as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO).

Venkat is a seasoned business leader with over 26 years of diverse industry experience spanning Technology, Cybersecurity, Staffing, and E-commerce. He brings a wealth of expertise in managing large businesses and teams across various geographies, making him a valuable addition to the SecureKloud leadership team.

Throughout his career, Venkat has held numerous leadership positions in renowned companies such as Dell, Lenovo, Ola, Teamlease, and more. He has a proven track record of successfully building and scaling organizations, coupled with extensive experience in both Indian and international markets.

Before joining SecureKloud, Venkat served as the Global Senior Vice President of Enterprise Business at Seqrite, where he played a pivotal role in driving growth and innovation strategies for the company. His deep understanding of enterprise solutions and customer-centric approach have enabled him to deliver exceptional results and build long-lasting relationships with clients.

In addition to his corporate endeavors, Venkat also serves as an advisor to several new-age startups, where he leverages his strategic vision to guide companies toward sustainable growth and success.

Beyond his professional achievements, Venkat is known for his passion for music and cricket, reflecting his well-rounded personality and interests.

“We are thrilled to welcome Venkat to the SecureKloud family as our new Chief Revenue Officer,” said Suresh Venkatachari, Chairman & CEO of SecureKloud. “His extensive experience, strategic insights, and proven leadership will be instrumental in driving our revenue growth and enhancing our market position. We look forward to leveraging Venkat’s expertise as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

Venkat’s appointment reaffirms SecureKloud’s commitment to attracting top talent and strengthening its leadership team to drive business growth and deliver exceptional value to customers.

8th July 2024  Delhi, India  Rahul Gautam, a name that’s considered the don of the Indian mattress industry was included in the prestigious list of Top 100 IIT’ans in a book edited by Commander VK Jaitly. The title is bestowed upon alumni who challenged the status quo of going overseas to build a career, instead becoming business icons in India. As the chairman of Sheela Foam, his journey from the corridors of IIT Kanpur to the boardrooms of India’s largest foam manufacturers is nothing short of inspiring. One has to also understand the journey to comprehend why he is one of the most obvious choices for not just a Great IITian but also a devoted countryman.

Born with a zeal for excellence, Rahul Gautam embarked on his academic journey at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, where he pursued chemical engineering. Not only did he excel in academics, but he also captained the hockey team of the college—a testament to his multifaceted personality.

However, his journey wasn’t confined to the walls of a single institution. Coming from an army family, he experienced a diverse upbringing, studying in 12 different schools across the country. This exposure instilled in him adaptability, resilience, and a deep understanding of diverse cultures—a foundation that would serve him well in his future endeavors.

After completing his undergraduate studies, young Rahul had the world at his feet. Armed with a desire to delve deeper into his field, he pursued post-graduation abroad. Yet, fate had other plans for him. Driven by a sense of duty and a vision to contribute to India’s industrial landscape, Rahul chose to return home, setting the stage for his remarkable journey with Sheela Foam Ltd. (SFL).

Under his stewardship, Sheela Foam has soared to new heights, achieving a turnover of almost INR 4000 crore, establishing over 5000 stores, and a commanding market capitalization of $2.2 billion. Beyond the borders of India, SFL has expanded its footprint into Europe, the Middle East, and Australia—an affirmation of Rahul’s strategic vision and global acumen. The recent acquisition of Kurlon in addition to the leading brand Sleepwell, further cements SFL’s industry leadership.

Mr. Gautam’s impact extends far beyond the realm of business. At the heart of Sheela Foam’s ethos lies a commitment to the betterment of society through mindful means and programs. Through the Sleepwell Foundation, spearheaded by Ms Namita Gautam, the company spearheads initiatives aimed at empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. From providing training and skill-building opportunities to over 800 girls to implementing a range of developmental projects in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh.

In addition to his corporate achievements, Mr. Gautam is a trailblazer in the manufacturing sector—an exemplar of homegrown success. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping and nurturing India’s foam and sleep industry, propelling it onto the global stage. As the Chairman Emeritus of the Indian Polyurethane Association, he continues to champion the interests of the industry, advocating for innovation, sustainability, and growth.

