28, Aug 2025
Vedam School of Technology Opens Doors to Founding Batch with a Transformative Orientation Week
Pune, 28th August 2025 – Vedam School of Technology, in partnership with Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU), opened its doors to the institute’s founding batch – Class of 2025–29, with a dynamic five-day Orientation Week (August 11–15) that set the tone for an AI-first, project-driven culture. The inception program brought together industry leaders, creators, parents, and students, reflecting Vedam’s vision of nurturing innovators, and not just graduates.
The inaugural ceremony underscored the collaborative vision of Vedam and ADYPU to build an institution rooted in innovation and practical learning. The presence of ADYPU dignitaries including Vice Chancellor Dr. Rakesh Kumar Jain (Vice Chancellor, ADYPU), Dean of Academics Dr. Sunil Ingole, and Registrar Dr. Sudhakar Shinde, alongside Vedam Co-founder Piyush Nangru, set the tone for the institution’s bold commitment: “You won’t just study technology, you will build, pitch, and launch real-world solutions from day one”.
Industry voices played a central role in shaping the week. Mayur Datar, IIT Bombay, Stanford; VP Applied Sciences, Microsoft, spoke on the ‘AI Renaissance’ and urged students to join the GenAI revolution. Ankit Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Unstop, stressed skills over resumes, Anurag Gaggar, SVP Product, MakeMyTrip, highlighted self as the ultimate product, while Ankit Agarwal, Managing Partner, Alteria Capital and Prabhat Pankaj, CTO, Shine.com, inspired with conviction and resilience.
A creator panel, ‘Beyond the Algorithm,’ with Nishant Chahar (Head of Program Design at Vedam, Ex- Microsoft), Yash Garg (Content creator, student counsellor, Bain &Co), Kavach Khanna (Content creator, mentor, Ex-EY), and Urvi Goel (Content Creator, SDE at Microsoft) explored entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the creator-to-founder journey. Mentorship sessions by Basant Rawat (SDE at Angel One) and Ekta Shah (Data Scientist at MSCI) offered a 30-day roadmap: learn Git, build a project, showcase it, and seek mentor feedback for real-world exposure. Subhesh Kumar (Head of Academic Delivery at Vedam), walked them through Vedam’s Innovation Labs and student clubs, explaining how these platforms will shape their hands-on learning and community experience.
Emphasizing that Vedam is being built for today’s learners, Piyush Nangru, Co-founder, Vedam School of Technology, said, “Vedam is building more than a college — we are creating a community where conviction, collaboration, and curiosity define the path to progress. This is a place where technology meets ingenuity; where students can move beyond textbooks and shape ideas into real solutions. Our aim is to prepare young minds to drive the next wave of transformation.”
With a selective intake of top achievers, including 97+ JEE Main percentilers, Vedam’s founding batch reflected academic excellence and creative spirit. Their energy came alive in initiatives like ‘Pitch Please’ and Fresher’s Night, while parents engaged with the institute’s leadership team, through ‘Breakfast with Founder’ sessions, campus tours, and praised Vedam’s blend of “wisdom, tradition, and forward-looking” learning.
For the founding class, the Orientation Week was more than just an induction – it marked the beginning of a movement where education goes beyond familiarity with technology to creating solutions that matter.
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- By Neel Achary
28, Aug 2025
United Way Bengaluru Celebrates World Lake Day with CSR Partners at Kannamangala Lake
Bengaluru, August 28, 2025 – United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), in collaboration with its CSR partners, commemorated World Lake Day with an engaging and educational event at Kannamangala Lake, Bengaluru. The celebration brought together corporates to highlight the importance of urban lakes and their crucial role in sustaining the ecological and social fabric of the city. World Lake Day is a reminder that lakes are not just water bodies; they are life-sustaining ecosystems, community hubs, and cultural landmarks.
The event covered a guided lake walk and a bird-watching session, allowing people to appreciate the biodiversity supported by the lake ecosystem. As part of the immersive experience, attendees engaged in hands-on water testing activities to understand the health of the lake, learning about water quality indicators and how pollution impacts aquatic life. Interactive ‘Learn and Play’ sessions were organized to make environmental education fun and accessible.
