The selected startups for the current cohort will focus on key areas such as Agricultural Sustainability, Environmental Conservation, Solid Waste Management, Climate Technology, Alternative Fuels, Green Manufacturing, and Renewable Energy. Out of 400 applicants, 24 startups were selected based on their viable prototypes, commercialization pathways, a minimum monthly revenue of 1 Lakh INR, and a strong founding team with relevant expertise, ensuring potential for substantial impact. Amongst the selected startups are, Bioreform, Bluedrop Enviro, Emusa, Greencarbon Hub, Greenifit, Hashtag Percapita, JuteEarth, Kalki Ecosphere, Kalki Energy Salvation, Lawtonlight House,  Malhari Projects, MyCovation, Neevo Life, RAU ECOSTONE PRIVATE LIMITED, Readypods , PlantFarmula, Praana Power, Prasinos Tech, RootsGoods Pvt Ltd, Statwig, Swansea, TheKabadShop, VChained.

Through T-Hub’s extensive network, startups will connect with mentors, domain experts, and fellow founders, while also gaining access to government compliance assistance, advanced technology facilities, and essential information about grants and incentives. Furthermore, T-Hub will create opportunities for potential partnerships with prominent MNCs and investment networks, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful ecosystem for the startups’ future growth and success.

Mahankali Srinivas Rao (MSR), CEO of T-Hub said, “With the launch of our second cohort of AIC T-Hub’s sustainability program, we continue to cultivate a culture of innovation and drive towards sustainable solutions. AIC T-Hub programme embodies our unwavering commitment to fostering growth, propelling startups into a future defined by impactful transformation. Throughout the program, T-Hub will cultivate and empower these selected startups, equipping them with the essential tools to scale their businesses, shaping their success and creating a legacy of positive change.”

Rajesh Adla, CEO of AIC T-Hub Foundation, said, “At AIC T-Hub, we embrace the role of catalysts for transformation. The launch of our second sustainability cohort exemplifies our dedication to igniting innovation. Through our sector lab, pool of 200+ mentor networks, investors and value partner access for or cloud credits, startups are getting impressive support. Our hands-on support navigates them toward customers, pilots, and grants, envisioning a sustainable future aligned with industry SDG goals.”

The previous cohort of startups in the AIC T-Hub Sustainability Program made a significant impact, with 14 startups securing over 3 Crore INR+ in grants/investment, forming 140+ market connections, benefiting from 20 mentors, accessing 17+ pilot opportunities, and garnering 15+ recognitions and awards. Notably, the sustainability program received the esteemed “Green Warrior Award” from PoweredHorse for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Additionally, startup Himalayan Hemp, incubated under this program, was honoured with the National Startup Award.  These feats showcase the calibre of startups nurtured within the T-Hub ecosystem.

The current cohort will commence on August 3, 2023, and will run until November 10, 2023, providing a dynamic environment for startups to accelerate their growth, refine their strategies, and access the resources needed for success. More about program- https://programs.t-hub.co/aic-sustainability-program/

]]> 435006 https://indiaeducationdiary.in/innovate-elevate-accelerate-et-soonicorns-summit-2023-ushers-in-startup-transformation/ Thu, 10 Aug 2023 08:36:35 +0000 https://indiaeducationdiary.in/?p=435001  

New Delhi : In a bid to shape India’s technological landscape, the Economic Times is all set to host the second edition of the ET Soonicorns Summit 2023 in hybrid mode in Bengaluru (August 26) and Delhi-NCR (November 25). This unique startup-tech initiative, which celebrates India’s future unicorns, seeks to chart new frontiers of growth, empower entrepreneurs, and catalyze the rise of a more resilient startup-tech innovation economy.

