IISc Incubated Hardware Startup TIEA Connectors Receives ₹3.81 Cr Funding from TDB-DST To Commercialize Cutting-Edge Tech Used in EVs and Drones

Technology Development Board (TDB), under Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt of India, has Inked an agreement with Bengaluru-based hardware startup TIEA Connectors Pvt Ltd under the initiative “Commercialization of Indigenous Technologies through Tech Start-ups”.

Incubated at Society for Innovation and Development (SID) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, TIEA Connectors, has received TDB's commitment of ₹ 3.81 crore, as financial support, out of the total project cost of ₹ 8.19 crore for the startup's project — “Commercialization of micro-electronic harsh environment connectors and terminals”.

Founded in 2020, by Ajith Sasidharan and Punit Joshi, TIEA researches, develops and produce electronic and automobile connectors which has enhanced fire retardancy and the capability to sustain in most harsh environment conditions.

Electronic & Automobile Connectors make electro mechanical connection between wires-and-wires, wires-and-PCB boards, Boards-and-Boards. The future of connector market is quite promising with the opportunities in automobile sector, consumer electronics, Electric Vehicles, medical electronics, drones, defense sector and space applications.

The funded project is for the development and commercialization of electronic connectors with pitches measuring 2.8 mm, 2.5 mm, and 2.54 mm along with their corresponding terminals. TIEA Connectors's product, which got TDB's financial commitment, is primarily intended for growing niche market of electric vehicles and drones, as well as automotive and consumer electronics among others.

Currently, over 50% of the connector market depends on imports.

Connectors and their contact solutions, a core part of wire ESDM (Electronics System Design & Manufacturing) devices is the domain of TIEA Connectors' research & development.

As of now, the startup is engaged in the research & development of aerospace and defence connectors. It has obtained four design patents and filed an application for a patent in the field of material science.

In June 2021, the TIEA had received loan of ₹2 crores from Indian Bank, as part of the MoU inked with SID of IISc, for funding Start-ups and MSMEs.

Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, said, "The company's focus on electric vehicles and drones aligns with the global trend towards sustainable transportation solutions. By developing innovative connectors and terminals, the company is not only contributing to the growth of the niche market but also reducing dependence on imported components. Additionally, their involvement in aerospace and defence demonstrates their commitment to provide reliable and advanced technology for critical industries."

Few days back, TBD has pledged support of ₹3.94 Crores out of the total project cost of ₹7.89 Crores to Pune-based Noccarc for its indigenously developed technology innovation — A Digitally Enabled Advanced Universal ICU Ventilators. 

Indian-born Driven Axiado Samples World’s 1st AI-Driven Security Processors

Single-chip trusted control/compute unit (TCU) provides the industry’s most robust, hardware-anchored solution for detecting cyber-attacks on next-generation servers in data centers, 5G infrastructure, and network switches.

Indian-born driven company Axiado Corporation is an AI-enhanced hardware cyber security company. On leading global ICT and IOT exhibition, COMPUTEX 2023, Axiado introduced the AX3000 and AX2000 trusted control/compute units (TCUs), the world’s first fully integrated AI-driven hardware security platform solutions designed to help detect cyber security and ransomware attacks on next-generation servers and infrastructure elements in cloud datacenters, 5G networks, and network switches. Samples of AX3000/AX2000 TCUs are available now.

Axiado

Axiado’s TCU comes to market at a time when cybercrime and ransomware attacks are skyrocketing. According to Cyber security Ventures, it’s expected that cybercrime will cost the world economy around $10.5 trillion annually. Estimates suggest in 2022 a ransomware attack took place successfully every 40 seconds, with an attempt nearly every 11 seconds, according to DataProt.

Residing in the lowest layer of the hardware stack and integrating all security functions within a single SoC or module, the Axiado TCU effectively acts as a “last line of defense,” even when all other network functions have been compromised. The TCU detects and stops ongoing attacks and recovers the system from an attack by isolating it from the network.

The Axiado AX3000/AX2000 TCUs represent a new category of forensic-enabled cyber security processors. They combine silicon, AI and data collection, and software into a compact, power-efficient SoC with unique AI functionality explicitly designed for security. The single-chip solution is rooted in real-time and proactive AI with pre-emptive threat detection and comprehensive protection, provided by a dedicated coprocessor that allows manufacturers to build safe, secure, and resilient solutions by design and default. Additionally, we are enhancing existing Zero-Trust models with hardware-anchored, AI-driven security instead of replacing them.

The TCU platform has capabilities never available before, including the ability to detect ransomware attacks. Housed in a 23 x 23 BGA SoC and drawing under 5W, the TCU features a distributed hardware security manager with anti-tamper and anti-counterfeit hardware, and a control/management plane SmartNIC network interface controller that includes platform and tenant virtualization. It also offers protection from side-channel attacks, such as differential power analysis, voltage glitching and clock manipulation that are used to extract cryptographic keys.

The TCU relies extensively on AI-based real-time threat mitigation with forensic-enabled hardware fingerprints as well as platform monitoring and optimization (clocks/voltages/temp) using AI and machine learning. The SoC include Root of Trust (RoT), a baseboard management controller (BMC), a trusted platform module (TPM), a hardware security module, SmartNIC, firewall, and AI and machine learning.

“This is a major step forward in our vision to provide comprehensive, AI-driven platform security in a single-chip SoC,” said Gopi Sirineni, President and CEO, Axiado. “Our TCU is a game changer that delivers a lower cost of ownership than any other alternative in the market. We look forward to collaborating with ODMs/OEMs, cloud service providers, and the entire security ecosystem to help make the world’s digital infrastructure safer and more secure.”

