Category Archives: Business

BML Munjal University and Ideabaaz Spotlight Women Entrepreneurs Driving Bharat’s Growth Story

New Delhi, August 27, 2026: Propel Incubator by BML Munjal University (BMU), in partnership with Ideabaaz, today hosted the Women Entrepreneurship Panel — “Role of Today’s Entrepreneurial Women in Shaping the Multi-Trillion Dollar Economy of Bharat” — followed by the inauguration of the Women Accelerator Demo Day, as part of Ideabaaz Startup Fest 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 

The panel brought together prominent women leaders from academia, industry, and the investment ecosystem, including Swati Munjal (BML Munjal University), Madhura Dasgupta (Aspire For Her), Nancy Juneja (MentorX), Sunita Maheshwari (JLAN), Pooja Jain (Parker Pens), and Anshu Jain (JIIF), who discussed the evolving role of women entrepreneurs in driving India’s next phase of economic growth. Following the panel, the Women Accelerator Demo Day was formally inaugurated by Swati Munjal and Padmja Ruparel, marking a milestone for the Women in Tech Accelerator Program launched earlier this year by BMU and Ideabaaz. The inaugural cohort of women-led startups went on to pitch before a panel of investors, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners in attendance. The session builds on the momentum of the Women in Tech Accelerator Program, a 12-week initiative designed to help women-led technology startups scale through structured mentorship, industry access, and investor readiness support, with select founders earning the opportunity to present at Season 2 of Ideabaaz on national television. 

Speaking at the panel, Swati Munjal, President, BML Munjal University, said, “Women entrepreneurs are not just participating in Bharat’s growth story — they are shaping it. The conversations at today’s panel reflected the depth of talent, resilience, and ambition we see across women-led ventures in India, and it’s our responsibility as an institution to ensure that talent has the mentorship and access it needs to scale.” 

Speaking about the founder’s journey, Davinder Singh, Vice President – Growth and Strategy, BML Munjal University, said, “What stood out today was how far these founders have come in a short span of time. Structured mentorship and real industry exposure make a measurable difference, and this cohort is proof of what’s possible when women founders are given the right platform, the right guidance, and the right opportunities at the right time.” 

Commenting on the day’s proceedings, Mudit Kumar, Co-Founder & COO, Ideabaaz, said, “At Ideabaaz, we’ve always believed that great ideas deserve the right platform to grow, and nowhere is that more true than for women-led startups navigating a system that hasn’t always been built for them. Today, we saw talented founders present with clarity and conviction in front of investors and industry leaders who can genuinely help them scale and that’s exactly the kind of visibility this program was designed to create.” 

BML Munjal University continues to position itself at the intersection of academia and entrepreneurship, using platforms like this to ensure women-led ventures get the mentorship, exposure, and support needed to scale.

Parul University to Transform Campus Waste into Clean Energy and Carbon Resources in Partnership with Ankur Scientific

Vadodara, 27^th August 2026: Parul University, one of Gujarat’s largest educational institutions, has partnered with Ankur Scientific, a pioneer in waste-to-energy solutions, to convert suitable waste generated across its campus into energy and valuable carbon resources. Operating as a self-sustained township with more than 50,000 students and faculty members, the university is among the first educational institutions in India to implement an integrated on-campus waste-to-energy solution of this scale. The initiative shows how large, self-contained developments can manage waste closer to where it is generated, offering a model that can be adopted by universities, industrial townships, corporate campuses and similar developments.

The approach enables the university to manage suitable waste streams on campus while reducing reliance on transportation and landfill disposal. This can help lower associated transportation, emissions and costs, and advance the principles of a circular economy.

The system is powered by Ankur Scientific’s advanced thermochemical conversion technology, capable of processing a broad range of suitable feedstock, including paper and cardboard, plastic packaging, textiles, leather, rubber, wooden waste, dry garden waste, dry municipal solid waste, and organic waste with moisture content of up to 20 percent, where suitable. Through the thermochemical conversion process, these materials are transformed into producer gas that can be used as fuel, thermal energy for heating and other energy applications, and carbon-rich biochar that can support applications such as soil improvement and carbon sequestration. This enables valuable energy and secondary raw materials to be recovered from waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.

As part of its integrated waste management strategy, recyclable materials will be directed for recycling, organic matter will be composted or converted into biogas, while other residual streams will be handled through authorized disposal channels.

