Category Archives: News

2nd Year Scaler School of Technology Students Build Advanced Gen AI Tool to Transform Tech Learning and Career Prep

Mumbai, December 26th, 2024: Three second-year students from Scaler School of Technology (SST), a fully residential UG Program in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, have created “Scaler Companion,” an advanced generative AI tool, which is now integrated into Scaler’s upskilling and UG education offerings. This tool is modelled on Anshuman Singh, one of the most celebrated teachers at Scaler. Developed by students – Ayaan Khan, Abhinav Gupta, and Pritam Sharma, this AI companion suite provides learners with tailored interview preparation, real-time support, and effective study aids.

Ayaan, Abhinav, and Pritam—all 19—looked up to their mentor and Scaler co-founder, Anshuman Singh, who was widely recognised for his teaching expertise and extensive industry experience. They built Scaler Companion to replicate his impact on their learning journey, incorporating an AI avatar modelled on Anshuman to capture his knowledge and instructional style.

Motivated to create a tool to support Scaler’s upskilling participants and their batch mates at SST, the trio combined their technical skills to develop Scaler Companion. With Ayaan specialising in AI integration, Abhinav focusing on backend development, and Pritam handling frontend design, they crafted a solution that enhances learning and interview readiness for aspiring tech professionals.

The standout feature of Scaler Companion is its interview preparation module, offering company-specific mock interviews modelled after hiring practices at firms like Google and Meta. This feature integrates the AI avatar of Anshuman Singh, which uses his voice and persona to deliver a highly realistic and authentic simulation. This feature allows students and professionals to target their interview preparations for specific companies. While building Meta’s London office, Anshuman conducted over 500 hiring interviews across leading institutes like IITs and Nanyang Technological University. The same expertise has been thoughtfully incorporated into the AI, bringing unmatched credibility to Scaler Companion as an invaluable resource for learners.

In addition to its interview preparation capabilities, Scaler Companion supports students’ retention and review of course material by creating flashcard summaries. After each live session, the tool consolidates lecture transcripts, instructor notes, and related reading materials into concise, personalised flashcards, making it easier for learners to absorb critical concepts.

Additionally, Scaler Companion extends its utility by offering on-demand generative AI support to answer course-related questions, ensuring immediate assistance during learning. By addressing roughly 60% of questions independently, the tool reduces dependency on human aid, providing immediate, automated support and allowing for more uninterrupted learning. With regular updates on Scaler-related content, the tool ensures that students receive relevant answers in real-time.

This tool was developed using OpenAI and Claude models for AI capabilities, with backend functionalities powered by FastAPI, a Python framework. The students used advanced voice and speech technology to make the tool respond faster and more smoothly, incorporating PlayHT’s voice features and GROQ’s speech-to-text for an improved user experience.

Anshuman Singh, co-founder of InterviewBit & Scaler, said, “The successful development of the AI Study Companion by SST students Ayaan, Pritam and Abhinav has been an immense source of pride for Scaler. Their contributions have been a true testament to their entrepreneurial spirit. In a short span of time, they have performed at a level comparable to seasoned engineers, showcasing the transformative talent that our programs helped nurture. I feel truly honoured by the students’ decision to model the video avatar for the mock interview module after me. I am excited to see these innovative features already enhancing the learning experience. “

Looking ahead, the young developers plan to enhance Scaler Companion further, exploring features like real-time interactive feedback with synchronised lip movements to create an even more immersive interview experience. With a mock interview alignment rate of 95%, Scaler Companion offers highly realistic preparation opportunities for students. The tool has significantly reduced dependency on human support, with 98.6% of queries being addressed by the Companion, minimising the need for a human Teaching Assistant intervention. These advancements will empower learners at Scaler School of Technology and professionals in Scaler’s upskilling programs, supporting them at every stage of their educational and career development journey.

