18, Jun 2025
Cloud for a Cause: VergeCloud Powers Sri Sathya Annapoorna Trust’s Digital Infrastructure

18th, June 2025: VergeCloud, a burgeoning edge-cloud solutions provider, has extended lifetime access to its core digital infrastructure services to Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust and SaiSure Nutritions LLP. This CSR initiative includes VergeCloud’s Professional CDN, advanced DDoS protection, and Web Application Firewall (WAF) services. The goal is to enhance security, performance, and uptime for the NGOs’ digital platforms, which serve as vital connection points for donors, corporate partners, and government stakeholders.

Commenting on the initiative, Amin Habibi, COO and Co – Founder at VergeCloud, said, “This partnership reflects VergeCloud’s commitment to supporting India’s social backbone. NGOs like Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust are delivering real change at the grassroots. We believe that safeguarding their digital operations is as important as the physical work they do on the ground. Our CDN and security tools are designed to help them scale their efforts without fear of cyber threats or performance issues. We are honored to be a catalyst to the NGO’s mission.”

“Partnering with VergeCloud has been incredibly beneficial. As a non-profit serving morning nutrition to school children across rural hinterlands of India, using VergeCloud’s CDN and edge infrastructure has significantly reduced our digital media downtime alongside our content load time. VergeCloud’s real-time monitoring tools and AI-based DDoS protection have provided our tech team with the required tools to monitor and secure the incoming traffic. With their unwavering support, we, as an NGO, can scale up till our vision of ‘Let no child go to school hungry ever’ is fulfilled,” added Vibhavari K, National Manager – IT Communications, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust.

With this initiative, VergeCloud continues its mission to empower changemakers by delivering secure, scalable, and future-ready cloud solutions that can help nonprofits grow their reach and resilience.

Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust plays a pivotal role in combating child hunger in India, serving nutritious morning meals to over 10 million school-going children across 25 states and 4 union territories. As the NGO continues to expand its footprint, having a resilient and secure digital backbone has become critical to managing scale and sustaining its impact.

18, Jun 2025
MultiRox by MultiFit: A Fierce Fitness Showdown in Pune

PUNE, JUNE 18: India’s fitness community came alive this past weekend as MultiFit, India’s Happiest Fitness Community, hosted MultiRox, a two-day athletic showdown that combined Strength, Mental grit, and Community Spirit. Held across two venues in MultiFit Baner and Balewadi Stadium, the event unfolded in two fierce formats; the Solo Challenge on June 14 and the Team Challenge semi-finals on June 15, attracting athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and top brand collaborators from across the city.

MULTIFIT

The event opened at MultiFit Baner with the Solo Challenge, where participants took on a grueling six-station obstacle course designed to test strength, stamina, speed, and mental toughness, all against the clock. The atmosphere was charged, with loud cheers and high expectations echoing through the training facility. At the heart of it all were the people who have become the faces of the MultiFit movement; Mr. Neeraj Sharma, Vice Chairman of The Lexicon Group and Director of Pune Times Mirror, Civic Mirror & MultiFit, along with Mrs. Deepti Sharma, Co-Founder and Director of The Lexicon Group & MultiFit, and Ms. Mayara Neeraj Sharma, Director of MultiFit, Lexicon Group. The trio remained deeply involved throughout the day, with the team supporting the athletes and interacting with the community, a sign of the hands-on approach that has defined MultiFit’s leadership style.

The highlight of the day came when Shubham Toonwal completed the entire course in just 14 minutes and 19 seconds, claiming the top spot and a brand-new TVS Apache motorcycle, a gesture made possible by the event’s title sponsor, TVS. Not far behind in applause was Srushti Shinde, who emerged as the fastest female athlete, completing the course in 18 minutes and 5 seconds. She was awarded a gift hamper worth ₹1 lakh, recognizing her remarkable performance and reinforcing MultiFit’s commitment to spotlighting female strength in sport.

On June 15, the action moved to Balewadi Stadium, where the Team Challenge semi-finals. The sprawling outdoor venue added scale and spectacle to the contest, with fitness teams representing top gyms from across Pune battling out the 8 Station obstacle course, for a spot in the MultiRox By MultiFit Grand Finale, in July. The six qualifying teams left it all on the field, earning their shot at the MultiRox grand finale, which now promises to be one of the most anticipated events in Pune’s fitness calendar.

