Author: Team

Campus France Brings 35 French Institutions to APAIE 2025

New Delhi, 25 March 2025: Under the French Pavilion coordinated by Campus France, 35 French institutions and nearly 120 delegates, accompanied by five diplomatic representations in Asia, will take part in the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) institutional conference, organized in New Delhi, from March 24 to 28 (Yashoboomi, Booth E15). As a major annual event for higher education institutions worldwide, this fair provides a unique opportunity to create and strengthen academic and mobility partnerships with institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly India, a priority country for France, which aims to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030.

France at APAIE: A Key Event for Attractiveness in the Asia-Pacific

Established in 2004 in Seoul (South Korea), APAIE has become the largest professional fair dedicated to higher education in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2025, more than 2,000 participants from over 60 countries are expected to participate.

The 2025 edition of the conference highlights the key role of higher education in shaping global citizens capable of addressing common challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Through research, academic collaboration, and the inclusion of diversity, higher education institutions play a fundamental role in building sustainable solutions for a shared future.

The strong presence and diversity of French institutions participating in APAIE 2025 illustrate France’s commitment to strengthening its ties with key higher education stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. According to Olivier Chiche-Portiche, Director of Geographic Coordination at Campus France: “The Asia-Pacific region remains the main driver of student mobility growth worldwide. It is also a strategic area for scientific and technological research: the significant presence of French institutions, including universities, business schools, and engineering schools, will reflect this importance.”

There are over 400 active MOUs between French and Indian institutions, fostering academic exchanges, dual-degree programmes, and credit transfers. The Embassy of France in India, through its academic and scientific cooperation team, actively supports institutions from both countries by offering guidance and facilitating connections with relevant partners.

What Career Paths for Asia-Pacific Alumni Educated in France?

As part of the conference’s scientific program, Campus France will present a poster session on the career paths of Asia-Pacific alumni who studied in France. A survey conducted among 10,000 former students, including around 1,200 from the Asia-Pacific region (mainly India, China, and Vietnam), highlights the positive impact of their experience in France, particularly on their entry into the job market:

• 37% of Asia-Pacific alumni found their first job in France
• 64% secured employment within six months of graduation
• 93% recommend France for higher education studies
• 85% recommend France as a destination for work

The presentation will take place in the exhibition hall at Yashoboomi on Wednesday, March 26, from 1:15 PM to 2:00 PM at display point 6. The infographic will be displayed throughout the conference.

Winpe Leadership Summit and Awards 2025: Empowering Diversity to Shape the Future of PE-VC

Mumbai, 25th March 2025: Winpe, a gender diversity-focused not-for-profit platform, successfully hosted the third edition of the Winpe Leadership Summit and Awards (WLSA) at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. The event convened top private equity and venture capital (PE-VC) leaders to address the pressing need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the investment ecosystem and was followed by an awards ceremony recognising firms and individuals driving meaningful change in the industry.

The investment ecosystem continues to be a male-dominated space where the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles creates barriers to entry for women entrepreneurs, hindering their career advancement and limiting access to networking and mentorship opportunities. While gender diversity in India’s PE-VC sector has improved over the years, significant gaps persist, particularly in leadership roles.

Leading PE-VC firms such as Warburg Pincus, ChrysCapital, Multiples Alternate Asset Management, Everstone Capital, Gaja Capital, Peak XV Partners, Fireside Ventures, AZB & partners, British International Investment (BII), Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, (CPPIB) have been actively collaborating with Winpe, supporting initiatives that drive greater gender diversity and inclusion in the investment ecosystem.

A 2020 survey across 25 Indian PE firms showcased that women constituted only 16% of the workforce, with merely 5% holding senior leadership positions. The ‘Mind the Gender Gap’ report by CFA Institute Research and Policy Center suggests that women constitute less than 20% of the overall workforce and hold only 10% of key managerial personnel (KMP) roles. This gap showcases a lack of representation at key decision-making levels.

