Author: Rabindra

Eye-Q Hosts Mega Eye Care Camps in Haldwani and Almora for Independence Day

India, 13th August 2024: Eye-Q, a leading chain of super-speciality eye care hospitals, has announced its latest community initiative, set to take place on August 15th, 2024. In celebration of Independence Day, Eye-Q will host extensive eye care camps at its Haldwani and Almora facilities, providing free and comprehensive eye care services to the local communities. Timed with Independence Day, this event champions the liberation from preventable vision problems, capturing the essence of both personal freedom and community empowerment.

Preventable eye conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, and refractive error pose serious public health challenges. Eye-Q is dedicated to addressing these issues through early detection and intervention. The mega camps will provide comprehensive eye examinations and prompt treatments to reduce the occurrence of preventable blindness and vision impairment. This proactive approach not only tackles existing vision problems but also helps prevent future issues, thus enhancing the overall quality of life for those affected.

The mega camps will be widely promoted through strategic awareness campaigns, including the distribution of pamphlets and the placement of banners in local areas and neighbouring villages. Eye-Q aims to reach 1000 individuals with this initiative, placing a special emphasis on underserved and underprivileged communities. Attendees without immediate vision concerns will receive general advice on maintaining eye health, while those identified with vision problems will be offered detailed counselling and scheduled for follow-up examinations, including cataract screenings and other necessary treatments. A distinguished team of ophthalmologists, including Dr. Dr Mahesh Mathur, and Dr. Nausheen Niyaz

Dr. Ajay Sharma, Founder and CMD of Eye-Q, shared his vision for the initiative, saying, “Just as independence means freedom from constraints, clear vision represents freedom from the limitations of poor eyesight. This Independence Day, our mega eye care camps aim to provide that same sense of liberation by offering essential vision care to those in need. We are committed to breaking down barriers to eye health, particularly for underserved communities. Through early detection and treatment of preventable conditions, we strive to enhance lives and empower individuals with the gift of clear sight. We invite everyone in Haldwani and Almora to take advantage of this opportunity and get their eyes checked, joining us in our mission to improve vision and promote overall well-being.”

This mega camp is part of Eye-Q’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. Eye-Q has consistently demonstrated its commitment to advancing eye care awareness through a variety of initiatives, including door-to-door outreach, free eye check-up camps, and health marathons. These programs highlight Eye-Q’s dedication to public health and its proactive approach to community service. With over 17 years of experience and having treated more than 80 lakh patients, Eye-Q is steadfast in its mission to conduct 6 lakh comprehensive eye examinations by 2027. This ambitious goal reinforces Eye-Q’s unwavering focus on expanding access to quality eye care and its dedication to improving vision health for communities across India and beyond.

India’s Role Model Manu Bhaker enjoys KFC Rolls after historic win

National, 13th August 2024: The nation’s pride, Manu Bhaker was back in India for a few days. In between all of her busy schedules and meetings, seems like she found a chance to catch a break and indulge in a KFC Indian Spicy Veg Roll.

In an Instagram post shared by her brother, Manu is seen all set to leave home fully ready with her suitcases but there is something extra in the mix. Closer inspection reveals it’s the KFC Indian Spicy Veg Roll in her hand. Clearly our role model is also a ‘roll’ model. It’s the perfect snack that Manu is happy to enjoy, kabhi bhi aur kahi bhi. Because KFC India’s new range of Rolls is the perfect solution for satisfying cravings in the most unexpected situations.

Manu Bhaker, said, “The last few days in India have been extremely wholesome. I have been showered with a lot of love and gratitude by everybody. But the best part was that even on this short break, I got the chance to enjoy the KFC Indian Spicy Veg Roll. Love it so much that it’s definitely going to become my go-to snack, anytime anywhere.”

Manu enjoying the KFC Indian Spicy Veg Roll got many others looking up to her as a ‘roll model’, with PV Sindhu reacting to her post on her Instagram.

OPPO India announces winners of imagineIF Photography Awards 2024

New Delhi, 13th August 2024: OPPO India announced the winners of its first-ever imagineIF Photography Awards in the country. Out of over 34,000 entries, the top six were awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze honours. This inaugural edition was all about pushing the boundaries of mobile photography and encouraging photographers to bring their unique stories to life.

