Category Archives: News

WhatsApp Kicks Off ‘Bharat Yatra’ Initiative to Boost Small Business Growth in India

Bengaluru, December 11, 2024: WhatsApp today kicked off WhatsApp Bharat Yatra, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at providing on-ground, in-person training to small businesses across India. The mobile bus tour is designed to help small businesses fully leverage the capabilities of WhatsApp, enhancing their digital skills and business growth potential.

Starting with Delhi-NCR, the bus will visit some of the region’s most popular and busy markets such as Laxmi Nagar, Rajouri Garden, and Nehru Place, Malviya Nagar, Amar Colony, and Safdarjung Enclave. The journey will also cover key hubs in Gurgaon and Noida, including Sapphire Mall and Atta Market.

Following its tour in Delhi-NCR, the WhatsApp-branded bus will travel across India, reaching cities like Agra, Lucknow, Kanpur, Indore, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nashik, Mysore, Vijayawada. Through this initiative, small and medium businesses (SMBs) will benefit from interactive demos, hands-on personalized training – to get support creating their Business Profile, setting up a catalog and creating an ad that clicks to start a WhatsApp chat – and expert guidance on leveraging the WhatsApp Business app’s key features to establish their WhatsApp presence, better connect with their customers, close sales and grow their business. enhance their operations.

Ravi Garg, Director, Business Messaging, Meta in India said, “Small businesses are the backbone of India’s economy, and with the right digital tools, they have the power to supercharge the country’s digital transformation. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra is our commitment to helping these businesses unlock their full potential by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to digitally connect with their customers, grow and succeed. By meeting businesses where they are—both physically and digitally—we aim to create a meaningful, long-lasting impact across India’s entrepreneurial landscape.”

Recently, WhatsApp introduced some new updates for small businesses, including Meta Verified, which helps businesses build credibility with customers. Additionally, businesses can now send customized messages to their customers, such as appointment reminders, birthday greetings, or even updates on a holiday sale, all in a faster and more efficient way.

For small businesses, WhatsApp has also started testing Meta AI, making it easier for them to activate AI directly from the WhatsApp Business app and engage with their customers more efficiently. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra will provide in-person training across various tools and features on the WhatsApp Business app, helping businesses make the most of these updates. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra will help businesses provide in- person training across various tools and features on the WhatsApp Business app. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra will help businesses provide in- person training across various tools and features on the WhatsApp Business app.

WhatsApp Bharat Yatra is the latest in a series of transformative initiatives by the brand aimed at empowering small businesses in India. With programs such as WhatsApp Se Wyapaar with CAIT to upskill 10 million traders, Digishaastra, powered by WhatsApp was launched by India SME Forum, Meta’s strategic partnership with ONDC, WhatsApp continues to champion digital transformation, ensuring India’s small businesses are at the forefront of the nation’s growing digital economy.

‘Angreji Beat’ Takes the Internet by Storm with Groundbreaking New Music Video

“Angreji Beat” by Yo Yo Honey Singh and Gippy Grewal, one of Punjabi music’s biggest anthems, has made a major comeback. Times Music, in association with Speed Records, has dropped the long-awaited original music video of this iconic hit. After more than a decade, the never-seen-before footage, shot in 2011 but never released, is now available on Speed Records’ YouTube channel. The music video has already taken the internet by storm, trending at the top on YouTube and reigniting nostalgia among fans worldwide.

Gippy Grewal, the legendary Punjabi singer, shared his excitement, “‘Angreji Beat’ was a game-changer for me. Seeing the video finally drop after so many years feels surreal. The song still holds a special place in my heart, and it’s amazing to see how fans are embracing it once again.”

Mandar Thakur, CEO of Times Music/Junglee Music, expressed his thoughts saying, “‘Angreji Beat’ has been a party anthem for over a decade, and bringing back this raw, unfiltered footage will keep fans hooked. The response has been overwhelming – the energy from the fans is electrifying, and the video is buzzing everywhere!”

The video’s release has caused a wave of excitement online, with fans flooding social media to share their reactions, making it clear that Angreji Beat is more than just a song – it’s a cultural moment that refuses to fade.

