MAHE, MUTBI And MIT Organised Seminar On Idea To MVP: Tools For The Modern Entrepreneur

“User empathy is extremely important while designing products. Founders need to put themselves in the shoes of their target audience and fully understand their needs in order to deliver a successful product” said Ms. Christina Sarelakos, Product Manager, Google, USA. She was delivering the talk during Webinar on Idea to MVP (Minimum Viable Product): Tools for the Modern Entrepreneur. This program was jointly organized by Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator (MUTBI) and Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) at the online platform of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal on 22 May 2021. MAHE Manipal is regularly organizing such programs as part of its initiative on driving National Innovation & Startup Policy (NISP) 2019 for Students and Faculty. About 100 participants  from various MAHE institutes and other organisations from all over the country have participated in this webinar. The webinar covered topics on MVP, organization development, domestic & global market and funding. Participants interacted through various questions on Intellectual Property, team building, impact of covid etc.  

“Software Architecture and technology choices are of paramount importance as they affect the evolution and scaling of the product. Architecture trends like domain driven design and microservices can play a key role in bridging the gap between business and engineering and make it possible to scale systems and teams.” said the other resource person Ms. Shruti Venkatesh, Engieering Manager, Capsule, USA. While continuing the webinar session Mr. Aravind Bharadwaj, Principal at Innovation Endeavors, USA said “The pandemic has catalyzed and accelerated innovation across many sectors including digital health, remote work, mobility, and e-commerce. Entrepreneurs should leverage this shift to build category defining companies in these areas.”

MAHE, an Institution of Eminence, is one of the leading multidisciplinary Universities in India offering several programs in Health Science, Science & Technology, Management, Humanities, Liberal Arts and Social Science. MIT, one of the first self-financing Engineering Colleges in the country, is known for providing experiential learning opportunities to students through its major students project program. MUTBI is a Technology Business Incubator (TBI) supported by Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India. Having more than 20 Institutions, 100 Centers and two TBIs, MAHE Manipal, is emerging as an ecosystem for Innovation, Technology Development and Entrepreneurship. At present, more than 30 startups are operating in the campus of MAHE Manipal. 

DIN, Aahan Vaahan & Whitefield Rising, Associate With Motherhood To Setup COVID Care Centres & Quarantine Units For Children

The second wave of Covid 19 pandemic has India has severely affected children. Many children have been left alone either due to parents and guardians been hospitalized or have succumbed to COVID-19. In these tough times children are the most vulnerable and need utmost care and protection to address the grim situation.  Children who are either battling the virus or are rendered homeless, Motherhood Hospital has collaborated with Dream India Network, Whitefield Rising, and Aahan Vaahan to provide medical care to such children.

The program is done under the guidance and support of the Child Protection Team (Child Welfare Committee) of the Government of Karnataka. The intention is to provide immediate and appropriate care to children affected and infected by COVID.

The Quarantine centre will accommodate kids 6 to 18 years old and will have a separate unit for young kids, girls, and boys. Children's Covid Care Centre, which will care for Covid infected children who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. The centre is well equipped and has one trained nurse and a doctor and an ambulance always available 24/7 for any emergency.

Mr. Vijayarathna Venkatraman, the CEO, Motherhood Hospitals, says “We at Motherhood Hospital provide exceptional health care to Women & Children. The Covid crisis in India continues to take its toll and in the second wave children are getting severely impacted by the virus. As healthcare professionals, it is our utmost duty to protect and help people in this hour of need. Children are vulnerable and deeply affected by the pandemic and they need rehabilitation and protection. In these tough times, we are greatly thankful to Dream India Network, Whitefield Rising, and Aahan Vahan to lend support towards this nobel deed and provide clinical care for these children. We standby with everyone in this unprecedented crisis and we are on top of our efforts for immediate care and protection for children whose parents/guardians are under hospital care or deceased due to COVID.”