“There are multiple market pressure points we are grappling with when it comes to cloud computing,” said Patrick Moorhead, Founder, CEO, and Chief Analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. "Finding ways to protect against the endemic ransomware trend, the move towards modular server systems as driven by OCP and the natural integration of functions in silicon SOCs sets us up for a new wave of innovation in silicon and systems. I believe, Axiado is well positioned to shine in the new world that takes zero trust security to the next level." “We are very pleased to have Axiado actively participate in the Open Compute Project (OCP) Community by taking the OCP approved Datacenter Secure Control Module Specification (DC-SCM) and build a product compliant with this specification,” said George Tchaparian, CEO, OCP. “Axiado’s innovative security platform is a perfect example of how OCP’s open specifications make hyperscale DC operator-led innovation available to all. Similarly, adopters from all corners of the market can now easily deploy OCP’s DC-SCM standard.”

DEMO AT COMPUTEX 2023

Axiado will demonstrate AX3000/AX2000 TCUs leveraging its AI-driven hardware security platform on a DC-SCM 2.0 server. This demonstration will be at Computex 2023 in Taipei, Taiwan from May 30-June 2, 2023.

AVAILABILITY

Axiado is currently sampling its AX3000/AX2000 TCUs to early-access partners in servers, wireless base stations, wired security appliances, centralized, and distributed infrastructure, and next-generation smart edge gateways. The AX2000 TCU provides a cost-effective advanced platform security option, while the AX3000 adds runtime protection and AI-based automation.

Axiado also offers AX3000/AX2000 TCUs in a Smart-SCM security module that is compliant with the Open Compute Project (OCP) datacenter-ready secure control module (DC-SCM) standard.

Samples of AX3000 and AX2000 are available now. Contact Axiado or register for a development kit today. 

Jas Tremblay, ​Vice president and ​General ​Manager​, ​Data Center Solutions Group, Broadcom, "We are pleased to see Axiado bring its new TCU security processors to market, where it's critical to provide data centers with the most advanced cybersecurity tools available​. Security and AI-intensive technology is important to the data center, where security threats are a great concern for companies. The Axiado TCU platform is the next step to delivering the cyber security tools the market needs.”

Michael Lee, SVP of Engineering, Accton Technology Corporation, “Networking applications are required to have stringent security requirements. A compact integrated platform security solution with open-source software is needed to enable next generation ToR switching for both enterprise and data center applications. Working with a disruptive technology such as the one from Axiado will make our end solution more compelling to our end customers.”

Richard Liu, General Manager of Enterprise Solutions BU, ASUSTek Computer Inc., "The prevalence of cloud and edge services has led to a rise in network attacks and fraud incidents. Our focus is on enhancing the server hardware security of our customers' data center infrastructure. We are confident that by teaming up with Axiado, we can accomplish this objective."

Magesh Ethirajan, Director General, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), said, "Advanced research in high-performance computing (HPC) and building exascale computing infrastructure are imperative to solving large societal problems. We are a leading R&D institute involved in HPC, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Microprocessor & Strategic Electronics, and actively engaging with premier institutions and leading innovators, such as Axiado, to find solutions for significant societal problems like ransomware and side-channel attacks in data centers.”

Mike Yang, SVP & GM, Quanta Computer, “As we design platforms for the workload of tomorrow, an integrated solution such as Axiado TCU is a welcome development that will improve system resilience and scalability."

Bou Lin, President, Senao Networks Inc., said “The wide networking application set where Senao plays is rapidly demanding a higher level of future proofing in all areas, including security. Working with Axiado’s hardware-anchored and AI-driven platform security establishes a solid basis for our portfolio to effectively compete and lead in the market.”

Joseph Byrne, Microprocessor Report, Editor-in-Chief, Tech Insights, “Securing and managing computing infrastructure is critical for cloud service providers, telcos, and others employing large server fleets to deliver services. At the same time, ransomware and other malware threatens these companies’ businesses. A single chip integrating server management, platform trust functions, and AI hardware to protect, monitor, and control systems delivers more capabilities in a smaller form factor than cobbling together legacy technologies.”

Danny Hsu, President, Tyan Computer Corporation, "We have collaborated with Axiado on their DC-SCM project for cloud service providers. DC-SCM 2.0 server is a product that very few manufacturers in the OCP community can develop and bring to the market. Tyan is excited to partner with Axiado for its TCU product design. Axiado’s Smart-SCM provides our DC-SCM 2.0 servers with the cutting-edge security that puts us at the forefront of next-generation multi-node servers."

Puneet Agarwal, Founder and CEO, VVDN Technologies, “Axiado and VVDN have been collaborating on multiple projects, where Axiado’s domain knowledge in SoC and security is a great complement to VVDN’s manufacturing and system capabilities. I look forward to continuing our partnership with a major milestone demonstrating our respective technologies at the OCP Global Summit in San Jose, California in the upcoming October.”

Steven Lu, Senior Vice President, Wiwynn Corporation, said “As an active contributor to OCP Server Design Project, we’re always evaluating innovative solutions such as the Axiado TCU. Our partnership with Axiado is a testament to our commitment to delivering the best server solutions to hyperscale datacenter customers.”

ABOUT AXIADO

Axiado is a cyber-security semiconductor company deploying a novel, AI-driven approach to platform security against ransomware, supply chain, side-channel and other cyber-attacks in the growing ecosystem of cloud data centers, 5G networks and other disaggregated compute networks. The company is developing new class of processors called the trusted control/compute unit (TCU) that redefines security from the ground-up: its hardware-anchored and AI-driven security technologies include Secure Vault root-of-trust/cryptography core and per-platform Secure AI pre-emptive threat detection engine. Axiado was founded in San Jose, Calif. in 2017 with a mission to protect the users of everyday technologies from digital threats. For more information, go to axiado.com or follow us on Linkedin.

Consumer Hardware Startup Upliance.ai Among the World’s 1st to Integrate ChatGPT Into Home Appliances

• upliance.ai’s (Up⤴️) proprietary AI and ChatGPT together makes it easy for anyone to cook on their smart cooking assistant, delishUp⤴️.
• The AI enabled chat assistance makes it possible to customise recipes, offer support and suggestions, empowering anyone to begin cooking.
• The delishUp⤴️ now offers generative recipes as a part of this new AI feature, released as beta.