Corporates also had the opportunity to explore the lake’s ecosystem, understand the threats it faces, and discuss ways to preserve such water bodies. They also gained hands-on experience in measuring water clarity, helping them understand the physical indicators of water health. It also revealed that the oxygen levels in the lake were within a healthy and appropriate range, indicating relatively stable aquatic conditions. The event concluded with a collaborative reflection session, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and community action in lake conservation efforts.
United Way Bengaluru continues to drive lake conservation initiatives under its flagship program ‘Wake the Lake’, empowering citizens and corporates alike to become stewards of their local water bodies.
28, Aug 2025
SafeStorage Enters Global Market with Launch of First International Facility in Dubai
India, 28th August 2025: SafeStorage, India’s largest tech-enabled self-storage company, today announced the launch of its first international operations in Dubai, marking a major step in its global expansion strategy. This milestone coincides with the company’s 10-year anniversary, during which it has served over 1,00,000 customers across 11 major Indian cities.
From a single warehouse in Bangalore in 2015 to a robust presence in Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Kolkata, Coimbatore and Jaipur, SafeStorage has become synonymous with reliable, secure, and professional storage solutions for both individuals and businesses.
The newly launched Dubai facility will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to cater to a wide range of storage requirements whether it’s household items during relocation or travel, inventory management for SMEs, or secure document archiving for corporates. Strategically located, the facility will be supported by a fully digital booking and inventory management platform, ensuring customers in the UAE enjoy the same convenience, safety, and service excellence that have made SafeStorage a trusted brand in India.
Over the past decade, SafeStorage has supported thousands of households during relocations, renovations, and extended travel, while helping businesses of all sizes, from automobile companies to corporates, store documents, records, and inventory. The brand has also become a vital partner for small and medium enterprises managing surplus stock and fulfilling online sales.
Speaking on the landmark expansion, Mr. Ramesh Madisetty, CEO of SafeStorage, said, “This is more than just a market entry, it’s the beginning of our global journey. Dubai is a dynamic, fast-growing hub that attracts a diverse population and thriving businesses, making it an ideal location for our first overseas operation. Over the last decade, we have built our reputation in India on trust, technology, and customer-first service. Now, we’re bringing the same secure, flexible, and transparent storage solutions to the UAE, helping individuals and companies focus on what matters most while we take care of their storage needs.”
The Dubai launch marks SafeStorage’s first step towards a stronger international footprint, with future plans to enter additional global markets in the coming years. By combining cutting-edge infrastructure, robust technology platforms, and a customer-centric approach, the company aims to become a trusted storage partner across borders.
28, Aug 2025
From Ancient Elements to Modern Luxury: NBR Group’s Soul of the Seasons Emerges as Best Themed Residential Project
Bengaluru, India – August 28, 2025 — In a real estate market where space is shrinking and lifestyles are getting more hectic, NBR Soul of the Seasons is showing Bengaluru what nature-connected high-rise living can truly look like. The flagship development is strategically located in the Sarjapur Road–Gunjur corridor, one of the city’s most promising investment zones—is already drawing strong interest from homebuyers seeking a balance of wellness, connectivity, and community.
The project is set within 9.65 acres and featuring 88% open, landscaped spaces. ‘NBR Soul of the Seasons’ draws deep inspiration from the Pancha Mahabhoota—Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth—seamlessly blending these elemental forces with the GAIA philosophy. The result is a thoughtfully crafted living environment that feels both rejuvenating and contemporary. Rooted in ancient wisdom and designed for modern well-being, this community fosters wellness, connection, and environmental harmony in one of Bengaluru’s most vibrant and fast-growing locales.
“NBR Soul of the Seasons is more than a residential project—it’s an urban sanctuary. Every design decision is rooted in our belief that homes should enhance physical well-being, emotional balance, and social connection,” said Mr. Nagabhushana Reddy, Founder & Managing Director, NBR Group. He further added, “We are deeply grateful for the exceptional response and strong surge in bookings for NBR Soul of the Seasons, it is a powerful affirmation of our vision to craft spaces that genuinely reflect and elevate our customers’ aspirations.”
