HCLTech Joins Forces with OpenAI to Accelerate Enterprise-Scale GenAI Transformation

HCLTech, a leading global technology company, today announced a multi-year strategic collaboration with OpenAI, a leading AI research and deployment company, to drive large-scale enterprise AI transformation as one of the first strategic services partners to OpenAI.

HCLTech’s deep industry knowledge and AI Engineering expertise lay the foundation for scalable AI innovation with OpenAI. This collaboration will enable HCLTech’s clients to leverage OpenAI’s industry-leading AI products portfolio alongside HCLTech’s foundational and applied AI offerings for rapid and scaled GenAI deployment.

Additionally, HCLTech will embed OpenAI’s industry-leading models and solutions across its industry-focused offerings, capabilities and proprietary platforms, including AI Force, AI Foundry, AI Engineering and industry-specific AI accelerators. This deep integration will help its clients modernize business processes, enhance customer and employee experiences and unlock growth opportunities, covering the full AI lifecycle, from AI readiness assessments and integration to enterprise-scale adoption, governance and change management.

HCLTech will roll out ChatGPT Enterprise and OpenAI APIs internally, empowering its employees with secure, enterprise-grade generative AI tools.

Vijay Guntur, Global Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Head of Ecosystems at HCLTech, said, “We are honored to work with OpenAI, the global leader in generative AI foundation models. This collaboration underscores our commitment to empowering Global 2000 enterprises with transformative AI solutions. It reaffirms HCLTech's robust engineering heritage and aligns with OpenAI's spirit of innovation. Together, we are driving a new era of AI-powered transformation across our offerings and operations at a global scale.”

Giancarlo ‘GC” Lionetti, Chief Commercial Officer at OpenAI, said, “HCLTech’s deep industry knowledge and AI engineering expertise sets the stage for scalable AI innovation. As one of the first system integration companies to integrate OpenAI to improve efficiency and enhance customer experiences, they’re accelerating productivity and setting a new standard for how industries can transform using generative AI.”

AIFI, India’s Apex Forging Body, Unveils GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum

In a landmark initiative set to redefine the future of India’s forging sector, the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) has announced the launch of the GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum, a first-of-its-kind platform in India aimed at nurturing emerging leaders in the forging industry. The Forum is a visionary step to empower the new generation of business leaders as they step into a globalised industrial landscape marked by innovation, rapid product evolution, and sustainability imperatives.

With India’s economy accelerating at an average growth rate of 7.2% over the past three fiscal years, and industries swiftly embracing disruptive technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, and fintech, the forging sector stands at the threshold of a significant transformation. The GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is AIFI’s proactive response to this new industrial paradigm, recognising the enthusiasm, adaptability, and global outlook of the next generation in family-owned forging businesses.

Speaking on this transformative initiative, Mr. Yash Munot, President, Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), said, “The GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is not just a platform, it’s a movement to shape the future of the Indian forging industry. Our vision is to position Indian forging as a global benchmark for innovation, quality, and sustainability. Through this forum, we aim to harness the creativity, energy, and ambition of the next generation of entrepreneurs."

Mr. Yash Munot, President, Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI)

"We are committed to offering them strategic insights, access to industry’s best practices, leadership training through academia-industry partnerships, and global exposure. This initiative will play a critical role in addressing succession challenges, updating traditional business models and building a collaborative ecosystem that ensures the industry's sustained growth and global competitiveness. Our mission remains focused on promoting excellence in technology, operations and leadership anchored firmly in sustainable and inclusive development, ” said Mr Manot. 

The Forum seeks to provide a dedicated platform for young forging entrepreneurs to engage in peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, participate in leadership development programmes and stay aligned with emerging global trends and technologies. Its activities include strategic sessions, academic collaborations, policy discussions, and exposure visits to innovation hubs. The initiative marked its first milestone with a launch event in Hyderabad, which included a visit to the CII-Godrej Green Business Centre, India’s first LEED Platinum-certified green building and an engaging leadership workshop titled “Re-inventing Family-Owned Businesses and Shifting Orbits of Growth”, conducted by renowned innovation strategist Dr. Rahul More.

Mr. Ankit Mehta, Director, KLM Forge Pvt. Ltd., Pune, said, “In an evolving industrial landscape, collaboration and innovation are more critical than ever. AIFI GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum invites young forgers like me to actively engage with peers, exchange ideas on modern forging practices and explore the latest technologies shaping our industry”

Future activities under the Forum will include interactions with young leaders from across industries, leadership programmes in collaboration with top academic institutions, overseas study missions, and capacity-building initiatives on cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, cybersecurity and ESG frameworks. By creating a culture of continuous learning and forward-thinking, the AIFI GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is set to become a defining platform for shaping the future of the forging industry in India.

Mr. Sivarjun Rachamallu, GM, Rachamallu Forgings Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, said, “I am honoured to be part of the GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum, a visionary initiative by the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI). GenNext serves as a platform for the next generation of forging professionals, where fresh perspectives meet seasoned expertise. The forum aims to drive positive transformation in the forging sector by advancing technology, promoting sustainability, and contributing to the development of progressive industry policies at the governmental level.”

This initiative aligns seamlessly with AIFI’s broader vision to position the Indian forging industry as a global leader in manufacturing excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Through strategic advocacy, skill development, and a strong focus on collaborative growth, AIFI remains committed to empowering the sector and driving its transformation on the world stage.

About Association of Indian Forging Industry

Established in 1965, the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) is the strongest, oldest Forging Association with highest members from the industry in India. The Indian Forging Industry has always been a major growth driver of the Indian manufacturing sector and is one of the important industries for the success of automobile, power sector and general engineering in the country. The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) is the umbrella organization of the forging Industry in India with more than 200 members across India. Its members’ products include rough forgings and/or machined/finished parts like Crankshafts, Connecting Rods, Camshafts, Shifted Fork, Steering Components, Crown Propeller Shafts, Gear Box Components; Crown Wheel and Pinions, Front Axle Beams, Rear Axle Shafts, Earth Moving Link, Suspension parts, CV joint parts, Braking parts, Auto electrical components, Railway Wheel, Flanges/Pipe Fittings, Industrial Valves etc. The forging industry is a major supplier to the auto companies and a critical industry that generates employment.

AIFI has been the spokes body of the Indian Forging Industry for about six decades. It has played a major role in encouraging proactive dialogue between all the relevant stakeholders like the industry and Government (both in terms of suggestions for policy making and problem-solving), as also between the industry and the market (User industries — domestic and global customers.) India is the 2nd largest producer of forgings globally next to China.

Lightspeed Leads $2.7 Mn Seed for LogicFlo AI to Scale Enterprise AI in Biotech & Pharma

LogicFlo AI, a Boston-based AI platform designed specifically for the life sciences sector, has raised $2.7 million in a seed round led by Lightspeed, with participation from leading healthcare and enterprise AI investors. The funding will support LogicFlo AI’s global expansion across pharmaceutical, biotech, and medtech organizations, and enable deeper deployment with global clients, including a Fortune 500 company already under contract.

Founded by Udith Vaidyanathan and Arun Ramakrishnan, the company is redefining how regulated scientific work is done by replacing fragmented tools and repetitive processes with intelligent AI agents that work under human guidance. Across regulatory affairs, medical writing, quality assurance, and medical information teams, LogicFlo AI enables experts to complete high-compliance workflows in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing accuracy or oversight.

