Fraunhofer India Organises 5th Fraunhofer Innovation and Techy Platform: ‘Digitalization – The Game Changer’

Fraunhofer, Europe's largest application-oriented research organization  organised their 5th Fraunhofer Innovation and Technology (FIT) Platform this Wednesday, December 5th in Bengaluru, India, where various international technology experts deliberated on and showcased cutting edge technologies, innovation and solutions. The event this year focusses on Digitalization spanning the sectors such as Manufacturing, Energy, Buildings, E-mobility, Space, Smart Cities and Cultural Heritage, all seen as fundamental growth drivers in world markets.

The symposium witnessed participation from leading CEOs, CTOs, senior policy makers and innovation experts representing the Government, Industry and the Research fraternity who are also stakeholders and decision makers in the implementation of various Government programs. Some of the dignitaries included:

· Dr. Gunther Grathwohl - Head of International Digital Dialogue, German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi)
· Anshu Prakash, Additional Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Govt. of India*
· Sukriti Likhi, Joint Secretary, Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Govt. of India
· Gaurav Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Govt, Dept. of Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Govt. of Karnataka
· Vinnie Mehta, Director General, Automotive Components Manufacturers Association (ACMA)
· K S Viswanathan, Vice President - Industry Initiatives, National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM)
. Prof. Dr. Thomas Magedanz, Director, Business Unit Software-based Networks, Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems FOKUS, Berlin
·  Dr. Gopichand Katragadda - Group CTO, TATA Sons Ltd.

Participants included over a dozen Fraunhofer experts from the fields of ICT, Energy, Efficient Building Technologies and Production Technologies etc. Included participation from top Indian and German companies as well as International organisations such as Asia Productivity Organisation (APO).

Fraunhofer has been active in India for over 10 years, initially with a Fraunhofer Senior Advisor and since 2012 with a Fraunhofer Representative Office supporting the activities of the Fraunhofer Institutes. With this event it will look to commemorate this milestone in the presence of industry leaders and key stakeholders from the government and industry. The 5th Fraunhofer Innovation and Technology Platform held in the morning was followed by a high-level panel discussion on ‘Innovation - the Fulcrum of a Global Industry’, featuring marquee industry leaders discussing successful innovation ecosystems across leading nations, the India scenario - challenges and opportunities, trends and ways to scale up the Indian innovation ecosystem.

“Fraunhofer has been involved in India for 10 years now, and it has been such an exciting journey. Our institutes have been a long time trusted innovation partner in India, collaborating with some of the major players in the field of Material Science, Energy, Environment, Automotive, Electro-mobility, Production Technology and Smart Cities, while working with Industry, Government and Public Sector. Our Industry clients have grown tremendously over the last few years and we look forward to another successful decade of meaningful partnerships between the two great nations.” − Prof. Frank Treppe, Managing Director Political & International Affairs and Associate Board Member, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft.

“While our international footprint is growing steadily, our growth in India has been equally exciting, as Fraunhofer moves into a more strategic and long term partnership with its clients and partners. A great amount of goodwill, contracts and successes were achieved along the way. Fraunhofer is the Technology Resource Partner for Manufacturing in India (MoU with Dept. of Heavy Industry, Govt. of India), the Technology Partner for the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and in the process of setting up two Smart City Innovation Labs in India among others.” − Anandi Iyer, Director, Fraunhofer Office India.

Anandi Iyer further adds, “I am very excited with our prospects in India going by our track record in a short period of time. Complementing this, the Fraunhofer Institutes have many exciting projects in the pipeline which will be announced periodically in the months to come. This is testimony to the successful collaboration between the government, the industry and our research fraternity that is focussed on outcome based partnerships.”

ATEN True 4K Series with HDR Addresses Next-Generation Large Display Ads in India

ATEN is introducing its True 4K series with HDR to address the growing demand in India for quality AV and richer visual experiences. The True 4K series focuses on HDR technology, which helps to create contrasted visuals that are more realistic. HDR optimizes an image's contrast ratio, thereby increasing the picture's dynamic range, which helps to deliver a much more vivid image.

Shyam Tambatkar, PSM Professional A/V at ATEN India says, "The increasing popularity of HDR technology has prompted us to take steps to come up with cutting-edge HDR solutions. ATEN's True 4K series is fully equipped with superior video resolutions, robust signal routing and ultra-fast digital video switching, making it the perfect companion for applications. The True 4k HDR series will pave the way for futuristic event venues, digital signage and video walls, real time collaborative meeting room experience, digital classrooms, auditoriums, department stores, and more."

