28, Feb 2025
Barista Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation and Quality in India’s Coffee Scene

New Delhi, 28th February 2025: Barista Coffee, one of India’s leading home-grown coffee chains, marks its 25th anniversary on February 28, 2025, celebrating more than two decades of rich coffee culture and premium coffee experiences. With a strong network of 465+ stores across cities, Barista Coffee has been evolving with time and redefining India’s coffee culture. Over the years, the brand has expanded its footprint across the country and internationally, delivering premium coffee experiences to generations.

To celebrate the milestone, Barista Coffee will offer a free upgrade on the orders for their consumer ordering during the anniversary week, i.e, 28th February to 2nd March. Additionally, the brand has planned to launch the Anniversary special – limited edition coffee packs.

Elated on the occasion, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee, said, “Celebrating the 25th Anniversary is a remarkable milestone, Barista Coffee Company is the largest homegrown coffee chain in India. We constantly evolve as a brand to stay relevant in the fast-paced industry. Over the years, Barista Coffee has launched multiple unique initiatives, menus, and campaigns. For generations, Barista Coffee has given people a sense of nostalgia and we look forward to continuing our journey with the same enthusiasm.”

As Barista Coffee steps into its next chapter, the brand remains focused on strengthening its presence across India, introducing a unique fusion of flavours, and serving generations of coffee lovers. The 25-year milestone is not just a celebration of past achievements but also a vision to shape the future of India’s coffee culture with a renewed zeel.

28, Feb 2025
A New Lease on Life: Holding onto the Present with His Restored Hand

Kochi , 28-02-2025: For Manoj, a 50-year-old from Angamaly, life changed in an instant. The last thing he remembers from the workplace accident was the sight of his own hand separating from his wrist, a memory he recalls with fear. “All I thought about was the aftermath. I felt like this was the end of my life,” recollected Manoj, about the unfortunate accident.

Manoj’s right hand was completely severed at the wrist by a sheet-cutting machine. Initially he was taken to a private hospital in Aluva but was quickly referred to Aster Medcity for advanced care. Within 45 minutes of the accident, Manoj was admitted to the emergency department, where a team of medical experts acted swiftly to save his hand and his life.

Despite significant blood loss and mental trauma, a multidisciplinary team worked tirelessly. After initial stabilization by the Emergency Department, the team led by Dr. Manoj Sanap, Senior Consultant – Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery started dissection of the amputated part. Anesthesia was administered under the guidance of Dr. Aril Abraham E, Senior Consultant – Critical Care & Pain Management.

The surgical journey began with bone fixation by Dr. Shyam Gopal V, Consultant – Orthopaedics. Following this, Dr. Manoj Sanap, along with Dr. Niranjana Suresh and Dr. Shruthi T. S, carried out a meticulous replantation procedure. Over the course of 10 hours, the team successfully reattached the severed hand, by doing microvascular surgery which involved repair of multiple arteries, veins and nerves.

“Accidents like these can happen unexpectedly, but recovery is possible if patients are taken to hospitals equipped to provide advanced care. The field of plastic surgery has evolved far beyond aesthetics, playing a key role in life-saving and reconstructive procedures like this,” said Dr. Manoj Sanap, Senior Consultant – Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Aster Medcity.

Within 14 days he was able to return home. Now, third month into intensive physiotherapy and regular reviews, he is regaining the functionality of the hand.

27, Feb 2025
Grand Success at NMOTSAV’25 with Padma Shri Manoj Joshi and Asees Kaur’s Stellar Performances

nmims

NMIMS Indore campus held its 5th annual fest, NMOTSAV’25, from February 21 to 23, 2025. The annual fest is organized every year by the cultural committee of the campus – “SANGAM”. The three-day extravaganza was filled with exciting events and competitions and the grand finale witnessed Bollywood singer Asees Kaur delight the audience with her hit numbers. NMOTSAV’25 was a resounding success, blending entertainment and education seamlessly. With stellar performances and mind-blowing competitions, it was nothing short of spectacular. The event not only celebrated the vibrant culture of NMIMS Indore but also provided an enriching experience for all participants.