Recognising these issues, Nupur Garg, Founder, Winpe, said. “Despite growing evidence that diversity drives better returns, women hold less than 20% of roles in PE-VC and remain significantly underrepresented at leadership levels. In today’s climate, where DEI faces both momentum and backlash, silent support is not enough. Winpe Leadership Summit and Awards 2025 is a call to action—to move from intent to impact, from conversations to measurable change. The future of investing must be built on merit and inclusion, not outdated barriers.”

Featuring 65 speakers and around 400 attendees, WLSA 2025 served as a critical forum to address these gaps and drive solutions. Through expert-led panel discussions on fundraising strategies, mentorship, and leadership acceleration, along with masterclasses focused on pitching and entrepreneurial success, the summit reflected a legacy that stands strong since the WLSA’s inception in 2023. Notable attendees included Ashley Menezes, Partner and COO, ChrysCapital; Manish Kejriwal, Managing Partner and Founder, Kedaara Capital; Upasana Taku, Co-Founder and CFO, MobiKwik; Kanwaljit Singh, Founder and Managing Partner, Fireside Ventures; Anita George, Chief Executive Officer, ProsperETE; Renuka Ramnath, Founder, Managing Director, and CEO, Multiples Alternate Asset Management; Vikram Raju, Managing Director and Head of Climate Investing for Private Credit and Equity, Morgan Stanley; Anand Unnikrishnan, Managing Partner- Private Markets, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund; VT Bharadwaj, Co-Founder and General Partner, A91 Partners; Sunil Mishra, Partner – Primary Investments, Adams Street Partners; Ralitsa Rizvanolli, Partner and Head of Investments, Sarona Asset Management; Diane Jegam, Regional Director, South Asia, Proparco; Puja Sondhi, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Co; and Roshini Bakshi, Managing Director and Head of Impact, Everstone Capital Asia Pte, among others.

The jury for this year’s Winpe Leadership Awards included eminent global leaders such as Debbi Sutuntivorakoon, Partner, Axiom Asia Private Capital; Pamela C. Fung, Partner, Morgan Stanley; Ralitsa Rizvanolli, Partner and Head of Investments, Sarona Asset Management; Sunil Mishra, Partner – Primary Investments, Adams Street Partners; and Thomas Kronsbein, Director, Private Equity, Global Markets, DEG.

The comprehensive list of winners:

• Firm of the Year: Private Equity – India Alternatives
• Firm of the Year: Venture Capital – Elevar Equity
• Deal of the Year: Private Equity – Multiples Alternate Asset Management for their investment in Svatantra Microfinance
• Deal of the Year: Venture Capital – Fireside Ventures for their investment in Moxie Beauty
• PE-Backed Company of the Year – Gynoveda and India Alternatives
• VC-Backed Company of the Year – Eloelo and WaterBridge Ventures
• Changemaker of the Year: Private Equity – Vishal Tulsyan from Motilal Oswal Alternates
• Changemaker of the Year: Venture Capital – Manish Kheterpal from WaterBridge Ventures
• PE Leader of the Year – Nithya Easwaran from Multiples Alternate Asset Management
• VC Leader of the Year – Richa Bajpai from Campus Fund
• Special Acknowledgement – Leadership – Shweta Jalan from Advent International

The representation of women in PE-VC and the broader corporate workforce remains a global challenge. The recent backlash against DEI has led companies to practice diversity quietly rather than champion it publicly. However, visibility is critical to driving real change. Winpe Leadership Summit and Awards 2025 brought these issues to the forefront, creating a platform where industry leaders not only discussed the barriers to diversity but also committed to driving measurable progress.

Empowering Accessibility: Paranjape Schemes Construction Ltd. Introduces Swaniketan Homes for Differently-Abled at Purple Fest 2025

New Delhi, India – March 25, 2025 – In a pioneering move towards inclusive living, Paranjape Schemes has launched Swaniketan, India’s first dedicated residential community designed specifically for differently abled individuals and their families at the prestigious Purple Fest 2025, held in Delhi, an event focused on promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment for persons with disabilities. The Project is located in Bhugaon, Pune. Swaniketan is set to redefine independent living by providing a secure, supportive, and empowering environment tailored to the unique needs of residents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome.