The platform is already in production across several global life sciences companies, with early deployments showing transformative results: medical writing timelines reduced from weeks to minutes, and medical information response times cut from nearly two weeks to just two days. With growing demand and expanding agent libraries, LogicFlo AI is emerging as a foundational layer for regulated enterprises, redefining how complex scientific knowledge work is executed at scale.

Udith Vaidyanathan, LogicFlo AI's co-founder and CEO, talking about the platform said, “We are at a once-in-a-generation inflection point. For the first time, AI agents are capable enough to drive meaningful productivity gains in regulated scientific work, not just possible, but inevitable. While the rest of the world is focused on automation, instead of people, we are building automation for people. LogicFlo AI puts experts firmly at the center. The goal is to empower the brightest people in life sciences do what only they can do - drive medical science forward and help elevate the standard of care.”

“Traditional automation has failed life sciences because it's too rigid, too brittle, and too out of touch with how people actually work,” explained Arun Ramakrishnan, LogicFlo AI’s co-founder and CTO. “LogicFlo AI agents are different. They're intelligent, composable, production-ready, and they understand the nuance of scientific work."

Rohil Bagga, VP Investments, Lightspeed, said, "We're thrilled to back LogicFlo AI as they revolutionize how life sciences and biotech organizations operate. Their AI agent platform empowers medical affairs and commercial teams to build agentic workflows across diverse use cases, dramatically boosting productivity. Founders Udith and Arun combine deep domain expertise with exceptional technical acumen—we're excited to support them as they drive transformation in one of the world’s most critical industries."

With the new funding, LogicFlo AI will accelerate product development, expand integrations with life sciences systems like Veeva and IQVIA, and grow its go-to-market and technical teams to meet rising industry demand. The company's broader vision is to redefine how scientific work happens, empowering every expert with tools that match the speed and complexity of modern science.

About LogicFlo AI

LogicFlo AI is an AI agent platform purpose-built for life sciences organizations — designed to help expert teams in medical, regulatory, quality, and commercial functions execute high-stakes work faster, more accurately, and in full compliance.

Born at Harvard. Built by life sciences insiders. Backed by bleeding-edge AI. LogicFlo AI is not just building tools — it’s building a new operating model for the future of scientific work.

LogicFlo AI's agents support functions across the entire life sciences value chain: medical writing with literature-based content creation and full referencing; Medical communications and information response generation with SR documents, material for ad boards, congresses, journal articles, commercial content creation with compliant promotional materials and MLR workflow management; regulatory authoring for CTAs, INDs, and safety narratives; quality and compliance documentation including SOPs, deviation reports, and CAPAs and so on.

For more information please visit https://logicflo.ai/ or follow via LinkedIn.

AM Green Group Acquires Stake in Greenko Energy Holdings from ORIX

AM Green BV (“AMG”) has signed definitive documents to acquire 17.5% equity stake in Greenko Energy Holdings (“Greenko”) from ORIX Corporation (“ORIX”), through its wholly owned subsidiary AM Green Power BV (“AMG Power”). AMG will own ~25% stake (along with AMG promoter’s current stake) in Greenko post-closing of this transaction in July 2025.

As part of this transaction, ORIX has also entered into an agreement to invest in a convertible note issued by AM Green (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l ("AMG Lux"), the parent company that holds all shares of AMG. This investment will provide ORIX long-term exposure to green hydrogen, ammonia, SAF and other next-gen molecules, aligning with its capital recycling strategy.

“This transaction is a key milestone in building one of the world’s fully integrated and scalable green energy platforms,” said Anil Chalamalasetty, Founder and CEO of AM Green. “We thank ORIX for their continued partnership and belief in our vision.”

ORIX stake acquisition strengthens AM Green’s upstream integration through Greenko, one of India’s leading renewable energy companies, operating over 10 GW of renewable and pumped storage assets. Greenko is on track to build the world’s largest “Intelligent Energy Storage Cloud Platform” with over 100 GWh of daily storage capacity by 2030.

Key highlights of the Acquisition

• 25% stake in Greenko, a platform with 10 GWs of operational renewables capacity and 100 GWh of daily storage capacity on track to be online by 2030;
• 5 MTPA of Green Ammonia and 1 MTPA of Green Hydrogen planned capacity with first 1 MTPA green ammonia project under construction;
• Late-stage development projects for low carbon caustic soda, SAF, ethanol and bio-based high value products (using its proprietary Chempolis tech).

Founded in 2023 by Greenko co-founders, Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli, AMG is one of the largest fully integrated Power-to-X (P2X) platform with access to end to end industrial decarbonization solutions including renewable power (solar, wind, hydro), long-duration storage (pumped hydro), most competitive round the clock carbon free power and green molecules (green hydrogen, green ammonia, low carbon caustic soda, ethanol, and sustainable aviation fuel.

AMG has plans to produce 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of green ammonia, with the first 1 MTPA project under construction in Kakinada (in Andhra Pradesh, India). AMG has also signed green ammonia supply term sheets with several industrial and power companies in the OECD markets including Uniper SE, an energy company, and Yara Clean Ammonia, a trader and distributor of ammonia. AMG has also signed globally the largest power purchase agreements for supply of round the clock carbon free energy for its first 2 MTPA green ammonia projectsand has access to electrolyzers through its manufacturing JV with John Cockerill.

AMG is participating in the Indian green hydrogen supply tenders and is on track to capture sizable share due to its access to highly cost competitive green power, electrolyzers and a very experienced team. AMG is also in late-stage development to produce low carbon caustic soda, synthetic fuels such as methanol, high value chemicals as well as SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) using biomass-derived raw materials, and to become a platform company that builds a value chain for next generation energy.

AM Green’s Kakinada industrial complex, currently under construction, will be the world’s first and largest integrated green industrial zone. It will house 2 MTPA of green ammonia production, 2 GW electrolyzer gigafactory and facilities for SAF and green chemical production.

In 2024, AMG acquired Chempolis, a Finland-based innovator in sustainable biomass processing, to support its Bio2X platform. Known for its low-emission, low-water, and zero-waste process, Chempolis technology offers a scalable solution for circular bioeconomy applications, aligning with AM Green’s commitment to decarbonization.

This technology enables AM Green to convert agricultural residues and other non-food biomass into high-value products such as cellulosic pulp (key input for textile industry), cellulosic ethanol (key input for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), bio-based chemicals, and other biomaterials.

Greenko’s flagship 1.7 GW pumped storage project in Andhra Pradesh has already been commissioned with its next 2 pumped storage projects in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka (2.5 GWs) are expected to be commissioned in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

IIT Hyderabad, Department of Posts, and NRSC (ISRO) Collaborate to Launch DIGIPIN: A National-Scale Geospatial Addressing System for India

• Compactness: Short and efficient codes for ease of use.
• Geographic Precision: Ability to extract exact latitude and longitude coordinates.
• Inclusivity: Coverage for all parts of India, including densely populated and remote regions.
• Privacy: DIGIPIN carries no personal information.
• Future-readiness: Scalable and adaptable for future needs.

In a landmark move to revolutionize India’s addressing infrastructure, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), in collaboration with the Department of Posts and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO, Government of India, has developed DIGIPIN – an open-source, machine-interpretable geospatial addressing system designed to provide precise and standardised digital addresses across the country.

Traditional descriptive addresses in India suffer from a lack of uniformity and machine-readability, causing inefficiencies in postal and logistics operations. DIGIPIN aims to transform this system by introducing a geo-coded, digital public infrastructure (DPI) layer for India’s physical addressing landscape.