Themed “Resilience. Reset. Results,” the summit serves as an illuminating platform that unites pivotal stakeholders and decision-makers of the Indian tech-startup realm. The event’s aim is to foster conversations, ignite connections, and facilitate collaborations, with a special focus on those from Bharat, that will empower entrepreneurs to adeptly navigate the ever-fluctuating market conditions and foster sustainable, scalable businesses poised for the future. Esteemed thought leaders, pioneers, and luminaries within the startup-tech domain will grace this event, sharing their visionary insights that have the potential to reshape industries.

“The ET Soonicorns Summit 2023 is a testament to our commitment to India’s innovation-driven journey. It serves as a nexus where innovation converges with resilience to propel the nation toward its Techade vision,” said Sanjeev Kumar, Business Head, ET.

The first edition of the two-day-long ET Soonicorns Summit 2022 featured over 50+ speakers, including policy makers, top entrepreneurs, investors and other stakeholders across 25+ sessions and over six sector-focused tracks: healthtech, Web3, Software as a Service (SaaS), gametech, fintech, and agritech.

As one of the Implementing Entities, FAO will be at the forefront of driving change and progress with the One Health approach, which aims to optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems, recognizing that they are closely linked and interdependent.

The 12 projects involve FAO’s participation in partnership with governments and other agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Bank (WB), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Directly under FAO’s oversight, approximately $60 million will be utilized over three years. The initiatives will benefit Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Togo, Zambia, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Paraguay and Yemen, as well as the West Bank and Gaza.

Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are also part of a regional project specifically for Central Asia.

Within the framework of One Health for better prevention, preparedness and response to public health emergencies, the projects focus on three priority areas: collaborative surveillance, laboratory capacity, and workforce development. These include actions such as reinforcing disease prevention; combating antimicrobial resistance; strengthening early warnings, detection and response capabilities; improving collaboration between human, animal and environmental laboratories; and staff training.

“FAO welcomes the first round of financing from the Pandemic Fund and we are committed to supporting nations to be better prepared for future health crises. Under FAO’s One Health initiative- a holistic, integrated, collective approach- we will continue to work to effectively maintain and enhance the well-being of humans, animals, and the environment in a sustainable manner”, said Deputy Director-General, Maria Helena Semedo.

About the Pandemic Fund First Call for Proposals

Established in September 2022 and officially launched during a G20 meeting, the Fund, hosted by the World Bank, is the first multilateral financing mechanism dedicated to providing multiyear grants to help low- and middle-income countries better prepare for future pandemics.

After receiving 179 applications from 133 countries for its First Call for Proposals, the Fund’s Governing Board met in July and agreed on finance allocations for 19 projects worth $338 million that will support 37 countries.

Overall, the selected projects for this First Round will play a vital role in supporting the Pandemic Fund’s objectives, bringing in additional resources for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

Moreover, they will incentivize countries to increase their investments in health security, enhance coordination among partners, and serve as a platform for advocacy.

Notably, 30 percent of the grants allocated are for projects in sub-Saharan Africa – a region with the highest demand for support.

The $338 million of grants awarded are also expected to mobilize over $2 billion in additional resources, adding $6 for each $1 coming from the Fund.

Next steps

Implementing Entities have until December 2023 to obtain formal approval to proceed with implementation, following their respective internal rules and procedures.

By January 2024, all projects are expected to be fully operational. The Pandemic Fund’s Governing Board aims to launch the second Call for Proposals by the end of 2023.

This year’s ceremony witnessed the presence of over 400 distinguished guests, including senior marketing, advertising, and media professionals, who came together to honour the exceptional accomplishments of these deserving recipients.

The awards were presented across 15 industry categories, spanning automobiles, financial services, FMCG, E-commerce, Edtech, retail and consumer durables, acknowledging outstanding professionals’ diverse achievements and innovative contributions.

Notable among the winners was Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India who was awarded the prestigious title of IAA Business Leader of the Year 2023. This recognition was bestowed upon him for his instrumental role in unleashing India’s capabilities within the healthcare domain. He was acclaimed for his groundbreaking advancements in vaccine production, exemplary guidance during the COVID-19 crisis, unwavering dedication to societal well-being, substantial contributions to public health, transformation of an Indian brand into a globally acknowledged entity, and his profound influence on broader society.