MultiRox was a demonstration of partnership synergy, bringing together some of the most recognizable brands in the wellness and fitness industry. TVS led the way as the title partner, powering the prestige and reach of the event. Hyugalife, the co-powered partner, provided nutritional support and visibility, reinforcing the growing link between supplementation and performance. Chifu, the food partner, kept participants and spectators fueled with wholesome meals, while Provilac, CT Pundole & Sons, UpUrFit, and Size24 added further value as gifting and clothing partners, contributing to the event’s polish, comfort, and style.

What made MultiRox stand out was not just the intensity of competition, but the spirit of togetherness that defined it. In a fitness culture often driven by solo pursuits, MultiRox proved that true strength lies in community, support, and collective growth. With July’s finals on the horizon and momentum on its side, MultiRox is shaping up not just as a local competition but as a fitness phenomenon with national potential. As Ms. Mayara Sharma puts it, “Fitness is no longer a niche. It’s becoming our culture, our language, and our lifestyle. MultiRox is a celebration of that evolution.” For now, Pune celebrates and trains harder for what comes next.

18, Jun 2025
LPU Makes History as One of the First Indian Universities to Enter Global Top 50 in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025

New Delhi, June 18, 2025: Lovely Professional University (LPU) has scripted history by emerging as one of the first Indian universities to break into the Top 50 globally in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025. Ranked 48th globally, LPU emerges as a leading force in India’s higher education sector—pushing boundaries and redefining what Indian universities can achieve on the world stage. While it is the first time ever that Indian universities have made it to the Top 50 in these global rankings, LPU’s rise stands out as a defining milestone, showcasing a vision-driven commitment to real-world relevance, academic excellence, and transformative education.

In doing so, LPU has outperformed numerous globally acclaimed institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Iowa State University, North Carolina State University, as well as top Indian institutions such as IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Mandi, IIT Guwahati, and IIM Indore.

LPU has also retained its 2nd position in India—across both public and private universities—for the second consecutive year, further asserting its leadership role in shaping the future of higher education in India and beyond. In the category of Quality Education (SDG 4), LPU has secured an impressive 18th rank globally, reaffirming its dedication to equitable, impactful, and high-quality learning for all.

The THE Impact Rankings evaluate how universities worldwide contribute to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). LPU earned a stellar overall score of 92.6, a sharp rise from 86.2 last year—catapulting the university from the 101–200 global band in 2024 to the Top 50 global league in 2025.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, stated, “This global milestone is a proud moment not just for LPU, but for Indian higher education at large. We are honored to be among the first universities from India to be ranked in the Top 50 globally. It reflects LPU’s belief that universities must be both globally competitive and socially responsible. Our rise aligns with the nation’s mission of transforming India into a a global leader in knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development.”

LPU’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has also garnered significant recognition, with the university securing a global rank of 5th for Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), 8th for Zero Hunger (SDG 2), 6th for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and 16th for Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6). Furthermore, LPU is ranked 1st in India across six SDGs—Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

This unprecedented accomplishment positions LPU as a beacon of global excellence and purpose-driven education—raising the bar for institutions across India and solidifying the country’s emerging leadership in global academia.

18, Jun 2025
“Jab Tu Sajan” Sets a Soulful, Monsoon-Perfect Tone for Aap Jaisa Koi, starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh

National; 18th June 2025: —Love doesn’t always arrive with fireworks, sometimes, it quietly finds its way to you. Jab Tu Sajan from R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh starrer Aap Jaisa Koi is one such song that was released today. The song is a tender ballad that captures the quiet, soul-stirring essence of love. A melodic ode to unexpected companionship, Jab Tu Sajan blends timeless music with lyrics that resonate like home. Directed by Vivek Soni, and produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra under Dharmatic Entertainment, the film slated to release on 11th July 2025 worldwide on Netflix.

ab Tu Sajan_Album

Sung by the inimitable Mohit Chauhan, Jab Tu Sajan is composed by Rochak Kohli, with heartfelt lyrics penned by Gurpreet Saini. The track is produced by Rochak Kohli and Sharan Rawat. A beautiful blend of timeless melody and evocative lyricism, Jab Tu Sajan offers a moment of serenity in an ever-rushing world. It’s a song about manifesting love, about finding a sense of belonging, and about the kind of emotional connection that doesn’t rely on grand gestures. With Mohit Chauhan’s voice and Rochak Kohli’s signature warmth in composition, Jab Tu Sajan is poised to become a modern classic.

