30, Jul 2024
AI-zation of the Fleet: Dalmia Logistics Partners with drivebuddyAI Enhancing Driver & Fleet Safety with ADAS

30th July 2024 Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India drivebuddyAI, a pioneering leader in AI-driven solutions for the transportation industry, proudly announces the onboarding of Dalmia Transports & Logistics as its latest client. Operating within the dynamic cement sector in Kanpur, UP, Dalmia Transport has undergone a comprehensive three-month validation process of drivebuddyAI’s innovative ADAS technology, culminating in the decision to establish a strategic partnership underpinned by a mutually beneficial five-year engagement contract.
Mr. Naman Dalmia, the esteemed partner of Dalmia Transport, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the adoption of drivebuddyAI’s cutting-edge ADAS product. He articulated his confidence in the platform’s ability to revolutionize trucking operations by enhancing driver management and real-time risk aversion measures mainly due to driver fatigue, excessive phone usage, seatbelt non-compliance and overall driver behaviour, thus providing safer transit of goods and fostering a secure ecosystem for all stakeholders involved.
“Incorporating drivebuddyAI’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) into our fleet serves multiple strategic purposes,” stated Mr Naman Dalmia.
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology help reduce a fleet’s chances of causing or being involved in, vehicular accidents. ADAS has advanced safety features such as collision avoidance systems, blind spot detectors, and driver drowsiness detection, which benefit both commercial and private vehicles and is revolutionizing fleet management in the process. In addition, ADAS works with video telematics to monitor drivers’ behaviour when on the road. AI Dashcams provide drivers with real-time audio warnings while segmenting and tagging recorded incidents, allowing us to monitor the fleet from the cloud management portal.
“We can easily identify new or risky driving behaviours. We can use the data to coach our drivers and help them improve. AI data equips our drivers with the skills to undo bad habits while mitigating future consequences. Data can also be leveraged to execute e-training modules, which can be shared with the drivers to help them develop good skills and increased confidence on the road.” added Naman while explaining the need to equip the fleet with ADAS & Surveillance cameras.
“We believe that we have the recipe to optimize fleet operations while improving the behaviour of the drivers over the period consistently with AI assistance, pro-active fleet monitoring & coaching drivers to help them overcome their limitations and leverage technology at its maximum level to reduce accidents and hence improve the TAT resulting efficiency for a fleet is the real ROI in logistics operations,” said Nisarg Pandya while interacting the usefulness of ADAS.
Dalmia Group since incepted in 1987 by Mr Anil Dalmia – Mr Naman’s father has seen exponential growth working with prestigious groups like Aditya Birla Group and brands like Hindalco, and Ultratech Cement. Later joined by Mr. Naman who’s an IT graduate and enthusiast ventured into the business in 2017. He believes that in the last ten years, technology has played an important role in streamlining fleet operation with the adoption of advanced GPS Tracking which helps in monitoring harsh braking, sharp turns, overspeeding, geofencing, route planning, tyre pressure monitoring, load monitoring, fuel utilization and theft detection. With the integration of ADAS in vehicles it has enhanced passenger, pedestrian, and driver safety and made driving more convenient.
Both Naman & Nisarg firmly believe that the right implementation of ADAS in the trucking industry can reduce driver fatigue by 80% & improve overall behaviour or risk reduction by 73%, improve TAT by 25-30% and reduce operating losses by 25% makes the implementation of ADAS & Surveillance cameras for the fleet more viable financially.
“My experience and interest in information technology helped me in transforming end-to-end material handling and logistics operation to a fully digitized process. My initiatives have earned me accolades and appreciation from industry experts. My fleets are fully equipped with advanced GPS tracking, fuel monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, Tyre RFID Tracking, Load monitoring, ADAS and DMS. Our control tower which operates 24 x 7 x 365 monitors the movement of each and every vehicle providing on-road support to the vehicles and delivery updates to the customer,” said Mr. Naman Dalmia describing his enthusiasm about technology implementation in fleets.
“Dalmia Logistics specifically operate in the building and construction domain providing primary and secondary transportation and handling services to Ultratech Cement Limited. On an average, we handle and transport more than 65,000 Metric Tonnes of material per month. Integrating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and surveillance technologies into fleet vehicles can indeed provide several advantages that may help a logistics company gain a competitive edge. It can position your logistics company as an industry leader, offering superior safety, efficiency, and reliability compared to competitors who may not have invested in these advanced capabilities. Remember, successful implementation requires proper training, maintenance, and data analysis. Leapfrogging the competition involves not just adopting technology but leveraging it effectively!” said Naman Dalmia in response to how ADAS can help the fleet leapfrog the competition.
