Author: Neel Achary

Igniting Gen Z Innovation: Samsung India Launches ‘Solve For Tomorrow 2025’ Competition With Over INR 1 Crore In Grants

GURUGRAM, India, May 29, 2025: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, unveiled the fourth iteration of its Samsung ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ initiative – a nationwide contest designed to inspire students to create innovative solutions to address some of society’s most pressing challenges by leveraging technology.

Samsung ‘Solve for Tomorrow 2025’ will provide INR 1 crore to the top four winning teams to support the incubation of their projects, along with hands-on prototyping, investor connects, and expert mentorship from Samsung leaders and IIT Delhi faculty.

This recognition highlights the significance of nurturing solutions that not only excel in the competition but also transcend it, ultimately evolving into scalable and sustainable ventures that will play a pivotal role in shaping communities across India.

The programme, spanning six months, invites students aged 14-22 to submit their tech ideas as either individuals or groups. This year, participants are encouraged to create solutions across four key themes: AI for a Safer, Smarter, and Inclusive Bharat; Future of Health, Hygiene, and Well-being in India; Social change through Sports and Tech for Education and Better Futures; and Environmental Sustainability via Technology.

“With Solve for Tomorrow, we are inspiring young innovators across every corner of India to dream big, tackle real-world challenges, and shape a smarter, more inclusive future through technology. This year, Solve for Tomorrow is going to be even bigger and more inclusive. We are reaching more cities, engaging students from more schools and colleges, and creating avenues for them to innovate, while applying the principles of design thinking. Solve for Tomorrow stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the Government of India’s pioneering #DigitalIndia initiative that empowers our youth to become architects of the future,” said JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.

“IIT Delhi is excited about fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem solving among youth. Our collaboration with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow offers mentorship, research infrastructure, and technical guidance to help the young turn their ideas into products that impact society. We are delighted to be part of this initiative that enables socially conscious innovation and contributes to Viksit Bharat,” said Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi.

“India’s young innovators are at the heart of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. With more young minds to tap solutions than any country ever before, India is uniquely positioned to lead with ideas that address local challenges and inspire global change. Initiatives like Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow provide a vital platform for young people to turn their ideas into solutions for the global good, using technology to drive inclusive and sustainable progress. The UN in India is proud to support such collaborations, especially with the private sector, that uplift youth leadership, innovation, and action, ensuring that we leave no one behind,” said Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India.

“Young people hold the key to solving today’s most urgent global challenges. Initiatives Iike Solve for Tomorrow 2025 empower them to turn their ideas into reality using technology. We are excited to see solutions that help scale youth-led ideas to drive real change across communities,” said Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).

The fourth iteration of Samsung India’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aims to involve thousands of participants, offering more than 82,000 hours of extensive training in Design Thinking, Hands-on Prototyping, Go-to-Market Strategies, and Business Planning. In the final phase, teams selected as finalists will benefit from specialized training and mentorship provided by Samsung, IIT Delhi, and industry professionals.

‘Solve for Tomorrow 2025’ was inaugurated at IIT Delhi in the presence of all partners on Tuesday. Present at the event were Dr Sapna Poti, Senior Director, Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Shardul Rao, Scientist C, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India and P. S. Madanagopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub.

From ideas to impact: Programme stages

The application window for the initiative will be open from April 29 to June 30, 2025. During this period, Samsung will host immersive design-thinking workshops in schools and colleges across the nation, empowering participants with essential problem solving and ideation skills.

After the initial application phase, the top 100 teams will be chosen, with 25 teams selected from each of the themes. At this stage, participants will undergo online training led by thematic experts, followed by a video pitch round where 40 teams will be shortlisted – 10 teams from each theme.

The top 10 semi-finalist teams from each theme will then progress to an intensive mentorship program guided by Samsung’s industry veterans and subject matter experts. These teams will also participate in curated learning visits to Samsung’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Samsung R&D Institute India in Bengaluru, Noida, and Delhi, as well as Samsung Design Delhi, offering them first-hand exposure to world-class innovation ecosystems.