Earlier this year, Ayaan Khan gained significant attention for his hand gesture-based gaming technology, an innovative project that went viral, showcasing his ingenuity and problem-solving skills. His recent work on Scaler Companion, created with Abhinav Gupta and Pritam Sharma, demonstrates the practical skills students are developing at Scaler School of Technology.

The Circle FC successfully supports 7 Indian companies as part of the delegation to COMEUP 2024 in Seoul, South Korea

New Delhi, December 26th, 2024 – The Circle: Founders Club (The Circle FC), a leading cross-border business accelerator for growth-stage startups, has successfully concluded the Korea Market Immersion Program (KMIP) at COMEUP 2024, South Korea’s largest global startup event. The week-long high-impact delegation, scheduled from December 9th to December 14th, 2024, provided Indian entrepreneurs unparalleled exposure to one of Asia’s most dynamic startup ecosystems and technological innovation hub.

The Circle FC’s delegation included companies from diverse sector, like BVersity (Virtual University for Biotech), Aspire India (Employee growth through habit formation), Adgcraft (Comprehensive PR services), Hana Advisors (Business strategy services), Klug Klug (Influencer Marketing Analytics), Dubverse.ai (AI based Video Dubbing Platform) and Nimble Vision (IoT based smart water and sewage management). They showcased their innovations during the Global Community Pitching competition, where startups from 15 countries participated.

At COMEUP 2024, hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Government of South Korea, Indian startups participated at the India Pavilion, supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Startup India, drawing global attention and networking opportunities. The event organised by Korea Startup Forum, was held under the theme “Innovation Beyond Borders,” and attracted over 20,000 attendees, 260+ startups, and 300+ investors from across the world.

The delegation also engaged in targeted B2B meetings with leading venture capitalists (VCs), corporate venture capitalists (CVCs), top corporations, accelerators, and leading universities unlocking opportunities for strategic partnerships, investments, and market expansion. Startups further explored South Korea’s innovation-driven economy through curated ecosystem tours and direct exposure to government initiatives through visits to Global Startup Centre, K-Startup Grand Challenge, Korea Social Innovation Fund, Indo-Korea Chamber of Commerce amongst others. These sessions highlighted policies, grants, and programs designed to support international businesses entering the market.

Speaking about the success of the Korea Market Immersion Program, Nemesisa Ujjain, VP & Head of The Circle FC, said: “With South Korea emerging as a natural entry point for Indian startups into the broader Asia-Pacific region, KMIP provided them an opportunity to expand horizons, access global investors, and establish strong connections with the Korean ecosystem.”

With the resounding success of this program, the Circle FC is already planning its next cohort, aiming to bring more Indian startups to international markets like Taiwan, Japan, and beyond in 2025.

Tenable outlines cybersecurity trends likely to crystalise in 2025

By-Jason Merrick, SVP of Product at Tenable

Everything, everywhere, all at once is not sustainable without context

“As the attack surface continues to expand and threat actors grow more sophisticated, cybersecurity teams will face an overwhelming flood of fragmented vulnerability and threat intelligence data. The days of linear attacks are fading, giving rise to multifaceted, rapid incursions that exploit numerous entry points. In this increasingly chaotic landscape, the inability to remediate everything, everywhere, all at once will make context king. Organisations that prioritise understanding the greatest risk to their business and the most critical vulnerabilities will win. This contextual approach will redefine vulnerability management, enabling cybersecurity teams to act strategically, swiftly, and with greater precision to mitigate threats effectively.”

By-Bob Huber, CSO and Head of Research at Tenable

AI adoption will outpace our ability to get educated on it and secure it

“By 2025, AI adoption will likely have already outpaced our ability to educate users and secure these rapidly evolving technologies fully. As organisations prioritise efficiency and return on investment, the adoption of technologies like AI and cloud continues to surge. However, this swift evolution presents a critical challenge: the knowledge gap. Many users and organisations are struggling to keep pace with the education and training needed to comprehensively understand and protect these technologies. This creates a pressing dilemma—how can we safeguard innovations like AI and cloud when their complexity and growth outstrip our readiness? The challenge for CISOs lies in striking a balance between driving forward technological adoption and ensuring the security and resilience of these tools. Bridging this gap sooner rather than later will be critical for organisations.”