Consumer Hardware startup, upliance.ai (Up⤴️) is all set to roll out the the integration of ChatGPT — the most talked-about technological advancement of the year — into their flagship product, the delishUp⤴️. Upliance.ai (Up⤴️) becomes one of the world's first companies to incorporate ChatGPT into a home appliance, revolutionising the way consumers interact with technology in their everyday lives.

delishUp⤴️, India's first smart cooking assistant, is making home cooking easier for young Indian homes. The appliance's Smart Jar not only can heat and cook food but also automates chopping and stirring ingredients for a variety of dishes from gravies to one-pot meals. With 250+ guided recipes displayed on an interactive 8-inch touchscreen, owners only need to add ingredients as prompted to cook their meals. This drastically reduces the hassles of cooking for new cooks, with delishUp⤴️ doing everything from supporting in recipe selection and cutting ingredients to automating heating and stirring. delishUp⤴️ was built on the startup’s proprietary AI framework, Up⤴️AI, to control and manage hardware functionality and recipe accuracy. Up⤴️AI with ChatGPT now has encompassing knowledge of food, ingredients and recipes and can make generative and responsive suggestions to all cooking prompts and needs.

This integration is a testament to upliance.ai’s (Up⤴️) commitment to democratising cooking and transforming Indian households into "smart" homes. By incorporating ChatGPT into the upliance, delishUp⤴️ has exponentially increased what one can accomplish in their kitchens. The “upliance” aims to level up young Indians who are looking to cook more often at home, but don’t know how to cook or lack the time to do it everyday. This integration has not only expanded what one could be eating at home everyday but has also given it’s owners the ability to customise and tailor these recipes according to their preference or lifestyle.

Commenting on the latest upgrade, Up⤴️’s CEO and Co-Founder Mahek Mody said, “With the delishUp⤴️, our mission has always been to get more homes in India cooking, and the integration of ChatGPT into the delishUp⤴️ is a major step in that direction. We wanted our owners to have the ability to cook what they wanted at whim. Food is deeply personal, and we understand that everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to cooking. By integrating Up⤴️AI with ChatGPT, we can now cater to the varied needs, requirements and preferences of our owners. We are thrilled to be at the forefront of bringing truly smart and connected technology to Indian homes”

Upgraded Features:

AI Chatbot Assistance: The AI powered “Up⤴️Bot” enables owners to seek cooking tips, receive assistance with modifying recipes during cooking and clarify doubts. The Up⤴️Bot can offer suggestions on customising existing recipes on the upliance to suit dietary needs and preferences. Examples of customisation include making recipes vegan, sugar-free and low calorie. Additional features also include speech recognition.

AI Assisted Generative Recipes (Beta): In addition to the 200+ in-built recipes, owners can now also request any recipe they desire. Owners can generate trending recipes from social media or a recipe they have seen on their favourite cooking show, or request for a recipe with an unusual combination of ingredients, the delishUp⤴️ will generate a recipe for it.

Up⤴️ is disrupting India's home technology industry with its category-defining ‘upliance’. The company aims to be in 1.5 lakh homes across the country by the end of the year, with a revenue target of INR 150 crores by FY25. Up⤴️ closed its pre-seed funding round of $1.5 million in 2022, with participation from Zerodha's funding arm - Rainmatter, Rukam Capital, Draper Associates, co-founders of Ather Energy and Unacademy, as well as mini angel investors. Deliveries of delishUp⤴️ began in January 2023 and is currently priced at only INR 21,999. It is the only Made in India AI enabled cooking assistant available for young Indian homes. 

About Up⤴️:

Founded by IIT Bombay alumni, Mahek Mody, ex-Chief of Staff at Ather Energy and Mohit Sharma, ex-Head of Engineering at Chaayos, Up⤴️ designs and manufactures contemporaryx smart and connected consumer appliances. While working with Ather Energy, Mahek helped define the Ather 450x as a product and a platform. Mohit, Co-founder and CTO, was leading the engineering team at Chaayos. He helped the team at Chaayos build their own proprietary chai-making machines from scratch. Together they aim at enabling Indians to level up their daily lives through innovative products which will transform the mundane into something special. Their first upliance, delishUp⤴️ began deliveries in January 2023 and is currently priced at only INR 21,999. It is the only Made in India AI enabled cooking assistant available for young Indian homes. Up⤴️ is heralding the shift to home cooking, even for those with no experience in the kitchen, and is inviting everyone to participate in the experience, with a home trial at INR 499 in Bengaluru and virtual demos for other cities.

https://www.upliance.ai

Cypherock Raises $1Mn to Build the World’s 1st MPC Based Hardware Wallet

 (L-R) Mr. Rohan Agarwal, Co-founder & CEO, Cypherock Mr Vipul Saini, Co-founder & CTO 

Startup plans to deploy funds into creating the world’s first hardware wallet without a seed phrase

Cypherock, a hardware wallet startup with a mission to accelerate web3 adoption, has raised $1 million from an array of reputed industry leaders including Consensys Mesh, Infinite Capital, Gnosis, Stefan George (Gnosis), Sandeep Nailwal (Polygon), Mahin Gupta (Zebpay & Liminal), OrangeDAO, Prasanna Sankar (Rippling), and Furqan Rydhan (Thirdweb & F Inc) amongst others. The round witnessed participation from esteemed names hailing from the emerging technology industry itself.

Started by Rohan Agarwal and Vipul Saini in 2019, Cypherock is building the world’s first hardware wallet without a seed phrase. Cypherock’s mission is to empower people to be self-sovereign and to have the same peace of mind and control with their crypto and personal data that they have with their savings in bank vaults.

Despite the importance of wallets in web3 expansion, no current wallet solution has addressed the fundamental issue of private key management. Every current crypto wallet provider stores private keys in a singular location, which introduces the risk of a single point of failure. Additionally, wallets today include a seed phrase-based recovery system, which a user typically stores on a piece of paper or a metal sheet, exposing clients’ Crypto to trust issues, hacks, thefts, fire, earthquakes, and other frauds. Cypherock not only mitigates the problem of a single point of failure with private keys, but also removes the requirement of seed phrase backups entirely, reducing the attack surface for crypto holders.