The first day kicked off with highly energetic performances in Battle of Bands where solo artists and groups showcased their musical talent. From soulful melodies to electrifying riff-offs, this was nothing short of a reality musical show. The day ended with a magical evening with ‘Movie Night’. Day two was an extraordinary experience for all the cinephiles as it featured an interaction with Padma Shri award recipient Mr Manoj Joshi. The evening continued with the ultimate dance competition ‘Beat Bash’ which brought some of the biggest hidden talents. The much-anticipated fashion show KALYANA 3.0 added the sparkle to the fascinating night with participants showcasing their creativity to the ‘MET GALA’ themed walk. The night ended with the neon glimmer of Prom Night where students danced their hearts out to the magic of renowned DJ Aryan Gala. The grand finale was hands down the ultimate college concert experience for all those who witnessed the enchanted night. Bollywood sensation Asees Kaur took the stage and turned it into a spectacle.

One of the major highlights of this three-day fest was the electrifying stage performance by Bollywood Pop Star Asees Kaur on the third day. The crowd was bursting with enthusiasm as she took the stage and delivered her famous hits, including Raatan Lambiya, Bolna and bop hits like Akh Lad Jaave. The night was full of passion and energy as the attendees grooved to her magical voice. Apart from the competitions and cultural programs, the fest also featured an interactive session with the legendary actor Mr Manoj Joshi. The eminent veteran actor had much to share with the group of NMIMS enthusiasts. Students asked him questions about the challenges faced by actors in the Indian film industry. He also shared his struggles and hardships in the industry. The students got to learn about the behind-the-scenes of the working professional.

Dr. Anshuman Jaswal, Director of NMIMS Indore, commented “NMOTSAV 2025 at NMIMS Indore was an incredible celebration of culture, creativity, and community! Over three exciting days, our campus came alive with a festive atmosphere as students showcased their talents in a range of cultural activities. We were deeply honoured to have distinguished guests join us—Padmashri Manoj Joshi and our esteemed Trustee, Shri Bhargav Patel—whose presence added immense value and inspiration to the event. The highlight of the final day was an unforgettable concert by the renowned Ms. Asees Kaur, who set the perfect tone for a memorable finale. A heartfelt thank you to our Mentors, Shri Arvind Banthia and Shri Ajay Bankda, and the entire Sangam Team, who contributed to making NMOTSAV 2025 a tremendous success.”

The success of NMOTSAV’25 was made possible by the dedication and collaborative efforts of many individuals. Most appreciative praise to Mentor Shri Arvind Banthia, whose guidance played a crucial role in shaping this festival.

A special token of appreciation goes to our distinguished guests, Padmashri Manoj Joshi and esteemed trustee Shri Bhargav Patel, whose presence brought immense honour to the event. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to Mentor Shri Ajay Bankda, whose continuous support helped bring this vision to life.

27, Feb 2025
CavinKare Ability Awards 2025: Six Exceptional Disability Advocates Honoured for Their Achievements

Bengaluru, 27th February 2025: Honouring six exceptional achievers with disabilities from across the country, CavinKare, in collaboration with Ability Foundation, one of the nation’s leading NGOs, hosted the 23rd edition of the CavinKare Ability Awards in the city today. Recognizing their relentless pursuit as changemakers who challenged societal norms, the event witnessed several dignitaries like Shri A R. Rahman, Dr. Vinod Surana & Dr. Mariazeena Johnson expressing solidarity with the cause. The evening also featured a captivating Mohiniyattam performance by the esteemed Kalaimamani Gopika Varma and her troupe, further enriching the event’s spirit of inclusivity and cultural appreciation.

Cavinkare

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. C K Ranganathan, Chairman and Managing Director, CavinKare Pvt. Ltd. said, “I am very happy to celebrate the incredible achievements of individuals with disabilities who have defied limitations and set new benchmarks for excellence. The CavinKare Ability Awards stands as a testament to their resilience, talent, and indomitable spirit. At CavinKare, we take immense pride in recognizing and honouring these extraordinary achievers, whose inspiring stories encourage us all to embrace inclusivity and challenge societal perceptions. Through this initiative, we aim to foster a more empowered and inclusive society where every individual is inspired to dream big and achieve beyond boundaries.”

