IIM Kozhikode and Emeritus Unveil CTO Programme to Boost Tech Leadership in India

Mumbai, September 03, 2024: According to Accenture’s Pulse of Change: 2024 Index, 61% of C-suite executives anticipate an acceleration in technology disruption over the coming year. While 76% view generative AI as an opportunity for revenue growth, nearly half (47%) feel unprepared for the rapid pace of technological change. Only 27% believe their organisations are equipped to scale up generative AI within the next six months. In this evolving landscape, the role of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is critical in driving innovation and ensuring technology aligns with business strategy.

To address this need, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), ranked 3rd by the Ministry of Education’s NIRF 2024, in collaboration with Emeritus, has unveiled the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Programme. This 12-month, high-impact programme features advanced modules on technology strategy, digital transformation, and is supported by online certificate courses from Kellogg Executive Education.

Programme Highlights:

Curriculum: The programme offers live online sessions led by IIMK faculty, masterclasses from industry experts, and a three-day campus immersion at IIM Kozhikode. It includes business simulations, a capstone project, and real-world insights into topics such as disruptive technology strategies, AI, automation, and the distinctions between CTO, CIO, and CDO roles.

Online Certificate Courses: Participants will complete two online certificate courses from Kellogg Executive Education: ‘AI Applications for Growth’ and ‘Leading Growth Strategy,’ enhancing their global perspective and expertise.

Who Should Enrol: This programme is designed for senior leaders with over 10 years of experience, including aspiring and current CTOs/CIOs, as well as entrepreneurs and executives. It provides the skills needed to navigate technological change, drive digital transformation, and secure a competitive edge.

Key Benefits:

Enhanced Strategic Thinking: Develop and implement innovative technology strategies for growth.

Operational Efficiency: Improve IT asset management, cybersecurity, and alignment with ESG goals.

Leadership Development: Gain insights into governance, resilience, and advanced digital strategies.

Global Perspective: Leverage knowledge from Kellogg Executive Education to expand your professional network.

Statement from Leader:

Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, remarked, “The CTO role has evolved to become a key driver of business strategy and growth. Our programme is designed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic leadership, equipping CTOs to lead with vision and agility in today’s digital world.”

35North India Discovery Fund -II invests USD 3 Million in Global Care – Lavanya Medicare Solutions

New Delhi, 3rd September 2024: India’s largest non-Hospital Medical Tourism company, “Global Care” – Lavanya Medicare Solutions Pvt Ltd announced a subscription/funding of USD 3 million as a strategic investment by 35North India Discovery Fund -II (IDF-II) and its affiliates

This is the first-ever partnership of its kind in this domain.

Ashwani Singh, Managing Director at 35North, commented, “We strongly believe in both the company and the sector. The sector is benefiting from cutting-edge medical care across specialties in India, Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, Germany, and Thailand. This is coupled with the availability of high-end medical equipment and the time and price competitiveness of these destinations. Global Care has been doing remarkable work in this sector, and we are looking forward to supporting their expansion with this investment.”

Rajeev Taneja, Founder and CEO of Global Care, shared, “The company is now at the forefront of expanding healthcare services internationally and creating a global ecosystem of clinical services as healthcare consultants covering both aspects – building clinical corridors while supporting patients who cannot be treated in their home country.”

With this investment, 35North IDF-II will support Global Care’s aim to bridge healthcare divides worldwide, building clinical excellence through strategic consulting and facilitating convenient access to world-class patient care.

MeitY-Nasscom CoE, Startup India, and IIT Bombay launched a strategic initiative to bridge the industry-academia gap

Mumbai, 3rd Sep 2024: MeitY Centre of Excellence (CoE)-IoT & AI, a Digital India initiative established with the support of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the State Governments, and nasscom, organized Smart Manufacturing Research Conclave (SMRC) over the weekend in Mumbai. For this conclave, CoE formed strategic partnerships with esteemed institutions like Startup India, IIT Bombay & Panimalar Engineering College.

The conclave brought together more than 200 stakeholders i.e. Manufacturers, Deep-tech Startups, Researchers, and Tech Experts from across the country on a single platform while bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and its real-world implications in Smart Manufacturing.

The manufacturing sector is increasingly adopting smart solutions, with a strong shift towards automation and cyber-physical systems driven by advanced technologies. While some industry leaders are steadily advancing through digitalization, many are still navigating the complexities of these concepts and technologies, trying to understand how to tailor them to their needs.