On the fund raise Rohan Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Cypherock affirmed, “We appreciate the support of all investors who believed in our product. The investment increased our team’s confidence and unquestionably contributed to the development of our business, enabling us to grow our operations and launch the product earlier than the scheduled date. Additionally, we are making a concerted effort to expand the demand for our product line and attract clients in India as well as in the international markets.”

“Cypherock offers the most convenient and secure hardware-based multisig wallet. An intuitive way to increase security for your crypto assets.” - Stefan George, Gnosis

Cypherock’s future entails the expansion of wallet capabilities by adding token support and developing native hardware wallet experiences for various protocols. The startup also intends to add value to their customer through NFT support, on/off ramp solutions, further capabilities related to MPC & Multi-Sig support, and other features including making crypto inheritance seamless.

About Cypherock

Cypherock is a web3 security company that is building infrastructure to promote freedom through self-custody. The X1 is a hardware wallet designed by Cypherock that allows individuals to self-custody their crypto and improve crypto security by mitigating any single points of failure in private key management.

Delhi based Startup Launches 'Trazor', A 1st of its kind All-in-One Shaving System

Two Old Delhi Boys from humble backgrounds with no design experience creates the most revolutionary All-in-one Shaving System called Trazor, which is designed and developed indigenously in India.

Trazor was born as a result of everything that could be fixed with the current wet-shaving systems. The inspiration came from a Swiss Army Knife kept side by side with a shaving razor.

Trazor is the first shaving system in India which serves both as a shaving gel and aftershave, into the handle. The Trazor's gel eliminates the need for harmful, non-environmentally friendly shaving foams and alcohol-based aftershave. Each Trazor shaving handle dispenses the gel that is free of parabens and alcohol. Trazor allows you to choose from 25 + popular blades, giving the user freedom to choose blades of his choice.



Trazors come with its own signature five-edge stainless steel razors for a smooth and comfortable shave. In addition, all Trazors accept more than 25 of the most popular men and women razor blades giving you the ultimate freedom to choose a blade that suits your needs and lifestyle.

The mandate for the Trazor team, led by founder Samar Anjum, was simple – A design with unlimited possibilities- An incredible design to fall in love with, ergonomic to minimize slips and cuts, and an inbuilt natural shaving gel and after-shave free of harmful chemicals and alcohol with minimum use of water (Trazor Gel). A design that would work equally well for him and her, young and young at heart, that is also easy to carry and easy to use.

Trazors come with its own signature five-edge stainless steel razors for a smooth and comfortable shave. In addition, all Trazors accept more than 25 of the most popular men and women razor blades giving you the ultimate freedom to choose a blade that suits your needs and lifestyle.

How it all started

[caption id="attachment_126671" align="alignleft" width="350"] Founder- Samar Anjum[/caption]One afternoon back in 2015 two old friends met after 15 years at a coffee shop in Noida and discussed shaving and all the things that could be fixed for 3 hours, consequently a new shaving system was born that would completely revolutionize the shaving world.

The journey started back in 2015 – From a humble two-person operation gradually some of the smartest design engineers and innovative minds from around India were brought together, who put in 1000's of hours of painstaking labour, designing, building and rebuilding dozens of prototypes, failing multiple times, before finalizing on the current version of Trazor.


Why the Trazor shaving system was created:

The major razor companies that make most shaving systems in the market charge exorbitant prices for blades, and to protect their fat margins, they ensure the blades fit only their handles. They have gone one step further by charging even more from women.

You will never again be locked to a handle that only accepts a certain type of expensive blade. Not only that, Trazor comes with its own signature five-edge stainless steel razor blade for a smooth and comfortable shave.

Trazor is designed to offer you the ultimate in shaving experience.

Trazor is one compact system for home and away-from-home use - take it with you wherever life takes you. With Trazor, shaving will be a hassle-free and convenient experience, be it in the washroom of your home, workplace, gym, hotel, anywhere.

Delhi based Startup Launches 'Trazor', A 1st of its kind All-in-One Shaving System

Two Old Delhi Boys from humble backgrounds with no design experience creates the most revolutionary All-in-one Shaving System called Trazor, which is designed and developed indigenously in India.

Trazor was born as a result of everything that could be fixed with the current wet-shaving systems. The inspiration came from a Swiss Army Knife kept side by side with a shaving razor.

Trazor is the first shaving system in India which serves both as a shaving gel and aftershave, into the handle. The Trazor's gel eliminates the need for harmful, non-environmentally friendly shaving foams and alcohol-based aftershave. Each Trazor shaving handle dispenses the gel that is free of parabens and alcohol. Trazor allows you to choose from 25 + popular blades, giving the user freedom to choose blades of his choice.



Trazors come with its own signature five-edge stainless steel razors for a smooth and comfortable shave. In addition, all Trazors accept more than 25 of the most popular men and women razor blades giving you the ultimate freedom to choose a blade that suits your needs and lifestyle.

The mandate for the Trazor team, led by founder Samar Anjum, was simple – A design with unlimited possibilities- An incredible design to fall in love with, ergonomic to minimize slips and cuts, and an inbuilt natural shaving gel and after-shave free of harmful chemicals and alcohol with minimum use of water (Trazor Gel). A design that would work equally well for him and her, young and young at heart, that is also easy to carry and easy to use.

Trazors come with its own signature five-edge stainless steel razors for a smooth and comfortable shave. In addition, all Trazors accept more than 25 of the most popular men and women razor blades giving you the ultimate freedom to choose a blade that suits your needs and lifestyle.

How it all started

[caption id="attachment_126671" align="alignleft" width="350"] Founder- Samar Anjum[/caption]One afternoon back in 2015 two old friends met after 15 years at a coffee shop in Noida and discussed shaving and all the things that could be fixed for 3 hours, consequently a new shaving system was born that would completely revolutionize the shaving world.

The journey started back in 2015 – From a humble two-person operation gradually some of the smartest design engineers and innovative minds from around India were brought together, who put in 1000's of hours of painstaking labour, designing, building and rebuilding dozens of prototypes, failing multiple times, before finalizing on the current version of Trazor.