With the ATEN True 4K Series, customers in India can now create state-of-the-art video rooms with world class technology for the next generation display technology, especially for large-display ads focusing to create a potent impact on viewers through the use of 4K imagery.

"ATEN has fully tested its True 4K Series with HDR to verify with absolute certainty that all products support the bandwidth required for HDR content as well as comprehensive EDID settings to ensure output capability. All products are also guaranteed to transmit complete InfoFrame Metadata, something that is especially important to enjoy the full visual benefits of dynamic HDR. We are sure ATEN's True 4K series will redefine the way people view the world through videos and displays" added Shyam.

ATEN's True 4K series is equipped to deliver the best quality HDR video signals with the following key features:
Supports up to 18Gbps bandwidth and HDCP2.2 to deliver high-performance signal extension, routing, and distribution solutions for True 4K HDR video content.
Supports all the popular HDR formats on the market, including HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), and both static and dynamic HDR.
Supports comprehensive EDID settings to ensure output capabilities.
Transmits complete InfoFrame data.

The series not only includes splitters and switches, but also matrix switches with a video wall processor, which will help customers connect with any of the various applications where they need the seamless delivery of HDR content at the best possible quality.

Availability
Please contact ATEN INDIA for product inquiry and introductory offer.

Hyatt Launches India-Focused Customized Lifestyle Rewards Program ‘Hyatt Dining Club’

Hyatt announced the launch of an all-new annual subscription lifestyle rewards program for India, Hyatt Dining Club. Recognising the importance of India as a travel destination and the needs of the discerning consumer in India, Hyatt Dining Club provides customised experiences across the country. The program is built on the foundation of extensive research conducted in association with Kantar IMRB and Coral Research Services. Based on the understanding that guests value holistic experiences, Hyatt Dining Club aims to move beyond standard dining rewards programs, with incentives not just limited to restaurants but also in-hotel elements such as spa treatments and social events and more through exclusive deals with third parties like Xoxoday and PVR Cinemas.

Providing exciting deals and handpicked experiences inside and outside the Hyatt ecosystem, Hyatt Dining Club is an annual subscription-based lifestyle rewards program that offers unique experiences to members with customized program options, third-party deals and easy online enrolments. Paytm, India’s largest digital payments platform, is the exclusive official payments processor for the program

Research findings show that rewards program subscribers seek benefits that add value to their complete stay or dining experience. By going beyond restaurants and in-hotel elements, Hyatt Dining Club has been created as a customizable program that allows people to pick what they care for. Its simplicity is reflected in its structure – there are no tiers or points.

Seamlessly digital, the program offers online enrollments and rewards – with every membership linked to a unique mobile number. Along with a 30% eligible food and beverage purchases at participating hotels, the program offers a variety of benefits such as suite upgrades, exclusive offers on meeting and event spaces, added personal perks at the spa or on special occasions. Keeping in mind that guests look forward to experiential benefits, Hyatt Dining Club allows members to pick one of the five unique packages focusing on stays (Suite Life), spa (Pamper Me), food (Food Fanatic), meetings (Down To Business) and social events (Life Of The Party).

Beyond the numerous restaurants and in-hotel rewards, Hyatt Dining Club offers benefits of curated lifestyle experiences to members through exclusive deals with third parties like PVR Cinemas and Xoxoday. Valid across all Hyatt properties in India, the program treats its members to other perks such preferred member seating and invitations to special events.

Sunjae Sharma, Vice President, Operations, Hyatt India remarked, “Devised after careful research, Hyatt Dining Club is an easy-to-use program, especially crafted for Hyatt guests in India. We understand that guests value benefits that go beyond in-hotel experiences and dining, and as a result Hyatt Dining Club seamlessly weaves restaurants offerings at Hyatt hotels with exclusive lifestyle experiences, through in-hotel services and third-party deals. We are extremely grateful to PVR Cinemas, Xoxoday and Paytm for collaborating with us.”

The research (both qualitative & quantitative) conducted by Coral Research Services and Kantar IMRB indicates that consistency across outlets is an important factor for guests. The survey conducted by Hyatt and Kantar IMRB involved 60+ focus groups and depth interviews across key cities in India and quantitative research with 700+ customers. The research surveyed working men and women aged 26-55, belonging to SECC A1 & A, who are members of airline and hotel programs, and dine out at least twice a month.

The research highlighted that members seek benefits which add value to their complete stay or dining experience, by going beyond restaurant and in-hotel elements. It also found that guests possess a desire for customization, building a relationship and a preference for rewards over discounts. Taking into account these insights, Hyatt Dining Club is crafted to address guest preferences to meet each person’s individual needs.

