YES BANK Announces The Appointment Of Mr. S. Anantharaman As New Chief Risk Officer

YES BANK announced the appointment of Mr. S. Anantharaman as Chief Risk Officer (CRO). Mr. Anantharaman will lead the Bank's enterprise-wide risk framework, overseeing Credit Policy, Operational & Enterprise Risk, Market Risk, Information Security, Model Governance, Data Analytics, Data Privacy & Protection.

Mr. Anantharaman brings over three decades of experience in banking and financial services space. He has deep expertise in enterprise risk management, credit strategy, portfolio quality management, fraud risk and regulatory governance across large financial institutions. He is a Chartered Accountant (ACA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Mr. Anantharaman joins YES BANK from Jio Financial Services where he served as Group Chief Risk Officer. At Jio Financial Services he built the group-wide risk management architecture from the ground up across lending, payments, insurance broking, and asset management.

Prior to that, Mr. Anantharaman served as Chief Risk Officer at Bank of Baroda where he drove significant improvements in asset quality and portfolio resilience while strengthening the bank’s overall risk management framework. He has also held senior leadership roles at HDFC Bank and L&T Finance Holdings, where he led large corporate and retail credit portfolios and implemented advanced data-driven risk management frameworks.

About YES BANK

YES BANK is one of the leading new generation private sector banks in India, headquartered in Mumbai. The Bank offers a wide range of banking services such as Corporate & Institutional Banking, Retail Banking, MSME, Transaction Banking and Treasury. The BANK has over 1300 branches, 200+ Business Correspondent Banking Outlets (BCBOs) and more than 1350 ATMs (including CRMs and BNAs) spanning across 300 districts of India. YES BANK operates an International Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City and also has a Representative Office in Abu Dhabi, strengthening its cross-border capabilities.

YES Securities, the wholly owned subsidiary of the BANK provides a wide range of broking and investment products to Retail, HNI, and Institutional clients.

YES Foundation, the CSR arm of YES BANK drives social impact agenda across areas such as livelihoods, education, skilling, sustainability and community development, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and inclusive banking.

For more information, visit the Bank’s website at

http://www.yes.bank.in/.

Serentica Renewables Secures First Textile Sector Deal With 32 MW RE PPA With Sanathan Polycot

Serentica Renewables, a leading renewable energy provider in India, has signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Sanathan Polycot Private Limited (SPPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sanathan Textiles Limited, an integrated and diversified yarn manufacturer, with operations across three yarn segments – Polyester Filament Yarns, Cotton Yarns & Yarns for Technical Textiles.

As part of the agreement, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been established to deliver 32 MW of hybrid, round-the-clock renewable energy. Sanathan will hold a 26% stake in the SPV, with the remaining stake held by Serentica Renewables.The project will be developed to supply clean and reliable power to Sanathan Polycot’s manufacturing facility in Punjab, ensuring uninterrupted operations while advancing its sustainability agenda.

This partnership enables Sanathan Polycot to secure dependable and cost-efficient green power, reduce emissions intensity of its operations, and gain long-term visibility on energy costs—supporting its broader sustainability ambitions.

Commenting on the partnership, Akshay Hiranandani, CEO, Serentica Renewables, said, “This partnership marks an important milestone as we extend our decarbonisation solutions to the textile sector which is an integral pillar of India’s manufacturing economy with evolving energy needs and sustainability priorities. At Serentica, we believe decarbonisation must be delivered without compromising on reliability or competitiveness. By providing round-the-clock renewable energy, we are enabling industries to transition to clean power seamlessly. Our collaboration with Sanathan Polycot reflects the growing momentum among industrial players to adopt sustainable energy solutions.”

This collaboration further strengthens Serentica’s position in delivering tailored clean energy solutions to energy intensive sectors with a growing portfolio across India’s industrial and manufacturing landscape.

Practitioners Given Practical Guidance As Landmark Sustainability Assurance Standard Takes Effect

Leading global accountancy bodies are examining the practical implications of estimates and forward-looking information in sustainability assurance assignments

Sustainability assurance professionals are entering a pivotal new phase in 2026, with a groundbreaking global standard for assuring climate, social and governance information for investors now coming into force.