Why the Trazor shaving system was created:

The major razor companies that make most shaving systems in the market charge exorbitant prices for blades, and to protect their fat margins, they ensure the blades fit only their handles. They have gone one step further by charging even more from women.

You will never again be locked to a handle that only accepts a certain type of expensive blade. Not only that, Trazor comes with its own signature five-edge stainless steel razor blade for a smooth and comfortable shave.

Trazor is designed to offer you the ultimate in shaving experience.

Trazor is one compact system for home and away-from-home use - take it with you wherever life takes you. With Trazor, shaving will be a hassle-free and convenient experience, be it in the washroom of your home, workplace, gym, hotel, anywhere.

Hardware Startup Open Appliances Raises $550,000 From Axilor Ventures and Zoho Co-founder

Bengaluru based hardware startup Open Appliances, that manufactures smart locks, has announced that it has raised $550,000 from Axilor Ventures and Kumar Vembu, co-founder of software product company Zoho Corp.

The startup plans to use the freshly raised funds further to strengthen its products and enter new verticals. It also plans to file patents for close to half a dozen hardware designs.

Founded in 2015 Gotama Gowda, Rajshekar Jenne and Siddhesh Keluskar, Open Appliances designs, develops and sells revolutionary smart locks for enterprises across sectors.

The startup provides Bluetooth-enabled smart lock systems to telecom and logistics companies. Its product ‘Force’ is a smart padlock that can be remotely unlocked via Bluetooth using a mobile app while 'Forge' is a hardened industry-grade lock in-built with a WiFi hotspot for unlocking/locking using smartphones. Forge is mostly used to secure large cabinet boxes.

Gotama Gowda, who is CEO of the startup , said in an interview that the company manufactures 8,000 smart locks every month. It has had sales of around $500,000 since the first product went into commercial production a year ago, he said.

In the same interview, Gotama noted that Open App already has a revenue pipeline of $2 million this fiscal year with more than half of it recognised.

The company estimates that the physical security equipment and services market is estimated to reach $197.07 billion by 2019. Out of this, Access Control as a Service -- the company’s target market -- will account for $6.06 billion, it says.

Open App competes to a greater extent with players like Latch, which focuses on the enterprise space. While in India, legacy players like Godrej seem to be Open Appliances' closest competitor at the ‘smart lock’ space for homes and enterprises along with another upcoming niche startup AwakeY.

Delhi-based Startup Turns 'Smart Mirror' Into Reality; Builds A Touch Screen Mirror With Wi-Fi Connectivity

Last year we told about how a Google engineer has build a near prototype of Smart Mirror. Now after a year and half a Delhi-based startup Help Me Build Technologies Pvt Ltd. has turned this idea of 'Smart Mirror' into a reality by turning your regular mirror into a smart mirror which reflects more than just a face.

The Startup has developed an innovative touch screen smart mirror called 'Nuovo', that can do anything and everything with Wi-Fi connectivity and android phone for app download.

Nuovo 'Smart Mirror' can keep you updated with notifications from social sites like Facebook and Twitter. You can get the latest news from the leading publications, can also access YouTube videos, and even book cab through Uber. In addition to this, this smart mirror will always keep you on top of your daily schedule with the help of Google Calendar, can keep you updated with the latest decor trends and lets you access the emails. A user can control which app to be displayed on the mirror for easy access by controlling them through the mirror as well as mobile application.



Not-to-mention, this ‘Smart mirror’ can be used by users through account creation, logins etc. It needs to get installed in the place of choice with a dedicated UPS connected, a wifi connection and (one-time creation) in a ‘Smart Mirror App’. Once the app is downloaded, register yourself by signing up and syncing all the apps by allowing them to access the information.

Mr.Prasoon Shrivastava, Founder & CEO, Nuovo says "We have successfully made a prototype of smart touch screen mirror which is integrated with the artificial intelligence technology for a better user experience. Smart Mirror cannot only save the time of homeowners but will also reduce dependencies on multiple products which now can be operated through a single device which is a mirror. It comes with a choice of frame viz wooden, metal and decorative".

Applications integrated in Nuovo's 'Smart Mirror' are::

1. Facebook: To see what your friends are up to


2. Twitter: To check what the world is tweeting about


3. Gmail: To never miss an important mail


4. Clock, Stopwatch, Alarm: To know time or set alarm


5. News: To keep a track of what’s happening in the world


6. YouTube: To watch your favorite videos


7. Maps: To Navigate through the bustling city life


8. Uber: To book your cab on the go


9. To stay updated with the latest decor trends through HelpMeBuild


10. Calendar updates: To sojourn on schedule

Mr.Shrivastava further added that "1st Prototype has been made keeping in mind the usability in homes. There will be other prototypes as well, which will be made keeping in mind the commercial offices, hotels etc. as per the requirement."

Help Me Build is a IoT focusseed Delhi-based bootstrapped startup established in 2014 which offer creative solutions from creating of knowledge, to streamlined execution of the project and beyond in the space of interior and architecture. It is an online social commerce platform for architecture and interior design enthusiasts. From home owners to established design professionals; helpmebuild aims to create value for each stakeholder through providing full-stacked services ranging from Interior design ideas, an engagement driven, social ecosystem, an ever growing managed multivendor marketplace, technological expertise.

Help Me Build is currently delivering furniture and décor products in more than 1000 pin codes in major cities namely Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow etc. It has teams, partners and affiliates for Design Build project execution. They cater projects across India as well as certain International locations like the USA, Caribbean, Middle East and Africa.

Bengaluru Startup Builds A 'Smart Stethoscope' To Make It A Next Household Device

In a last decade, medical devices such as - Digital Thermometer, Glucometer and BP Monitor has become household instrument and unlike time of 80s or 90s where people need to visits doctors and hospitals for routine checkup and diagnoses people now are using these digital devices more often without leaving home. However one such medical instrument -- Stethoscope, is yet to become a household device.