Congratulating the recipients Ms. Jayshree Raveendran, Founder & Hon. Executive Director, Ability Foundation, made her point by saying: “Today, as we gather to celebrate remarkable accomplishments, we are not merely recognizing individual successes, we are also amplifying the powerful voices of a diverse community. Through these awards, millions of India’s disabled individuals are speaking, loud and clear, asserting that they deserve to be noticed, accepted, and celebrated for who they truly are. Each recipient here embodies the resilience of countless others who are still striving to break free from the constraints imposed by society. As they break these constraints, it is imperative that society, in turn, acknowledges their vast potential and fosters an environment where their contributions are just waiting to be utilized.”

The recipients of this year’s awards were meticulously selected by an eminent panel of jurors, which included Mr. Madhan Karky, Lyricist and Screenwriter; Ms. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation; Justice (Retd.) Prabha Sridevan, Former Judge of the Madras High Court; Mr. Kapil Viswanathan, Co-founder of Krea University and President of IFMR; and Mr. S. Sethuraman, Chartered Accountant.

Established in the year 2003, the CavinKare Ability Awards have been recognizing exemplary services as well as accomplishments of achievers with disabilities. This esteemed national award is divided into three categories: the CavinKare Ability Award for Eminence, the CavinKare Ability Mastery Awards and CavinKare Ability Special Recognition Award.

The recipients of CavinKare Ability Awards 2025 are:

CavinKare Ability Special Recognition Award:
Sarah Sunny, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Sarah Sunny is India’s first deaf lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court, marking a historic step toward an inclusive legal system. Despite systemic barriers, including the lack of sign language interpreters trained in legal terminology, she persisted, advocating for accessibility in the judiciary. Raised in Bengaluru, she studied law at St. Joseph’s College and got enrolled as an advocate in 2021. Her success challenges stereotypes and paves the way for greater representation of deaf professionals in law.

CavinKare Ability Award for Eminence:
Poonam Shroti, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Poonam Shroti is a passionate disability rights advocate who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that causes fragile bones. Despite facing numerous challenges, Poonam defied societal expectations by completing her education and thriving in the corporate world. She founded Uddip Social Welfare Society to empower individuals with disabilities, particularly in India’s tier-two cities, through education, employment, and advocacy. Uddip’s initiatives have impacted hundreds, promoting inclusion, dignity, and independence.

CavinKare Ability Mastery Awards:
Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat

Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh is a celebrated Indian Para Swimmer and advocate for disability rights. After being diagnosed with paraplegia due to a tumor, Shams turned to sports, achieving remarkable success. He holds the World Record for the Longest Open Sea Swim by a Paraplegic and has won 31 national medals. He is a 2018 Asian Para Games participant. Shams has also earned an MBA and launched initiatives like the Active Wheelchair Project to improve mobility for people with disabilities. Honoured with numerous awards, including the President’s Best Sportsperson with Disability Award, Shams continues to inspire with his vision for greater accessibility and inclusion in sports. At the Reykjavik International Games in January 2025, he further strengthened his legacy by securing six medals-one gold, three silver, and two bronze, while setting a new National and Asian record in the 200m Breaststroke.

Miranda Tomkinson, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Miranda Tomkinson is a lecturer in the Department of Special Education at NIEPMD, with a focus on Deafblindness and Special Education for Multiple Disabilities. As the first Deafblind individual in India to complete a major in Special Education, Miranda holds three postgraduate degrees and has cleared the UGC NET exams in Sociology and Education. He is known for his innovative teaching methods and research contributions, including his work on assistive technologies like NUANCE DRAGON. Through his blog, YouTube channel, and upcoming book, Miranda advocates for greater inclusion and awareness for individuals with Deafblindness and multiple disabilities.

 Arshad Pandit, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

Arshad Pandit is an Associate Professor at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and a pioneering researcher in medical genetics and cancer diagnostics. In 1995, Arshad’s life was dramatically changed when he was shot by terrorists, leaving him paraplegic. Despite the immense physical and emotional challenges, he went on to earn a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Immunology. He has secured over 12 crores in research funding and developed a hand-controlled driving system for independence. Arshad today mentors individuals with disabilities, promoting mobility, independence, and integration into society.