 Swaniketan is more than just a residential development—it is a thoughtfully designed space to foster independence, skill development, and long-term care. The gated community comprises 240 apartments across two towers, offering 2 and 3 BHK homes, along with specialised facilities that cater to the well-being and growth of its residents. Every aspect of the project is aimed at providing a comfortable, accessible, and dignified living experience, ensuring that residents can lead independent lives while being part of a supportive and caring community.

 Key Features of Swaniketan:
•Skill Development & Vocational Training Centers – Empowering residents with hands-on learning through activities like crafts and therapeutic gardening, enabling them to contribute to society.
•Therapy & Wellness Centers – Offering specialised therapeutic environments to enhance the overall quality of life.
•Caregiver Support Facilities – Ensuring families and caregivers receive the necessary assistance and respite.
•Early Intervention & Development Center – Providing expert guidance to identify and address developmental needs at an early stage.
•Long-Term Care & Assisted Living Support – Offering continuous care and vocational training for young adults, ensuring sustained independence.

 “Swaniketan represents a groundbreaking step towards inclusivity and compassionate living. At Paranjape Schemes, our mission has always been to create homes that meet diverse needs. With Swaniketan, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment that not only meet the physical accessibility needs of residents but also foster a sense of belonging and independence” said Shashank Paranjape, Managing Director of Paranjape Schemes.

 At the core of Swaniketan is a robust CARE ecosystem, designed to provide residents with expert supervision and specialised support. Paranjape Schemes has partnered with Forum for Autism and Saad to form Tarangan, an association that will oversee the management and operations of the community.

 Understanding the financial concerns of families with differently abled children, Swaniketan offers trust-based financial planning solutions. Parents can create trusts to secure their child’s future, ensuring that living, medical, and caretaker costs are covered even after their passing. Additionally, if a home is sold, proceeds can be directed into these trusts, guaranteeing long-term security.

Tailwind AMC’s Alpha Edge PMS Sets Sail with Rs 50 Crore AUM

Mumbai, 24 March 2025: Tailwind Asset Management Company (Tailwind AMC), a specialist in model-driven investment strategies for high-net-worth individuals and family offices, has announced the launch of its flagship Alpha Edge Portfolio Management Service (PMS). This sophisticated investment solution, powered by proprietary quantitative models, debuts with Rs 50 crore in assets under management (AUM).

The launch of Alpha Edge PMS underscores Tailwind AMC’s commitment to innovation by integrating advanced technology with deep market expertise to generate consistent alpha for discerning investors.

“The strong initial response to our Alpha Edge PMS reflects investors’ growing preference for systematic, model-driven strategies that can deliver consistent returns,” said Vivek Goel, Founder and CIO of Tailwind AMC. “In today’s dynamic market, our systematic approach offers a compelling alternative to traditional bottom-up investment strategies.”

Alpha Edge PMS: Quantitative Excellence
The Alpha Edge PMS employs a sophisticated multi-layered investment approach:
• Strong Investment Pillars: Our core philosophy – Simple. Stable. Secure. aligns well with investors who are looking at sustainable growth over long term.
• Quantitative Factor Models: Proprietary algorithms analyze over 100 strategic, broad-based, and sectoral factors to identify investment avenues.
• Risk-Optimized Portfolio Construction: Focus on risk management to balance return potential with limiting downside in the long term.
• Continuous Model Evolution: Continuous learning capabilities allow strategies to adapt to changing market regimes

“Our Alpha Edge strategy has been extensively back-tested and has demonstrated resilience across diverse market environments,” added Goel. “Rather than pursuing high-risk, high-reward allocations, we prioritize systematic risk management to deliver sustained outperformance. The key to long-term success isn’t complexity—it’s structured excellence and measured wisdom. Our investment approach is designed to navigate markets while keeping investors’ financial security at the forefront.”

