Business Care TV Show Young Founder Pooja Sharma shaping the future of Entrepreneurship

Talking about the idea behind the show, Pooja Sharma revealed that the concept was not built overnight. “For the past few years, we have been constantly working on different ideas to uplift India’s business community. We realized that businesses don’t just need advice—they need visibility, branding, and the right platform. That’s when we decided to create Business Care TV Show,” she said.

According to her, the concept took nearly two years of planning and development, but the vision was always clear—to create a platform that delivers real growth. What makes the show stand out is its emotional and relatable approach. Being an entrepreneur herself, Pooja Sharma believes she understands the mindset of business owners better than anyone. “I am also an entrepreneur, so I know exactly what challenges a business ownerfaces—whether it’s growth, investment, or recognition. That’s why we designed this show in a way that truly connects with them,” she explained . Adding further, Pooja Sharma highlighted that the platform is not limited to branding alone but also contributes directly to business growth.

“Business Care not only helps in brand building but also supports in increasing turnover. It connects businesses with other businesses, creating real opportunities for growth. Our effort is being appreciated by everyone,” she shared. Her unique anchoring style has become one of the biggest strengths of the show. With a blend of True emotions, storytelling, and strong communication, she ensures that every business featured on the platform gets not just visibility, but a powerful brand identity. “This show is not about promotion only. It’s about building trust, emotions, and a strong brand image in the minds of people,” she added. She also emphasized a strong message for entrepreneurs: “Now, business owners don’t need to sit and depend on luck. Business Care doesn’t just show dreams—we turn the aspirations of business owners into reality,” she said confidently.

The show follows a fact-based and value-driven format, where each episode highlights real business insights. It also includes an interactive segment where viewers answer business-related questions and win gifts sponsored by brands—making it both educational and engaging. In a short span of time, Business Care TV Show has gained massive popularity and is now being telecast across multiple national television channels, connecting directly with both B2B audiences and the general public.

Co-founder Ankur Bansal also shared insights into the platform’s growing impact: “We are receiving continuous appreciation from viewers not just in India but also from the United States and other countries. Our 24x7 call center gets messages every day. This shows that the platform is truly making a difference,” he said. As the show continues to grow, it is now expanding globally. Initially launched in Hindi, Business Care is now being broadcast in English and other languages. The show is soon set to reach international audiences in:United States, Canada, Bahrain, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Russia.

Speaking about the mission, Pooja Sharma said, “This is not just a television show, it is a mission—created in the interest of the nation, filled with emotions, passion, energy, and learning.” Today, Business Care is helping multiple sectors including MSMEs, startups, Real-Estate, healthcare, agriculture, and education industries. It is also emerging as a strong platform for companies planning IPOs and those looking to expand globally. Each episode is carefully crafted over 15–25 days, ensuring quality, depth, and impact. Over time, the platform has evolved into a complete business ecosystem offering branding, call center support, and dealer-distributor network development.

Co-founder Ankur Bansal emphasized: “Our goal is simple—to guide entrepreneurs in the right direction and help them grow faster with the right strategy and exposure.”

The management has also clarified that all rights of Business Care TV Show are exclusively owned by Pooja Movie Creations and are protected under copyright laws. As India’s MSME sector continues to face challenges, Business Care TV Show is emerging not just as a platform, but as a guiding force driving businesses towards success.

www.msmebusinesscare.com, www.businesscare.org.in

Ladies Who Lead - Mumbai and Bangalore Events - International Women's Day 2026

As part of this series, LWL hosted an invite-only evening in Mumbai in partnership with HSBC, along with a jewellery showcase by House of Yarane, at Fielia - Mumbai’s first cocktail cinema bar designed by Gauri Khan - bringing together leaders including Deepthi Sirvuri, Head – Credit Cards and Retail Lending at HSBC; Almona Bhatia, Chief Strategy Officer at Tata CLiQ Luxury; Gauri Devidayal, Co-Founder of Food Matters; Darshana Shah, Chief Marketing Officer, Aditya Birla Capital; Naiyya Saggi, Founder of BabyChakra (ext)   and Co-Founder of The Good Glamm Group; and Neha Motwani, Founder and CEO of Luma Fertility. The Mumbai chapter also featured closed-door sessions, including a mentor session with Pallavi Mohadikar and Dr. Amol Patwari, Co-founders of Palmonas, a Lessons in Excellence session with Ronnie Screwvala, and an earlier mentor session with Aparna Saxena, Founder & CEO of Antinorm, focused on building and scaling consumer brands.

Aabha Bakaya, Founder at Ladies Who Lead, said, “Our approach is centred on curating thoughtful, high-value interactions for women leaders. The Mumbai and Bengaluru gatherings brought together a diverse mix of voices, enabling conversations that are both relevant and impactful for today’s evolving leadership landscape.”

As part of its Bengaluru series, LWL hosted curated engagements including an International Women’s Day Conversation Over Cocktails with Bhakti Modi, Co-founder and CEO of Tira, and Kulsum Shadab Wahab, Founder of Ara Lumiere and Ara Prêt, followed by a From Farm to Table soirée at Farmlore. Known for its globally recognised, Michelin-level approach to sustainable dining, Farmlore offered a thoughtful setting for reflection and meaningful dialogue. Rooted in the Give to Gain theme of International Women’s Day 2026, the gathering celebrated leadership and purpose, bringing together esteemed guests such as Savitha Nanjappa, Founder of Success With Savitha; Varna Bhat, Founder & CEO of Blisswater Industries Pvt Ltd; Rashmi Attavar, Joint Managing Director at Indo American Hybrid Seeds (India) Pvt Ltd; Sreepriya N S, Co-founder & Director at Entrust Family Office; Nishita Thakurdas, Founder & Designer at Nishita Design; and Rashmi Somashekar, Partner at BSR & Co (KPMG).

Through these gatherings, Ladies Who Lead continues to bring women professionals together in a way that feels easily accessible. The idea is to create a space where conversations can flow naturally, and people can share their experiences without it feeling formal or forced. It’s also about meeting like-minded people and building connections that go beyond just the event. Over time, these interactions are helping shape a more connected and supportive community of women across industries. It’s a simple approach, but one that’s clearly resonating with members.

About Ladies Who Lead

Ladies Who Lead (LWL) is a premium, members-only leadership and networking platform committed to empowering women professionals across India. Founded in 2021 by veteran business journalist Aabha Bakaya and business leader Aditya Ghosh, LWL brings together a diverse community of over 1,500 women leaders across 50+ industries. With curated events, high-intent networking, mentorship, and a robust digital platform, LWL enables women to connect, collaborate, and grow. The platform’s vision is to see more women in leadership roles and to create an ecosystem where women can lead boldly, drive impact, and inspire change.

For more information, please visit ladieswholead.in.

Based in Mumbai, Middha Ventures will operate as a family office focused on backing high-potential startups across consumer and emerging sectors, combining patient capital with hands-on strategic support.
 

Abhishek Middha- Founder Middha Ventures

Signaling immediate deal momentum, the firm has announced investments in two early-stage startups- Ruskle and Fitreak.
 

Middha Ventures invested in Ruskle, valuing the company at INR 14 crore. Ruskle is India’s first flavored rusk brand, reimagining a traditional $600 million category with innovative flavors targeted at younger consumers.
 

What stood out during the pitch was the brand’s experiential approach, the founders invited the audience to taste the product before presenting, creating an immediate and memorable connection.
 

"They were very intentional in how they built conviction, letting the product speak before the narrative.That kind of clarity, paired with fast execution, is what we look for in early-stage founders," said Abhishek Middha. "They built belief before they built the story."
 

In a separate transaction, Middha Ventures led a round of INR 70 lacs in Fitreak, an emerging fitness and wellness marketplace.
 

Fitreak Founders - Dipti Gupta and Arth Gupta

Fitreak is building a curated, integrated marketplace for fitness, nutrition, and wellness products, addressing fragmentation and trust gaps in the category through curated commerce, AI-led recommendations, and expert-backed content.
 

The investment reflects Middha’s conviction in strong founder-led execution. Middha ventures believe the Fitreak founder returned with rapid validation after initial feedback, onboarding notable brands within weeks and demonstrating clear market demand.
 

"The clarity of thought and bias toward execution stood out. I am not just backing the idea, but a founder willing to build," Middha added.
 

The launch of Middha Ventures, alongside these investments, signals a clear strategy to back founders who combine strong product thinking with differentiated go-to-market approaches.
 

"India is entering a powerful decade of entrepreneurship. We want to partner with founders who are not just building products, but creating experiences and redefining categories," Middha said.
 

Industry observers note that this move reflects a broader trend of traditional business families entering the startup ecosystem through structured investment platforms, bringing long-term capital and operational expertise to early-stage companies.
 

About Abhishek Middha

Abhishek Middha is an entrepreneur-turned-investor who has spent over a decade and a half building businesses in global trade and logistics. As Managing Director of Middha Global and CEO of QShip Worldwide, he has worked closely with international markets, supply chains, and real-world execution challenges.
 

He now supports early-stage founders through Middha Ventures, by backing people first those driven by conviction, consistency, and the ability to build through uncertainty. Abhishek invests with a long-term lens, shaped by the lessons, setbacks, and discipline of building businesses from the ground up.

Smartfeed+ earns Rs. 2,00,000 grant for its impactful and innovative solution

The event also provided a forum for key ecosystem stakeholders such as Amit Singal, Partner at Indicorn Angels; Tushar Vadera, Founder of SetMyCart; and Ravindra Yadav, CEO of the ACIC GIET University Foundation, to interact with startups and guide them on scaling their businesses, obtaining venture capital, and preparing for entry into the marketplace.

The speakers highlighted the growing significance of start-ups in future economic development and job creation, and stressed the important role of academic institutions in supporting entrepreneurship. They also underlined the value of business incubation, mentorship, and access to capital in building sustainable ventures.

On the second day of the event, Dr. R.K. Bharti, IEDS, Director, MSME-DFO Okhla, New Delhi, attended as the Chief Guest, while Mr. Sunil Kumar, IEDS, Deputy Director, MSME-DFO Okhla, New Delhi, was the Guest of Honour. They shared insights on government-backed funding schemes and policy support available for new ventures. Another session was led by Madhu Vadlamani, AI Practice Leader at Enterprise Minds Inc, who spoke about the role of Artificial Intelligence in helping businesses become more scalable and cost-effective.

Galgotias University announced an endowment grant of Rs 18.5 lakh to support twelve early-stage startups as part of its continued commitment to strengthening the startup ecosystem. With this latest round, the University reaffirmed that it will continue to invest in other high-potential ventures as they grow.

The startups awarded the grant were SMARTFEED+ (Rs 2 lakhs), URVAH Dynamics Pvt. Ltd. (Rs 1.5 lakhs), Gas O Detech (Rs 2 lakhs), Amigos Renewable Energy LLP (Rs 2.5 lakhs), ECO-SIP (Rs 1.25 lakhs), Load Cell Based Smart IV Fluid Monitoring System (Rs 1.25 lakhs), Wilexir Techno LLP (Rs 1.5 lakhs), Electric VE (Rs 1.5 lakhs), Desk N Wood Techno Solutions (Rs 1.5 lakhs), Mumma.AI (Rs 1 lakh), Novatrail LLP (Rs 1.5 lakhs), and AgriRover (Rs 1 lakh).

The successful completion of Galgotias Investo Pitch 2026 reflects Galgotias University’s strong commitment to fostering innovation-led growth and nurturing future entrepreneurs. The initiative stands aligned with the vision of Hon’ble Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, to empower young innovators and build enterprises capable of addressing global challenges.

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University is among the world’s leading universities in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS Rankings) and Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings.

Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities, this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education. Galgotias has also been accredited with NAAC A+ grade in its very first cycle, achieving these milestones in a record time of just 14 years.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Galgotias University has been ranked 45th among Indian universities (including both government and private institutions) and placed in the globally prestigious 1001–1200 band. This recognition reinforces the university’s growing stature in the international academic landscape and reflects its consistent progress across global higher education benchmarks.

These recognitions highlight Galgotias University’s strong focus on teaching excellence, research impact, internationalization, industry integration, and innovation driven learning, shaping globally competent graduates ready for the challenges of the future.

For more information, please visit: www.galgotiasuniversity.edu.in.

SrijanShakti Awards 2026 Honour Women Shaping India’s Design and Creative Future

Instituted as a national platform to recognise women whose work is redefining entrepreneurship, industry innovation and social impact through design, the awards celebrate individuals who demonstrate how creativity can drive meaningful change across sectors.

Now in its third edition, the SrijanShakti Awards have emerged as a credible national initiative spotlighting women who are reshaping how India creates, builds and innovates. The ceremony was graced by Dr. Shyama Rath, Member Secretary, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) as the Chief Guest, along with Dr. Ashish Mohan, Executive Director & Head – Technology, Research, AI, Space, Innovation-IP, Robotics and Advisory Design at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as the Guest of Honour.

The winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process by a distinguished national jury comprising eminent leaders from India’s design, cultural and policy ecosystem. The jury included Rathi Vinay Jha, founder of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT); Puneeta Roy, cultural curator and co-founder of Teamwork Arts; Varun Jain, Managing Trustee of the Sanskriti Foundation; and Sandhya Raman, co-founder of the award-winning design studio DESMANIA.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor, World University of Design, said, “The SrijanShakti Awards were instituted to recognise women whose creativity does more than produce remarkable work. It changes conversations, builds institutions and creates pathways for others. While women have always played a central role in India’s creative traditions; from crafts and textiles to contemporary design; their contributions often remain less visible in the public imagination. SrijanShakti seeks to bring these inspiring journeys into the spotlight.”

SrijanShakti Awards 2026 Winners are

Design Entrepreneur of the Year

Kanika Seth – Founder, 2626 Creative Studio and Say It With a Pin

Creative Innovation Champion

Shivani Mehta – Founder, Daakroom and Creative Director, bioQ and Kabir for Kids

Social Impact Catalyst

Meghna Joshi – Founder, SWAN Livelihood

The awards recognise women whose work goes beyond creative excellence to influence industries, strengthen communities and build new pathways within India’s evolving design ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shyama Rath, Member Secretary, AICTE, emphasised the importance of recognising women’s leadership in creative and innovation-driven sectors.

“Women today are playing a defining role in shaping India’s innovation and creative industries. Platforms such as the SrijanShakti Awards not only celebrate achievement but also inspire young women to pursue leadership across design, technology and entrepreneurship.”

The ceremony also featured inspiring talks by the awardees and invited designers, who shared their personal journeys, challenges and experiences with students and young designers offering insights into the realities of building creative careers and enterprises.

Instituted by the World University of Design, the SrijanShakti Awards aim to amplify stories of women whose work bridges creativity, enterprise and social purpose. By recognising leaders across entrepreneurship, innovation and community impact, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of designers, innovators and changemakers in India.

Shaping the future - IESA President Mr. Ashok Chandak (extreme left) inaugurates IESA Vision Summit 2026 alongside esteemed government dignitaries and industry leaders

The inauguration ceremony was addressed by a distinguished assembly of government leaders, industry luminaries, and stalwarts including Shri. Amitesh Kumar Sinha, (CEO, India Semiconductor Mission and Additional Secretary MeitY), Shri. Manish Chadha (JS, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, GoI), Dr. M M Tripathi (DG-NIELIT), Shri. Rahul Sharanappa, (IAS, Director, Deptt of ITBT, GoK), His Excellency, Ewout de Wit, Consul General, Embassy of Netherlands, Ajit Manocha, President, SEMI, Gilroy Mathew (CEO, UST), Mr Ashok Chandak, President, IESA, Ruchir Dixit, IESA Chairperson, VP & Country Manager Siemens EDA, Prof Tummala Rao, IDSPS and Emiretus Prof Georgia Tech, Advisor ISM.

A Theme That Defines a Movement

The 2026 edition's theme — Design to Manufacturing: Synergy of Product, Production and Skill — captures what industry leaders describe as the most critical challenge and opportunity facing India's electronics sector today: bridging the gap between world-class chip and product design capabilities and scalable, high-quality domestic manufacturing.

“India has already demonstrated global leadership in semiconductor design. The next step is clear — we must complete the value chain. We must Create, build, and manufacture world-class products at scale, with uncompromising quality and a deeply skilled workforce to sustain that growth.

India has the engineering talent to power the world. What we now need is the resolve to innovate boldly, the discipline to manufacture competitively, and the foresight to skill our people continuously — not just for India, but for the global technology ecosystem,” said Mr. Ashok Chandak, President, IESA, in his inaugural address.

“The IESA Vision Summit has, over the years, grown into far more than a conference — it has become a “national convergence platform” where ideas, partnerships, policy, innovation, and execution come together to drive real impact. This summit brings together “industry leaders, government policymakers, global investors, start-up innovators, academia, and ecosystem partners” — all united by a shared purpose: “to transform India into a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and innovation”, commented Mr. Ruchir Dixit, Chairperson IESA.

“India's electronics manufacturing has grown sixfold in eleven years — a foundation built on policy conviction, industry trust, and global partnership. As we advance into the next phase of our semiconductor mission, we do so with a long-term resolve. India is working on designing various AI applications. Under NSM, Ministry of Electronics and IT is working on design and development of infrastructure that is required for AI. In ISM 2.0, support for design, Manufacturing and packaging will continue and will further expand for semiconductor ecosystem development. Research and Development (R&D) in cutting edge technologies and skilling will also be the key focus areas. India Semiconductor Mission is not only a government initiative, this is a journey of all stakeholders with a resolve to build a resilient, trusted, and future-ready supply chain that brings stability not just to one nation, but to the world,” said Shri. Amitesh Kumar Sinha, CEO & Additional Secretary, ISM, MeitY addressing the summit.  

“Back when I stood up at San Francisco and predicted a $1 trillion semiconductor industry by 2030, I wasn't thinking big enough. We're already at $1 trillion — not by 2030, but as of today if we take in account the chips being designed and manufactured in-house by hyperscalers and major system companies-the industry has already crossed that threshold. So today, I'm putting a new stake in the ground: $2 trillion by 2035. That's not a hope. That's a strategic projection grounded in where this industry is heading — driven by AI, advanced packaging, and the insatiable demand for compute at every layer of the technology stack. We've surprised ourselves before. We'll do it again. Prime Minister Modi invoked Moore’s Law at one of our SEMICONs, calling for India’s semiconductor industry likewise to grow exponentially now that the stars are aligned. The government has done its part. Now it's up to the people of India to step up,” said Mr. Ajit Manocha, CEO and President, SEMI at the inauguration.

“The vision of sand-to-silicon ecosystems reflects India's focus on building an integrated semiconductor ecosystem. We already have strong global leadership in chip design, with several global semiconductor companies operating design centers in India, contributing significantly to global chip design talent and innovation. Global trends indicate that the semiconductor value chains are becoming increasingly diversified and resilience-oriented. Nations are seeking trusted partners for manufacturing, design, packaging, and components. Through the strategic trade agreements, market access negotiations and export promotion frameworks, we are expanding opportunities for India's electronics and semiconductor industry in the global markets. Our objective is not just participation, but leadership in targeted segments of the global electronics trade ecosystem," said Shri. Manish Chadha, Joint Secretary Ministry of Commerce and Industry at his inaugural address.

“Karnataka isn't just participating in India's electronics revolution — we're leading it. From being the first TCC in the ESDM space in 1985, to contributing 46% of national electronics sales, hosting 500+ R&D centers, 100+ chip design centers, and global giants - our story is one of pioneering leadership. Our policies — from the Karnataka ESDM Policy to being the first state with a dedicated GCC Policy — reflect our unwavering commitment to growth. The IESA Vision Summit is the ideal platform to amplify this story to the world,” said, Shri Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, IAS, Director, Dept. of E, IT and Bt, GoK; Managing Director, KITS

“The electronics and semiconductor sector is perhaps the clearest example of what coordinated national intent can truly achieve. In over three decades of my association with this industry, I have never witnessed such an extraordinary alignment of vision and execution — with multiple central ministries, including MeitY, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Department of Science & Technology, working in sync with nine proactive state governments and industries under harmonized electronics and semiconductor policies. At IESA, our responsibility is to ensure that industry, academia, and government move forward in formation — aligned in purpose, speed, and direction.

