Category Archives: Education

WeSchool Hosts AICTE and Ministry of Education Innovation Cell’s Capacity Building Workshop on Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship

Mumbai, October 31, 2025: Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), today hosted the “Capacity Building Workshop on Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship (IDE)” for District Education Officers and DIET Members under the aegis of the Department of School Education and Literacy, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell (MIC).

The two-day workshop, being held on 30th – 31st October 2025, aims to strengthen district-level leadership by enhancing their understanding of innovation, creativity, design thinking, and entrepreneurship, in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Govind Kamble, State Project Co-ordinator, MPSM, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Sachin Kore, Director, VJTI, who graced the event as Guest of Honour. Also, present were Ministry officials Mr. Ajay Kakade and Mr. Sachin Bane, State Nodal Officers, along with senior faculty members from WeSchool.

Mr. Govind Kamble said, “Maharashtra has consistently been at the forefront of national education initiatives, from the Viksit Bharat program to several state-led innovation efforts. Over 73% of our eligible schools have already registered under Viksit Bharat, and with the continued commitment of our education officers and field teams, I am confident we will maintain this leadership by ensuring greater student participation and project submissions.”

He further added, “The state government is also introducing several new initiatives to nurture scientific curiosity, from strengthening science exhibitions to launching Vigyan Vaari, which aims to give students advancing to the state level an opportunity to visit institutions like NASA. I urge all district officers and educators to take the learnings from this IDE workshop back to their schools and encourage students to think innovatively and pursue excellence”

Dr. Sachin Kore remarked that “creativity is something AI cannot generate it must originate through human innovation.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool said, “Only education has the power to truly transform a nation. At WeSchool, we believe innovation must begin with educators, those who shape young minds and drive systemic change. This workshop reflects our commitment to nurturing an innovation mindset among District Education Officers and DIET members, empowering them to become edupreneurs who can lead India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”

He further added, “Our DNA is experimentation. For decades, WeSchool has championed design thinking and entrepreneurship in education, and we are proud to collaborate with AICTE, the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell, and the Wadhwani Foundation to build a culture of creative problem-solving and co-creation across districts.”

Organized in collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation, renowned for its initiatives in entrepreneurship education, the IDE bootcamp marks Phase 1 of the IDE training program for PM SHRI schools, spanning 25 states and 2 union territories.

Over 60 participants from across districts attended the opening day, engaging in group activities, immersive working sessions, and hands-on workshops designed to ignite creative thinking and problem-solving. The sessions encouraged participants to explore the “why,” “what,” and “how” of innovation in education, while uncovering strategies to drive meaningful change and foster entrepreneurial thinking within their institutions.

The two-day bootcamp will conclude with participants presenting actionable frameworks to integrate IDE concepts into district-level initiatives, aligning with the broader national vision of “Innovation for All” under NEP 2020.

ISB Launches AI Factory Building as India’s Launchpad for Responsible AI Innovation

India, 29th October, 2025: The Indian School of Business (ISB) has launched the AI Factory, a pioneering initiative under the AI Venture Initiative (Aivi)  a first-of-its-kind platform aimed at translating India’s vast AI potential into impactful, market-ready, and responsible solutions.

The launch event, held recently at the ISB Hyderabad campus, brought together over 650 entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, corporate leaders, and innovators, showcasing the full spectrum of India’s AI ambitions  from tackling societal challenges to strengthening industries and shaping global AI leadership.

The event featured over 30 distinguished speakers, including:

Shri Abhishek Singh, CEO, India AI Mission; Prof. Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB; Prof. Bhagwan Chowdhry, Faculty Director, ISB I-Venture; Deepa Nagraj, Global Head of Communications, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem, ESG & CSR, Mphasis; Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog and Former President, NASSCOM; Prof. Sanjiv Das, Santa Clara University; Piyush Shah, Co-Founder, InMobi & President, Glance; Sriram Santhanam, Head of Startups, India, AWS; Kavirut, CEO, T-Hub; and Dr. Anil K. Bhat, Dean, KMC, Manipal  among others.