The Gold award was presented to Arpan Basu Chowdhury from Kolkata for his captivating portrayal of Bahurupi in rural West Bengal. Silver awards went to Kolkata’s Madhumita Nandi and Aurangabad’s Sanket Joshi, while the Bronze awards were secured by Pralay Jana (Kolkata), Chiranjit Dey (Purulia), and Ajeesh Ajayakhosh (Kollam).

The six winners will be attending the Paris Photo 2024—the 27th edition of the international photography fair—from 7th November to 10th November at the iconic Grand Palais. Along with the trip, Arpan will receive a cash prize of INR 5,00,000, the two Silver winners will get INR 2,00,000 each, and the three Bronze winners will take home INR 1,00,000.

“We have just wrapped up the first edition of the imagineIF Photography Awards 2024 in India, and we are thrilled with the incredible response,” said Sushant Vasishta, Head of Digital Marketing at OPPO India. The level of creativity and passion that came through in over 34,000 entries from across the country was truly impressive. It wasn’t easy for our panellists to choose the winners, as the general level of skills and creativity that came through was very high. At OPPO India, we are deeply passionate about nurturing this talent, and seeing how our smartphones can bring such stunning imagination to life has been truly rewarding. We are excited and looking forward to the possibilities of creating truly stunning work of photography with this exceptionally talented pool of photographers in the future.”

Arpan Basu Chowdhury’s winning series, “A Forgotten Legacy”, highlights the traditional Bahurupi art form of West Bengal, beautifully captured on the OPPO Find X7 Ultra. Reflecting on his win, Arpan said, “I am thrilled to receive the imagineIF Photography Award for 2024. It’s an honour to have my work recognised in the first year of these global awards in India. I am grateful to OPPO India for providing a platform for young photographers to share their stories through mobile photography. Capturing ‘A Forgotten Legacy’ on the OPPO Find X7 Ultra was an unforgettable experience; the phone’s advanced camera features made it possible to beautifully showcase the diversity of our country.”

Madhumita Nandi’s series, “Tongueless Whispering,” explores the displacement of humans and non-human due to rising global consumption, while Sanket Joshi’s “Moments from Wari” captures the essence of Warkari, a spiritual tradition in Maharashtra.

In Bronze, Pralay Jana’s “Golden Horizons: Balugaon’s Fishing Community Bathed in Warmth” presents the serene beauty of Chilika Lake in Odisha at dusk and dawn. Chiranjit Dey shines a light on Jharkhand’s Chhau dance with “Faces Behind the Mask: Unveiling Chhau Outdoors,” and Ajeesh Ajayakhosh captures the intricate dance of insect courtship in “Nature’s Palette: A Symphony of Love.”

The imagineIF competition kicked off with an invitation to Indian citizens over 18 to submit their best smartphone photos across nine categories: Landscape, Portrait, Colours, Unfading Moment, Fashion, Snapshot, Light, Travel, and Collection. From these 34,000+ nominations, 50 entries were shortlisted for Round 2, where participants showcased their skills using OPPO’s flagship Find X7 Ultra device.

Entries were evaluated by a distinguished panel of photographers, including Celebrity Wedding and OPPO Imaging Expert Joseph Radhik, Wildlife Photographer Aarzoo Khurana, Fashion Photographer Arjun Mark, and other esteemed global jury members.

The imagineIF Photography Awards 2024 has set a new benchmark in mobile photography competitions, and OPPO India looks forward to continuing its tradition of celebrating creativity and storytelling.

IIT Hyderabad Joins Vishwakarma Awards 2024 for Student Innovation Showcase

National, 13 August 2024: Maker Bhavan Foundation (MBF), a US-based charitable organisation aiming to modernise STEM education in India, has announced the return of the Vishwakarma Awards for Engineering Innovation in 2024. This year, the Vishwakarma Awards has been organised in partnership with the IIT Hyderabad Technology Incubation Centre (ITIC). The collaboration aims to enhance the support provided to participants.

Launched by the Maker Bhavan Foundation, Vishwakarma Awards is a nationwide thematic challenge focused on incentivising talented student innovators and tinkerers to develop scalable technological solutions that tackle real-world problems and boost India’s economy. This year, the competition focuses on three critical themes: water and sanitation, green technology, and smart mobility. The top 3 teams with the best inventions will be awarded ₹1,00,000, while 18 finalist teams will spend a week at IIT Hyderabad, receiving intensive entrepreneurial training. All finalist teams will get certificates and an additional ₹10,000 from the Maker Bhavan Foundation.