Addressing this challenge was a selected group of researchers from top institutes in the country. They presented their latest findings covering a broad spectrum of topics, including advanced analytics, AI, IoT, robotics, and additive manufacturing. We had the opportunity to explore some of the most groundbreaking research by those who are not just exploring the frontiers of technology in manufacturing—they are defining them. Moreover, esteemed professors from IIT Bombay presented their research and observations on the topic, “Research in Action: Harnessing the Power of Smart Manufacturing.” They enlightened the audience on how their cutting-edge research transforms everyday manufacturing practices into groundbreaking innovations. Their insights highlighted the powerful intersection of academic rigor and real-world applications.

Manufacturing leaders and Tech Experts shared their on-ground experiences on Collaborative AI and Sustainability in Manufacturing, showing us a broader picture on how these technologies will increase efficiency and flexibility in the processes of manufacturing plants. Distinguished speakers from Hitachi Digital Services and Jio presented on the topic, “Bridging Innovation: Leaders’ Insights on the Need for Research in Smart Manufacturing,” encouraging research in manufacturing. The conclave witnessed industry stalwarts and speakers from renowned organizations like Pidilite Industries, Aditya Birla Group, Mitsubishi Electric, Whirlpool, Hindustan Zinc, Siemens, Gold Star Jewellery, and many more.

While completing this Mighty ecosystem were our home-grown deep tech startups showcasing their innovative solutions that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this rapidly evolving field. These startups are not just addressing key challenges in the industry—they’re driving progress with their fresh, new-age approaches. Deep-tech startups like E42 AI, SwitchOn, FluxGen, and Syskey OT presented their innovative solutions, and startups like Volar Alta, SiSco Engineering, Orangewood, and LeapSquare pitched their solutions to the investors and manufacturers at the Conclave.

Sanjeev Malhotra, CEO, MeitY nasscom CoE says, “The Smart Manufacturing Research Conclave represents a significant step forward in digitalizing India’s manufacturing sector. Researchers from top institutes in the country presented their latest findings on crucial topics including Smart Supply Chain Management, Predictive Maintenance & Condition Monitoring, Computer-vision & Camera-based Quality Inspections, and more. We are committed to implementing these findings in various manufacturing plants and advancing India’s journey towards Industry 4.0.”

MeitY Centre of Excellence has been the driving force in building the collaborative ecosystem to help industries adopt cutting-edge technologies by co-creating with academia and deep-tech startups.

Arvind Limited Launches Campaign with Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar for Primante Fabrics

Ahmedabad, September 03, 2024 — Arvind Limited, a leading integrated solutions provider in textiles with robust fiber-to-fashion capabilities, is thrilled to announce its first campaign featuring His Highness Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur as the brand ambassador for Primanté, the company’s premium suiting and shirting brand. The campaign, titled “Own Your Legacy, Own The Moment” celebrates the timeless elegance and sophistication that Primanté fabrics bring to the modern wardrobe.

The Primanté Collection is a testament to Arvind Limited’s commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. By collaborating with Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, a symbol of heritage and tradition, Arvind Limited aims to weave a narrative that connects the grandeur of India’s royal past with the contemporary elegance of today’s fashion.

Arvind Limited, with its vast experience in textiles and an unwavering focus on quality and sustainability, continues to push the boundaries of innovation in fashion. The Primanté brand, with its luxurious fabric offerings, is set to redefine the standards of premium fashion in India and globally.

For more information about the campaign or to explore the new Primanté collection, please visit nearest Arvind Stores & muti-branded outlets.

Gillco International School Triumphs at Junior Poet Laureate Competition

Gillco International School is proud to announce the stellar performance of its students at the Inter-School Junior Poet Laureate competition, hosted by Banyan Tree School. Demonstrating remarkable creativity and eloquence, Deepitha from Class II secured First Position, while Ridhika from Class II received the prestigious Consolation Prize, highlighting the young talents nurtured at Gillco.

Expressing her delight, Principal Dr. Kritika Kaushal said, “We are incredibly proud of Deepitha and Ridhika for their remarkable achievements. At Gillco International School, we believe in fostering a love for language and creativity from a young age, and this success reflects our commitment to holistic education. Our young poets have truly made us proud!”

Once again, Gillco International School has demonstrated its commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and creative talent. By fostering the growth of young poets, the school continues to provide students with opportunities to shine on prestigious platforms, celebrating their outstanding achievements with pride.

Grab Exciting Onam Offers on Haier Appliances This Festive Season

Onam, the vibrant harvest festival and one of the most celebrated festivals in Kerala, marks a season of joy, cultural richness, and grand shopping sprees. On the auspicious occasion of Onam, Haier Appliances India has announced an array of exceptional deals and discounts across its extensive range of consumer durables, including air conditioners, washing machines, robo vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, LED TVs, microwave ovens, and more. These discounts are packaged with easy financing options to make this festive season a cheer for consumers.