Accelerating AI from Research to Real-World Impact

The AI Factory is designed to help innovators, startups, and researchers transform breakthrough AI ideas into scalable, responsible, and high-impact solutions that revolutionize industries and improve lives. The platform integrates ISB’s academic excellence with practical market relevance through six key engines:

• AI Labs and Testbeds

• Discovery Marketplace

• Go-to-Market and Scale Support

• Infrastructure Access

• Responsible AI Frameworks

• Research-to-Venture Translation

Already, the AI Factory is working with high-potential AI startups addressing real-world challenges  from predicting Alzheimer’s through biological modelling to developing enterprise AI agents, agricultural robotics, and vernacular AI tools that enhance inclusivity and accessibility.

As ISB launches the AI Factory, it extends an open invitation to startups, enterprises, policymakers, and research institutions to collaborate on building responsible, scalable, and inclusive AI ecosystems for India and beyond.

Research. Collaboration. Real-World Impact.

At its core, the AI Factory embodies ISB’s cross-disciplinary DNA, combining research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The initiative is supported by leading ISB faculty and experts, including Professors Bhagwan Chowdhry, Sarang Deo, Deepa Mani, Manish Gangwar, Sudhir Voleti, Madhu Viswanathan, Vishal Karungulam, Sumeet Kumar, Vandith Pamuru, Sandeep Rath, Vijaya Sunder M, and Subhav Sinha, Entrepreneur in Residence. Together, they are driving responsible AI applications across healthcare, business operations, and behavioral systems.

“The AI Factory represents a landmark moment for ISB, where we aim for a convergence of talent, research, and industry to turn cutting-edge breakthroughs into solutions that create tangible impact across India’s AI ecosystem,” Prof. Bhagwan Chowdhry, Faculty Director, ISB I-Venture.

Partnerships Driving the Future of AI

To strengthen its ecosystem, ISB I-Venture has partnered with leading innovation enablers, including:
Mphasis Foundation, AWS, T-Hub, T-AIM (powered by NASSCOM), Jupyter AI

Foundation, IIIT Hyderabad, KMC Manipal, and internal ISB research centers such as SRITNE, IIDS, and MIHM.

These collaborations will collectively drive responsible AI research, entrepreneurship, and deployment  positioning ISB as a central hub for India’s AI-led growth.

Shriram Life Awards Scholarships to Telangana Govt School Toppers

Shriram Life awards scholarships to govt school toppers from all constituencies of Telangana

Hyderabad, 29th October, 2025: Shriram Life Insurance Company has awarded scholarships to 10th class toppers from government schools across 119 assembly constituencies in Telangana for the academic year 2024-25. As part of the scholarship initiative, each constituency topper will receive a one-time scholarship of INR 30,000, while the top three students at the state level will each be awarded INR 1 lakh.

The scholarships are expected to partly fund the students’ expenses in their intermediate course.

As part of the eligibility criteria, only government-run state board schools are covered. The list of students has been provided by the Department of School Education, Government of Telangana.

• Sridhar Babu, Minister of IT, Electronics and Communications, Industries and Commerce, and Legislative Affairs was among the key dignitaries present at the event. The minister handed over the scholarship cheques to the students. KRC Sekhar, MD, Shriram Life; R. Duruvasan, Director, Shriram Life; and Srinivas Reddy, Executive Director, Shriram Life also attended the event. 

This scholarship initiative is part of Shriram Life’s ongoing CSR initiatives, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting the education of children from underprivileged communities.

“D. Sridhar Babu, Minister of IT, Electronics and Communications, Industries and Commerce, and Legislative Affairs has emphasised the need for value-driven education and he urged the students to develop self-confidence and sharpen their skills needed for the job market to take great opportunities that will come up in Telangana”

“This initiative closely aligns with our purpose of serving the community. We look forward to more students getting motivated through this programme and aspire for higher achievements in their academics and in their overall well-being,” said Casparus J.H. Kromhout, MD and CEO, Shriram Life Insurance. 

Birla Open Minds Launches Experiential Learning Books for Grades 5 to 8

Mumbai, 27th October 2025: Birla Open Minds today unveiled its Experiential Learning Books, a pioneering initiative designed to make education active, engaging, and connected to the real world for students in Grades 5 to 8 (ages 10–14). The launch was held at Gopi Birla Memorial School, with educators, students, and stakeholders witnessing the introduction of this first-of-its-kind program tailored to middle schoolers at a pivotal stage of cognitive and social development.