With an annual fee, members of Hyatt Dining Club can avail various benefits and discounts at all Hyatt hotels across India. The program also provides a free trial that allows members to experience select dining benefits.

Jaguar’s All-Electric I-PACE Earns Five-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating

The all-electric Jaguar I-PACE has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, confirming it as one of the safest vehicles on the road.

Jaguar’s first electric performance SUV scored 91% for adult occupant protection, 81% for child occupant protection and 81% for safety assist. I-PACE scored maximum points for both the side barrier impact and the more severe side pole test, with good protection of all critical body areas.

This latest result means all three members of Jaguar’s PACE SUV family, E-PACE, F-PACE and I-PACE, have the maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating, demonstrating Jaguar’s commitment to engineering some of the safest family cars. I-PACE is the tenth consecutive model from Britain’s biggest vehicle manufacturer to receive five stars.

Simon Black, Senior Project Leader, Body Engineering Jaguar Land Rover said: “The Jaguar I-PACE has already received awards for its design, performance and handling. This latest award from Euro NCAP confirms the I-PACE’s exceptional safety standards. The SUV has been expertly engineered with a lightweight aluminium body structure and integrated battery pack to provide outstanding crash protection for occupants. Safety is our biggest priority and it is fantastic to see the Euro NCAP results reflect this.”

The I-PACE’s lightweight aluminium body structure delivers inherently high levels of stiffness, and when combined with the integral battery pack – protected by a structural aluminium frame – delivers the highest torsional rigidity of any Jaguar yet, at 36kNm per degree.

Highlights of the body design include industry-first use of aluminium forgings, and Jaguar-first applications of post-form heat treatment to increase the strength of the aluminium alloys used in crash-critical areas.

I-PACE, also features advanced safety technologies to protect road users and pedestrians. Technologies include a deployable bonnet and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection. Jaguar also designed a unique Audible Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) for its first electric vehicle that warns road users when the vehicle is approaching. The sound can be heard at speeds up to 20km/h and exceeds the 56dB(A) minimum required by forthcoming European legislation. The system was tested in conjunction with members of Guide Dogs for the Blind, the UK’s leading charity for people affected by sight loss.

In addition to safety technologies, the performance SUV offers a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems including Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and 360° Parking Aid.

HDFC ERGO Announces Corporate Agency Tie-Up with Federal Bank

HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, India’s leading private sector general insurance company and Federal Bank, announced tie-up for the distribution of HDFC ERGO’s range of non-life insurance offerings to the customers of the Bank through its network branches.

The two entities have joined hands and entered into a corporate agency partnership to offer comprehensive general insurance products through the network of Federal Bank’s 1250+ branches spread across entire country. The Bank with its Pan India network and technological edge comes as an advantage for HDFC ERGO. Federal Bank’s deep rooted presence in Southern markets also allows the Company to strengthen its foothold within the region. Also, this enables Federal Bank to offer their customers’ a comprehensive solution for all their financial requirements under a single roof.

Commenting on the tie-up, Anuj Tyagi, Executive Director & Chief Distribution Officer, HDFC ERGO General Insurance said, “Our Bancassurance practice over the years have matured to offer comprehensive Insurance solutions to end customers both digitally and physically, which  benefits the customers in many ways. Our alliance with Federal Bank is an important milestone and allows us to collaborate and expand our reach by offering our Insurance products to a wider audience across the country through the Banks branches and digital network. It is our constant endeavour to make our products more widely available for the consumers from all sections of the society and we see immense opportunity in our association with Federal Bank.”

Jose K Mathews, Executive Vice President & Head Retail Business, Federal Bank said, “Our aim has always been to create greater value for our customers and the tie up with HDFC ERGO will give our customers access to a host of general insurance services which are designed to address their needs. We are delighted to announce HDFC ERGO as our Bancassurance partner. This alliance marks the reaffirmation of our commitment towards our customers’ financial well-being by providing them with comprehensive insurance solutions.”

ACT Fibernet Join Hands with Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) to Provide Mobile Toilet Units for its Battalion

ACT Fibernet (Atria Convergence Technologies Ltd.) India’s largest fiber-focused wired broadband ISP (Internet Service Provider), has teamed up with the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) to provide mobile toilets for the KSRP battalion.

Taking a step towards the KSRP’s Swachh Bharat Mission and as part of its CSR program, the initiative will enable police personnel to maintain their personal hygiene while on duty.  Additionally, the mobile toilets can be towed by the KSRP vehicles and used even in remote places where there are no toilet facilities.