As organisations increasingly rely on targets, transition plans and forward-looking disclosures to inform investors and other stakeholders, assurance over this information has become both more important and more complex.

To support the profession through this major shift, two leading global accountancy bodies have published a report to assist practitioners’ professional judgement when dealing with estimates and forward-looking information in sustainability assurance engagements.

Estimates and forward-looking information are central to sustainability reporting. Targets, transition plans, and projections now play a key role in informing decisions by investors and other stakeholders. At the same time, such information is inherently uncertain and dependent on professional judgement, assumptions and future events that may not be within an organisation’s control.

As sustainability reporting continues to evolve, so too does the need for credible, decision-useful assurance over this information. The introduction of ISSA 5000 General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements provides a global framework for assurance over sustainability information, including estimates and forward-looking information.

Applying this framework effectively requires careful professional judgement, particularly where evidence is forward-looking and outcomes cannot be verified at the reporting date.

A case study: Demystifying the assurance of estimates and forward-looking information in accordance with ISSA 5000 produced by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CA ANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand) supports the application of that professional judgement in practice. It focuses on how assurance practitioners can respond to this inherent uncertainty in estimates and forward-looking information when performing engagements in accordance with ISSA 5000.

Antonis Diolas, Head of Audit and Assurance, Policy & Insights, ACCA said: ‘This report reinforces a critical distinction: assurance over such information relates to its preparation and disclosure, not to whether future outcomes will ultimately be achieved. Our work in this area underlines how the role of the accountant is being redefined.’

Amir Ghandar, Reporting and Assurance Leader, CA ANZ, said: ‘By bringing the requirements on estimates and forward-looking information together and grounding them in a practical case study, this report provides much needed guidance for assurance practitioners. Most importantly, it reinforces the central role of professional judgement in delivering assurance that users can actually rely on.’

The report takes the form of a case study focussing on how practitioners respond to identified risks, perform procedures appropriate to the level of assurance, whether limited or reasonable, and evaluate evidence and uncertainty.

It also highlights how issues identified in relation to the underlying estimates and forward-looking information may affect the overall assurance conclusion.

The report is the second part of a series exploring the application of ISSA 5000. The first was A case study: Demystifying materiality in accordance with ISSA 5000

About ACCA

We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the only truly global professional accountancy body. Since we were founded in 1904, we’ve been breaking down barriers to the accountancy profession. Today we proudly support a diverse community of over 257,900 members and 530,100 future members in 180 countries.

We’re redefining accountancy. Our cutting-edge qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to lead and drive sustainable value in organisations and economies worldwide.

Guided by our purpose and values, we’re leading the accountancy profession for a changed world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we’re strengthening and building a profession that focuses on people, planet and prosperity to create value for all.

Find out more at: www.accaglobal.com

About CA ANZ

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand represents nearly 140,000 financial professionals, supporting them to make a difference to the businesses, organisations and communities in which they work and live. Chartered Accountants are known as Difference Makers. The depth and breadth of their expertise helps them to see the big picture and chart the best course of action.

www.charteredaccountantsanz.com 

BHIM Payments App Launches ‘Mahi Way’ Campaign, Reinforcing A Simple And Secure Way To Make Digital Payments

BHIM Payments App, the homegrown digital payments platform developed by NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), announced the launch of its ‘Mahi Way’ campaign. The campaign positions BHIM as a clear and dependable choice, enabling users to complete payments instantly. Reflecting India’s trust-led relationship with money, it emphasises on the convenient and safe payments offered by BHIM Payments app, building confidence in digital payments among people, including the new users.

The 360-degree campaign features legendary cricketer and brand ambassador Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose calm and dependable persona aligns with the experience BHIM Payments App offers to its users. Built around the thought ‘BHIM App se karo pay, it’s the Mahi Way’, the campaign draws from everyday situations where users are faced with multiple payment choices and prefer a simple, reliable way to transact. The films also showcase BHIM’s scan and pay experience along with instant rewards, highlighting how digital payments can be made quick and worry free.