The Experiential Learning Books aim to empower students to move beyond rote learning by integrating theory with practical application. Rooted in David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle and enriched with design thinking, the books encourage students to explore, reflect, and innovate while solving real-life challenges.

Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director, Birla Open Minds, said, “In today’s rapidly changing world, education cannot be limited to memorizing facts. Students need to think critically, solve problems, and connect classroom learning to real-life challenges. Our Experiential Learning Books have been designed to do exactly that, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving. With these books, learning becomes an active, engaging process, preparing students not just for exams but for the complexities of life itself. Experiential learning is no longer a choice; it is essential to shaping confident, capable, and future-ready individuals.”

Grade-wise Experiential Learning Books

Grade 5 – Decoding Food Labels
India faces a growing challenge of childhood obesity, with over 14 million affected children. Yet, only 16% of Indian consumers read food labels regularly. This book turns students into food detectives, teaching them to understand nutrition facts, ingredient lists, and marketing claims. Through hands-on activities and real-life investigations, students learn to make healthier choices and even guide family and friends.
Example engagement questions:

• How many teaspoons of sugar are in a tetra-pack juice? (Often 6–8, more than a soft drink)
• How much real fruit is in “fruit-flavoured” candy? (Usually none)

Grade 6 – Chemical Footprint: What We Use, What We Risk
From personal care products to cleaning sprays, synthetic chemicals are everywhere, yet many are untested for long-term safety. This book helps students identify chemicals in everyday life, understand health and environmental risks, and explore safer alternatives. It’s a journey of awareness and responsibility, empowering students to make informed choices.
Example engagement questions:

• How many chemicals have you touched today? (Hundreds, many untested in combination)
• Can your home-cleaning products pollute the air you breathe? (Yes, through VOCs)

Grade 7 – The True Cost of Fast Fashion: Think Before You Wear
Fast fashion drives over 80 billion clothing purchases globally every year, creating massive waste and environmental damage. Students explore the hidden journey of their clothes, from production to disposal, uncovering impacts on people and the planet. The book encourages creative, sustainable choices and challenges students to rethink consumption habits.
Example engagement questions:

• How many litres of water does it take to make a cotton t-shirt? (Over 2,700 litres)
• How much of your wardrobe do you wear regularly? (Often only 20%)

Grade 8 – Fast Tech: The Life Cycle of Your Gadget
Smartphones, laptops, and tablets are indispensable, but their production and disposal involve significant ethical and environmental considerations. This book traces the full life cycle of gadgets, from raw materials to e-waste, exploring mining practices, labor conditions, and recycling challenges. Students learn to make responsible tech choices and understand their role in a sustainable future.
Example engagement questions:

• How many raw materials are mined for a single smartphone? (Over 75 pounds, including rare elements)
• How much e-waste is properly recycled? (Only 17%)

The Experiential Learning Books will be followed by the launch of the Learners Kit on 29th November 2025, offering additional resources and activities to extend learning beyond the classroom.

Benjamin Franklin’s adage, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn”, captures the vision of Birla Open Minds. These books aim to transform classrooms into spaces of curiosity, creativity, and exploration, preparing students not just academically but for life.

University of Winchester and Oxford International forge strategic partnership to expand global reach

India, 23rd October 2025: In a strategic move to enhance global engagement and attract a more diverse student body, the University of Winchester has announced a new partnership with Oxford International.  It is a significant addition to the growing number of universities taking advantage of Oxford International’s rapidly growing Education Services offer.  As a result a substantial first intake of students began their studies in September 2025 and there is a strong pipeline of applications for January 2026.

The University of Winchester will benefit from Oxford International’s comprehensive international market development services – spanning student recruitment, overseas marketing, admissions, enrolment, and compliance – all tailored for institutions to enhance and complement their existing in-house international infrastructure. Oxford International’s proprietary Admissions Engine will credibility check and support the application process from end-to-end enhancing effectiveness for students and the University.

By leveraging Oxford International’s global network and technology, Winchester gains a turnkey solution to compete more effectively on the world stage, while ensuring robust quality controls and exemplary student support. This model helps our academic partners remain globally competitive and enhances sustainability, even as the higher education sector faces intensifying international competition and policy changes.