Jilumol Mariet Thomas, Thodupuzha, Kerala

Jilumol Mariet Thomas, born without arms due to thalidomide syndrome, is a self-employed graphic designer and a member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Association. She uses her feet for tasks like typing, sketching, and creating digital artwork. Jilumol holds the 2021 Best Painter of the Year Award and is also a skilled foot painter with works displayed in exhibitions. In 2023, she became the first female in Asia without arms to receive a four-wheeler license. Jilumol has also ventured into dubbing for Malayalam cinema and is a motivational speaker.

27, Feb 2025
WSO2 Scores High in NPS H2 2024, Reflecting Strong Customer Satisfaction

Bengaluru, 27 February 2025: – WSO2 – a leading independent software vendor specializing in open-source API management, integration, and identity and access management (IAM) products, achieved a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 60 and a record high Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) score of 4.41. The survey figures reflect WSO2’s customer-centric approach towards innovating its products and services.

Customer satisfaction at the core of WSO2’s commitment to delivering seamless and efficient solutions to organizations. The company has launched a real-time feedback feature within its support portal to ensure a frictionless customer experience, enabling these organizations to share feedback instantly and address issues proactively.

wso2

“The feedback helps in technological evolution at WSO2,” said Ruwan Linton, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, WSO2, “Customer satisfaction is more than a metric, it is the foundation built on honesty, transparency, and inclusivity. We want to extend a huge thank you to all our customers who participated in the survey.”

WSO2 remains committed to empowering enterprises with scalable, secure, and future-ready solutions tailored for success in the digital era. Regular customer feedback allows WSO2 to strengthen its expertise, accelerate innovation and expand its footprint globally. Real-time feedback helps the company to provide customized solutions to its customers.

27, Feb 2025
Your Data, Their Gold: The Silent Battle for Digital Freedom

Neelesh Kripalani, Chief Technology Officer, Clover Infotech

By-Mr. Neelesh Kripalani, Chief Technology Officer at Clover Infotech

 In today’s digital age, personal data is more valuable than ever—not just to individuals but also to corporations, governments, and cybercriminals. Every click, scroll, and search contributes to a vast data economy, where information is the new gold. Yet, as the world becomes more interconnected, a silent battle is being waged: the fight to maintain digital freedom while protecting privacy.

 The Rise of Data Privacy Concerns
Cybercrimes in India have surged, with over 1.2 million cases reported in the first nine months of 2024, averaging 7,000 per day. Experts predict a further rise in 2025, driven by AI-powered malware and IoT-based attacks. The Data Security Council warns of increasing threats to critical infrastructure and personal data, along with the growing sophistication of social engineering tactics.

 The recent Star Health Insurance data leak exemplifies these risks, where hackers exploited Telegram chatbots to leak sensitive customer information, including medical records and personal identification details. While legal action was taken to mitigate the damage, such incidents highlight the vulnerabilities in data security and the urgent need for stronger regulatory measures and corporate accountability.

 Data privacy has now become a pressing issue. How much should companies be allowed to know about us? Who owns the data that we create? Can we, as individuals, maintain control over our personal information, or are we at the mercy of data-driven corporations? On the other end of the spectrum lies digital freedom—the ability to move, share, and interact in the digital world without unnecessary restrictions. Hence, the dilemma arises: Is true freedom worth sacrificing privacy?

 The Silent Battle: Data Privacy vs. Digital Freedom
Here lies the crux of the dilemma: How do we strike the right balance between protecting individual privacy and enabling the freedom that defines the digital age?
• Surveillance vs. Autonomy: While companies and governments argue that surveillance is necessary to improve services, enhance security, and ensure a safe digital experience, excessive surveillance can erode personal autonomy and lead to the loss of privacy.
• Freedom of Expression vs. Data Exploitation: Social media platforms encourage open expression, idea-sharing, and community building. However, every post and interaction generate valuable data that can be monetized.
• Convenience vs. Control: We all love the convenience of personalized recommendations and tailored content. But in exchange, we give up control over the data used to generate those experiences. The more personalized the service, the more data is being tracked—often without full transparency.
• Security vs. Privacy: The more secure a system, the more data it may require for authentication, tracking, and fraud prevention.