Investor-Centric Structure
Alpha Edge PMS upholds high standards of transparency and investor alignment. The performance-linked fee structure incorporates a high-water mark and sets the Nifty 50 TRI index as the hurdle rate, ensuring profit sharing only applies when returns exceed the benchmark.

GoSats Launches SIP to Facilitate Hassle-Free Digital Gold Purchases Across India

India, 24th March, 2025 – GoSats, an Indian asset-based rewards company, today launched an innovative Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) to streamline the digital gold investment process in India methodically. The SIP aligns closely with Indians’ emphasis on investing in Gold, helping GoSats users to adopt a streamlined way of investing in 24 Carat digital gold. The development comes on the back of the firm introducing GoSats AI, India’s first AI shopping companion to find the most economic deals to maximise rewards. Combining the two developments, the firm is aiming to transform the domestic asset-based rewards ecosystem, overcome the low entry barrier, increase engagement and user retention on its smartphone application and enhance its credibility.

Over 2 Crore Indians invest in digital gold in the country at present, undergoing a tedious process. The launch of this innovative SIP highlights GoSats’ long-term goal of aligning with customer requirements by enabling users to invest in 24 Carat digital gold for as little as INR 10 every day while mitigating the usual hassle associated with digital gold investments. The SIP offers instant liquidity prospects, helping users to sell their investments at any time — contributing to boosting the functionality of the investment plan.The plan will be made available with a special offer during launch, as one lucky user will receive 1 gram of digital gold given they begin their digital gold SIP with GoSats. The name of the winning user will be announced on April 2.

Mr. Mohammed Roshan Aslam, Co-founder & CEO of GoSats, shared the firm’s vision behind the launches, saying, “While Indians have historically been large investors of physical gold, the launch of digital gold has revolutionised the scope of investment for the country. At present, digital gold has become the preferred solution for millennials and GenZ investors, whose primary criteria behind investment is instant liquidity & low volatility. The introduction of this SIP enables users with this exact aspect, while also mitigating any circumstantial concerns and making micro investments a more lucrative option than ever before. Coupled with the GoSats AI, user benefits will go beyond receiving rewards, but establishing an innovative funnel for passive investments.”

Gold has emerged as one of the most viable investment options in recent years, however, affordability and accessibility remain key concerns for new investors. These aspects have made digital gold the preferred choice of GenZ earners in their 20s, whose investments prioritize good returns with reduced volatility. GoSats’ new SIP for digital gold addresses these challenges holistically, while also mitigating the scope of paying hidden charges, establishing a seamless and transparent digital gold investment ecosystem.

The preferential treatment of Indian GenZ customers on digital gold is further boosted by GoSats AI which helps customers in online shopping. Through GoSats AI, users can find the best deals and receive maximum rewards in digital gold and sats, offering a beneficial outlook to online spending. With GoSats AI’s passive investment aspects into digital gold and sats, the introduction of the SIP marks a new milestone for making alternative finance a reality in India.

Soulflower’s Heartwarming Instagram Reel Goes Viral, Highlighting a Purr-fect Work Culture

Mumbai, March: Soulflower, India’s first farm-to-face personal care brand, has taken social media by storm with a heart-warming Instagram Reel showcasing its unique workplace culture. The Reel featuring Juno, a rescued cat casually strolling across the conference room table during a meeting, completely unfazed by the on-going discussion has gone viral with over 6.3 million views, 71,000+ likes and counting, sparking a flood of job inquiries and resumes from pet lovers who want to work in such an environment. The post has captured the internet’s attention, not just for its clinically backed hair growth solutions but for its pet-friendly, cruelty-free ethos. Captioned, “Every day is CAT day at SOULFLOWER. What’s the secret sauce in our Hair Growth solutions? Every high-powered meeting is attended by cats. Are your office meetings as CATASTIC?”