TiE Global Summit 2024 Kicks Off with Focus on Collaboration, Innovation, and Global Growth

Bengaluru/Mumbai, December 11, 2024: The TiE Global Summit 2024 (TGS24) commenced today at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), bringing together distinguished global leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Organized by TiE Bangalore, the summit brings together global entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to explore key themes of innovation, collaboration, and the future of entrepreneurship. It is Supported by the Government of Karnataka (Department of E, IT, BT) as the State Partner and co-hosted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), the summit aims to redefine the global entrepreneurship landscape under the theme “Putting Entrepreneurship First.”

The summit began with the Antraprerna Summit on December 9, which laid the foundation for discussions on sustainability, innovation, and building entrepreneurial ecosystems. The sessions provided actionable insights into tackling global challenges and fostering sustainable growth.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed participation from an illustrious panel of dignitaries, including Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister of IT, BT, RDPR, Government of Karnataka; Lt. Governor Tahesha Way, New Jersey and Secretary of State; Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Department of E, IT, BT & S&T, Government of Karnataka; Mr. Chris Hodges, U.S. Consul General, Chennai; Shri Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, Karnataka Vision Board and Founding Partner, Accel India; Shri BV Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission; Dr. Sanjay Tyagi, Jurisdictional Director, STPI; Mr. Ashish Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE; Shri Sanjeev Gupta, CEO, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM); Mr. Amit Gupta, Global Chair, TiE Global; Mr. A.J. Patel, Chairman, TiE Global; Mr. Akhilesh Tuteja, Global Cyber Security Leader, KPMG; Mr. Madan Padaki, President of TiE Bangalore and Chair of TGS24; and Ms. Lakshmi Pratury, CEO, INK Talks.

On the inauguration day, the summit featured an engaging session titled “Entrepreneurship Through the Lens of Storytellers,” where Mr. Madan Padaki, President of TiE Bangalore and Chair of TiE Global Summit 2024, conversed with renowned Indian film actor Vidya Balan and film producer Siddharth Roy Kapur. The session delved into their unconventional journeys, exploring the resilience required to overcome setbacks and the power of persistence. Vidya shared her belief in staying grounded and approaching every opportunity with a fresh perspective, while Siddharth highlighted the importance of intentionality and adapting to challenges. Both speakers drew fascinating parallels between storytelling and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the highs, lows, and the constant drive to innovate and learn.

In another captivating session at the TiE Global Summit 2024, legendary tennis champion and philanthropist Andre Agassi took the stage for the FutureSparks session, themed ‘Marathon Mindset.’ He shared his remarkable journey, from dropping out of 8th grade to pursue tennis full-time, to becoming a transformative figure in education by building 130 schools that have benefited over 80,000 children in the past decade. Agassi emphasized the value of hard work and work-life balance, explaining that while his father valued success through winning and money, he focused on listening to his children and holding them accountable. He spoke about the importance of curiosity in education and the willingness to take risks, which has allowed him to learn and grow throughout his life. He also highlighted the role of sports in shaping creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, stressing that losses are only valuable when you learn from them.

During the inauguration of the TiE Global Summit 2024, the KPMG-TiE report “Democratisation of Entrepreneurship” was unveiled, highlighting key insights such as 20% of MSME startups being women-led, 45% emerging from Tier II/III cities, and the important role of government-supported incubation programs in fostering entrepreneurship. Lt. Governor Tahesha Way, New Jersey and Secretary of State delivered a speech emphasizing the strong ties between New Jersey and India. She highlighted the state’s $11.3 billion in two-way trade and a 2,025% increase in Indian business interest since 2019. With its world-class universities, skilled workforce, and history of innovation, New Jersey offers ample opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs. Also, Mr. Ashish Chauhan, MD& CEO, National Stock Exchange, spoke about the transformative role of technology in India’s financial markets, with the NSE empowering millions and driving wealth creation, underlining technology’s central role in India’s growth.

A major highlight of TGS24 is the TGS100 initiative, which showcases 100 early-stage startups selected from over 1,300 applications across 17 countries. These startups, spanning sectors like AI, Healthcare, Climate, and Social Impact, will pitch to a super-jury of investors and industry leaders for a chance to win a prize pool of INR 50 lakhs. Additionally, the TiE Women Global Pitch Competition, with 3,100+ women-led startups from 62 countries, will culminate with 43 finalists competing for top honors and a USD 50,000 prize pool.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the TiE Global Summit, Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Bt, RDPR, Government of Karnataka said, “Karnataka views entrepreneurs as innovators and disruptors, whose transformative ideas are not only creating new markets and job opportunities but also shaping a more sustainable future. By equipping entrepreneurs with essential tools like mentorship and incubation, we aim to make entrepreneurship a natural choice, not just an aspiration. The Elevate program, run by the Government of Karnataka, supports startups with 50 lakh rupees in funding, with zero equity taken. To date, 983 startups have been funded through this initiative, with 32% hailing from Tier-1 and Tier-2 towns and 24% being women-led. I invite global entrepreneurs and think tanks to join hands with the Government of Karnataka in building a better, brighter, and bolder world.”

“Entrepreneurship is a transformative force—it’s not just about starting businesses, but about shaping the future. Reflecting on the growth of India’s financial markets, particularly with the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange, technology stands as the driving engine behind this transformation. The NSE revolutionized the market with screen-based trading in 1994, and today it empowers millions of Indians to participate in wealth creation. As our nation continues to evolve, technology will remain the cornerstone of our growth. Whether you’re a small business owner or a large corporation, India’s capital markets offer a platform for all, driving innovation and opportunity. The future belongs to those who innovate, and in India, that future is bright for entrepreneurs and investors alike.” — Ashish Chauhan, MD&CEO, National Stock Exchange.

Speaking on the occasion, Madan Padaki, President of TiE Bangalore and Chair of TGS24, said, “As we gather here today, let us celebrate the energy and aspirations that drive us forward. Over the past 32 years, TiE has been a beacon of purpose, fostering entrepreneurship and building a better world. This journey has been fueled by the incredible power of our ecosystem – a collective force of government leaders, academia, financial institutions, investors, and entrepreneurs. Together, we have proven that nothing is impossible when the right minds come together. The connections we create here, the ideas we ignite, and the passion we share make TiE a global phenomenon. Today, we don’t just light a lamp; we light the path for future entrepreneurs. It is the spirit of TiE – uniting the world, empowering innovation, and elevating entrepreneurship to new heights.”

At the inauguration ceremony Amit Gupta, Global Chair of TiE Global said, “The TiE Global Summit 2024 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to empower entrepreneurs across the globe. This summit is not just a platform for networking, but a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and growth. Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of innovation, transforming global challenges into opportunities, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic growth. By harnessing technology and fostering collaboration, we are shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for communities worldwide. Its transformative power lies in empowering millions, sparking groundbreaking ideas, and uplifting underrepresented voices. Together, we turn aspirations into impact, enabling communities to rise and thrive.”

MIT-WPU Revolutionizes Mobility with Patent-Backed 5G Vehicle Tracking System

December 11, Mumbai: With the ever-growing demand for logistics, commercial operations, and traffic management, there is an increasing need for efficient vehicle monitoring systems to ensure smoother operations that are fast, safe, and reliable. In a significant achievement in this direction, a team of professors and students at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, has developed an advanced vehicle data tracking system, backed by 5G and the latest technologies, for real-time vehicle monitoring, safety, and enhanced operational efficiency.

The team, comprising Ashutosh Solanke, Malhar Jojare, Hrushikesh Kalamkar, and mentor Prof. Shweta Kukade, has secured a patent for the novel integration of 5G technology, real-time tracking, and enhanced safety features into vehicle data monitoring systems. This system will now enable fleet operators, automotive manufacturers, insurance companies, logistics firms, smart city planners, and others to benefit from its real-time tracking, geo-fencing, and emergency alert capabilities.

The MIT-WPU team is now focusing on commercializing the system through partnerships with automotive manufacturers, fleet management companies, and logistics firms. The goal is to integrate the system into both commercial and public sector vehicle fleets, enhancing their operational efficiency and safety. Furthermore, the team plans to explore consumer applications by developing a version for individual vehicle owners, which would offer enhanced security and tracking capabilities.

Speaking about the unique features and importance of the system, Prof. Shweta Kukade, Assistant Professor at MIT World Peace University shared, “Traditional systems often lack the high-speed connectivity and precise location tracking necessary for modern applications. Our system leverages 5G technology and enhanced GPS/GLONASS accuracy, providing faster, more reliable tracking, making it invaluable for sectors like fleet management, logistics, insurance, and public transportation. We are also considering scaling the system for use in smart cities, potentially integrating it with IoT infrastructure for real-time urban mobility management, ensuring continuous product innovation and development.”

The system overcomes the limitations of existing vehicle tracking systems that operate on 2G or 3G networks, which have limited data transfer speeds and reduced accuracy in pinpointing a vehicle’s location. The integration of 5G addresses issues such as delayed tracking data, unreliable connectivity in rural areas, and weaker precision. This is a game-changer, enabling real-time data transfer and reliable tracking, particularly in rural, remote, or challenging environments, with accurate and fast location tracking through technologies like GPS and GLONASS.

Additionally, the system includes geo-fencing, allowing for virtual boundaries to be set and providing alerts if vehicles leave designated areas. The emergency button feature enables immediate alerts in critical situations. The automatic switch to open Wi-Fi networks ensures that the system maintains connectivity even when 5G isn’t available. These improvements offer greater speed, precision, and safety compared to legacy systems that rely on 2G/3G networks with only GPS tracking.

The system is designed to automatically connect to authorized, open Wi-Fi networks, typically in public spaces, without breaching any legal or network boundaries. It does not access private or password-protected networks without permission. This feature ensures continuous connectivity, especially when vehicles enter areas where 5G signals may be weak or unavailable, all while respecting the integrity of secured networks.

With its cutting-edge technology and versatile applications, the MIT-WPU team’s vehicle data tracking system has the potential to bring a significant change in fleet management, logistics, and urban mobility. As they move towards commercialization, the team is confident that this innovation will set new standards for safety, efficiency, and real-time monitoring in the transportation sector.

Manappuram Foundation Recognized with Eco-Friendly Skill Development Award

Valappad/ Thrissur: Manappuram Foundation, the CSR wing of Manappuram Finance Ltd. has received the National Awards on Eco-Friendly Skill Development for its exemplary efforts in sustainable skill development initiatives. The award was presented at a grand ceremony held in Bengaluru and was received by Mr. George D. Das, CEO of Manappuram Foundation, and Mr. K.M. Asharaf, Senior PRO of Manappuram Finance. This recognition highlights the foundation’s skill development programs aimed to support the education of economically underprivileged children. As part of the commitment to social responsibility, the Manappuram Foundation spends over ₹6 crore annually in the education sector.

Expressing his contentment on receiving the award, Manappuram Foundation Managing Trustee, Mr. V.P. Nandakumar said, it is great honour to receive this award for Manappuram Foundation”. “It is crucial to implement learning methods that encourage students to explore their multifaceted skills. Equipping our children with world-class knowledge in modern technologies is a necessity. This award serves as an inspiration to strengthen our ongoing skill development projects in the education sector,” he added.

The foundation’s continued focus on empowering education through innovative and inclusive initiatives that align with our vision to create healthy, educated and happy communities

Life-Saving Initiative: Jupiter Foundation’s ‘My Organ Project’ Aims to Boost Organ Donation Awareness

Thane, December 11, 2024 – Jupiter Foundation has announced the launch of its dedicated initiative, ‘My Organ Project,’ aimed at raising awareness about organ donation and encouraging individuals to pledge their organs to save lives. With India facing a significant gap between the demand for donated organs and their availability, this initiative seeks to educate the public, dispel myths, and foster a culture of organ pledging.

 In collaboration with key organizations like the Zonal Transplant Coordination Committee (ZTCC) and ROTTO-SOTTO (Regional cum State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation, West & Maharashtra), ‘My Organ Project’ is committed to creating widespread awareness about the critical need for organ and tissue donation. The initiative highlights the importance of brain death awareness and promotes ethical and transparent donation practices.

 “Organ donation is one of the most profound gifts one human being can offer another,” said Dr. Ajay P. Thakker, Chairman and Managing Director of Jupiter Hospitals. “Through ‘My Organ Project,’ we aim to educate individuals and families about the immense life-saving potential of organ pledging. A single pledge can give hope and a second chance to those waiting for transplants.”

 Corporate and Community Engagement
As part of its mission, Jupiter Foundation is partnering with corporates, housing societies, and educational institutions to expand the reach of ‘My Organ Project.’ Through targeted outreach programs, awareness sessions, and organ pledging drives, these collaborations aim to bring communities, workplaces, and students together to support the cause. By involving schools and colleges, the initiative seeks to inspire younger generations to embrace the spirit of giving.

 Addressing Misconceptions and Promoting Dialogue
The initiative emphasizes the need to address common misconceptions and fears surrounding organ donation, focusing on the facts about brain death and the organ donation process. Educational campaigns, workshops, and public awareness drives will reach individuals from all walks of life, empowering them to make informed decisions.

 Additionally, interfaith discussions will be organized to foster conversations around religious and cultural perspectives on organ donation. By engaging faith leaders and communities, ‘My Organ Project’ aims to create a unified platform to address concerns and encourage collective support for the cause.

 A Call to Action
‘My Organ Project’ is urging individuals to take a simple yet impactful step by pledging their organs. Through this collective effort, Jupiter Foundation and its partners hope to bridge the gap between organ demand and supply, ensuring more lives can be saved.

IndiaRF Commits INR 1,000 Crores Investment in Anthea Aromatics Private Limited

Mumbai, India | December 10th 2024: India Resurgence Fund (“IndiaRF”), a leading India-focused investment platform promoted by Piramal Group and Bain Capital, today announced an investment of up to INR 1,000 crores in Anthea Aromatics Private Limited (“Anthea”). Following the transaction, IndiaRF has become the controlling shareholder of Anthea.

IndiaRF currently manages close to US$ 850 million in assets from its maiden Fund 1, which is fully allocated across twelve investments spanning nine sectors. These investments focus on key India-centric themes such as domestic consumption, export-driven strategies, and core manufacturing. The investment in Anthea is IndiaRF’s first investment from its second fund, which is currently being raised, and its second investment in the specialty chemicals sector.

Founded by Dr. Vincent Paul in 1992, Anthea has grown into a leading aroma specialty chemicals group in India. The company operates five manufacturing facilities across Maharashtra and Karnataka, with a combined capacity of 10,590 tons per annum. Anthea has a strong R&D setup and a successful track record of development and production across a broad range of specialty chemicals, catering to growing end-use applications across flavors and fragrances, home and personal care, pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Each of the products are critical input in end-use applications without easily available substitutes.

The global aroma specialty chemicals market size is valued at over US$ 5.5 billion and is growing at rate of ~5-6% annually. Fragrance application account for the largest share of over 70% of the end use of aroma chemicals. The value chain in this sector is characterized by strong, enduring customer relationships driven by the high-quality and consistency of the product, the complexity of the manufacturing process, and the stringent supply chain control exercised by end customers.

Anthea is a largely export-driven company, generating over 80% of its revenues from international markets. It holds a global market and capacity share of 12-15% and is ranked amongst the top five players worldwide in its key product categories, reinforcing its strong position within the global aroma specialty chemicals value chain.

Commenting on the transaction, Shantanu Nalavadi, Managing Director of IndiaRF, said, “Indian specialty chemicals sector is known for its reliability, quality, and cost competitiveness, and presents a strong export opportunity. Anthea’s market presence, proprietary development capabilities and manufacturing processes make it well-positioned to benefit from the opportunities that will present themselves. The business needs capital infusion and leadership augmentation for its next phase of growth. We are committed to investing in the growth of Anthea through capacity addition, de-bottlenecking existing capacities, and enhanced R&D to broaden its product offerings.”

Paul Menacherry, Executive Director, Anthea Group added “Anthea is one of Indian’s oldest aroma chemical companies with a strong legacy of developing high-value specialty chemicals for the global flavors and fragrance industry. We see significant export-led growth potential which IndiaRF’s expertise in business transformation will help unlock. We look forward to the journey under IndiaRF’s stewardship and are confident in scaling the business to new heights.”

New Block Resource Centre in Bankura Inaugurated by Sightsavers India and Alcon India to Support Children with Visual Impairment

Bankura, West Bengal, 10th December 2024 –Alcon, the global leader in eye care, in association with Sightsavers India, has helped visually impaired children in the Bankura district of West Bengal. This association between Sightsavers and Alcon India is part of the ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities..

As part of the Inclusive Education Programme of Sightsavers India, the Block Resource Centre (BRC), a government space where children with special needs come to study, was renovated. The BRC is accessible to maximise participation, and Bankura was selected as it has the highest population of 543 children with visual impairment, making it a crucial area of focus. Representatives from Alcon, Shourav Das Senior Manager, Practice Development, and Sightsavers India, Sayanti Bit, Manager, Corporate Partnerships, and Sampa Paul, State Programme Lead, West Bengal, were present during the event.

The BRC is often established to provide support, materials, and expertise to meet the diverse needs of students, including those with disabilities or special educational needs. The BRC will also serve as a central hub for engagement and capacity building, playing a key role in sensitizing government officials, teachers, and other stakeholders to the importance of inclusive education and the effective use of assistive technology. This comprehensive approach ensures that visually impaired students receive the support they need to thrive in their educational pursuits.

Under this initiative, assistive devices such as low-vision tools, mobiles, and laptops are provisioned free of cost to 60 children with visual impairments thus, ensuring they have the necessary tools to succeed in their educational journey. The children, aged 3-18 years old, were selected from low vision screening camps, which Sightsavers India jointly conducted with the government, and were enrolled in government schools, graded according to the government examination system.

These devices are crucial in bridging the gap between children with visual impairment and their peers, allowing them to access learning materials more effectively and independently. Along with catering to the needs of the visually impaired, there will be separate training provided to the teachers, staff members, and family members on how best to support the children’s special needs. All devices and training are provided free of cost. At times, other materials like games and activity-based learning materials are also handed out.

Amar Vyas, Country Head of Alcon India, added, “We at Alcon are honoured to be a part of this initiative, which aligns with our commitment to help people see brilliantly. By providing these assistive devices and supporting the Block Resource Centre, we are happy to help the children with visual impairments in Bankura have access to the education they deserve. It’s a privilege to work alongside Sightsavers India to advance such an important cause, and we look forward to seeing the lasting benefits this collaboration will bring.”

RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, on the occasion, said, “The inauguration of the Block Resource Centre and the provision of assistive devices in Bankura represent a critical step forward in our mission to make education accessible to all. By providing children with visual impairment with the necessary tools we are enabling inclusion of the students in mainstream education, stand on equal footing with their peers and achieve their full potential. Our collaboration with Alcon demonstrates the impact that strong partnerships can have in driving meaningful change.”

Quest Global and Drees & Sommer Form Strategic Partnership to Launch Innovation Hub in Bangalore

Bangalore, December 10th, 2024 – Quest Global, a leading global product engineering services company, today announced a strategic partnership with Drees & Sommer, a leading European consulting, planning, and project management enterprise, marking the latter’s foray into the Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management (EPCM) industry. This partnership will build a High Value Center of Performance and Innovation (HVCPI) in Bangalore. This collaboration will build competitiveness, scale, and capability, ensuring a seamless blend of expertise and capacity enhancement in line with Drees & Sommer’s 2030 Strategy.

This partnership signifies a major milestone for Quest Global as it ventures into the EPCM industry segment. As part of this collaboration, Quest Global will leverage its engineering expertise to establish a local-global team within the HVCPI to support Drees & Sommer to swiftly build sustainable competence and capacity, further solidifying their position in the EPCM and EPC industries.

“We are excited to collaborate with Drees & Sommer to build a High Value Center of Performance and Innovation, delivering innovative and high-quality engineering solutions. This partnership combines Drees & Sommer’s unparalleled expertise with our deep-rooted engineering capabilities, delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our clients. By leveraging our combined strengths, we aim to redefine industry standards, offering unparalleled value and efficiency to our clients across various sectors,” said Ajay Prabhu, President -Technology Services, Quest Global.