“We have undergone a comprehensive three-month validation process of drivebuddyAI’s innovative ADAS technology. We chose drivebuddyAI for its unparalleled expertise in AI-driven solutions for the transportation industry. The comprehensive suite of products offered by drivebuddyAI, including its advanced ADAS and driver management capabilities, stood out as a perfect fit for our evolving needs. drivebuddyAI’s team make sure that the solution is installed and implemented in the way it can provide the best results. With the help of video telematic and data, the team provides training and feedback to the drivers and creates e-training modules, which can be shared with the drivers to help them develop good skills and increased confidence on the road,” said Naman while sharing his reason to choose drivebuddyAI for the ADAS requirements.
“We are excited for this partnership. India is evolving in safety aspects everywhere with consideration of Euro NCAP rating for buying a car to investing in AI products to ensure safety & operations optimization and leveraging data to coach drivers and take data driven decision to run logistics operations shows the maturity in the market and young enthusiasts like Naman Dalmia are taking the industry on the heights of leveraging technology & AI. We are happy to extend our services in Kanpur & nearby regions of UP & MP with Dalmia Logistics ensuring safety, driver behaviour improvement via ADAS & coaching.”
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- By Rabindra
30, Jul 2024
Avantor Emphasizes Importance of Collaboration, Leveraging Technological Advancements in India Biopharma Forum Series

30th July 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Avantor, Inc., a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and advanced technology industries, hosted first-of-its-kind series of Biopharma forums across India in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune to emphasize Avantor’s commitment to creating customized solutions for customers by identifying and addressing the challenges faced by Biopharma companies in India.
The Indian biopharmaceutical industry is rapidly expanding with increased investments in research and development, robust product pipelines, collaborations, and technological advancements. However, challenges such as constantly evolving regulatory compliances and price and quality control impede global competitiveness. The 2024 Avantor Biopharma Forums focused on critical topics including scale-up, risk mitigation, and cost optimization, which are crucial for addressing these challenges and driving growth in the biopharma industry.
To facilitate an enriching exchange of ideas for professionals within India’s Bioprocessing industry, the forums provided a platform for over 600 participants from some of the prominent biopharma players in India to engage with Avantor’s products and solutions, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration within the bioprocessing community.
The highlight of the forums was industry panel discussions with biopharma experts from leading biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies across the three cities. These discussions explored topics such as the current state-of-the-art in biologics manufacturing, overcoming critical challenges associated with process failure or yield, and the future evolution of biologics manufacturing and digital advancements across the industry
Dr. Ger Brophy, Chairman of Avantor’s Scientific Advisory Board, spoke about the Readiness for Changing Biological Molecules and Regulatory Environment(1) and shared his perspective about the ever-evolving regulatory environment in the country.
Highlighting the evolution of the industry, Mr. Narayana Rao Rapolu, VP, Biopharma and Applied Products Solutions, said, “The Indian biopharma sector is witnessing a rise with the introduction of high-quality, cost-effective biosimilars into the market. At Avantor, we recognize the significant challenges hindering the growth of biopharma companies. With innovative strategies emphasizing efficiency, quality, and affordability, we aim to generate a positive impact on the biopharma business while earning the trust of our customers.”
Dr. Nandkumar Deorkar, SVP Research and Development, Avantor, shared his insights about effectively managing the Total Cost of Ownership in Bioprocessing. “At Avantor, we work to simplify our customers’ scale-up processes thereby eliminating process steps. Avantor aims to create long-term, strategic partnerships within the industry by working closely with biomanufacturers to drive and foster cost optimization and improve biologics process efficiencies. We are proud to provide exceptional post-sales support and quality assurance, both are key decisive factors in for driving the success of at biopharma companies,” said Dr. Deorkar.
The Avantor Biopharma forums successfully brought the industry together for meaningful dialogue and exchange. The participants were appreciative of the knowledge-sharing sessions and engaging conversations.