 Is federated architecture the solution?
As we move forward, the solution lies in finding a balance—one where data privacy is respected while still allowing individuals the freedom to explore, create, and communicate without fear of surveillance. One approach that addresses both privacy and security concerns is a federated architecture—a decentralized model that ensures data is not stored in a single repository but distributed across multiple independent entities.

 • Minimizing Data Breach Risks: Instead of a centralized database vulnerable to mass breaches, federated systems store data in separate nodes (e.g., banks, healthcare providers, and digital identity systems). A breach in one entity does not compromise the entire ecosystem.
• Privacy by Design: Users share only the minimum required data through secure APIs and encryption techniques like zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), ensuring sensitive information remains private.
• User Control Over Data: Federated identity management allows individuals to authenticate across multiple services without repeatedly sharing passwords, reducing exposure to data misuse.

 Real-World Example – India Stack & UPI: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) operates on a federated model, where multiple banks process transactions without a single entity controlling all user data, thereby reducing privacy risks while operating at a massive scale. To put this into perspective, in January 2025, UPI processed approximately 16.996 billion transactions, amounting to ₹23.48 lakh crore.

 By adopting federated models and robust encryption techniques, digital ecosystems can uphold privacy without sacrificing digital freedom. This ensures that individuals remain in control of their data while mitigating large-scale cyber threats.

27, Feb 2025
Navigate Fertility Challenges After the Age of 35

Dr. Avir Sarkar

By- Dr. Avir Sarkar, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIIMS College & Hospital

The complicated way of battling infertility beyond 35 may appear like a complex situation, but knowing the options can make the situation less hectic. With age, women lose both the quantity and quality of their eggs, which can have an impact on fertility. At the same time, there are multiple methods and treatments to help optimize chances for conception. An initial consultation with a fertility specialist may evaluate reproductive health through hormone level checks, ultrasounds, and a partner’s semen analysis. Lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, and stress management such as yoga or meditation may also help in enhancing fertility.

Treatment options to help overcome infertility exist for women above 35 years of age. Irregular cycles in her ovulation-inducing medications such as Clomid or Letrozole present drugs inducing FSH and LH. IUI: placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus to increase the likelihood of fertilization. ART in vitro fertilization is the highest technique; only a lucky few can succeed with it. Egg freezing is when a woman’s eggs are frozen for future use when her intention might be to delay pregnancy. Donor eggs or embryos would conceivably come into play with diminished ovarian reserve. And explored would also be gestational surrogacy, once one cannot risk carrying a pregnancy of her own.

Early treatment and skilled counseling greatly increase the chances of success. If there are fertility problems, seeing medical help and considering possible treatments should be a priority for improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

27, Feb 2025
Shri Baba Kalyani’s Visit to MahaKumbh

Shri Baba Kalyani, ,CMD, Bharat Forge Visit to MahaKumbh (4)

Shri Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd., took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam during the MahaKumbh in Prayagraj, along with his family. Mr. Kalyani paid heartfelt homage to his parents on the death anniversary of his mother. He also performed Tarpan, as per Hindu traditions in the memory of all the ancestors of the family.

27, Feb 2025
Actors share their celebrations of Mahashivratri

Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) Mahashivrtari

Mahashivratri, one of the most auspicious festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds deep spiritual significance for millions across India. For many, it is a time of devotion, reflection, and seeking divine blessings. &TV artists share how they celebrate Mahashivratri, the traditions they follow, and the profound connection they feel with Lord Shiva during this sacred occasion. These include Geetanjali Mishra (Rajesh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan). and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai).

Geetanjali Mishra, aka Rajesh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan shares, “Mahashivratri has always held immense spiritual significance for me. I belong from Varanasi, Shiv ki Nagri, the celebrations of Mahashivratri there felt truly divine. I have cherished memories of celebrating the festival with my family. My mother had a beautiful ritual she would light a diya in front of Lord Shiva, offer water and bel leaves to the Shivling, and spend time in deep meditation. Watching her devotion left a lasting impact on me, and I continue to follow the same tradition even today. Every Mahashivratri, I make it a point to light a diya, offer water to the Shivling, and meditate, feeling the powerful energy of this sacred day. It is a time that helps me stay grounded, seek inner peace, and express gratitude for life’s blessings. This year, I am planning to visit Trimbakeshwar to continue my spiritual journey and immerse myself in the divine energy of Lord Shiva.”