This phase will culminate in an experiential, hands-on Prototyping Programme at Delhi’s state-of-the-art labs, in collaboration with ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ alumni. There will also be a Residential Bootcamp focused on refining ideas and preparing for the final pitch. The top 20 teams will be finalized after this phase, with five teams from each theme advancing to the grand finale. These top five teams from each theme will receive exclusive one-on-one mentoring sessions with Samsung experts. They will participate in a Prototyping Day, Pitch Presentation, Investor Meet, and Awards Ceremony, all held over the last three days of the competition.

What is in it for the participants

The top 100 teams will receive certificates of achievement. The top 40 teams will receive INR 8 lakh and the latest Samsung laptops for every member. The top 20 will receive with INR 20 lakh and the latest Samsung ZFlip smartphones for each member.

In addition, special awards include the Goodwill Award, Young Innovator Award, and Social Media Champion, with a total prize amount of INR 4.5 lakh.

The four winning teams will collectively receive a grant of INR 1 crore for incubation at IIT Delhi, providing substantial resources to accelerate their innovative projects. This funding aims to nurture their ideas into reality.

First launched in the US in 2010, ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ is currently operational in 68 countries globally and has seen over 3 million young people participate worldwide.

Alkem reports 7.1% YoY revenue growth in Q4FY25; Annual EBITDA margin expands by 170 basis points

Mumbai, May 29, 2025: Alkem Laboratories Ltd. today announced its standalone and consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended March 31, 2025. The Board of Directors took record of these results at its meeting held in Mumbai today.

 Key highlights of Q4FY25 financial performance
• Total Revenue from Operations was ₹ 31,438 million, with YoY growth of 7.1%.
o India sales were ₹ 21,355 million, YoY growth of 8.1%.
o International sales were ₹ 9,747 million, with YoY growth of 7.2%.
• Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) were ₹ 3,913 million, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 12.4% vs. 13.7% in Q4FY24. EBITDA declined by 2.7% YoY.
• R&D expenses for Q4FY25 were ₹ 1,585 million, or 5.0% of total revenue from operations, compared to ₹ 1,757 million in Q4FY24 at 6.0% of total revenue from operations.
• Profit before tax before exceptional items was ₹ 3,963 million, YoY growth of 4.3%.
• Net Profit (after Minority Interest) was ₹ 3,059 million, YoY growth of 4.2%.
• According to IQVIA (SSA) data, for Q4FY25:
o The Company registered a growth of 6.5% YoY compared to the Indian Pharmaceutical Market (IPM), which grew by 6.9%.
o The acute segment growth outperformed IPM by 150 bps at 7.5%. Key highlights of FY25 financial performance
• Total Revenue from Operations was ₹ 129,645 million, with YoY growth of 2.3%.
o India sales were ₹ 89,837 million, with YoY growth of 6.5%.
o International sales were ₹ 38,210 million, with YoY de-growth of 4.5%.
• Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) were ₹ 25,122 million, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 19.4% vs. 17.7% in FY24. EBITDA increased by 11.9% YoY.
• R&D expenses for FY25 were ₹ 5,620 million, or 4.3% of total revenue from operations, compared to ₹ 5,229 million in FY24 at 4.1% of total revenue from operations.
• Profit before tax before exceptional items was ₹ 25,270 million, YoY growth of 17.8%.
• Net Profit (after Minority Interest) was ₹ 21,655 million, YoY growth of 20.6%.
• The cash and balance at the end of 31st March, 2025, is ₹46.2 billion.
• According to IQVIA (SSA) data, for FY25:
o The Company registered a growth of 6.8% YoY compared to the Indian Pharmaceutical Market (IPM), which grew by 7.7%.
o The acute segment growth has outperformed IPM in FY25 by 30 bps at 6.9%.

