&TV’s Atal celebrates a milestone of 100 Episodes

It’s time for celebration for &TV’s Atal as the show completes its 100th episode milestone! Launched in December 2023, the show’s storyline is set against British colonial rule in India, offering insights into the formative years of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s life. To mark this achievement, the stellar cast comprising Neha Joshi (Krishna Devi Vajpayee), Vyom Thakkar (Young Atal), Ashutosh Kulkarni (Krishan Bihari Vajpayee), Milind Dastane (Shyam Lal Vajpayee), PrachitteeAhhirrao (Vimla), among others, gathered to commemorate this joyous occasion and reflect on their remarkable journey through 100 episodes. Sharing her joy on the 100-episode completion, Neha Joshi, essaying Krishna Devi Vajpayee, says, “Completing the 100-episode mark is a big moment for us, and we are quite excited. First, thank our audience for this unwavering love and support for the show. And not to forget my co-stars and the dedicated crew behind the scenes, whose seamless coordination and hard work made it all possible. This journey has afforded me countless opportunities to delve into a spectrum of emotions as an actor, and reaching this milestone fills me with gratitude. The outpouring of affection from our audience is heartening and serves as a driving force for each of us. Recently, during our visit to Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to seek blessings for our show’s success and celebrate Ram Navami, we were humbled by the overwhelming love of our fans, who expressed their adoration for the show and its characters. We marked this celebration with our ‘Atal’ team on set, reflecting on the shared experiences that have shaped our journey together.” Vyom Thakkar, essaying Young Atal, says, “This is such a special moment for all of us! I am so happy that we have completed 100 episodes. It has been a wonderful journey, and we have become like an extended family. Congratulations to everyone for this incredible achievement!” Ashutosh Kulkarni, essaying Krishan Bihari Vajpayee, says, “My journey with Atal has been incredible. The warmth and appreciation from our audience towards my character bring me immense happiness. I consistently receive messages expressing their appreciation of our show and the characters. The collective effort of our dedicated team has made the show a success, and reaching the milestone of 100 episodes is a big moment for us. Heartiest Congratulations to everyone. We marked this special occasion with a joyful cake-cutting ceremony. Here’s to more such milestones to come!”

Watch Atal at 8:00 pm,airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!

Tata Elxsi delivers 13 percent revenue growth in FY24; EBITDA margin at 29.5 percent

Mumbai, April 24, 2024: Tata Elxsi (BSE: 500408 | NSE: TATAELXSI), amongst the world’s leading providers of design led technology services, announced its fourth quarter results for the period ending 31^stMarch 2024.

Highlights of the Year Ended 31^stMarch2024

• Revenues from operations at Rs. 3,552.1 Cr, + 13.0% YoY
• EBITDA Margin at 29.5%, PBT margin at 28.5%
• Profit before Tax (PBT) grows 11.9% to Rs. 1048.7 Cr
• Software Development and Services (SDS) grew by 9.3% YoY, in constant currency.
• System Integration & Support (SIS) grew by 18.6% YoY, in constant currency.

Highlights of the Quarter Ended March 31, 2024:

• Revenues from operations at Rs. 905.9 Cr, – 0.9% QoQ, + 8.1% YoY
• Operating revenue growth -0.6% QoQ and +7.2% YoY on constant currency basis
• EBITDA Margin at 28.8%; PBT at 27.9%
• Profit Before Tax (PBT) at Rs. 262.4 Cr, +4.9% YoY

Industry Highlights for the Year Ended March 31, 2024:

• Transportation continues to grow strongly, registering a revenue growth of 24.6% YoY, supported by deal wins in Electric, Software Defined Vehicles and OEMs
• Healthcare delivered sustained growth of 10.8% YoY
• Media and Communications grew 0.2% YoY in a challenging business environment for this industry

Dividend related announcement:

The Board of Directors have recommended a final dividend of 700% (Rs. 70 per equity share of par value of Rs. 10 each) for the financial year ending 31^st March 2024, subject to approval by the shareholders of the company at the Annual General Meeting.

Mr. Manoj Raghavan, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Elxsi, commenting on the company’s performance in the financial year 2023-24, said:

“Financial year 2024has been a year of consistent operational performance with a revenue growth of 13% despite global macroeconomic uncertainties, and volatility in the media and communications industry over the last few quarters. We have done well to maintain industry leading EBITDA margin at 29.5% for the year, even while we continued to invest in expanding our talent base through all four quarters, with a net addition of 1535Elxsians through the year.

We had laid down a strategy of integrating our design business deeply with our key industry verticals, complementing our software and digital business with a design-led proposition. This is now complete, witha seamless end-to-end proposition from ideation to market introduction. This is enhancing our competitive differentiation, providing early visibility into customer product roadmaps, and creating larger downstream development deals. Starting with this quarter,  we are reporting this integrated view of design-digital in all three verticals, under the Software and Design Services segment (SDS).

During the financial year, our transportation business grew strongly at 24.6% YoY, and now accounts for 49.9% of our overall SDS revenues. OEMs now constitute over 56% of the transportation business, and we are now embedded into the SDV programs of 5 global OEMs. I am especially delighted with the SDV program with a global OEM we won this quarter, and the German Design Award 2024 for our work on automotive HMI, which demonstrates the world-class design-led proposition we offer to customers.

The Healthcare &Lifesciences business registered a growth of 10.8% YoY. We have established a strong foundation for continued growth, with the addition of 5 marquee customer logos in the year and expanded capabilities and platforms in new growth areas such as digital therapeutics and connected health. The Offshore Development Centrefor innovation and R&D we announced in March 2024forDräger Medical, the German headquartered leader in critical care and safety equipment, demonstrates the relevance of our technology and design expertise and deep domain capabilities for next-generation healthcare.

Our Media & Communications business grew 0.2% during the financial year. While this quarter saw a one-off impact of a deal ramp-down with a customer due to a merger, we have done well through the year to protect business, add marquee customers and increase wallet share with key customers. Even while the industry continues to experience significant reductions in discretionary spend and R&D budgets, we are placed well with our integrated design-digital offerings and investments in platforms for the future.

Our Systems Integration and Support (SIS) Business is pivoting to value-added services, innovation-led projects such as experience centres, and supporting downstream deployment and run management for our products and platforms. While Q4 revenues and growth was impacted by hardware shipment delays due to the Red Sea shipping crisis, it grew creditably by 19.0% in FY24, getting to a near 100 Crores business in this financial year.

We are transforming our customer base across industries, with a significant shift towards OEMs in the automotive industry,and operators in the media and telecom industry, while we continue to invest in deepening our key customer relationships. This is reflected in the strong growth in our Top 10 and Top 25 customers across the company.

We are continuing to invest ahead in building our talent pipeline, and are expanding our presence across locations in India and overseas. Our employee retention continues to be the best amongst our peers and industry at large.

Even as we step into the new financial year, we are pleased to announce two new members to the board. Mr. Soumitra Bhattacharya has had an illustrious corporate career especially in the automotive industrywith over 28 years with the Bosch group. He serves as Chairman of Bosch Limited, and is the Director for IFQM –  an industry-led initiative focused on Quality, Excellence, and Innovation.  Ms. AshuSuyash is a highly respected leader and served as MD and CEO of CRISIL, among leadership roles across many leading institutions. She has recently set up Colossa Ventures, an investment ecosystem for women entrepreneurs, and is an Independent Director on a few Boards including Hindustan Unilever. We look forward to leveraging the rich experience and network, industry knowledge and strategic inputs from our new directors.

I am pleased with our overall performance and resilience in revenues, margins, and customer additions through the year, in a volatile macroeconomic environment.

We are entering the new financial year with a commitment for growth, and the continued confidence in our differentiated design-led engineering capabilities. This is backed by strategic relationships we have built over years with key customers, the qualitative change in revenues towards OEMs and SDV programs, entries into new operators and marquee healthcare logos, investments in strategic technology areas and AI, and the strong deal pipeline we carry into the new financial year.”

Sunil Chemmankotil Appointed as Country Manager of Adecco India

Bengaluru, April 24th, 2024: Adecco, the world’s leading HR solutions company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sunil Chemankotil as the new Country Manager of Adecco India.
With a career spanning over two decades of rich and diverse leadership experience in the staffing industry, Sunil brings a wealth of staffing industry experience and expertise to his new role. Sunil holds a degree as an electrical engineer and an MBA in HR and marketing.

Prior to joining Adecco India, Sunil served in various leadership capacities, including his most recent role as the CEO of the digital business at TeamLease. His tenure at TeamLease spanned nearly five years. Before he was working with TeamLease, he held significant roles at Quess Corp. Ltd., including leading the USA P&L for Brainhunter and spearheading global consulting and staffing as the business head for MFX Change Inc. Notably, Sunil’s journey in the staffing industry began at Adecco India, where he served for over seven years across diverse functions, with a focus on professional and IT staffing.

In a statement, Sapna Sood, President Adecco, APAC, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sunil Chemankotil back to the Adecco family as the new Country Manager of Adecco India. Given his extensive experience and demonstrated success in the staffing industry, we are confident that he will effectively lead our talented team in India to achieve success and growth. His leadership will further bolster our commitment to supporting our clients’ success and facilitating growth opportunities for our candidates and associates.

Sunil Chemmankotil, in response to his appointment, said, “I am excited to return to Adecco India in this new role. I look forward to collaborating with the team to spearhead innovation, deliver exceptional client service, and generate value for all stakeholders. Together, we will build upon Adecco India’s robust foundation, chart a course for sustainable growth, and continue implementing the country’s roadmap with success.”

Exploring the allure of Sion: A vibrant hub in central Mumbai

Article by Mr. Chintan Sheth, Chairman & Managing Director, Sheth Realty
In the world of Mumbai’s real estate, Sion stands out as a remarkable location, combining rich history with a vibrant modern atmosphere. Sion is a prime location in Central Mumbai, offering a perfect balance between peaceful residential living and vibrant commercial opportunities. The streets are lined with impressive skyscrapers, creating an atmosphere of progress and potential that appeals to both investors and homebuyers.

Sion has experienced consistent growth, thanks to its prime location and excellent connectivity. The surge in property values has created a lucrative opportunity for investors seeking promising returns on investment. In addition, Sion’s charm goes beyond its residential options, offering a wide range of commercial properties that present profitable opportunities for businesses looking to make their mark in Mumbai’s competitive market.

Nestled within Mumbai’s bustling landscape, Sion emerges as a prime destination for both commercial and residential real estate ventures, driven by three key factors. First and foremost, its excellent infrastructure and connectivity stand as pillars of its appeal. With a well-established railway, and roadway network, properties in proximity to these strategic points command higher valuations, facilitating swift access for commuters and businesses alike. As the city’s infrastructure continues to develop rapidly, Sion evolves into a burgeoning micro-market, enticing companies to relocate and residents to invest in its vibrant community.

A vibrant neighbourhood,Sion boasts a wide range of amenities to cater to the diverse needs of its residents. The prime location of this property, surrounded by bustling neighbourhoods such as Matunga, Dadar, and Chembur, guarantees that residents are always close to the bustling city life. There are plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options just a short distance away. In a city where every minute counts, connectivity reigns supreme, and Sion delivers on this front with aplomb. Sion offers convenient access to prominent central business districts such as Bandra-Kurla Complex and Nariman Point. The Sion-Panvel highway ensures seamless commuting to Navi Mumbai, while the recent inauguration of the BKC-Chunabhatti flyover has significantly improved transport in Sion, making it even more convenient for residents.

Fair real estate rates further bolster Sion’s allure, particularly within the suburban belt favoured by buyers seeking proximity to Mumbai’s financial hub. Properties near transportation hubs often fetch premium rates, reflecting the positive impact of transportation infrastructure on property values. Moreover, Sion and its surrounding micro-markets boast enhanced physical and social infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and shopping malls, adding to their desirability. Education and healthcare form the bedrock of any thriving community, and Sion doesn’t disappoint on this front.

With numerous educational institutions and healthcare facilities dotting its landscape, families can rest assured knowing that quality education and healthcare services are within easy reach, ensuring the well-being and development of their loved ones.Beyond its urban facade, Sion harbours hidden gems for those seeking respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. The Sion Fort, nestled amidst verdant greenery, stands as a testament to the area’s rich historical legacy, offering a tranquil retreat for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

In essence, Sion encapsulates the essence of Mumbai’s spirit – a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, offering a tapestry of opportunities for residents and investors alike. Whether you seek the tranquillity of suburban living or the excitement of urban exploration, Sion welcomes you with open arms, promising a life of fulfilment and opportunity amidst the vibrant heartbeat of Mumbai.

Swiggy launches Smart Links to boost orders for restaurants with a digital presence

National, 24 April 2024 – Swiggy, India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, has announced the launch of ‘Smart Links’, an innovative tool, designed to empower restaurants of all sizes to enhance their online presence and drive growth.

Transforming Social Media Engagement into Business

The Indian F&B industry is vibrant and thriving but extremely competitive. The restaurant industry typically spends anywhere between 3% to 6% of its revenue on advertising, including online platforms like Meta (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp), Google, and traditional media such as TV, print, and radio.

While advertising on online platforms is a great channel to reach consumers, it is not always easy to track its impact on their business. Despite having a social media presence across various platforms, many restaurants struggle to translate engagement into actual business. To address this need, Swiggy has launched Smart Links- free, customized links that restaurants can share on their social media profiles on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook to direct customers straight to their menu page on Swiggy.

This personalized approach enables restaurants to drive orders through their online presence while engaging with a broader audience. For customers on the other hand, it is a one-click experience to order from restaurants they have discovered online or on social media platforms.

The power of Smart Links also lies in the insights they offer into customer behavior. A key challenge for restaurants is assessing a customer’s actions after clicking on an ad, such as whether they have placed an order, what they have ordered, and when. Smart Links gives an insight into this, including whether the customer is a new user.

By enabling this tracking, Smart Links help restaurant partners assess the performance of their social media campaigns more effectively. This data allows them to optimize future campaigns, ultimately leading to more efficient and successful marketing strategies.

Smart Links has proven to be a powerful tool for gaining new users, with almost 60% of all Smart Links orders for a restaurant coming from new consumers. Since its inception, Smart Links has driven over 4 million menu sessions, covering 35,000 restaurant partners. Brands running Smart Links have seen ~25% of their menu sessions. In fact, during campaign days, brands using Smart Links have seen upwards of 80% of menu visits, leading to disproportionate gains in building brand visibility.

Krishanu Roy, 7th Heaven, Patna, Bihar, expressed her excitement on the new offering, “Swiggy has been an invaluable ally for us, consistently unveiling innovations that empower businesses like ours. Smart Links is a game-changer. We have been allocating a substantial budget to social media ads, but Smart Links has transformed that expenditure into tangible business outcomes. It’s a real value-add for restaurants like ours.”

Swiggy is committed to empowering small and upcoming restaurants, providing them with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive market. Smart Links are a key part of this support, offering these establishments a way to enhance their online presence and reach a wider audience. For these brands, Smart Links offer a way to build relevance and break through the clutter. On average, newly launched brands using Smart Links as a marketing tool have seen a 120% increase in menu visits compared to others. Additionally, they are twice as likely to receive a rating within the first 15 days of operation when using Smartlinks.

One such success story is La Milano, a Swiggy restaurant partner, which saw 13% Menu visits coming in via Smartlinks & a 10% jump in revenue on the campaign days after incorporating Smart Links on social channels as part of their marketing strategies.

Commenting on Smart Links, Deepak Maloo, AVP – Supply, Swiggy stated, “Social media is a great boon and an unmissable part of any business’ marketing strategy. But many restaurants, especially the smaller brands struggle to see the social media excitement translate to business without the right tools. Smart Links, which Swiggy is customizing for free for all restaurant partners, will be a game-changer by giving restaurants the power to easily access and customize these links. This allows them to measure individual channel performance and compare all in the owner app, thereby promoting themselves effectively, driving actual orders, and gaining a better understanding of their customers as well as spend on online platforms and social media”.

Restaurant partners can access Smart Links through the Swiggy Owner app to enhance their online presence and drive growth. Swiggy is redefining restaurant marketing with Smart Links, offering partners a tool to expand their reach, engage customers, and drive growth in the digital marketplace.

In addition, Swiggy is offering an interesting cashback offer for restaurant partners in April and May 2024. This offer presents a valuable opportunity for restaurants to increase customer orders through social media while enjoying savings on their orders.

The Baker’s Dozen Launches The Truth We Knead Campaign: Empowering Customers Through Education

24th April 2024 – India’s leading artisan bakery brand, The Baker’s Dozen (TBD), known for creating authentic and quality baked goods, has announced the launch of its groundbreaking educational campaign – “The Truth We Knead”. This industry-first initiative prioritizes consumer education by providing comprehensive insights into bakery products and practices. The campaign will utilize a multi-faceted approach, including informative videos, social media content, digital ads, on-pack communication and interactive sessions along with an informative YouTube series hosted by Co-founder & Head Chef, Aditi Handa. This ensures inclusivity and accessibility for a diverse audience, allowing them to delve deeper into the world of baking from the comfort of their homes.

TBD prioritizes using wholesome ingredients for a healthier and more sustainable baking experience. It also drives the idea that customers must know more about products, especially the ones that they eat. TBD’s latest campaign aims to bridge the existing knowledge gap regarding bakery goods, reflecting TBD’s longstanding commitment to transparency and innovation.

The “The Truth We Knead” campaign aims to empower consumers to make informed choices about their daily bread and other bakery consumption. Additionally, TBD’s initiative will entail an enriching experience that will offer exclusive glimpses into the behind-the-scenes of the bakery industry along with other interesting baking facts, allowing customers to gain insight into the intricacies of the baking process. The YouTube series by Aditi Handa will cover informative topics in the bakery industry.

Another cornerstone of the campaign is the appointment of a Chief Customer Officer (CCO) board for a duration of three months. This unique panel, comprising three diverse personalities from different walks of life who add their own distinct flavor to the campaign by serving as a bridge between TBD and its consumers. This will make the campaign a two-way street with direct engagement, where TBD’s consumers can give their valuable insights and feedback through virtual sessions and meet-and-greets with the CCOs, which will enhance the reach of the brand.

This strategic focus on consumer education comes after TBD recently secured INR 33 Crore in a pre-series A funding round. It is also in alignment with the projected growth of the Indian bakery market, which is expected to reach a CAGR of approximately 11% from 2023 to 2028. By empowering consumers with knowledge, TBD intends to further strengthen its foothold in the dynamic industry.

Aditi Handa, Co-founder & Head Chef at The Baker’s Dozen, said, “The bakery industry has undergone a remarkable revolution. Consumers are ditching traditional options for goodness, quality and healthier alternatives, driving a massive demand for high-quality baked goods. But surprisingly, a majority still lack the knowledge to choose wisely. That’s precisely why we’re on a mission to bridge the information gap. By educating consumers on key selection criteria, we aim to empower them to make informed choices, fostering a mindful approach to daily nutrition. Transparency is paramount for us – customers deserve to know exactly what’s in their food. According to a study, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed Indians’ outlook on health as 70 percent of Indians say they will prioritize dietary and lifestyle changes. We’re even exploring the innovative concept of Chief Customer Officers to become industry leaders in understanding customer needs. Imagine a future where informed bakery choices are a collaborative journey – that’s what excites us!”

TBD goes beyond consumer satisfaction, prioritizing both human health and environmental well-being through business sustainability initiatives like Plastic-Neutral and Carbon-Neutral practices. Weaving sustainability into the fabric of their business has been a conscious evolution for the brand.

Tropical Agro Fortifies Farmer Solutions Portfolio for Comprehensive Support

Chennai, April24, 2024:Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt. Ltd., a leader in the Indian agricultural sector, is proud to unveil its latest suite of farming solutions meticulously tailored for the upcoming 2024 Kharif cropping season.With a resolute dedication to tackling the dynamic challenges of agriculture, the company has fortified its product portfolio with 16 new offerings, covering the gamut of farming practices from seed treatment to post-harvest care.

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. V. K. Jhaver, Founder of Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt. Ltd., expressed the company’s commitment to empowering farmers, stating, ” We are steadfast in our mission to equip farmers with advanced technological formulations to effectively manage crop-related issues such as pests, diseases, and soil deficiencies.Indian farmers deserve access to top-tier farming solutions, which is why, through our innovation labs and dedicated product teams, we continuously strive to develop new solutions to enhance outcomes for major crops and fortify the future of farming.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Mohan Kumar, President of Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt. Ltd., emphasized the profound impact of these initiatives on modern farming practices. “Aligned with our purpose statement, these efforts are poised to safeguard and nurture crops thereby enhancing productivity and profitability for farmers. Our products are engineered to cover challenges across diverse crop ranges from Black gram, Chillies, Cumin, Potato, Paddy, Tomato, Wheat, Maize, Cotton,Bengal gram, Cabbage, Groundnut, Pigeon Pea, Soyabean, Sugarcane, to Tea and more. Furthermore, our enhanced collaborations with esteemed Indian and global entities will usher in cutting-edge agri-tech solutions crucial for the agriculture of tomorrow,” he added.

The newly unveiled range comprises a diverse array of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and biological products, catering to the evolving needs of the Indian farming community. This strategic expansion mirrors Tropical Agrosystem’s unwavering dedication to driving innovation and fostering sustainable agricultural practices, ultimately contributing to the prosperity of farmers and the resilience of India’s agricultural landscape.

Tropical Agroupholds an unwavering commitment to excellence, ensuring all products adhere to international standards and are safe for end-users when used as recommended. Developed following rigorous assessments by agronomic experts, these products are engineered to enhance efficiency and deliver superior performance when applied to crops. They are designed to be user-friendly, economically viable, and resource-efficient.

Moreover, the company has ingrained a culture of product stewardship into its operations to minimize environmental impact. This commitment spans the entire product lifecycle, from research and development through production, marketing, customer usage, and disposal, ensuring responsible practices at every stage.

Togopool Launches 7 Days, 7 Rides Campaign Across Seven States to Promote Eco-friendly commute

New Delhi, [April] – Togopool, a premium app for ride-sharing services, has announced a new initiative called “7 Days, 7 Rides”, aimed at encouraging ride-givers to engage more frequently with their platform while benefiting from substantial rewards. Designed to boost ride availability and reward consistency, this promotional offer is set to enhance the commuting experience across several Indian states.

Under the “7 Days, 7 Rides’ campaign, ride-givers who complete a minimum of seven rides, each covering at least 5 kilometers with no cancellation are entitled to a guaranteed bonus of ₹300, credited to their Togopool wallets. Additionally, for every ride completed with a ride-taker, the ride-giver will earn an extra top up of 20% or more from the ride-taker’s payment. It’s important to note that the promotion is valid for Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, offering flexibility as rides can start in these states but end anywhere in India.

Moreover, Togopool emphasizes that rides with multiple passengers will count as one ride, and rides canceled by the ride-giver will not qualify for promotional benefits. This campaign does not extend to Maharashtra due to legal restrictions on carpooling services in the state.

“At Togopool, we are dedicated to enhancing our users’ experience and providing substantial rewards to our ride-givers,” says Mr Saurabh C, Founder of Togopool. “This campaign is not only about rewarding our loyal users but also about fostering a more connected and efficient transportation network across key regions. With ‘7 Days, 7 Rides’, we aim to encourage more consistent engagement on our platform, while offering greater earning potential and flexibility to our ride-givers.”

This strategic campaign underscores Togopool’s commitment to its community of users by rewarding them for their loyalty and encouraging the adoption of ride-sharing as a sustainable commuting option. Togopool invites ride-givers across the eligible states to participate in this exciting promotion, promising enhanced benefits and a superior commuting experience.

Zomato felicitates winners of the Plastic-Free Orders Packathon

New Delhi, 24th April 2024: Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform, today announced the winners of its ‘Plastic-Free Orders Packathon’, at an event held in New Delhi. Launched in partnership with Startup India, the ‘Plastic-Free Orders Packathon’ was aimed at encouraging innovation in sustainable packaging for food delivery orders. At the event, the 10 shortlisted startups pitched their pioneering solutions to the jury and an audience of over 100 people, including Zomato’s restaurant partners, 14+ startups, technical experts and sustainability students and enthusiasts. Bambrew, Go Do Good Studio and Frenvi were selected as the top 3 winners for their solutions and have been awarded prizes worth INR 10 lakhs, 5 lakhs, and 3 lakhs, respectively.

Over 85 startups from 18 states across the country shared their sustainable packaging solutions that ranged from innovative plastic-free barrier coatings made of materials like seaweed and plant-based gums, compostable carry bags to edible cutlery. 34 of these startups were partially or fully led by women entrepreneurs. The pitches made by the 10 shortlisted startups were judged on the innovative nature of the materials used, their functionality, cost efficiency, design and aesthetics, among others. These startups also got an opportunity to display their sustainable packaging solutions to the audience at a simultaneous exhibition at the event.

Speaking on the initiative, Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer, Zomato said, “We are overwhelmed with the response received on the ‘Plastic-Free Orders Packathon’, an initiative that stemmed as a response to the growing concern over environmental sustainability in the food ordering and delivery industry. Acknowledging start-ups’ pivotal role in catalyzing innovation, we partnered with the Government of India’s flagship initiative Startup India to address this critical requirement. It is inspiring to see startups across the country stepping up with groundbreaking solutions for eco-friendly packaging solutions in the food ordering and delivery industry. The enthusiastic participation of women entrepreneurs underscores the inclusive nature of this initiative, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping a sustainable tomorrow. The ideas showcased by all the startups participating in the event have the power to revolutionise the overall packaging practices, thereby setting a new standard for the industry. We look forward to witnessing the impact of their initiatives in driving a positive change towards a greener future.”

The jury for the event was composed of Rakesh Ranjan, CEO, Food Delivery, Zomato; Shekar Prabhakar, Co-founder & CEO, Hasirudala Innovations; Raghav Verma, Co-founder, Chaayos; Vishal Jindal, Founder and CEO, Biryani By Kilo and Dr. Tanweer Alam, Director, Indian Institute of Packaging.

In line with its objective to reduce the carbon footprint of food deliveries, Zomato has implemented multiple initiatives by employing its ‘reduce, recycle, and reward’ approach. The company recently announced its 2030 sustainability goals, committing to 100% plastic-neutral food deliveries every year and 100 million plastic-free orders by 2025. Through initiatives such as defaulting to ‘Do not send cutlery’ on its app, which was introduced in 2021, the company reduced cutlery waste by 1,000 MT within two years of its inception.

Since FY 23, Zomato has recycled 30,000 MT of plastic waste, 1.5X of the weight used by restaurant partners for Zomato food order deliveries. Zomato has also launched a program to recognize restaurants shifting to plastic-free alternatives, further reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.