 Shubhangi Atre, aka Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, “Growing up in Indore, Mahashivratri has always been a grand celebration in our family. I fondly remember going to temples with my father, participating in the midnight aarti, and feeling the divine energy all around. Those childhood memories are deeply etched in my heart. Even today, I make it a point to visit a temple, offer flowers, fruits, and milk to the Shivling, and recite Shiva mantras. This year felt even more special as I was truly blessed to get the darshan of Lord Shiva at both Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir in Varanasi and Shri Mahakal Mandir in Ujjain, back-to-back. It was a surreal and divine experience that strengthened my spiritual connection. I offered my heartfelt prayers to Lord Shiva for my father’s speedy recovery and felt an overwhelming sense of peace and hope. My devotion to Shiva keeps guiding me through life, and I look forward to visiting more Jyotirlingas soon. For me, Mahashivratri is not just a festival; it is a day of deep reflection, devotion, and pure bliss.”

27, Feb 2025
Shreya Prakash, CEO of Flexibees, Celebrated as Aurora Tech Award 2025 Finalist

New Delhi, 27th February 2025: Shreya Prakash, co-founder and CEO of FlexiBees, has been recognized as one of the top 10 female entrepreneurs and the finalist in the Aurora Tech Award 2025—a prestigious global prize celebrating women-led technology startups.The annual award spotlights the best female founders in emerging markets, celebrating visionary women entrepreneurs who are redefining the technology landscape.

FlexiBees addresses a critical global challenge: low female workforce participation, particularly in India and beyond. The platform connects experienced women professionals with businesses through flexible, project-based, and remote work models, creating a win-win solution for both talent and employers.

Since its inception, FlexiBees has empowered over 85,000 women professionals and provided talent solutions to 850+ businesses globally. With an ambitious vision, the company aims to impact 5 million women over the next five years through job opportunities and skilling initiatives, targeting a $200 million revenue milestone.

Shreya Prakash, CEO, Flexibees

Beyond business, FlexiBees is making strides toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8—Gender Equality and Decent Work & Economic Growth—by fostering economic inclusion for women.

This year’s shortlist features trailblazing founders from MENA, LATAM, Central Asia, and APAC, each leading startups offering solutions across industries ranging from artificial intelligence and fintech to health tech and beyond.

  • Shreya Prakash, founder of FlexiBees (India) – flexible talent platform with vetting for women.
  • Laura Velásquez Herrera, founder of Arkangel AI (Colombia) – AI SaaS that transforms medical data into AI algorithms without code.
  • Manzo Nyifamu Ogechi, founder of Farmatrix (Nigeria) – an easier means to buy and supply farm products.
  • Gulnaza Khalmanbetova, founder of Mama Space (Kyrgyzstan) – an AI-guided support system for moms and moms-to-be.
  • Thais Sterenberg de Oliveira, founder of Elephan (Brazilia) – an AI-enabled B2B SaaS that helps to attract and manage leads and clients.
  • Leonie Korn, founder of UpLeap (Switzerland) – an AI-driven platform to revolutionize medical training through short, hands-on simulations.
  • Veronica Lee, founder Borderless ( Uzbekistan) – an all-in-one AI-powered college counseling platform for international students.
  • Solape Akinpelu, founder of HerVest (Nigeria) – a fintech platform empowering women through inclusive financial services.
  • Loretxu García, founder of Nido Contech (Chile), nature-based solutions for the construction industry.
  • Heiura Itae Tetaa, founder of E-Reo (French Polynesia) – a solution for digitizing indigenous languages.

Earlier, four Indian startups– Aica Health, Dzylo, MAMMA-MIYA and Tech4Good Community had made it to the longlist of the coveted Aurora Tech Award.

The Aurora Tech Award is an annual global prize dedicated to supporting and recognizing women founders of early-stage technology startups. Established in 2020 by inDrive, the award champions female entrepreneurs who drive innovation and create meaningful social impact through technology.

“Aurora isn’t just a tech award—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of unicorn founders in emerging markets. With funding, high-profile investor access, and a global network, we back the boldest women in tech who are building ventures that will redefine industries”, said head of the Aurora Tech Awards, Isabella Ghassemi-Smith.