DIGIPIN is a compact, intuitive, and human-readable geohash, capable of encoding the latitude and longitude of any point of interest in India, from urban households to remote maritime locations. The system is designed for offline usability, privacy, and robustness, making it suitable for diverse applications including e-commerce, emergency response, and public service delivery.

Dr Shashank Vatedka

 DIGIPIN is the outcome of a dedicated research effort by a team of faculty from the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Hyderabad, Dr Shashank Vatedka, Prof Soumya Jana and Dr Lakshmi Prasad Natarajan, along with Tarandeep Singh, a former MTech (AI) student. Their work has produced a geohashing scheme that encapsulates geographic coordinates into short, intuitive codes, which can be extracted even offline using location-enabled devices.

Prof. Soumya Jana

Dr Lakshmi Prasad Natarajan

Prof. B S Murty, Director of IITH, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “DIGIPIN represents a leap towards the vision of a digitally empowered India. By converting every location into a simple, verifiable, and interoperable digital code, we are laying the foundation for an address infrastructure that can scale with our nation’s growing technological and societal needs. IITH is proud to contribute to this national initiative that blends open-source innovation, geospatial intelligence, and public service and this can be considered a revolution in the field of Navigation.”

Dr. Shashank Vatedka, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IITH, mentioned that, “DIGIPIN will provide immense convenience to Indian residents and all stakeholders by succinctly and precisely representing a physical address. For instance, it could be represented as a QR code or a barcode and printed on consignments for machine-based routing; DIGIPIN could be easily stored and communicated using digital wallets.

Dr. Lakshmi Prasad Natarajan, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IITH, mentioned that, “The idea was to make it as easy as possible to automatically assign codes and start using DIGIPIN with as little manual intervention as possible. In many cases, finding one’s DIGIPIN would be possible using only a device with a reasonably good location service (such as a smartphone) and an app equipped with a high-resolution map.”

Dr. Soumya Jana, Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IITH, mentioned that “The applicability of DIGIPIN could be wider, going beyond the primary use as a digitization technology for conventional addressing. They could be used in scenarios where conventional addresses are inconsistent or not available, such as emergency response services, locating public service centres/utilities such as Health camps, Aadhar enrollment offices, and so on.”

DIGIPIN is a geohashing scheme designed to have the following features:

• The length of the DIGIPIN is designed to be as small as possible in order to provide an efficient digital representation of addresses.
• It contains the geographic location of the address. It is possible to extract the latitude and longitude of the address from the DIGIPIN with low complexity. This can also be done offline.
• All points of interest to India (including maritime regions) are assigned DIGIPIN, and it is possible to assign a unique DIGIPIN to very densely populated areas.
• The format of the DIGIPIN is intuitive and human-readable. An effort was made to infuse a sense of directionality within the format of DIGIPIN.
• Ease of code assignment and usability: A crucial point of consideration was to make it as easy as possible to automatically assign codes and start using DIGIPIN with as little manual intervention as possible. In many cases, finding one’s DIGIPIN would be possible using only a device with a reasonably good location service (such as a smartphone) and an app equipped with a high-resolution map.

DIGIPIN only encodes geographical information and contains no personal details that could lead to privacy violations.

DIGIPIN is designed to be robust to future developments and changes.

Vodafone Teams Up With Scientists for New Light-Powered Chip That Beam Stronger Signals

Ever wondered how your phone magically connects you to the world, even when you're on a moving train or deep inside a shopping mall? It’s all thanks to a complex dance of invisible waves, antennas, and a bit of tech wizardry. But now, Vodafone and scientists at the University of Málaga are taking that magic to the next level—by swapping electricity for light.

Vodafone has recently announced that it is developing an advanced speed-boosting computer chip design that can direct a mobile signal straight to a user’s smartphone using light, in collaboration with the Photonics and Radiofrequency Research Lab - part of the Research Institute of Telecommunications at the University of Málaga (TELMA). 

How Mobile Signals Work Today

Right now, your phone talks to the world using radio waves. When you make a call or stream a video, your phone sends signals to the nearest cell tower, which is part of a vast network of base stations. These towers use electronic chips to process and direct your signal, bouncing it from one tower to another until it reaches its destination.

To make this work smoothly, especially in crowded areas, mobile networks use a technique called beamforming. Think of it like a spotlight that focuses the signal toward your phone instead of blasting it in all directions. This helps reduce interference and improves speed—but it still relies on electricity and traditional hardware.

Enter the Light: Vodafone’s Photonic Leap

Now imagine replacing those electronic chips with ones that use light instead of electricity. That’s exactly what Vodafone and the University of Málaga are doing with their new photonic computer chips.

Vodafone These chips use a technique called optical beamforming, which harnesses the precision of light to steer mobile signals directly to your device. It’s like upgrading from a flashlight to a laser pointer—more focused, more efficient, and far less wasteful.

Two types of chips are in development:

• A passive chip for early testing.
• An active chip that could eventually replace the beamforming tech in today’s radio units, controlling up to 32 antennas on a single mast.

Why It Matters

Representative Image

This light-based approach brings some serious perks:

• Stronger, more stable signals, even in packed stadiums or busy train stations.
• Lower energy use, which is great for both the planet and your phone’s battery.
• Less interference, meaning fewer dropped calls and smoother streaming.

And it’s not just about better phone calls. This tech could power future 5G-Advanced and 6G networks, support autonomous vehicles, and even improve satellite communications.

Backed by the European Commission’s IPCEI program and Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism, the project is still in its early stages. But Vodafone plans to release a blueprint for these chips within two years—a big step toward making light-powered mobile networks a reality.

Common Kitchen Herbs Show Promise in Slowing Alzheimer’s Disease

Scientists have discovered that common herbs like rosemary and sage may help slow down Alzheimer’s disease. These herbs have a natural ingredient called carnosic acid. The researchers created a special lab-made version of it, called diAcCA, which activates only in damaged parts of the brain.

This compound was tested on mice that showed signs of Alzheimer’s. The results were encouraging:

• Better memory and learning in mice
• Healthier connections between brain cells
• Less buildup of harmful substances in the brain
• Lower brain swelling (inflammation)

The special thing about diAcCA is that it stays inactive until it finds a problem in the brain, so it doesn’t affect healthy areas.

Cooking with rosemary or sage won’t have the same effect, because the useful compound needs to be specially made and given in a proper form.

What's next for this research:

• More safety testing in animals
• Trials in healthy people to check if it’s safe
• Bigger trials in Alzheimer’s patients to see if it truly works
• Getting government approval if the results are positive
• Possibly combining with other Alzheimer’s drugs

This study is an exciting step, but more research is needed before it becomes a medicine for people.

Before moving to humans, researchers will continue testing the stabilized compound diAcCA in animals to confirm it’s safe at different doses over time.

Phase 1 human clinical trials – If animal studies go well, the next step is small-scale trials in healthy volunteers to test safety, dosage, and how the body processes the drug.

If the trials show strong results, the compound could be submitted for approval by agencies like the FDA.

Researchers may also test diAcCA alongside existing Alzheimer’s drugs to see if it enhances their effects or reduces side effects.

The fact that carnosic acid is already on the FDA’s “generally regarded as safe” list could help speed things up, but human trials are still essential to prove it works and is safe in real-world conditions.

India’s Angstrom Ambition: IISc Plots Atomic Leap in Post-Silicon Chip Race

Angstrom-scale semiconductor chips are the next frontier in miniaturizing electronics—pushing beyond the current 3-nanometer (nm) technology into the realm of angstroms, where 1 angstrom equals just 0.1 nm.