The partnership with Winchester joins a series of new contracts with forward-thinking institutions that Oxford International has launched in our Education Services division. These include Health Sciences University (HSU) – a specialist health university with a 60-year legacy that partnered with Oxford International to expand its international reach and global impact – and Lincoln Bishop University (formerly Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln), which recently rebranded and opened to international students under the same model. Together, these collaborations demonstrate how smaller universities can be empowered to attract talent worldwide and thrive amid global demographic and market shifts.

As part of this strategic expansion Andy Cook, former Vice-Chancellor of Ravensbourne University London, will work closely with Oxford International’s team to ensure academic partners to maximise the benefits of these alliances.

Ravensbourne University was Oxford International’s first Oxford Direct partner and a flagship success story – under Andy Cook’s tenure, the university’s international student intake grew dramatically through the partnership. His first-hand experience in leveraging Oxford International’s model to transform Ravensbourne’s global student community will be invaluable in guiding Winchester and other partners to similar success.

David Pilsbury, Chief Development Officer at Oxford International, said of the partnership: “This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for the University of Winchester and for our Education Services portfolio. By combining Winchester’s academic excellence and community ethos with Oxford International’s global reach and recruitment expertise, we are opening up new opportunities for students and ensuring the University thrives internationally. We’re proud to support Winchester’s ambitions and help sustain its success in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.”

Sam Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor of University of Winchester stated: “We’re thrilled to partner with Oxford International to welcome more students from around the world into our inclusive and values-driven community. Together, we’re creating new pathways to success for the next generation of global graduates.”

The new partnership’s first cohort of international students has begun their studies in September 2025, with additional programmes and intakes being developed for the coming academic year. Applications for the January 2026 intake are open and growing strongly.

Tier 3 College Grads Thrive at Zoho, Apple, NVIDIA, Say “Anyone Can Be a Tech Rockstar”

Over one‑third of Zoho, Apple and NVIDIA employees come from Tier 3 colleges, proving that “anyone can become a tech rockstar”

India, 22nd October, 2025: While elite college names still open doors, a new survey by Blind, the anonymous community app for verified professionals, shows that they are no longer the golden ticket many assume. According to the survey of 1,602 Indian professionals conducted between September 17–24, 2025, graduates from lesser-known ‘Tier 3’ colleges comprise over one-third of the workforce at top global tech firms like Zoho, Apple, and NVIDIA.

Colleges were grouped into four tiers based on National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025: Tier 1 (IITs, IISc, top IIMs, BITS Pilani), Tier 2 (NITs, DTU, Jadavpur University, and similar), and Tier 3 (other state or private universities), with an additional category for overseas institutions.

While traditional financial firms still place value on college names, major tech firms tend to prioritize skills. At companies like Zoho, Apple, NVIDIA, SAP, and PayPal, where many respondents said college had no influence on their careers, an average of 34% of surveyed employees were Tier 3 graduates.

In contrast, traditional financial and other tech firms such as Goldman Sachs, Visa, Atlassian, Oracle, and Google still rely heavily on campus hiring. Yet even there, an average of 18% of respondents came from Tier 3 colleges. The message is clear: in today’s job market, talent speaks louder than your alma mater.

How people judged the importance of pedigree often reflected their own backgrounds. While the vast majority of Tier 1 and Tier 2 alumni agreed that campus recruitment shaped their careers more than any other factor, 59% of Tier 3 graduates and 45% of overseas graduates said their college was no more than another line on a résumé.

When asked about salary, only 15% of Tier 3 alumni reported a strong benefit from their education; 74% said it helped only early on or not at all. More than half of overseas graduates (53%) also felt college had little or no effect on their earnings.

These findings align with global trends. A recent Forbes analysis notes that 90% of companies see better hiring outcomes when they prioritise skills over degrees, describing the rise of skills‑based hiring as a “fundamental transformation”. For Indian professionals from lower-ranked universities, it’s proof that global tech careers are no longer out of reach, as long as they can demonstrate relevant skills.

A Salesforce professional who noted that they’ve taken over 300 interviews shared their observation on Blind: “In general, people from IIT/IIIT/NIT do better in the interviews…50% of the screened candidates from IIT/IIIT/NIT usually end up getting an offer. The other lot, the success rate is around 20%.” Yet a Goldman Sachs employee emphasized that opportunity is not closed off to others: “Companies aren’t just looking at IITs anymore, they’re hunting grads from small towns and Tier 3 colleges. They’re literally betting that with some training, anyone can become a tech rockstar.” 