30, Jul 2024
8th Edition of Payoneer’s Global Flagship Event Set to Empower Service Export SMBs in India
30th July 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India Payoneer (NASDAQ: PAYO), the financial technology company empowering the world’s Small and Medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to transact, do business, and grow globally, has announced the 8th edition of its global flagship event in India, Payoneer Elevate.
Scheduled to take place in New Delhi on April 18, 2024, this one-of-a-kind event aims to empower SMBs engaged in service exports like IT, web and app development, programming and technical support, consulting and management, and digital marketing & sales looking to thrive in the rising, global economy.
Payoneer Elevate stands out as a marquee event, featuring influential thought leaders and policymakers from the industry sharing insights for international businesses, identifying global trends in service exports, and unlocking the next frontiers of growth for Indian SMBs.
The event will feature sessions filled with invaluable industry insights, led by influential thought leaders such as Sanjeev Bikchandani, Founder of InfoEdge; Jeet Vijay, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub; Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairperson of Rothschild India and Founder of India’s Sanitation Coalition; Pramod Bhasin, Chairman of ICRIER and Founder of Genpact Ltd; and Vani Dandia, Founder of CherryPeachPlum Growth Partners. Topics include “India’s Service Sector Supremacy: Key Drivers Shaping the Era of Transformation & Global Opportunities,” “Unlocking the People Potential for India @100: Harnessing the Young Workforce and Reimagining Recruitment, Retention, and Upskilling,” and “Lessons in Brand Building for India’s Service Sector.

Gaurav Shisodia, Vice President – India, Payoneer said “India’s service ecosystem is experiencing dynamic growth, positioning the sector with an average growth rate of 24% over the last two years. At Payoneer, we have witnessed an increase in our customer base in India by 54% in service exports-focused businesses since 2016 (as of Dec 31st, 2023), fueled by convenience, dedicated local support, and our commitment to support business growth for global expansion.”
“Elevate 2024 underscores Payoneer’s dedication to empowering businesses by facilitating learning, networking, and access to industry thought leaders and domain experts through curated sessions and workshops on pivotal topics of Finance, HR, and Growth.”
Through meticulously curated knowledge-led workstreams facilitated by domain experts, attendees will gain invaluable insights and effective strategies for international expansion. The workstreams will cover topics such as “Tax Tightrope: Navigating Taxation Implications for Businesses Eyeing Global Growth”; “Mastering Global HR: Hiring & Compliance,” “The Next Wave in Performance Management: From OKRs to Technology,” “Acing the Funding Juggernaut: Raising Capital – Bootstraps and Beyond,” “From India With Love: Shaping the Global Demand for ‘Made in India’ Services and Products,” and “The AI Disruption: How Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics Will Drive Future-Ready Marketing,” among others.
Founded in 2005, Payoneer is a global multi-currency financial stack, supporting up to 11 of the world’s most traded currencies in 190+ countries and territories empowering cross-border businesses to effortlessly get paid, manage, and expand their international transactions. Payoneer’s local receiving accounts enable businesses to accept payments from global customers, vendors, and marketplaces in multiple currencies across borders. This allows SMBs to operate virtually in international markets regardless of their geographical location.
29, Jul 2024
Edible palm oil refiners to see revenue spurt 10 percent this fiscal
Favourable prices to drive recovery in operating profitability; credit profiles to be stable
For domestic refiners of edible palm oil, revenue is expected to grow ~10% this fiscal on steady demand and higher realisations. Operating profitability is seen rising 40-50 basis points (bps) to ~3.5% owing to favourable prices and continuation of duty-free imports.
Healthy balance sheets and the absence of major debt-funded capital expenditure (capex), over the medium term, will keep the credit risk profiles of palm oil refiners stable.
A study of nine companies rated by CRISIL Ratings, accounting for a third of the industry revenue of ~Rs 75,000 crore, indicates as much.
Palm oil dominates edible oil consumption in India, with 38-40% share in volume. Palm oil is used largely in the food processing and hotels, restaurants and catering (HoReCa) segments, which account for 45-50% of the overall consumption. The household and industrial segments consume the rest.
Rising urbanisation and increased consumption of processed and outside food will keep palm oil demand firm. Hence, the industry is set to witness volume growth of 3-4% this fiscal to ~93 lakh tonne.
India has ample refining capacities but does not produce much crude palm oil (CPO) to feed the refineries and is dependent on the world’s largest producers — Malaysia and Indonesia — for over 90% of its CPO requirement. Over the years, the global palm acreage has stagnated owing to sustainability and environmental concerns, ultimately leading to price rise.