Madhavanadded, “This is the song I’ve been most excited about in a long time. It’s not a one-time listen—it takes over your soul. I’ve had the fortune of some timeless tracks, and Jab Tu Sajan is right up there. Mohit’s voice brings such sincerity and ease—it lingers long after it ends. There’s a quiet magic in the way he captures emotion. This one’s close to my heart—it speaks of love in its purest form. Grateful to Rochak, Mohit, Dharmatic and Netflix for this timeless gem.”

Fatima Sana Shaikh said, “The moment I heard Jab Tu Sajan, I felt an instant connection. It’s one of those songs that stays with you—soft, honest, and deeply real. Just like the relationship in the film, it grows on you slowly and meaningfully. It’s amazing to be part of a story where the music carries as much emotion as the characters do.”

Mohit Chauhan said “This song isn’t about dramatic declarations—it’s about the kind of love that unfolds quietly, the kind that feels like it’s always been there. There’s tenderness in it, a lived-in quality that’s rare to find. When I first heard the composition, it struck me how Rochak and Gurpreet had managed to capture something so emotionally still yet so moving. To lend my voice for R Madhavan was indeed very special and I hope this one will resonate with both our fans.”

Composer Rochak Kohli added, “With ‘Jab Tu Sajan’, we wanted to create something that felt like home, yet leave a mark, something that people would instinctively hum. With Mohit sir’s timeless voice and Gurpreet’s honest words, I think we found that sweet spot.”

Lyricist Gurpreet Saini, “Writing the lyrics for ‘Jab Tu Sajan’ was a deeply personal experience. I wanted to capture the subtlety of love—the kind that doesn’t rush or demand attention but grows quietly and steadily. It’s about celebrating those unspoken moments that define true connection.”

‘Jab Tu Sajan’ is set to become a monsoon favourite for those who like their music to echo long after the last note fades. Aap Jaisa Koi promises to be a deeply relatable exploration of love, life, and rediscovery, complete with a memorable soundtrack that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

18, Jun 2025
Mphasis Recognized as a Contender in Application Modernization and Multicloud Managed Services Evaluation Report

Mumbai, June 18, 2025 Mphasis, an Information Technology provider specializing in cloud and cognitive services, today announced that it has been included as a ‘Contender’ in The Forrester Wave™: Application Modernization And Multicloud Managed Services, Q1 2025 by Forrester Research, Inc.

Mphasis_Logo

According to the report, Mphasis serves an important role in its specialized industries, bringing extensive experience in transaction-intensive industry modernization and legacy technologies. The evaluation recognizes Mphasis’ skills in high-performance IBM legacy environments, making it well-suited for modernization efforts involving legacy platforms in the banking, finance, and airline industries.

“We believe this recognition by Forrester highlights our dedication to driving transformation through specialized modernization solutions,” said Srikumar Ramanathan, Chief Solutions Officer, Mphasis. ” Clients value our deep domain expertise in modernizing legacy systems and integrating multi-cloud capabilities. This acknowledgement reinforces our commitment to helping enterprises optimize operations, scale efficiently, and achieve sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

In an extensive evaluation, Forrester researched, analyzed, and scored fifteen top providers in the application modernization and multi-cloud managed services sector based on strategy and current offering. The report serves as a valuable resource for organizations seeking partners to navigate complex modernization and cloud transformation initiatives.

Forrester does not endorse any company, product, brand, or service included in its research publications and does not advise any person to select the products or services of any company or brand based on the ratings included in such publications. Information is based on the best available resources. Opinions reflect judgment at the time and are subject to change. For more information, read about Forrester’s objectivity here .

18, Jun 2025
Google partners with S Chand to Integrate Google Lens in School Textbooks

New Delhi, 18 June 2025 – Google partners with S Chand, one of India’s leading education content providers to integrate Google Lens into school textbooks, revolutionising how students can learn and interact with educational content.

With the increasing complexity of curricula and the growing reliance on self-learning, students often struggle to find immediate, accurate solutions to their academic queries. Many lack access to tutors or additional resources, making it challenging to grasp complex concepts, solve intricate equations, or bridge language barriers. This integration with Google Lens directly addresses these gaps by turning textbooks into interactive learning tools, ensuring that students can easily access explanations, translations, and problem-solving assistance.

India has over 750 million smartphone users, which is expected to surpass one billion by 2025, according to a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). With smartphones becoming an essential part of daily life, integrating Google Lens into textbooks delivers a more engaging, accessible, and efficient learning experience for students. By simply scanning their textbooks, students can unlock a range of interactive features, including:

  • Easy access to explanations and engaging video lessons for subjects such as Mathematics, History, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, with access to relevant videos to better help students grasp challenging concepts.