Dr Hemant Kanakia, Founder and Chairman of Maker Bhavan Foundation, said “In the crowded market of competitions, this isn’t just another accolade, it’s a platform for change. Students compete to make deployable prototypes. Teams are given financial support to innovate hardware solutions that address real-world problems. Through Vishwakarma Awards, we don’t seek to applaud the best; we want to propel the best towards excellence.”

Under the water and sanitation theme, sub-tracks include innovative methods for water purification, efficient waste management solutions, and the development of sustainable sanitation infrastructure. The green technology theme encompasses projects related to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, innovations aimed at reducing energy consumption, and the development of eco-friendly materials. Lastly, the smart mobility theme covers advancements in electric vehicle technology and infrastructure, enhancements to public transportation systems to make them more efficient and user-friendly, and solutions for reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety.

Sangeet Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Addverb, said, “Smart mobility is the linchpin of a progressive urban landscape. The Vishwakarma Awards, with its dedicated focus on smart mobility, is a testament to the critical role transportation plays in shaping our future.”

Participating teams in the industry problem statement sub-tracks will get a chance to secure internships with Maker Bhavan Foundation’s esteemed partners such as Addverb, Reico, and Alkyl Amines, who are eager to welcome innovative minds.

Applications are now open for the Vishwakarma Awards 2024. Student teams from science and engineering colleges across India can enter the challenge. Shortlisted teams will receive financial support to build their prototypes, mentorship from domain experts, and a platform to showcase their solutions. Awards will be given for Best Product Design and Most Innovative Solution in each theme. The application deadline is August 20th.

22,000 Mankind Pharma Employees Unite in Ground-breaking Organ Donation Awareness Drive

Mumbai, August 13, 2024: Mankind Pharma, a reputed global pharmaceutical firm, has launched a comprehensive nationwide campaign to raise awareness about organ donation. The initiative, aligning with the company’s motto of “Spreading Kindness,” aims to address the critical shortage of organ donors in India, where the donation rate stands at a mere 0.86 donors per million population.

On August 4th, Mankind Pharma unveiled a powerful video campaign designed to educate the public about the importance of organ donation. The campaign highlights the life-saving potential of organ donation and seeks to dispel common myths surrounding the practice.

As a cornerstone of this initiative, Mankind Pharma hosted a special program at its office on August 12th, in collaboration with the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) and leading medical experts. The event, which was broadcast live on YouTube, brought together all 22,000 Mankind Pharma employees in an unprecedented show of support for organ donation.

Mr. Rajeev Juneja, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Mankind Pharma, stated, “At Mankind Pharma, we believe in the power of collective action to drive meaningful change. Our organ donation awareness campaign is a testament to our commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in India. By engaging our Mankindians and partnering with experts, we pay tribute to the compassionate heroes who choose to give the gift of life to others, and we urge everyone to spark a wave of change by choosing to be an organ donor today.”

Mr. Sheetal Arora, Chief Executive Officer & Whole-Time Director, Mankind Pharma, added, “This campaign represents a significant step in our ongoing efforts to contribute positively to society. With only 0.86 donors per million and an alarmingly low number of registered donors in our country, choosing to be an organ donor is not just a personal choice but an act of spreading kindness. By leveraging our reach and resources, we hope to significantly increase the number of registered organ donors in India, potentially saving countless lives in the process. “

The live event featured insightful presentations from renowned medical professionals, addressing various aspects of organ donation. Dr Arvinder Singh Soin, Chairman, Liver Transplant, Medanta Gurugram, discussed the myths and facts surrounding organ donation, stating, “Organ donation is often misunderstood due to various myths. It’s crucial to understand that one organ donor can save up to eight lives. By dispelling these misconceptions, we can encourage more people to become donors and potentially save countless lives.”

Dr Anil Kumar, Director, NOTTO provided an overview of the current scenario of organ donation in India, emphasizing, “With a low donation rate, India faces a severe shortage of organ donors. This campaign by Mankind Pharma is a significant step towards bridging this gap. By raising awareness and facilitating easy registration, we can dramatically increase the number of potential donors and give hope to thousands awaiting life-saving transplants.”

The event culminated in a collective pledge by Mankindians to support organ donation, setting a powerful example for corporations across India. By recognizing the alarmingly low number of registered donors and paying tribute to those who give the gift of life, Mankind Pharma is leading a movement for change. The company’s organ donation awareness campaign is set to continue throughout the year, with additional initiatives and partnerships planned to inspire widespread participation across nation.