To put that in perspective: if today’s most advanced chips are like a grain of rice, angstrom-scale chips are like a single grain of salt. These chips aim to pack more transistors into a smaller space, dramatically boosting performance while reducing power consumption.

Since traditional silicon struggles at such tiny scales, researchers are turning to 2D materials like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). These materials are just one atom thick, yet they offer exceptional conductivity, flexibility, and thermal stability—perfect for building ultra-efficient chips.

India is quietly preparing to leapfrog into the future of semiconductors—and it’s not just chasing nanometers anymore. It’s going angstrom-deep.

In a bold proposal, a 30-member team from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has pitched a ₹500-crore, 5-year mission to craft angstrom-scale semiconductor chips, venturing where even 3nm technology begins to fade. These chips, which measure in tenths of a nanometer, are set to defy the limits of traditional silicon, aiming for devices that are faster, cooler, and up to 10x smaller.

It is to be noted that this angstrom-scale chip initiative echoes the momentum we saw back in April 2025, when India’s semiconductor ambitions were making headlines for multiple reasons. In that month, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India’s first Made-in-India semiconductor chip would be ready by the end of 2025.

This proposal for angstrom-scale chip was first submitted to the Principal Scientific Adviser in 2022, revised in 2024, and now under active review by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).

India’s Angstrom-Scale Chip Initiative: A Timeline

Year	Milestone	Details
2021	Early Outreach Begins	Initial communication with MeitY, DRDO, DoS, and NITI Aayog regarding 2D semiconductor research.
April 2022	First Proposal Submitted	IISc submits Detailed Project Report to Principal Scientific Adviser focused on angstrom-scale chips.
September 2022	NITI Aayog Endorsement	NITI Aayog endorses the strategic value of the proposed project.
October 2024	Revised Proposal	IISc refines technical and funding roadmap and submits updated report to MeitY.
April 2025	Public Spotlight	Media reveals ₹500 crore proposal to develop chips 10x smaller than current 3nm tech.
June 2025	National Review	Proposal gains traction with MeitY and ANRF amid discussions on cross-sector deployment.

Backed by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), this angstrom-scale chip initiative aligns with the Indian government’s larger push toward next-gen R&D and self-reliance in critical technologies. If greenlit, it could signal India’s emergence as a serious player in the post-silicon era—joining a global race led by the U.S., South Korea, and Taiwan.

Imagine a future where India's edge isn’t just in software, but at the molecular level of hardware. That future might just be a few angstroms away.

India’s angstrom-scale chip initiative and its GPU-powered AI mission are two sides of the same silicon coin—one building the hardware of tomorrow, the other fueling the intelligence of today. Together, they could reshape India’s technological sovereignty across sectors.

How It Ties into IndiaAI’s GPU Push

The IndiaAI Mission has deployed 34,000+ high-performance GPUs to power foundational models, LLMs, and AI applications tailored to Indian languages and needs. But as AI models grow more complex, they demand denser, faster, and more energy-efficient chips—precisely what angstrom-scale semiconductors promise.

By investing in angstrom-scale R&D, India is laying the groundwork for next-gen AI accelerators that could outperform today’s GPUs in speed and efficiency. Imagine training a 120 Billion-parameter LLM not in weeks, but in days—with a fraction of the energy.

Angstrom-scale chips could power ultra-compact, secure edge devices for surveillance, autonomous drones, and encrypted battlefield communications. With DRDO already looped into the IISc proposal, the defense implications are clear: faster, stealthier, smarter systems.

From real-time climate modeling to smart grid optimization, these chips could enable low-power sensors and AI models that run in remote or harsh environments. Think satellite-based carbon tracking or AI-driven disaster prediction—all on chips smaller than a virus.

In diagnostics and wearables, angstrom-scale chips could lead to implantable biosensors, AI-assisted imaging, and personalized medicine. Their low heat and power footprint make them ideal for continuous health monitoring—even inside the body.

In essence, India isn’t just scaling up compute with GPUs—it’s redefining the substrate of intelligence itself. Want to explore how this could position India as a global chip design hub or how it compares to what the U.S. and South Korea are doing?

If successful, angstrom-scale chips could power everything from quantum computers to AI systems, wearables, and space tech, all while using less energy and generating less heat.

Bihar Makes History with India's First e-Election with Blockchain Security

On June 28, 2025, Bihar became the first Indian state to pilot mobile-based e-voting during municipal by-elections in Buxar, Patna, Rohtas, and East Champaran. Around 50,000 voters were eligible to vote remotely using the e-SECBHR Android app, developed by C-DAC and the Bihar State Election Commission.

• Who Could Vote?
  The system was designed for:
  • Senior citizens
  • Pregnant women
  • Differently-abled individuals
  • Migrant workers
  • Seriously ill voters
• How It Worked
  
  • Registration: June 10–22 via the app or official website
  • Security: Blockchain-backed vote recording, facial recognition, voter ID checks, and VVPAT-style audit trail
  • Access: Two voters per mobile number; web voting available for those without smartphones
  • Voting Window: 7 AM–1 PM on polling day; counting on June 30

Why It Matters

India joins Estonia among the few experimenting with remote voting. Though this was a municipal pilot, it’s sparked buzz around potential use in the Bihar Assembly elections (Oct–Nov 2025).

While this pilot was for municipal elections, it’s sparked national interest. Whether it scales up for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections remains to be seen—but it’s a bold step toward digital democracy.

Mahindra Introduces Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in Scorpio-N

Mahindra & Mahindra, India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today announced introduction of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the Scorpio-N. In addition, the company has launched a new Z8T variant, further enhancing the appeal and accessibility of the premium Z8 range. Marking this milestone, Mahindra also celebrates three successful years of the Scorpio-N, with over 2.5 lakh delighted customers.

Raising the Bar in Safety and Technology with Level 2 ADAS

Building on the technology and safety standards of the Scorpio-N, Mahindra has introduced Level 2 ADAS in the premium Z8L variant with features such as:

• Forward Collision Warning
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Smart Pilot Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• High Beam Assist

Furthermore, the Scorpio-N ADAS is also equipped with exclusive features such as Speed Limit Assist and Front Vehicle Start Alert, marking a first for Mahindra ICE SUVs. Speed Limit Assist actively warns drivers based on the applicable speed limits for specific roads. In Adaptive Cruise Control mode, it helps adjust cruise speed to match speed limits effortlessly with a single-button operation. Front Vehicle Start Alert ensures heightened traffic awareness by alerting drivers through visuals, chimes, and haptic feedback when a stationary front vehicle begins moving. These enhancements complement the Scorpio-N’s 5-star GNCAP safety rating.

Z8T Variant – A Powerful New Value Proposition

Positioned strategically between the Z8 and Z8L variants, the newly introduced Z8T variant further strengthens the Scorpio-N’s premium Z8 range. The Z8T offers a compelling mix of premium features, including R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 12-speaker Sony-branded audio system, front camera, front parking sensors, 6-way powered driver seat, electronic parking brake (EPB), ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming IRVM. Delivering strong value without compromising on performance, comfort, or style, the Z8T variant enhances Mahindra’s commitment to providing exceptional value for discerning customers.