Methodology

Blind surveyed 1,602 verified Indian professionals via its app between September 17 and 24, 2025, to examine how college background influences career outcomes.

Questions asked:

• Which category best describes your college?
  • Tier 1 – IITs, IISc, top IIMs, BITS Pilani, etc. (41%)
  • Tier 2 – NITs, DTU, Jadavpur, other leading state/private universities (30%)
  • Tier 3 – Other Indian state or private universities (25%)
  • Overseas university outside India (4%)

• Which opportunity from your college has had the greatest impact on your career?
  • Campus placement (49%)
  • Strong entry into tech roles (13%)
  • Access to global career opportunities (5%)
  • Higher starting salary (7%)
  • None of the above, it’s just another line on my CV (26%)

• How much has your education affected your salary?
  • Strong – Major factor in salary offers and growth (36%)
  • Moderate – Other factors matter equally (19%)
  • Slight – Helped early, but performance counts more (25%)
  • None – No link to salary (20%)

Colleges were grouped into four categories based on the NIRF 2025 university ranking, which lists the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru first, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE):

• Tier 1 includes perennial top performers like the IITs, IISc, top IIMs and BITS Pilani.
• Tier 2 covers reputable institutions such as NITs, DTU, and Jadavpur.
• Tier 3 consists of all other state or private universities in India.
• A separate category for overseas institutions.

Breakdowns by tier, company, and detailed response ratios can be found in the accompanying data sheet: full dataset

Legacy, Grace and Grandeur Converge as Welham Girls’ School Observes 68th Founders’ Day

Dehradun, 20th October 2025: Welham Girls’ School, the premier legacy all-girls school in Dehradun, came alive with joy and nostalgia on its 68th Founders’ Day as faculty, students and alumnae commemorated the founding visionaries Miss Hersilia Susie Oliphant and Miss Grace Mary Linnell, who took the brave step of laying the foundation of an all-girls school way back in 1957 to shape confident and compassionate young women. A vibrant two-day programme celebrated the essence of its thriving legacy while embracing the exciting promise of tomorrow in a joyful confluence of learning, creativity, and achievement.  

The festivities began with the Annual Sports Meet, which saw the school grounds coming alive with spirited displays of athletics, track events, karate, and aerobics, reflecting Welham’s deep commitment to physical fitness and holistic education. Students who had excelled in sports, including several state, national, and international medallists, were felicitated for their achievements in the concluding Prize Distribution Ceremony.

Gracing the sports meet as the Chief Guest was Sonya Philip, Founder and CEO of Learning Matters and an alumna from the Batch of 1975.  She commended the school for nurturing well-rounded individuals  who pursue excellence with empathy and integrity.

This edition of the Founders’ Day was special as the Class of 1975 marked their Golden Jubilee year and the Class of 2000 their Silver Jubilee year. It called for endless laughter, talks, and reliving that Welham feeling once more that continues to bind all who have lived it.

The main Founders’ Day programme had Ambassador Gaitri Issar Kumar, former High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, gracing the event as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she said, “It is truly wonderful how the small school started by Ms. Linnell and Ms. Oliphant has now grown into such a reputed institution. Your motto, Aartt Shanti Phala Vidya, seems more relevant than ever before. It reminds us that education builds wisdom, the wisdom to use our learning for the betterment of this planet. The school’s ability to blend tradition with contemporary relevance makes it a living institution of thought and action.

Romesh Sobti, President, Board of Governors, Welham Girls’ School Society added, “Welham is, in many ways, a living laboratory for education. It is far more than a school; it is an enduring community of women. Our vision is to make the school future-ready. We are building AI fluency at all levels, helping students understand how AI technology works and the impact it creates, enabling them to engage with technology thoughtfully. We are making our curriculum truly transdisciplinary.”

Adding to the joyous reflections, Vibha Kapoor, Principal, Welham Girls’ School, said, “Today is not only a celebration of achievements but also a moment of reflection, on the journey of our girls and the true purpose of a boarding school like ours. At Welham, education goes far beyond academics; it builds character, nurtures resilience, and equips young women to thrive in a rapidly changing world. This year, we inaugurated Echoes of Eternity, our very own school museum that lovingly preserves Welham’s story and honours our founders, Ms. H. S. Oliphant and Ms. Grace Mary Linnell. Welham will continue to nurture young women who carry forward a legacy of excellence and empathy, one that would make our founders smile with pride, knowing their vision lives on.”