Rahul Gautam’s journey from a young engineer & hockey captain at IIT to a visionary business leader who wrote an important chapter in India’s Manufacturing Sector embodies the spirit of perseverance, passion, and purpose.

8th July 2024  Pune, Maharashtra, India  Bajaj Markets ensures a hassle-free borrowing experience to aspiring homeowners. One can now explore a range of options tailored to their needs on the platform and choose a loan offer that aligns with their requirements and preferences.

Some key features and advantages of applying for a home loan on Bajaj Markets are as follows:

• Borrowers can get home loans of up to Rs. 15 Crores to purchase a property of their choice
• Individuals can repay the loan over tenure of up to 40 years, providing ample time for convenient and stress-free repayment
• One can benefit from attractive interest rates starting at 8.50% p.a., leading to long-term savings on repayment costs
• Individuals can compare and choose from 10 leading home loan providers, allowing them to select the option that aligns with their financial goals

Beyond home loans, one can get a wide array of financial products, including insurance plans, credit cards, and various investment options, on the Bajaj Markets platform. To apply for a home loan or other financial products, visit the official website or download the Bajaj Markets app.

8th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as Head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team, and will report to Minor Hotels CEO Dillip Rajakarier.

Dhawan, a seasoned professional with a 30-year hospitality career spanning Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His most recent role as Senior Vice President of Operations – India & South Asia at Accor saw him lead the group’s business development, owner management, hotel operations and commercial team, driving Accor’s growth in the region. Notably, he oversaw the opening of the first Raffles hotel in India. His 25-year tenure at Accor also included time as the group’s Vice President of Operations, Middle East, and several General Manager roles. Dhawan’s journey in the hospitality industry began with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he held positions at its properties in the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Dhawan holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He will be based in the group’s Bangkok Corporate Office when he joins Minor Hotels in July.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, commented, “We are excited to welcome Puneet to the Minor Hotels family. His operational experience and empowering leadership will be invaluable as we work to achieve our growth ambitions in Asia and India in the coming years.”

In January, Minor Hotels unveiled its target to add more than 200 new openings to its global portfolio, with approximately half in Asia, by the end of 2026. More recently, the hotel group announced its plan to 50 new openings in India within the next ten years, including the debut of its luxury Anantara brand later this year in Jaipur.

8th July 2024  Vapi, Gujarat, India  Exciting news from Meril Life Sciences! The LANDMARK trial’s 30-day primary outcomes were presented on 15th May at EuroPCR 2024, Paris, France. LANDMARK was recognized by EuroPCR as one of the top three late-breaking trials poised to transform and revolutionize current practices in the field of Interventional Cardiology.

The LANDMARK study showed that the performance of the Myval THV series in terms of safety and effectiveness was non-inferior to the contemporary THV series (24.7% vs. 27.0%, occurrence of primary composite endpoint which is composite of deaths, stroke, major bleeding, acute kidney injury, major vascular complications, moderate or severe valve regurgitation, and the need for new permanent pacemaker implantation as per the third Valve Academic Research Consortium consensus) with no difference in the itemized components of the primary composite endpoints. The other secondary endpoints including technical success at exit from the procedure room, device success at 30 days and early safety at 30 days were comparable in both groups.

Professor Serruys, Chairman & study Director of The LANDMARK trial, said, “Myval THV series are novel next-gen THV devices; non-inferior to the Sapien and Evolut THV series. Myval THV series have a unique size matrix incorporating conventional, intermediate and extra-large diameters with increasing diameter steps of 1.5mm that match and fit precisely the multi slice CT scan-defined aortic annulus area of each individual patient, as a result, provides a superior effective orifice area on echocardiography, which may impact on durability and long-term clinical outcomes. Additionally, the Myval Octacor, with its 2 rows of octagonal cells and a minimal foreshortening of 19% during expansion, has unique features not paired by any other contemporary design.”