Says Rahul Guha, Director, CRISIL Ratings, “In the latest budget, the Government’s endeavour to strengthen the domestic production of oil seeds to support domestic availability was amply clear, but the outcome could be little long drawn. In the meantime global CPO output is expected to remain stagnant at 78-79 million tonne, leading to price rise of 7-8% this fiscal. Along with steady volume increase, this will lead to Indian edible palm oil industry revenues rising ~10% this fiscal.”
The operating margins of Indian refiners are set to improve 50 bps to ~3.5% on account of increased economies of scale, firm commodity hedging policies and continuation of duty-free imports of CPO.
Says Rishi Hari, Associate Director, CRISIL Ratings, “In fiscal 2023, the Government of India had extended the zero import-duty structure for CPO for two straight years until March 2025. The duty structure was earlier set to expire in March 2024. The import duty for CPO was as high as 40% pre-pandemic. The extension will help regulate domestic supplies and keep prices in check, whilst supporting profitability this fiscal.”
29, Jul 2024
Strat-O-Matic Clubs Mark One Year With Huge Player Interest, Growth
More than 20 Clubs Active with 50+ in Formative Stages; Connecticut and New Jersey Clubs First to Surpass 12 Months
GLEN HEAD, N.Y, July 29, 2024—Last summer, Strat-O-Matic (@strat-o-matic), the market leader in sports simulation games, announced Strat-O-Matic Clubs, its first ever unified national club program. Players from across the U.S. got on board, with groups quickly forming.
A year later, more than 20 Strat-O-Matic Clubs, including the charter Clubs in Connecticut, New Jersey, Detroit, Philadelphia, Kansas City and Long Island (N.Y) are thriving, with hundreds of participants across all the Clubs. And more than 50 are developing, with fans inquiring about beginning their own in new locations daily.

“When we launched the Clubs program, we were confident that Strat-O-Matic players were looking for like-minded fans who enjoy getting together to enjoy their favorite game,” said Adam Richman, CEO, Strat-O-Matic Media. “We have been overwhelmed with the tremendous feedback, with many referencing the social nature of the Clubs, how they have met new players and how their groups continue to expand, with some participating in multiple Clubs every month.”
Fans interested in leading or joining a Strat-O-Matic Club are encouraged to email StratClub@Strat-O-matic.com, and check out details of current clubs and locations at https://www.strat-o-matic.com/strat-clubs. Club members receive discounts on game sets and other SOM merchandise, a personalized game card, exclusive Zoom with a Strat-O-Matic personality and other perks.
In addition to the Connecticut, Central New Jersey and Long Island locations, some of the most popular and active Strat-O-Matic Clubs are running in Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North New Jersey, North Kentucky, Georgia and California. Interest has been shown in more than 30 other states.
29, Jul 2024
Share India IBT Introduces 50 Market Depth Feature Amidst Post-Budget Market Volatility
India, 29th July 2024 – Share India IBT, a new-age Indian broker firm, becomes the first and only platform to introduce a ground-breaking 50 Market Depth tool that empowers traders with cutting-edge solutions. Following the announcement of the 7th Union Budget, the market has experienced notable fluctuations and will continue to change in the coming days
With this feature, an equity trader would be adequately informed about comprehensive insights of the market liquidity and depth. Traders can, therefore, command over the particulars of buy and sell orders up to 50 levels beyond the best bid and ask prices.
Mr. Abhinav Gupta, President at Share India Securities said, “Announced in the Budget yesterday, the new fiscal policies compel equity traders to navigate the market volatility with informed decision-making. With our 50 Market Depth, traders could view real-time market dynamics and order flow to be able to capitalize on opportunities and cover risks much more effectively, making it an essential asset.”
In view of the evolving financial market, Share India IBT continues to enhance its platforms with robust features that meet the demands of modern traders. As the Union Budget aftermath is upon us, the company encourages traders to use the 50 market depth feature to stay ahead of market trends and make data-driven decisions.