On being honoured, Adar Poonawala, said, “I am truly humbled to receive the IAA Business Leader of the Year Award. It vindicates the risk that my team and I took during the pandemic as it was a tough time for everyone and a time of great uncertainty. We could not have been able to do this without our counter staff and workers, health care workers, the Government of India, and State government. I have always believed that the Serum Institute has been a national asset to the country and during the pandemic this became more evident. I feel privileged and honoured that I can lead such an institute and serve the nation and humanity at large and will continue to do so.”

Rajdeepak Das, CEO & CCO, Leo Burnett South Asia and Chairperson, Creative Council, Publicis Groupe India was honoured with the IAA Creative Agency Leader of the Year award for his exceptional creativity and ground-breaking campaigns.

Ajay Gupte, CEO – South Asia from Wavemaker secured the distinguished title of IAA Media Agency Leader of the Year, recognizing his unparalleled expertise and strategic prowess in navigating the evolving media landscape. Atideb Sarkar, Chief Editor and Publisher of the ABP Group received the prestigious IAA Media Person of the Year award, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the media industry. PV Chandran, Managing Editor of Mathrubhumi earned the accolade of IAA Editor of the Year, celebrating his exceptional editing skills and journalistic integrity. Navika Kumar, News Editor and Anchor from Times Network was honoured with the IAA TV Anchor of the Year award for her exceptional talent and charismatic presence.

Actor Ajay Devgan and Kiara Advani were crowned with the title of IAA Brand Endorsers of the Year in the male and female categories, respectively, for their ability to connect with audiences and effectively promote brands.

Furthermore, legendary media industry veteran Dr Bhaskar Das was inducted into the esteemed IAA Hall of Fame, recognizing his remarkable contributions and lasting impact on the media landscape.

Exuding sheer delight on this momentous occasion, Avinash Pandey, President, IAA India Chapter, said, “The IAA sees itself as the Global Compass for Marketing and Communications and these awards are one of the many initiatives that focus on furthering this. Through these awards, we not only recognize excellence and innovation but also inspire and motivate others to strive for greatness. By celebrating these remarkable achievements, we can foster a collective commitment to enhancing all industries. The 10th edition of this awards is a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and resilience that defines our industry.”

Adding to it, Nandini Dias, Chairperson IAA Leadership Awards, conveyed her pride, stating, “The IAA Leadership Awards is an opportunity to recognize and respect the power of the human mind at work. To appreciate the criticality of decision-making. The wisdom of thought-leadership. The sheer magnetism that carries an entire team along. The choice between bravery and bravado. These awards are gallantry awards, bravery awards, intelligence awards, creative awards, sporting awards and social awards all rolled into one.”

“The winner company has excelled itself much beyond the criteria of market share, CAGR, quarter to quarter growth, advertising-to-sales ratio, etc., to now also credit ratings of the company in the stock market, brand health scores and the all-important Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) scores. So, for all the winner companies and their leaders, this is a bow from the marketing, advertising, and media world. I am proud to say the IAA Leadership Awards has been a significant marker of time through what has been a tumultuous decade to say the least,” added Dias.

The 10th IAA Leadership Awards celebrated visionary industry leaders, inspiring meaningful change and setting new benchmarks. This event’s remarkable achievements are a catalyst for the ongoing success, fostering innovation in the marketing landscape.

The Celebration Partner for the event was Diageo while the Tata Group was the Associate Partner. Both Times Network & Titan Company Limited were the Supporting Partners for the event.  

Since the inception of their collaboration in January 2023, Aeris Communications and AMU Leasing have been working diligently to create cutting-edge solutions that bridge the gap between IoT technology and financing. AMU Leasing’s flexible payment options and incentives have made it easier for consumers and businesses to embrace EVs.