Among the core highlights on the first day, an insightful career counselling session on ‘Subject Choices and Career’ set the conversations rolling. The interactive session guided parents of Classes VIII and X students on aligning subject selection with individual strengths and aspirations while highlighting the comprehensive guidance offered by the school’s Careers Department.

The second day witnessed a series of creative exhibitions under the theme Neti Neti – Neither Defined, Nor Undefined. Students explored this philosophical idea of boundless inquiry through scientific experiments, mathematical models, psychological studies, historical interpretations, and art installations. The displays reflected critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and innovation, inviting visitors to engage with the idea of questioning definitions and embracing ambiguity.

Evenings were set aside for cultural exuberance as the school auditorium transformed into a theatre of laughter and wit with the inaugural student production of Arsenic and Old Lace. The play, brought to life by 14 talented student actors, combined humour, suspense, and farce in a delightful performance that enthralled the audience. The second day’s schedule saw a dance drama, Anhad Naad taking the audience on a mystical exploration of the eternal cosmic vibration, the ‘unstruck sound’ that transcends time and form. Through intricate choreography and evocative storytelling, students traced the seeker’s journey of awakening the seven chakras, symbolising the path to inner peace and unity.

The celebrations concluded on a reflective note, honouring the spirit of the founders and the generations who have carried their vision forward. Rooted in tradition yet attuned to the times, Welham Girls’ School continues to inspire learning that is thoughtful, purposeful, and timeless.

JIS Group Chooses D2L Brightspace to Transform Learning Across Campuses

JIS Group Selects D2L Brightspace to Help Power the Future of Learning Across All Their Campus Institutions

Kolkata, India, October 14, 2025 : D2L, a global leader in learning technology, announced that the JIS Group, one of Eastern India’s largest and respected educational conglomerates has chosen D2L Brightspace as its new learning platform. This strategic move is a key milestone in JIS Group’s goal to fully digitize its campuses, enhance academic delivery, and elevate the learning experience for both students and faculty.

JIS Group has 45,000+ learners across campuses and is currently implementing D2L Brightspace Core with D2L Creator+ across all its institutions. D2L Brightspace will benefit students by helping to provide them with a unique experience through a blended learning approach. D2L Brightspace will also support faculty by helping to enable more dynamic, highly interactive teaching methods. 

“D2L Brightspace expands the possibilities beyond simple course delivery, allowing our faculty to work more efficiently, create better learning experiences, enhance learning engagement, improve decision-making capabilities through real-time analytics, and ensure that every student has long-term access to their academic journey,” said Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director – JIS Group. “With D2L Brightspace’s intuitive design and robust data capabilities, we can now foster a truly connected, collaborative environment where students continue to learn and grow well beyond the classroom.”

“This marks a significant milestone for D2L in India, strengthening our vision to redefine how learning is delivered and experienced across the country,” said Vivek Iyer, Managing Director for D2L India. “With D2L Brightspace, faculty and students will have access to a versatile, data-driven, and innovative platform that can help empower them to adapt and thrive in an education landscape that is evolving faster than ever before.”

D2L’s work with JIS Group reflects their effort to help digitize their campuses and lead with innovation, accessibility, and data-driven education. With its industry-recognized capabilities and robust support for blended and personalized learning, D2L Brightspace can offer a strategic, long-term solution to help empower JIS Group in delivering exceptional learning experiences and measurable outcomes.

QNu Labs Partner to Shape India’s Quantum-Ready Workforce

India, October 13th, 2025: During India Mobile Congress 2025 (IMC-2025), in a move that will shape the future of quantum technology education in India, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Government of Karnataka (Public State University), one of India’s largest technical universities, is partnering with QNu Labs to establish a first-of-its-kind Quantum Communication Lab. The facility will be set up at the University’s Research and Industry Incubation Facility in Bangalore.

With over 200 affiliated engineering colleges under its wing, the university educates 4 Lakh students every year. This partnership represents a major step forward in making quantum technology accessible to the next generation of Indian engineers and researchers.