NIMS Hyderabad Hits 300 Robotic-Assisted Surgeries in a Year, Sets Government Hospital Record

Hyderabad, 13 August 2024: Nizam’s institute of medical sciences (NIMS), a leading government hospital located in Hyderabad, announced that they have completed 300 robotic-assisted surgeries (RAS) within one year of installing one of the advanced surgical robots, Da Vinci. These surgeries include many complex procedures under the departments of Urology, Gastro intestinal surgery and Surgical oncology. Through this, they have become one of the fastest among the government hospitals in India to achieve this milestone.

Commenting on this achievement, Dr. Bheerappa Nagari, Director- NIMS Hyderabad, said “Robotics in surgery is one such emergent technology that is creating waves worldwide and now in India, improving clinical outcomes. Our goal is to provide the best course of treatment to everyone who visits our hospital. With the advent of cutting-edge technology being available in India, it is imperative to make the benefits of those available to all sections of the patient community. We are thankful to the Chief Minister of Telengana, Mr. Revanth Reddy, and Minister for Health, Medical & Family Welfare, Science and Technology, Mr. Damodar Rajanarasimha for their unwavering support in helping us provide this advanced treatment option to people from all strata of our society.”

“As the technology has helped us to reduce the post-operative hospital stay, doctors are able to attend more cases every day. This has also resulted in reduced waiting periods for surgeries, from months to few days. The departments are now getting patients who prefer to undergo robotic-assisted surgery as the word of mouth of operated patients has helped us spread awareness about the benefits of RAS,” Dr. Nagari Bheerappa added.

Dr. Rahul Devraj, Professor and Head, Department of Urology and Coordinator for Robotic Surgery, NIMS-Hyderabad said, “The government support for this modern surgical technique is a significant step in making this novel technology available to all sections of the society. Robotic-assisted surgery, in my perspective, represents a pivotal advancement in the surgical field. I am proud that we are offering such technology-led services here at NIMS. Using this state-of-the-art technology, we can address the complex anatomy and tumour involvement judiciously. In terms of technical feasibility, safety, and long-term oncological and other clinical outcomes, we found this approach as a viable alternative to traditional techniques. We have also observed that the patients who have undergone robotic-assisted surgeries have minimum pain, and this has reduced their post-operative follow-up. The patients have also given very good feedback and have thanked the surgeons for providing them with great results post complex surgeries.”

Commenting on their collaboration with NIMS, Ms. Darla Hutton, Interim GM- India and VP Commercial Operations – APAC of Intuitive, the makers of da Vinci RAS technology, said, “The integration of the da Vinci surgical system at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences represents a significant step in promoting the use of robotic-assisted surgical technologies among practicing and upcoming surgeons. We are happy to learn that through the adoption of RAS, NIMS hospital is able to make this technology accessible to all strata of the society, and it has led to reduced waiting periods for surgeries in a busy government hospital like NIMS. Alongside, our collaboration with esteemed academic institutions like NIMS provides students and professionals with access to cutting-edge technology, enhancing their education and hands-on training. This access ensures that the next generation of surgeons is well-equipped with the latest technological skills, fostering innovation and excellence in surgical practices.”

Robotic-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that helps patients return to their everyday life much faster, in many surgical procedures. Surgeons use the da Vinci Surgical System to operate through a few small incisions. The system includes a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate much more than the human hand. As a result, surgeons have better vision, precision, and control. Other benefits include decreased pain, fewer post-operative wound infections, less post-operative scarring, and faster recovery. Reducing the chance of infection makes it an ideal procedure, especially for people with co-morbidities.

Some of the robotic-assisted procedures performed at NIMS are prostate cancer surgeries, partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, radical cystectomy, pyeloplasty, ureteral reimplantation, radical cholecystectomy, large defect ventral hernias, Inguinal hernia, fundoplication, pancreatectomy, whipple procedure, gastrectomy, colorectal surgeries, radical hysterectomy, benign hysterectomy, LAR, hemicolectomy, esophagectomy etc.

Cambridge University Press Partners with Get Set Learn for ‘Young Pioneers’ Entrepreneurial Program

13th August, 2024, National: Cambridge University Press & Assessment in collaboration with Get Set Learn, an Arvind Mafatlal group company, is excited to launch Young Pioneers – a three-stage entrepreneurship programme for learners in schools. The programme aims to help develop important 21st-century skills, such as creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Developed for grades 7 to 10, the programme integrates curriculum-based learning with expert-led masterclasses, mentorship, and projects for entrepreneurial skills development.