Speaking on the partnership, Ankur Jain, Managing Director of Ankur Scientific, said, “Parul University provides an interesting setting to explore a more integrated approach to waste management, given the scale and diversity of material residues generated on campus. We are pleased to support Parul University’s sustainability efforts, and believe such approaches can act as a model for how large facilities can incorporate decentralized approaches into their broader infrastructure and sustainability planning.”

Accenture supports the development of an Eco Action & Learning Hub focused on wetland restoration in Chennai

WHEN: August 24, 2026

WHERE: Chennai, Tamil Nadu 

BACKGROUND:

Accenture is supporting the development of a 15-acre Eco Action & Learning Hub focused on wetland restoration in Manali, Chennai, in collaboration with Zone 2 (Manali Zone) of Greater Chennai Corporation and Farmers for Forests, a non-profit organisation. The hub will help local communities learn about sustainability and take part in environmental action. This is the third Eco Action & Learning Hub supported by Accenture and Farmers for Forests in India, following a 12-acre hub in Manchar (Pune district, Maharashtra) and a 10-acre hub in Nrityagram (Bengaluru, Karnataka). Together, the three hubs combine ecological restoration with hands-on environmental education and community participation.

The Chennai initiative has helped transform a polluted industrial site into a restored wetland ecosystem that supports habitat regeneration. Designed to enhance ecological resilience and reduce flood risk, it features ponds, deep-water zones, diversion channels, and habitat zones. By the end of the year, the site will be home to more than 19,000 native trees and shrubs and support a rich diversity of birds, pollinators, insects, and other wetland-dependent species.

The hub will host guided nature tours, birdwatching, sustainability workshops, and hands-on demonstrations for local communities, including school children, on topics such as renewable energy, circular economy practices, waste management, sustainable food systems, and sustainable living. Visitors can also participate in environmental action through tree planting, biodiversity monitoring, composting, permaculture gardening, and wetland restoration activities such as planting native reeds, removing invasive species, and creating habitat features for local fauna. Powered by solar energy, the hub incorporates rainwater harvesting and soil conservation techniques.

The Chennai hub builds on the success of two existing Eco Action & Learning Hubs supported by Accenture in India. Over the past two years, more than 30,000 people, including 15,000 school students, local community members, and Accenture employees, have visited the hubs in Manchar (Pune district) and Nrityagram (Bengaluru). Together, the Manchar hub and Bengaluru hub are home to more than 27,000 trees and over 200 species of flora and fauna.

QUOTES: 

Ajay Vij, Senior Country Managing Director, Accenture in India said, “At Accenture, stewardship is rooted in our responsibility to our people, communities and the planet. We believe education and participation can help turn awareness into action. By helping people experience sustainability firsthand, we hope to build greater understanding and inspire the next generation to embrace environmental responsibility.” 

Manisha Bhattacharya, Lead – Corporate Citizenship, Asia Pacific, Accenture said, “From Manchar in Pune district and Nrityagram in Bengaluru to the newest Eco Action & Learning Hub in Chennai, these spaces are rooted in the environmental priorities of their communities and bring sustainability to life in ways that are tangible, relevant, and accessible. Just as local communities learn from the hubs, they also contribute to them through biodiversity monitoring and conservation activities, helping these spaces evolve and thrive over time.”

Le Méridien Ahmedabad Celebrates Raksha Bandhan with an Evening of Family, Flavours and Togetherness

Ahmedabad, Aug 27: Some occasions are best celebrated around a table, where conversations flow a little longer, stories are revisited and familiar laughter brings everyone closer. Raksha Bandhan is one such celebration, rooted in the warmth of siblinghood and the enduring relationships that continue to shape our lives.

This Raksha Bandhan, Le Méridien Ahmedabad invites families to come together for a thoughtfully curated festive dinner that brings the spirit of the occasion alive through warm hospitality, an inviting culinary experience and an evening designed around togetherness.

The celebration sets the tone for a relaxed and elegant evening, offering families the opportunity to step away from the everyday and enjoy meaningful time with one another. The festive dining experience brings together a carefully curated selection of Indian and global favourites, presented as an inviting spread that caters to different generations and tastes, while keeping the focus on the joy of gathering together.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, live music will accompany the evening, creating a warm and easy-going setting for families to unwind, reconnect and enjoy the celebration at their own pace. The gentle rhythm of the evening is designed to complement the dining experience without taking away from the conversations and connections that make the occasion special.