 Commenting on the Q4 & FY25 results, Dr. Vikas Gupta, CEO of Alkem, said, “We ended the year on a good note, with healthy growth in our India business during Q4 and improved profitability and margins for the full year. Our domestic business continues to gain momentum, reinforcing our confidence in its long-term growth trajectory. This performance is driven by strong execution and targeted initiatives across our domestic operations. In the international businesses, excluding the Americas, we are seeing good traction, with several key markets making significant contributions to our growth. As we moved forward, we remain focused on strategic growth opportunities and operational excellence to drive sustainable returns.”

 Operational Highlights
Domestic Business
Q4FY25 Key Highlights
• India sales were ₹ 21,355 million, YoY growth of 8.1%.
• The contribution of domestic sales to total sales in Q4FY25 was 68.7% vs. 68.5% in Q4FY24.
• According to IQVIA (SSA) data, for FY25, the company achieved a 6.5% year-overyear (YoY) growth compared to the Indian Pharmaceutical Market (IPM), which grew by 6.9%.
• During Q4FY25, we have outperformed in four therapies: Gastrointestinal grew by ~1.5X, VMN ~1.8X, Respiratory ~2.6X and Gynae ~3.8X. FY25 Key Highlights
• India sales were ₹ 89,837 million, with YoY growth of 6.5%.
• The contribution of domestic sales to total sales in FY25 was 70.2% vs. 67.8% in FY24.
• As per IQVIA (SSA) data, for FY25, the company registered a growth of 6.8% YoY vs. the Indian Pharmaceutical Market (IPM), which grew by 7.7%
• In FY25, we have outperformed six therapies: VMN grew by 1.6X; Anti-diabetic grew by ~1.1X; Gastro intestinal grew by 1.2X; Neuro/CNS grew by ~1.3X; Gynaec ~2.1X and Respiratory ~1.5X.

 International Business
Q4FY25 Key Highlights
• International sales were ₹ 9,747 million, with YoY growth of 7.2%.
• Overall contribution of US sales to total sales was 19.6% in Q4FY25 vs. 21.6% in Q4FY24.
• Non-US business sales contributed 11.8% to total sales in Q4FY25 vs. 9.9% in Q4FY24.
• During the Q4FY25, the Company filed 06 abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) with the USFDA and received 04 ANDA approvals.

 FY25 Key Highlights
• International sales were ₹ 38,210 million, with YoY de-growth of 4.5%.
• The Non-US business demonstrated healthy performance, growing by around 8.7% YoY, fuelled by robust growth in Australia and key European markets.
• Overall contribution of US sales to total sales was 19.4% in FY25 vs. 22.3% in FY24.
• Non-US business sales contributed 10.5% to total sales in FY25 vs. 9.9% in FY24.
• During the year, the Company filed 9 abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) with the US FDA and received 14 ANDA approvals (including 3 tentative approvals – TA).

Coffeeverse the Ultimate Cosy Companion for monsoons! A treat for every coffee lover

Mumbai, May 29th, 2025 – As unexpected rains sweep across the city, painting the skies a soft grey and bringing a comforting coolness to the air. This isn’t just rain; it’s a gentle nudge to pause, to breathe, and to find solace in the simple luxuries of home. Coffeeverse understands this feeling perfectly, offering the ultimate warm embrace, effortlessly delivered to your doorstep.

At Coffeeverse, every brew tells a story, beginning with 100% single-origin Arabica coffees sourced directly from the sun-drenched estates of Chikmagalur, Coorg, and Tamil Nadu. Whether your heart desires the comforting familiarity of our Cappuccino Blend to gently stir your morning, or the sophisticated allure of Anaerobic Fermented Naturals for a reflective afternoon, we have a blend crafted just for your mood. Explore beloved favourites like the exquisitely smooth White Honey and the uniquely spiced Monsoon Malabar, with new, intriguing micro-lots arriving every month to spark your curiosity. Available as Coffee Beans, Ground Coffee, and Instant Pours, each package embodies the meticulous care of our farmers and the artistry of our roasters.