Myval THV series has a versatile range of sizes offering not only traditional sizes (20 mm, 23 mm, 26 mm, 29 mm) but also intermediate (21.5 mm, 24.5 mm, 27.5 mm) and extra-large sizes (30.5 mm and 32 mm). This tailored sizing matrix allows cardiologists to select the appropriate valve size, thus avoiding excessive over- or under-sizing. In the LANDMARK trial, 48.1% of the patients were implanted with the intermediate size of the Myval THV series.

The hemodynamic outcomes in terms of valve effective orifice area (EOA) were significantly better for the 23, 26, and 29 mm Myval THV series as compared to the Sapien THV series, while there were no significant differences in the pre-procedural annular area. The long-term benefits of the intermediate sizes of THV will be further studied during the subsequent follow-up up to 10 years.

As per the Global Principal Investigator, Prof. Andreas Baumbach, “The Landmark trial showed that the Myval THV series performed as safe and effective as contemporary THV series. It is a valve made for everyday clinical practice and an all-comers population. The special feature of intermediate diameters allows for more accurate sizing, which has the potential to translate into improved long-term outcomes. Our patients will be followed up for 10 years and it will be interesting to see the long-term results in the three treatment arms.”

Mr. Sanjeev Bhatt, Sr. Vice President – Corporate Strategy at Meril said, “In a successful development in structural heart interventions, the LANDMARK RCT has revealed compelling results for the novel Myval transcatheter heart valve (THV) series, confirming its non-inferiority to other contemporary THV devices. The results of LANDMARK trial are not just a win for us but for the entire medical community and, most importantly, for patients undergoing TAVI. This study not only reinforces the safety and efficacy of the Myval THV series but also highlights its adaptability to challenging anatomical structures,”.

8th July 2024  Delhi, India  TCL – a leading global brand in the Television and Home Appliances segment has recently on-boarded the Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma, represented by RISE Worldwide line, as the national brand ambassador to augment its brand presence. By leveraging Sharma’s goodwill in the market and his association with the most popular sport in the country, TCL aims to increase its brand visibility and credibility in the Indian Market, especially for televisions and washing machines.

Being one of the finest cricket players in Indian cricket history, with over six titles in the t20 tournament and a stellar performance in the 20 World Cup, Sharma’s ambition to go big with every game seamlessly aligns with TCL’s ‘GO BIG’ marketing strategy that focuses on large screen-sized TVs. India’s GDP has been growing tremendously in the past few years paving the way to increased customer expectations. Keeping this in mind, TCL has always emphasized providing extraordinary experiences to its customers. With its exquisite range of large screen-sized TVs, available at an affordable price; TCL has been successful in winning trust of the customers who keep an eye out for bigger and better viewing experiences. In tandem, Sharma’s commitment to deliver 100% in every match, with every ball, and TCL’s commitment to sophistication and innovation make this exclusive one-year partnership a perfect match.

Delighted with the announcement, Philip Xia, General Manager, TCL India, said, “We are elated to welcome the one and only ‘Hitman’ to the TCL India family. Being a cherished icon, he inspires fans to strive for excellence just as we push the boundaries of excellence in technology and products with each launch. With the World Cup just around the corner, Rohit Sharma is undoubtedly the best partner, with whom we can grow our Indian community.”

Underpinning the company’s ambition to connect with its Indian audience and deliver an exceptional experience, the partnership will feature high-impact online and offline marketing campaigns starring India’s beloved ‘Hitman’. The combination of Rohit Sharma and TCL symbolizing power, impact, and a tech-savvy lifestyle will be instrumental in reinforcing the company’s position as a dynamic player in the consumer electronics market.

Talking about his partnership with TCL India, Rohit Sharma said, “TCL’s dedication towards innovating with bigger and better technology-oriented products is inspiring. With this approach, I am looking forward to supporting the company’s efforts to bring the Indian sports community together, through our shared love for cricket.”

As the captain of the Indian National Cricket team, Rohit Sharma has always gained admiration from a massive number of people who look up to him for his leadership traits. Since he likes to play big shots in every game, the brand is also committed to going big with innovation when it comes to all TVs and Washing Machines each year. Henceforth, by advocating a TCL product, the target group’s affinity and purchase consideration are predicted to increase remarkably.