At Le Méridien Ahmedabad, Raksha Bandhan is envisioned not simply as a festive dinner, but as an opportunity to reconnect. It is about lingering over conversations, sharing familiar stories and celebrating the people who have been part of our journey through every season of life.

This Raksha Bandhan, the hotel invites families to gather around the table and celebrate the enduring bond of siblinghood over an evening that brings together the warmth of tradition, the pleasure of good food and the understated elegance of contemporary hospitality.

From Water Security to Rural Resilience: United Way Bengaluru’s Six-Year Journey in Maharashtra reaches 90,000+ communities

Pune| Aug 28: Since 2020, United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) has been steadily building a stronger, more resilient rural Maharashtra, evolving from water security interventions to a holistic Rural Rising approach. Over six years (FY 2020–21 onwards), with the support of CSR partners and Zilla Parishad, Pune, UWBe has expanded its work across water conservation, ecological restoration, education, clean energy and livelihoods, reaching nearly 90,000 people.

On 13 August 2026, a CSR Rountable was held at the Zilla Parishad, Pune, at the invitation of the CEO. Around 12 corporate partners were felicitated by the CEO in recognition of their continued support and valuable contributions to initiatives spanning education, livelihoods, water conservation, and healthcare.

What began with rooftop rainwater harvesting and community water sources has grown into the strengthening of 18 water conservation structures, alongside ecological restoration and afforestation initiatives. The partnership has also enabled UWBe to support 8 Anganwadi Centres and 10 schools, strengthening learning environments for children and communities.

The journey has extended to clean energy and inclusive livelihoods, with 451 solar streetlights installed to improve access to clean energy and community infrastructure, and 90 persons with disabilities (PwDs) supported with livelihood opportunities. Together, these interventions reflect a shift from addressing individual needs to building stronger and more resilient communities.

Today, Rural Rising takes this journey further by bringing education, environment, health and livelihoods together through a saturation approach for holistic village development. The continued collaboration with Zilla Parishad, Pune has been instrumental in enabling local coordination, community participation and sustainable solutions, helping rural communities build a more resilient and sustainable future.

International Dog Day: Celebrities Who Are Proud Parents to Their Adorable Fur Babies

The special day is here, when you spoil your four-legged friends with extra love, pamper and cuddles, because the day celebrates them! It’s International Dog Day, and here’s looking at some of the adorable four-legged friends who live with our beloved celebrities.

*Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna:* Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna are pet parents to Mr Jeeves, who often likes to go on a stroll with the Haiwaan actor, and also likes to play chase with Mrs. Funnybones.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7UK7NUNZEb/?igsi=Ym9zdDlqMHJld3Jy

https://www.instagram.com/p/DcXcEUpCPQ-/?igsi=MXRod3RuYXV3YTN5OQ==

*Arjun Rampal:* Arjun Rampal is a pet parent to his Golden Retriever, Brando, who is a constant in spoiling the Dhurandhar star with cuddles and love. Brando’s way of expressing unconditional love towards the Dhurandhar star is a bit different! Check out yourself!

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_IPEN6T6X_/?img_index=1&igsi=eXI1d2VpajF5Ympo

Ram Charan: Ram Charan is a pet parent to his furry baby, Rhyme, who often likes to stay close and in the arms of the Peddi actor. Speak of unconditional love and affection!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjerdEqB5Tn/?igsi=MWt5eWtjOW0xM3RyMA==

Hrithik Roshan: Hrithik is a jolly pet parent to his golden retriever baby, Zane, who loves adding charm to the actor’s clicks, and his life as a whole!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DT7vwz5CP2S/?igsi=MXB5eTRnempybDJmOA==

Ananya Panday: Ananya Panday is a pet momma to not one or two, but three doggos who love to snuggle and cuddle up with the Dream Girl 2 actress.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXrcgnJicz_/?igsi=NTZ3Z2V6eXZneGN2

*Triptii Dimri:* Triptii Dimri adores her pet golden retriever, Lychee, and calls it the “literal ray of sunshine and the heart of this home.” The fur baby is a golden ball of energy and a proud receiver of some of the most cuddly hugs!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZr-B6bk8et/?igsi=MWQ4MnB2cmFkbDd4bA%3D%3D&img_index=1

*Rohit Saraf:* Our feeds were doing perfectly fine till the time Rohit Saraf dropped this cute glimpse with his pet dog, Haru, and honestly, it’s a love-love relationship!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DSZ6KOZDXKS/?img_index=2&igsi=MzYwY3l3end1M2Vr