The Elements Come Alive
Each of the four towers, rising starts from 22 to 26 floors, embodies one or more of the elements through distinctive features:
- Space: Elevated sky decks with panoramic views and stargazing points.
- Air: Thoughtfully oriented layouts for natural cross-ventilation.
- Fire: Solar-powered common areas and vibrant shared zones.
- Water: Reflecting pools, fountains, and calming water gardens.
- Earth: Use of natural materials and lush, walkable greenways.
The 3 BHK homes, providing abundant light and ventilation, and are built using Aluminium formwork technology for a superior finish and timely delivery.
A Lifestyle Beyond Walls
At the heart of the community is a holistic luxury wellness-focused clubhouse, featuring yoga pavilions, a swimming pool, fitness and co-working spaces, and lounges—all integrated with elemental themes to encourage holistic living.
Recognition & Momentum
The project’s unique positioning has already been recognised—winning Best Themed Project at the 2025 GREBA Awards. NBR Group has also been named Progressive Developer of the Year by the Times of India Business Awards.
28, Aug 2025
JD Institute of Fashion Technology and JD School of Design Launch Future-Ready Digital Design Experience Programs in Bengaluru
Taking its vision a step further, JD School of Design has introduced two groundbreaking undergraduate degree programs: Bachelor of Digital Design & Experience in Animation & Multimedia and Bachelor of Digital Design & Experience in Immersive Design. These three-year degrees are tailored for students who want not only to work in digital media but shape the way people experience design in virtual spaces, on screens, and beyond. The Animation & Multimedia degree emphasises visual storytelling, motion graphics, and multimedia projects across entertainment, gaming, advertising, and digital platforms. On the other hand, the Immersive Design program focuses on the evolving fields of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), spatial interaction, and digital environment creation. As design, technology, and storytelling converge, these undergraduate degrees are created to equip students not just for the demands of the industry today, but for what comes next.
“These are not degree courses but innovation incubators for students and professionals alike,” said Mr. Nealesh Dalal, Founder at JD School of Design and Managing Trustee at JD Educational Trust. “It doesn’t matter how many years you’ve spent studying in today’s competitive age, but how equipped you are to innovate, solve, and contribute to a world-first digital era. AI, virtual reality, real-time rendering, and interactive storytelling are not trends; they are changing industries. Our students are not only being taught design tools; they are being prepared to innovate, lead, and transform in a rapidly changing digital world.”
The degree and diploma programs are the culmination of JD’s integrating ideology, which brings together design thinking, technical knowledge, and practical experience. The programs are ideal for new students beginning a creative career, freelance practitioners who need to build or refine their digital portfolios quickly and efficiently, and mid-career professionals who seek a career transition.
Applications for all programs are open now. Anyone willing to lead the next generation of design learning, whether in VFX, animation, web development, or immersive spaces, is encouraged to join and become part of a community that is designed to boost careers and fuel innovation. Our new programs ensure our students aren’t just future-ready, they’re redefining it.
28, Aug 2025
Ashray Akruti and Optum India launched ‘Mobile Hearing Clinic’ for Hearing Healthcare
Hyderabad, 28 August 2025: In a significant stride toward inclusive healthcare, Ashray Akruti — an NGO dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities —has strengthened its partnership with Optum India by launching the Ashray Akruti Mobile Hearing Clinic. This fully equipped mobile unit is designed to deliver comprehensive hearing healthcare services directly to underserved communities in Hyderabad, bringing essential care to the doorsteps of those who need it most.
The initiative brings state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and ENT care directly to those in need, making quality hearing assessments, early detection, and timely interventions more accessible. By taking services to the doorstep of marginalized populations, the mobile clinic aims to bridge critical healthcare gaps and improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.
The Ashray Akruti Mobile Hearing Clinic was inaugurated by Mr. D. P. K. Babu, Founder of Ashray Akruti, together with Ms. Uma Ratnam Krishnan, Managing Director, Optum India, at Optum’s Hyderabad office. The launch paves the way for a series of community screening camps, enabling beneficiaries to receive free check-ups and consultations from qualified ENT specialists.