AMU Leasing uses Aeris’ in house IoT solution technology, Aertrak to track its funded vehicles and provides real-time data regarding vehicle usage, driver behaviour, and remote control of the vehicles in the event of non-payment. Aertrak assists in improving the efficiency, lowering NPAs, and overall performance of EVs that are financed by AMU. This data enables AMU to cross-sell and upsell additional services and products as well as to create a forecasted churn model.

Speaking about the collaboration, Sameer Mahapatra, Country Manager-India & SAARC at Aeris Communications opined, “We have been working closely with multiple leasing companies and NBFCs, serving as their tech partner for Telematics. This collaboration with AMU Leasing is a significant step forward in our mission to expand the EV market in India. We are also in discussions with other potential NBFC clients to further strengthen the industry.”

Nehal Gupta, Director, AMU Leasing said, “We are thrilled to work with Aeris Communications and bridge this gap between funding and technological aspects of EVs. Our goal is to create an exceptional experience for our EV customers through our comprehensive range of personalised financing solutions. The EV market is quickly growing and AMU Leasing is well positioned to support the entire value chain, particularly entrepreneurial businesses. We aim to democratise access to EV consumers by offering the most cost-effective financing options. This collaboration with Aeris will help us monitor these EVs at a real time basis and allow us to cross-sell and upsell additional services and products as well as to create a forecasted churn model ensuring a unique and seamless ownership journey throughout their usage of electric vehicles.”

Aeris Communications is committed to extending its services across India through strategic partnerships and collaborations. It is actively engaged in creating customized solutions for several NBFCs and insurance companies, leveraging their expertise in IoT. The company is further finalizing joint initiatives with Lending Management Software (LMS) partners to establish a robust platform that enables financers to lend more securely and efficiently.

Cyprus captivates Indian investors with various compelling reasons including its strategic location, is part of the European Union and is a beautiful island on the Mediterranean Sea offering easy access to all of Europe.

It also offers numerous tax advantages including global income exemption, low property, income taxes, and corporate tax. Indian nationals can also capitalize on rising real estate prices, gaining passive income from property investments.

By buying a property in Cyprus, you will be granted a permanent residency, which means you can legally live and study in Cyprus. You can also apply for Cyprus citizenship and a Cyprus passport after residing for seven years. Crucially, this is an EU passport, giving you access to free movement across the continent.

Ultimately, Cyprus offers a pathway to a prosperous future including business opportunities, stability, high quality of life promising prosperous outcomes and improved lifestyles. These factors collectively make Cyprus an enticing destination for Indian investors looking to expand their global presence and diversify their portfolios.

Pantelis Leptos, Co-President of Leptos Group of Companies, expressed, “More Indians are looking to become global citizens and gaining residency in another country. It is a great way to find the best in healthcare, education, business and lifestyle offerings while being able to travel freely within the EU. Our main target group is affluent Indians with large families and family-run businesses, once the residency is obtained, it covers the main applicants’ spouse, minor children and adult children up to the age of 25 who are university students financially dependent to the main applicant.

Renowned for its prime location and exceptional business climate, Cyprus has become a beacon for forward-thinking professionals and investors from around the world. As the business landscape continues to evolve, seizing the right opportunities becomes paramount for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

About Leptos Estates

The Leptos Group is a renowned organization with a remarkable legacy spanning over 63 years, currently operating in over 75 countries worldwide. The Group’s enduring success is exemplified by its impressive portfolio of over 350 completed projects. With a focus on customer satisfaction, the Leptos Group takes pride in having delighted over 25,000 homeowners who have found their dream homes with them. Moreover, the Group possesses an extensive land bank, encompassing an impressive 5 million square meters of prime land for development.

Pacific World School hosted its Annual Investiture Ceremony with the theme ‘I-Believe’. The ceremony occurred at the School’s Grand Pacific Hall, where everyone gathered to honour and commend the newly appointed student leaders for the academic year 2023-24. The Investiture Ceremony marked the transition of responsibilities, values, and leadership from the outgoing student council to the newly elected leaders.