By-Liat Hayun, VP of product and research, Tenable Cloud Security

Multicloud Security Will Dominate as CISOs Embrace Multi-Vendor Platforms

“Multicloud strategies will become the standard in 2025. Enterprises will become increasingly wary of ‘putting all their eggs’ in one cloud service provider basket due to the centralised risk that a single cloud service provider poses. As a result, more and more CISOs will start to prioritise multi-vendor security platforms to ensure consistent protection across diverse environments (i.e., meeting compliance requirements and securely scaling AI-driven workloads).”

Top Job Roles That Will Emerge in Green Manufacturing in 2025

With sustainability at the forefront of global industry transformation, India is leading the way in revolutionizing green manufacturing. Driven by bold climate goals—reducing emissions intensity by 35% by 2030, achieving 40% non-fossil power capacity, and accelerating investments in renewable energy—the country is reshaping its industrial future. This shift is creating an urgent need for skilled professionals in green jobs, with projections indicating a two-fold increase in the sector’s workforce by 2030, positioning green manufacturing as a cornerstone of India’s sustainable growth.

In light of these trends, Mr. Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, shares insights on the top job roles that will define the green workforce transformation in 2025.

1. Sustainability Design Engineer

Sustainability design engineers will be crucial in creating eco-friendly products and processes. These professionals will design products with minimal carbon footprints, incorporate renewable materials, and optimize energy efficiency. With the rise of sustainable engineering practices, companies will need experts who can innovate while adhering to stringent environmental regulations.

2. Green Supply Chain Analyst

Green supply chain analysts will be essential for ensuring sustainability across the manufacturing value chain. They will evaluate suppliers, optimize logistics, and implement eco-friendly packaging solutions. The role also involves monitoring emissions and finding opportunities to reduce waste, aligning supply chain operations with global sustainability goals.

3. Energy Efficiency Specialist

As factories transition to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency specialists will become indispensable. They will oversee the integration of solar, wind, and other renewable energies into manufacturing plants. These specialists will also monitor energy consumption, identify inefficiencies, and develop strategies to achieve net-zero energy goals.

4. Carbon Footprint Auditor

Carbon footprint auditors will ensure that manufacturing operations comply with environmental standards. These professionals will assess carbon emissions, recommend mitigation strategies, and help companies adopt green certifications. This role will be key to maintaining transparency and meeting the growing demand for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance.

5. Circular Economy Specialist

A circular economy specialist will focus on extending the lifecycle of products by implementing reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling strategies. This role is central to reducing waste and maximizing resource utilization. Specialists in this area will collaborate with design and production teams to embed circular principles into the manufacturing process.

6. Renewable Energy Business Engineers

Renewable energy business engineers drive the integration of solar, wind, and bioenergy solutions into manufacturing. By assessing project feasibility and optimizing renewable energy systems, these professionals ensure sustainable energy use in industrial settings.

7. Project Finance Analyst

Project finance analysts secure funding for green manufacturing projects by evaluating financial viability, developing funding strategies, and managing budgets to ensure the financial sustainability of renewable energy and green infrastructure initiatives.

8. Land Acquisition Manager

Land acquisition managers identify and secure land for green manufacturing projects like solar and wind farms. Collaborating with landowners, government bodies, and environmental agencies, they ensure compliance with legal and environmental standards.

9. Power Electronics Specialist

Power electronics specialists develop systems that regulate energy use in electric motors, renewable energy, and storage solutions. Their focus is on improving energy efficiency and reducing waste in green manufacturing operations.

10. Project Specialist

Project specialists manage and coordinate green manufacturing projects from concept to execution. They oversee timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring projects align with sustainability goals and meet environmental regulations. Their role is crucial for ensuring the successful implementation of green initiatives in the manufacturing sector.