Speaking on the campaign, Lalitha Nataraj, MD & CEO, NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), said, “In India, trust continues to play a defining role in how people adopt and use digital payments. As adoption deepens, users are looking for simplicity and trust, along with the assurance that every transaction is safe and secure. Our new campaign, Mahi Way’ reflects this behaviour where payments happen without confusion or delay, on a platform that users can rely on. With BHIM Payments App, we remain focused on offering a reliable and inclusive payments experience for users across the country.”

Conceptualised by Tilt Brand Solutions, the campaign will be rolled out across television, digital platforms, cinema, and outdoor media. everyday use. The flagship campaign film will be launched in a 25-second format, supported by shorter 10- and 15-second edits for high-frequency visibility across digital and social platforms. In line with BHIM’s inclusive approach, the campaign will be available in 11 languages, including Hindi, English, and regional languages such as Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Gujarati, Odia, and Assamese.

Kushager Tuli, President and Head of Creative, Tilt Brand Solutions added, “With Mahi Way, MS Dhoni is shown in a more everyday context, not just as a cricketing icon, but as someone who reflects calm and clarity in simple decisions. The campaign brings this into real payment situations, making them feel intuitive and effortless. In doing so, it positions BHIM as a reliable and secure choice that fits naturally into daily life.”

Link to film: https://youtu.be/a1BevH2Wq_k?si=6K2oIbpTWFRPOCjb

About NPCI BHIM Services Limited:

NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) was incorporated in 2024, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). NBSL aims to enhance the adoption of digital payments through the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) platform and is committed to providing a seamless, secure, and user-friendly payment experience to individuals and businesses across India.

NBSL facilitates quick and efficient digital transactions, offering an accessible and reliable payment solution for all. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, NBSL aims to drive financial inclusion and support India’s journey toward becoming a fully digital economy.

For more information, visit: - https://www.bhimupi.org.in/

Yashasvi Jaiswal Joins CEAT’s Cricketing Journey From April 1, 2026

CEAT Limited today announced a multi-year partnership with Indian international cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal, effective April 1, 2026. The association marks another significant step in CEAT’s long-standing engagement with cricket and its focus on meaningful associations within the sport.

Yashasvi’s performances and composed approach to the game make him a strong fit for Brand CEAT. His discipline, consistency and adaptability resonate with the values that CEAT stands for, making this partnership a natural alignment.

The partnership also aligns with CEAT’s larger sports marketing strategy, further strengthening its connection with cricket while building on the values that the brand stands for.

Anant Goenka, Vice-Chairman, RPG Group, said, “Cricket has always been an integral part of CEAT’s brand journey, and we are delighted to welcome Yashasvi Jaiswal to the CEAT family. He is one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket today, and the qualities he brings to the game - control, dependability and adaptability - align strongly with the values we stand for as a brand. We believe Yashasvi has the potential to lead across tournaments and formats in the years ahead, and we look forward to a strong and enduring partnership with him.”

Commenting on the association, Yashasvi Jaiswal said, “I am excited to begin this association with CEAT, a brand that has such a strong legacy in cricket and has been associated with several respected names in the game over the years. It is always special to partner with a brand that shares your passion for cricket, and I look forward to this journey together.”

With this partnership, CEAT continues to deepen its association with cricket and back the next generation of talent that will shape the future of the sport.

About CEAT Ltd (www.ceat.com):
Founded in 1924 in Italy, CEAT is a leading tyre manufacturer with a strong presence in over 110 countries.
Headquartered in Mumbai, India, CEAT is the flagship company of the RPG group. It produces more than 41 million high-performance tyres, catering to various segments like 2-3 Wheelers, Passenger and Utility Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles and Off-Highway Vehicles.

CEAT is the first tyre brand in the world to receive the prestigious Deming Grand Prize from the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE), for outstanding achievement in the field of Total Quality Management. It is also the first tyre brand in the world to be awarded Lighthouse Designation by the World Economic Forum for its use of fourth industrial revolution technologies.

About RPG Group (www.rpggroup.com)

A US$ 5.2 billion diversified global conglomerate, RPG Group was founded in 1979 by the legendary industrialist Dr R.P. Goenka and has a lineage dating to the early 19th century. Today, its businesses span key sectors of infrastructure, tyres, IT & technology, pharmaceuticals, energy products and plantations among others, with a footprint in over 135 countries. RPG Group's prominent companies include CEAT, KEC International, Zensar Technologies, RPG Life Sciences, Raychem RPG, Harrisons Malayalam and Spencer International Hotels. The group is home to over 35,000 RPGians from 40 nationalities and is widely recognized for its high standards of corporate governance and a culture of respect for people and the environment.

PlumbexIndia 2026 To Spotlight Water Sustainability And Urban Water Challenges In India

India is confronting an intensifying water crisis, driven by the dual pressures of rapid urbanization and finite freshwater resources. According to NITI Aayog, nearly 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress, while 21 major cities are projected to run out of groundwater, underscoring the urgency of systemic reform. With water demand expected to double available supply by 2030, the need to transition from supply-side augmentation to demand-driven, efficiency-led water management has never been more critical.

Urban centers such as Bengaluru illustrate the gravity of this crisis. Once celebrated for its extensive network of over 1,000 interconnected lakes, the city now retains less than 100 functional water bodies, many of which are severely polluted or encroached upon. Studies by Indian Institute of Science highlight that over 85% of Bengaluru’s lakes are eutrophic, significantly impairing their ability to support biodiversity or recharge groundwater. As natural recharge systems continue to degrade, Bengaluru’s dependence on unsustainable water sources has surged. The city currently relies on the Cauvery River for nearly 80% of its piped water supply, pumping it over 100 km and against a steep elevation, making it one of the most energy-intensive urban water systems in the world. This growing imbalance between demand and supply highlights structural vulnerabilities in urban water governance across India

Against this backdrop, PlumbexIndia 2026, positioned as India’s leading exhibition for water, sanitation and plumbing, the event will serve as a critical platform for industry collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange among stakeholders across the ecosystem.

The exhibition will feature a comprehensive lineup of symposiums addressing key challenges and emerging opportunities in water management. Notable highlights include the IPA Awards of Excellence, the Around the Drop, which is a hands-on workshop designed to sensitize architectural students to water-based design thinking initiative, and the IPA Bathroom Challenge, which will be a live, skill-based installation competition, organized by the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) in collaboration with International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) USA and International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) USA, encouraging innovation in sustainable plumbing design and practices.

With participation from over 200 exhibitors, 50+ startups, spanning a large exhibition area of over 15,0000+ sq. ft., PlumbexIndia 2026 will showcase a diverse spectrum of solutions across plumbing systems, water management technologies, sanitation infrastructure, smart water systems, and sustainable building solutions. The event will bring together manufacturers, technology providers, solution innovators, and infrastructure companies, reflecting the growing convergence of design, engineering, and sustainability in the water and sanitation ecosystem, expected to attract over 15,000+ visitors, which will include architects, real estate developers, consultants, engineers, policymakers, government officials and industry professionals, offering a comprehensive cross-section of stakeholders engaged in shaping India’s water, sanitation and infrastructure landscape, from across the country.

“Water sustainability has transcended the realm of discretionary policy and now stands as a non-negotiable imperative for safeguarding India’s ecological and developmental future. Strategic platforms such as PlumbexIndia serve as critical convergence points, facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement, cross-sectoral knowledge exchange, and the incubation of innovative, future-ready solutions. As the nation advances, it is the synergistic interplay of collaborative governance frameworks and judicious water stewardship practices that will underpin long-term resilience, resource security, and sustainable growth.” said Gurmit Singh Arora, National President, Indian Plumbing Association during the interaction with media in the press meet held on 3rd April 2026 at Plumeria Hall, ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru.

In the lead-up to the exhibition, a Curtain Raiser event was held in Bengaluru in the evening setting, bringing together key stakeholders and industry leaders. The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on the theme “Restoring the Value of Water,” focusing on the need to re-evaluate how water is managed, conserved and governed in urban India.

The panel discussion was moderated by BO Prasanna Kumar, Joint Managing Director, Design Tree Service Consultants Pvt. Ltd. along with the following eminent panelists.

● Ar. Dinesh Verma - Founder and Principal Architect of ACE Group Architects

● Sanath Kumar V – Chief Engineer (Design & QA), Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB)

● Amar Mysore – Executive Director, Brigade Group

● Dr. Hariharan Chandrashekar – Founder & Chairman, Biodiversity Conservation India Ltd. (BCIL)

● Vijay Raj – Director, Farmland Rainwater Harvesting System

● BSA Narayan – Managing Director, Maple Engineering-Design Services (India) Pvt. Ltd.

The panelists shared diverse perspectives on water conservation, urban infrastructure challenges, governance frameworks and the need for integrated, sustainable approaches to water management. Discussions emphasized the importance of aligning policy, technology and community participation to address the growing water crisis.

PlumbexIndia 2026 aims to serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions, reinforcing the need for collective efforts in building a water-secure and sustainable future for India.

About PlumbexIndia: Organized by the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), PlumbexIndia, established in 2008, is India’s largest exhibition dedicated to water, sanitation, and plumbing products and technologies. It provides a comprehensive platform to showcase innovative plumbing solutions, efficient installation systems, and water-efficient technologies, with a strong focus on conservation and sustainable water management. Held on a rotational basis across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, the exhibition brings together manufacturers, buyers, policymakers, and industry professionals to drive innovation, collaboration, and responsible water use in the built environment, supporting India’s goals for sanitation and sustainable urban growth.

Biocon Foundation, In Partnership With BeST Cluster And NCBS, Onboards First BioWISE Cohort Of Postgraduate Women Students

* Empowering 15 Women in STEM (Life Sciences) with scholarship, internship and mentorship

Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Biocon, in collaboration with the Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST Cluster) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), formally onboarded the first cohort of the BioWISE (Women in STEM Empowered) program at the Biocon Park, Bengaluru.

The first BioWISE cohort comprises 15 postgraduate women students selected through a rigorous, multi-stage process from over 350 applicants across Karnataka for a six-month internship program, including scholarship and mentorship.

As part of the BioWISE program, 25 women students - 15 postgraduates and 10 undergraduates - from tier 2 and tier 3 universities across Karnataka will be supported with academic training spanning biotechnology, life sciences, microbiology, bioinformatics and allied disciplines, enabling them to build sustainable careers in STEM.

The 15 participants onboarded in the first phase have been placed with leading academic and industry partners, including the National Centre for Biological Sciences (1), Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (2), Indian Institute of Science (5) and Biocon (7), where they are working alongside scientists and industry professionals on live research and development programs.

The formal onboarding event was graced by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon; R. Anantharaman, CEO, BeST Cluster; Dr Anupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, Naveen Narayanan, Chief Human Resources Officer, Biocon and representatives from NCBS along with leaders from academia, research institutions and industry. Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA), addressed the gathering through a virtual message.

Speaking at the event, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group, said: “India does not have a pipeline problem in science; it has a transition problem. While women enter STEM education in large numbers, too many drop out at the stage of entering professional roles in industry. BioWISE is a strategic intervention at precisely this moment, where talent must meet opportunity. This program by Biocon Foundation, BeST Cluster, and NCBS is about building confidence and ecosystems of support so women not only stay in science, but lead, innovate, and shape the future of India’s scientific enterprise.”

Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA, commented, “The future of science and innovation will depend on how inclusively we nurture and strengthen our talent pipeline. When women are given equal access to opportunities, supported in their growth, and empowered to lead, the entire ecosystem benefits. Initiatives like BioWISE reflect this vision by bringing together academia, industry, and government to bridge the gap between education and workforce readiness, while enabling women from diverse backgrounds to contribute meaningfully to the future of science and innovation.”

R. Anantharaman, CEO, BeST Cluster, commented “Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster is grateful to Biocon Foundation, National Center for Biological Sciences (NCBS), and other leading institutions for backing BioWISE 25-26 (Women in STEM Empowered) - Cohort 1, a six-month internship giving 15 postgraduate women students or from Tier-2 and Tier-3 colleges learning opportunities, structured mentorship, and guidance to empower women in STEM, focusing on life sciences.”