From 1816 to 2016, it has been two centuries since the stethoscope was invented to help the mankind. In its 200 years of survival, from being a simple wooden pipe to what it is now, the device has undergone several changes. And now, a Bengaluru based startup is bringing the stethoscope to everyone's home by inventing a Smart Stethoscope called the Taal.

Invented by a two-year-old startup MUSEinc, the Taal is a low-cost, highly functional digital stethoscope, that aims to improve the quality of diagnosis, and reduce the time that is currently required to measure cardiovascular parameters among many other possible applications. The device consists of a circular hardware device, that is paired with a smartphone app and can function across species from cats to humans.



Even today, a majority of the doctors make a choice between electronic and acoustic stethoscopes. Though Taal isn't the first digital stethoscopes to hit the market, what makes it different from others is the fact that MUSEinc team has inserted a processor that enables automation of the calculation of the heart rate and recording of other sounds from within the body.



Founded in 2014 by Arvind Badrinarayanan and Sumukh Mysore, MUSEinc is a medical device startup aims to produce advanced, affordable and customizable devices for a variety of needs.

The startup is in the final stages of development and testing of the Taal digital stethoscope which the startup claims to be the most affordable and effective device of its kind in the world.

The startup has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo for Taal to raise USD 50,000 and till writing this article it has raised $4,625 USD from 65 backers.

Designed to be used by both medical professionals and patients, the device gives its users graphical representation of heart waves on the mobile, and allows them to send it to doctors. This means, a patient wouldn't require any additional training in order to understand what he/she is hearing from the stethoscope's earplugs.

Taal hasn't only become a hit in its home country India, but has also found takers abroad. According to the startup, a couple of doctors in the US are already using the device.

Taal can be of great help to doctors in remote areas for getting a second opinion, or come to a better diagnosis with help from hospitals in bigger cities.

Locally made in Bengaluru, Taal's innovators for now wish to keep the technology in the open source. The device even comes with a long, rechargeable battery life of up to 24 hours.

Here are some of other features that makes Taal stand out.

• Compact Size- Taal says goodbye to the decades old rubber tubes that are a major inconvenience for doctors when carrying about a workplace or travelling. It's compact design and lightweight makes it convenient enough to even fit into a pocket.




• OLED Display- Taal comes with an alphanumeric OLED display screen that displays a real-time digital sample of the heart rate. It even shows Taal's battery status.



• Flexibility of Use- The Taal, with its POGO charging port and Lithium Ion batteries can be used and charged anywhere.




• Audio Filtering- Taal comes with a noise cancelling analog circuit that works towards removing S1 (first heart sound) and S2 sounds from ambient noise, in order to make heartbeats and other internal sounds clearly audible to the users.




• Socially enabled: The Taal even allows its users to record and share sounds with others with the Taal mobile app, or download and email it.

Apart from MuseInc, Cooey is another Bengaluru-based medical device startup that had launched 'smart' medical device and its - a Smart Glucometer -- a small, pocket-sized device that is portable, connects to a smartphone using the 3.5mm headphone jack and transfers the readings automatically into its mobile app.

Bengaluru Startup Builds A 'Smart Stethoscope' To Make It A Next Household Device

In a last decade, medical devices such as - Digital Thermometer, Glucometer and BP Monitor has become household instrument and unlike time of 80s or 90s where people need to visits doctors and hospitals for routine checkup and diagnoses people now are using these digital devices more often without leaving home. However one such medical instrument -- Stethoscope, is yet to become a household device.

From 1816 to 2016, it has been two centuries since the stethoscope was invented to help the mankind. In its 200 years of survival, from being a simple wooden pipe to what it is now, the device has undergone several changes. And now, a Bengaluru based startup is bringing the stethoscope to everyone's home by inventing a Smart Stethoscope called the Taal.

Invented by a two-year-old startup MUSEinc, the Taal is a low-cost, highly functional digital stethoscope, that aims to improve the quality of diagnosis, and reduce the time that is currently required to measure cardiovascular parameters among many other possible applications. The device consists of a circular hardware device, that is paired with a smartphone app and can function across species from cats to humans.



Even today, a majority of the doctors make a choice between electronic and acoustic stethoscopes. Though Taal isn't the first digital stethoscopes to hit the market, what makes it different from others is the fact that MUSEinc team has inserted a processor that enables automation of the calculation of the heart rate and recording of other sounds from within the body.



Founded in 2014 by Arvind Badrinarayanan and Sumukh Mysore, MUSEinc is a medical device startup aims to produce advanced, affordable and customizable devices for a variety of needs.

The startup is in the final stages of development and testing of the Taal digital stethoscope which the startup claims to be the most affordable and effective device of its kind in the world.

The startup has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo for Taal to raise USD 50,000 and till writing this article it has raised $4,625 USD from 65 backers.

Designed to be used by both medical professionals and patients, the device gives its users graphical representation of heart waves on the mobile, and allows them to send it to doctors. This means, a patient wouldn't require any additional training in order to understand what he/she is hearing from the stethoscope's earplugs.

Taal hasn't only become a hit in its home country India, but has also found takers abroad. According to the startup, a couple of doctors in the US are already using the device.

Taal can be of great help to doctors in remote areas for getting a second opinion, or come to a better diagnosis with help from hospitals in bigger cities.

Locally made in Bengaluru, Taal's innovators for now wish to keep the technology in the open source. The device even comes with a long, rechargeable battery life of up to 24 hours.

Here are some of other features that makes Taal stand out.

• Compact Size- Taal says goodbye to the decades old rubber tubes that are a major inconvenience for doctors when carrying about a workplace or travelling. It's compact design and lightweight makes it convenient enough to even fit into a pocket.




• OLED Display- Taal comes with an alphanumeric OLED display screen that displays a real-time digital sample of the heart rate. It even shows Taal's battery status.



• Flexibility of Use- The Taal, with its POGO charging port and Lithium Ion batteries can be used and charged anywhere.




• Audio Filtering- Taal comes with a noise cancelling analog circuit that works towards removing S1 (first heart sound) and S2 sounds from ambient noise, in order to make heartbeats and other internal sounds clearly audible to the users.