Variant-wise Pricing – All prices are

Variant	Petrol	Diesel
MT	AT	2WD MT	2WD AT	4WD MT	4WD AT
Z8T	₹ 20.29 Lakh	₹ 21.71 Lakh	₹ 20.69 Lakh	₹ 22.18 Lakh	₹ 22.80 Lakh	₹ 24.36 Lakh
Z8L (ADAS) 7-Seater	₹ 21.35 Lakh	₹ 22.77 Lakh	₹ 21.75 Lakh	₹ 23.24 Lakh	₹ 23.86 Lakh	₹ 25.42 Lakh
Z8L (ADAS) 6-Seater	₹ 21.60 Lakh	₹ 22.96 Lakh	₹ 22.12 Lakh	₹ 23.48 Lakh	-	-

JSW Paints To Acquire Majority Stake in Akzo Nobel India for ₹8,986 Cr

JSW Paints Limited (“JSW Paints”) today entered into definitive agreements to acquire up to 74.76% stake in Akzo Nobel India Limited (“ANIL”) from Akzo Nobel N.V. and its affiliates, for a maximum consideration under the Share Purchase Agreement of up to INR 8,986 [1] crores, subject to certain closing adjustments (“Proposed Transaction”).

The Proposed Transaction is subject to approval from the Competition Commission of India and the completion of a mandatory tender offer (“Open Offer”) to the public shareholders of ANIL.

JSW Paints is India’s fastest growing paints company and a part of the US$ 23 billion JSW Group, India’s leading conglomerate with diverse interests across a range of B2B and B2C sectors including steel, cement, energy infrastructure, automotives and paints. ANIL is one of India’s leading decorative and industrial paints players and part of Akzo Nobel, a global leader in decorative paints and industrial coatings headquartered in the Netherlands.

This transformative acquisition positions JSW Paints as one of the major players in the sector which is expected to see robust growth in the years ahead.

Parth Jindal, Managing Director, JSW Paints, said “Paints & Coatings is one of India’s fastest growing sectors and JSW Paints is amongst the fastest growing paint companies. Akzo Nobel India is home to some of the most globally renowned brands of paints & coatings like Dulux, International and Sikkens. We are excited to welcome them to the JSW family. Together, along with the Akzo Nobel India family - employees, customers and partners - we aspire to build the paint company of the future. With the Magic of Dulux and Thoughtfulness of JSW Paints, we look forward to delighting customers and building lasting value for our stakeholders.”

Greg Poux-Guillaume, CEO of AkzoNobel, said: “This transaction is a significant milestone in the execution of our strategy. AkzoNobel India has been a consistently strong performer, and we are proud of the brand and talent that have made it a success. With JSW, we are confident the business is in the hands of a long-term partner with deep local expertise and strong ambitions in the sector.”

Morgan Stanley acted as the exclusive financial advisor to JSW Paints on this transaction. Khaitan & Co. acted as the legal advisor. Deloitte acted as the financial and tax due diligence advisor.

[1] Apart from the consideration payable for the transaction at completion, there are also certain contingent consideration amounts that may become payable, totalling up to INR 447 crores.

Pine Labs Limited Files DRHP With SEBI

Pine Labs Limited (“The Company”), a technology company focused on digitizing commerce through digital payments and issuing solutions for merchants, consumer brands and enterprises, and financial institutions has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (“DRHP”) with market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”).

The offer comprises of fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to ₹26,000 million (₹2600 crore) (The “Fresh Issue”) and offer for sale Up to 147,822,225 Equity Shares by Selling Shareholders.(The “Offer for Sale”).

Pine Labs processed payments of ₹7,531.05 billion-in gross transaction value (“GTV”) and 3.97 billion transactions through its platforms in the nine months period ending December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, company had 915,731 Merchants, 666 consumer brands and enterprises, and 164 financial institutions, who used its platforms to enable transactions quickly, securely and easily manage their business.

Pine Labs provide a wide suite of services within its Digital Infrastructure and Transaction Platform and Issuing and Acquiring Platform. According to the Redseer Report, in India, company’s core market, it were the largest player in closed and semi-closed loop gift card issuances by transaction value in Fiscal Year 2024. The company were also the largest digital affordability solution enablers at DCPs in terms of total processed value, among the top five in-store digital platforms, and a prominent Bharat Connect transactions processing solutions provider in Fiscal Year 2024, according to the Redseer Report.

The Equity Shares that will be offered through the Red Herring Prospectus are proposed to be listed on the BSE Limited (“BSE”) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (“NSE”). (“Listing Details”)

Axis Capital Limited, Morgan Stanley India Company Private Limited, Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited, J.P. Morgan India Private Limited and Jefferies India Private Limited are the Book Running Lead Managers to the issue. (The “BRLMs”)

Over 81% of 9000+ Surveyed MSMEs Expect Revenue Increase in Next 1-2 Yrs: Kinara Capital MSME Insights

Kinara Capital, a leading fintech driving MSME financial inclusion, today released its fourth edition of MSME Insights, signaling strong optimism and increased formalization in the MSME sector. MSME entrepreneurs are confident about their near-term business growth prospects.

According to the latest MSME Insights, 81% of the surveyed MSMEs expect their business revenue to increase within the next 1-2 years. Of these, 34% anticipate a revenue growth of more than 15% in their businesses. Additionally, MSMEs are embracing formalization, with 51.7% of the surveyed reporting that they are now GST-registered.

The fourth edition of MSME Insights is based on an extensive multilingual survey of 9,314 MSMEs from Manufacturing, Trading, and Services sectors conducted across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

The MSME Insights is a comprehensive data analysis of current trends of micro-small-medium enterprises (MSMEs) based on firsthand input from business owners. MSME Insights also delved into the behavioral patterns within the MSME sector and the analysis uncovered a striking pattern across all sectors. MSMEs still depend significantly on cash transactions, even when not accounting for UPI usage. Over 84.3% of the surveyed MSMEs stated that between 25%-100% of their business transactions are conducted with actual cash—underscoring the need for deeper digitization efforts across the sector.

Sharing her perspective, Hardika Shah, Founder & CEO, Kinara Capital, said,
“On the occasion of World MSME Day, it is encouraging to witness the strong optimism shared by India’s MSMEs. The fact that 81% of respondents in our recent MSME Insights survey expressed confidence in their growth prospects speaks volumes about the sector’s resilience and ambition. This optimism is rooted in improved access to formal credit, which enables entrepreneurs to focus on expansion. However, the sector’s continued reliance on cash transactions highlights the need to accelerate digitization. Embracing digital payments can enhance financial transparency and significantly boost access to formal credit. Ultimately, digitization holds the key to reaching underserved MSMEs and closing India’s ₹30 lakh crore credit gap.”

Key Findings From Kinara Capital’s Msme Insights, Fourth Edition

MSMEs are upbeat about their business growth: More than 81% of the respondents have indicated that they are expecting varying degrees of growth in their revenue. Of these, 47% of the respondents expect their revenue to witness a 5%-15% growth, 26.1% anticipate a growth of 15%-25% and 7.9% are optimistic of more than 25% growth in revenue. Only a small proportion, i.e., 1.1% foresee no growth.

Cash is King for MSMEs: Overall, 84.3% of the surveyed MSMEs reported relying on cash (excluding UPI) for 25%-to-100% of their business transactions. While only 7.4% of the MSME respondents relied on cash for more than 75% of their business transactions, 30.5% depended on cash for 50%-to-75% of their business transactions. This outcome indicates that a shift to digital payments, though underway, is far from reaching its full potential.

Formalization is on an Upswing: MSMEs are increasingly recognizing the benefits of Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance. According to the survey, 51.7% of respondents are GST-registered and file returns regularly. Of these, 29.4% expressed interest in GST-linked loan products that offer better interest rates or flexible tenures. Regular GST filings not only reflect consistent business activity but also provide a verifiable financial history that enhances credit eligibility. Additionally, GST registration reduces the overall tax burden through input tax credits and offers MSMEs the ease of doing business across state lines with a unified tax structure.