29, Jul 2024
Need for simplified regulations and enhanced logistics to boost MSME participation in global e-commerce: ISF
India, 29th July: E-commerce exports offer tremendous growth potential for Indian MSMEs, but currently see only 1% engaging in direct exports. To achieve the government’s ambitious target of $200-300 billion in e-commerce exports by FY 2030, it is essential to adopt more flexible policies and address existing challenges in customs, payments, and logistics. India SME Forum, the largest not-for-profit organization for MSMEs in India, hosted a ‘FireSide Chat’ titled “Plugging MSMEs in Global Markets: Harnessing the potential of B2C Exports” which explored the role played by e-commerce in enhancing the export potential of MSMEs and the imperatives for conducive regulatory policies.
E-commerce provides a unique opportunity for MSMEs, requiring minimal initial investment and enabling participation from diverse sellers across India. As awareness and interest grow, driven by ease of entry and global reach potential, businesses are increasingly embracing this avenue. To further accelerate growth, simplifying regulations is crucial. Experts commend the Central Government for promoting MSME e-commerce exports through new policies, including establishing e-commerce export hubs. These hubs, offering services like warehousing, packaging, and shipping, reduce operational costs and provide essential regulatory and compliance assistance, easing international trade navigation. However, despite these initiatives, challenges remain, particularly due to financial and regulatory barriers. High EDPMS closure charges can consume up to 50% of shipment value, making exports unviable for small parcels. The RBI’s 25% variation limit on payment reconciliation is often insufficient for transactions with high price variability. Increasing this limit to 50% and extending payment realization periods to 18 months would better support MSMEs and align with best global practices.
Additionally, customs reforms are essential to facilitate e-commerce exports. The primary policy proposal is to simplify and expedite the customs clearance process for certain low-risk shipments through pre-emptive assessments and automated procedures. This includes establishing separate customs supervision codes specifically for cross-border e-commerce trade to ensure faster clearance, streamline payment procedures, and enhance data collection for policy making.
Mr. Bipin Sapra, Partner, EY – “Indian MSMEs have tremendous potential to excel in global e-commerce markets, but they encounter several challenges, including high shipping costs, complicated customs procedures, and cumbersome returns management. To address these issues effectively, we must implement global best practices and establish dedicated export facilitation mechanisms. This includes adopting forward-deployed strategies to streamline returns, leveraging digital tagging for better tracking and management of shipments, and enhancing our overall logistical infrastructure. By tackling these challenges head-on, we can simplify the export process and significantly boost the ability of our MSMEs to compete and thrive on the international stage.”
Mr. Bhupen Wakankar, Director – Global Trade, Amazon, said, “E-commerce is unlocking vast global opportunities for Indian MSMEs to tap in large consumer demand across the world. This demand stretches across categories like Home & Kitchen, Apparels & Textiles, Consumable Products, Toys and many more categories. The application of technology in cross border logistics, payments as well as in areas like market access and market intelligence has been instrumental in helping Indian MSMEs expand their reach beyond domestic borders. The government’s proactive measures, including the recent announcement of Ecommerce Export Hubs and ongoing investments in digital infrastructure, are pivotal to this growth. These initiatives are set to provide essential support for businesses navigating international trade complexities. Continued support and simplification in areas such as customs compliance, cross-border payments, and logistics will further accelerate the growth of this sunrise sector.”
Mr. Vinod Kumar, President, India SME Forum, said, “In today’s interconnected world, the global marketplace offers unprecedented opportunities for Indian MSMEs to thrive. The path to successful international expansion lies in addressing key challenges like customs compliance, logistics, and cost management. By harnessing the power of digital tools to understand and meet customer preferences, and by advocating for policy reforms to ease export processes, we can empower our small and medium enterprises to compete and excel on the global stage. It is through such concerted efforts that we can transform the potential of Indian MSMEs into tangible success stories across borders.”
29, Jul 2024
5 Ways Universities Can Foster An Entrepreneurial Mindset In Students
In a rapidly developing country like India, entrepreneurship is a vital driver of economic growth and innovation. According to a report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) India 2023-24, the entrepreneurial activity rate in India has been steadily increasing, with 15% of the adult population engaged in early-stage entrepreneurial activities. This indicates a growing interest in entrepreneurship among young people in India. This eventually brings us to the conclusion that universities play an extremely crucial role in shaping the entrepreneurial mindset of students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge that is necessary to thrive in a competitive market.