Prof. L.S. Shashidhara, Director, NCBS, commented “The BioWise program is a significant and timely initiative aimed at empowering women in STEM. The entire STEM community is indebted to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and the Biocon Foundation. The BeST Cluster has played a catalytic role in bringing together a strong network of collaborators and mentors from leading institutions such as IISc, IBAB, NCBS, CBR, and other organizations thereby fostering a truly collaborative and enabling ecosystem. Such multi-institutional efforts are essential to nurture talent, build confidence, and support the long-term growth of women scientists.”

Dr Anupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, commented “BioWISE is designed as a long-term intervention to support women at critical transition points in their scientific journeys. In addition to the 15 postgraduate interns currently onboarded, the program will also support 10 undergraduate students through scholarships, short-term internships and mentorship modules during the year, creating early exposure and continuity into STEM careers.”

Naveen Narayanan, Chief Human Resources Officer, Biocon commented “BioWISE reflects our belief that inclusion must translate into opportunity. And for that, we need to support talent not as a one-time intervention, but as a sustained commitment. Programs like BioWISE represent a more deliberate approach where inclusion is not episodic, but built through consistency.”

BioWISE, launched in June 2025, is designed to enhance access, participation, and retention of women from underserved communities in STEM. The program addresses the gap many women face in transitioning from academic training to sustained scientific careers by offering a structured support ecosystem. Participants receive exposure to real-life industry environments and opportunities to engage with leaders from industry. In addition, BioWISE provides stipends, technical and soft‑skills training, and career guidance, helping participants build confidence, professional networks, and workplace readiness.

About Biocon Foundation:

Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Biocon, Biocon Biologics and Syngene International, has been working to empower marginalized communities since 2005. Biocon Foundation partners with society to promote social and economic inclusion.

It has thus made significant investments in enhancing access to quality healthcare, education, and civic infrastructure along with environmental sustainability projects. Combined with field initiatives, these programs create momentum to elevate the marginalized sections of society.

Over the years, Biocon Foundation has built a strong reputation for the quality of its programs and their impact in addressing the social, humanitarian, and environmental challenges facing India. To make a more meaningful impact, the Foundation regularly partners with government agencies and like-minded organizations for program delivery. Besides addressing critical national and state level challenges in primary healthcare, education and rural development, the Foundation is also augmenting environmental sustainability through the lake revival mission in Bengaluru. Visit: http://www.bioconfoundation.org

About BeST:

The Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST) is an initiative under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, established to foster innovation, collaboration, and societal impact through science and technology. BeST leverages Bengaluru’s vibrant ecosystem of academic institutions, industry leaders, startups, civil society organizations, and government bodies to address critical challenges in public health, sustainability, and urban development. Coordinated by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and supported by over 20 partner organizations, BeST began with seed funding sanctioned in September 2022. Its establishment was led by the Director of IISc, Professor Govindan Rangarajan (Principal Investigator), with Professor Ambarish Ghosh of IISc and Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, CEO of C-CAMP, as Co-PIs. On May 14, 2024, BeST transitioned into a Section 8 Company under the name Foundation for Bengaluru Science and Technology. This non-profit organization was co-founded by four leading institutions: IISc, the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), and the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS). Through its multidisciplinary approach, BeST aims to create scalable, technology-driven solutions that enhance quality of life and promote inclusive growth in Bengaluru and beyond. Visit: https://www.bestkc.in/

About NCBS

National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), a Centre of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, an autonomous institute of Department of Atomic Energy, Govt. of India, is a premier research institution dedicated to fundamental research at all levels of biology covering a diverse set of subjects spanning from molecules to ecosystems and from nanosecond to evolutionary time. The mission of NCBS is to amplify boundaries of biological knowledge, create scientific human capital and deploy contemporary tools and technologies for capabilities in science. At the NCBS scientific culture encourages interdisciplinarity, collegiality, collaboration, non-hierarchical engagement, objective oriented and unbiased approaches. NCBS is committed to building bridges across disciplines, institutions, and borders. It actively nurtures collaborations with scientists both within India and internationally, catalysing the creation of new programs, innovative institutions, and transdisciplinary initiatives. The Centre also plays a pivotal role in connecting the history of science to contemporary challenges, and in linking scientific discovery to societal needs. Visit: https://www.ncbs.res.in/