At a time when the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and the recent budgetary allocations emphasise skill-based learning, Young Pioneers aims to develop entrepreneurial skills in learners through experiential learning. It also aligns with the Skill India Initiative, which is geared towards offering industry-relevant training and skill enhancement to youth, thereby developing a skilled workforce that contributes significantly to economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Arun Rajamani, Managing Director at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, South Asia, observed, “The Young Pioneers programme aims to upskill learners through a balanced curriculum, learning resources, teacher training and support along with masterclasses and projects. It will equip young learners with important 21st century skills like creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. This programme aligns with our focus on empowering learners with future skills to help them navigate the challenges of a complex world and find solutions to diverse problems of the future.”

The programme aims to equip learners with practical skills in creating and presenting ideas by incorporating teamwork, communication, and real-world experiences.

“With India’s vision of becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy by 2027, it is important to foster an entrepreneurial mindset to nurture future skills among the young generation while they are still in school to enhance innovation and experiential learning. These learners will be the driving force behind sustainable growth, creating solutions that address real-world issues and thereby adding significant value to society,” said Ameet Zaverii, CEO & Co-founder at Get Set Learn.

“We are seeing a wave of change in the type of skills required today. In the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, equipping K12 students with essential skills is paramount. Developing a robust skillset that prepares young minds for the challenges of tomorrow but also fosters the ability to create value in an increasingly competitive economy,” he added.

While students prepare for future skills, the programme recognizes the importance of upskilling teachers with the latest industry knowledge and teaching methodologies, ensuring they can effectively guide and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment brings a legacy of academic excellence and a commitment to holistic education. Get Set Learn, on the other hand, offers expertise in building and co-creating innovative skill building programmes. The Young Pioneers programme will make a significant impact on the educational landscape, preparing students to meet future challenges with confidence and competence.

Ferns Estates and Developers Honoured in 2024 Grohe – Hurun India Real Estate 100 List

Bangalore, August 13, 2024: Ferns Estates and Developers is proud to announce its inclusion in the prestigious 2024 Grohe – Hurun India Real Estate 100 list, securing the 62nd position among the top real estate companies in the country. This recognition is a testament to Ferns Estates’ commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable development in the real estate sector. They also figure among the top 12 builders in Bangalore.

Errol Fernandes, Chairman and Managing Director of Ferns Estates and Developers, expressed his delight at the honour. “We are thrilled to be featured in the Grohe – Hurun India Real Estate 100 list. This recognition is a reflection of our dedication to quality that caters to the evolving needs of our clients. Our team’s hard work and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in every project have been pivotal to our success,” said Mr. Fernandes.

Ferns Estates has consistently focused on delivering superior residential, commercial and hospitality projects that blend modern architecture with environmental sustainability. As pioneers in gated communities, their latest project, Ferns Forest View at Kalyapura epitomizes this philosophy by offering branded plots and holiday homes amidst lush greenery, ensuring a harmonious balance between nature and urban living in the midst of a 100 key resort.

Mr. Fernandes added, “Our inclusion in this esteemed list motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in real estate and hospitality. We remain committed to our vision of providing exceptional living experiences while prioritizing sustainability and community well-being.”

With over three decades of experience in the industry, Ferns Estates has built a reputation for reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction. Their diverse portfolio includes a range of residential, commercial, and hospitality developments that have set new benchmarks in the real estate market.

ITC Hotels Expands in Rajasthan with Welcomhotel Pushkar Signing

ITC Hotels growth trajectory continues to rise as the brand signs a Welcomhotel property with SRK Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. in Pushkar. Expected to open in 2026, it will be spread across nearly 3 acres and shall be easily accessible by air, rail and road. Located just 50 km from the Kishangarh airport, Welcomhotel Pushkar will offer 96 well-appointed guestrooms, with ample banquet facilities and various food and beverage offerings including an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, a specialty restaurant and bar. Recreational spaces include a swimming pool, fitness center, spa and a kids’ club.

 Showcasing beautiful architectural legacy, Pushkar is much visited for its temples, shrines and picturesque locations. For many, it is the ideal weekend retreat. From boating, camel safaris, spiritual sojourns, picnics & camping to partaking of the local flavours and legendary fairs, Pushkar has been one of Rajasthan’s star attractions for travelers.