• Socially enabled: The Taal even allows its users to record and share sounds with others with the Taal mobile app, or download and email it.

Apart from MuseInc, Cooey is another Bengaluru-based medical device startup that had launched 'smart' medical device and its - a Smart Glucometer -- a small, pocket-sized device that is portable, connects to a smartphone using the 3.5mm headphone jack and transfers the readings automatically into its mobile app.

Meet OpenBike - An "Operating System For Bicycles"

We're almost halfway through the year 2016, and what could be seen as a positive sign for the tech industry, the inventions this year are just getting better and better by the day. The current addition to this year's long list of invention marvels is OpenBike, or “bicycle of the future", as it being helmed by its makers.

Described as an "Operating System For Bicycles", OpenBike is the labour of hard work of Randall Jacobs, a two-time amateur national champion and his business partner Kyle Manna. For a few who have managed to get a peek at the bike's prototype, are calling it a master invention with an all-in-one integrated package that comes with headlights, anti-theft features, integrated automatic tail lights and turn signals, a phone mount and USB charging, among various other features.



In order to make these bikes of the future accessible to the public as soon as possible, OpenBike has partnered Marin Bikes and will be building the first batch of the bikes in the state of California.

According to the makers, the OpenBike will enable sensors, lighters and other electronics to be integrated as a standard equipment.

• One Battery that powers everything, can charge itself as the cyclist rides, and charges their phone too.


• 
  One On-Bike Network that enables component interoperability.



• One shared connection that integrates the bike and its data to mobile applications and the various services in the cloud.

The main idea behind the conception of the OpenBike is, that while the bicycle manufacturers will be building the basic network into their bikes, the electronic component manufacturers will be manufacturing products that are compatible with the system.



A few months ago in February this year, the OpenBike had joined Highway1, a well-known hardware accelerator backed by PCH International. With just nine companies making the cut out of the 300 applicants, OpenBike considers that the class has not only proven to be really strong for it, but has also been a huge help in assisting the project’s advance.

Revvx Showcases Its First Batch of Hardware Startups - Seehow, Fragging Monk, Things Cloud & Senze

The Bangalore based Accelerator Revvx has completed its first batch of acceleration program focused on hardware products. After six months of product building, market positioning and strategizing, four out of the Six hardware startups in the Accelerator Program, demonstrated their products at the Revvx Demo Day, Batch 1 on Friday, May 27, 3016 at the Nasscom 10k Startup Warehouse in Bangalore.

The program began on Nov 16, 2015 when these startups joined the accelerator to address rapid prototyping and product manufacturability. The program addressed the complex issues of designing for mass manufacturing along with achieving product market fit.

“India’s electronics import bill now stands at $40 Billion, has overtaken our gold imports and stands second only after oil, said Satish Mugulavalli, Co-founder and CEO of Revvx. “We are helping Startups build hardware products in India through our multiple acceleration tracks and are working to reduce our electronics imports, one billion dollar at a time. We are very proud of what these 4 startups have accomplished in such a short time”.

“Building the next game-changing hardware product startup requires a broad mix of hardware, middleware, Data Analytics and software expertise. Revvx not only helps Hardware Startups in building a competitive advantage through technology but also drives commercialization of  their innovation” said Avinash Kaushik, Founder of Revvx. “By removing the manufacturing risk and finding a product-market fit, Startups become more Investor friendly”.

Chetan Maini, Founder of electric car Reva which was built in India in the 90s was the Chief Guest at the Demo Day event. Mr. Maini delivered an inspiring talk about his experience in building the car and how some of the most difficult challenges were converted into significant opportunities. Maini was honoured with the ‘Inspiring Global Entrepreneur’ award at the event.

The Startups demonstrated their solutions to an audience comprised of Investors, Corporate innovators, Eco-system partners and Entrepreneurs. It was followed by panel discussions with the Startup founders, its key partners and early adopters of these products. The panelists were very positive about the technology and the significant opportunity the Startups have.

The diverse set of innovative startups who presented were:

Seehow is building cricket coaching system for bowlers. Solution includes sensors inside different types of cricket balls to track spin, flight, bounce and speed and provide instant feedback to the cricketer. The system provides performance reports for  bowlers as they navigate through their cricketing life and allows to benchmark against the world’s best. The same technology could also be used to track analytics on hitting the pitch or the bat as well as in other sports. Company founders have played under 18 club cricket.

Fragging Monk is a esports game platform startup building game computers for serious gamers. They optimize computers for very high performance and allow gamers to customize their devices. The startup also demonstrated a small form factor entry level, high performance gaming device focused on competitions. The Startup founders have been gamers themselves and have also helped setup gaming cafes in India.

Things Cloud is a clean-tech company building Cloud connected, solar grid interactive inverters that manages power inside homes and small business. The inverter intelligently uses power storage and feeds power back to the grid using highly efficient algorithms thereby achieving energy independence. The Founders are very experienced in power controller systems and have built complex systems.

Senze is an IoT based technology that aims at making regular objects smart. Giving brands new touch points to interact with consumers. Senze essentially enables businesses to develop smart things using smart paper. It serves as a SaaS Platform that enables analytics of brand interaction with consumers through offline touch points which can be customized to perform an action through a mobile application.

Revvx is also accepting applications for its second batch on its website.

Autodesk To Fuel Hardware Startups In India

Autodesk Inc., the name known to the world as the maker of architectural and engineering design software used to build Tesla cars, New York's Freedom Tower and providing the world with magnificent special effects in Hollywood blockbuster ‘Avatar’ and the firm behind the architectural and engineering design software used to build , is gearing up to launch an ‘Entrepreneur Impact Program’ focused towards Indian start-ups in the hardware domain.

Valued at over $13 billion, the California based company is currently on a hunt for companies in sectors such as clean technology, who are doing a commendable job in creating a social impact on the society. The Entrepreneur Impact Program will be helping the selected companies take their products to the people and also provide them with software worth $150,000 ( about Rs 1 crore) for a period of 3 years along with an extensive training period. Autodesk is different from others in the market as unlike other players in the market, they don't take equity from the startups and the intellectual property belongs totally to the start-ups.