“Under the visionary leadership of Honourable Vice Chancellor Dr. Vidyashankar S, VTU is committed to ensuring future skilling of students in collaboration with QNu Labs for Quantum Technologies”, stated by an ex-Navy Officer, Dr. Cdr. Devendra Singh, Director, (Research and Development), (Aerospace, Defence and Allied Programs). He further added, “This partnership reflects VTU’s commitment to prepare students for Viksit Bharat-2047 by aligning with the National Quantum Mission (NQM). It will further strengthen our strategic military capabilities and fulfil the objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

“We’re excited to work with a university that’s taking such a bold step into quantum education,” said Sunil Gupta (CEO QNu Labs).  “This isn’t just about setting up a lab; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where students and faculty will actually work with quantum systems and understand what this technology means for India’s future.“

“Quantum technology is no longer a distant future; it’s here, and our students need to be ready for it”, stated Dr. Ajith Padyana, Director, VTU-VRIF Centre for Deep Technologies. 

The collaboration will roll out across key areas over the coming months, as stated by VTU leadership.

The new lab will give students and faculty hands-on experience with working quantum technologies, which are typically only found deep inside research facilities. QNu Labs is partnering to design and install this infrastructure, ensuring it’s both robust enough for real-world research and easily accessible for educational learning.

Faculty development is a key pillar of this partnership. Faculty from the university’s various colleges will receive specialised training to effectively teach quantum concepts and supervise student work. This is vital because the quantum field requires educators who can translate complex physics principles into practical engineering applications.

Students will soon be able to enrol in various different programs focused on quantum technology. These programs are designed to give engineering students from different branches.

QNu Labs will help establish a comprehensive quantum lab facility equipped with cutting-edge technology and resources, majorly focusing on Aerospace and Defence. This facility will serve as a hub for practical learning and experimentation in quantum technologies.

Faculty Development Programs: The initiative includes specialised training programs to upskill professors and researchers, empowering them to effectively teach and conduct research in quantum technologies across the university’s many affiliated colleges.

Introducing Student Minor Degrees in Quantum: The university to introduce minor degree programs in quantum technology, allowing students from various engineering disciplines to gain foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in this emerging field.

Potential Master’s Degree Program: Building on the foundation of the minor degrees, the collaboration envisions launching a dedicated master’s program in Quantum Technology, creating specialised graduates ready to contribute to India’s quantum ecosystem.

Industry and Academia Collaboration: The lab will function as a central resource for all colleges within the university’s network, effectively democratizing access to quantum technology education across its extensive affiliated institutions throughout Karnataka. This hub will also facilitate collaborative learning with industry partners.

Perhaps most importantly, this lab is designed as a central hub that multiple colleges in the university network can access. This structure will effectively democratize access to quantum education across the whole of Karnataka.

This timing is ideal, aligning perfectly with both India’s National Quantum Mission and Karnataka’s goal to become a major quantum technology hub. With the potential to benefit hundreds of thousands of engineering students, this partnership is poised to play a significant role in building the specialised quantum workforce India needs to support its national ambitions.

Imperial and Science Gallery Bengaluru unite to accelerate UK-India innovation

-Imperial College London has partnered with Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) – a cutting-edge hub for innovation, research and public engagement

10th October 2025: A partnership between Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) and Imperial will drive the exchange of talent and knowledge between the UK and India, with the development of new facilities, a joint fellowship programme, and public engagement activities.

The announcement was made as Imperial’s President Professor Hugh Brady joins a UK delegation led by the British Prime Minister, who is making his first official visit to India, alongside Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director at Science Gallery Bengaluru. Through this new partnership, the two organisations plan to co-develop cutting-edge open research facilities on-site at SGB, boost UK-India and global talent exchange through a joint Fellowship, and explore public engagement, research and education collaborations based on shared expertise and facilities. By joining forces, the two organisations will train the innovators of the future and cultivate the next generation of talent.

The new partnership between SGB and Imperial sees a commitment to grow the international impact of the Science Gallery’s Public Lab Complex and co-develop a new portfolio of initiatives spanning innovation and discovery challenges, science and technology fellowships, and public engagement.

Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial, said: “This exciting partnership is a launchpad for UK-India innovation and scientific collaboration. Imperial’s innovation and incubation expertise will create a unique lab and convening space with Science Gallery Bengaluru where cutting-edge solutions to global issues will be discovered, designed and delivered. “

“Our participation in the Prime Minister’s first India visit signals the role Imperial plays in strengthening UK-India partnerships, following the launch of our Imperial Global India hub earlier this year. By joining forces across continents, we are deepening research and innovation collaboration between the two countries, and building bridges that will empower the next generation of scientists, thinkers, leaders and changemakers.”

Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director at Science Gallery Bengaluru said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Imperial College London to co-develop our Public Lab Complex. This is an important step in creating shared spaces where inquiry, creativity, and learning thrive across borders. We are excited about what we can build together.”

”Together we want to drive locally rooted and globally relevant innovation through community-engaged science that encourages researchers to draw in diverse perspectives and influences to shape and inspire their ideas. This will equip the next generation of innovators and scientific leaders to translate their research into real-world impactful applications and bring us closer to solving shared global challenges.”

The Public Lab Complex is partially and generously supported at present by Tata Trusts, TTK Prestige, and the Samagata Foundation. Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and a SGB Board Member, said: “As a founding patron of Science Gallery Bengaluru, I’m heartened by this partnership with Imperial College London. “It brings together shared values of curiosity, creativity, and public engagement in science. Bengaluru has always been a city that embraces new ideas, and this collaboration will further empower young people to explore, question, and co-create solutions for our collective future.”

Shared Imperial and SGB future ambitions

This commitment was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Amanda Wolthuizen, Vice-President (Strategic Engagement) at Imperial and Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director at the Science Gallery Bengaluru.

Amanda Wolthuizen, Vice-President (Strategic Engagement) of Imperial said: “We are especially pleased to strengthen our relationship with Science Gallery Bengaluru following the official launch of Imperial Global India that convened hundreds of researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and alumni in this beautiful and fitting scientific exhibition space in May 2025.”  “Imperial Global India represents our commitment to co-creating partnerships within India’s dynamic science and technology ecosystem. It is the latest addition to our international network that spans San Francisco, Singapore and Accra. With this initiative in Bengaluru, we are moving forward in our ambition to co-develop programmes that foster impactful two-way exchanges of ideas, talent and innovation between the UK and India.”

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Science is international by definition. We can aim higher and go further when we work together. This is especially true for the UK and India, where deep links in areas like life sciences are bolstered by our deepening trade relationship, and our unique historical and cultural bonds – all of which are being highlighted by the Prime Minister’s landmark trade mission to India, this week.”

“Imperial deepening its ties with Bengaluru will enable its international community of students, researchers and innovators to work with their India-based counterparts, on efforts that could drive growth, unlock investment, and deliver breakthroughs from health to energy, and beyond. It also boosts a formidable global network the University is building, across the world.”

Imperial’s reputation for cutting edge convergence science research, combined with Science Gallery Bengaluru’s dynamic public engagement expertise and platforms, will power programmes and spaces where early-career researchers and emerging innovators can experiment, collaborate, and connect across boundaries.

Proposed joint initiatives being explored include:

Diversifying and expanding the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s Public Lab Complex with five existing areas: the Nature Lab, the Materials Lab, the Food Lab, the New Media Lab, and the Theory Lab. Activities will be supported through accompanying research spaces already constructed within Science Gallery Bengaluru such as a dark room, tissue culture room, and microscopy.

Co-developing programmes that create a bridge between the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s Public Lab Complex and the WestTech London innovation ecosystem and Imperial Schools of Convergence Science.

A reciprocal Fellowship and Apprenticeship programme where a cohort of talented individuals from India, the UK and across the world, from different disciplines, will work on creative approaches to develop open-ended experiments and problem solving that expand the horizons of science and technology.
Co-creating an annual programme of public and community engagement events that align with Science Gallery Bengaluru’s ‘Late Labs’ and ‘Science with Society’ initiatives.

Connecting London and Bengaluru ecosystems

This knowledge bridge between the WestTech London innovation ecosystem, which currently houses 1,000 frontier innovation businesses who turned over £9 billion in 2023, and Bengaluru, home to over 400 industrial R&D units, will give fellows the opportunity to develop their skills in two of the world’s most vibrant environments for innovators, including the Advanced Hackspace (pictured).