Haier India has announced a generous 22.5% instant discount on products across all categories, making it the prime occasion to purchase consumer durables. The brand additionally offers a fixed EMI plan starting at just ₹994, along with flexible payment options of up to 36 months and an extended warranty, empowering customers to elevate their living experience using Haier appliances.

A Preview of Onam discount offers by Haier*:

• Enjoy up to 22.5% Instant discount on your purchase
• Benefit from Long EMI tenure of up to 36 months, providing flexibility in payments
• Extended Warranty available on your select appliance, ensuring peace of mind

 Seize these exciting offers by visiting any Haier retail outlet and bring home the best in innovation and quality. Enhance your Onam celebrations and make this joyous time even more special.

Meril expands its healthcare education network with opening of Satellite Academy in Kochi

New Delhi, 2nd September 2024: Meril, a global medical technology and education leader, has expanded its healthcare education network by launching the Meril Satellite Academy in Kerala’s port city, Kochi. This move reinforces the company’s dedication to advancing surgical standards and empowering healthcare professionals in India and worldwide.

In the fast-changing world of medicine, continuous learning and hands-on training are vital for healthcare providers. Recognizing this necessity, Meril Satellite Academies aim to balance theoretical learning and practical implementation, offering professionals a platform to enhance their skills and engage in global collaboration. Positioned within Kerala’s robust healthcare infrastructure and its emphasis on quality patient care, the Kochi Academy is strategically placed to meet the educational needs of healthcare professionals in Southern India.

The new academy is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including advanced simulators and robotic systems, providing participants with an immersive, hands-on learning environment. The academy features lecture rooms, state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, and specialized simulation spaces, offering the right blend of theoretical knowledge and practical training.

In a state of jubilation, Manish Deshmukh, Chief Marketing Officer of Meril, said, “We believe that accessible, high-quality medical education is key to advancing patient care, and the new Meril Satellite Academy in Kochi is a critical part of that mission. By offering professionals in South India access to state-of-the-art technology and immersive training, we ensure they remain at the cutting edge of medical advancements. Our commitment is to provide healthcare professionals with the resources they need to succeed, and this academy is a step forward in that journey.”

Meril’s educational network already includes two prominent academies: the Vapi Academy in Gujarat, serving as the central hub for Meril’s global educational initiatives, and the Delhi Academy, which caters to healthcare professionals in Northern India with specialized training programs and advanced facilities. The company has ambitious plans to expand further its educational reach with the upcoming launch of new academies across the globe, including locations in Madrid (Spain); Philadelphia (USA); Seoul (South Korea); Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia); and Kolkata, (India).

Medhavi Skills University and RIICO Collaborate to Bridge Semiconductor Skill Gap

In a strategic move to address the growing talent crunch in India’s semiconductor industry, Medhavi Skills University (MSU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation Ltd (RIICO) on 28th August. This collaboration aims to implement specialized skill development training in the electronics sector as part of RIICO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The alliance with RIICO will focus on skilling India’s youth, particularly in semiconductor-specific industrial qualifications. Training programs will be conducted in top educational institutes across Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, offering courses such as Semiconductor IC Design and Verification Professional, Semiconductor IC Design Associate, and Introduction to Semiconductors and Integrated Circuits (ICs). These courses are approved by NCVET and aligned with NSQF, ensuring quality and relevance.

With the rise in demand for semiconductors driven by technological advancements in sectors like automotive, consumer electronics, and telecommunications, the need for highly skilled professionals in semiconductor design and technology is more pressing than ever. India’s semiconductor industry will face a shortage of 300,000 skilled professionals by 2027, underscoring the urgent need for specialized training.

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) projects that global semiconductor sales will surpass $1 trillion by 2030, yet India’s contribution to the workforce remains limited due to the prevailing skills gap. The country has produced electronic components worth Rs 18,083.55 crore, reflecting India’s growing role in the global semiconductor ecosystem. However, industry experts note that while investments are in place, a lack of skilled professionals continues to be a barrier to India’s ambition of becoming a semiconductor powerhouse.

Addressing this demand, Medhavi Skills University is leading the charge with industry-aligned education, bridging the gap between academic learning and the evolving needs of the sector. MSU in partnership with Logicknots India Private Limited a fast-growing software company and also NSDC-IIT Guwahati Training Partner), aims to alleviate this gap by providing targeted training in semiconductor design and technology.