According to Autodesk, it is already in final level discussions with Bengaluru-based startup FiasTech. The startup is most known for a product that when installed in fuel nozzles will automatically save all the tiny oil drops that usually fall on the ground during the refuelling process of vehicles at the gas stations. While, for the companies, it might not be a major loss, it is a huge wastage on a global level. According to FiasTech, India ends up wasting about 22 crore litres of fuel worth Rs.1,300 crore every year because of this reason.

The Bengaluru-based firm had initially developed a nozzle to prevent fuel drops falling on the ground, but decided to change their plans when they observed the reluctancy in oil companies to switch their existing dispenser with the nozzle as the dispenser came with a warranty. This is when, the nozzle was replaced with an external kit that can be easily be installed in any fuel nozzle that too without tampering with the dispenser's warranty.

This is exactly where Autodesk is hoping to jump in and come to the rescue of companies such as FiasTech which might not have resources to test their products in the market. Autodesk's software will allow these newbies to simulate their products on a computer.

Autodesk has already selected Kabadiwalla Connect and Arcatron Mobility for its entrepreneurship programme.

A Chennai-based startup, Kabadiwalla Connect will be utilising Autodesk's software to develop products such as storage units made out of recycled material. The startup is hopeful that Autodesk's technology will help them prototype and iterate their products in a quick and efficient manner.

On the other hand, Arcatron Mobility will be using Autodesk's software to improve on the design of its product by the means modelling and testing it in a virtual environment. Arcatron Mobility aims to improve the lives of elderly and mobility impaired people by developing products such as a smart care robot and shower wheelchair.

[Top Image - Scott Prokop / Shutterstock.com]

Indian Startups Is All About Software or Internet, Rarely About Hardware

For people observing the Indian Startup ecosystem for quite some time, have a closer look. A closer observation at the industry would reveal that the Indian Startup scene is mostly about software driven businesses rather than hardware driven.

Still digesting the fact? Well, look around. Ola, Flipkart, Airbnb and Uber etc., are all Internet or software based firms. In order to decode the code of what makes a hardware startup click with the Indian users, Economics Times conducted an extensive research and interviewed a few successful product entrepreneurs.

According to the interviews conducted, one of the primary things that had set the ball rolling for them was turning to a familiar environment. Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, founders, electric scooter maker Ather Energy, decided to visit the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, their alma matter for the support; while Achira Labs' Dhananjay Dendukuri decided to turn to his employer for motivation.

The interviews inferred an interesting 8 points strategy for hardware startup success:

1. Prototype - Once you have narrowed in on the problem you will solve using the device, the next step involves building a real version of the concept conceived. Once you have the prototype ready, showcase your wonderful invention to the investors at various conferences that keep taking place.
   



2. Research - One of the most important rule to churn out a winner. Research whether there's a market for your product? What all are the opportunities available at your hand? Who are your competitors and what are their strengths and weaknesses.




3. Build a dependable team - Since you might not have proficiency in running each and every vertical of the business, it is recommended to hire people who can do that for you.




4. Raise Funds - Once your product is ready, your research is done and you have built a dependable team, it's time to pitch the ideas to the investors.




5. Update Prototype - Since technology and people's requirements keep changing with each passing second, it is recommended to make revisions in your product's prototype every now and then and keep it at par with all its competitors.




6. Vendors - This steps involves scouting for vendors whose vision is in direct alignment to yours. Build a strong vendor network.




7. Price settlement - It is important to decide the right price for your product because it can have a huge impact on the success story of your product. According to Akash Gupta, chief technology officer of robotics enterprise GreyOrange, "There is a big difference between a cheap product and a viable product. Viable products cater to the market, not the cheap. This was drilled into us by Wolfgang. A lot of our supply chain is from Germany, Taiwan and Japan, so it is possible to make products which have really good components and still be viable enough."




8. Go to market - Finally, the last step. The time to hit the market and develop a steady distribution network and make it big.

[Top Image - Shutterstock]

Meet Vulcantronics, A Delhi Startup That Developed An Automated Cocktail Making Machine

[caption id="attachment_102192" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Team Vulcatronics, Makers of Barsys - An automated cocktail dispensing machine[/caption]

A New Delhi based startup called Vulcantronics has committed itself to building a future for technology and improving world's lifestyle.

Having spent all its time on Research and Development of products, Vulcantronics has been able to give birth to some amazing products till now.

One of its products, Barsys, is an automated cocktail dispenser which acts as a great tool for bar-tenders to cater to the needs of their customers. It can even function as your own personal bar-tender at your home/office. An android based interface ensures that the customers can choose/customize from over 1000 cocktails and even neat drinks.





Barsys has an android based interface which ensures that the customers can choose/customize from over 1000 cocktails and even neat drinks.



The idea for the startup first came to the mind of its founder Akshet Tewari, a Mechatronics Engineer from Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal. During the course of his degree, he realised that there was one common problem being faced during family parties, office get-togethers and college parties. The problem was that of a perfect cocktail and mocktail making machine. Hiring a bar-tender would be too expensive and moreover even if you did get a bar-tender, it didn't guarantee you great cocktails. That is when this idea of automated cocktail/mocktail dispensing machine struck him.

Since Barsys is a party regular, a special effort has been made to give it that stylish and attractive look for parties.

According to the startup, Barsys has been developed keeping human factors in mind. The startup has gone through several prototyping stages in order to bring out the best finished product.

The machine is very simple and user friendly. Once a user places the glass in the glass tray and chooses a drink, the glass tray moves linearly and collects the drink from different stations. It can prepare cocktail, mocktail and also dispense neat drinks as per the requirements of the user. Further, the Alcohol bottles are mounted on to the machine in an inverted manner. So, when a drink is dispensed, the air bubbles in bottle bring the awe factor. Inventory management, power failure safe, quick drinks are some of the other features of the machine.

The startup has already started taking B2B orders for Barsys. It plans to launch it for the consumers during Diwali this year.