Elevate your rainy-day ritual beyond just the brew. Coffeeverse offers a curated selection of beautifully designed brewing equipment like the classic French Press and the versatile Aeropress, clear, perfect for crafting your ideal cup. Complement your cosy setting with stylish merchandise, including our chic tote bags or consider a personalised brewing gift box for a thoughtful gesture. Don’t let the weather dampen your spirits; instead, let Coffeeverse transform it into an invitation to unwind and savour the moment.

1 out of every 3 Indians consumes milk as a beverage: Godrej Jersey

Bangalore, May 29, 2025 – On the occasion of World Milk Day, Godrej Jersey is celebrating the evolving choices of Indian consumers with its report, “Bottoms Up… India Says Cheers to Milk!”. The findings reveal that while one of every three Indians consumes milk as a beverage, 43 percent of Bangalore -based consumer prefer milk as a beverage

Additionally, 72% of consumers prefer to drink flavoured milk or add flavour to their milk at home. Parents, too, are increasingly opting for flavoured milk as a convenient and enjoyable way to give their children a nourishing refreshment drink with 54% offering it during the day and 48% using it as a refreshing option during playtime.

Commenting on the findings, Bhupendra Suri, CEO, Godrej Jersey said, “At Godrej Jersey, we are committed to deliver on the consumer expectations. By prioritizing taste, refreshment and nourishment in equal measure, the brand is redefining what milk means for a new generation. Godrej Jersey Badam Milk isn’t just a treat for the taste buds—it’s a healthy, wholesome choice that makes milk the preferred beverage every day, not just on World Milk Day.”

“As India embraces more mindful consumption, the narrative around milk is evolving. It’s no longer just about tradition—it’s about innovation that aligns with modern lifestyles. Godrej Jersey is leading this shift, blending heritage with fresh ideas to make milk a cherished part of everyday nutrition,” he added.

Titled ‘Bottoms Up…India Says Cheers to Milk!’, the survey gathered insights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai, focusing on preferences for dairy products, and quality expectations.

The findings emphasize the need for the dairy sector to adapt to evolving consumer demands, blending innovation with quality to fuel future growth.

The survey was designed and conducted by YouGov. Creamline Dairy Products Limited, a subsidiary of Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL), a diversified food and agri-business conglomerate of Godrej Group sells the products under the brand name Godrej Jersey.

VST Tillers Tractors joined as AgriTech Partner at ‘Krushi Devo Bhavah’ Agri Conclave

Bengaluru 29th May 2025: VST Tillers Tractors Limited joined with News First Kannada as the AgriTech Partner at the ‘Krushi Devo Bhavah’ Agri Conclave & ‘Bhu Tapasvi’ Awards in Bengaluru. Honorable Minister for Agriculture, Government of Karnataka, Shri N. Chaluvarayaswamy was the chief guest at the event.

Mr. E. Prabhu, Sales Head – Tractor Division VST Tillers Tractors Limited, shared how technology & innovation in farm mechanization is changing the way farming is done today. Appreciating Karnataka Government’s renewed focus on agriculture and implementation of various initiatives to help small and marginal farmers he was the panel member on the topic of innovative technologies in Agri mechanization and stressed on the importance of the usage of compact tractors and small farm machines like tillers and weeders He also highlighted the new technological advancements and specifications, performance boosters, and pricing benefits being provided to the farmers.

The ‘Bhu Tapasvi’ Award was presented to 10 successful farmers from Karnataka who shared their stories during the event. The sessions at ‘Krushi Devo Bhavah’ Agri Conclave were focused on topics like sustainability, technology and innovation in agriculture, modern farming methods, and solutions to challenges in modern-day farming in Karnataka.