Educational institutions play a very important role in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. Hence, here are five ways in which universities in India can foster an entrepreneurial mindset in their students:
Make Entrepreneurship A Part Of The Curriculum
One of the most effective ways to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset is by integrating entrepreneurship into the university curriculum. This can be done through dedicated entrepreneurship courses, modules, or even degree programs that cover various aspects of starting and running a business, such as ideation, business planning, marketing, finance, and legal issues. This not only provides students with foundational knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship but also encourages them to think critically and creatively about solving real-world problems and prepares them for the challenges of starting and running a business.
Start Incubation Centers and Accelerators
Universities should establish incubation centers and accelerators to support students in transforming their ideas into viable businesses. These centers can provide resources such as office space, funding, mentorship, and access to networks of investors and industry experts. These kind of centers provide a supportive environment for students to develop and test their ideas and offer access to essential resources and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Students can actually navigate the early stages of starting a business through the help of such establishments. For example, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has set up the IIT Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC), which is recognized as one of the top deep-tech start-up hubs in India that supports start-ups through seed funding, mentoring, and infrastructure. As of 2023, IITMIC has incubated over 200 start-ups, and is targeting to incubate at least 100 start-ups across various sectors next year in 2024.
Promote Collaboration Between The Academia & Industry
Collaboration between academia and industry is crucial for developing an entrepreneurial mindset among students. Universities need to encourage partnerships with industries to provide students with real-world experience, internships and opportunities to work on live projects. This exposure helps students understand market needs and challenges, making them better equipped to develop innovative solutions. It not only provides students with practical and hands-on experience in real-world settings but also bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements.
Organize Competitions & Hackathons
Competitions and hackathons are excellent platforms for students to showcase their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial skills. These events encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. They also provide students with the opportunity to receive feedback from experts and gain recognition for their efforts. Since 2005, the National Institute of Technology Trichy (NIT Trichy) has been hosting the ‘Pragyan Innovation Summit’, an annual event that includes hackathons, pitch competitions, and workshops. This summit attracts participants from across the country, providing students with a platform to present their ideas and compete for funding and support.
Encourage A Culture Of Entrepreneurship
Creating a culture of entrepreneurship within the university is essential for encouraging students to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. This can be achieved by organizing events such as guest lectures, panel discussions, and networking sessions with successful entrepreneurs and alumni. Universities should also celebrate entrepreneurial successes and provide recognition and incentives for innovative ideas. It inspires students by exposing them to successful entrepreneurs and their journeys as well as helps build a supportive community of like-minded individuals. The Indian School of Business (ISB), for example, organizes the ‘ISB Leadership Summit’ every year which personifies ISB’s vision of leadership, excellence, and diversity. They host a plethora of stalwarts who are exemplary leaders in their respective fields to add valuable insights into the holistic education ecosystem that ISB has successfully built over the years.
Additionally, Indian government’s initiatives like ‘Start-up India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ also aim to create a conducive environment for start-ups and entrepreneurship. These initiatives offer various benefits, including tax exemptions, funding opportunities and ease of doing business, which educational institutions can leverage to provide additional support and resources to student entrepreneurs. With the right support and encouragement, students can develop the skills and confidence needed to turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures, contributing to the global economy and addressing societal challenges. Institutions like BMU University are at the forefront of this movement, providing a nurturing environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among students. By fostering such mindsets, universities play a crucial role in shaping the future leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
29, Jul 2024
How AI can save business owners up to £3900 and ease workload
As of July 2024, only 29% of startups / small businesses worldwide have adopted AI in their operations, citing lack of expertise as their main reason for not doing so.
Christoph C. Cemper, an AI expert on behalf of AIPRM, provided his insight on how artificial intelligence can easily act as a crucial tool for entrepreneurs, easing the burden on small business owners, in honour of Stress Awareness Month.
Ease the load: Five ways AI can assist your startup or small business
Harnessing AI effectively can significantly alleviate stress for business owners, with a recent AIPRM survey revealing that one in eight businesses have saved between £780 and £3900 by replacing simple tasks with AI.
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Marketing
Marketing is a crucial element for any startup or small business, not just for building brand awareness, credibility and trust, but also for positive customer retention and long term-growth.
Using AI in your marketing strategy doesn’t have to be overly complex, and it’s usually very accessible – with free to use tools such as Chat GPT. With over three in five (61%) of marketers now using AI to save time and resources, it’s clear to see how AI can work as a trusty sidekick to assist your natural workflow of content creation, analysing performance and predicting improvements for better engagement.