*Diana Penty:* Puppy eyes often melts hearts, and same is the case for Diana Penty with her doggo, Victoria. From receiving the tightest hugs to lots of love, it’d be safe to say that Victoria is Diana’s favourite!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CozXAxCMxQr/?igsi=MTJzazJmc29kZjV5YQ==

*Kunal Kapoor:* Kunal Kapoor is a pet parent to a little ball of fur named Simba, and the two often like to spend their Sunday with a brisk walk! 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CfQQy74v0d4/?igsi=bzN3N2thdzhqaXdq

On International Dog Day, don’t forget to spoil your furry baby with extra treats, extra love and a whole lot of cuddles!

Sangam Collaborative launches in India – a new philanthropic model to support development progress

New Delhi, August 27, 2026: The Sangam Collaborative was launched today to support long-term improvements in health, education and nutrition outcomes across five national priority states—Jharkhand, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Bihar—where an estimated 70 million people experience multidimensional poverty.

The Collaborative, anchored by Indian leadership and strengthened by global expertise, brings together Piramal Foundation, Gates Foundation, A.T.E. Chandra Foundation, Dhanam Foundation, Surgo Foundation, and Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. The Collaborative will work alongside government to strengthen public systems and improve the quality, reach and effectiveness of essential services, particularly for underserved communities. It will bring together the complementary capabilities of philanthropy, technical experts and implementation partners in support of this shared purpose.

The launch event at the AVPN Global Conference 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, was graced by Ajay Piramal, Chairperson Piramal Foundation, Mark Suzman, CEO Gates Foundation, and Amit Chandra, Co-Founder A.T.E. Chandra Foundation.

The Sangam Collaborative will also work closely with local and context-relevant technical experts to transform how basic services, such as health and education, are delivered, while ensuring consistency, quality, equity and inclusivity. Its focus will be on improving institutional capabilities, talent, leadership, processes and data systems to ensure efficient service delivery at scale.

It builds on decades of evidence showing that sustained shared efforts between government, philanthropy and implementation partners can deliver measurable improvements in human development outcomes. The Collaborative draws particular inspiration from Bihar, where long-term collaboration between the Government of Bihar, Gates Foundation, Piramal Foundation and other partners has helped strengthen the state’s public health institutions, frontline capabilities, and data systems.

Mr. Ajay Piramal, Chairman, Piramal Foundation, said, “Lasting change comes when we strengthen the public systems that touch people’s everyday lives. Guided by Sewa Bhaav, the spirit of service, Piramal Foundation has chosen to work alongside government and communities, with humility and a long-term commitment to creating meaningful impact at scale. We believe India’s most complex challenges cannot be solved by any one institution. They require us to bring together the strengths of philanthropy, government and institutions across India and the world. By convening these capabilities across five priority states, home to 70 million people experiencing multidimensional poverty, we hope to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive and more prosperous Viksit Bharat.” 

Mr. Mark Suzman, CEO, Gates Foundation, said, “India has made remarkable progress in reducing multidimensional poverty over the past decade. This progress reflects the reach and effectiveness of government-led programs, consistent improvements in public delivery systems, and thoughtful application of technology and innovation at scale. The Gates Foundation remains committed to our longstanding partnership in India and to supporting the country’s continued development progress through initiatives such as the Sangam Collaborative.” 

Amit Chandra, Co-Founder, A.T.E. Chandra Foundation, said, “Poverty at the scale in the target states cannot be solved by isolated acts of philanthropy. We have to combine the scale of government, with the risk capital and agility of philanthropy, and the last-mile capabilities of civil society. Done well, this collaborative can become a powerful force multiplier—building institutions and solutions that improve millions of lives and accelerate India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.” 

Mr. Ram Shriram, President, Dhanam Foundation, said, “The complexity of multidimensional poverty calls for collective action and long-term commitment. Through the Sangam Collaborative, we look forward to supporting collaborative efforts that strengthen communities, improve service delivery and create opportunities for vulnerable populations to thrive.” 

Kate Hampton, CEO Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, said, “India has shown that transformative progress is possible when governments, philanthropies and partners work together with a long-term commitment to strengthening public systems. The Sangam Collaborative is an exciting opportunity to build on that momentum and help millions of people access better health, nutrition, education and sustainable livelihoods, while expanding opportunities for women and girls to thrive. By investing in stronger systems, leadership and capabilities, we can accelerate pathways out of poverty at scale and generate lessons that can benefit communities far beyond India.”