As India moves towards a greener future, the need for skilled professionals in sustainability-driven roles is on the rise. Mr. Kumar points out that empowering the workforce with the necessary expertise will be key to India’s success in sustainable industrial development.

NMDC Swarojgar Yojana Sparks Self-Employment Revolution in Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh

Dec 26, 2024, Mumbai, India: In a ground-breaking initiative, NMDC Ltd., India’s largest iron ore producer, has joined hands with the Chhattisgarh government to launch the transformative NMDC Swarojgar Yojana. This innovative Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program is rewriting the socio-economic fabric of Kondagaon district, driving self-employment, financial empowerment, and community upliftment in one of India’s most remote & less privileged regions.

Nestled in the tribal heartland of Chhattisgarh, Kondagaon has long grappled with limited employment avenues. The NMDC Swarojgar Yojana is changing this narrative by equipping youth and women with the resources and skills they need to embark on entrepreneurial journeys. With a total budget of ₹1 crore, the program has disbursed ₹40 lakh in its first phase, supporting over 40 individuals in setting up businesses ranging from dairy farming and tea shops to mobile repair shops. Beneficiaries now earn sustainable monthly incomes ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, creating ripples of economic vitality across the region.

“This initiative is a game-changer for Kondagaon,” said a district official overseeing the program. “It’s not just about financial aid; it’s about empowering individuals to believe in themselves and their potential. We’re already seeing incredible success stories emerge.”

Smt. Babita Sarkar, from Jugani Camp Village in Farasgaon block of Kondagaon, exemplifies the program’s life-changing impact. With ₹1 lakh in funding that she received from NMDC Swarojgar Yojana, she purchased two cows and started a dairy business. “Before this program, I didn’t know if I could even afford to send my daughters to school,” Babita shared, with tears in her eyes. “Now, I’m building a future not just for myself but for my family.” Before this initiative, Smt. Sarkar relied on daily wage labour, which offered limited income and job security. Today, she earns ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 monthly and support her daughters’ higher education, a dream that once seemed out of reach. Her journey symbolizes the program’s potential to lift families out of poverty and inspire hope.

Another remarkable beneficiary is Smt. Lakshmi Nisad, a street vendor from Baderajpur village. Armed with the support of the NMDC Swarojgar Yojana, she set up a thriving snacks and tea stall in the local market. In a bustling corner of Baderajpur market, Lakshmi serves steaming cups of tea to a steady stream of customers. The aroma of freshly fried pakoras wafts through the air as she greets patrons with a warm smile. With her entrepreneurial spirit and hard work, she now earns ₹800 to ₹1,200 per day. “I never thought I could run a business, let alone one that makes me proud,” Lakshmi remarked, smiling as she served tea to her regular customers. “The support I received from NMDC has changed my life and given me a sense of purpose.”

The success stories don’t end here. The ripple effects of the program are evident across Kondagaon. Shri Tuleswar Nevra, also from Baderajpur, started a grocery shop that now serves as a lifeline for the community. Earning ₹700 to ₹800 daily, his shop not only provides essential goods in the region, but also positions him as a vital contributor to the local economy. “NMDC’s initiative gave me the push I needed to take this step,” Nevra shared, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to build a sustainable livelihood.

Since its launch, the program has supported over 40 individuals becoming self-reliant and financially secure. The initiative operates through a revolving fund mechanism, ensuring that financial resources are reinvested to support future entrepreneurs. The district administration has implemented a transparent monitoring system, led by the CEO of Janpad Panchayat and officials from the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), to ensure that the program’s benefits reach those who need them most.

For NMDC, this initiative represents more than just a CSR activity; it is a mission to drive sustainable development and self-reliance. NMDC Swarojgar Yojana stands as a shining example of how targeted interventions can catalyse transformative change in rural areas. As more lives are touched and stories rewritten, the program is lighting a beacon of hope in rural India.