In fact, a global study by Statista reported that 47% of marketers trust the use of AI for generating target ads, 42% use the tool for personalising content, 33% for optimising subject email lines and 32% for conducting live chat sessions with customers.
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Understand consumer behaviour
If you’re just starting out your business, you’ll want to understand your consumer pretty quickly. You can even use AI to develop a personalised customer avatar to target potential customers through AI-based ad tools, such as social media or Google Ads.
Although AI can assist with data-driven approaches, there still needs to be oversight from human beings, and the people maintaining these datasets have to be diverse so that the data sets are also diverse enough to reach a wider audience whilst still targeting your ideal customer.
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Competitor analysis
AI can assist in analysing not only your own customer behaviour, but competitor trends, which can be used to adapt your own strategies accordingly. You can use AI to gain large amounts of data at the drop of a hat, and use this as a benchmark for your own strategies, and analyse how you measure against the competition.
To do this is actually relatively easy. You can use quick analytic tools such as Hootsuite or Brandwatch to generate reports on your competitors’ social media, engagement and growth, as well as their websites and any industry news sites to identify emerging patterns and trends. This can help you identify any gaps in the market, and leverage any customer feedback and satisfaction.
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Product development
If you have a startup or small business, you also have a product it revolves around. Using AI for improving product design, development processes, prototyping and testing lands you with a good chance of a product that’s likely to perform.
You can leverage AI from day one by using market intelligence tools to analyse how similar products are performing on the market, and use this to one up your competitors. Easy to use, free tools such as Figma can also assist prototyping, which instantly converts concepts into visual product prototypes.
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Security
Reports show that small businesses and startups are THREE TIMES more likely to be targeted by cyber crime than larger companies, with threats including phishing, malware attacks, social engineering, data theft, and insider threats. 60% of SMEs that suffer cyber attacks also go out of business within six months.
Despite this,security within startups and small businesses are often overlooked. Recent reports found that 51% of small businesses don’t utilise any IT security measures – with 36% of small businesses having no concern whatsoever about cyberattacks.
So how can AI help? AI can analyse vast amounts of data in real time to identify any suspicious patterns or anomalies associated with cyber security threats, and block any attempts to cause harm. AI can also scan your systems for any vulnerabilities and manage this accordingly. You can even utilise AI platforms for training up employees on best practices, and reducing human error that can lead to vulnerabilities in security.
29, Jul 2024
TBO.com Appoints Mr. Gerardo Del Río as President of its International Business to Drive Global Growth
India, July 29, 2024: TBO.com, a leading global travel distribution platform, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Gerardo Del Río as President of its international business to drive global growth and take the company to the next phase of its evolution.

With over 20 years of experience across hospitality, travel and consulting sectors, Gerardo brings a wealth of global management, finance, and business development expertise to the role. Gerardo’s career, spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific, has equipped him with invaluable multi-cultural insights and a deep understanding of diverse global markets. In his illustrious career of over 2 decades, Gerardo has worked with some of the marquee companies including Melia Hotels, Hotelbeds (now HBX) and DidaTravel serving in various capacities and geographies.
On the new appointment, Mr. Gaurav Bhatnagar, Joint Managing Director and co-founder, TBO, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Gerardo Del Río to our leadership team. His extensive multi-market, multi-cultural experience and proven track record in the global travel and hospitality industry perfectly aligns with our vision for international expansion. Gerardo’s strategic leadership, client-centric approach, and focus on delivering results will strengthen our position as a leader in the global travel and tourism industry.”
On his new role, Mr. Gerardo Del Río stated, “I am honoured to join TBO at this exciting juncture. The company’s proven expertise in simplifying the travel business for both suppliers and buyers provides an excellent platform for growth. I look forward to leveraging my experience to foster innovation, build strategic partnerships, and drive the company’s expansion in the global market. I am particularly excited about spearheading TBO’s international growth initiatives, tapping into new markets, and enhancing our global footprint.”
Gerardo will lead the company’s global expansion efforts, ensuring a smooth transition as TBO enters new markets. He will focus on strengthening the company’s presence in existing markets while strategically entering new ones. His approach will centre on tailoring TBO’s cutting-edge travel technology solutions to meet diverse regional demands, cultivating cross-cultural partnerships, and driving sustainable growth across the global travel landscape.