 Anil Chadha, Chief Executive, ITC Hotels stated, “The Welcomhotel brand continues to grow under the asset right strategy. We recently opened the 25th Welcomhotel in Belagavi (Belgaum) Karnataka last month. Pushkar, located close to Ajmer and Jaipur, is one of Rajasthan’s most visited leisure destinations for its versatile offerings. Welcomhotel Pushkar shall showcase the legacy of this charming region.”

 Mahesh Advani and Ajay Modi, SRK Hospitality Private Limited said, “Pushkar continues to grow in popularity. With demand exceeding supply in this town, we are confident that Welcomhotel Pushkar will offer one of the finest services for tourists. SRK Hospitality’s vision and ITC Hotels renowned hospitality excellence shall help us develop a superior resort facility.”

Two Ghaziabad Teams Make Top 20 in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Semi-Finals

August 13, 2024: Samsung India today announced the national shortlist for the top 20 teams for its flagship CSR programme ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ 2024. The teams, which are set to advance to the subsequent national round, represent great geographical diversity comprising individuals from 12 states and 2 Union Territories across India. Few of the participants hail from some of the remotest locations, such as Imphal in Manipur, East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya and Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh. In Ghaziabad, team Aqua Alter from Youth Track and team Praetor VR from School Track amongst the Top 20 semi-finalist of this season.

Top 20 semi-finalist team Praetor VR from School Track in Ghaziabad is working to make immersive VR-based education accessible to all students by developing affordable hardware and inclusive solutions for individuals with disabilities. Another semi-finalist team AquaAlert is focusing to address excessive and inefficient water usage in residential and industrial settings by developing advanced monitoring and tracking systems. They aim to reduce water waste, promote sustainable practices, and mitigate environmental impact through improved resource management.

In the 3rd edition of the programme, students submitted their ideas under two overarching themes — ‘Community and Inclusion’ and ‘Environment and Sustainability.’ About 20% of the ideas in the school track focus on issues relating to education and access to resources for the underprivileged communities, challenges around experiential learning and digital literacy. About 25% of the ideas in the youth track revolve around the issues of water conservation, arsenic pollution, water wastage, and ecological imbalance around river basins. In addition, nearly 40% of the ideas focus on curbing air pollution caused by traffic, lack of waste management methods, increase of single-use plastics, and wildfires.

“Samsung’s flagship CSR programme, ‘Solve for Tomorrow,’ has focused this year on empowering both school and college students to address real-world challenges using technology. This year we focused on encouraging participation from the remotest corners of the country, and we are excited about the representation coming from a diverse geography. We wish the best to the teams moving ahead for the innovation walks at our offices and R&D centres and finally for the national pitch event at IIT Delhi,” said SP Chun, Corporate Vice President, Samsung Southwest Asia.

“We are keen to see how their ideas shape up and contribute to addressing macro-level societal issues,” he added.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. This year’s programme structure focused on getting regional talent, which is reflected in the shortlisted teams’ ideas. Some of the ideas are truly inspiring and promising. We are excited to witness the journey of the local talent that will boost the start-up ecosystem in the country,” said Prof. Preeti Ranjan Panda, MD, FITT, IIT-Delhi.

These national 20 teams get a unique opportunity to attend an innovation walk at Samsung India offices, its R&D centres and design centre. Once they complete their innovation walk, these 20 teams participate at a national pitch event where they will compete within their respective tracks and pitch to the national jury comprising of Samsung experts & leaders.

What do the semi-finalists get:

School Track: Semi-finalists 10 teams will get INR 20000 grant for prototype development & Samsung Galaxy Tabs. Finalists 5 teams will get INR 1 Lakh Grant each for prototype enhancement & Samsung Galaxy Watches

Youth Track: Semi-finalists 10 teams will get INR 20000 grant for prototype development & Samsung Galaxy Laptops. Finalists 5 teams will get INR 1 Lakh grant each for prototype enhancement & Samsung Z Flip Smartphones

What do the winners get:

School Track: The Winning Team will be declared as the “Community Champion” of Solve for Tomorrow 2024 and will receive a seed grant of INR 25 Lakh for prototype advancement. The Schools of the winning teams will also receive Samsung Products to boost educational offerings, encouraging a problem-solving mindset.

Youth Track: The Winning Team will be declared as the “Environment Champion” of Solve for Tomorrow 2024 and will receive a grant of INR 50 Lakh for incubation at IIT-Delhi. The colleges of the winning teams also receive Samsung products to boost their educational offerings, encouraging social entrepreneurship.

First launched in the US in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow is currently operational in 63 countries globally and has seen over 2.3 million young people participate worldwide.