‘Design to Manufacturing’ is not merely a theme; it is a strategic national imperative. India is positioning itself to be a Product Nation, a Production Nation, and a Skills Nation. And this summit marks the moment we confidently declare that ambition to the world,” continued Mr. Ashok Chandak, President, IESA.

The most Impactful development at the IESA Vision Summit, the official formation of IDSPS (Indian Design, Semiconductors, Packaging and Systems) — was announced as a dedicated division under IESA, marking a significant milestone for India's semiconductor R&D landscape. The division, formed with active participation from industries and Institutes will be led by Dr. Prof. Rao Tummala, appointed as CEO of the division and is envisioned to build a long-term R&D for manufacturing technology needs spanning 3, 5, and even 10 years ahead into the future — with ambitions that extend well beyond national boundaries to create global impact.

Other highlights:

One of the most significant highlights of this year’s summit included Grand Finale of the IESA DeepTech Hackathon 2026, a national competition (having 900+ registrations) that challenged India's brightest engineering minds to build practical, industry-ready solutions in the country's most strategically critical technology domains.

The summit also set the stage for one of the most anticipated traditions in India's ESDM calendar — the IESA Technovation Awards 2026, the sector's most prestigious recognition since their institution in 2008.

The Vision Summit 2026 set a landmark gathering by bringing together over 1,500 delegates alone on the 1^st day for a dynamic exchange of ideas and innovation. Featuring 30+ keynote addresses and 7 insightful panel discussions, the summit showcased 100+ booths. The vibrant Startup Zone and dedicated skilling workshops enlightened aspiring students from top engineering colleges. Along with a State Pavilion, Technovation Awards, Startup Mitra Sessions, Hackathon challenges and product launches the large-scale ecosystem exhibition offered unparalleled opportunities for networking, collaboration, and business development across the ESDM sector.

About IESA Vision Summit

The IESA Vision Summit is India's foremost annual event for the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing sector, organized by the India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA). Each year, the summit brings together thousands of industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, startups, and academics to shape the strategic direction of India's ESDM ecosystem. The 2026 edition is being held on February 25–26, 2026, at The Leela Bhartiya City Convention Centre, Bengaluru.

About IESA

The India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA) is India's premier industry body for ESDM and Intelligent Electronics. Working at the intersection of government policy, industry, and academia, IESA's mission is to establish India as a leading global hub for electronics manufacturing and design — and to harness the power of technology to positively impact the lives of over a billion Indians.

For more information, visit: www.iesaonline.org | www.iesa-visionsummit.com

Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit 2026, India’s leading student-led entrepreneurship and innovation platform
 

Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit is recognised as one of India’s most energetic student-led startup platforms. It seeks to boost the national entrepreneurial ecosystem by integrating thought leadership, funding options, competitive events, and extensive industry engagement in a single event. The summit offers a distinctive space where young innovators can connect directly with seasoned entrepreneurs and industry specialists, facilitating the transformation of ideas into tangible, real-world ventures.
 

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM, (Retd.) Vice Chancellor, MAHE, stated, “The Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit 2026 underscores MAHE’s vision of promoting innovation-driven education and entrepreneurship as key enablers of national development. By bringing together academia, industry, startups, and policymakers on a common platform, MES 2026 exemplifies our commitment as an Institution of Eminence to nurturing socially relevant, scalable, and sustainable ventures. Such initiatives empower students to become job creators and responsible leaders in a rapidly evolving global economy.”
 

Dr. (Cdr) Anil Rana, Director, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, said, “The Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit 2026 reflects MIT's sustained commitment to nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry readiness among students. By providing a platform that connects young minds with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, MES 2026 enables experiential learning beyond the classroom and encourages students to translate ideas into impactful ventures. Such initiatives play a critical role in strengthening India’s startup ecosystem and preparing future-ready entrepreneurs.”
 

The summit will commence with keynote and guest sessions by well-known entrepreneurs and creators, including Shantanu Deshpande, Ankur Warikoo, and Sahiba Bali. Their journeys across startups, content creation, and brand building are expected to inspire students and early-stage founders. A key highlight of MES 2026 is Pitch Tank, a pan-India startup pitching competition. Over 650 participants and 100+ teams will present their business ideas before venture capitalists and angel investors. The competition offers a prize pool of Rs. 1.5 lakh, along with mentorship and potential funding support.
 

MES 2026 will also feature the Innovation Mela, the summit’s flagship startup expo. The expo will showcase 150+ startups, MSMEs, research labs, and student innovators, and is expected to attract over 22,000 visitors, making it one of the largest innovation showcases in the region. The platform provides startups with valuable exposure, partnership opportunities, and direct access to investors and industry leaders.
 

Introducing a strong policy focus this year, MES 2026 will launch the Innovation Policy Consortium (IPC), a national inter-college initiative. Through this platform, student bodies will collaboratively develop research-based policy recommendations to address key challenges in India’s startup ecosystem. The final policy document will be presented to government representatives during the summit. The summit will conclude with an Influencers’ Conclave, featuring prominent entrepreneur-creators such as Parul Gulati and Gaurav Taneja (Flying Beast). The conclave will offer insights into digital-first businesses, personal branding, and community-driven growth.
 

With a legacy of over 25,000 attendees in previous editions, the Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit continues to serve as a national platform that supports emerging startups and local MSMEs, while providing students with meaningful industry exposure beyond the classroom. MES 2026 reinforces Manipal’s position as a leading hub for entrepreneurship and empowers the next generation of founders and changemakers.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offering over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science. MAHE operates through its constituent institutions across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai.
 

Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impactful research contributions, MAHE has earned strong national and international recognition. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, conferred MAHE with the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE continues to be a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative learning experience and vibrant campus life, as well as for national and multinational organisations seeking top talent.

Deepak Lamba, Founder & CEO, ImagiNxt

The partnership brings together ImagiNxt’s ambition to build a world-class, future-facing technology platform with MeitY Startup Hub’s national mandate to catalyse innovation across startups, deep tech, and emerging digital technologies under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. As part of the collaboration, MeitY Startup Hub will contribute to ImagiNxt 2026’s startup-led programming, policy conversations, and curated ecosystem engagements, enabling deeper participation from founders, innovators, and ecosystem institutions.

Scheduled for 22–23 May 2026 at the Jio World Centre, ImagiNxt 2026 is being built as a global convening where technology, enterprise, policy, science, and creativity intersect, with a strong emphasis on scalable, inclusive, and future-ready innovation.

Deepak Lamba, Founder and CEO, ImagiNxt, said, “India’s digital ambition will be realised by how effectively startups, policy and enterprise move together — at speed and at scale. Partnering with MeitY Startup Hub strengthens ImagiNxt’s ability to serve as a platform where founders are not merely visible, but structurally connected to capital, markets, policymakers and global opportunity. This collaboration is about translating innovation intent into measurable outcomes for India’s technology future.”

Dr Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub, said, “India’s digital growth depends on strong collaboration between government, industry, startups and academia. ImagiNxt brings these stakeholders together in a structured and forward-looking way. I look forward to being part of ImagiNxt 2026 and contributing to conversations focused on building scalable, inclusive and future-ready technology for India.”

The partnership reflects a shared belief that India’s next phase of growth will be driven by startups, digital public infrastructure, and enabling policy frameworks that support innovation at a population scale.

Further details on MeitY Startup Hub-led sessions, startup showcases, and ecosystem initiatives at ImagiNxt 2026 will be announced in the coming months.

About MeitY Startup Hub (MSH)

MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) is the national startup and innovation platform of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. MSH fosters innovation across deep tech, electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, gaming, and emerging technologies by connecting startups with government, industry, academia, and investors to accelerate innovation-led nation building.

About ImagiNxt 2026

ImagiNxt 2026 is India’s Festival of Technology and Innovation, built with the objective of enabling innovation-led nation building. The inaugural edition will be held on 22–23 May 2026 at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai, convening global technology leaders, enterprises, investors, policymakers, startups, researchers, and creators to shape India’s technology and innovation agenda for the next decade.

Curated by ImaginatioNxt Private Limited, ImagiNxt accelerates outcomes by connecting capital, markets, policy, and human experience, with focus areas spanning artificial intelligence, deep tech, digital public infrastructure, robotics, sustainability, enterprise transformation, and creator-driven economies.

PayU’s Startup Republic campaign launches with a 120-second hero film capturing the collective spirit of India's entrepreneurial republic, followed by a series of 36 five-minute documentary films
 

India's startup landscape, as of December 31, 2025, boasts more than 2 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups, spanning D2C and diverse business verticals, that have generated employment for over 2.1 million people, with women representation in leadership roles (as directors or partners) exceeding 45%. 

The initiative includes showcasing entrepreneurs from DPIIT-registered startups located in emerging entrepreneurial hubs outside the metros, highlighting narratives from geographically underrepresented regions. Through this inclusive strategy, entrepreneurial achievements from India's varied territories gain nationwide recognition and visibility through a unified story of national progress.

The campaign launches with a 120-second hero film capturing the collective spirit of India's entrepreneurial republic, followed by a series of 36 five-minute documentary films. Spanning diverse segments including lifestyle, travel, health, FMCG, and others, these films represent the true breadth of India's entrepreneurial republic. Each film profiles a founder from a different state or union territory, offering an intimate look at their journey, challenges and aspirations. Rolling out across PayU's social channels starting January 23^rd ahead of Republic Day celebrations, these stories demonstrate how India's startup ecosystem embodies the 'Made in India, built for the world' ethos reshaping the nation's economic landscape.

"The next decade of India's digital economy will be built by founders who understand local consumers deeply and scale with global ambition. At PayU, we believe India's greatest asset is its entrepreneurial spirit. Startup Republic celebrates entrepreneurs actively writing India's future through authentic storytelling, because innovation has no zip code in India and real nation-building happens when founders from Ladakh to Lakshadweep see that their dreams matter. This initiative reflects where India is headed, not just where it stands today," said Vineet Sethi, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, PayU.
 

“Under Startup India, India’s startup ecosystem is moving beyond scale to focus on depth and genuine impact. With innovation reaching every state and union territory, entrepreneurship is becoming a powerful nation-building force. Initiatives like Startup Republic showcase these diverse success stories, proving that India’s innovation economy is growing well beyond the metros,” said Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

This campaign celebrates D2C startups, an integral segment of PayU's merchant ecosystem, bringing these nation-builders into the spotlight during India's most significant patriotic moment. Under an MoU with DPIIT, PayU is working with Startup India to empower startups across India—not just in metro cities—by delivering tailored payment solutions, mentorship, exclusive community access, and fundraising opportunities to support growth at every stage.

PayU also runs InFiNity, India’s leading fintech accelerator, which has enabled 60 startups across two cohorts with 1:1 mentorship, partnership opportunities, and over $5 million in investments, translating founder innovation into real scale.

Watch the film: youtu.be/pw0gGHXj9zc
 

About PayU
PayU, India's leading diversified fintech platform with Prosus as an investor, operates businesses that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital financial services needs of customers (merchants, banks, and consumers).
 

PayU provides payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and has empowered 4.5 lakhs+ businesses, including India’s leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 100+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more. It’s a preferred partner in the affordability ecosystem, offering the maximum coverage of issuers and easy-to-implement integrations across card-based EMIs, pay-later options, and new-age cardless EMIs. PayU offers e-commerce brands best-in-industry success rates while ensuring a seamless checkout experience.
 

About Startup India
Launched on 16 January 2016, Startup India is a sector-agnostic flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at building a strong, resilient, and inclusive startup ecosystem across the country. Anchored by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the initiative works to catalyse a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship by enabling startups through progressive policy reforms, ease of doing business measures, access to funding, incubation and mentorship support, and market linkages.

The startup movement, ignited by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has transformed India into one of the world’s fastest-growing innovation hubs. From approximately 500 startups in 2016, the ecosystem has expanded to over 2 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups spanning diverse sectors and geographies, including a significant presence from Tier II and Tier III cities. Startup India continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing homegrown innovation, fostering job creation, promoting inclusive economic growth, and strengthening India’s position as a global startup destination.

Mr. Bakul Limbasiya, Founder of Bhathwari Technologies

This recognition is especially significant as it not only celebrates Limbasiya’s personal achievements but also marks an important milestone for the lab-grown diamond industry in India. Historically, the APO National Award has been presented to distinguished leaders such as Mr. Anil Naik of Larsen & Turbo and Dr. Verghese Kurien, underscoring its stature and legacy in honouring visionaries who have made transformative contributions to India’s industrial landscape. The inclusion of the lab-grown diamond sector among its awardees signals a strong acknowledgment of the industry’s growing strategic and economic relevance.

A pioneer in the global lab-grown diamond (LGD) sector, Bakul Limbasiya has been associated with the industry since 1998 and is credited with producing India’s first-ever lab grown diamond in 2004. His early involvement and pioneering breakthroughs laid the foundation for what has today become a globally competitive, technology-driven Indian LGD ecosystem.

Through his work, Limbasiya has played a central role in shaping India’s position as a global hub for lab-grown diamonds, championing technology-driven manufacturing, responsible practices, and export-led growth. His efforts have contributed to enhancing productivity standards within the industry, promoting innovation in diamond growing and processing technologies, and strengthening India’s reputation in sustainable diamond production in line with the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Speaking on receiving the award, Bakul Limbasiya said, “This honour goes beyond individual recognition; it is a validation of India’s lab-grown diamond community that is redefining the future of the diamond industry. Our sector stands at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and value creation, and India is uniquely placed to lead this global shift.”

The award highlights the wider transformation underway in the diamond ecosystem, where lab-grown diamonds are emerging as an engine of employment, export growth, and technological advancement, while offering a sustainable alternative to traditionally mined diamonds.

The APO National Award serves as a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to productivity excellence and its leadership in new-age manufacturing sectors.

About BTPL

Bhathwari Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (BTPL), based in Surat, is one of the world’s leading producers of lab-grown CVD diamond reactors and advanced technologies for lab-grown diamonds. The company has a strong focus on innovation and continuous development of cutting-edge CVD plasma technology, playing a significant role in strengthening India’s leadership in sustainable diamond production. BTPL has remained instrumental in shaping the LGD sector in India and has led the sector through its strategic investment in Limelight Diamonds, India’s largest lab grown diamond jewellery brand, further reinforcing its commitment to building a robust, integrated and future forward lab grown diamond ecosystem in India.

Currently serving as the Group CEO of Aspect Global Ventures, one of India’s fastest-growing conglomerates, Kamboj oversees a wide portfolio that includes bullion, real estate, sports, hospitality, infrastructure, energy, entertainment, and social impact initiatives. His role involves aligning varied business verticals under a unified operating approach, focused on efficiency, scale, and responsible expansion.

Unlike many high-growth stories driven by rapid disruption, Kamboj’s entrepreneurial style is rooted in building strong fundamentals. He is known for prioritising operational depth, governance, and team capability before scaling businesses. This approach has helped Aspect Global Ventures expand its footprint steadily, both within India and internationally, with growing presence across Dubai, Singapore, the US, and the UK.

Colleagues describe him as deeply involved in execution, with a clear understanding of ground realities across sectors. Whether working with leadership teams or evaluating new opportunities, Kamboj is known for combining commercial prudence with an ability to spot long-term potential. His experience across diverse industries has enabled him to navigate complex market cycles while maintaining stability and focus.

Beyond business, Mohit Kamboj, through his philanthropic efforts under the MKB Foundation, has consistently dedicated his time and resources to causes rooted in human dignity. The Foundation works in areas that often receive limited attention, including transgender inclusion, supporting initiatives that restore dignity, improve access to basic rights, and promote social acceptance. Its work also includes temple restoration and initiatives that ensure dignified last rites for unclaimed bodies, reflecting a strong commitment to compassion, cultural values, and social responsibility.

A strong spiritual believer, Kamboj attributes much of his resilience and clarity to inner discipline and faith. This grounding influences his leadership style, measured, calm, and forward-looking, especially in high-pressure environments. He believes that balance is essential for sustained performance, both at an individual and organisational level.

An avid traveller, Kamboj draws inspiration from global cultures and business environments. Exposure to international markets has shaped his understanding of cross-border opportunities and helped him build a global perspective on entrepreneurship, leadership, and collaboration.

As Indian enterprises increasingly look outward while strengthening domestic foundations, leaders like Mohit Kamboj reflect a quieter, more deliberate path to success. His journey highlights the value of patience, preparation, and purpose, principles that continue to guide his work across businesses and beyond.

Women Entrepreneurs Are Entering Sectors Once Dominated by Men: Tide Insights

This surge is most visible outside metros. Across smaller towns such as Gulharia in Uttar Pradesh, Harnul in Maharashtra, Bisrakh in Uttar Pradesh, and Indore in Madhya Pradesh, women from India’s working-age population are formalising skill-based and service-led enterprises through digital platforms. While women in their late twenties and early thirties are prominently represented — in line with India’s largest demographic cohort — the growth reflects broader participation across working-age women, pointing to a structural shift towards entrepreneurship for long-term financial independence and flexibility in non-metro India.

Women Expanding Beyond Traditional Sectors – New Categories Gain Momentum
While sectors like tailoring and beauty services have long been dominated by women, Tide’s data reveals a notable rise in women-led businesses across skilled services and tech-driven categories. These include:

• Mobile, tablets, and computer repair, led by women in West Bengal and urban clusters of Tier 2 cities

• Accounting and tax services, with young women taking up formal financial and compliance-led business roles

• Nursing and personal care services, emerging strongly from Madhya Pradesh

• Sewing machines and micro-manufacturing now formalising through digital payments and accounting tools

This shift underscores how Indian women are breaking occupational stereotypes, entering previously male-dominated sectors, and adopting digital tools to scale their income.

Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO, Tide in India, said, “What’s most inspiring is how women are breaking stereotypes — whether it’s repairing devices, managing accounting services, or running nursing-led service models. This shift represents a generational transition. Women in their late twenties and early thirties enter entrepreneurship with stronger digital familiarity and a clear desire for self-determined growth. For many, this phase has become the launchpad for building businesses that contribute directly to household incomes and local employment.”

More Women Are Formalising Their Businesses — A Post-2025 Trend
The rise of women-led businesses is closely tied to digital adoption. Tide’s data shows a sharp jump of 111% in new women-led businesses between March and November 2025, indicating a broader trend of women moving towards formalisation, digital payments, and regulated business practices. This trend is especially strong among women in their early careers (late 20s to early 30s), many of whom are running solo businesses while managing families, caregiving responsibilities, or flexible work arrangements.

These behaviours are strengthening credit visibility and enabling more women to access financial products needed for growth — a persistent hurdle for women microentrepreneurs in India.

Key Tide Products Driving Growth for Women-Led Businesses
Women-led businesses on Tide are not only growing in number but are also emerging as high-engagement digital users on the platform. The top three products used by women entrepreneurs are:

1. Debit Services 
Women entrepreneurs are actively using Tide’s debit services to streamline day-to-day business spending. With seamless card management, real-time tracking, and secure transactions, debit usage helps them maintain tighter control on their business finances.

2. Bill Payments
Women are increasingly adopting digital bill payments to manage utility expenses, vendor payments, and recurring business costs. This shift towards structured financial management helps them maintain clean records and improve creditworthiness.

3. Payment Acceptance via QR Codes
QR-based payments are playing a central role in helping women-run microbusinesses — from sewing shops to repair desks to home-based services — accepting customer payments instantly and securely has removed cash-dependence and improved business visibility.

Tide will continue to expand its digital tools, financial education initiatives, and on-ground programmes to support women-owned businesses across Tier 2, 3, 4 and 5 India, as part of its commitment to help 500,000 women entrepreneurs start and run their businesses by 2027.