MedScout Appoints New Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Customer Success, and Vice President of Engineering

Veteran leaders join MedScout to help MedTech companies turn AI ambition into revenue growth

AUSTIN, Texas (August 27, 2026) – MedScout, the commercial engine for MedTech, today announced the appointment of Chris Edwards as Chief Operating Officer, Cassie Sixt as VP of Customer Success, and Mark Isham as Vice President of Engineering. 

In his new role, Edwards will lead MedScout’s commercial strategy and operational execution, helping the company scale its go-to-market organization and expand the value it provides to MedTech sales and marketing teams. He will oversee the operating infrastructure that supports MedScout’s continued growth, including revenue operations and commercialization.

Before joining MedScout, Edwards spent more than ten years in consulting and technology, holding leadership roles at L.E.K. Consulting and Storable, where he ran a high-growth, multi-product SaaS business and rapidly scaled its commercial operations.

“What drew me to MedScout was the long-term vision for the market,” said Chris Edwards, Chief Operating Officer at MedScout. “Vendors in this market are trying to become the system of record, driving switching costs so high that customers end up stuck. MedTech teams don’t need a forced, vendor-defined ontology of their business. They need to know where the opportunity is, and what to say next.”

Also joining the team is Cassie Sixt. As Vice President of Customer Success, Sixt will lead the expansion of the team that partners closely with customers to maximize value and outcomes. She brings extensive experience in customer success and client partnerships from leadership roles at Definitive Healthcare and Forrester.

Stepping into a new role as MedScout’s Vice President of Engineering is Marsh Isham. Isham is a seasoned engineering executive and startup founder with over 25 years of experience building enterprise-scale analytics platforms, most recently serving as SVP of Engineering at FullStory.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Chris, Cassie, and Mark to the MedScout team,” said Skylar Talley, CEO and Co-founder of MedScout. “AI is reshaping how MedTech teams sell, and their experience will be instrumental as we help organizations turn that shift into new business, faster.”

Awsum brings DO or DIY cake A Rakhi cake you decorate, write on & roast your sibling with

This Raksha Bandhan, Awsum is giving siblings a new way to celebrate: DO or DIY, a limited-edition chocolate cake that arrives undecorated—because the fun is in finishing it yourself.

Each DO or DIY box comes with a chocolate cake, a ready-to-pipe cream cone and sprinkles. The giver decorates the cake and, more importantly, writes the message. It could be sweet, sentimental or the sibling nickname that would never make it onto an official document. The box also includes roast prompts to get things started.

The idea follows Awsum’s recent festival-led innovations, including Cakes Ka Baap for Father’s Day and Maa Verified for Mother’s Day, bringing the brand’s irreverent and culturally relevant approach to Rakhi.

“Rakhi is supposed to celebrate the relationship, but most gifting still speaks in greeting-card language. Siblings don’t. They tease, roast, annoy and love each other in equal measure. DO or DIY is our way of putting that real relationship back into the celebration. We give you the cake, the cream and the tools—you bring the inside joke. And if you accidentally spell it wrong, that probably makes it even more authentic,” said Pranav Sharma, Founder and CEO of Awsum.

DO or DIY is available for a limited Rakhi window through the Awsum website and leading quick-commerce platforms, with delivery available nationwide.

Delhi Launches Lakshmi Yojana, ₹2,500 Monthly Support for Eligible Women

New Delhi, Aug 26: The Delhi government has begun rolling out the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a financial assistance programme aimed at improving the economic security of eligible women across the national capital.

More than 9.2 lakh women have registered for the scheme, according to the government. Approval letters have started being distributed to selected beneficiaries, with monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 expected to begin from September 1 after completion of the required formalities.

The assistance is intended to help women manage essential household expenses and meet needs such as children’s education and healthcare. Beneficiaries may also use the support to strengthen their livelihood activities or contribute towards small business-related expenses.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said women’s economic progress is closely connected with the development of families and society. The government has described the scheme as an effort to provide women with greater financial stability and encourage self-reliance.

The programme is aimed at women between 21 and 60 years of age who meet the prescribed eligibility conditions. The government has also put verification procedures in place to ensure that financial assistance is provided to eligible applicants.

With registrations already exceeding nine lakh, the scheme is expected to become a significant welfare initiative for women in Delhi. The government has said the programme reflects its focus on strengthening women’s financial independence and supporting families through direct assistance.