Commenting on the partnership, Veit Thurm, Partner and Managing Director, Drees & Sommer said, “We are thrilled to partner with Quest Global and establish our presence in India. This partnership is crucial for our growth strategy and will enable us to enhance our service offerings and market competitiveness and will provide the flexibility and resilience required for continued success.”

The HVCPI is strategically designed to serve as a hub for innovation and excellence, driving advancements in key areas such as Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Civil, Structural, and Architecture services. The partnership will cater to specific sectors within the EPCM industry, including Hitech & Production Industries such as Semiconductor, Battery, Pharma & Lifesciences, Chemical, and Automotive.

Siemens Experience Centre by BSH Home Appliances Now Open in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, December 2024: BSH Home Appliances, a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, a global leader in the home appliance industry has unveiled the Siemens Experience Centre in Bengaluru. This state-of-the-art facility sets a new benchmark for customer engagement, offering a deeply immersive and personalized journey into Siemens’ innovative, premium appliances.

The Siemens Experience Centre is designed to revolutionize how customers interact with home appliances. Personalized one-on-one consultations with in-house chefs and experts ensure that every visitor receives tailored guidance, from choosing the right products to understanding their features and receiving post-purchase support. This commitment to personalization underscores Siemens’ focus on making premium living accessible and deeply connected to individual needs. A standout feature is the Life Arena, a live kitchen where customers can engage with Siemens’ appliances firsthand. From exclusive masterclasses to live cooking demonstrations, visitors witness the unmatched possibilities of Siemens’ technology, turning everyday tasks into extraordinary experiences. For those designing dream kitchens, architects and designers collaborate to craft bespoke spaces that integrate Siemens’ appliances seamlessly into homes.

The Centre showcases Siemens’ range of connected appliances that integrate effortlessly into smart homes. From coffee machines with Home Connect app compatibility to dishwashers and washing machines offering unparalleled convenience, Siemens’ appliances are engineered to simplify life while delivering sophistication and performance. The dedicated studioLine section highlights exclusive, luxury options for discerning customers, accompanied by vibrant storytelling displays that bring every product’s innovation to life. Customers also get to experience the revolutionary iQ700 range of built-in ovens, a game-changer in the world of cooking. With an industry-first integrated camera powered by AI, the iQ700 oven allows users to select their preferred browning levels, tailoring results to individual tastes and preferences.

Bengaluru, renowned for its rapidly growing premium kitchen segment, is cementing its position as a hub for luxury living and innovation. Contributing an impressive 15% to the All India Siemens Built-in business, the city is a hotspot for globally acclaimed modular kitchen brands like Valcucine, Leicht Kitchens, SieMatic, and Poliform Kitchens. This thriving ecosystem of premium kitchen design aligns seamlessly with the city’s booming luxury market.

According to the Henley & Partners’ Centi-Millionaire Report 2024, Bengaluru is set to witness a staggering 150% rise in its centi-millionaire population, further driving demand for ultra-premium lifestyle experiences.

Saif Khan, MD & CEO of BSH Home Appliances India, expressed his excitement about the expansion in Bengaluru, stating, “We are excited to announce the opening of the Siemens Experience Centre in Bengaluru, a city that thrives on innovation and smart technology. This market reflects the aspirations of modern Indian consumers who value IoT-enabled appliances, energy efficiency, and premium living. Bengaluru is a key market for us, playing a crucial role in our growth in premium appliances segment. We are proud to create a space where customers can engage deeply with our innovative appliances, discover personalized solutions, and elevate their home living experience to new heights. The Siemens Experience Centre is more than just a retail destination—it’s a hub of inspiration, collaboration, and innovation that underscores BSH’s commitment to consumer-centricity and premium living.”

Consumers can explore the range of Siemens appliances and experience the offerings firsthand by visiting the Experience Centre at No – 8, GF, 15th Cross, 6th phase, JP Nagar, Bengaluru – 560078.

The company now operates multiple experience centres across major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bengaluru as part of its commitment to providing unparalleled access to its luxury appliance portfolio across the country.