  • Step-by-step solutions for mathematical problems, including complex equations and concepts, to help clarify and simplify problem-solving by showing the underlying methodology.

  • Translation of text into 100+ languages in seconds, allowing students to understand their study material in the language they are most comfortable with.

  • Easy text transfer from books to digital devices, making note- taking and revision more efficient.

This initiative has already been integrated into over 300 textbook titles, reaching over 5 million copies in print. By enabling Google Lens functionality, S Chand is ensuring that students across the country have access to added support, fostering better understanding and retention of key concepts.

Himanshu Gupta, Managing Director, S Chand Group, commented on the initiative: “At S Chand, we have always been committed to transforming education through innovation. Our collaboration with Google is a step toward making learning more engaging and accessible for students. By integrating this powerful technology into our textbooks, we are equipping students with digital tools that complement traditional learning methods and enhance their academic journey.”

Saurabh Mittal, CFO of S Chand Group, highlighted the impact:”Education is evolving, and so are the ways students seek knowledge. With Google Lens, we are ensuring that millions of learners have instant access to explanations, translations, and step-by-step solutions directly from their textbooks. We have already seen inspiring success stories—like Ritika, a 10th-grade student from Uttar Pradesh, who struggled with algebra. With limited resources and no tutor, she used Google Lens to scan problems from her S Chand textbook and access step-by-step explanations. In just a few weeks, her confidence grew, and her math scores improved significantly. Similarly, Amit, a 9th grader from Maharashtra, faced language barriers in learning science. Using Google Lens, he could instantly translate complex English terms into Marathi, making learning far more accessible for him and thousands of other students. These stories reinforce our belief that the right technology and quality educational content can break barriers and empower students across the country.”

This initiative marks a major milestone in the evolution of education, ensuring that students are equipped with tools that make learning more innovative, easier, and more effective. As S Chand continues to innovate, this collaboration with Google is just one of many steps towards bridging the gap between traditional learning and the digital future.

18, Jun 2025
When Love Doesn’t Listen, Turn Up the Sass with Simran Choudhary’s ‘Sayyian Na Maane’

India, 18th June 2025: Not every love story is tragic. Some just need a beat drop, a side-eye, and a killer hook. Folk-pop innovator Simran Choudhary returns with her latest track ‘Saiyyan Na Maane’, a sonic blend of sass, soul, and sheer storytelling power. Known as the voice behind the internet’s most-loved songs like Aje Na Jaa & Rehle Mere Kol, Simran is steadily crafting a genre of her own, one that feels like home, yet hits with a global beat.

Saiyaan re

Simranwho writes, composes, and stars in her own music videos, continues to be the hero of her own story in Saiyyan Na Maane, which is more than just a song — it’s a statement. The old-school nostalgia through the folk beats, while dressed in a contemporary pop aesthetic, is impossible to ignore. Think rolling your eyes, owning your mood, and turning up the volume. The sound of a woman tired of chasing mixed signals, choosing instead to dance through the drama.

While talking about the track, Simran shares, “We’ve all had that one person who just won’t listen, no matter how loud you love them. This song is my way of saying ‘fine, don’t listen’ but I’ll still love you in my own way.” She further adds, “Saiyyan Na Maane is for every girl who’s ever felt unheard or sidelined. Don’t be disheartened when they ignore you, but own your story, and remember that the mic’s still in your hand.”

 As it happens, the track made its debut just in time for World Music Day, with a special preview hosted at the Meta office. With infectious energy and vibe, ‘Saiyyan Na Maane’ is a girl’s playful wink to the universe — she chats, she teases, she glows with love, spinning stories of a stubborn beloved who keeps her waiting yet forever owns her heart. Whether you’re nursing a heartbreak or rolling your eyes at yet another unread text, this is your song.

18, Jun 2025
AI Overhyped Yet Underused as 86 Percent Miss Full Potential Says GoTo Study

AI Underdelivers at Work: 62% of Employees Say AI is Significantly Overhyped, But 86% Admit They Aren’t Using AI to Its Full Potential According to New Research from GoTo

June 18, 2025, India – GoTo, the leader in cloud communications and IT, today announced the release of a new research report: The Pulse of Work in 2025: Trends, Truths, and the Practicality of AI. The report summarizes the findings of a survey of 2,500 global employees and IT leaders on AI use and sentiment, conducted in partnership with research firm Workplace Intelligence. Among the study’s key findings: despite widespread anticipation about AI’s positive impact on workforce productivity, most employees feel they were overpromised on its potential. In fact, 62% believe AI has been significantly overhyped.

However, this is likely because employees aren’t making the most of what these tools have to offer. The majority (86%) admit they’re not using AI tools to their full potential, and 82% say they aren’t very familiar with how AI can be used practically in their day-to-day work.

All told, employees estimate that they’re spending 2.6 hours a day — or 13 hours per week — on tasks that could be handled by AI. This means that in the U.S. alone, businesses could be missing out on more than $2.9 trillion annually in greater efficiency.*

“Employees are already using AI and are seeing clear productivity gains, yet despite these benefits, our latest research shows people still view AI as overhyped. While many recognize its value, they don’t yet see it as the revolutionary change they were promised. This gap likely exists because many workers admit they aren’t realizing AI’s full potential or don’t know how to apply it in practical ways,” said Rich Veldran, CEO of GoTo. “The solution is clear: companies must go beyond just providing access to AI by ensuring employees have both the right tools and the right education. By equipping teams with effective training and clear guidelines, organizations can empower their workforce to unlock the true, transformational impact of AI.” 

Other key findings include:

  • AI is handling some tasks for employees — just not the ones their bosses think: Instead of using AI to save themselves time in their day-to-day work, 54% of employees admit they’ve used it for sensitive tasks or high-stakes decision-making such as tasks requiring emotional intelligence (29%), tasks impacting safety (25%), and ethical or sensitive personnel actions (16%) — despite knowing they shouldn’t. An alarming 77% of these workers also say they don’t regret using AI for these tasks.
  • Another potential reason for AI’s underuse — employees don’t trust the tools: 86% of employees aren’t very confident in the accuracy and reliability of AI tools, and 76% say they often provide outputs that need to be refined or revised by users.
  • Smaller companies are falling behind: At the smallest companies — those with 50 employees or less — just 59% of workers use AI and 46% say they don’t know how to use AI to save time or improve their work. At larger organizations, however, closer to 80% are using AI.

“Contrary to what you might think, it’s not just older workers who are struggling to realize the benefits of AI tools,” said Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner, Workplace Intelligence. “Younger workers also admit they’re not using these tools to their full potential. In fact, 74% of Gen Z employees say they aren’t very familiar with how to use AI practically in their day-to-day work. This highlights the importance of equipping all generations with the tools and education to use AI safely and effectively.” 

The research also describes solutions to help close the AI adoption gap:

  • Give employees the tools they want: Employees say an AI virtual assistant (88%), AI tools that automate certain work tasks (86%), AI communication tools (83%), generative AI tools (81%), and an AI chat/messaging assistant to communicate with customers (73%), would be most valuable for them, but roughly only 4 out of 10 say their company offers these.
  • Improve policies and training to prevent AI misuse: Just 45% of IT leaders say their company has an AI policy in place. Both employees (81%) and IT leaders (71%) believe AI tools need better instructions and guardrails for proper usage. 87% of employees also feel most workers are not being trained properly to use AI tools.
  • Be purposeful about AI implementation and ROI measurement: At companies using AI, 21% of IT leaders admit their company is adopting AI or buying AI tools just because they think they should — not after careful consideration or with a clear plan in mind. What’s more, nearly half (49%) of IT leaders say their company isn’t measuring the ROI of AI tools very well.
  • Recognize that a small investment can have a major impact: 77% of IT leaders say their company would only need to spend an extra $20/month or less per employee on AI tools to save each employee an additional one hour a day in greater efficiency.
  • Help IT leaders understand the employee perspective: The survey revealed that IT leaders and employees aren’t always seeing eye-to-eye when it comes to AI use, practicality, reliability, and more. Companies that take steps to address these disconnects will be well-positioned to maximize the benefits of AI for their organization.
18, Jun 2025
Axis Bank collaborates with boAt and Mastercard

Axis Bank collaborates with boAt and Mastercard for seamless payments on its newly launched smartwatch, ‘Wave Fortune’

axis bank

Chennai, June 18, 2025: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector Banks in India, today announced that it has collaborated with boAt, India’s No.1 wearable brand, and Mastercard, a global technology leader in payments, to seamlessly integrate tap & pay NFC enabled payments for its newly launched ‘Wave Fortune’, a cutting-edge smartwatch. Priced competitively at ₹3,299 (₹2,599 during special offers), Wave Fortune is designed to empower users with convenience, security, and a next-level smartwatch experience.

Axis Bank cardholders can now securely tokenize and store their debit and credit cards on the WAVE Fortune Smartwatch via Crest Pay, boAt’s official payment app and make contactless payments effortlessly. This feature, powered by Mastercard’s tokenization technology and supported by the robust token requestor infrastructure of TAPPY Technologies, allows single-step payment of up to ₹5,000 on a POS device without entering card PIN, ensuring both speed and security.

Powered by Mastercard, the payment system allows users to securely tokenize and store their cards within the smartwatch strap for quick and seamless transactions. Axis Bank credit and debit cardholders on Mastercard and VISA networks will continue to enjoy the rewards and benefits of their linked card while making payments with the Wave Fortune smartwatch.

Commenting on the partnership, Arnika Dixit, President & Head – Cards, Payments and Wealth Management, Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, we have been continuously working on innovation-led partnership models to offer innovative and secure digital banking solutions to customers. In this effort, we are delighted to have partnered with boAt to truly make payments on-the-go, seamlessly integrating contactless payments into people’s day-to-day lives. Bringing in our expertise in tokenized contactless payments, ‘Wave Fortune’, a cutting-edge smartwatch will allow the users with the highest standards of safety and security, combined with a quick and convenient payment experience.”

Sameer Mehta, Co-founder and CEO, boAt, said, “At boAt, we are always striving to push the boundaries of technology to enhance everyday convenience. Our partnership with Axis Bank brings secure, effortless payments to the wrist, making contactless transactions more accessible than ever.”
Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia at Mastercard said, “In the near future, payments will be gesture-based — integrated into our daily routines, with transactions occurring in a frictionless manner. Wearable devices, irrespective of the form factor, will play a key role in this evolution, offering quick and secure payment experiences. As a company committed to shaping this future of commerce, Mastercard is delighted to power the tokenization enabled smartwatch, empowering users to pay with their credit or debit cards.”

17, Jun 2025
SanchiConnect and Riceberg VC Partners to Scale KickSky – The Space Lab, Empowering Next-Gen Spacetech Startups

New Delhi, June 16, 2025 – SanchiConnect, India’s leading DeepTech startup network, has entered into a strategic partnership with KickSky Space Lab, an accelerator program focused on early-stage SpaceTech startups. Facilitated by Riceberg Ventures, this collaboration aims to scale KickSky’s vision to propel space tech startups for the global landscape, and reach customers worldwide. KickSky is a joint initiative by venture capital funds Riceberg Ventures and E2MC Ventures, along with Aniara Consulting, and has already gained significant traction since its launch.

IMAGE_SanchiConnect and Riceberg VC Partners to Scale KickSky – The Space Lab, Empowering Next-Gen Spacetech Startups

Dr. Sunil Shekhawat, CEO, SanchiConnect, remarked, “We are excited to join hands with Riceberg Ventures to accelerate the growth of India’s spacetech ecosystem. Our combined strengths will empower startups to move beyond proof-of-concept, access global markets, and attract the right capital partners. Together, we are committed to making India a powerhouse in the new space economy.”

Riceberg Ventures, with offices in Bangalore, Zurich, London and San Francisco, has been at the forefront of deeptech investments globally. Its early-stage spacetech accelerator program has attracted some of the most promising founders in the sector. SanchiConnect, seeded within Baring PE Partner-India, has a proven track record of running high-impact investment and go-to-market (GTM) led accelerators for VC funds, consistently delivering successful cohorts and enabling startups to scale rapidly.

“KickSky was envisioned as a launchpad for the boldest minds in spacetech. With SanchiConnect’s unmatched network and accelerator expertise, we are poised to take KickSky to new heights, offering startups not just capital, but the strategic guidance and global connections needed to solve some of humanity’s most ambitious challenges,” said Mr. Ankit Anand, Founding Partner, Riceberg Ventures.

 Mr. Govindrajan, Director, KickSky Space Lab, commented, “Our mission at KickSky is to democratize access to the space economy for Indian founders. The partnership with SanchiConnect will help us provide a robust platform for founders to experiment, validate, and scale their ideas, while leveraging the best of industry, academia, and investor networks.”

This partnership comes at a pivotal time for India’s spacetech sector, where IN-SPACe has been the public face of support for emerging startups. The SanchiConnect–Riceberg Ventures alliance aims to complement these efforts by unlocking new avenues of funding, mentorship, and global market access for the next generation of spacetech entrepreneurs. The team also plans to launch a global spacetech community of founders, investors, experts, and suppliers from around the world to be accessible and available for early-stage startups.