About Tide
Launched in 2017, Tide is the leading business management platform in the UK. Tide helps SMEs save time (and money) in the running of their businesses by not only offering business accounts and related admin services, but also a comprehensive set of highly usable and connected administrative solutions from invoicing to accounting.

Tide has nearly 800,000 SME members in the UK (14% market share) and 1,000,000 SMEs in India. Tide launched in Germany in May 2024 and in France in September 2025. Tide has also been recognised with the Great Place to Work certification three years in a row. Tide has been funded by Anthemis, Apax Digital Funds, Augmentum Fintech, Creandum, Salica Investments, Latitude, LocalGlobe, SBI Group, Speedinvest and TPG, amongst others. It employs more than 2,500 Tideans worldwide. Tide’s long-term ambition is to be the leading business management platform globally.

LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/company/tide-banking
Twitter: twitter.com/TideBusinessIND 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tidebusinessindia
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TideBusinessIndia

Startup Runway Table 

Prominent Attendees and Industry Leaders

The event witnessed participation from several respected leaders and decision-makers, including Mr. Hamid Dakhil, Dr. DJ Zawar, Mr. Puneet Thakur, Mr. Piyush Rathi, Mr. Vishal Dhoot, Mr. Manish K Prahlad, Mr. Ajay Data, Mr. Dheeraj Vijayvargiya, Mr. Adhiraj Mehra, Mr. Deepak Faria Shah, Mr. Jignesh Patel, Ms. Nitika Khurana, and Ms. Rhythm Jain, whose presence added strategic depth and credibility to the discussions.

L to R - Mr Mandhar, Mr Ajay Data, Mr. Hamid Dakhil, Ms. Shwera Choudhary

Strong Funding Momentum

One of the major highlights of the evening was the announcement of approximately Rs. 5 crore in investment interest, collectively expressed by 5–6 prominent leaders in attendance. The interest was directed toward multiple early-stage and growth-stage startups that presented during the event, showcasing strong business fundamentals, scalability, and market readiness.

Startup Runway Table: A Curated Innovation Showcase

A standout feature of the XLR8AR Innovation Jamboree was the Startup Runway Table, a specially curated experiential zone designed to give startups direct visibility with investors, mentors, and strategic partners. Unlike traditional exhibition formats, the runway table allowed founders to present their products, brand stories, and growth vision in an interactive, high-engagement environment.

The runway featured consumer and lifestyle brands such as Namo Jewellers, StepWhere, Esperance Bags, Hoora, Allure, HealthyScoop, and Rangat Jaipur, each demonstrating innovation across design, sustainability, wellness, and customer experience.

In addition, high-potential startups including Greenmanure, Hobnob, Aeyi, Growmyrx.ai, Edulyst, Ecowrap, and Loadmee attracted strong interest from investors and industry leaders for their technology-driven solutions, scalable models, and alignment with future market needs.

The Startup Runway Table played a pivotal role in initiating meaningful conversations, follow-up meetings, and early-stage investment discussions, making it one of the most impactful engagement formats of the evening.

Voices from the Ecosystem

Sharing his experience, MilapSinh Jadeja said, “The diversity and quality of the crowd stood out—networking with leaders from across India and beyond made this one of the most meaningful interactions.”

Vineet Khurana highlighted the maturity of participating startups, stating, “The SME startups showcased strong execution and impressive growth momentum. It’s encouraging to see founders scaling so quickly with such early-stage experience.”

Adding a strategic perspective, Yogesh Choudhary remarked, “It’s not just about capital; it’s about how effectively you leverage the business network around you. That’s where the real value lies.”

Key Highlights and Outcomes

• Strong cross-border collaboration synergies discussed among founders and investors

• Around Rs. 5 crore in co-investment interest announced for startups showcased at the runway and pitch sessions

• Entrepreneurs from multiple regions of India committed to joint collaborations targeted for 2026 expansion, strengthening the national startup ecosystem

The evening concluded with high-energy networking, reinforcing XLR8AR’s mission to create long-term, value-driven partnerships rather than one-time transactional interactions.

Jeet Vijay Joins InnovHer as Co-Founder, Ushering in InnovHer 2.0 and a New Era of Institutional Venture Building

Over the past two years, InnovHer has steadily built credibility as a Tier-2 venture platform—deploying capital, enabling co-investments, facilitating early exits, and positioning Jaipur as an emerging national convergence point for founders and investors. With this transition, InnovHer is sharpening its focus on institutional design, governance rigor, and long-term capital stewardship. The inclusion of Jeet Vijay significantly strengthens this ambition by adding policy depth, national-global perspective, and execution discipline.

A Leader Shaped by Policy, Capital, and Ecosystem Building

Jeet Vijay brings over 18 years of experience across venture capital, private equity, startup policy, and ecosystem leadership. Most recently, he served as the CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, the Government of India’s nodal agency for technology startups. In this role, he operated at the center of India’s innovation architecture—working closely with central ministries, investors, incubators, accelerators, and founders across the country.

His work has spanned national advisory roles, startup funding frameworks, and large-scale ecosystem programs, giving him a rare vantage point on what differentiates activity-driven initiatives from institution building. Beyond domestic policy leadership, Jeet’s international exposure—including collaborations with the University of Texas (USA)—has shaped his understanding of how mature ecosystems integrate universities, capital, and enterprises into long-term economic engines.

Equally significant is Jeet’s strong regional grounding. Hailing from Alwar, Rajasthan, and coming from a business family, he brings first-hand insight into the realities of Tier-2 and Tier-3 India. This perspective aligns closely with InnovHer’s founding belief that regional India requires durable institutions, not episodic programs, to unlock sustainable growth.

Commenting on his decision to join InnovHer, Jeet Vijay said, “Coming from Alwar, Rajasthan, I have always believed that regional India should not just export talent to metros, but build strong institutions at home. Joining InnovHer is my way of contributing back—by bringing policy experience, global exposure, and capital discipline to strengthen startups and SMEs in Rajasthan and other Tier-2 regions. If we want sustainable growth, we must build local economic engines that can compete nationally and globally while remaining rooted in their communities.”

Strengthening InnovHer’s Strategic and Institutional Output

As Co-Founder, Jeet Vijay’s role will focus on sharpening InnovHer’s strategic direction, governance frameworks, and institutional architecture. His presence brings greater rigor to venture selection, capital structuring, and policy alignment—ensuring that InnovHer’s growth is disciplined, auditable, and scalable.

More importantly, his inclusion expands InnovHer’s horizon. With a deep understanding of national policy, global best practices, and regional execution, Jeet strengthens InnovHer’s ability to support startups and SMEs as long-term economic contributors, not merely high-growth bets. This approach is increasingly relevant as India’s next growth cycle is expected to be driven by MSMEs, regional enterprises, and innovation-led local economies.

InnovHer 2.0: Building a Venture Institution from Tier-2 India

InnovHer 2.0 represents a deliberate shift—from a venture platform to a venture institution. The next phase is designed to deliver deeper, more structured support to:

• SMEs seeking capital readiness and sustainable growth pathways

• Startups requiring governance-first scaling frameworks

• Local economies aiming to build durable innovation capacity

With Jeet Vijay joining as Co-Founder, InnovHer reinforces its commitment to institution-grade execution, long-term capital stewardship, and ecosystem accountability. The organization aims to demonstrate that venture institutions built from Tier-2 India can deliver outcomes on par with, or better than, metro-centric models.

A Shared Vision for National Impact

The alignment between InnovHer’s founding leadership and Jeet Vijay is rooted in a shared conviction: India’s most resilient innovation will emerge from regions when supported by strong institutions. InnovHer 2.0 seeks to set a national benchmark by proving that disciplined venture building, policy alignment, and regional grounding can coexist with scale and global competitiveness.

As InnovHer steps into this new chapter, the appointment of Jeet Vijay is not merely a leadership announcement—it is a signal. A signal that InnovHer is building for scale with discipline, for growth with purpose, and for impact with longevity.

L to R: Onkar Bagaria, Mandar Shrikant Joshi, Shweta Choudhary, Anish Maheshwari, Digvijay Singh

Onkar Bagaria: Capital Discipline Meets Capability Building

Strategic Partner for Innovher, Onkar Bagaria brings a distinctive perspective shaped by investment banking, institutional leadership, and generational business wisdom. His grounding in structured finance and capital markets, coupled with his role as CEO at VGU, one of Rajasthan’s leading private university, allows him to bridge the often disconnected worlds of financial discipline and capability creation.

Within InnovHer, he plays a critical role in strengthening investor readiness frameworks, capital structuring confidence, governance orientation, and sustainable long-term planning. His family business legacy adds an important generational lens, focusing not only on growth but on reputation, credibility, and risk stewardship. For Tier 2 ventures aspiring to command serious institutional trust, his involvement ensures that capital aspiration is matched with financial prudence.

Mandar Shrikant Joshi: Aligning Tier 2 Ambitions With Global Standards

As Strategic Partner at Innovher for Global Venture Building and Ecosystem Design, Mandar Shrikant Joshi introduces a powerful international calibration layer to InnovHer’s mission. His experience spans venture building, startup ecosystems, investor readiness, and strategic alignment across multiple geographies and market cycles. He understands how founders evolve, how ecosystems mature, and what separates globally competitive ventures from locally confined aspirations.

At InnovHer, he focuses on aligning venture-building frameworks with international benchmarks, strengthening cross-border linkages, and preparing founders for global markets and capital expectations. His inputs are particularly impactful for sectors such as D2C, luxury, and lifestyle where aspiration must be backed with robust execution structures. Through his lens, InnovHer reinforces a central belief: Tier 2 origin is not a limitation. With the right discipline, founders from emerging ecosystems can build ventures that confidently operate on a global stage.

Anish Maheshwari: Governance Strength and Capital Stewardship

In a startup climate often driven by speed over structure, Anish Maheshwari, Director at VSure Investments, Mumbai, brings the stabilizing force of governance maturity and capital stewardship to InnovHer. As Strategic Partner at InnovHer for Corporate Governance and Capital Stewardship, he anchors the leadership bench with boardroom-grade seriousness.

He contributes deeply to corporate governance frameworks, investment structuring sanity, compliance sophistication, and investor confidence building. He ensures that ambition is supported by institutional safeguards, enabling founders to grow without exposing themselves to avoidable risks. At a time when credible investors increasingly demand transparency, discipline, and ethical capital management, his presence serves as a crucial assurance mechanism. For InnovHer, this balance between growth velocity and governance integrity is not optional. It is foundational.

Digvijay Singh: Architecting Digital Presence and Platform Trust

If InnovHer represents vision and institutional maturity, it also stands for lived mentorship and human evolution. Digvijay Singh, Director at InnovHer, represents that journey. Once mentored by InnovHer’s founder, he has grown into a core execution pillar and narrative custodian of the platform.

With a deep understanding of digital media, content ecosystems, and platform storytelling, he strengthens how InnovHer and its portfolio communicate credibility, trust, and relevance in today’s attention-driven digital economy. His work spans brand architecture, digital strategy, founder communication frameworks, narrative discipline, and media design. Beyond strategy, his journey from being a learner to becoming a leader reflects InnovHer’s belief in compounding human capital, not just financial capital.

A Convergence of Experience with One Aligned Mission

What truly distinguishes InnovHer’s leadership is not individual brilliance, but strategic complementarity. Capital markets expertise, governance strength, global venture wisdom, digital strategy, and institutional vision converge into one coherent operating philosophy: build ventures that are execution ready, capital credible, and institutionally governed from day one. With leaders like Onkar Bagaria, Mandar Shrikant Joshi, Anish Maheshwari, and Digvijay Singh rallying behind Dr. Shweta Choudhary’s vision, InnovHer’s momentum has moved beyond being founder driven. It is now institution anchored.

From Jaipur, InnovHer is quietly rewriting what Tier 2 entrepreneurship can represent in India. Not through noise. Not through rushed scaling. But by earning trust, building discipline, and nurturing a culture of seriousness around entrepreneurship. When experience aligns with purpose and integrity, institutions are not built overnight. They are built to endure. InnovHer stands as a testament to that belief.

Lakshika Joshi, Sampadaa Narang, Harsh Goyal, Goviind Vijay, Parvesh Kheterpal, HMJ J K Maheshwari, Judge Supreme Court, HMJ Sachin Datta, Judge High Court, Ranju Goyal, Sameet Gambhir, Sachin Kalra

Held under the theme “India Rising: Legal Minds, Global Businesses – Role of the Legal Profession in Shaping India’s Global Competitiveness,” the Summit provided a robust platform for deliberations on the evolving role of the legal profession in strengthening governance, driving investor confidence, and supporting India’s global economic ambitions.

The Valedictory Session featured the Keynote Address by Hon’ble Mr. Justice J. K. Maheshwari, Judge, Supreme Court of India, and opening remarks by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sachin Datta, Judge, High Court of Delhi, highlighting the importance of institutional strength, regulatory clarity, and ethical leadership in India’s growth story.

A key highlight of the evening was the Felicitation Ceremony, during which Hon’ble Mr. Justice J. K. Maheshwari felicitated eminent Corporate Counsel as “Most Influential Corporate Counsel,” in recognition of their exceptional leadership, strategic influence, and contribution to the corporate legal and governance ecosystem.

Notably, a thought-provoking discussion on the statutory recognition of the Corporate Counsel profession was initiated by Mr. Parvesh Kheterpal, Founder, ACoS, during the Summit. During his welcome remark, Mr. Kheterpal underscored the expanding role of in-house counsel as strategic business partners, custodians of compliance, and key contributors to corporate integrity and economic development. The discussion found resonance among participants, who emphasised the need for a structured legal framework to formally recognise corporate counsel as a distinct and integral segment of the legal profession.

The Summit also featured multiple technical sessions on contemporary and high-impact topics, including international arbitration and India’s positioning as a preferred seat, data protection, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, white collar crime and corporate integrity, and India’s emergence as a global hub for inbound and outbound acquisitions. The summit brought together 200+ legal professionals for a day of insightful discussions.

The inaugural session, featuring members of the ACoS Governing Council, set the tone for the Summit by highlighting India’s regulatory reforms and the strategic role played by corporate lawyers in the country’s journey towards a $10 trillion economy.

The 9th Annual Meet concluded with a renewed commitment by ACoS to foster policy dialogue, thought leadership, and collaboration among the judiciary, industry, and the legal fraternity to strengthen India’s corporate legal ecosystem and global competitiveness.

Panasonic leadership during Ignition 3.0, reinforcing commitment to co-creating scalable, tech-driven solutions for India’s residential ecosystem

Anchored in the theme “Residential Business Challenges,” this edition of Ignition spotlighted innovations that enhance modern living through smart technologies, sustainable practices, personal wellness, connected devices, and community-focused solutions.

IGNITE winner solutions in brief:

• Red Health - Operates a technology-led platform offering integrated emergency response services covering "first minute to last mile.

• Respirer Living Sciences - Develops IoT-enabled energy recovery ventilators that maintain healthy indoor air without wasting energy

Organized in partnership with Beyond Next Ventures, Panasonic Ignition attracted strong interest from India’s startup ecosystem, receiving 113 applications from early to mid-stage ventures across the country. Following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, 11 promising startups were selected for a three-month cohort, where they participated in curated masterclasses, received mentoring from Panasonic and Beyond Next Ventures, refined their business models, strengthened product strategy, and underwent technology validation with industry experts.

Mr. Tadashi Chiba, MD & CEO, Panasonic Life Solutions India, stated, “India is now the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, expanding rapidly at 12–15% each year. This momentum inspires us to deepen our commitment to co-creating meaningful solutions. Our philosophy, ‘Create Today, Enrich Tomorrow’ reminds us that innovation must serve a larger purpose, that is, improving the quality of life and contributing to an ideal society. The third edition of Panasonic Ignition embodies this belief, showcasing responsible, future-ready innovations that are poised to transform how people experience their homes and communities.”

With India’s residential landscape undergoing rapid transformation, Panasonic remains committed to collaborating with agile, forward-looking innovators. The insights and solutions emerging from this cohort will guide future product development, shape strategic partnerships, and enable market-ready innovations—all aligned with Panasonic’s long-term vision of delivering homes that are safer, smarter, more efficient, and truly enriching for customers across India.

Mr. Kunio Gohara, Chief Transformation Officer (CTRO) and Head of the CVC Office, Panasonic Corporation, said, “The Panasonic Kurashi Visionary Fund (PKVF) views India as one of the most important innovation ecosystems in the world. With Ignition’s third cohort, we see a new generation of startups building category-defining technologies in safety, wellness, energy, and community living. For us, Ignition is not only an accelerator—it is a strategic investment pipeline. As a CVC, we are committed to identifying founders who can become long-term partners in Panasonic’s global transformation. We will continue to explore investment opportunities in high-potential Indian startups and co-create solutions that can scale across markets and shape the future of residential living.”

Mr. Manish Misra, Chief Innovation Officer, Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), added, “At Panasonic, innovation is not just a function—it is how we create meaningful value for every resident we serve. Ignition 3.0 has shown the power of co-creating with startups to solve the rapidly evolving needs of Indian households. This year’s winners, Red Health and Respirer Living Sciences , embody the next generation of scalable, human-centric residential solutions. Their work reinforces our belief that collaborative innovation is the fastest path to building safer, healthier, and smarter homes for India."

Mr. Tsuyoshi Ito, President & CEO, Beyond Next Ventures, iterates, “Panasonic Ignition 3.0 has unearthed groundbreaking solutions that promise to make our homes safer, healthier, and more comfortable. We extend our heartiest congratulations to the winners, whose innovations in residential technology will continue to set a new benchmark. Through our partnership with Panasonic, we are excited for these startups to serve millions of households and communities worldwide. At Beyond Next Ventures, we are dedicated to empowering Indian entrepreneurs to expand their horizons through global partnerships.”

Alongside the IGNITE winners, Panasonic also recognized the ACCELERATE award winners —Ambiator, Biomoneta, Cantata, Kubo Care for their high-impact potential. These startups will work with Panasonic on pilot deployments and explore opportunities for mid-term strategic partnerships.

These solutions represent the next frontier of smart, sustainable, and human-centric technologies designed to elevate the residential and consumer lifestyle experience in India.

Panasonic Ignition has evolved from a focused startup accelerator into one of India’s most forward-looking open innovation platforms, now dedicated to solving large-scale, future-of-living challenges. From early cohorts focused on B2B energy management and consumer lifestyle solutions, Ignition 3.0 has matured into addressing system-level challenges across residential living, spanning safety, wellness, energy efficiency, and community infrastructure. Over three years, it has engaged with 700+ startups and forged deep partnerships with 46+ startups to build, validate, and scale real-world solutions.

About the Panasonic Group

Founded in 1918, and today a global leader in developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, devices, B2B solutions and energy sectors worldwide, the Panasonic Group switched to an operating company system on April 1, 2022 with Panasonic Holdings Corporation serving as a holding company. The Group reported consolidated net sales of 8,458.2 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2025.

To learn more about the Panasonic Group, please visit: holdings.panasonic/global

About Beyond Next Ventures

Beyond Next Ventures is a leading DeepTech venture capital firm with a decade-long legacy of building and scaling science-driven startups that solve real-world challenges. Headquartered in Japan and expanding its presence in India, the firm is distinguished by its unique operator-first DNA, global market access, and deep cross-border networks spanning Japan, the U.S., and India. The firm is currently launching its first India-focused fund (USD 30–50 million), aiming to be the preferred partner for early-stage DeepTech startups and institutional LPs seeking high-impact, high-return investments. The firm is deeply committed to a future where science meets scale for global good. Beyond Next Ventures does this by investing in startups solving societal challenges in health, climate, and digital infrastructure, and where impact and returns are inherently synergistic.

To learn more about Beyond Next Ventures, please visit: beyondnextventures.com

Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh Inaugurating Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science and Technology (KCC) at Chandigarh University

Over 5,000 Research Publications, 1247 Patents Filed & 943 Published in 2025

Chandigarh University students and faculty members have authored over 20,000 research publications and filed more than 5519 patents out of which 5212 patents published, and 238 patents were granted in diverse domains. In 2025 alone, CU students filed 1247 patents, 943 published and 25 patents were granted.

During January to December 2025, Chandigarh University students filed patents across diverse domains including Computer Science Engineering 734, Electronics Engineering 81, Mathematics 78, Physics 72, Mechanical Engineering 40, Aerospace Engineering 33, Electrical Engineering 29, Biotechnology 26, Optometry 23 and Chemistry 21.

As per Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indications (report 2023-24), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Chandigarh University’s Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI) has secured 1^st place by filing highest 1126 patent applications in 2023-24, among all scientific research and development organizations in India. CU has also been ranked among the top 5 institutions in filing the highest number of patents in the last 5 years. CU-TBI provides an opportunity to incubate at the varsity and mobilize Rs 5 crore to catalyze growth in the startup ecosystem at CU which has 200 departmental research groups. CU has more than 2100 visiting international faculty members including 560 international research network scholars. In the last 5 years alone, CU has received INR 90 Crores for research and innovation projects from the Ministry of Science & Technology. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development cell (IEDC) facilitates the student with financial support from the university to fund their projects.

Chandigarh University Nurturing Future Scientists: 44 Faculty Members Features in Stanford University–Elsevier 2025 List of World’s Top 2% Scientists

Showcasing the growing global research impact and influence of Chandigarh University, as many as 44 faculty members from varied academic domains were featured among the world’s top 2 per cent scientists as per the Stanford University–Elsevier list released in 2025. These prestigious institutions release a large database that identify scientists whose published work is in the top 2% by citation impact in their field based on Scopus citation data and composite citation indicators. This list is an important benchmark for assessing scientific excellence and used globally for academic recognition, funding opportunities and international collaborations. CU faculty members have been featured in the coveted Stanford–Elsevier list of the world’s top 2% scientists, representing a wide spectrum of disciplines. These include Artificial Intelligence; Optoelectronics and Photonics; Mechanical Engineering and Transport Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Environmental Sciences; Materials Science; Applied Physics; Legal and Forensic Medicine; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry; Microbiology; and Neurology and Neurosurgery among others.

15 Industry-Sponsored High-Tech R&D Labs, COEs and 60 Research Centres at CU Nurturing Future Leaders in Emerging Areas

Chandigarh University houses as many as 32 Industry-sponsored Advanced Research Labs and Centers of Excellence (COEs) established by leading multinational corporations such as Microsoft, Cisco, Hyundai, Adobe, LinkedIn, Tech Mahindra, Capgemini and IBM among others that play a crucial role in elevating capabilities of students and faculty members through exposure to live industry projects. Apart from this, CU also houses 60 research centers.

For Engineering students, CU has tied-up with industry leaders that provide hands-on training to students with high-tech labs including Microsoft Innovation Center, Google Android Lab, Adobe Express Lounge Lab, Cloud Computing Lab, Oracle Academy, Tech Mahindra IMS Academy, Unisys Innovation Lab, EMC Academic Alliance, Microsoft Global Technical Support Center, Red Hat Academy Lab, SAP Next Gen Lab, Infor Lab and Microsoft Azure LAAS (Learning as a Service) platform, BOT lab, Bosch Bridge Centre and Cisco Networking Lab among others.

For Automobile Engineering students, CU has tied-up with industry giants that established high-tech labs including Mahindra and Mahindra T-School, Honda Research and Skill Development Centre, Hyundai Professional Development Centre, VE Commercial Training Centre, MG Motors Lab, Eicher – CU Centre of Excellence in Automobile engineering lab, Vehicle Maintenance and Diagnostic Lab.

Pushing frontiers of space science, CU students at the state-of-the-art Kalpana Chawla Centre communicate with all countries' Ground Station, which are members of SatNOGS, research on 3D Printed Aluminum/Plastics Structures that can be used in SPACE explorations Model Rocketry Lab and Star Gazing Center are all providing them platform to become space scientists.

Launched Campus Tank, India’s First University-led Startup Launchpad with $6 Million Funding Pool for Young Innovators

The academic ethos nurtured here at Chandigarh University does not stop at filing patents but translates its research output from papers to products, nurturing a culture where innovation moves from laboratories to the marketplace. Strengthening this robust innovation-to-enterprise ecosystem, Chandigarh University, India’s leading private university in collaboration with leading job platform Apna and prominent investment firm Venture Catalysts (VCats) has launched ‘Campus Tank’, India’s first university-led startup launchpad aimed at empowering young innovators to ideate, validate, and scale disruptive start-ups. CU students have successfully launched over 250 start-ups in diverse domains; to arm its students with research-intensive learning, the varsity allocates an annual funding of Rs 15 crores to carry out research and innovation-related projects.

Research at Glance

• Patents Filed: 5519

• Patents Published: 5212

• Patents Granted: 238

• Research Publications: 20,000+

• Industry Sponsored R&D Labs: 15

• Annual Research Budget: 15 Crores

• Sponsored Projects from DST (In last 5 years): 90 Crores

Top 10 Departments of Chandigarh University (Patents Filed in 2025)

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: www.cuchd.in

Ajaz Khan, Founder and CEO, Novyte Materials

The process of discovering new materials remains one of the slowest and most resource intensive parts of innovation. Traditional development takes years, often decades, driven by extensive trial and error, fragmented experimentation, isolated lab data, and disconnected handoffs between computational prediction and real world validation. This slows progress across sectors that urgently need next generation materials for better performance, reliability, and sustainability.

Novyte is addressing this challenge with AI driven materials discovery that cuts R&D time by up to 10x and can reduce early stage physical testing costs by as much as 90%. Its generative AI system designs, validates, and reverse engineers novel materials using physics based simulations, supporting applications across composite materials, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and specialty chemicals.

As industries push toward cleaner energy, advanced manufacturing, and high performance systems, materials science has become the quiet force behind many breakthrough technologies. From advanced batteries and hypersonic flight to nuclear fusion and low loss transformers, the pace of progress is shaped by how quickly and accurately new stable materials can be designed and validated.

“As AI becomes foundational infrastructure for every industry, Novyte is bringing that transformation to materials discovery. Their system replaces years of lab work with intelligent AI-led design and real-time validation. We believe this will accelerate innovation across energy, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing,” - Priya Shah, Founder & GP - Theia Ventures.

“Innovation is currently capped by the physical limits of yesterday's materials. Novyte removes that ceiling. By decoding complex chemical interactions with AI, we are turning the search for new materials into a predictable, scalable engineering process,” - Ajaz Khan, Founder & CEO - Novyte Materials.

Novyte is redefining materials engineering by fusing the precision of wet lab experimentation with the predictive power of dry lab modeling.

By working directly alongside R&D teams, decoding complex material interactions to engineer custom solutions, eliminates the guesswork of traditional discovery. The vertically integrated approach bridges the gap between testing and commercialization, replacing costly trial-and-error with predictable, validated pathways. The result is a continuously learning system purpose-built for applied industrial chemistry, creating a scalable foundation for reliable material discovery.

Novyte is incubated at ICT-NICE, the innovation and entrepreneurship hub of the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, and works closely with ICT’s research ecosystem while building its own dedicated R&D infrastructure, and synthesis lab.

Novyte will initially partner with specialty chemicals industries, polymers, paints, adhesives, and coatings that are advancing in their journey to identify alternative materials with improved features and performance. The company aims to reduce operational and R&D costs, shorten development timelines, and accelerate material discovery while ensuring that validation and scale are more predictable. The goal is to make the journey from lab to commercialisation seamless and achievable. The company is currently inviting collaborations and strategic partnerships.

This is Theia Ventures’ fourth investment from its new fund, which announced its first close anchored by British International Investment in October 2025. The fund counts Sarla Aviation (an electric aircraft company), Climitra Carbon (a biochar company catering to the steel industry) and Lemnisca (a bio-manufacturing company) as its first three investments, and the fund has committed to a few additional investments to be deployed within this financial year.

50cr raised by Marwari Catalysts portfolio startups 

MCats Accelerator and Venture Studio continue to drive investor confidence in founders across healthcare, sustainability, AI, and consumer brands — a positive signal for India’s evolving startup landscape.

Funding Across High-Impact Sectors

The raise spans a diverse set of emerging industries, each addressing pressing challenges and opportunities in India’s heartland:

• Affordable Fertility Care (Elara IVF) – designed for aspirational Tier II markets.

• Fintech-Enabled B2B E-Commerce Platform for Building Materials (Mad Over Building).

• Insurtech (Inka) – redefining insurance access for India’s underserved communities through digital innovation and simplicity.

• Healthtech (Sarathi Healthcare) – elderly care platform enhancing dignified, last-mile access to healthcare and assisted living.

• Consumer Brands (TURMS) – intelligent wear engineered with advanced fabric technology, designed for comfort, performance, and the Indian lifestyle.

• Mobility & Logistics (DOCO) – overcoming non-metro transport and supply-chain gaps.

More details will be announced soon. Investors include angel investors, family offices, impact funds, and corporate innovation teams — signalling broad cross-sector confidence in the MCats approach. This is also a strong validation that family offices and HNIs are increasingly interested in the venture studio model.

Founder’s Perspective

“This is not just capital—it’s validation,” said Sushil Sharma, Founder of Marwari Catalysts Group. “These startups are solving real problems, building for real India, and showing that innovation isn’t confined to geography.”

A Larger Shift in the Ecosystem

This consolidated raise reflects a wider shift in investor mindset—from chasing valuations in metros to backing sustainable, scalable ventures emerging from India’s smaller cities. For MCats, it reaffirms its mission to bridge the gap between opportunity and origin, ensuring talented founders are discovered, funded, and scaled.

About Marwari Catalysts

Marwari Catalysts Group (MCats) is one of India’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem player (Accelerator and Venture Studio), with mentors with skin in the game supporting 100+ early-stage ventures across 20+ cities backed by SEBI-approved CAT-I AIF. MCats provide capital, mentorship, and global market access to founders. Its portfolio has already created 5,000+ jobs while driving inclusion through 35% women-led startups and successfully done 11+ exits. We are headquartered in Jodhpur with regional offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Jaipur.

Welcome to MCats Family!

Zaggle Recognised Among the Top 10 Companies in Forbes India DGEMS 2025 

The DGEMS (Digital Global Expansion of Market-Ready Startups) 2025 initiative by Forbes India identifies high-potential Indian companies poised to scale internationally. The evaluation considered key criteria including scalability, defensibility, innovation capability, technology maturity, business model strength and global market potential.

Forbes India noted that this year’s selected companies represent a growing wave of Indian enterprises expanding into new geographies and reshaping global industries through technology-led disruption. In its official remarks on Zaggle’s selection, Forbes India stated, “Zaggle’s vision, impact, and offerings align strongly with our Global Business Potential criteria. We look forward to amplifying its international success through global recognition and cross-border collaboration opportunities.”

Speaking on the recognition, Mr. Avinash Godkhindi, MD & CEO, Zaggle, said, “We are honoured to be selected among the Top 10 companies in the Forbes India DGEMS 2025 program. This recognition reinforces our commitment to building a world-class, innovation-driven business that delivers meaningful value to enterprises. As we accelerate our global expansion journey, this acknowledgment strengthens our confidence and validates our strategy of combining intelligent spend management, deep technology and robust financial products to serve diverse markets across the world.”

The recognition further positions Zaggle as a globally competitive SaaS Fintech Player, ready to leverage new international opportunities, strategic partnerships and high-growth markets. Backed by a strong technology foundation, deep domain expertise and a proven track record of large-scale enterprise execution, Zaggle is well placed to navigate global expansion with speed and confidence. The company continues to advance its mission of transforming how organisations manage spends, automate financial workflows and drive business efficiency through intelligent, digital-first and highly scalable solutions. As Zaggle broadens its global footprint, it remains committed to delivering innovation-led value and empowering enterprises worldwide to operate with greater transparency, control and agility.

About Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited (Zaggle)

Founded in 2011, Zaggle (BSE: 543985 & NSE: ZAGGLE) is a category-leading spend management company with a strong technology-led value proposition and a diversified user base. Operating in the business-to-business-to-customer (B2B2C) segment, Zaggle is among a select group of players with a comprehensive suite of financial technology products and services.

Zaggle is one of the largest issuers of prepaid cards in India through its banking partners and offers a robust portfolio of SaaS solutions spanning tax, payroll and rewards management. As of September 30, 2025, the company has issued more than 50 million prepaid cards, serving more than 3.5 million users across industries. Zaggle’s enterprise network spans banking and financial services, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, FMCG, infrastructure and automobiles.

For more information, please visit: www.zaggle.in

Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor along with Young innovators from Chitkara University who showcased their startups at Microsoft Office, Gurugram

Before embarking on this remarkable journey, the student founders had the honour of meeting Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, whose words of encouragement filled them with renewed confidence and purpose. Addressing the students, Dr. Madhu Chitkara said, “At Chitkara University, we believe that entrepreneurship is not just about creating businesses but about creating impact. Our students are equipped with the mindset to innovate fearlessly, persevere relentlessly, and build meaningfully. I am immensely proud to see them represent the University at such a prestigious platform and translate their ideas into ventures that can make a real difference.”

At the Microsoft Office, the young entrepreneurs presented their pioneering startups before a distinguished panel comprising investors, mentors, and members of the Microsoft leadership team. Their ventures spanned diverse sectors including healthtech, edtech, sustainability, and artificial intelligence, reflecting the University’s emphasis on innovation with social relevance and scalability.

Among the standout teams, InTheBox, Ecosteelix, and Navgati were recognised as the top three startups and awarded cash prizes for their innovative solutions. Several other teams received special recognitions and Microsoft goodies, while two startups drew deeper investor interest for mentorship and potential collaboration — a testament to the entrepreneurial drive flourishing at Chitkara University.

This initiative, organised under the aegis of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED), provided student entrepreneurs with valuable exposure, industry insights, and feedback from seasoned investors and business leaders.

Reflecting the spirit of Chitkara University — where ideas take shape, dreams find direction, and innovation meets opportunity — the event highlighted the tangible outcomes of a learning environment that integrates academic excellence with real-world experience.

Chitkara University takes immense pride in empowering students to dream big, build boldly, and shape the future of innovation, reinforcing its position as a leading institution committed to developing the next generation of changemakers.

About Chitkara University
Chitkara University is a distinguished private institution known for its commitment to fostering academic excellence, research, and innovation across various disciplines. With a focus on creating leaders of tomorrow, the university offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed in an ever-evolving global landscape.

For more information visit : www.chitkara.edu.in

UP Govt. Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ along with MP Rajya Sabha & Chancellor Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu inaugurating ‘Campus Tank’ at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh
 

Under this initiative, over 1,000 startups have been on boarded, out of which 10 promising startups presented their ideas before investors and secured funding. The university has earmarked a total fund of USD 6 million (approximately Rs. 50 crore) for this program. This fund will assist aspiring entrepreneurs associated with ‘Campus Tank’ at every stage of their startup journey - from ideation to market launch. It addresses one of the most critical challenges faced by early-stage startups: access to seed capital. The fund will also be used to connect startups with mentors, incubation facilities, and networking opportunities.
 

On this occasion, Hon’ble Minister, Industrial Development, Export Promotion, NRI and Investment, Promotion, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ said that a university is a laboratory where “man-making” transforms into “nation-building.” Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh is working dedicatedly in this direction. The university has made remarkable efforts to modernize education and align it with global standards.
 

He emphasized that resources are essential to nurture talent, and today’s era belongs to research and technology. This hackathon is a meaningful initiative in that direction. Such events will help establish Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh as a leading AI hub. It will also serve as a milestone in promoting innovation and startups. Uttar Pradesh has a significant contribution in this endeavor, as the event plays a vital role in exploring and highlighting the innovative ideas of the youth of the state.
 

He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past eleven years, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with the number of startups growing at a rate of 12-15 percent annually.
 

Our double-engine government has taken several important steps to promote innovation in Uttar Pradesh. Chandigarh University’s TBI (Technology Business Incubation) Center has incubated more than 200 startups on campus, out of which 11 startups have achieved an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 50 lakh.
 

‘Campus Tank’ will take ideas and innovations to new heights. ‘Campus Tank’ has emerged as a unique platform where young innovators can present their ideas before industry experts, mentors, and investors, helping them scale their ventures to new heights.
 

Launch of CU AI Space: Alongside the launch of ‘Campus Tank’, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh also unveiled ‘CU AI Space’, a dedicated collaborative environment designed for students, startups, and industry professionals to work together in the field of Artificial Intelligence. The ‘CU AI Space’ will feature state-of-the-art technology and AI-powered tools to inspire young innovators to develop solutions for real-world challenges through research, development, and innovation.
 

During the inaugural ceremony, the first phase results of the ‘Campus Tank’ initiative were also showcased. Of the 1,000 startups onboarded under the program, 10 outstanding startups were given the opportunity to pitch their ideas before a panel of investors. These selected startups impressed investors with their creativity, scalability, and market potential, successfully securing the required funding. This success demonstrates the effectiveness of the Campus Tank model and the entrepreneurial ecosystem nurtured by Chandigarh University.
 

Viksit Bharat 2047: A National Vision: On this occasion, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), emphasized the crucial role of youth in nation-building. He said, “Campus Tank is not just a launchpad - it is a movement that will shape the next generation of India’s entrepreneurs.” He further added, “Our vision is to empower young innovators and founders to become key contributors to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national mission of building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. College and university campuses are no longer just centers of education - they have become engines of innovation and economic growth. Through Campus Tank, we are committed to nurturing future unicorns that will showcase Indian talent on the global stage.”
 

‘Campus Tank’ has thus emerged as a unique ecosystem where young entrepreneurs can connect directly with industry experts, mentors, and venture capital investors to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. The platform not only provides conceptual and strategic guidance but also offers the incubation support and partnerships required to transform ideas into sustainable, successful businesses.
 

About Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow)
Envisioned to foster a culture of sustainability and empower future global leaders, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, immerses 21st-century learners in a personalised and experiential learning experience, integrating an AI-powered academic model and a multidimensional, futuristic perspective on education. Our Uttar Pradesh campus carries forward the venerable legacy of more than a decade of Chandigarh University, Punjab, which has established itself as India's No. 1 Private University and a torchbearer of groundbreaking pedagogy and research-driven innovation. The AI-augmented new campus offers a broad spectrum of industry-driven futuristic academic programs encompassing data-driven insights, virtual reality experiences, real-world simulations, corporate mentorship, international perspective, interdisciplinary research, cultivation of entrepreneurial spirit, and professional competencies.
 

For more information, please visit www.culko.in.

JECRC MeitY Partnership: When Government and Academia Join Hands to Shape a New Era of Entrepreneurship

Under this landmark partnership, 12 of Rajasthan’s most promising startups will collectively receive funding support worth Rs. 1.8 crore.

The initiative is specially designed to strengthen the startup landscape of Rajasthan, with a focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

For the first time, prestigious national programs such as GENESIS and TIDE are being launched within a state-level technical university creating a “Shark Tank” like platform for emerging entrepreneurs to pitch and grow their ventures.

Startups will receive funding based on their stage of development from idea validation to prototyping and achieving market fit. A multi-level funding mechanism has been introduced to accelerate growth across these stages.

Under TIDE 2.0, four startups will receive grants of Rs. 7 lakh each. Additionally, under the GENESIS program, startups will be supported according to their maturity level up to Rs. 10 lakh for Early Idea (EIR), up to Rs. 40 lakh for MVP/Pilot Stage and up to Rs. 50 lakh for Investment/Scale-Up Stage.

The opportunity is exclusively open to Rajasthan-based startups including both individual innovators and DPIIT-registered startups with at least 51% Indian ownership.

The JECRC Incubation Centre not only extends financial assistance but also aims to create a transformative impact on the entrepreneurial landscape of smaller cities empowering startups from Rajasthan to compete on a global stage.

Over the past five years, JIC has supported more than 80 startups with cumulative funding exceeding Rs. 8 crore, along with providing state of the art facilities such as co-working space, investor connect, pilot connect and industry partnerships.

The launch of Mumbai’s 1st Campus Media Agency – MET Media Collective – united media leaders & students, marking a new era of hands-on, future-ready learning

On this occasion, MET Trustee, Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal affirmed MET’s vision stating, “The launch of Mumbai’s first campus media agency is not just a proud moment for MET - it’s a commitment to the future of media education."

The launch of MET Media Collective was celebrated through “Firechat with Media Mavericks”, a high-energy live interaction that brought students face-to-face with celebrated industry leaders from advertising, cinema, journalism, and technology. The dynamic session featured:

• POPS KV Shridhar – Global CCO, Nihilent & Advertising Veteran

• Mandar Natekar – Co-founder & CEO, Neural Garage (VisualDub.Ai)

• Tejaswini Lonari – Actress, Creator, Storyteller and a MET Alumni

• Pawan Kumar – Director & Writer

• Shahnawaz Baqal – Actor, Director, Producer

• Ashish Richhariya – Film Curator

Each maverick shared candid insights, inspiring stories, and practical wisdom, setting the tone for what the MET Media Collective will stand for - originality, innovation, and hands-on media engagement.

The MET Media Collective will operate as a student-run campus media agency, where learners take on live client briefs, execute campaigns, and experiment with storytelling formats. This pioneering platform promises to redefine how media education is delivered in Mumbai - immersive, industry-facing, and future-ready. For current media students at PGP MCMM, the agency becomes a real-time lab of ideas, letting them test strategies, develop campaigns, and collaborate with professionals while still pursuing their studies.

For future media students, the initiative is a powerful assurance that learning at MET IMM is not confined to theory, but is lived through experiences that mirror industry challenges. The exposure builds stronger portfolios, networks, and confidence to thrive in competitive media careers. The dignitaries praised the move as a visionary step for media education. Advertising Veteran POPS KV Shridhar reminded students that “Creativity is not about tools, it’s about perspective.” 

Whereas AI Entrepreneur Mandar Natekar emphasised the role of AI in storytelling, noting “AI is here to empower creators to imagine bigger and execute faster.” MET Alumni & accomplished India Film & Television Actress Tejaswini Lonari also inspired aspiring storytellers with “If you believe in your story, the world will eventually listen.” Such inspiration and high impact launch underscored the alignment of MET Media Collective with the evolving demands of the industry.

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr. Priya Nair Menon, Director, MET IMM said, "With initiatives like Firechat with Media Mavericks, we ensure that our students don’t just study media; they live it. This blend of academic rigour and real-world wisdom prepares them to become confident, future-ready professionals.”

Located in Bandra, at the heart of Mumbai’s media and entertainment hub, the MET Institute of Mass Media is recognised as one of the city’s leading media education institutions. With the Post Graduate Programme in Mass Communication & Media Management, mentorship from industry veterans, and platforms like the MET Media Collective, the institute consistently nurtures professionals who excel across Journalism, Advertising & PR, Entertainment, Digital Marketing, and NextGen Media & AI.

Explore opportunities at MET Institute of Mass Media, Mumbai. visit: www.met.edu 

Prominent Film Producer, Entrepreneur & investor, Ronnie Screwvala Inaugurating ‘CU X MASTERCLASS’ program at Chandigarh University

The CU X MASTERCLASS initiative is designed by Chandigarh University to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical industry insights, offering students a platform to engage directly with some of the most influential industry leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators across diverse domains including media, technology, entrepreneurship, finance, design, public policy and social innovation.

Under the Masterclass programme, Chandigarh University will organize interactive masterclasses led by distinguished professionals and thought leaders, enabling students to learn from their experiences, success stories and challenges. These sessions are structured to go beyond traditional lectures, fostering dialogue, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving through live case discussions and mentorship.

Addressing the gathering of students, Ronnie Screwvala, a renowned Filmmaker & Entrepreneur said, “The alphabet X is something that's going to haunt us in our careers because each one of you will have to reflect today, what is the X factor in your career, what are you going to build for the future? It’s very timely that we are calling these sessions CU X because the X factor today is what you will have to rediscover every single day. Today, staying relevant is one of the most important challenges for all of us, and that doesn't just mean with knowledge or technology, but in how we continuously reinvent ourselves. Your self-conviction, not just your social media voice, is what allows you to take your career and life to the next level.”

Screwvala added, “The SME sector, or the small and medium-scale industry sector, in our country is driving more innovation than almost anywhere else in the world. In fact, India today ranks among the top five countries in space innovation, which reflects the spirit of creativity and enterprise that defines our nation.”

“It’s important to remember be innovative. When you copy something, you can never truly create value, because you can’t copy completely. Original thinking is what builds real worth and lasting impact,” added he.

Sharing his own life experiences and his professional journey till now, Screwvala said, “Some of you may want to continue a family business, some may seek jobs and some may explore careers, but today in India, the future is also about self-employment. There was no Start-up India, no Shark Tank India, no VC investors or angel investors. Most parents thought it looked bad because nobody wanted to hire you, so deciding to start your own business was risky. But a low sense of entitlement sets your expectations differently and allows humility to guide your choices. That sense of entitlement has allowed me to be grounded and rediscover myself every day.”

Screwvala further added, “If you want to be self-employed or become an entrepreneur, one of the most important traits you need is the ability to stick around and outlast. Perseverance often matters more than timing, because when you are starting something whether it is big or small there is no good time or bad time. The right time is when you decide to begin. We all set our own time limit to achieve success, when things do not happen according to our plan, we call it failure. Because to achieve success, you have to work hard. It is not necessary that you get success according to your own time. Keep working hard.”

Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director, Chandigarh University, said, “CU X Masterclass exemplifies Chandigarh University’s commitment to providing a world-class, future-ready education. By connecting students with inspiring industry leaders, we are creating a platform where learning goes beyond classrooms where ideas flourish, curiosity is nurtured, and students are empowered to become innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”

“Through CU X MASTERCLASS, Chandigarh University reinforces its commitment to providing a world-class, future-ready education ecosystem. The programme complements the university’s academic framework by integrating experiential learning and industry exposure into the student journey, preparing them not just for jobs but for leadership, entrepreneurship, and meaningful contributions to society,” added Sandhu.

The launch event featured keynote addresses, panel discussions and an interactive session with Screwvala which was attended by senior university officials, faculty members, industry partners and students.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the fields of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address:  www.cuchd.in

Shilpa Kumar (MD, BII India) and Priya Shah (Founder, Theia Ventures)

With a focused investment thesis, Theia Ventures Fund I aims to back 18–20 early-stage startups developing differentiated technologies to decarbonize critical sectors such as heavy industry, manufacturing, material science, mobility, and supply chains. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $1 million, with over 50% of the corpus reserved for follow-on investments. The team brings a strong track record in energy transition investments, with prior proprietary investments in companies such as Exponent Energy, AltM Bio, Octolife, and Metastable Materials.

Through Fund I, Theia Ventures invested in Sarla Aviation, an Accel-backed electric air taxi company, and recently led a pre-seed round in Climitra Carbon, a biocoal company catering to the steel industry, run by a Stanford GSB, IIT-Bom & IIT-Dhanbad team. The fund has also signed on two additional companies in precision fermentation (biotech) and AI-based energy data modelling, with further investments expected to be announced in early 2026. The final close of the fund is expected by the end of the current financial year.

Priya Shah, Founder & Managing Partner of Theia Ventures, said, "We are thrilled to officially announce Theia’s first close and to partner with BII as our anchor investor, as well as other incredible stakeholders. Theia’s objective remains clear: to unlock much-needed, early stage capital towards Indian companies building transformative technologies to disrupt the energy status quo. Petroleum or coal-based products and processes are now being rapidly replaced by cleaner fuels and energy sources, which presents a huge opportunity for startup innovation and growth, particularly in emerging sectors such as carbon removal, novel materials, data centres, clean mobility, renewable energy and biotech. It’s fantastic to see international capital flowing into India to support talented founders building bold solutions that will shape the future." 

Shilpa Kumar, Managing Director and Head of Asia at BII, said: "Through our partnership with Theia, we are delighted to support early-stage companies developing unique climate technologies that can protect the planet and vulnerable groups in India. The climate emergency affects every aspect of life. Our investment will help accelerate technology development to reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience among low-income groups. This is aligned with our goal of contributing to India’s clean energy transition."

India’s forward-looking energy strategy continues to power economic growth, particularly in areas such as renewables.  India has become the world’s 3rd-largest solar energy producer, with renewables now powering over 50% of the country’s total installed electricity generation capacity of 484.82 GW.

About Theia Ventures

Theia Ventures is an early stage, thematic venture capital fund based in India, which invests in technology companies that are disrupting the energy status quo. It aims to support founders as a first cheque, and help them scale up throughout their operating journey.

About British International Investment

British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. The organisation invests in businesses in developing countries to improve people’s lives and help protect the planet. BII’s work targets the underlying causes of poverty and the climate crisis, helping countries break free from aid dependency for good. Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development. The company has investments in over 1,600 businesses across 66 countries and total net assets of £9.87 billion. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn, Bluesky and X.

IMC Ladies’ Wing Brings its Iconic Women Entrepreneurs’ Exhibition to Hyderabad
 

The grand inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Ms. Brahmani Nara, Executive Director of Heritage Foods Ltd., who applauded the event for its role in empowering women-led enterprises and fostering innovation. Guest of Honour Ms. Swapna Dutt Chalasani, acclaimed film producer and co-founder of Swapna Cinema, further elevated the occasion with her presence and inspiring journey in cinema.

This year’s decor – the striking Tree of Life – carried deep symbolism. Inspired by the legendary Raja Ravi Varma, whose timeless art portrayed women as embodiments of grace, strength, and resilience, the theme was a heartfelt tribute to women who inspire – those who lead, nurture, and transform. Just as Varma’s paintings immortalized feminine power, this exhibition stood as a living canvas of women shaping the future through vision and enterprise.
 

IMC Ladies’ Wing President, Ms Rajyalakshmi Rao, at the Hyderabad edition of the Women Entrepreneurs’ Exhibition
 

Addressing the gathering, IMC Ladies’ Wing President Ms. Rajyalakshmi Rao shared, “My presidential theme is ‘Evolve to Excel’ – a belief that true growth comes not from standing still, but from continuously adapting, learning, and rising higher. This exhibition embodies that very spirit. From its roots in Mumbai nearly four decades ago, it has blossomed into a platform that travels beyond boundaries, carrying with it the imagination, courage, and brilliance of women entrepreneurs.”

With over 100 curated stalls, the exhibition offered a vibrant showcase where each creation told its own story – from timeless craftsmanship to bold contemporary design. Visitors engaged enthusiastically, making the Hyderabad edition a resounding success and reaffirming the IMC Ladies’ Wing’s mission of creating meaningful opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

As the City of Pearls sparkled with creativity and enterprise, the Hyderabad debut of the IMC Women Entrepreneurs’ Exhibition left an indelible impression – inspiring women, celebrating innovation, and setting the stage for many more such landmark journeys across India.

Through its innovative “beyond financing” approach, which integrates skill training, mentorship, and market linkages, FAME continues to uplift women entrepreneurs, fostering entrepreneurship in clusters such as footwear manufacturing, dairy farming, sports goods production and Kirana. Programs empower women to build viable livelihoods with sustainable incomes, contributing positively to their families and communities.

Mr Brij Mohan, who is the Chairman of FAME and erstwhile Executive Director of SIDBI, commented on this milestone moment, “We are immensely proud to have impacted the lives of over 50,000 women entrepreneurs in a record period. This landmark accomplishment is a testament to our commitment to creating meaningful economic opportunities and social change. We have brought financial empowerment, dignity, and hope to thousands of women, and we will continue to scale our efforts to positively affect many more lives across India.”

FAME’s holistic interventions have produced transformative outcomes—70% of beneficiaries report increased monthly incomes, many earning between Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000, with 90% confirming the support FAME provides in generating livelihood post the training. The ripple effect is profound, with 88% of participants experiencing improved social cohesion, economic activity, and community recognition, actively promoting gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Rubina attending the Shoe Artisan Programme

“Before joining FAME, I struggled to contribute financially to my family due to societal restrictions and a lack of skills. Thanks to FAME’s Shoe Artisan Program, I have learned a craft that not only gives me income but also respect in my community. I now feel confident and proud to support my family and contribute to our future. FAME has truly changed my life,” said Rubina, a FAME Beneficiary from Agra

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, FAME remains dedicated to scaling its social impact through extended reach, strengthened partnerships, and innovative programming that deliver long-lasting dignity and financial independence for rural women entrepreneurs.

About FAME (Foundation for Advancement of Micro Enterprises)

FAME is a Section 8 Company dedicated to empowering unorganised micro businesses across India to scale and become competitive. With a focus on skill development, market access, and business advisory, FAME supports the micro entrepreneur sector, which comprises of over 70 million businesses that contribute to more than 90% of India’s non-farm jobs. The Foundation uniquely implements its programs through its own dedicated teams—including field officers, certified veterinary doctors, and trainers—to ensure high-quality, sustainable impact.

FAME’s programs target women, young people, and vulnerable communities, especially in sectors like dairy and livestock farming, shoe manufacturing, sports goods production and kirana. By providing in-depth training, creating market linkages, and fostering social inclusion, FAME has trained over 2 lakh micro enterprises, which include 50,000 women entrepreneurs, in more than 200 villages across multiple states. Committed to long-term livelihood creation, FAME’s interventions align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and strive to transform rural economies through inclusive growth and empowerment.

EUME marked World Gratitude Day by celebrating its lead investor Ashish Kacholia

Kacholia’s involvement has been about far more than capital. His sharp market acumen, foresight and people-first approach have inspired EUME to think long-term, build customer trust and never compromise on quality. His conviction in the brand has given the team the courage to pursue bold goals from strengthening distribution and operations, to pushing global aspirations and investing in research-driven design. As the founders put it, his mentorship has been less about numbers and more about creating sustainable value, a force multiplier that has shaped EUME’s growth story.

To make their gratitude tangible, EUME designed a series of exclusive bags inspired by Kacholia’s personal passions: wildlife and the stock market. These creations were more than products; they were symbols of how the brand tells stories through design. The wildlife-inspired bags reflected his love for nature, blending bold aesthetics with sustainable craftsmanship, while the stock market motifs drew from his identity as an investor, weaving in cues of financial growth. The result was a collection that married personal storytelling with EUME’s hallmark of premium innovation, a testament to the brand’s creative edge in the lifestyle space highlighting #makingmoves.

In a startup world where fundraising announcements usually take center stage, EUME’s gesture stood out as bold and refreshing. By celebrating an investor in such a personal and public way, the brand positioned itself as one that values human connection above transactions. Gratitude, for EUME, is not an afterthought but the foundation of its identity woven into how the company designs, communicates and grows. This initiative has not only set a precedent in India’s startup ecosystem but also reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to humility and long-term partnerships.

Looking ahead, EUME plans to continue using storytelling as a growth driver, building deeper emotional bonds with customers and communities. By celebrating people, ideas and values through design, the brand aims to strengthen loyalty and reinforce its position as a lifestyle company rooted in gratitude, creativity and purposeful growth. The message to the larger ecosystem is clear: when founders and investors honour each other’s journeys, partnerships transcend capital and become catalysts for enduring success. 

Uppalapadu Prathakota Shiva Prasad Reddy, a global entrepreneur and philanthropist

Crossing industries like beverages, construction, mining, agro-production, pharmaceuticals, and tourism, his entrepreneurial journey shows the strength of diversification and controlled growth. Anticipating change instead of responding to it, he has been able to establish enterprises that flourish across borders, leading to sustainable economic growth. Entrepreneurship for him is not merely a matter of growing businesses but building frameworks that create resilience, opportunity, and long-term value.

But what differentiates him is his theory of quiet philanthropy. Instead of accolades, he invests his time and resources in human capital building and education reform. His strategy rests upon three strong pillars: access, in that the students from underprivileged communities are not excluded from possibilities; dignity, whereby assistance is enabling and not transactional; and continuity, so that the effect goes beyond a generation. By funding NGOs, grassroots organizations, and community leaders, he helps bolster the very pillars of social justice while keeping the spotlight on the people spearheading local transformations.

This model is a reflection of his abiding conviction: that real leadership is not gauged in awards but by the lives changed. Uppalapadu Prathakota Shiva Prasad Reddy represents a new generation of international leadership, one where business acumen is combined with social consciousness, forging a soft but lasting record of advancement, dignity, and human potential.

The Forum saw over 200 participants from across India and Japan, including founders, investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders. Notable speakers included N. R. Narayana Murthy (Founder, Infosys), Amitabh Kant (Former G20 Sherpa), H. Takeuchi (CEO & MD, Maruti Suzuki India), T. V. Mohandas Pai, Dr. Pramod Varma (Chief Architect, Aadhaar), Nilesh Shah (MD, Kotak AMC), Meena Ganesh (Co-Founder, Portea Medical), and Dhimant Parekh (Co-Founder, The Better India).
 

The Dignitaries including Mr. Narayana Murthy and Mr. Amitabh Kant
 

"Next Bharat has the potential to create a bigger impact than Maruti Suzuki," said Amitabh Kant.
 

Adding to its global dimension, 40% of the audience represented Japanese corporates, reflecting the growing strength of India-Japan collaboration.
 

“The Next Billion Forum has become a unique platform where entrepreneurs, investors, and corporates from India and Japan co-create solutions for Bharat 2047. This year’s conversations reinforced that the next decade belongs to impact entrepreneurs who are building strong, purpose-driven businesses,” said Vipul Jindal, CEO of Next Bharat Ventures.
 

Team Next Bharat with Mr. Narayana Murthy and Mr. Amitabh Kant along with Vipul Jindal, CEO, Next Bharat
 

Key Highlights

• Powerful Keynotes & Panels: Discussions centered on building Bharat 2047 through entrepreneurship, digital public infrastructure, women’s economic participation, and impact investing.

• Strategic MoU: A collaboration between Atypical Advantage, Uno Minda Group, and Next Bharat Ventures was announced, to generate large-scale livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.

• India–Japan Exchange: More than 50 Japanese companies and 80+ professionals have engaged with Next Bharat over the past year. Three Japanese multinationals have even deployed employees for a one-year immersion in India.
  ​

Call for Applications - 3rd Cohort of Next Bharat Residency

At the Forum, Next Bharat Ventures officially launched the third cohort of its Impact Startup Residency Program. Applications are now open for revenue-generating impact startups (Rs. 50 lakhs+ ARR) working in agriculture, financial inclusion, health, climate, livelihoods, and other social impact sectors.
 

Interested founders can apply at nextbharat.in/apply.
 

About Next Bharat Ventures
Next Bharat Ventures is a platform dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs who solve socio-economic challenges in India’s rural and informal economy. Through its Residency Program, Next Bharat has supported 26 startups to date, impacting more than 146,000 lives and building strong bridges between India and Japan.

Not Just A Startup Accelerator - Marwari Catalysts Success Through Social Impact

From Jodhpur to Bharat’s Heartland

Founded in Jodhpur, MCats has become one of India’s fastest-growing accelerators, recording up to 100x growth in just a few years. With 100+ early-stage ventures across 20+ cities, MCats is ensuring that opportunity reaches communities where it matters most by focusing on Tier II and III hubs instead of metros.

Not Just A Startup Accelerator - Marwari Catalysts Success Through Social Impact

Jobs that Strengthen Families

Through its portfolio, MCats has generated over 5,000 jobs in cities such as Ajmer, Surat, Nasik, Faridabad, Coimbatore,Madurai, Trichy, Dehradun, Indore, Patna, Noida, Nagpur, and Raipur. These jobs represent youth finding work closer to home, reduced migration pressures, reverse brain drain of talent back into smaller cities, and healthcare services reaching underserved populations.