Mr. D.P.K. Babu said, “At Ashray Akruti, we have seen how the gift of hearing can transform a child’s entire world—opening doors to education, friendships, and opportunities for the future. The Mobile Hearing Clinic, launched in partnership with Optum India, is a heartfelt step toward changing this reality. By bringing healthcare and hearing support services directly into underserved communities, the initiative aims to not only detect and treat hearing loss early but also restore hope, dignity, and confidence in countless lives.”
This collaboration underscored a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to hear, learn, and thrive.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Ms Uma Ratnam Krishnan said, “At Optum India, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. Guided by our commitment to being a force for good ‘in India, for India,’ we are proud of the strides we’ve made through our CSR initiatives—positively impacting over 400,000 individuals directly and touching the lives of more than a million people indirectly. Our ongoing partnership with Ashray Akruti exemplifies this mission. By supporting their hearing clinics, we are helping make quality hearing care more accessible across Hyderabad. The launch of the Mobile Hearing Clinic marks a significant milestone—enabling us to extend these critical services to neighbouring districts and amplify our collective impact”.
28, Aug 2025
Samsung to Announce the Newest Member of Galaxy S25 Family and Premium AI Tablets
A new gateway to the latest Galaxy AI experiences is about to open.
Join us on September 4 to discover a more seamless mobile experience across a wider range of devices — from premium AI tablets to the newest member of the Galaxy S25 family.
Be part of the reveal online and see how the next evolution of Galaxy sets a new standard for effortless productivity through multimodal capabilities. The event will be streamed live on Samsung.com and Samsung’s YouTube channel beginning at 3PM IST (11:30 a.m. CEST) on September 4.
You’re also welcome to join us at IFA 2025 for our press conference and visit our exhibition booths.
28, Aug 2025
When Spaces Talk: The 4 Startups Giving Brands a Voice Through VR
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the identity of a brand extends far beyond logos or campaigns—it lives in the spaces where people experience it. Workplaces, showrooms, and retail outlets are no longer just functional environments; they have become immersive canvases that communicate values, culture, and vision. Virtual Reality (VR) is redefining this connection by enabling organizations to design and experience these spaces before they are built. Through immersive walkthroughs, collaborative reviews, and real-time visualizations, VR ensures that every detail aligns with the brand story while minimizing costly errors in execution. This new language of design allows stakeholders to “step inside” concepts, fostering deeper engagement and sharper decision-making. A new wave of startups is leading the charge, offering platforms that combine cutting-edge visualization, interactive design communication, and virtual tours. Their solutions are transforming how businesses plan, design, and present spaces—turning physical environments into powerful brand storytellers. By blending technology with creativity, these ventures are setting the stage for a future where space doesn’t just house a brand but actively speaks its voice.
Flipspaces
Flipspaces delivers end-to-end design and build solutions for commercial spaces globally. With in-house proprietary technology, it offers VR-supported video walkthroughs, an industry first. Enabling clients to visualize spaces upfront and reduce budget or timeline variances. A dedicated client dashboard provides real-time access to layouts, 3D renders, and project updates. With over 1000 projects delivered across 8 million sq. ft. in the last decade, Flipspaces stands out through its tech-enabled execution, in-house manufacturing, and a vast vendor network. Its integrated approach ensures high quality, faster delivery, and cost efficiency, setting a new benchmark in commercial interior design and execution.
Trezi
Provider of SaaS-based VR-based visualization solutions. Its platform provides users with features that include immersive design presentations, real-time design communication, collaborative design reviews, and VR-enabled coordination meetings.
SmartvizX
Provider of VR-based solutions for multiple businesses. It facilitates creating an interactive virtual environment to stimulate potential users into experiencing arenas and spaces that haven’t even been physically built like buildings, office desks.
PropVR
Provider of a cloud-driven virtual tour software for real estate professionals. It enables users to build VR tours using drag-and-drop tools and allows clients to visit multiple projects remotely. The company also provides 360 photography services, 3D floor plans, and virtual tour development services.