JioBlackRock Broking Receives SEBI Approval to Launch Brokerage Business

Jio BlackRock Broking Private Limited (JioBlackRock Broking), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers Private Limited (JioBlackRock Investment Advisers), has received regulatory approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to commence operations as a brokerage firm in India.

JioBlackRock Broking aims to bring affordable, transparent, and technology-driven execution capabilities for Indian investors. The broking entity’s parent company, JioBlackRock Investment Advisers is a 50:50 joint venture between Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) [BSE, NSE: JIOFIN] and BlackRock Inc. (BlackRock) [NYSE: BLK].

Along with the recent regulatory approvals received by Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited and JioBlackRock Investment Advisers to commence operations, receipt of the broking license enables the JioBlackRock joint venture to offer holistic investment solutions to the people of India.

Marc Pilgrem, Managing Director and CEO of Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers Private Limited, said: “We are delighted to receive SEBI’s final approval for JioBlackRock Broking which moves us closer to contributing to India’s continued evolution from a nation of savers to a nation of investors. With JioBlackRock Investment Advisers, we will be able to offer personalised advice to retail investors. Now with brokerage, we will also bring an execution platform for self-directed investors. “

Hitesh Sethia, Managing Director and CEO, Jio Financial Services Limited said: “These are exciting times for us. Even as JioBlackRock’s Asset Management arm introduces innovative mutual funds to the market, and JioBlackRock Investment Advisers prepares to launch operations, the approval for the broking entity adds another dimension to our strategy of democratising investments in India, through easily accessible and digital-first solutions.”

Rachel Lord, Head of International at BlackRock, said: “JioBlackRock was founded to provide tech-enabled access to capital markets, and affordable, innovative investment solutions, to millions of investors in India. This third approval from SEBI completes the range of offerings of our joint venture. Through these three entities, JioBlackRock will provide a full suite of investment services, enabling Indian investors to work towards their financial goals.”

Wakefit Innovations Limited files DRHP with SEBI; to raise Rs 468 crore via fresh issue

Wakefit Innovations Limited, the largest D2C home and furnishings company in India in terms of revenue in Fiscal 2024, as per a Redseer report has filed the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with capital markets regulator SEBI to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO).

According to the DRHP, the proposed IPO of the Bengaluru-based company is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to Rs. 468.2 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 5,83,99,085 equity shares (5.83 crore shares) by the selling shareholders.

As part of the OFS, the promoters - Ankit Garg and Chaitanya Ramalingegowda and Other Selling Shareholders - Nitika Goel, Peak XV Partners Investments VI, Redwood Trust, Verlinvest S.A., SAI Global India Fund I LLP, Investcorp Growth Equity Fund, Investcorp Growth Opportunity Fund and Paramark KB Fund I will be offloading shares.

Wakefit proposes to utilize the Net Proceeds from the Fresh Issue towards funding of capital expenditure worth Rs. 82 crores for setting up of 117 new COCO – Regular Stores and one COCO – Jumbo Store; Rs. 15.4 crores towards capex for purchase of new equipment and machinery; Rs. 145 crores towards expenditure for lease, sub-lease rent and license fee payments for existing stores; Rs 108.4 crores towards marketing and advertisement expenses for enhancing the awareness and visibility of the brand and the remaining amount will be used for general corporate purposes.

The company, in consultation with the BRLMs, may consider a Pre-IPO Placement aggregating up to Rs. 93.6 crores; prior to filing of the Red Herring Prospectus with the ROC. If the Pre- IPO Placement is undertaken, then the fresh issue will be reduced to the extent of such Pre-IPO placement.

Wakefit, which was incorporated in 2016 is the fastest homegrown player in the home and furnishings market in India among organized peers to achieve a total income of more than Rs. 1,000 crores, as of March 31, 2024.

It has a wide range of mattresses, furniture, and furnishings which it sells through both own channels (comprising the website and COCO – Stores) and external channels (including various marketplaces, such as major e-commerce platforms and multi-branded outlets). It is a fullstack vertically integrated company, enabling it to control every aspect of operations, from conceptualizing, designing and engineering products to manufacturing, distributing and providing customer experience and engagement.

Wakefit operates five manufacturing facilities of which two are situated at Bengaluru, Karnataka, two at Hosur, Tamil Nadu and one at Sonipat, Haryana. Its facilities are equipped with imported machinery and automation technologies, such as robotic arms and roller belts, which streamline the production process and reduce waste.

Wakefit reported revenue from operations of Rs. 986.3 crore in FY24 and Rs. 971 crore for the nine-months period ended December 31, 2024.

India’s Home & Furnishings market can be broadly classified into 3 key categories - furniture, mattresses and furnishings & décor. The Home & Furnishings market in India is estimated to be approx. Rs. 2.8 lakh crores as of CY2024 and projected to grow at 13% CAGR to reach Rs. 5.9 lakh crores by CY2030 fuelled by organized retail growth, rising online dominance, and premiumization.

Axis Capital Limited, IIFL Capital Services Limited and Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Private Limited are the Book Running Lead Managers to the issue. The equity shares of the company are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE.

DRHP Link: https://nsearchives.nseindia.com/corporate/Registration_27062025055322_DRHP.pdf

Granthik Acquisition Sets the Stage for AdaniConneX’s AI-Ready Future

AdaniConneX, the strategic joint venture between Adani Enterprises and EdgeConneX, has taken another decisive step in expanding its digital infrastructure footprint by acquiring Granthik Realtors Pvt Ltd for ₹85.99 crore. Executed on June 26, 2025, through a share purchase agreement with Windson Projects LLP and its nominees, the acquisition highlights AdaniConneX’s focus on fast-tracking data center development across India.

Though Granthik Realtors is not yet operational, it possesses significant land holdings and the requisite regulatory clearances—making it a valuable asset in AdaniConneX’s mission to build a 1GW data center platform by 2030. This move allows the joint venture to bypass the usual bureaucratic hurdles of land acquisition and licensing, significantly accelerating project timelines for infrastructure development.

This isn’t AdaniConneX’s first such acquisition. In May 2024, the company acquired Terravista Developers—another strategic land-holding entity. While details on Terravista's holdings are limited, the pattern is clear: the company is focusing on acquiring land-rich firms that provide a springboard for rapid infrastructure deployment.

Such moves serve a dual purpose. First, they enable strategic land banking in urban hotspots like Chennai, Navi Mumbai, Noida, Hyderabad, and Vizag—future-proofing AdaniConneX’s ambitions amid India's digital transformation. Second, they reinforce vertical integration, giving AdaniConneX greater control over timelines, development standards, and alignment with sustainability goals.

With the broader Indian tech ecosystem gearing up for an era of AI-driven growth and cloud adoption, AdaniConneX’s acquisitions reflect a long-term play for digital sovereignty and hyperscale readiness. These quiet acquisitions may not dominate headlines, but they’re laying the groundwork for India’s next-generation digital backbone.

India’s Sci & Tech Clusters Enter Phase 2.0: Driving Regional Innovation and National Resilience

In a year marked by technological flux and global uncertainty, India’s Science & Technology (S&T) Clusters quietly built something extraordinary: momentum. The newly released S&T Clusters Annual Report 2024–2025, reads like a blueprint of how grassroots collaboration and applied science can reshape regional innovation.