8th July 2024  Delhi, India  Despite three months of scorching heat, summer is full of reasons to celebrate. From the beautiful sunshine, the temptation of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and, of course, international and national food days to keep you in a celebratory mood all season long even though the current health situation may make you feel otherwise.

An annual food day that captures our attention the most is National Walnut Day, which falls on May 17 every year. Why? You may ask. Let’s take a look at our big three reasons.

1. Packs a nutritional punch

Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and offer other heart-healthy fats, protein, fiber, and vitamins (including vitamin B6), among others. Munching on this daily may reduce the risk of heart disease1, improve brain health2, ensure a healthy gut3, and help in weight management. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s Eat Right During COVID-19 guidelines mention foods with omega-3, zinc, selenium, protein, and vitamin B to help maintain a healthy immune system and play a role in our body’s healing and recovery4. And each of these nutrients is present in walnuts. Now, while no single food can prevent or treat illness, it is important to eat a balanced diet.

2. Easy to incorporate in meals

Munching on a handful of walnuts isn’t the only way to reap the health benefits of this nutritious food. They are incredibly delicious and crunchy and boast great potential on the cooking front because of their ability to absorb flavors and work equally well in both sweet and savory dishes. To add some much-needed excitement to your daily meals, you can pair these with a variety of food groups, including fruits and veggies, dairy, and breads and cereals, to name a few. Toss it into your salad, cake, or ice cream, blend it with fruits and veggies for your morning smoothie grind it into a paste to use in dips or gravy, or simply make a trail mix – there are so many creative ways to work them into your diet.

3. Easy to store

Contrary to popular belief, walnuts can easily remain fresh at home provided you store them away from moisture, light, and warmth. Shelled or unshelled, put the walnuts into a resealable bag or an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator or freezer based on the period of use. If you’re going to use them within a month, keep them in the refrigerator or move them to the freezer.

8th July 2024  Delhi, India  Biorad Medisys Pvt. Limited (“Biorad Medisys”), a leading medical device manufacturer in India, recently completed another round of funding, raising INR 400 crore from Kotak Strategic Situations India Fund II (“KSSF II”) managed by Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Ltd. (KAAML). This bolsters Biorad Medisys’ financial standing and marks an exit for their existing investor, DMI Finance Group, which had previously invested in the company. Grant Thornton Bharat was the exclusive financial advisor to Biorad Medisys for the transaction.

Biorad Medisys is a leading medical device manufacturer with products across therapeutic areas like Urology, Orthopedics, Gastroenterology and Neurovascular. The company boasts a solid domestic and international presence, selling products in India, Latin America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Headquartered in Pune, it has manufacturing operations in Bangalore, among other offices across India, and global offices in Switzerland and UAE.

Abhay Anand, Partner and Medical Devices Industry Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, who led the transaction, said, “This is one of the largest growth equity investments in India’s medical device sector. Historically, investments in the healthcare segment in India have predominantly targeted healthcare delivery and pharma. However, there is a growing interest in India’s medical device sector, fueled by the emergence of companies that are scaling up and focusing on innovation, product development and manufacturing. We see the indigenisation of the entire medical device value chain and exports as a huge growth opportunity and expect a strong investor appetite, tapping into the same. Biorad Medisys stands out as one of the few scaled-up platforms in India. We are pleased to have worked closely with Biorad Medisys in their journey.”

Sumeet Abrol, Partner and National Deals Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, said, “The healthcare sector continues to attract significant investor interest given headroom for growth across the spectrum, particularly medical devices. This transaction reinforces our focus at #GTBharat to continue working for dynamic healthcare businesses to realise their growth and value-unlock aspirations.”

Speaking on the transaction, Jitendra Hegde, Managing Director of Biorad Medisys said, “This investment marks a momentous occasion for us. We are excited to have an investor on board who shares our vision of transforming the Indian medical devices industry and has a strong pedigree and successful track record of investing in the healthcare sector in India. At Biorad Medisys, we have demonstrated our prowess as a leading supplier of medical devices catering to several segments by providing quality medical consumables, implants, and equipment. We will now strive to scale the business to newer heights through sustainable value creation and providing best-in-class quality and performance.”