NMDC, through its diverse and impactful CSR initiatives, has been a catalyst for transforming lives in the remote regions where it operates. Programs such as the Balika Shiksha Yojana empower 40 tribal girls annually, enabling them to pursue professional nursing education and build promising careers in healthcare. The Aastha Gurukul program provides underprivileged children with holistic education, fostering academic growth and personal development. Additionally, the Saksham initiative ensures inclusivity by supporting children with special needs, addressing their unique requirements, and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. These initiatives reflect NMDC’s commitment to social responsibility and community upliftment.

Bridging Physical and Virtual Worlds: The Rise of Digital Twins in Immersive Technology

By-Anant Roongta, Managing Director, Famous Studios and Co-Founder, Warehouse 47

 In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, one of the most fascinating concepts gaining traction is the notion of Digital Twins. These virtual replicas of physical objects, systems, or environments are being used to create detailed, real-time simulations of the real world, bridging the gap between the physical and virtual realms. From industrial applications to gaming and urban planning, digital twins are reshaping how we interact with and understand the world around us.

 What Are Digital Twins?
A Digital Twin is a virtual model or simulation of a physical entity, be it a product, process, or environment. These models mirror their real-world counterparts in terms of structure, behaviour, and interactions, continuously updated with real-time data. Think of a digital twin as a “living” digital counterpart — a dynamic model that evolves with the real-world object it represents.

 How Digital Twins Work: Real-Time Simulations
The power of digital twins is its ability to create a real-time simulation of a physical environment. This simulation can be fed with data from sensors embedded in the real-world object, providing an up-to-the-minute virtual replica of the physical entity’s current state. Whether it’s a building, a factory, or even a human body, the digital twin updates constantly, reflecting changes, wear, and tear, or any kind of variation in the real-world object it represents.

 For example, in smart buildings, sensors can monitor temperature, humidity, lighting, and energy consumption. This data is then transmitted to the digital twin of the building, which allows operators to see real-time metrics and make decisions to optimize energy use or prevent maintenance issues. In the entertainment industry, digital twins are being leveraged to create detailed and interactive virtual environments. Video games, VR experiences, and virtual production in filmmaking all benefit from the use of digital twins, allowing creators to simulate realistic worlds that feel immersive and authentic.

 Filmmakers can use a digital twin of a real-world location to generate virtual sets in virtual production—merging real-time visual effects with physical acting in a controlled environment. When I joined Famous Studios, I saw an opportunity to modernize and blend creativity with the latest technologies to meet the evolving demands of the industry. We also forged a significant partnership with Netflix, becoming their preferred post-production partner. This collaboration allowed us to scale our capabilities, particularly for long-format OTT content, and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly digital landscape. To support this growth, we launched a state-of-the-art post-production facility designed to handle the complexities of modern content creation. We also introduced Visual Engineering, Motion Capture, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Virtual Production, and VFX. I also co-founded Warehouse 47, where we craft unique, one-of-a-kind brand activations using cutting-edge technology, compelling content creation, and innovative product launches, positioning us as a key player in transforming the tech content production industry.

 The Future of Digital Twins in Immersive Technology
As Internet of Things (IoT) devices proliferate and the capabilities of AI, machine learning, and data analytics continue to grow, the potential of digital twins will expand exponentially. Immersive technologies like VR and AR will evolve to create even more seamless interactions between the physical and virtual worlds. We can expect digital twins to become integral to industries ranging from automotive and energy to education and entertainment.

 In the near future, entire cities may be simulated in real-time, offering a fully interactive platform where urban planners, emergency services, and government bodies can monitor, predict, and react to any event. Healthcare may reach a point where digital twins of individual organs or even cells can be used to test the effects of drugs or surgical procedures before they are applied to real patients.

 Ultimately, digital twins represent the fusion of the physical and digital worlds, enabling us to see, understand, and interact with our environment in ways that were previously unimaginable. As technology advances, these digital simulations will become more sophisticated, offering new opportunities to solve complex problems, improve lives, and transform industries.