Startups like Sarathi Healthcare and Pratap IVF bring accessible medical care, Turms Intelligent Apparel links local supply chains to markets, and Jaipur Watch Company revives artisanal skills while putting Indian craftsmanship on the global luxury map.

Women Leading the Way

A standout feature of MCats is its commitment to gender equity. 35% of portfolio startups are co-founded by women, including ventures such as Leap Ahead India, Nostalgia Pages, Nuskha Kitchen, and First Crack. Within MCats itself, half the leadership team is women-led.

Entrepreneurship That Solves Problems

The accelerator backs companies that directly address India’s social challenges.

• Sustainability: Ventures such as ClimeKare and BuyByScrap are tackling climate action. MCats has also partnered with the Universal Carbon Registry (UCR), enabling startups to align with global carbon credit standards and turn sustainability into measurable, market-linked impact.

• Education: Startups like Learn & Build, Literom are bridging rural learning and upskilling gaps.

• Community Building: Platforms like Startup Chaupal and StartPreneur nurture local ecosystems and keep talent in emerging cities.

A Different Kind of Accelerator

“Every startup we back must answer a simple question: whose life will this improve? Unicorns may bring headlines, but livelihood creators make history,” says Sushil Sharma, Founder of MCats.

Unlike conventional accelerators, MCats doesn’t just provide funding and mentoring — it also offers global exposure and cross-border opportunities. Startups such as Leap Ahead India are already building international business associations, with more such collaborations in the pipeline.

About Marwari Catalysts

Marwari Catalysts (MCats) group is a family of fund backed by accelerator and venture studio, headquartered in Jodhpur. With 100+ startups, 5,000+ jobs created, and 35% women-led ventures, MCats has become a symbol of Bharat’s shift from metro-driven entrepreneurship to a grassroots-to-global social impact movement.

Swarna Rajamani, Chief Business Officer, Rassense Pvt. Ltd.

Swarna also continues to be board member of the company, making her one of the youngest and first female board member in a professionally managed contract food services company in India. In her previous role, Swarna was involved in reconstitution of the CRCL LLP into Rassense Private Limited through the fundraise with Spark Capital AIF and was responsible for undertaking the first ever AIF investment in the contract food services in India.

Prior to joining the food services industry, Swarna was with Shell for over 8 years. Before that she spent over a decade across different multinational companies like Lornamead, Foster Wheeler and RR Donnelley.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, MD & CEO, Rassense Pvt. Ltd., said, “Swarna has been through variety of roles across CRCL and Rassense handling Supply Chain, QHSE, HR, M&A and Strategy, which now equips her to play a pivotal role in driving the growth and strategy of Rassense as its Chief Business Officer.”

Kumar added, “We will continue to invest in developing and growing people to build a future for them which not only delivers on their career aspirations but also creates value for the enterprise.”

Swarna commented, “It has been a pleasure to be associated with the organisation for over 7 years. I am delighted to take on the new role and look forward to contributing to the company's growth journey. I see this as an exciting time for the contract food service industry as we observe significant growth in all our client segments across manufacturing, education and healthcare.”

About Rassense

Rassense Private Limited is India’s largest Indian-owned contract food services provider, delivering over 325,000 meals daily across the country. The company operates with a workforce of over 4,000 employees, all of whom receive full statutory benefits and health coverage. Focused on scalable technology, institutional governance, inclusive leadership, and environmental responsibility, Rassense serves large reputed industrial hubs, educational institutions, and hospitals across India.

The ‘Zero-to-One’ hackathon is themed ‘an idea in the morning, a start-up by night’ served as a fast-paced innovation sprint, giving aspiring entrepreneurs a platform to transform their ideas into market-ready Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). Out of a total of 1300 teams, 100 teams were shortlisted who developed MVPs during the given 24-hour slot out of which top 10 teams were selected in the final round.
 

Chandigarh University Vice Chancellor with three winning teams of ‘Zero to One – 24-Hour Startup Challenge 2025’ organized by Chandigarh University at Gharuan campus
 

The top 3 winning startups got direct entry in the country’s first university-led start-up challenge Campus Tank granting direct access to the top 300 teams to compete for the $6 Million prize pool. Lazy Genius, a team of four students from Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta Institute of Professional Studies (ADGIPS) New Delhi which came first in the Startup Challenge for their HealthTech Startup, has developed a physiotherapy model which will remain easily available for users with back and neck pain issues. Zudos, a team of three Chandigarh University students who came second in the Startup Challenge, have developed a tech startup for the creation of an affordable smartboard which operates with a laser mouse. Invaders, a team of four students from St John College of Engineering & Management (SJCEM) in Maharashtra which came third, have developed a Fintech Startup which will help groups of people who can’t borrow money from bank to get loans on monthly basis by becoming part of a digital wallet. A special award of US$ 100 was also given by Github to Syntex Syndicate.
 

While CMD Tynor Orthotics India and Vice Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Pushvinder Jit Singh presided over the event as Guest of Honour, other prominent personalities from the world of entrepreneurship and start-ups who mentored participants in their prospective ventures during the hackathon include Mahavir Pratap Sharma, TIE India Angels, Mohit Dua Co-Founder, AI Sensy, Piyush Garg, Founder Techyst, Pratiksha Gupta, CEO, One Special Place, Piyush Sharma, Facilitator Google Cloud, Santosh Kumar Mishra, SDE Microsoft, Uday Sharma, CEO DevnDez, Simarpreet Singh, Developer Groups Google and Vikash Kumar Yadav, Campus Expert Github. From Chandigarh University, Prof (Dr) RS Bawa, Advisor to Chancellor, Chandigarh University and Prof (Dr) Manpreet Singh Manna, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University and Archita Nandi, Director, Chandigarh University – Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI) among other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
 

The hackathon saw participation of aspiring founders from premier institutions including Amity University, GLA University, Thapar University, Lamrin Tech Skills University, MIT ADT University, Chitkara University, LPU, UPES, SRMIST, Delhi Technical Campus, IIIT Sonepat, VNIT, NIET, Geeta University, HPTU, GEC Gandhinagar and Chandigarh University among others. The participants came from states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi NCR, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Warangal, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Panipat, Gurgaon and Chandigarh among other cities.
 

Deep Inder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University said, “Zero to One is the first of its kind MVP building hackathon organized by Chandigarh University that is aimed at transforming ideas into enterprise. It has brought together students, startups and tech enthusiasts to brainstorm, innovate, build and present impactful start-up solutions under the mentorship of industry stalwarts. I am quite hopeful that it is through such events that empower next-gen entrepreneurs with adequate funding and expert mentorship to transform their ideas into successful ventures, the start-up ecosystem of India will grow to be number one in the world soon. The hosting of ‘Zero to One’ has established CU which has already incubated more than 200 startups as national innovation driver that empower job‑creators.”
 

Archita Nandi, Director, Chandigarh University – Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI) said, “While top 3 teams got the direct entry in the Campus Tank, the top 10 selected teams will be handheld by CU to release an MVP in the most frictionless environment for the next 4 months with incubation and market launch support from Chandigarh University. The handheld startup teams will be mentored by industry stalwarts and get direct entry to the demo day at Campus Tank. The hackathon was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world entrepreneurship. With a focus on ideation, validation, MVP building, debugging and final pitching, the program created a launchpad for India’s next generation of startups, while also celebrating the successes of seasoned entrepreneurs who have already made their mark. The top teams will also gain exposure to CU’s established Technology Business Incubator (TBI) infrastructure, integrating them into India’s growing startup ecosystem.”
 

Under strong leadership at the Centre, Transformative reforms reshaping every sector in India, this is the right time to dive into the world of entrepreneurship: Pushvinder Jit Singh, CMD Tynor Orthotics India and Vice Chairman, CII

Pushvinder Jit Singh, CMD Tynor Orthotics India and Vice Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said, “We are living in extraordinary times under a strong and visionary leadership at the Centre. With transformative reforms reshaping every sector, India is rising with renewed confidence and is well on its way to becoming a Vishwa Guru. There has never been a more opportune moment to dive into the world of entrepreneurship than now.”
 

Zero to One – 24 Hour Startup Challenge will help students, encourage entrepreneurship, says Santosh Kumar Mishra, Founder of InterviewCafe & Microsoft’s Software Development Engineer

Santosh Kumar Mishra, SDE II (Software Development Engineer II) at Microsoft and Founder of InterviewCafe, said, “A Startup is not just about building a product but also about marketing, sales and all other things around it. Chandigarh University is supporting students in everything from product development to marketing and sales and there is a culture here at CU for encouraging entrepreneurship. I think this is a big shift of mind and it’s very important in this era to have a mindset of a job creator than a job seeker. I think leadership skills are also being developed at CU for building a Startup.”
 

Lauding Chandigarh University’s Campus Tank initiative, Mishra said, “This is a great initiative as it will give opportunity to students who are not studying in India. Students are the pillars of India’s Startup eco-system. So, the government and Chandigarh University are doing great work by providing a supporting environment. All students need is not chase good marks only and discover their passion because helps put all your energy into something and lead a meaningful life.”
 

Chandigarh University has taken commendable initiatives for providing in-house platform for students: Simarpreet Singh, Community Organiser, Google Developer Groups

Simar Preet Singh, Community Organiser, Google Developer Groups, said, “Generally, students do not have funds to start their startup. So ‘Zero to One – 24-Hour Startup Challenge 2025’ is a great initiative for students to transform classroom knowledge into entrepreneurial action. As the winners of this hackathon will get entry into Campus Tank which has pledged funding of $6 million, such funding can help them build their startup. I think providing such in-house platform to students is a commendable initiative. Students should definitely try to make their ideas a reality. This increases their self-confidence. I have seen the development of a startup culture in India. It would be a great if students of Chandigarh University build their own startups and bring glory to India.”
 

Chandigarh University is promoting Startup culture among students with Hackathons, says Uday Sharma, Founder & CEO of DevnDez

Lauding the Zero to One – 24 Hour Startup Challenge, Uday Sharma, Multi-Niche Tech Creator and Founder & CEO of DevnDez, said, “Such a competition is a great initiative for promoting a Startup culture among students. I advise students to be yourself. If you know the problem you are solving and the purpose of solving it, then you can solve anything. The solution you will come up with will help society and impact on the lives of many people. And you can take it forward in the form of a Startup. Earlier Hackathons were held only in companies which promoted the culture of job roles, but such competitions are being held in educational institutions which is great. Chandigarh University is promoting Startup culture among students with such Hackathons which is a great initiative.”
 

It is important to make a roadmap for building a startup and career: Piyush Sharma, Facilitator Google Cloud & founder of YouTube channel @trickyman

Piyush Sharma, Google Cloud Facilitator & founder of YouTube channel @trickyman, said, “Chandigarh University 24-hour hackathon is a great initiative, where students got a chance to launch their startup in 24 hours. I think this initiative will inspire other universities. In today's time it is difficult to get a job just by having a degree, so it is important to participate in Hackathons, internships and project.”
 

“Startup culture is very important because with this student can become job givers from job takers. It is important to make a roadmap for building a startup and career. Student life is the best time to work on a Startup Idea because this is the right time to strengthen one's future. Chandigarh University's Campus Tank platform is an important step in this direction,” he added.
 

Chandigarh University not just Fund Start-ups but Transforms them into successful ventures through expert mentorship: Vikash Kumar Yadav, Campus Expert Github

Vikash Kumar Yadav, Campus Expert Github said, “Funding alone cannot guarantee success of any start-up, for it to become a high-growth venture, we need mentorship by industry experts. Unlike the start events organized at many other institutions, what sets apart Chandigarh University is that it not only provides the required funding for start-ups but also ensure mentorship by industry experts to transform brilliant ideas into successful entrepreneurial ventures. It is platforms like Zero to One that will shape the future of budding entrepreneurs and further boost the start-up ecosystem of our nation.”

About Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.
 

Website address: www.cuchd.in.

The launch comes at a time when the global digital economy, largely driven by entrepreneurial ventures, is projected to reach $23 trillion by 2025, growing at an annual rate of 15–20%. In India, startups attracted a record $35 billion in funding in 2024, underscoring the strength and vibrancy of the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Against this backdrop, the Masai–XLRI program aims to prepare the next generation of founders with the skills and confidence to turn ideas into scalable ventures.
 

Mr. Prateek Shukla, Co-Founder & CEO, Masai
 

Delivered through live interactive sessions, hands-on mentorship, and real-world projects, the program is structured into six modules: Founder’s Mindset, Problem-Solving and Idea Discovery, Prototyping and Product-Market Fit, Marketing and Brand Building, Business Models and Fundraising, and Scaling and Demo Day. Participants will work on projects such as creating financial plans, building MVPs using no-code tools like Webflow and Bubble, running marketing campaigns, conducting customer interviews, and delivering investor-ready pitch decks. The program culminates with a Demo Day, where top teams present their startups to industry mentors and investors during a two-day in-person pitch challenge at the XLRI campus.
 

Commenting on the launch, Prateek Shukla, CEO & Co-founder of Masai, said, “India is brimming with entrepreneurial energy, but structured, outcome-driven pathways to turn ideas into ventures remain scarce. With this program, we aim to provide aspiring founders with the mindset, skills, and mentorship to navigate challenges and build sustainable businesses. By combining the academic strength of XLRI with Masai’s practical approach, we are creating a learning experience that prepares participants for the realities of entrepreneurship.”
 

Dr. Arindam Mondal, Program Director, XLRI added, “Entrepreneurship has the potential to create not only businesses but also long-term social and economic impact. This program reflects XLRI’s commitment to nurturing future leaders who are equipped with resilience, ethical grounding, and practical skills. Through rigorous training, mentorship, and real-world exposure, we want to help participants develop ventures that are innovative, responsible, and scalable.”
 

The curriculum features XLRI’s distinguished faculty alongside seasoned startup founders, investors, and industry leaders. Participants will also gain access to AI-powered and no-code platforms for product development, content generation, analytics, and automation. To strengthen industry readiness, the program incorporates case studies, collaborative peer learning, and direct engagement with the startup ecosystem.
 

Eligibility requires a graduation degree in any stream. Candidates must clear a qualifier test conducted by Masai, followed by a counselling process before enrolment. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate from XLRI Leadership Education and Development. Applications are now open on Masai’s official website.
 

About Masai

Established in June 2019, Masai embarked on its journey as a military-style coding school, committed to shaping individuals into skilled programmers and data analysts through an intensive curriculum. This immersive educational experience involved rigorous training from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, with the goal of equipping students with industry-ready skills within a span of 7-8 months.
 

In its fifth year of existence, Masai has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a distinguished career institute. With over 800,000 applications, Masai has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to bridging the skill gap in the industry. The institute has been instrumental in the continuous skilling of talent for more than five years, and its impact extends to the placement of 4000+ candidates in various enterprises and 6000+ students currently in the system, focusing on individuals with a family income of less than or equal to 7.5 lakhs per annum. Masai is extremely proud of achieving the goal of bringing 350+ families out of poverty.
 

Masai has attained remarkable milestones, successfully securing employment for over 3,500 candidates in key roles as Software Developers and Data Analysts. These placements have extended to prominent unicorn startups like Ola, PayTM, Meesho, Swiggy, as well as multinational corporations, including Capgemini, Uber, JP Morgan, and GlobalLogic.
 

About XLRI

Established in 1949, XLRI - the oldest management school in India, introduced a range of management-focused courses for trade unions.
 

Over the years, XLRI has consistently expanded its academic offerings and enhanced its infrastructure to cater to the increasing demand from students, establishing itself as a leading management institution in India. XLRI is the first management school in India to internationalize our academic programmes. XLRI has always had and maintains a global outlook. True to its vision, XLRI strives to offer an education which just does not culminate in a mere degree, but one that inspires future business leaders to respond to the unmet needs of the society.
 

A key characteristic that sets apart XLRI students from other management schools is MAGIS - a quest for the best, never to settle down for mediocrity and always aspire to excel. They relentlessly strive for more, for something better than the best. Instead of wishing circumstances to change and become different, MAGIS-driven persons either make them happen or make the most of them; instead of waiting for golden opportunities, they turn all that they touch into gold.
 

Over the years, XLRI has launched quite a few short and long-term programmes for working executives to help upgrade their management-centric knowledge base and become more competent business leaders.

Prof. Klaus Fischer in the customer centre at the company's Tumlingen site

Prof. Fischer is demanding and always ahead of his time. 50 years ago, at the age of 25, he joined the company as a graduate engineer (FH) and took over the test field. At that time, the company had around 1,000 employees and generated sales of 102 million German marks (approximately 51 million euros). Today, 4,700 people worldwide are part of the family-owned company with an annual turnover of over 1.11 billion euros in 2024.

Prof. Fischer soon became part of the management team. In 1980, he took over overall responsibility and developed his own vision. He took into account social changes, growing global competition and internal complexity while customer proximity, spirit of innovation and sustainable service have always played a central role.

New products are now being developed worldwide. Research and development are also becoming increasingly international. ‘Acting entrepreneurially, focusing on the customers and leading the company strategically into the future together with our employees – that was and is my goal,’ explains Prof. Fischer.

Strategic expansion of the company divisions

Prof. Fischer continuously expanded the fixing systems division. In 1993, the acquisition of Upat GmbH & Co. KG in Emmendingen (then Germany's second-largest plug manufacturer) secured his market leadership. In addition to plastic plugs, heavy-duty metal fastenings gained in importance. The integration of ROCCA Bauchemie GmbH & Co. KG (foams and silicones) in 1997 created today's successful chemical division in Denzlingen. Further expansion of the chemical division is imminent. This will further strengthen the fischer fastening technology in the long term whilst becoming aligned with the future of construction.

fischer mission statement and fischer ProcessSystem

Prof. Klaus Fischer's understanding of progress is holistic. It was already in 1987 that he introduced a company mission statement. The values ‘innovative’, ‘reliable’ and ‘accountable’ were developed together with the employees and still apply to everyone in the company today. The group works worldwide in a results-oriented manner for the benefit of its customers. This is also achieved by avoiding waste and increasing added value. The fischer Process System was developed from the mission statement and the Japanese philosophy of KAIZEN, which stands for continuous change for the better.

Employees play a central role in this: with their experience, they recognise weak spots and know how the company can be improved. They are thus entrepreneurs within the company, take responsibility and initiate improvements on a daily basis. Mistakes are allowed, as long as they are not made twice. ‘We strive to be the best, not only in our products but also in our processes – in order to create real added value for our customers.’ In 2004, fischer Consulting was created from the expertise developed within the company. The internationally active process consultancy supports internal and external customers on their way to lean and efficient processes.

Fibre composite pioneer fisco

The subsidiary fisco was founded in 2015. Among other things, the fibre composite pioneer is the first company in the world to develop a non-combustible fibre composite material that is ideal for structural retrofitting. With its versatile products and solutions, fisco is represented in the construction industry, railway infrastructure, shipbuilding and vehicle equipment.

One year later, in 2016, Klaus Fischer strengthened the fischer Group of Companies’ activities in the field of electronic components with the acquisition of LNT Automation GmbH. The division, in the meantime renamed fischer Electronic Solutions, develops and manufactures customised electronic solutions for industry and medicine.

Inspiring young and old alike for technology – with fischertechnik

Over the past decades, the fischertechnik division has undergone continuous development. The multi-award-winning construction kits stand for quality, durability and a playful learning experience. Prof. Fischer is particularly keen to inspire young people – especially girls – to take an interest in technology at an early age. fischertechnik learning concepts are used in schools, colleges and universities – for example in training in the MINT subjects (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology) or Industry 4.0. Today, fischertechnik is represented in over 60 countries worldwide.

Investments in education and health

‘The greatest asset and most important factor for success in our company are the employees – not the facilities and buildings,’ emphasises Prof. Fischer. Success depends largely on motivation and qualifications. That is why Prof. Fischer and his company invest heavily in training and further education. There are various talent pools. The Klaus Fischer Education Centre, the company's own training facility, has held around 1,000 free events on various topics since it was founded in 2010. In addition, all employees and pensioners have free access to the company's own fitness studio seven days a week at the company’s Waldachtal site.

Professional sustainability

Sustainability is a particularly important issue for Prof. Fischer. It is managed holistically within the company, resulting in lean processes, speed and efficiency. The company passes on its knowledge and experience through the fischer Sustainability Campus and trains future sustainability managers. The company has received the German Sustainability Award in the ‘Large Companies’ category and numerous other awards for its commitment to sustainability.

Prof. Klaus Fischer's commitment extends far beyond the company: in 2015, he established the Klaus Fischer Foundation for Children and Youth Education. Numerous institutions – kindergartens, schools, associations – benefit from his donations, as do international projects. He has also received numerous awards for this work: in 1996, he was awarded the Baden-Württemberg Business Medal; in 1998, he received the Training Oscar from the Junior Chamber; in 2001, he was awarded the Cross of Merit, 1st Class; and in 2013, he received the Grashof Medal from the Association of German Engineers, VDI. He has also been made an honorary professor at Tongji University in Shanghai and an honorary senator in Vienna and Stuttgart. In 2016, he received the Global DIY Lifetime Award, and in 2020, the title ‘Host of the Year’ for the company restaurant in Waldachtal. This was followed in 2021 by the title of Dottore Magistrale ad honorem from the University of Padua and, in 2024, the title of Dr.-Ing. E. h. from the University of Stuttgart.

Looking ahead

Prof. Klaus Fischer has a clear vision for the future of his company. ‘It is very important to me that we focus on tomorrow and the day after tomorrow and prepare our company for the future,’ he says. Artificial intelligence, digitalisation and robotics have long been part of the fischer Group of Companies. The best example of this is the fischer BauBot construction robot. Already since 2020, the fischer Innovation Campus, located in the immediate vicinity of the company’s Tumlingen site, has been opening up new avenues for research, technology and collaboration. The family-owned company has 50 operating companies worldwide and exports to over 120 countries. The establishment of the 51st company in Saudi Arabia is imminent. More will follow. Thus, Prof. Klaus Fischer is continuing to expand the company's internationalisation.

And what are Prof. Klaus Fischer's wishes for the coming years? ‘To stay healthy! And that what we all started together in our company will be continued – with strength, enthusiasm and the same passion for the company that I have felt all these years.’

Honouring 52 visionary entrepreneurs in Phuket, celebrating innovation, leadership, and India’s rising global business impact

The prestigious platform honoured 52 distinguished entrepreneurs including legacy businesses and disruptive businesses, whose vision, resilience and excellence are helping rewrite the story of entrepreneurs in India. Radio City’s resolve to showcase the entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship stories of India on an international state was reinforced in the Phuket Chapter in recognition of the great entrepreneurs who will inspire generations to come. 

The evening was elevated by renowned actor Boman Irani, who shared personal life lessons and professional ideals that resonated deeply with the audience. His soulful rendition of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra added a heartfelt touch to the celebration. Sophie Choudry got the attendees on their feet in celebration of the spirit and success of Indian businesses around the world. 

Mr. Ashit Kukian, CEO of Radio City, shared, “Business Titans is more than an awards platform; it’s a celebration of journeys that continue to shape India’s business future. With each chapter, we reaffirm our commitment to spotlighting those who lead with purpose, passion, and perseverance.”

Mr. Boman Irani added, “It was an honour to be part of an evening that celebrated India’s most visionary business leaders. True success lies not just in milestones, but in the courage to stay authentic, lead with purpose, and make a meaningful impact. Events like Radio City Business Titans are vital in recognising those who shape industries while inspiring others to rise.”

Ms. Sophie Choudry said, “With a young, digitally connected population and opportunities across sectors from fashion to fintech this is truly India’s time. If you have an idea, and the courage to pursue it, there is place for you. My journey started with my own Ayurvedic tea business, and while it had its challenges, it taught me that collaboration, authenticity, and vision are paramount and India's rise is unstoppable.”

Mahavitaran (MSEDCL) was this year’s Solar Energy Partner, highlighting the meaning of clean and future-oriented cooperation, bringing solar power to the forefront as a growing concern for sustainability and innovation. Radio City Business Titans continues to grow internationally, from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and now Phuket, while showcasing India at its best on the global stage. As this chapter draws to a close, it reflects not only on its commitment to purposeful innovation, but also to the belief that success is a journey worth honouring.

About Radio City

Radio City, a subsidiary of Jagran Prakashan Ltd. under Music Broadcast Limited (MBL), is India’s first private FM radio broadcaster with over two decades of experience. With 39 stations across 12 states and 1 Union Territory, Radio City reaches 62% of India's FM population, engaging 69 million weekly listeners (Source: AZ Research 2019). Its digital presence extends through www.radiocity.in  

Driven by its brand philosophy “Rag Rag Mein Daude City,” Radio City has pioneered unique and impactful content that resonates with city pride. The launch of #CityKiNayiVibe aims to connect with Gen Z through a fresh, modern sound. Popular IPs like 'Babber Sher,' 'Joke Studio,' and 'Love Guru' have become listener favourites. The station also champions independent music with the ‘Radio City Freedom Awards’ and provides a platform for emerging talent through ‘Radio City Super Singer,’ the first radio singing talent hunt, ongoing for 16 years. Additionally, 'Radio City Business Titans' was introduced in 2022 to honour excellence in Indian businesses.

Radio City has embraced ‘Radigitalization,’ integrating radio with digital technology for a seamless experience. This includes AI-driven RJ Sia, who offers personalized, dynamic content, and RC Studio, a 24/7 video channel that blends video and audio, expanding Radio City’s reach and engagement. Radio City launched Muzartdisco, India’s first one-stop platform empowering independent artists with 360-degree career opportunities and global visibility, while also introduced SMINCO.in, an automated influencer marketing platform redefining digital brand engagement.

Radio City has earned over 264 awards from prestigious platforms such as New York Festivals, ACEF Global, and India Radio Forum. In 2022, Music Broadcast Limited received ‘India's Best Company of the Year 2022’ from Berkshire Media. Radio City has consistently ranked as a top workplace in the Great Place To Work survey. In 2024, it was named the 7th Best Workplace in India and the Best Workplace for Millennials, while ranking 33rd in Asia and 1st in the Media sector. Previously, Radio City was recognized among India’s Top 75 Workplaces for Women in 2019 and achieved 4th place for Best Large Workplaces in Asia in 2020. Known for its vibrant culture, Radio City embodies trust, pride, and camaraderie, offering an exceptional workplace experience for all employees.

Chitkara Innovation Incubator Foundation (CIIF), the entrepreneurship and incubation arm of Chitkara University proudly announces having funded 101 startups

Since its inception in 2015, CIIF has worked hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs from across the country, not just providing funding, but delivering a comprehensive support ecosystem that includes deep mentoring, capacity building, accelerator programs, and strategic investor connections. Over the years, CIIF has actively engaged with 5,000+ startups, evaluated over 500 applications annually, mentored 200+ early-stage ventures, and built a robust network of 100+ industry mentors and investors.

Backed by leading institutions such as the Department of Science & Technology (DST), MeitY Startup Hub, Startup India, and Startup Punjab, CIIF’s efforts span key sectors from fintech and healthtech to agritech, cleantech, and edtech, with a sharp focus on building resilience, scale, and impact through every venture it supports.

“At CIIF, our focus has always been on enabling founders to turn bold ideas into scalable ventures with real-world impact. Reaching 101 funded startups is a proud reflection of this commitment,” said Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University. “We will continue to foster innovation, nurture entrepreneurial talent, and help build businesses that drive meaningful change for India and beyond.”

The impact of CIIF’s holistic approach is evident through the inspiring journeys of several of its startups:
Take Studycaller, for instance, an edtech venture transforming how students access learning through its dynamic online platform. With Rs. 1 crore in funding from marquee investor Mr. Mahavir Pratap Sharma (TiE), Studycaller’s rapid growth is a direct outcome of CIIF’s focused interventions, ranging from one-on-one mentoring and strategic investor connects to industry collaborations that helped shape its breakthrough trajectory.

In the realm of deeptech, Aumsat exemplifies innovation meeting real-world challenges. Leveraging satellite technology and AI-powered analytics, Aumsat has addressed 2,600+ pipeline leaks and mapped 1.5 lakh km of infrastructure to solve critical issues in water management and agriculture. CIIF’s Rs. 50 lakh funding support, along with continuous guidance through prototyping and scale-up strategies, has been pivotal to Aumsat’s growth.

Similarly, Adiabatic is redefining sustainable energy solutions with its intelligent, high-performance lithium-ion battery packs, supported by a manufacturing facility capable of producing 5,000 units annually. From prototyping support to investor access and industry networking, CIIF has played an integral role in taking Adiabatic’s innovation from lab to market.

In the healthtech space, Svastek stands as a testament to CIIF’s impact in nurturing disruptive ideas. Its patented Respiratory NIV mask with a unique tube-insert design has attracted Rs. 2 crore funding from IAN Angel Fund and earned visibility through Shark Tank India. From product development mentoring to critical funding facilitation, CIIF’s involvement has been instrumental in helping Svastek transform their bold vision into tangible, life-changing solutions.

Through these success stories and many others, CIIF demonstrates its unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship where startups are equipped with the necessary resources, networks, and mentorship to thrive and create meaningful, sustainable impact.

About CIIF, Chitkara University:
Chitkara Innovation Incubator Foundation (CIIF) is the dedicated startup incubation center at Chitkara University, Punjab, offering structured incubation, acceleration, mentorship, and funding opportunities to drive entrepreneurial growth within India’s vibrant startup ecosystem.

For more information, please visit: www.chitkara.edu.in/ciif/

Jaipuri Banno - Celebrating Craft, empowering women, creating timeless fashion

Founded by Neetu Mahajan, a homemaker and mother of two, Jaipuri Banno began not in a studio or fashion hub, but at a kitchen table. With no formal business background and no investors, Neetu followed her instinct and love for Indian textiles. She began working with block prints and pure cotton, creating garments that reflected both tradition and modern ease. What started as a personal pursuit quickly grew into a beloved brand, worn and adored by women across the country.

Jaipuri Banno is best known for its use of traditional hand block printing techniques combined with soft, breathable fabrics. Each garment is made with care by skilled artisans, many of whom come from families with generations of experience in this craft. The prints are thoughtful and earthy, the silhouettes are flattering yet relaxed, and the fabrics are chosen to suit the Indian climate and lifestyle. Whether it’s a kurta for daily wear or something more vibrant for a festive moment, every piece carries the brand’s signature of understated charm.

Among its many collections, two have stood out as favourites among customers and admirers alike — Raag and Patola.

The Raag collection is inspired by the emotional depth and graceful rhythm of Indian classical music. The garments in this line are soft, fluid, and rooted in a calm elegance. Raag uses earthy colour palettes, subtle prints, and flowing forms that feel meditative and timeless. Each piece is designed to be worn and re-worn — for quiet gatherings, moments of reflection, or simply when one wants to feel beautifully at ease. Much like a raag in music, the collection moves gently but leaves a lasting impression.

The Patola collection brings a vibrant and bold dimension to Jaipuri Banno’s offerings. Crafted in breathable cotton and adorned with striking block prints, Patola is tailored into modern silhouettes that are both festive and functional. With jewel-toned colours, geometric and floral motifs, and easy-to-wear cuts, the collection has become a favourite for women who like to stand out without sacrificing comfort. Whether worn to a family celebration, a day at work, or a casual brunch, Patola delivers confident style with a distinctly traditional soul.

At the heart of Jaipuri Banno, beyond the design and fabrics, is a deep commitment to women’s empowerment. As the brand gained recognition, Neetu remained rooted in her vision of using fashion as a tool for social change. With the support of the M3M Foundation, she began training young women from rural areas in garment construction, embroidery, and tailoring. This led to the formation of a collective proudly known as the Dream Weavers.

For many of these women, joining Jaipuri Banno marked a new beginning. Through their training and work, they gained financial independence, creative confidence, and a sense of identity. Today, they are not only the hands behind the clothes but also an integral part of the brand’s story. Their proudest moment came during Times Fashion Week 2024, where the Dream Weavers didn’t just work backstage — they walked the runway, side by side with professional models, presenting the very garments they had helped bring to life. It was a powerful moment of recognition, resilience, and celebration.

Jaipuri Banno’s journey proves that fashion rooted in purpose and authenticity can quietly but powerfully shape the industry. With no need for gimmicks or mass marketing, the brand has built a loyal following through consistency, care, and an honest connection with its audience. Customers often describe the experience of wearing Jaipuri Banno as comforting, graceful, and deeply personal.

Today, the brand’s collections are available on major platforms including Nykaa Fashion, Myntra, Ajio, and through its own official website. Despite its growing popularity, Jaipuri Banno remains focused on small-batch production, ethical practices, and a hands-on approach to quality. Each garment is still designed with the same attention to detail and emotional resonance as it was in Neetu’s early days.

In a market filled with mass-produced fashion, Jaipuri Banno offers something far more meaningful — clothes that carry a story, honour a craft, and support a community. Whether it’s a Raag kurta worn on a quiet evening or a Patola kurti that lights up a celebration, each piece is made to be remembered and re-worn.

Neetu Mahajan’s journey is a reminder that powerful change often begins in the smallest of spaces. From her kitchen table to fashion week, from block printing to building futures, she has woven together creativity, purpose, and resilience into every thread of Jaipuri Banno. And through her work, she continues to inspire women everywhere to wear their roots with pride.

Jaipuri Banno is not just a brand. It is a tribute — to handmade artistry, to cultural continuity, and to the courage of women who dare to dream and do.

Shravan Medempudi

As the digital world reshapes how talent is discovered and ideas are valued, Ennovaterz empowers individuals and institutions to build credible, compelling digital footprints. The club derives its name from the fusion of Entrepreneurs and Innovation, while standing at the intersection of academia, entrepreneurship, and thought leadership. Ennovaterz will launch with two flagship models - D.R.I.V.E. and D.R.E.A.M. 

WrightFont Announces Ennovaterz 

The D.R.I.V.E. (Digital Reputation for Inspiring Visibility & Employability) program is a campus-led, student-first initiative that ensures ongoing training, activation, and measurable digital reputation enhancement. 

The D.R.E.A.M. (Digital Reputation Enabling Accelerators and Makers) program is a digital-first track that showcases the journeys of tech and business leaders, positioning them as voices of innovation and inspiration today.

Speaking about the initiative, Shravan Medempudi, CEO & Founder of WrightFont said, “Ennovaterz is more than a club. It is a movement as we are building digital reputation at scale. It is a bridge between untold achievements and unheard recognitions. We are at a brink of activating Ennovaterz across universities to shape visible, future-ready reputations.”

About Ennovaterz
Ennovaterz is a next-gen digital reputation club for business and technology at the intersection of academia, entrepreneurship, and innovation. We spotlight bold ideas from startup founders, business & tech leaders, and academic experts to deliver sharp insights with actionable strategies.

As a digital reputation club, it delivers a unique ecosystem across universities and startups where students and leading professionals build real-world credibility by publishing, collaborating, and leading conversations that matter.

For more information, please visit www.ennovaterz.com

HDFC Life in Association with Society for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT Bombay Launches 'HDFC Life InsUReka'

The initiative invites startups from across India to co-create transformative, tech-driven solutions that address real-world challenges in the life insurance industry. Through this challenge, HDFC Life and SINE seek to catalyse a new wave of innovation focused on enhancing customer experience, improving operational efficiency, advancing risk management, and driving digital transformation in the life insurance value chain. 

Why participate in HDFC Life InsUReka?
The HDFC Life InsUReka challenge offers a unique opportunity for startups to gain high-impact visibility, mentorship, and potential collaboration with one of India’s leading life insurers. Startups participating in the program will work on carefully curated real-world problem statements sourced from HDFC Life’s operating ecosystem. SINE, the technology business incubator at IIT Bombay will play a key role in short listing, mentoring, and supporting the startups at every stage of the challenge.

Key benefits include

• Opportunity to work on Proof of Concept (PoC) to solve business challenges with HDFC Life. Successful POCs may lead to potential contracts with HDFC Life, giving startups a gateway to enterprise-level partnerships

• Opportunity to scale their technology with industry-grade support 

• Mentorship from industry leaders and access to a curated boot camp at SINE

• Networking and visibility through interactive sessions, workshops at SINE

The challenge will culminate in a startup showcase where standout innovations may lead to long-term partnerships with HDFC Life.

How to Apply: Interested startups can submit their applications online through the official portal at hdfclifeinsureka.sineiitb.org

Speaking on the launch, Sameer Yogishwar, Chief Operating Officer, HDFC Life, said, “At HDFC Life, we are innovating at every step of our customers’ life insurance journey. Right from product creation to developing service solutions – there is a lot of research and designing that takes place in the background with a singular focus on customer convenience. We are delighted to partner with SINE. We have always believed in the power of partnerships and collaborations that foster growth and create opportunities through creative thinking, fresh ideas and state-of-the-art technology. With HDFC LifeInsUReka, we look forward to tapping into the entrepreneurial energy of India's vibrant startup ecosystem and co-create a strong, future-ready innovation pipeline. We believe HDFC Life InsUReka will serve as a platform for startups to innovate and contribute towards our efforts for achieving ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.”

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Shaji Varghese - Chief Executive Officer, SINE IIT Bombay said, “At SINE, we are committed to enabling breakthrough innovations that can transform industries. Our collaboration with HDFC Life for the ‘InsUReka Innovation Challenge’ aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture deep-tech startups and foster impactful solutions. This initiative not only brings real-world problem statements to the startup ecosystem but also creates a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to co-create with one of the leading insurers in the country.”

Interested startups can apply for HDFC Life InsUReka until 7th July.

For more information reach out at Hdfclife.InsUReka@sineiitb.org

Medkart is creating a platform where women lead with knowledge, empathy, and impact in retail healthcare

This gender gap is especially visible in the pharmacy sector, despite the fact that women already form the majority of healthcare decision influencers in households. Most pharmacy store owners continue to be male, even though India produces over 150,000 pharmacy graduates annually, with many qualified women unable to transition into business due to lack of support or structure.

In response, Medkart Pharmacy — one of India’s fastest-growing pharmacy retail chains — has announced a women-first franchise campaign to empower aspiring female entrepreneurs to become local health leaders. The initiative is designed to offer women a low-risk, structured path to business ownership in the high-impact healthcare space.

Founded in 2014, Medkart operates 100+ stores across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, and has helped over 10 lakh families save ₹650 crore on essential medicines. The company’s model promotes WHO-GMP certified generic drugs and operates on a transparent, education-first approach to retail pharmacy. Visit medkartfranchise.in for More Details.
 

One of the biggest frustrations for customers seeking affordable treatment is that they often cannot get their full prescription filled at one store — especially when they ask for generic alternatives. Medkart solves this by offering both branded and generic medicines under one roof, eliminating the need to visit multiple chemists or compromise on affordability. Customers save time, money, and get trusted options in a single visit.

The Medkart franchise system requires an all-inclusive investment of Rs. 8–9 lakhs. It includes everything from store setup, inventory, and branding, to staff recruitment, licensing, training, and a proprietary AI-powered inventory management dashboard. This software provides real-time analytics on stock levels, expiry tracking, billing, and demand forecasts — allowing franchisees to run lean, efficient, compliant and technology-enabled businesses.

“Inventory losses are one of the biggest reasons why small pharmacies fail,” said Ankur Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of Medkart. “We built our franchise model to eliminate that fear entirely. Partners receive the stock they need, when they need it — and anything that doesn’t move is taken back.”

“Our goal is to simplify healthcare retail,” added Parasharan Chari, Co-founder and COO. “We’re making it easier for individuals — even without pharma experience — to own and operate clean, transparent medicine stores that actually help their communities. Women, in particular, bring empathy, discipline, and trust — qualities that are invaluable in healthcare entrepreneurship — and we’re proud to be creating a platform where they can thrive.”

Under this new campaign, women franchisees will receive additional mentorship, priority onboarding, and access to Medkart’s Franchisee Academy — a structured training program covering medicine knowledge, customer interaction, business compliance, and use of Medkart’s tech platform. The brand reports that most franchise partners reach breakeven within 3–6 months, with ROI typically achieved within the first year and a half.

As India moves toward greater inclusion in healthcare entrepreneurship, Medkart’s women-first initiative is a step toward ensuring that more women take on leadership roles in the health sector — not just as caregivers, but as business builders and community anchors.

For franchise inquiries, visit www.medkart.in/franchise or email bd@medkart.in.
 

Solapur South MLA Subhash Deshmukh and members of the Traders Association felicitating Dr. Dhananjay Datar in Dubai

He was talking to a delegation of entrepreneurs from Solapur city of Maharashtra. These entrepreneurs under the leadership of Subhash Deshmukh, MLA, presented popular local products including Shenga Chutney, Kadak Bhakari etc along with high quality jowar, rice and pulses. A bag manufacturer also made a presentation of novel packaging solutions. Dr. Datar appreciated the quality of these products and showed his willingness to purchase them through his Adil Group.

He guided the delegation on various aspects of export to Dubai including the process, essential documents, legal provisions, and rules regarding quality and packing, besides how to take care of marketing and customer care. He said, “The export from India to GCC countries including UAE is mainly carried out through water transport due to its affordability. Since the journey takes at least 20 days to reach the consignments there, exporters should not consider fast perishable items. Instead, they should opt for products having a shelf life of at least six months or a year. Our Adil Group has earned the reputation of providing pure, hygienic and authentic food products. Nowadays, health-consciousness is on the rise and customers prefer organic food. Recently, we started selling Khapali, a nutritious variety of wheat under our Peacock brand- and the response was overwhelming. Exporters should keep the packaging of their products secure and tamper-proof. If they provide natural, chemical-free, adulteration-free and healthy products, they will surely get a considerable profit. The laws and policies of Gulf countries are stringent, and adulteration, cheating, harm to consumers, and supply of unhygienic products are never tolerated. So, the exporters should adhere to strict discipline before they export.”

He further said, “Indian entrepreneurs have huge opportunities of growth, export and expansion in the global market in the near future. Indian economy is on a fast track and a lot of major infrastructure development work is underway. One of the notable examples is the upcoming Wadhwan International Port in Maharashtra. In a decade, Mumbai will have 2 international ports and 2 international airports. The rising connectivity between these ports and rest of the country will surely benefit the exporters, but they have to take advantage of this development well in time. The aspiring entrepreneurs should study the process of Import-export as early as possible. My dream is to guide hundreds of young aspirants to make them successful businessmen.”

The delegation included Amit Jain, Director, Solapur Garments Manufacturers Association; Dr. Rajesh Gurani, CEO, Udyam PAHSUI Foundation; Alpesh Sanklecha, Vijay Patil, Yash Jain, Pradeep Jain, Anand Zaad and Chandrashekhar Jadhav.

Virkaran Singh, Director, It's Spotlight

Virkaran began his career in design at 14 with Punjab's established creative agency, Celeste Experience. He rose from intern to Senior Designer and ultimately fulfilled the role of Chief Creative Officer under the guidance of marketing veteran Mr. Mandeep Singh. There, he led numerous high-impact campaigns that showcased his passion for visual storytelling and strategic creativity.

 “Virkaran and Deepinder pictured holding the “It’s Spotlight' signage”

Driven by a belief in creativity as a catalyst for meaningful change, he co-founded Dooh Good Media with Mr. Gursharan Singh to revolutionize how brands engage with highway audiences. Dooh Good Media focuses on Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising along national highways, offering brands unparalleled visibility on highway hotspots, high-traffic routes and intercity corridors.

As the vision expanded, It’s Spotlight was launched to complement this strategy by targeting urban hotspots—including malls, high-footfall commercial zones, and popular city centers.

Studies indicate that integrating AI into DOOH campaigns can boost impact by as much as 60% on the same budget, thanks to smarter audience targeting, continual optimization, and instant adaptability.

By analyzing consumer behavior and foot-traffic patterns, It's Spotlight’s AI pinpoints the highest-value locations and optimal times to display ads, so every impression lands. The platform can tweak creatives on the fly, adapting copy and visuals to fit audience demographics or live circumstances, all without inflating media costs.

It's Spotlight's dynamic screens transform passersby into active participants. QR codes invite viewers to tap for exclusive offers or deeper information, delivering a seamless, interactive encounter. Behind the scenes, every scan, dwell time, and impression is tracked, ensuring brands can attribute value to each screen view.

“Taking over the screens at CP.67 marks a key step in redefining brand engagement in public spaces. With real-time analytics and QR tracking, we ensure full transparency and accountability, setting a new DOOH benchmark at high-footfall locations,” said Virkaran Singh, Director, It's Spotlight.

Riding the momentum mall-screen debut, It’s Spotlight plans to light up additional data-driven billboards across premier retail and transit hubs by Q3 2025. A region-wide DOOH network integration is slated for early 2026, with expansion into major malls and other high-footfall venues by year-end.

MBM Co-founders Club: Fueling Dreams, Forged by Alumni

Fueling this ambitious vision are distinguished MBM alumni - Aditya Garg, Sunil Kulkarni, Abhishek Kumbhat, Rachit Sharma, Sanjay Dusad, and Jhilmil Kochar - whose unwavering belief, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to giving back are propelling this movement forward with unstoppable momentum.

Rooted in the proud heritage of MBM Engineering College, established in 1951 and renowned for shaping generations of visionary engineers and leaders, this initiative represents the next chapter of our enduring excellence.

MBM Co-founders Club: Fueling Dreams, Forged by Alumni

A Subfund to Spark the Next Wave of MBM Innovation
The MBM Co-founders Club is powered by a CAT-I AIF under Marwari Catalysts, and is laser-focused on funding startups founded by MBM alumni over the next 3–5 years. With an initial cheque size of ₹25 Lakhs, scaling up to ₹1 Crore per startup, this is not just an investment—it’s a vote of confidence from your own community.

This is our way of backing the dreamers who once walked the same corridors, sat in the same classrooms, and now dare to build the future.

By MBM. For MBM. With MBM
This subfund is a rallying point for alumni, faculty, and other MBM stakeholders to come together and co-create the future. It's a platform where capital meets conviction, where support meets shared experience, and where alumni don’t just cheer from the sidelines-they build, back, and believe.

From Jodhpur to the World
To fuel this momentum, a series of exclusive MBM alumni meetups will be hosted in Jodhpur, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and global hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Dubai. These gatherings aim to rekindle the MBM spirit, forge new alliances, and invite startup founders with MBM roots to apply for funding and mentorship.

Just as importantly, it offers fellow alumni the chance to co-invest, expanding our collective footprint in the startup world while nurturing a tight-knit, purpose-driven ecosystem. 

Voices of Vision

Vipul Kocher shares, “This fund is a tribute to our roots. It’s about putting our trust—and our resources—behind fellow MBMites who are building something remarkable. We’re strengthening MBM’s place not only as an academic beacon but as a birthplace of game-changing ventures.”

Sushil Sharma adds, “At Marwari Catalysts, we’ve always believed in the power of community-led growth. With this fund, we’re not just investing-we’re giving our alumni a seat at the table, a voice in the journey, and a chance to help shape the next generation of startups that carry the MBM legacy forward.”

This is more than a fund.

It’s a movement.
A call to every MBM alumnus to rise, rally, and reinvent what’s possible-together.

Welcome to the MBM Co-founders Club.
 Let’s build the future we once dreamed of-now, with each other.

Be part of MBM Co-founder Club- docs.google.com

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This year’s edition received over 15,000 startup entries from more than 44,000+ students across 1,000 colleges in India. After multiple rounds of evaluation, including idea shortlisting, video pitch submissions, and social proof, the Top 100 teams have been selected. These teams represent 119 institutions from 62 cities across the country.

Each pitch was reviewed by a panel of five independent expert judges including startup founders, CXOs, professors, investors, and innovation mentors. Additionally, social media performance of video pitches on YouTube and Instagram was factored into the evaluation, recognizing teams with strong storytelling and audience resonance.

Shri Anil Pokhriyal, CEO, MEPSC said, “We are overwhelmed by the quality and energy of participation from students across India. CYI 2025 has truly become a national movement, inspiring young minds to think boldly and build the future.”

Notably, this year’s Top 100 includes a strong focus on Geospatial Innovation, thanks to the GIS Startup Track powered by ESRI India. “We are delighted to see several high-potential GIS applications in the Top 100. From smart farming to disaster mapping and local governance solutions, students are exploring meaningful geospatial use cases. We look forward to witnessing some of these evolve into pathbreaking GIS startups at the Grand Finale,” said Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, ESRI India.

All selected teams will receive a Rs. 5,000 prototyping grant and have been invited to showcase their startup ideas at the CYI Grand Finale at IIT Delhi on 5^th and 6^th April 2025.

Shivani Singh Kapoor, Founder, ThinkStartup added, “CYI is not just a student contest—it’s becoming a powerful launchpad for India's next generation of entrepreneurs. We are proud to support an initiative that brings together industry, academia, and aspiring entrepreneurs on a single platform. The diversity and depth of ideas we’ve seen this year are truly remarkable.”

In a unique twist, the Top 100 teams must now demonstrate real-world market validation by listing their innovations on www.TheYouthCompany.in. Here, teams will attempt to sell their products or raise funding, allowing them to validate their business model and attract early adopters or investors.

Based on their pitch and marketplace performance, Top 15 teams will be shortlisted to present to a Grand Jury comprising VCs, angel investors, and startup founders. The Top 10 CYI 2025 Awards will be announced during the Valedictory Session on 6th April at IIT Delhi.

“There is a real sense of excitement building up for the Grand Finale. We’re seeing some amazing startup founders and investors confirming their presence at IIT Delhi,” said Sanjeeva Shivesh, Program Director of CYI and Co-founder of ThinkStartup.

To ensure opportunity for more promising innovators, CYI has also launched the Top 100 Challengers Pathway, a parallel track for teams who narrowly missed the Top 100. These teams can still list on TheYouthCompany.in and will be eligible to join the Grand Finale if they generate significant traction. 25 additional teams will be selected through this route based on sales and fundraising success.

The CYI Grand Finale promises to be a high-energy platform where innovation meets execution, and students meet real-world markets, mentors, and investors.

Harsh and Tanvi Somaiya, Co-Founders of The Bear House receive funding from Shark Namita Thapar

The investment deal from Namita, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, who is known for her expertise in scaling businesses, includes Rs. 1 crore for a 1% equity stake and Rs. 2 crore as debt. In the episode, which featured Sharks Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, Aman Gupta, Viraj Bahl, and Kunal Bahl, the couple impressed the judges with The Bear House’s profitability, scalability, and product offerings.  Shark Aman even described the brand as ‘too good to be true.’

Shark Kunal Bahl also expressed interest and offered to invest Rs. 3 crore for a 3% equity stake at a Rs. 100 crore valuation. Harsh and Tanvi Somaiya felt Namita Thapar's offer aligned better with their vision and decided to move forward with her when choosing between the two Sharks.

This menswear brand, inspired by European fashion and known for its high-quality, minimalistic, and smart casuals designed for hybrid work cultures, received high praise from the investors.

“Being on Shark Tank and earning the trust and support of the judges is a pivotal moment for The Bear House team! Having them experience our garments and believe in our business model through this investment validates our vision—giving Indian men the freedom to express their unique selves through our clothes, no matter where they go or what they do. This experience has solidified our reputation as a powerhouse in the menswear segment,” said Tanvi Somaiya, Co-founder of The Bear House.

“Our philosophy has always been simple—our product is our brand ambassador!” added Harsh Somaiya, Co-founder of The Bear House.

Having already established an offline presence in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad this year, the brand aims to expand into other Tier I, Tier II cities, including Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai. It expects to surpass Rs. 140 crore in net revenue this year, with over 40% YoY growth.

In addition to its strong presence on Myntra—where it holds the top spot in the casual shirts category—the brand is also available on Flipkart, Ajio, Tata Cliq, Nykaa, and Amazon. It is further expanding its reach through collaborations with hyperlocal quick-commerce platforms like Zepto.

“Your story sounds too good to be true—but it’s not just a story, it’s your reality. Despite facing setbacks, you’ve emerged stronger, with a smile on your face and integrity intact. That resilience and commitment make me want to believe in you,” said Namita Thapar while making her offer.

She maintained the brand’s Rs. 100 crore valuation, offering Rs. 1 crore for a 1% equity stake and Rs. 2crore in debt at a 10% interest rate, repayable over five years.

About The Bear House

Founded in 2017 by Tanvi and Harsh Somaiya as a passion project, The Bear House has grown into a premium menswear brand known for its impeccable quality and versatile designs. Catering to discerning Indian consumers who seek effortless transitions between professional and social settings, The Bear House offers a curated range of smart casuals, including shirts, especially popular for its flannel shirts, t-shirts, bottoms, denims, polos, blazers, accessories, and footwear. Designed for modern Indian men who aspire to "Go Everywhere, Do Everything," the brand seamlessly blends international craftsmanship with contemporary style.

The Bear House recently made waves on Shark Tank India, securing investment to fuel its next phase of growth. The brand, expected to cross Rs. 140 crore in net revenue this year with an anticipated 40%+ YoY growth, plans to reinvest the funding into online and offline expansion, along with strategic marketing initiatives leveraging Shark Tank’s reach.

The brand is currently accessible through its e-commerce-enabled website, www.thebearhouse.com, brand’s own app and a growing retail footprint. It operates through Broadway, which is a D2C Multi brand store, present in Delhi and Hyderabad. The brand also recently opened its first EBO in Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru. Looking ahead, The Bear House aims to launch multiple EBOs in the coming year, further strengthening its presence in India’s fashion landscape—both online and offline.

In addition to its existing partnerships with Myntra—where it holds the top spot in shirts—the brand is also available on Tata Cliq, Nykaa, Amazon and other growing marketplace platforms. The brand is expanding further through new collaborations with hyperlocal quick-commerce platforms like Zepto, where it is already available.

Since its inception in 2019, FRSN has emerged as a unique coalition where funding partners (Accenture, Cisco, JPMorganChase, and SAP Labs India) converged to drive a shared vision for systemic change. This collective commitment enabled FRSN to establish strong partnerships with the Directorate General of Training (DGT) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) from the very beginning. By bringing together government, civil society organizations (CSOs), and industry leaders, FRSN has worked to bridge critical gaps in the skilling landscape.

As the national conversation around demand-driven skilling gains momentum, this five-year journey reflects how strategic partnerships, driven by the ministry support at both central and state levels, have led to tangible shifts in policy and practice. FRSN's efforts align with the government's ambitious initiatives to upgrade ITIs and enhance vocational training. The focus will be on deepening industry engagement to align ITIs with real-world job market demands, elevating trainer development as a cornerstone of skilling, and ensuring policy implementation leads to lasting change.

FRSN’s Unique Approach: Collaboration for Systemic Change

FRSN has played a critical role in building a unique ecosystem where policymakers and industry stakeholders collaborate to shape the future of skills development. This approach has enabled a journey towards making it more demand-driven, integrating industry voices to shape curricula and hiring pathways. It has transformed trainer development, equipping educators with future skills to prepare ITI students for evolving job markets. It has also shaped policy, ensuring that government skilling initiatives are rooted in real-world needs and challenges.

Ms.Trishaljit Sethi - Director General of Training at Future Skills Forum, 2025

Ms. Trishaljit Sethi, Director General of Training, emphasized the importance of such partnerships in reshaping India’s skilling landscape: "FRSN has been a valuable partner in advancing our vision for a strong, industry-aligned skilling ecosystem. By working closely with state governments, industry leaders, and training institutions, it has helped ensure that ITIs are not just training centers, but true enablers of employment. As we move forward with our vision to make skilling institutions particularly the ITIs more robust and aspirational, such collaborations will be crucial in making skilling more impactful for youth across India.”

Kshitija Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Corporate Citizenship – APAC, Accenture said, “As industries transform in the digital economy, new skills will be needed across all sectors. Developing these skills requires collective effort from policymakers, academia, and the industry. We are proud to mark the five-year milestone of our partnership as a founding member of the Future Right Skills Network, which has been empowering young people at ITIs in India with core vocational skills, digital fluency, and breaking down barriers to employability.”

Aakash Sethi, CEO, Quest Alliance, highlighted the evolving role of ITIs and trainer development: "The transformation of ITIs is not just about infrastructure or curriculum upgrades, it is about equipping trainers and students with the skills to thrive in an evolving world of work. FRSN has played a critical role in shaping how trainers are supported and developed, ensuring that they are not just facilitators but enablers of meaningful careers. As we look ahead, the focus must remain on making ITIs more industry-responsive and ensuring that every young person, especially women, has access to relevant, future-ready skills."

What’s Next? Strengthening Industry Engagement and ITI Reform

Looking ahead, FRSN will focus on deepening industry partnerships to make ITIs more responsive to market needs and ensure skilling initiatives translate into meaningful employment. With the government’s renewed focus on the ITI upgradation scheme, the network is poised to play a supportive role in bridging policy and practice.

Trainer development remains at the heart of this work, ensuring educators are equipped to train the next generation of skilled professionals. As FRSN charts the way forward, it reaffirms its commitment to an inclusive, future-ready skilling ecosystem, one where youth are empowered with the right opportunities to thrive.

The Future Skills Forum 2025 will serve as a catalyst for this next phase, bringing together policymakers, funders, industry leaders, and training institutions to shape the future of skilling in India.

Founded in 2018, Cloud Dhobi has established itself as a pioneer in modernizing India’s laundry and dry-cleaning landscape. Unlike conventional services, Cloud Dhobi operates on a logistics-first model that ensures seamless service across Delhi NCR, with strategically located outlets in Delhi, and a state-of-the-art processing facility in Noida. The company delivers unmatched quality and turnaround times—48 hours for regular laundry and 3-5 days for dry cleaning, with express options available for urgent requirements.

Cloud Dhobi has revolutionized the laundry experience by adopting a digital-first approach. With 85% of its business driven by pick-and-drop services, customers can book a service seamlessly through its website, WhatsApp, or a simple phone call. The company’s IoT-enabled machines optimize water and detergent usage, while auto detergent loaders ensure precise dispensing, enhancing sustainability and efficiency. AI-driven logistical routing enables faster pickups and deliveries, minimizing delays in high-traffic areas.

Anant Bhan, Founder & CEO, Cloud Dhobi

According to Anant Bhan, Founder & CEO, Cloud Dhobi, “We saw an opportunity to revolutionize a largely unorganized industry by prioritizing customer retention over rapid expansion. Our focus has been on delivering quality, reliability, and a seamless experience, which has helped us build a loyal customer base. From day one, we have been profitable and are now growing at a steady pace of 18% year-on-year.”

Cloud Dhobi’s customer-centric approach has helped it build a strong reputation, serving over 20,000 customers and processing more than 50,000 orders to date. With a 95%+ adherence to turnaround time, the company has become a trusted fabric care partner for young professionals, double-income households, students, and even senior citizens looking for reliable laundry solutions.

With a total investment of INR 2.5 crore, Cloud Dhobi is now actively seeking funding to fuel its next phase of expansion. The company is strengthening its leadership team to drive future growth and exploring new markets beyond Delhi NCR.

Sustainability remains a key focus, with resource-efficient machines, eco-friendly detergents, and green packaging being integral to operations. Cloud Dhobi is also setting industry benchmarks by introducing training programs to create a skilled workforce ready to meet the evolving demands of the laundry sector.

As a disruptor in India’s laundry industry, Cloud Dhobi is not just providing a service—it’s enhancing lifestyles. By integrating smart technology, superior logistics, and customer-first strategies, the company is leading the way toward a future where laundry is no longer a chore, but a seamless, efficient, and eco-friendly experience.