India’s Science & Technology (S&T) Clusters are collaborative innovation ecosystems designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. Launched in 2020 under the guidance of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), and supported by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), these clusters bring together academia, R&D institutions, industry, startups, and local governments to co-create solutions for regional and national challenges.

The Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters Annual Report 2024–2025 was officially released on June 26, 2025, by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. It highlights how India’s 8 operational S&T Clusters are evolving into powerful engines of regional innovation and national impact.

Eight Clusters. One Mission. Countless Ripples.

From Delhi to Hyderabad, and Bengaluru to Bhubaneswar, eight operational Science & Technology Clusters are not just conducting research—they’re solving wicked problems, scaling up pilots, and translating ideas into impact. This past year marked the transition from early groundwork to full-fledged implementation, with tangible results lighting up the map.

In Delhi-NCR, the DRIIV cluster deployed EV charging infrastructure that promises to decongest and decarbonize India’s capital. Bengaluru transformed waste into value through cutting-edge e-waste processing systems. Hyderabad turned biotech labs into launchpads for health-tech tools, while Vizag’s AMTZ hub saw homegrown pacemaker leads break new ground in indigenous medical devices.

Culture, Commerce, and Code

The report also chronicles unexpected intersections—like Kalaanubhav.in, an AR/VR-enabled digital marketplace that gives traditional artisans a tech-powered stage. Or the One Delhi App, which stitched together fragmented transit systems into a smooth, digital-first commuter experience for over 300,000 users.

This convergence of science, sustainability, and social innovation hints at a broader shift: the Clusters aren’t working in silos. They’re building bridges—between disciplines, sectors, and cities.

What’s Next: From Projects to Platforms

Perhaps the most significant takeaway isn’t a single innovation, but a structural evolution. The report signals a decisive move into Phase 2.0: inter-cluster collaboration, shared R&D infrastructure, and national-scale innovation grants. The clusters are positioning themselves as platforms, not just pilots—a signal that India’s science ecosystem is ready to scale purposefully and collaboratively.

More Highlights from the S&T Clusters Annual Report 2024–2025

🔬 Health-Tech & One Health Initiatives

• Diabetic Foot Screening Mats: Low-cost, sensor-based mats developed for early detection of diabetic foot complications—already deployed in community health centers.
  
• One Health Surveillance: Integrated platforms for zoonotic disease monitoring, combining veterinary, environmental, and human health data streams.
  

🔄 Circular Economy & Sustainability

• E-Waste Management Systems: Bengaluru’s cluster piloted AI-enabled segregation and recycling units, improving material recovery rates and reducing landfill burden.
  
• Water Quality Monitoring: Real-time sensors deployed in rural and peri-urban areas to track contaminants and support local governance.
  

🧬 Indigenous Manufacturing & Deep Tech

• Pacemaker Leads at AMTZ Vizag: A breakthrough in domestic medical device manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports and lowering costs.
  
• Biotech Incubation: Hyderabad’s cluster supported over 20 startups in diagnostics, genomics, and bioinformatics, with several moving to clinical trials.
  

🧠 Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing

• Inter-Cluster Collaborations: Joint projects between clusters (e.g., Delhi and Pune) on AI for urban planning and climate resilience.
  
• Shared Infrastructure: Access to high-end labs and equipment via the I-STEM portal, enabling cross-institutional R&D.
  

📊 Governance & Structure

• The report emphasizes a consortium-based model, where academic institutions, R&D labs, startups, and local governments co-create solutions.
  
• A new Innovation Grant Framework has been introduced to fund multi-sectoral, high-impact projects across clusters.
  

The report also signals a shift toward inter-cluster collaboration, shared infrastructure, and multi-sectoral innovation grants—marking the beginning of what’s being called Phase 2.0 of the Clusters initiative.

StayVista Raises Over ₹40 Cr in a Round Led by JSW Ventures with Participation From Existing Investors

StayVista, India’s largest villa rental platform, has raised over INR 40 Cr in Series B funding, led by JSW Ventures, with participation from existing investors, DSG Consumer Partners and Capri Global Family Office. StayVista plans to deploy the fresh funds to expand into new geographies, further strengthen their team, and improve customer experience and supply-side strengths.

StayVista, India’s preferred villa rental platform with an average rating of 4.7 across 30K+ reviews, has 1,000+ operational properties across 85+ locations in India, and has served over 1 million happy customers till date. The company operates three categories of properties under their umbrella, catering to the mass premium, premium, and luxury segments. Customer experience lies at StayVista’s core; apart from accommodation, the company also offers customizable F&B services, event curation & planning, concierge services, among others, delivering a highly personalized and holistic experience for its travellers.

The company leverages technology to streamline the entire vacation rental ecosystem, offering guests a seamless booking platform while empowering property owners with comprehensive property management, operations oversight, and booking optimization tools.

To ensure standardization and a high-quality experience for their customers, StayVista has set up stringent SOPs to ensure listed properties meet their brand guidelines in terms of amenities as well as maintenance. The properties listed on StayVista’s platform are largely second homes owned by individuals. StayVista has successfully created a win-win model for homeowners as well as its travellers.

Domestic travel in India is witnessing a surge, driven by rising disposable income and flexible work models. India’s vacation rental market stands at $22.3 billion and is expected to grow at a 9% CAGR to reach $34.1 billion by 2029. Within the travel sector, the holiday home rental market stands at $2.1 billion and is the fastest growing segment, at a CAGR of 13.5%.

Commenting on the fundraise, Pranav Maheshwari, Co-Founder at StayVista said, “Over the past few years, we have quietly but consistently built a strong foundation for long-term growth. Along the way, we have achieved several meaningful milestones — turning profitable, scaling to over 1,000 luxury homes, and hosting more than a million guests. Each of these achievements is a reflection of the trust our homeowners and guests place in us. As we look ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum and shape StayVista into not just India’s largest villa hospitality brand, but also the largest platform for alternative accommodations in India.”

Commenting on the investment, Sachin Tagra, Managing Partner at JSW Ventures said, “We are seeing a clear shift in preference of travellers from hotels to alternate sources of accommodation. With technology, standardization, and a strong customer-first philosophy, StayVista, being the largest player in this space, has a front row seat to capitalize on this trend. The founders have built a highly capital efficient business and we are excited to partner with StayVista as they continue to scale with multiple offerings.”

Mahindra Launches Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG at ₹ 11.19 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., the makers of Bolero Pik-Up – the No.1 pickup brand in India, today launched its all-new Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG, setting a new benchmark in the small commercial vehicle segment. Priced at ₹ 11.19 Lakh (ex-showroom), this feature-packed pickup introduces the highest payload capacity of 1.85t, offering customers unmatched capability and choice.

Powered by a robust 2.5-litre turbocharged CNG engine, the Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG delivers 61 kW and best-in-class torque of 220 Nm @ 1,200–2,200 rpm, ensuring exceptional performance even under demanding load conditions. Designed specifically for long-distance operations, the vehicle boasts an impressive range of up to 400 km* on a single CNG fill, supported by its 180-litre tank capacity. It is equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox and power steering, enabling effortless drivability across urban and semi-urban environments.

Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG stands out as Mahindra’s first CNG pickup featuring cutting-edge connected technology powered by advanced iMAXX telematics solution. This innovative system delivers real-time vehicle insights, ensuring greater operational efficiency and smarter fleet management. Prioritizing driver comfort, the pickup is equipped with air conditioning and heating systems for all weather driving, as well as a height-adjustable driver seat for ergonomic support. Furthermore, the D+2 seating configuration adds versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of multi-use applications.