MSU’s curriculum, designed in collaboration with Logicknots, is industry-relevant and provides both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills necessary for immediate employability. This strategic partnership with Logicknots will ensure smooth implementation of skill development projects with RIICO.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kuldip Sarma, Co-Founder and Pro-Chancellor of MSU stated, “We are excited to join hands with RIICO in addressing one of the most critical challenges facing the semiconductor industry – the skills gap. Through this initiative, we are not only contributing to the growth of the electronics sector in India, but also supporting the broader Skill India Mission. We are preparing the Indian youth for a future-ready career and strengthening India’s position in the global semiconductor market.”

The partnership between MSU and RIICO is a significant step in fostering an industry-academia collaboration that will create a sustainable talent pipeline for the semiconductor sector.

Krystal Integrated Services Announces Partnership with Nicomac Taikisha Clean Rooms Private Limited

Mumbai, 2nd September 2024 – Krystal Integrated Services, a leading provider of integrated facility management solutions, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Nicomac Taikisha Clean Rooms Private Limited. This collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiency and service quality by deploying a workforce that are specialized in Contamination control, Sterilization techniques, Clean room and Safety protocols to support Nicomac Taikisha’s diverse operations.

As part of this partnership, Krystal Integrated Services is going to deploy a total workforce of around 400 individuals to support Nicomac Taikisha’s sites. This includes 125 ITI freshers, bringing fresh talent and skills to the industry, along with 185 unskilled laborers, creating valuable employment opportunities. The various services provided includes Manned guarding, Security surveillance & monitoring, Integrated Building Management Systems (IBMS), Building maintenance, Housekeeping, Mechanized cleaning, Facade cleaning, Food & Beverage management, Water management etc.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Sanjay Dighe, CEO and Whole Time Director of Krystal Integrated Services, said, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for us, as we bring our expertise and dedicated workforce to support Nicomac Taikisha’s operations. It’s a commitment not only to nurture talent but also to drive industry growth. We are confident that our comprehensive services will enhance operational efficiency and contribute to their continued success. This approach demonstrates how private sector initiatives can align with national skill development goals, creating a win-win situation for employees, businesses, and the economy at large.”

A spokesperson Nicomac Taikisha Clean Rooms Private Limited said, “Partnering with Krystal Integrated Services is a strategic move that aligns with our commitment to operational excellence and superior quality. Their extensive experience in facility management complements our innovative cleanroom solutions, allowing us to maintain the highest standards in our operations. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings and look forward to achieving new milestones together.”

This strategic alliance is set to leverage the strengths of both organizations, combining Krystal Integrated Services’ expertise in facility management with Nicomac Taikisha’s leading-edge cleanroom solutions. Together, they aim to achieve operational excellence, superior quality standards, and enhanced service delivery.

Best Agrolife Ltd. Receives Patent for Novel Ternary Pesticide Formulation to Combat Major Paddy Pests and Diseases

Mumbai, 2nd September 2024: Best Agrolife Ltd., a leading tech based agrochemical manufacturer in India, has achieved a significant milestone with the patent approval for its novel ternary pesticide formulation. This ground-breaking innovation integrates Isoprothiolane, Pymetrozine, and Trifloxystrobin to deliver dual protection against the most harmful Blast and Blight diseases, as well as the Brown Planthopper (BPH) insects, in paddy and mango crops.

Rice, a staple food for the majority of Indians, is cultivated across diverse agro-climatic conditions and soil types, facing numerous biotic and abiotic constraints. India is the second-largest producer of rice globally, with a cultivation area exceeding 43 million hectares. The country’s rice production, however, is often threatened by several factors, including Blast Disease, Sheath Blight, and Brown Planthopper (BPH).

Blast disease, the most destructive fungal disease impacting rice in India, results in severe yield losses. Similarly, sheath blight is an economically significant disease that can reduce yields by up to 50% in favorable conditions. Additionally, the Brown Planthopper (BPH) poses a major threat to rice production, causing substantial annual yield losses by sucking sap from rice plants and transmitting viral diseases.

Traditionally, farmers have relied on three separate pesticides to manage these devastating diseases and pests. Best Agrolife’s new ternary formulation offers a single, efficient solution that saves time, reduces costs, and promotes healthier crop growth, ultimately leading to higher profits. This innovation is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive crop solutions.

Best Agrolife has a robust portfolio of such cutting-edge patented products that have transformed pest management practices in agriculture. The company has also been granted a patent for another groundbreaking innovation: a binary fungicide formulation combining Trifloxystrobin and Valifenalate. While Best Agrolife holds several ternary patents, this marks its first-ever binary patent, further showcasing its dedication to advancing agricultural technologies.

With a focus on research and development, Best Agrolife is poised to introduce more innovative products that address the challenges faced by farmers, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for agriculture.