28, Aug 2025
lendingplate Hits 8 Million Downloads, Grows as Trusted Lending Platform
28th August 2025: lendingplate, a digital-first NBFC under Unifinz Capital India Limited, announced that its mobile application has crossed the significant milestone of 8 million downloads, underscoring the company’s rapid adoption and strong customer trust in its innovative lending solutions.
The achievement reflects the platform’s appeal to India’s growing base of digitally savvy borrowers, particularly among younger and salaried individuals seeking quick, hassle-free access to personal credit. With its AI-driven underwriting model, instant approvals, and disbursal within 30 minutes, lendingplate has emerged as a preferred choice for borrowers across 23 states/UTs and 9,000+ pincodes.
“This milestone is not just about numbers, it reflects the trust and confidence millions of Indians have placed in lendingplate, we remain committed to building a seamless, transparent, and responsible digital lending ecosystem that empowers customers to meet their financial needs quickly and fairly”,said Mr. Kaushik Chatterjee, Founder & CEO of lendingplate
Over the past year, lendingplate has witnessed a remarkable surge in customer adoption, driven by its intuitive app experience that allows borrowers to apply for loans easily and receive real-time approvals. The company’s strong focus on responsible lending, backed by AI-led underwriting and improved collections, has further strengthened customer confidence.
By extending financial inclusion across diverse geographies, lendingplate has successfully reached customers beyond Tier-I cities, ensuring wider access to credit. At the same time, its tech-first innovations have simplified the lending process while maintaining the highest standards of compliance, making it a trusted partner for millions of borrowers.
As demand for personal credit continues to expand in India, lendingplate is well-positioned to scale responsibly while maintaining its human-first approach to digital finance.
28, Aug 2025
Akiki London and Jayesh Sachdev Launch KIKI Mascot
Akiki London Unveils Exclusive Artistic Collaboration with Jayesh Sachdev – Introducing ‘KIKI’, the Brand’s Mascot
Mumbai, 28th August 2025: Continuing its journey to redefine contemporary luxury with innovation, Akiki London, the newly launched handbag label by Bagzone Lifestyles Pvt. Ltd., has announced a unique collaboration with acclaimed Indian artist Jayesh Sachdev, represented by Mumbai based Tao Art Gallery. This creative alliance introduces KIKI – a hand-sculpted British Bulldog that now serves as the official mascot and brand muse for Akiki London.
Standing four feet tall and wrapped in high-gloss red-and-white camouflage with chrome accents and oversized black shades, KIKI embodies Akiki’s spirited aesthetic – bold, cheeky, and unapologetically expressive. Designed exclusively for the retail space, the sculpture is more than decor; it is a symbol of Akiki’s artistic ethos, where fashion, personality, and storytelling converge.
“KIKI is a hand-sculpted British Bulldog, brought to life in my signature pop-surrealist style, playful and polished. Wrapped in bold red-and-white camo with chrome accents and oversized shades, he blends art with luxury. As with all my work, KIKI is more than form, he embodies personality, presence, and provocation. A mascot, yes. But also a piece of contemporary art.” says Jayesh Sachdev, celebrated for his pop-surrealist and sculptural style.
Sachdev’s work has long existed at the intersection of aesthetic experimentation and commentary. With KIKI, his signature style finds new expression through a sculptural piece that doubles as an immersive brand touchpoint.
As the visual anchor across Akiki’s campaigns and collections, KIKI sets the tone for the brand’s unique storytelling. His presence is designed to spark curiosity, enhance recall, and deepen the audience’s connection with Akiki’s world.
“With KIKI, we’re creating a deeper emotional connection between the brand and its audience,” says Mr. Nishant Bakliwal, Head – Digital & Communications at Bagzone Lifestyles Pvt. Ltd. “This collaboration reflects our vision of blending art and fashion while positioning Akiki as a brand driven by personality, design innovation, and cultural relevance. Inspired by global luxury trends, KIKI reinforces our commitment to reimagining the space through bold, fresh perspectives.”
Launched earlier this year, Akiki London is a brand rooted in timeless design, inspired by the cultural richness of London and the layered strength of women it serves. With bold silhouettes, elevated accessories, and now a sculptural mascot to match, Akiki is building a world where objects are not only designed but curated for meaning.