The Reel has struck a chord with audiences across social media, especially animal lovers and corporate employees longing for a more compassionate and stress-free workplace. The company’s Mumbai headquarters is home to over 20 rescued cats and dogs, while it also feeds and cares for over 500 stray animals daily. As a 100% cruelty-free and PETA-approved brand, Soulflower ensures none of its products or ingredients are tested on animals, making it one of India’s most trusted natural personal care brands.

“We started Soulflower with a simple mission of being the voice of things that can’t speak, which include your hair, skin and animals. Clean beauty and cruelty-free are more than just words; they’re our daily commitments. About Juno’s viral fame? That’s just a glimpse of the magic we create when kindness meets creativity. After all, if our meetings are ‘CATastic’, imagine how magical our products are!” says Ms. Natasha Tuli, Co-Founder & CEO, Soulflower.

Mistral, AXISCADES’ Subsidiary, Debuts DCP1000 Module with Lattice CertusPro-NX FPGA for Enhanced Performance

21st March 2025, Bengaluru, India: Mistral Solutions Private Ltd, (Mistral) a subsidiary of AXISCADES Technologies Limited (AXISCADES), a chip to product company and a pioneer in Defense, Electronics, Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligent (ESAI) applications, today announced the launch of the DCP1000 Module, a compact and user-friendly Radar Data Capture and Playback Module designed for real-time mmWave Radar data streaming & Playback together. Based on the award-winning low power Lattice Nexus™ FPGA platform, the DCP1000 delivers high-speed, low-latency data capture with Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and HIL (Hardware-In-Loop) playback functionality. This state-of-the-art module is now available for early samples.

Revolutionizing Radar Data Capture

The DCP1000 module is designed to capture Raw ADC Data from various Texas Instruments’ mmWave radar modules over LVDS, enabling seamless real-time data processing. The module efficiently streams the converted data to a host PC via 1Gbps Ethernet, ensuring optimal performance for autonomous systems, industrial automation, and advanced sensing applications. Additionally, 8-bit DMM/Trace interface supports HIL playback, facilitating effective radar data processing, calibration, and testing workflows.

Key Features:

• LVDS interface for raw ADC data capture from TI radar sensors

• DMM/Trace interface for Radar data playback (HIL) & data Processing

• SPI and I2C serial interfaces for configuration and control

• QT-based GUI for Host PC to configure, capture, and visualize data

• DCP1000 Module seamlessly integrated with TI’s mmWave Studio for Raw Data capture and post-processing

• Module based on Lattice CertusPro™-NX FPGA with up to 100K logic cells

• 2GB LPDDR4 memory

• 1Gbps Ethernet with RJ45 port for high-speed data transfer

Optimized Software for Seamless Radar Processing

The DCP1000 module comes with a comprehensive software suite, including a QT-based Host PC application for configuring, capturing, and visualizing radar data. The module supports firmware upgrades, advanced signal processing, and real-time visualization to enhance the radar development experience.

“The DCP1000 is a game-changer for mmWave Radar system developers, redefining Radar data processing with cutting-edge technology, high-speed streaming & Playback. With real-time data capture, playback, and seamless integration with TI’s mmWave Radar platforms, it significantly accelerates the development and validation of Radar-based applications said Muralikrishnan D, CEO Mistral Solutions. “At Mistral, innovation drives us, and this product signifies our deep expertise in Radar technologies and strategic partnerships with Lattice Semiconductor and Texas Instruments,” he added.

“At Lattice, we are dedicated to driving innovation in industrial automation through our advanced low power FPGA solutions with best-in-class connectivity features,” said Jerry Xu, President of APAC at Lattice Semiconductor. “We look forward to our collaboration with Mistral Solutions enhancing real-time radar data processing and seamless module integration, accelerating innovation for our customers.”

T-Brick: The Super Premium and Sustainable Facade Solution that’s Revolutionizing Indian Architecture by Wienerberger

Bengaluru, Karnataka March 24 2025: wienerberger India, a leading provider of green building materials has recently launched T-Brick, a façade tile system that redefines the future of modern brick architecture with a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality.