With a spacious cargo bed measuring 3050 mm in length, the vehicle is built to handle sizable loads effortlessly. The vehicle is further complemented by robust 16-inch tyres and durable leaf spring suspension on both front and rear axles, offering exceptional grip and stability across diverse terrains.

Mahindra has launched the Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG, reinforcing its leadership in robustness, toughness, reliability, low maintenance cost, and high resale value. This future-ready solution is specifically designed to address the evolving needs of India’s transport and logistics ecosystem.

EPACK Group Strengthens Leadership with Appointment of Narayan Lodha as Executive Director and Group CFO

EPACK Group, a rapidly growing Indian conglomerate with diversified operations across consumer durables, prefabricated construction, EPS-based packaging solutions, and petrochemicals, has announced the appointment of Mr. Narayan Lodha as its Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.

Mr. Narayan Lodha

With over 25 years of leadership experience, Mr. Lodha is a seasoned finance professional known for his deep expertise in corporate finance, capital markets and strategic planning. In his new role, he will be responsible for shaping and executing EPACK Group’s financial strategy, driving fiscal discipline and strengthening governance and compliance frameworks across all business verticals.

A qualified Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary, Mr. Lodha has a proven track record of leading large-scale IPOs, private equity placements and debt fundraising. His leadership experience spans India’s renewable energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, with a strong focus on capital efficiency, stakeholder alignment and long-term value creation. Prior to joining EPACK Group, he has held senior leadership roles at reputed organizations such as Vikram Solar, Inox Wind, Ravindra Energy, and Indian Energy Exchange, where he played key roles in steering financial strategies, executing capital raises, and driving business turnarounds.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Bajrang Bothra, Group Chairman and Whole-Time Director, EPACK Group, said, "We are delighted to welcome Narayan to the EPACK family. His depth of experience in financial strategy and capital markets will be invaluable as we embark on our next phase of accelerated growth. His leadership will help us stay agile, resilient, and aligned with our long-term vision."

On taking up his new role, Mr. Narayan Lodha said, "I am excited to join EPACK Group at such a dynamic time in its journey. The Group has built a solid reputation for innovation, agility, and operational excellence. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to strengthen our financial systems, support strategic growth, and create long-term value for all stakeholders."

Mr. Lodha’s appointment comes at a defining moment for EPACK Group, as the company builds on strong year-on-year growth and advances its long-term expansion plans. With EPACK Durable already listed and EPACK Prefab Technologies having filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) in preparation for a planned IPO, the Group is poised for a significant leap forward. Mr. Lodha’s leadership will be key in strengthening the Group’s financial framework, guiding strategic capital deployment and driving sustainable value creation.

Adani Enterprises to Raise ₹1,000 Crore via NCD Issue

Adani Enterprises has announced a public issue of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) to raise up to ₹1,000 crore. This includes a base issue size of ₹500 crore with a green shoe option for an additional ₹500 crore, all carrying a face value of ₹1,000. The draft prospectus has been filed with BSE, NSE, and SEBI. This fundraising is part of a broader ₹2,000 crore capital plan approved in October 2024.

While the draft offer document does not specifically earmark use of proceeds, the issuance aligns with Adani’s aggressive infrastructure investment strategy. The group is investing ₹15–20 billion annually across its energy, transport, and digital businesses. A major focus is its airport vertical, particularly the modernization of Mumbai International Airport (MIAL), under its subsidiary Adani Airports Holdings Ltd.

Recently, the company secured $1 billion in project finance for MIAL to support its capacity enhancement and sustainability initiatives. Key efforts include upgrading terminals and runways, integrating advanced digital systems to enhance passenger experiences, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2029.

The NCD issuance not only strengthens Adani’s financial flexibility but also reinforces its pivotal role in driving India’s infrastructure transformation. With growing emphasis on renewable energy, green mobility, and smart airports, this move positions Adani Enterprises at the forefront of the country’s next wave of development.

IIT Hyderabad and WiSig Network’s 5G Innovations Attain Mainstream Paving the Way for 6G at 3GPP Meetings at Prague

• RAN #108, Prague (Jun 2025): Consortium backs India’s π/2-BPSK extension for stronger 5G coverage and to uplink-heavy apps (HD video, XR, on-device AI) while seeding 6G.
• From Lab to Global Standard: Developed at IIT Hyderabad in 2014 → National program → 3GPP 5G Rel-17 feature now used by operators and vendors worldwide.
• Team India + Global Allies: Led by Prof. Kiran Kuchi, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Hyderabad, with support from Qualcomm, Apple, Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, MediaTek, DOCOMO, AT&T, Reliance Jio, Thales, and others—backed by DoT, MeitY, DST, and TSDSI.
• Next Stop 6G: IITH & WiSig are already advancing OTFDM and Structural MIMO tech in the new 6G Study Item to power future networks and devices.

At 3GPP TSG RAN #108 in Prague, a global  consortium proposed extending India’s π/2-BPSK uplink waveform to further strengthen 5G coverage and unlock uplink-intensive services—such as high-definition video, immersive XR, and on-device AI—while paving the way for 6G.

Originating in 2014 at IIT Hyderabad as a single-institute effort, the waveform progressed into a national program with leading industry and academic partners, became a 3GPP Release 17 standard, and is now a mainstream 5G feature adopted by operators and vendors worldwide.

Prof. Kiran Kuchi, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Hyderabad, the driving force behind this success and founder of IIT Hyderabad spin-out WiSig Networks, remarked, “India’s coverage-enhancement technology—created with fellow Indian institutes and global collaborators including Qualcomm, Apple, Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, MediaTek, DOCOMO, AT&T, Reliance Jio, Thales, and others—has become an integral part of the global standard.”

We gratefully acknowledge the efforts of various organizations of Government of India, i.e. the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the Standards Development Organisation, Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) for their steadfast support in this regard.

Prof. B S Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, added, “IIT Hyderabad is committed to breakthrough research in the field of Wireless Communications that translates into globally adopted patents and products, propelling India toward Viksit Bharat.”

As the 6G era dawns, IIT Hyderabad and WiSig Networks are already advancing technologies such as the OTFDM waveform and Structural MIMO within the newly approved 6G Study Item. Together with Indian and global partners, we will continue to imagine, invent, and deliver the next generation of communication technologies, networks, and devices.

About IIT Hyderabad:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in Academics, Research, Technology development and Startups in a short span of 16 years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), IITH has bagged at 3rd in Innovation and 8th among Engineering institutes in the last two consecutive years, while it has maintained its rank within top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 325 full-time Faculty and 5,300+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with ~ 4630 Projects worth of Rs. 1510+ Cr of R&D funding (Rs. 335+ Cr funding in 2024-25, i.e., Rs. 1+ Cr per faculty), 11,680+ Publications, 2,15,000+ Citations, 510+ Patents (210+ Patents in 2024 and a commitment to “Patent a Day: Mission 365” for 2025 to earn 365 Patents by the end of 2025), and about 260+ Startups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

About WiSig Networks Private Limited:

WiSig Networks, a Startup incubated at IITH, is a leading provider of wireless communications solutions, specialising in cutting-edge technologies such as Massive MIMO, 5G ORAN, NB-IoT SOC solutions, Open RAN and advanced 5G/6G technologies, played a crucial role in the integration and seamless operation of equipment throughout the trials. IIT Hyderabad's extensive indoor and outdoor facilities provided an optimal environment for comprehensive real-world wireless testing. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, WiSig is dedicated to shaping the future of Wireless connectivity. www.wisig.com