Distinguished Chief Guest Mr. Surya Narain Bahadur, Chief Happiness Officer at Advanced Training & Development Consultant, inspired young leaders to embrace their roles with dedication, integrity, and empathy. The Pro Vice Chairperson, Ms. Nidhi Bansal, also graced the event with her presence. The ceremony exemplified the joint efforts of parents invited to the event, the teachers, and the entire school community in cultivating an enriching learning environment.

Newly appointed student leaders at various positions, including, School Headboy, Headgirl, Vice-Captains, Prefects, House Captains, Sports Captain, Technical Leads, Happiness Lead, Creative Lead, and more, adorned their badges and sashes during the ceremony, taking up their roles and responsibilities. The event dazzled with a captivating musical performance by the school choir titled ‘Amalgamation – Carnatic and Western Fusion Song’, and a graceful dance titled ‘Embracing Peace by Leaders as the Only Way to Promote Harmonious Existence’.

Ms. Pooja Bose, Principal, Pacific World School, stated, “The Investiture Ceremony symbolises the passing of the torch of responsibility, igniting a flame of excellence and companionship. Student leadership plays a vital role in shaping the school’s culture and nurturing the potential of every student. We hope the elected members enjoy their tenure and work dedicatedly towards framing their best future.”

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and China Medical University, Taiwan, have taken a momentous step towards strengthening academic and research ties with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony took place on August 3, 2023, at Manipal, with distinguished representatives from both institutions present to mark this historic occasion.

Initiated and nurtured by the efforts of Dr Nirmal Mazumder, Assistant Professor at Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS) and Dr Fu-Jen Kao, Professor at National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan, with the support of Dr K.K. Mahato (Head, Department of Biophysics, MSLS) and Dr Satish Rao B.S. (Director-Research MAHE and Director, MSLS), the MoU, signed by Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and Dr. Guan-Yu Zhuo, Associate Professor at China Medical University, Taiwan, aims to establish a robust framework for collaborative research programs between the two esteemed institutions. As a recognized “Institution of Eminence” by the Government of India, Manipal-based MAHE has earned a reputation as a leading academic and research institution, imparting high-quality education across various disciplines.

China Medical University, Taiwan, is renowned as a world-class institution offering students a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education with a global perspective. The collaboration between these two distinguished institutions is poised to create significant advancements in the realms of academia and research, especially in the area of biophysics and life sciences.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education emphasized MAHE’s commitment to nurturing global citizens through structured academic programs. He expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, believing it would pave the way for innovative research endeavours that address pressing social needs and lauded the efforts of the team at MSLS involved in nurturing this collaboration. Dr. Guan-Yu Zhuo echoed these sentiments, attributing the success of this collaboration to the dedicated efforts of students and faculty from both institutions. With their support, he envisioned a promising future for joint research initiatives that would make a positive impact on society.

This partnership opens doors to a wealth of opportunities for faculty, researchers, and students from both institutions to engage in meaningful knowledge exchange and research-driven projects. The collaborative efforts will undoubtedly enhance cross-cultural understanding and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

As this MoU marks the beginning of an exciting journey for MAHE and China Medical University, it reaffirms their shared commitment to promoting academic excellence and creating a positive impact on global society.

The signing ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Fu-Jen Kao, Professor at National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan, along with other key officials from both MAHE and China Medical University. Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) at MAHE, and Dr. Karunakar Kotegar, Director – International Relations at MAHE, were among the representatives of the host institution.

On the occasion of World Tribal Day, Jharkhand Adivasi Mahotsav  2023 ( Jharkhand Tribal Festival-2023) is being organized at Birsa Munda Smriti Udyan, Ranchi on 9th and 10th August. The two-day festival began on a grand note with the Riz Rang Rasika Rally.