T-Brick Façade Tiles combine robust design, rich textures, with advanced dry cladding system to create a premium and sustainable brick architecture. With an extensive range of colors & finishes, architects and façade consultants can create visually stunning and impressive structures.

“T-Brick is a game-changer in the façade tiles industry,” said Mr. Monnanda Appaiah, Managing Director, wienerberger India. “Its unique blend of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability makes it the perfect choice for premium and sustainable architecture.”

T-Brick’s innovative design provides a faster, cleaner, and more secure installation process, saving time and money for builders and developers. Its unmatched durability and weather resistance ensure that buildings adorned with T-Brick tiles retain their elegance for decades.

Key Features of T-Brick:

– Unique and sleek design with extensive range of finishes and colours

– Advanced dry cladding technology for faster, cleaner, and more secure installation

– Unmatched durability and weather resistance for long-lasting elegance

– Sustainable and eco-friendly, integrating seamlessly with green building practices

– Special designed installation board makes the system unique

– Ideal for premium projects, T-Brick can be used in few, exclusive places

“We are committed to providing sustainable and innovative building solutions,” added Mr. Appaiah. “T-Brick is a testament to our dedication to excellence and our passion for revolutionizing the facade industry.”

With T-Brick, wienerberger India aims to revolutionize the façade architecture industry with a luxurious and sustainable building solution. The company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence makes T-Brick an ideal choice for architects, builders, and developers seeking to create iconic and eco-friendly structures.

Pioneering a New Era of Entrepreneurship and Holistic Counseling for Students

In today’s dynamic world, students often grapple with career choices and personal challenges, searching for the right guidance to shape their futures. Estrange Aurora is a transformative platform dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and providing counseling services tailored to the needs of students and young professionals.

Entrepreneurship: Nurturing Young Visionaries

Estrange Aurora specializes in guiding students through the ideation phase of entrepreneurship, seamlessly integrating business training into their academic journey. This program is designed to establish entrepreneurship as a viable career path, equipping students with the skills and mindset necessary to become successful business leaders—all while they continue their regular studies.

Every student possesses unique talents. Take, for instance, a fresher’s party at a college. The event’s success often depends on a handful of students who showcase leadership, organizational skills, communication abilities, and coordination expertise. These students already exhibit entrepreneurial traits. With the right guidance, they can recognize their potential and develop sustainable business ideas. Estrange Aurora provides them with expert mentorship, ensuring that their entrepreneurial journey is not only inspiring but also market-sustainable—just like Tata Salt, which has established itself as a necessity in every household.

Beyond theoretical knowledge, the program offers continuous support, empowering students to create job opportunities and contribute to the economy. By nurturing innovation and self-reliance, Estrange Aurora is playing a pivotal role in reducing unemployment and driving economic growth.

Comprehensive Counseling: A Safe Space for Every Concern

Alongside entrepreneurship, Estrange Aurora offers a robust counseling service catering to students and young professionals. The platform provides guidance on a wide array of concerns, ranging from academic dilemmas—such as choosing the right subjects in 11th grade or exploring career opportunities in geography and civics—to workplace challenges, job politics, and job sustainability.

However, counseling isn’t limited to academics and careers. Estrange Aurora recognizes the need for holistic support, addressing personal issues related to mental health, emotional well-being, family dynamics, friendships, menstruation, intimacy, and more. Students can share their concerns in complete confidentiality through audio, video, or written submissions in any language.

To ensure the highest quality of assistance, Estrange Aurora collaborates with a network of global experts, connecting students with the most suitable professionals at a nominal cost. This initiative bridges the gap between students and trusted specialists, offering a private and accessible support system.

By fostering entrepreneurship and offering expert counseling, Estrange Aurora is empowering the youth to take charge of their futures with confidence. Through innovation, mentorship, and unwavering support, it is not only shaping individual success stories but also contributing to a more self-reliant and empowered society.