7, Oct 2025
Panasonic Selects 11 Startups for Third Cohort of ‘Panasonic Ignition’ Accelerator Program
Panasonic selects 11 startups as part of the Third cohort of “PANASONIC IGNITION” Corporate Accelerator Program
New Delhi, 7th October 2025: Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), a leading diversified technology company, and Panasonic Corporation (PC) announced 11 start-ups shortlisted from over 113 entries for the third edition of the “Panasonic Ignition” challenge. Panasonic Ignition Challenge is a corporate innovation accelerator programme, launched in association with Beyond Next Ventures, aimed at transforming residential living through scalable, tech-driven solutions, aligned with long-term impact and sustainability. Panasonic aims to mentor, guide, and fund early to mid-stage startups that are creating innovative solutions in this field.
Over 113 startups applied for the program, which was launched in September 2025 under the guidance of Mr. Kunio Gohara, the Chief Transformation Officer of Panasonic Corporation. After a robust evaluation process, 11 startups were shortlisted. These startups will participate in the ‘Panasonic Ignition’ cohort program over the next three months and be mentored by Panasonic and Beyond Next Ventures. These selected startups will receive potential investment, access to various masterclasses, expert mentorship, and support around product strategy and growth, which would assist them in building innovative technologies and products that enhance people’s lifestyles in India. As a part of this engagement, Panasonic will also roll out challenges for these startups, and based on regular reviews, the final winner(s) will be announced in December 2025.
“We are thrilled with the response received for the third edition of the Panasonic Ignition programme, with a clear objective of improving residential living—whether through smart home solutions, sustainable energy, or digital consumer experience,” said Mr. Manish Misra, Chief Innovation Officer, at Panasonic Life Solutions India. “This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering groundbreaking technologies and solutions that address the evolving needs of our consumers while contributing to a sustainable future.”
Tsuyoshi Ito, the CEO and Managing Partner of Beyond Next Ventures, stated, “Over the past few weeks, we conducted extensive sourcing and evaluation to identify startups pioneering innovative solutions to enhance consumer lifestyles. With more than a decade of experience investing in deep-tech ventures, we understand the critical role corporate partnerships play in achieving global impact. This cohort features a range of forward-thinking innovators addressing challenges in wellness, sustainability, and beyond. We are thrilled to collaborate with Panasonic to help these startups realize their full potential.”
Following is the list of the 11 promising startups:
- Ambiator (https://www.ambiator.com) – provides A dew-point regenerative cooling system that delivers 100% fresh, cooled air at 80% reduced electricity bills.
- Awiros (https://awiros.com/) – Transforms Video Data into Real-Time Intelligence through Video AI Platform
- Biomoneta (https://www.biomoneta.com/) – An airborne decontamination device that with over a 99.999% efficiency, without producing harmful byproducts
- Cantata (https://www.cantatacs.com) – provides a universal remote to control all connected devices using a smart interface
- Devic Earth (https://devic-earth.com/) – deep-tech cleantech company with a scalable solution for large-area air pollution control
- DoorVi ( https://www.doorvi.co/) – provides a smart visitor management solution that transforms any smartphone into a wireless video intercom
- Kubo Care ( https://kubocare.com/) – health-tech startup building a contact-free monitoring system to help seniors live safely and independently
- Red Health (https://www.red.health) – provides an integrated, technology-led platform to support “first minute, last mile” emergency response solution
- Respirer Living Sciences https://www.respirer.in/) – provides IoT-enabled Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) to maintain healthy indoor air without wasting energy
- Spacemate (https://spacemate.xyz/) – proptech startup building an integrated, privacy-first “SuperApp” for premium residential communities
- The Energy Company (https://www.energycompany.in/) – builds smart Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to help households reduce bills and integrate with solar and EV charging
Together with Beyond Next Ventures (Venture Partner), Panasonic aims to co-create cutting-edge solutions that align with emerging market needs. This collaborative effort reinforces Panasonic’s vision of staying at the forefront of technological advancements and consumer-centric innovations, fostering sustainable growth and positive societal impact in India.
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- By Neel Achary
7, Oct 2025
Tilaknagar Industries appoints Nishant Jain as President Sales
New Delhi, October 07, 2025: Leading Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) manufacturer, Tilaknagar Industries Limited (TI) (BSE: 507205) (NSE: TI), has announced the appointment of Mr. Nishant Jain as its President Sales.
Mr. Jain’s extensive experience with leading alco-bev companies will be a key driver of TI’s growth at a time when the company is gearing up to expand its presence in the whisky segment across the country, with the impending acquisition of Imperial Blue Whisky from Pernod Ricard India. An independent sales vertical has been created at TI to establish the company’s leadership in the whisky category that accounts for nearly 65 per cent of the IMFL market in India. Traditionally, TI has been a leading brandy maker dominating in prominent IMFL markets in South India such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Puducherry and Kerala, amongst others.
Mr. Amit Dahanukar, Chairman & Managing Director, Tilaknagar Industries said, “Nishant’s extensive experience and proven leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our growth journey, as we expand our regional and portfolio presence, following the Imperial Blue acquisition.”
With over 26 years of experience in Sales, Trade Marketing and Key Accounts, Mr. Jain has had a wide exposure to the alco-beverage sector in India which ranks as one of the largest whisky markets across the globe. Prior to joining TI, Mr. Jain was Chief Operating Officer, Spirits Business at Inbrew Beverages. Earlier, he has worked with Allied Blenders & Distillers as well as Pernod Ricard India, leading sales and trade marketing initiatives nationwide.
An alumnus of IIT Roorkee and IIM Lucknow, Mr. Jain is widely recognized for his expertise in scaling businesses and building high-performing teams.
Taking on the new role at TI, Mr. Nishant Jain said, “I am excited to join Tilaknagar Industries at this transformative stage in its journey. With a vast portfolio of brands and a talented team, TI is well positioned for growth and I am eager to contribute to its next phase of expansion.”
7, Oct 2025
Abhay Prabhavana: Architecture as a Living Dialogue Between Heritage and Values
India, 7th october 2025: On World Architecture Day, few places capture the dialogue between design, philosophy, and culture as gracefully as the Abhay Prabhavana Museum & Knowledge Centre near Pune. Spanning 22.25 Hector (55 acres), it is among the largest private museums in the world, envisioned as a Museum of Ideas where architecture extends as storytelling in stone, space, and form.
The museum’s journey begins with the striking 13.3 meters (43-foot) Art Deco-style statue of Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar, surrounded by murals that narrate humanity’s earliest steps into civilization. The 30.4 meters (100-foot) marble Manastambh rises nearby, its seven stages carved with symbols of humility and elevation, reminding visitors that architecture can embody values as powerfully as words.
Inside, 30 galleries unfold like carefully designed chapters, blending modern technology with traditional motifs. Interactive exhibits, immersive domes, and layered murals transform walls into living texts, shaping spaces that educate while inspiring reflection. The Plaza of Equanimity houses the Sarvatobhadra statue facing four directions, a design that makes inclusivity tangible through symmetry and openness.
The museum extends outdoors with its heritage walk, where recreations of Dholavira, Kere Basadi, Pavapuri’s Jal Mandir, and the Gwalior caves turn architecture into experience, letting visitors “travel” across centuries within a single arena. At Abhay Prabhavana, architecture is both: a visual grandeur as well as a living medium – one that bridges art, philosophy, and values, building upon the role of design in shaping how we experience heritage and meaning.
7, Oct 2025
Avalara Strengthens Global AI Leadership with ‘Avi Everywhere’, MCP Servers, and Next-Gen Compliance Innovations
New AI-driven capabilities make tax and compliance faster, smarter, and easily embedded within enterprise workflows
India — October 7, 2025 — Avalara, Inc., the global leader in tax and compliance automation, today announced a series of AI-powered innovations that redefine enterprise compliance. The company introduced Avi, Avalara’s AI agent now embedded directly into users’ daily workflows; Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers that provide seamless access to Avalara’s AI platform; and several new intelligent capabilities across its product suite.
These advancements enable third-party systems and AI agents to easily discover and connect with Avalara’s APIs, embedding compliance at every stage of business operations. The result is a connected, intelligent framework where compliance happens in real time, whenever and wherever business takes place.
“Compliance is no longer a back-office burden, but a mission-critical function,” said Scott McFarlane, CEO and Co-Founder, Avalara. “With Avalara’s agentic AI, customers are cutting filing times from days to hours, reducing compliance risk, and freeing teams to focus on growth.”
Avi, Avalara’s intelligent AI agent, is now active where users work, advising, executing, and automating compliance tasks. For instance, the Avi Browser Extension guides users through ERP configurations and identifies compliance actions instantly, while Avi in Outlook scans inbound invoices, digitizes them, validates taxes and certificates, and integrates results directly into ERP systems. This helps organizations catch compliance risks early and significantly reduce processing costs.
Avalara’s MCP servers form the backbone of this intelligent network. They enable interoperability by allowing enterprise systems to connect with Avalara’s AI-powered APIs and extend compliance functionality across platforms. With these technologies, Avalara continues to evolve compliance into an intelligent, scalable global framework that operates across industries and geographies.
Among its latest innovations, Avalara has also introduced a set of enterprise-grade AI capabilities designed to deliver greater speed, precision, and insight:
● Advanced Rules with AI Visualization, allowing users to create or modify compliance rules through simple language prompts.
● AI-Powered Reporting and Insights, where embedded intelligence highlights anomalies, trends, and generates proactive compliance reports.
AI-Driven Global E-Invoicing, which uses AI to map invoice data to country-specific compliance requirements, reducing manual customizations and accelerating time to compliance.Avalara’s AI-driven platform also now extends into multiple compliance domains, including exemption certificate validation, cross-border classification, generative tax research, and property tax automation. To drive adoption, Avalara is collaborating closely with partners and customers through face-to-face meetings, developer and partner events, and registrations in global agent and MCP server directories such as Google AgentSpace—ensuring Avalara’s AI capabilities are accessible across enterprise systems worldwide.
For over two decades, Avalara has built one of the most extensive libraries of tax and compliance content in the industry, supporting over 43,000 businesses and government entities across more than 75 countries. Its purpose-built AI agents continue to transform tax and compliance—from calculation and filings to exemption management—with unmatched precision.
6, Oct 2025
People Forum of India Appoints Shri Lakshan Dhiraj as National Chairman of Youth Wing
New Delhi, October 6, 2025: In a significant development, the People Forum of India (National Bharat Sevak Samaj), a Government of India Organisation, has appointed Shri Lakshan Dhiraj as the National Chairman of its Youth Wing. The appointment was formally approved by Dr. S. Manimozhiyaan, National Chairman of the Forum, and came into effect on Monday, October 6, 2025.
According to an official statement issued by Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, National Deputy Chairman and In-charge of Administration & Organization, the appointment entrusts Shri Dhiraj with the responsibility of leading youth-oriented initiatives across the country. He will focus on mobilizing young citizens towards national integration, social responsibility, and community welfare.
“This appointment reflects the Forum’s continued commitment to empowering the youth and nurturing leadership that contributes to India’s development goals,” said Dr. Mallappa. “Shri Lakshan Dhiraj’s energy and vision are expected to strengthen the organisation’s mission of service and unity.”
Shri Lakshan Dhiraj expressed his gratitude and shared his vision for the Youth Wing: “I am honoured to take on this responsibility and look forward to engaging with the youth of our nation. Together, we will work towards social welfare, skill development, and encouraging young citizens to actively participate in initiatives that strengthen our communities and foster unity across India.”
As National Chairman of the Youth Wing, Shri Dhiraj will work to expand the Forum’s outreach among young people and inspire voluntary participation in programmes aligned with national welfare, skill development, and social service.
The People Forum of India (NBSS) operates under the broader mission of promoting social welfare and public service across the nation through voluntary, non-political engagement. The organisation continues to collaborate with both State and Central Government bodies to implement initiatives that benefit communities across India.
6, Oct 2025
Abbott Launches AVEIR™ DR, The World’s First Dual Chamber Leadless Pacemaker in India
New Delhi, October 6, 2025 – Global healthcare leader Abbott has announced the launch of the AVEIR™ dual chamber (DR) leadless pacemaker system in India — marking a major medical milestone as the world’s first leadless pacemaker capable of pacing both chambers of the heart.
Pacemakers are life-saving devices that help manage bradycardia, a condition where the heart beats too slowly. Traditional systems rely on wires (leads) and surgical pockets to regulate the heartbeat. In contrast, leadless pacemakers are miniature, self-contained devices that are implanted directly into the heart using a catheter, eliminating the need for wires and reducing complications.
Until now, leadless technology was limited to single-chamber pacing, but Abbott’s AVEIR DR system changes that with its implant-to-implant (i2i) communication technology. This allows two tiny devices—one in the atrium and one in the ventricle—to communicate beat-by-beat in real time, achieving synchronised, dual-chamber pacing for the first time ever without wires.
This innovation is particularly relevant for India, where approximately one in three pacemaker patients require dual-chamber pacing.
“As leadless pacing technology has evolved, we’ve built upon our AVEIR VR single-chamber platform to expand the benefits to far more people,” said Ajay Singh Chauhan, General Manager for Abbott’s cardiac rhythm management business in India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Korea. “This tiny device packed with powerful technology is designed to treat abnormal heart rhythms more precisely and effectively.”
6, Oct 2025
Senco Gold & Diamonds Unveils ‘Elements of Nature’ Campaign with Kiara Advani
Mumbai, October 6th, 2025: Senco Gold & Diamonds, India’s leading jewellery house known for its timeless artistry and trust, proudly presents its latest collection and campaign “Elements of Nature” featuring brand ambassador Kiara Advani.
A celebration of the earth’s most exquisite muse, Elements of Nature draws from the poetry of the natural world. From the graceful curve of a wave to the fiery brilliance of molten lava, from the sparkle of distant constellations to the delicate vines and blossoms of the forest each design transforms nature’s essence into breathtaking jewellery.
Senco’s master karigars, revered for their generational craftsmanship, have meticulously shaped these inspirations into creations in gold, diamonds, and polki. The result is a collection that mirrors nature’s strength and elegance while paying homage to its finest creation the women who wear them.
As the face of the campaign, Kiara Advani beautifully embodies the awe, elegance, and timeless grace that nature inspires, reflecting the artistry and detail that define Senco’s 85-year legacy.
Ms. Joita Sen, Director and Head of Marketing & Designs, Senco Gold & Diamonds, said: With ‘Elements of Nature,’ we wanted to tell a story that is as timeless as the earth itself. At Senco, we have always believed that jewellery is not just an ornament but a narrative and through this campaign, we bring alive the poetry of nature with the unmatched karigari of our artisans. Each design is a story of detail and devotion, reflecting the brand’s heritage of craftsmanship. As a brand, we have mastered the art of storytelling, and this collection is our way of weaving together inspiration, tradition, and modernity. Designed for the diverse brides of India, ‘Elements of Nature’ is not just for the wedding day, but for every celebration and auspicious moment of her journey. What makes Senco truly unique is our ability to offer exclusivity across a wide range of price points, ensuring every woman finds a piece that is aspirational, yet deeply personal.”
6, Oct 2025
Galaxy M17 5G with 50MP OIS Triple Camera, Slim & Durable Body to Launch This Week
GURUGRAM, India, October 6, 2025: Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy M17 5G on October 10, days after its predecessor – the Galaxy M16 5G – ran out of stock in India.
Designed for young consumers who are on-the-go, the Galaxy M17 5G comes with segment-leading 50MP OIS triple-camera system designed to capture blur-free photos and shake-free videos. The high-resolution primary sensor, paired with Optical Image Stabilization, reduces motion blur and counteracts shaky hands for crisp shots even in low light or when recording handheld video. The triple-lens setup gives users flexible framing for different scenes, while the phone’s AI enhancements intelligently optimize exposure, colour and focus for great results.
Galaxy M17 5G features segment’s best Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® protection combined with an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. Together these protections mean the Galaxy M17 5G is built to withstand common, real-world mishaps from accidental knocks to splashes, giving users added confidence in everyday environments.
The Galaxy M17 5G boasts a slim 7.5 mm profile giving it a premium, pocket-friendly feel with the build quality required for daily durability. Galaxy M17 5G’s 6.7″ Super AMOLED display provides unmatched content consumption experience.
For the first time in the M1x-series, Samsung is shipping native AI out of the box, powered by Circle to Search with Google and Gemini Live, bringing real-time visual conversations with AI to Galaxy users. Galaxy M17 5G will be available in two vibrant colours – Moonlight Silver and Sapphire Black.
With its premium features and future-ready performance, the Galaxy M17 5G will be redefining the mid-segment smartphone experience for Indian consumers.
6, Oct 2025
Miller Museum of Anamorphic Art Opens, a World First
World’s First Miller Museum of Anamorphic Art Inaugurated – Marking a New Era in Art and Imagination
Bangalore, 6th october 2025: A defining cultural moment was marked with the grand inauguration of the world’s first Museum of Anamorphic Art the Miller Museum of Anamorphic Art. This pioneering institution, founded on the vision of Shereen Miller, was designed to become a global landmark where art, architecture, and nature converge to create an immersive realm of beauty, illusion, and imagination.
The museum was symbolically inaugurated at 4:40 PM a moment described as “touched by the grace of eight,” representing balance, strength, and endless love at the Miller Museum of Anamorphic Art, at Cooke Town. The museum reflected an extraordinary vision that celebrated creativity through anamorphic art, a unique blend of mathematics, science, and artistry.
The space showcased anamorphic paintings, surreal sculptures, charcoal works, and digital installations, each designed to challenge perspectives, spark curiosity, and inspire imagination. More than an exhibition space, it invited visitors to explore how perception could be shifted and expanded through art.
The inauguration was graced by eminent dignitaries and cultural icons, including Chiranjiv Singh, IAS (Retd.), Former Ambassador of India to UNESCO, Paris; Additional Chief Secretary, Karnataka; ex-Development Commissioner; Darshan Kumar YU, Deputy Curator, National Gallery of Modern Art; and Prof. R. H. Kulkarni, Eminent Art Historian, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Chiranjiv Singh said, “The Miller Museum is a significant addition to Bengaluru’s cultural landscape. Shereen Miller’s legacy, carried forward so beautifully by her daughter Cheryl, has brought a rare and fascinating form of art to the city. It is a moment of pride that Bengaluru now hosts the world’s first Museum of Anamorphic Art.”
Prof. R. H. Kulkarni noted, “This museum is a wonderful addition to Bengaluru’s cultural and artistic landscape. Shereen Miller was a multi-dimensional artist, and her anamorphic works deserve to be studied and celebrated. I hope this space remains open to students and artists so her legacy continues to inspire.”
Mr. Darshan Kumar YU added, “Walking through Shereen Miller’s works is truly moving. Her sculptures and drawings carry a bold, distinctive presence, and this museum gives Bengaluru’s vibrant art scene a unique treasure to cherish.”
Sharing her vision, Ms. Cheryl Anita Miller, Founder & Director, Miller Museum of Anamorphic Art,said: “Anamorphic art is about shifting perspectives — what seems distorted from one angle transforms into beauty when seen from the right view. My mother reintroduced this form with her own language of illusion and imagination, making it her life’s pursuit. For me, this museum is not just about art; it is a love letter to the city my mother cherished and returned to.”
The inauguration of the Miller Museum of Anamorphic Art marked a significant milestone in India’s cultural landscape, placing it firmly on the global map of artistic innovation and imagination. It promised to be an unmissable destination for artists, students, and art enthusiasts from around the world.
6, Oct 2025
Oktobeerfest 2025: Bigger Buckets, Bolder Bites & Brew Bingo
SOCIAL Oktobeerfest 2025; Bigger Buckets, Bolder Bites, and Brew Bingo Fun
Hyderabad,6th october 2025: SOCIAL, India’s favorite neighborhood café-bar, is back with its annual celebration of beer, food, and community, Oktobeerfest 2025. Running from 6th October to 19th October, this year’s edition promises more buckets, bolder platters, and playful new experiences that raise the bar on festive fun.
Buckets, Platters & Pairings
Beer takes center stage at Oktobeerfest 2025 with bucket deals that save you up to 20% on 3, 6, and 9 pints, perfect for sharing with your crew. The exclusive Sausage Platter makes its comeback this year, offering the ideal companion to your brews. Guests can also enjoy bucket-and-platter pairings designed to spark camaraderie and turn group hangouts into beer-filled feasts.
SOCIAL’s Brew Bingo
Adding a SOCIAL-style twist, every table will feature SOCIAL’s Brew Bingo; a fun, beer-inspired challenge card featuring prompts like “chugged a pint in one go,” “spilled beer on yourself and kept drinking,” or “paired beer with dessert.” Guests can tick off their cards can have their Brew Bingo moment.
Festive Vibes All Around
SOCIAL outlets nationwide will transform with vibrant buntings, quirky décor, and festive energy designed to bring people together. True to SOCIAL’s spirit of creating second homes for its communities, the festival is all about good beer, good food, and good times.
“Oktobeerfest at SOCIAL has become a custom our communities look forward to every year,” said Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd. “It’s our way of raising a toast to togetherness with buckets to share, a hearty platter to dig into, and playful experiences that bring people closer. Every year, we add a new SOCIAL twist to the global Oktobeerfest tradition, making it uniquely ours and something our guests can truly call their own.”
Oktobeerfest 2025 is set to bring a new wave of energy to October, as SOCIAL turn the month into a celebration of flavor, fun, and friendship. With its playful twists, festive vibe, and community spirit, the festival reaffirms SOCIAL’s place as the neighborhood’s go-to destination for unforgettable gatherings.