8th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  The 4th National Workshop on Technology Innovation in Cyber-Physical Systems (TIPS 4.0), a bi-annual event, was conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the aegis of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).

The event, held on 13–14 May 2024, was hosted by the Technology Innovation Hub for IoT & IoE (TIH-IoT) at IIT Bombay. It witnessed the participation of 48 deep tech startups and a promising investment commitment towards 44 innovative startups. Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director – IIT Bombay, addressed the gathering, followed by Shri Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST. The inaugural session concluded with the remarks of Smt. Dr. Ekta Kapoor, Mission Director – NM-ICPS and Head of FFT Division, DST.

Commenting on the occasion, Shri Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), stated, “This is the first time that TIPS featured deep tech startups taking center stage to present their work to potential investors, while their supporting Technology Innovation Hubs showcased their developments and progress in the workshops. This milestone demonstrates significant progress towards our mission, as we continue to foster lab-to-market opportunities to support deep tech innovators in our nation.”

Padmaja Ruparel, Co-founder, Indian Angel Network, shared, “The NM-ICPS programme is one of a kind in India. It moves research to commercialisation and creation of startups and value. It is focused on sectors that are imperatives for the new India. It will take India to a $5 trillion economy by 2047, the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This is a programme that has been launched, and TIHs have been set up around the country, so a national mission with a national footprint is building the national imperatives of India.”

A total of 25 hubs and 48 deep tech startups from across the country participated in the expo and the startup pitchfest along with 35 senior venture capitalists and angel investors from leading firms. These included Shreya Hasurkar, Corporate Venture Capital, 100X.VC, Neha Aggarwal, Vice President, Mumbai Angels (360One Fund); Ramesh Mangaleswaran, Senior Partner Emeritus, McKinsey & Company; Hitesh Oberoi, Co-promoter, MD, and CEO, Info Edge India Limited; and Ajay Bhatia, an angel investor. Other firms that participated include 360 ONE, Equanimity Investments, Beyond Next Ventures, and GEF Capital Partners.

Sanjay Sehgal, Founder, Managing Partner, and CEO, East West Capital Partners, one of the participating investors, said, “I have been investing in India for a couple of decades and am amazed by the level of creativity here. TIH Foundation for IoT and IoE has pulled together an excellent programme where they have brought together investors and other stakeholders of the ecosystem and showcased a lot of companies across various sectors. It was a marvellous display of entrepreneurial innovation, and we look forward to keeping in touch.”

The event witnessed the use of innovative technology such as a motion sensor-based diya for the inaugural session replacing the traditional one. This diya is a unique innovation developed by the TIH-IoT team, which can be activated using motion detection.

Numerous deep tech startups – innovating in domains such as agriculture, healthcare, defense, security, infrastructure, environment, education, mobility, IT, and SaaS – found a platform to showcase their innovations to the VCs. Among these was Borse Automotive Pvt. Ltd., an innovative agritech startup. Its advanced autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are transforming India’s agriculture landscape by boosting efficiency, productivity, and sustainability for farmers.

Another promising startup that participated is 4CLIMATE, an R&D manufacturing company. It develops specialty control and monitoring solutions for industrial and agricultural spaces using intelligent automation solutions. These solutions can be licensed, white-labeled, and branded to reduce carbon footprint and positively drive climate management.

The NM-ICPS is a comprehensive mission that brings together academia, industry, government, and international organizations. It has created an ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship, develops next-generation skilled manpower, catalyzes translational research, and promotes the commercialization of cyber-physical system (CPS) technologies.

Under the NM-ICPS, 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) have been established in reputed institutes across the country in various areas of advanced technologies. These areas include artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics, cybersecurity, data analytics and predictive technologies, intelligent collaboration systems, technologies for agriculture and water, technologies for mining, advanced communication systems, and quantum technologies.