 Jharkhand Adivasi Mahotsav 2023 was inaugurated by Chief Guest Rajya Sabha MP Shibu Soren, Chief Minister Hemant Soren and others. Postal Stamp on Jharkhand Adivasi Mahotsav and 35 books were also released on this occasion. This book is from all the research work done on tribal life.

On this occasion, Chief Guest Shibu Soren said that all tribal communities have almost the same culture, I urge you to educate your child. He said that this festival shows the unity and mutual brotherhood of the tribal community. There is a need to keep our generation connected with our culture and civilization.

 In this program, Chief Minister Hemant Soren while addressing the tribal society asked them to live together for self-respect. He said that tribal festival is being celebrated in Jharkhand, this program is historic and very big in itself, tribal festival is celebrated everywhere, but Manipur’s pain is also visible in this happiness.

Describing about the festival, he said that the tribal festival is being celebrated with enthusiasm and pomp. This time the festival is being celebrated better than last time. In this festival, wonderful glimpses of tribal Sanskrit civilization, heritage art, film etc. will be seen. Tribals from many states have come for this event.

The first day of Jharkhand Tribal Festival ended with a spectacular laser show.

 chief guest was Chairman of the State Coordination Committee and Rajya Sabha MP Shibu Soren , Chief Minister Hemant Soren,  Minister of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare Department Champai Soren, MLA Vinod Singh, MLA Jai Mangal Singh, MLA Rajesh Kachhap, Chief Many dignitaries including Secretary Sukhdev Singh, Director General of Police Ajay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary Rajeev Arun Ekka, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Vandana Dadel and Secretary to Chief Minister Vinay Kumar Choubey were present on this occasion .

A tribal Literature  Seminar was also organised on the first day of the event , in the Tribal Literature Seminar, on the first day of the seminar, the current scenario  of narrative and non-fiction genres in tribal literature was discussed. Senior litterateur and member of Sahitya Akademi, Jharkhand Shri Mahadev Toppo gave detailed information about literature and folk tales as keynote speaker. He said that today’s tribal youth generation should read literature and tales related to tribals so that they can take direction Don’t be inferior He said that the youth are becoming directionless by being cut off from their old tribal tradition. They need to connect with their old traditions. For this, there is a need to read the literature written by the ancestors. He threw light on the literature and stories written by the ancestors.

Professor Mr. Janardan Gond, who came from Prayagraj, explained in detail about the philosophy of life of tribals. Discussed about the knowledge of tribals. Told about the awareness about nature in them as well as highlighted the harmony with nature. On the other hand, Professor E Vijayalakshmi from Manipur University gave information about her knowledge in tribal philosophy. He threw light in detail about the biography of tribals through stories and novels. And Professor Milan Rani Chamatia, who came from Tripura, also discussed about tribal language and philosophy of life. He also gave information about his life struggle, education through story and novel. He discussed in detail about the life struggle, life philosophy, history and culture of the tribals of Tripura. Through the novel Kabrak, he talked about various regions of the country including Tripura.

The Inventors Challenge 2023 is a team event aimed at nurturing university faculty and student capabilities in semiconductor and technology innovation. 

The competition is open to all faculty and students at engineering institutes pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses in India. Each team should have one faculty and up to four students. Each team’s idea should be based on sustainability and G20 goals.

More details can be found here.https://community.arm.com/vlsi-to-system-design/

<AICTE Quote>

The Inventors Challenge -2022 reiterated our belief on the importance of the industry-academia knowledge sharing. The initiative was well received and the feedback from participants has further strengthened our belief to continue such interactions, leading to the launch “The Inventors Challenge -2023” Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE

<Arm Quote> 

“At Arm we believe in the power of technology to build a better world for everyone. Higher and further education institutions have a pivotal role to play in enabling technology innovation in the semiconductor ecosystem, and we work closely with academic, industry and government partners to drive technological advancements that will have a positive impact. Following the success of The Inventors Challenge 2022, we look forward to seeing how this year’s entries will help to progress toward the United Nations’ Global Goals.” Guru Ganesan, President, Arm India