 The integration of digital twins and immersive technologies is revolutionizing how we perceive and interact with the world around us. By creating virtual models that mirror physical environments, these technologies are opening up new possibilities for industries to optimize performance, enhance decision-making, and improve efficiency. As we continue to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, the potential applications of digital twins will only continue to grow, offering exciting opportunities for innovation, creativity, and progress across multiple sectors.

Driving Sustainable Crop Protection Through Microbial Solutions

Sustainable Agriculture is at the forefront of addressing the challenges that are associated with global food security. The utilization of microbial solutions is of critical importance in the enhancement of crop protection, the promotion of soil health, and the reduction of chemical inputs.

 When it comes to improving crop quality and production, the market is currently witnessing the introduction of a multitude of innovations and new procedures. Here are the leading companies following & businesses that are creating innovative efforts to revolutionize the agricultural sector.

 IPL Biologicals: IPL Biologicals stands out as a technology-driven company, that produces innovative biological solutions for crop preservation. The company has been on a wonderful journey of quality and innovation ever since it was established back in 1994. Their microbial solution-based products are ensured to be completely safe and achieve organic efficiency for crops. IPL Biologicals manufactures products of high quality using powerful strains that can grow in agroclimatic conditions. The biological product mix offered by IPL includes plant growth promoters, decomposers, biopesticides, bio fungicides, bioinsecticides, seed treatment products, and biofertilizers. It supplies solutions to farmers from all parts of India, where it has a marketing and distribution network covering all parts of the country.

Crystal Crop Protection Limited: With a legacy spanning 40 years, Crystal Group has remained a bulwark in Indian agriculture, dedicated to serving landowners’ crop protection needs. At the forefront of manufacturing, formulation, and marketing in the crop protection areas of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and plant growth regulators/micronutrients. The group’s commitment to providing affordable but highly potent solutions has drawn wide recognition, and it has emerged as a partner for farmers in enhancing yields and adopting sustainable agricultural practices.

 IFFCO Kisan: IFFCO Kisan is a pioneering organization transforming agricultural practices through digital innovation and forward-thinking strategies. Their aim is to enhance the agri-business ecosystem with a sustainable and climate-resilient agri-commodities value chain. They have onboarded over millions of farms nationwide, covering 100+ crops and varieties. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and data insights, we empower farmers to revolutionize their agricultural practices, enhancing profitability and embracing climate-smart, demand-driven farming practices anchored in sustainability. Committed to direct empowerment, they strive to integrate the latest technology, fostering innovation at farmers’ fingertips for a sustainable and thriving farming community.

 Tropical Agrosystem: Tropical Agrosystem (India) Private Limited is a leader in the crop protection and plant nutrition industry in India. Tropical Agro has a focused portfolio that consists of the four segments of chemical, biological, and organic farming, which makes it an industrial leader in developing agricultural solutions that promote crop growth and the health of the soil, along with comprehensive protection for the crops in all seasons. The company was founded in 1969, presents itself with a USD 147 million turnover, and is part of ‘The Jhaver Group,’ an international group of companies with a century-old legacy. Thereby, Tropical Agro is in a constant quest for innovation, modernizing age-old farming practices, thus fulfilling its commitment to uplift the livelihood of the farming community. From seed treatment to post-harvest, their user-friendly, resource-efficient solutions empower farmers to fight against weeds, diseases, pests, and challenges to soil fertility.

 Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO): KRIBHCO is a cooperative society that has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agriculture through its range of bio-based products. Their microbial fertilizers and biopesticides are designed to improve soil fertility and protect crops from pests and diseases. KRIBHCO’s Bio-NPK and Azotobacter-based products are highly effective in enhancing nitrogen fixation and improving plant health. The organization also conducts farmer education programs to promote the adoption of eco-friendly agricultural practices, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability.