Girls in Technology To Pep-Up Nasscom's 10,000 Start-ups Programme

National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has celebrated the one year anniversary of its 10,000 Start-up Programme. It was announced that under this programme In the future, NASSCOM will also strengthen this initiatives such as ‘Girls in Technology’, ‘Start-up connect’ sessions’ and aims to introduce more initiatives that will support start-ups and build India as entrepreneurship friendly nation.

NASSCOM also aims to build more start-ups warehouses in different regions of the country to provide necessary support to budding businesses. The initiative started in March 2013 was aimed at providing the necessary support to Indian technology start-ups and create 10,000 domain specific start-ups in the country.

Addressing a group of start-ups in Bangalore, R. Chandrashekhar, President,

NASSCOM and Ravi Gururaj, Chairman, NASSCOM Product Council highlighted various achievements and developments in the journey of NASSCOM 10,000 Start-ups Programme.

NASSCOM had commenced the programme with the support of Google, Kotak, Microsoft and Verisign. In April, last year NASSCOM invited the first round of entries and shortlisted entrepreneurs were provided funding ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 2 crore through leading angel investor networks of the country. Selected start-ups were also offered 3 to 4 months of incubation at leading incubators of India, along with co-working space at affordable cost. The second phase of applications commenced in October 2013

NASSCOM, along with partners focused on multi-fold activities aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, building entrepreneurial capabilities at scale and providing robust early stage support through mentorship. One of the major developments during the journey was the launch of the Start-up Warehouse in Bangalore to create a micro-ecosystem where start-ups and entrepreneurs can work together, share their learnings and best practices with each other.

Speaking on the occasion, R Chandrashekhar, President, NASSCOM stated “We are overwhelmed with the response received for the programme and have processed more than 7000 applications in two cycles. NASSCOM is glad to have initiated this programme and is successfully enabling start-ups along with VCs, angel investors and other relevant communities that provide support to start-ups accelerating its growth.” He further added that “With a strong focus on innovation, NASSCOM remains committed to build a vibrant tech start-up ecosystem in India to sustain this momentum.”

Recently, NASSCOM nominated 25 innovative technology start-ups from India for Innotrek – a visit to US for salient entrepreneur focused events. With this initiative NASSCOM aims to provide a global platform for innovative young businesses to ‘Collaborate, Connect and Co-create’. It will be a week long immersive experience in which these start-ups will have a first-hand experience of Silicon Valley product ecosystem, access to global VCs/Angels and chance to connect with big tech enterprises. InnoTrek aims to help the selected start-ups to understand what it takes to build world class products.

In the past one year, the programme has received a very encouraging response from the start-up community. Playing the role of catalyst, NASSCOM 10,000 Start-ups Programme has provided a platform for young businesses to have access for suitable incubation, mentoring and funding through multifold activities. Start-up events included fireside chats, pitch sessions, mentoring sessions, whitespace discussions, skill building workshops, recruitment events, and co-founder hunts. 

Is Google's Android TV Rollout In The Cards?

Google is working on a version of its Android software for televisions, leaked documents have revealed to the media.

The firm had previously tried to work with manufacturers, including Sony, on a range of Google TV boxes, which flopped.

However, documents obtained exclusively by The Verge reveal that Google is about to launch a second attempt at a TV box.

Major video app providers, including Hulu, Netflix and Vevo already have apps running on the platform, the screenshots The Verge obtained showed.

Google is currently asking developers to create TV apps for a simple set-top-box interface, said to be a set of scrolling "cards" that represent movies, television shows and games. According to The Verge, users will be able to resume content on their television, even if first started on a mobile device or tablet.

Android TV provides a way for Google to recommend its own content to users, while it also offers a full TV interface that supports specific remotes.

Google's Android TV comes just a week after Amazon revealed Fire, its TV set top box.

Yahoo and Microsoft have also revealed plans to create their own TV shows in the ever-expanding battle for the living room.

KL Varsity Opts HP Converged Cloud For Research

KL University has announced that it has selected HP Converged Cloud solutions to enhance research capability through increased IT availability, efficient utilization of its IT infrastructure and to drive employability for its students with immersive learning experiences and HP Certification programs.

Spread across a 50 acre campus, KL University houses more than 74 academic laboratories across multiple disciplines including Engineering, Science, Humanities, Management, and Commerce. Additionally, the University also supports up to 25 research laboratories, six industry collaboration labs and four centres of excellence. 46 research groups work in these laboratories conducting research in areas sponsored by different governmental agencies such as Department of Science & Technology (DST), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), University Grants Commission (UGC), Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) among others.

With an increase in student intake, KL University wanted to centralize its datacenter operations to foster collaboration between research teams spread across various academic disciplines. The University required a scalable technology infrastructure in the cloud to meet the dynamic IT demands of the research groups, faculty, scholars and students. The University was on the look-out for a simplified network infrastructure that could host their applications, anywhere, in the data center or the cloud; and that users can access anywhere, and from any device.

To address this, KL University selected HP Converged Cloud Solutions which include a state-of-art Data Centre housing the HP CloudSystem Matrix which integrates servers, storage, networking, security and management and deliver Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) for its users according to their research requirements. The University has also enhanced its network experience by implementing a complete suite of unified wired & wireless network, which proudly out-lines campus Wi-FI by having industry’s latest & best 802.11ac.

“Established in 1980, KL University has always been at the forefront of technology adoptions that enable our students to innovate,” said, Mr Koneru Satyanarayna, President, KL University. “With HP Converged Cloud, we can improve our IT efficiency while providing students with a highly scalable environment that accommodates their research requirements and other computing needs.”

The HP solution, consisting of HP Software-Defined Storage; HP 3PAR Storserv 7000 and HP Data Protector is adopted to effortlessly store, protect, and manage the massive data generated by the student and research groups on campus. HP Unified network management has been implemented to manage the entire network and includes HP Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) solution to provide flexibility to users, allowing them to have their devices connected to the network seamlessly. With this, KL University is also slated to become the first university in the country to implement the latest wireless solutions, introduced by HP.

New Indian Election Analysis Portal By ZT Analysis

ZT Analytics (www.ztanalytics.com) launches its elections analysis portal “A Social View of India Elections 2014”. The site uses tools and techniques from sentiment analysis to study and present the social and media sentiment around the candidates, parties and issues that dictate the 2014 elections. 

The world is watching the coming elections in India with great interest. The largest democracy of the world, with an electoral strength of 81.45 crores (814.5 million), goes to the polls in 9 phases from 7th April, 2014 to 12th May, 2014. Voting will take place in 543 parliamentary constituencies. 

The co-founders - Madhu Jalan, Raghuram Lanka and Reva Maheshwari, who met as part of the Certificate Program in Business Analytics at ISB Hyderabad said, “The analyses presented show daily sentiment for particular parties and candidates. These have been correlated with news events to verify their accuracy and provide even better insights. Enthusiasts around the world who are keen on following the sentiment in both social and news media can visit our site for the latest updates.” 

www.ztanalytics.com

Ravi Chauhan Joins SAP India As Managing Director

SAP  has announced the appointment of Ravi Chauhan as Managing Director for SAP India, further strengthening the senior management team of SAP Asia Pacific Japan. Effective immediately, Ravi will be responsible for driving SAP India’s growth strategy and operations across the country. Based in Bangalore, Ravi Chauhan reports directly to Adaire Fox-Martin, President of SAP Asia Pacific Japan.

“As a technology hub and with its vast network of enterprises, entrepreneurs and users, India is undoubtedly a key market for SAP in the region and globally,” said Adaire Fox-Martin, President of SAP Asia Pacific Japan. “We are confident that Ravi brings the right set of skills and experience to lead SAP India to continued success, as we increasingly address the needs of India’s rising millennial workforce.”

Ravi Chauhan brings close to three decades of wide-ranging IT industry and management experience to SAP, with a track record of increasing market share, winning key customers and leading effective teams. Chauhan joins SAP after four years at Juniper Networks, where he last served as Managing Director, India and South Asia. From 2000 to 2009, Ravi held leadership roles at Nortel Networks such as General Manager (Global), Contact Center and Unified Communications Software; Managing Director, India; and Vice President, Enterprise Business, India.

 “SAP plays an important role as a global leader in cloud and innovation.” said Ravi “I am excited to work closely with Indian customers to help them leverage the latest technology innovations that will drive successful business outcomes.”

With over 400 million millennials, India stands as the country with the most individuals in this generation. SAP’s innovations in cloud, mobile and social platforms are increasingly catered to the workplace of the future and the global networked economy, with applications and solutions across all industries.

                                           

Economic Revival Essential In India, Says BJP Chief

When the NDA Government completed its tenure the baton was handed over to the incoming UPA Government with GDP growth nearing double digit in 2004. Inflation was under control. Fiscal Deficit and Current Account Deficit were kept within limit and the overall Economy was showing robust fundamentals. In contrast, now at the end of Congress-led UPA regime, the GDP growth has plummeted to very low of 4.8%, the inflation and price rise beyond control, the fiscal deficit and current account deficit in the alarm zone, and the manufacturing sector facing a recession. The Congress-led UPA has indulged in massive scams during its last five years. In recent years, the Indian Rupee has seen a free fall like never before.

This is basically the result of policy and decision paralysis of the UPA Government. Decisions are simply not taken. And if they are taken, they turn into scandals. All this has destroyed the reputation of our economy. To reverse this process, the first thing, which is required, is to restore confidence in 26the integrity of the decision-making and sanctity of our decisions.

We will bring back credibility and trust in government, re-sowing confidence in the India story domestically as well as internationally. Through consistent, long-term policies, we will not just spur the process of economic growth, but also ensure that it is stable as well as balanced.

BJP as part of its manifesto 2014 will:

* Find out solutions, which are effective in the short run and lasting in the long run.

* Strictly implement Fiscal discipline, without compromising on funds availability for development work and asset creation

* Allocate resources efficiently and effectively to re-energize the engines of growth.
* E-visit the policy framework for investments both foreign and domestic to make them more conducive.
* Undertake Banking reforms to enhance ease and access, as well as accountability.
* We will encourage Savings as an important driver of investment and growth.

NPAs

NPAs have increased sharply over the past few years and the trend continues. BJP will take necessary steps to reduce NPAs in Banking sector. Also, BJP will set up a strong regulatory framework for the non-banking financial companies to protect the investors.

Taxation

UPA Government has unleashed 'Tax terrorism' and 'uncertainty', which not only creates anxiety amongst the business class and negatively impacts the investment climate, but also dents the image of the country. BJP realizes the importance of having a Tax Policy Roadmap, so that people are aware of the future and plan accordingly. We will:

* Provide a non adversarial and conducive tax environment

* Rationalize and simplify the tax regime

* Overhaul the dispute resolution mechanisms

* Bring on board all State governments in adopting GST, addressing all their concerns

* Provide tax incentives for investments in research and development, geared towards indigenization of technology and innovation

Foreign Direct Investment

Barring the multi-brand retail sector, FDI will be allowed in sectors wherever needed for job and asset creation, infrastructure and acquisition of niche technology and specialized expertise. BJP is committed to protecting the interest of small and medium retailers, SMEs and those employed by them. The FIPBs (Foreign Investment Promotion Board) functioning shall be made more efficient and investor- friendly.

Agriculture - Productive, Scientific and Rewarding

Agriculture is the engine of India's economic growth and the largest employer, and BJP commits highest priority to agricultural growth, increase in farmer's income and rural development.

BJP will:
* Increase public investment in agriculture and rural development.

* Take steps to enhance the profitability in agriculture, by ensuring a minimum of 50% profits over the cost of production, cheaper agriculture inputs and credit; introducing latest technologies for farming and high yielding seeds and linking MGNREGA to agriculture.

* Put in place welfare measures for farmers above 60 years in age, small and marginal farmers and farm labours.

* Introduce and promote low water consuming irrigation techniques and optimum utilization of water resources.

* Introduce soil assessment based crop planning and setting up mobile soil testing labs.

* Re-orient pest management and control programmes.

* Implement and incentivize the setting up of the food processing industry that has remained just a plain talk till now. This will lead to better income for farmers and create jobs. We aim to set up 'agro food processing clusters', with high value, export-quality and vacuum packed food processing facilities, etc.

* Focus on the quality, productivity and trade of spices.
* Set up the 'Organic Farming and Fertilizer Corporation of India', to promote organic farming and

fertilizers, and provide incentives and support for marketing organic produce.

* Introduce rotation farming for herbal products, based on geographical mapping, to enhance the income of farmers.

* Implement a farm insurance scheme to take care of crop loss due to unforeseen natural calamities.

* Strengthen and expand rural credit facilities.

* Promote horticulture, floriculture, pisciculture, bee-keeping and poultry for generating jobs and income for rural India

* Promote fish farming and aqua culture. Measures would be taken for the welfare of fisherman ␣ Create Cluster based storage systems (e.g. Rice cluster, Wheat Cluster, Veg - Fruit cluster, Spices cluster).

* Introduce the concept of consumer friendly farmers' market to reduce wastages and increase incomes and risk coverage.

* Reform the APMC act.
* Work with the states to set up seed culture labs in each district and regional agriculture innovation

labs to conserve agro-biodiversity and to identify and preserve rare indigenous varieties.

* Explore setting up of regional Kisan TV channels.

* Give high priority to poverty alleviation in rural areas.

Genetically Modified (GM) foods will not be allowed without full scientific evaluation on its long-term effects on soil, production and biological impact on consumers.

Land acquisition is a contentious issue due to the opacity of the land acquisition process. BJP will adopt a 'National Land Use Policy', which will look at the scientific acquisition of non-cultivable land, and its development; protect the interest of farmers and keep in mind the food production goals and economic goals of the country. It's implementation would be monitored by the National Land Use Authority, which will work with the State Land Use Authorities to regulate and facilitate land management. The power and functions of the National Land Use Authority would be similar to those of other regulatory 28 bodies.

'Made In India' Essential For Strong Manufacturing Sector

A strong manufacturing sector will not only bridge the demand-supply gap leading to price stabilization, but also create millions of jobs and increase incomes for the working class. Above all, it will increase the revenue for government and lead to import substitution to bring down the import bill. 

We will make India a hub for cost-competitive labour-intensive mass manufacturing. To give boost to manufacturing, BJP will:

* Accord high priority to the growth of manufacturing, so that we can create enough jobs in the country. This sector must grow fast to ensure employment and asset creation.

* Take steps for Interest rate rationalization and have a clear tax policy to remove uncertainty and create investor confidence.

* Take all steps; like removing red-tapism involved in approvals, to make it easy to do business, invest in logistics infrastructure, ensure power supply and undertake labour reforms, besides other steps to create a conducive environment for investors.

* Increase the public spending on R&D and Incentivize R&D investments by the industry to increase the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

* We will facilitate setting up of software and hardware manufacturing units.

* Encourage Indian companies to go global and we will support Indian companies in this endeavor. We believe that Indian entrepreneurs have the capability to take on global markets.

* Set up trade facilitation to ensure easier customs clearances and visas for business travel.
 * Initiate a Government - Industry Dialogue, a channel for regular interface with the industry.

* MSMEs (Micro, small and medium enterprises)

BJP considers that the role of SME sector is crucial for the economic development of our country. The sector needs to be developed by providing international linkages for exports, availability of credit through a dedicated SME bank, supply chain efficiencies, adoption of IT, support in R&D and innovation, and a policy support for enhancing the mandate to purchase from SME for large scale projects. Overall goal is to enhance the competitiveness of the SME sector leading to a larger contribution to our economic growth and employment generation.