Commenting on this, Sunil Yajaman, Vice President, ACT Fibernet said, “Our partnership with the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) has given us any opportunity to give back to the service members who have sacrificed so much to keep us and our city safe. Being able to express our gratitude in this small way means a lot to us. We hope to continue our collaboration with the Karnataka police towards building a safe, clean and green society.”

Commenting on this, Bhaskar Rao, IPS, Addl. DGP KSRP said, "Karnataka Police is extremely grateful to ACT Fibernet for this gesture under their CSR project. Usually the KSRP Batallion while on duty find it very difficult to answer the call of nature and get criticized if the right thing is not done. This contribution from ACT Fibernet comes as a huge relief to them and is certainly very helpful to our force. I thank ACT Fibernet for this and for all that they do under CSR for Karnataka Police."

Bengaluru Hosts Roadshow for 9th Edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2019

With the 9th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2019 fast approaching, Gujarat Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama led the official roadshow for the Global Summit in Bengaluru at The Sheraton.

Addressing a hall filled with IT and service sectors leaders and industrialists of the city, Chudasama laid out the theme and focus for the 9th edition of the biennial summit. He spoke in detail about the investment potential in Gujarat and gave a glimpse of the government policies designed for different sectors that have furthered growth and investment in the state of Gujarat.

Inviting participation at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Chudasama said, “We expect more than 35,000 participants at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit, including not just business leaders and investors, but also a large number of traders, exporters and importers. Vibrant Gujarat 2019 is proposed to have a much sharper focus on networking and B2B interactions; and hence events such as Buyer-Seller Meet and Conclave of Global Chambers of Commerce would be of immense relevance to serve this purpose. I am sure that you will be able to identify and tap business opportunities arising out of Gujarat, not just in conventional manufacturing, but also in sectors such as financial services, aerospace, defence, electronics, logistics, retail, tourism; and even media and entertainment”

Chudasama also spoke about mega projects such as the Special Investment Regions at Dholera and Mandal-Becharaji; GIFT City; Saykha Industrial Estate within PCPIR; Coastal Economic Zone in Kachchh; and India’s first 1 GW offshore wind energy park, the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and Ahmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train.

Along with industrial growth, he emphasized the government’s focus on providing good healthcare and education for the citizens of Gujarat through the implementation of the Aayushman Bharat program. In terms of education and skill development, he said, “The Government is laying a strong emphasis on collaborating with global organizations and corporations, to establish skill development infrastructure and programs. Such skill development would be aimed at making Gujarat’s workforce more deployable and skilled, in the face of the upcoming Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Gujarat has set an example for rest of the states of the nation as to how investment opportunities could be explored and employment can be generated by laying proactive policies for investment.  Chudasama also spoke of the fact that while Vibrant Gujarat may have started out as a summit to attract investments to the State of Gujarat; today it caters to the global audience. Vibrant Gujarat is opportunity for other states also to interact with the global business community, which will eventually benefit their state.

Elaborating further on the investment potential of Gujarat, Commissioner of Health Jayanti Ravi, IAS, said, “Gujarat is one of India’s most industrialized and urbanized economies, and is among the leading Indian States on several economic and social indicators such as GDP growth rate, industrial output, per-capita income and so on. Gujarat’s economic development is built on the strong foundations of a strategic location, robust physical and social infrastructure, proactive governance, and Ease of Doing Business. Hence, the State has traditionally been an ideal choice for investment, for both domestic as well as multinational businesses. In addition to actual investments in business ventures, the State also offers a strategic trade and exports gateway to the global commerce community.”

During the event, Government of Gujarat signed an MOU with Texport Industries Pvt. Ltd. for their investment intension of setting up Garment Manufacturing unit under the Gujarat Garment and Apparel Policy 2017. The proposed garment manufacturing unit will be established at Miyawadi (Bardoli) near Surat and will generate employment of 2000 which consist mostly of women.

The Education Minister also held one to one meetings with CEOs and MDs of key industries in the region and apprised them about investor friendly policies of the State Government and invited them to participate in the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

The roadshow in Bengaluru closely follows the recently concluded Vibrant Gujarat Curtain Raiser held in New Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.

Senior officers from Government of Gujarat including, Dr. Jayanti Ravi, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Gujarat, Mamta Verma IAS, Industries Commissioner, Dr. Dhananjay Dwivedi IAS, Secretary Department of Science and Technology, and RK Beniwal, IAS Managing Director, Industrial Extension Bureau, Government of Gujarat were in attendance.