“These children need our immediate care and protection more than ever, hence, we are collaborating with Whitefield Rising, Motherhood Hospitals, Aahan Vaahan initiating a fundraiser to set up Quarantine Centres & Covid Care Centres for children touched by COVID. The initiative is also under guidance and support of the Child Welfare Committee backed by the Government of Karnataka. We believe that the children, deserve the best chance for care and this initiative aims to provide immediate and appropriate medical care to children affected and infected by COVID. This initiative will need support from citizens, which also includes non-economic ways. In addition, from donating, citizens can also look out for the children who are in need” Fr. Edward, Director, Dream India Network

Considering the need of the hour we are proud to partner with Dream India Network, Whitefield Rising, and Aahan Vahan to support the initiative of Quarantine Centres & Covid Care Centres for children touched by COVID.  Our heart goes out to these susceptible whose parents/guardians are hospitalized or succumbed due to COVID and provide them with the medical care they are in need.

Dr. Pratap Chandra, Consultant Neonatologist & Pediatrician, Motherhood Hospital, Indiranagar, Bangalore, says, "The Covid crisis in India continues to take its toll and the infectivity of the second wave is much higher which is affecting the children more. In India, we are witnessing “Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) which is a severe condition directly linked to COVID-19 causing certain organs and tissues inflammation. As healthcare professionals, it is our utmost duty to protect the children in this hour of need, hence we are proud to announce this unique initiative in the state of Karnataka with the help of Dream India Network, 

Whitefield Rising, and Aahan Vahan to lend support to children who are orphans, whose parents or guardians are in hospital care or deceased due to covid by setting up Quarantine Centres & Covid Care Centres for children touched by COVID. These facilities will have trained nurses and doctors along with equipped ambulance vehicles for shift children. We aim to stand at the forefront and provide protection clinical care for these children as they are the most vulnerable category. We standby with everyone in this unprecedented crisis and we are on top of our efforts for immediate care and provide protection for children.

“We are happy to have Motherhood Hospitals with us to oversee and provide the medical guidance for the quarantine and COVID care centres for the children. The knowledge and expertise of the doctors to set up the facility according to medical protocols, training of the nurses and developing a clear cut SOP has been invaluable to ensure the children who are here are taken care of as they need to be” said Whitefield Rising.

Crayon Launches AI Center Of Excellence In Asia Pacific Region

Crayon, a global leader in digital transformation services, announced today it has fully launched its Data & AI practice through an AI Center of Excellence in the Asia Pacific region that focuses on creating innovative and value-based artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions.

The center is located in Singapore and can provide clients across a range of industries and sectors with an end-to-end delivery service, starting from data assessment to AI model deployment and management in production.

"There is so much power in innovation to drive the greater good and we're excited to leverage our global success in data and AI to benefit the Asia Pacific region,” said Crayon CEO Melissa Mulholland.

Crayon’s global Data & AI practice was established in 2014 and has since successfully executed more than 100 AI and machine learning projects worldwide. Crayon started the project to build its Asia Pacific AI Center of Excellence in 2018 and has had recent AI offerings in the region including a partnership with a significant medical group and supporting nonprofit opportunities.

The center in Singapore will continue to provide data, AI and machine learning services, supporting customers through every step of their digital transformation journey.

“As we continue to guide our customers on their cloud journey, the promise of advanced analytics, AI and machine learning becomes more than just a vision, but something that can be realized,” said Rhonda Robati, Senior Vice President APAC at Crayon. 

“Therefore, we believe that now is the right time for Crayon to establish this Center of Excellence to share our global expertise in these innovative technologies with our customers in the Asia Pacific region.”

After opening its offices in Singapore in 2014, Crayon has invested heavily in developing deep competencies in the Asia Pacific region. The Center of Excellence in Singapore is an expansion of its services portfolio offering.

The expansion is supported by Microsoft, strengthening both companies’ long-term partnership based on innovation and implementation of new customer solutions. Crayon was previously chosen as Microsoft’s No. 1 partner in the world for AI and machine learning.

"I love to see partners invest so heavily in the region and it really does align with our vision as a company which is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more," said Fiona Carney, Chief Marketing & Operations Office APAC at Microsoft. "I'm delighted that Crayon is going to help contribute to that to our shared customers."

Manipal Academy Of Higher Education Student Team Wins The MHRD's National Innovation Contest (NIC) 2020

Manipal Academy of Higher Education is very happy to congratulate Dr Mahima Mishra and her team for their recent achievement in winning the prestigious National Innovation Contest (NIC) 2020 conducted by The Ministry of Education where Dr. Mahima Mishra from Manipal College of Dental Sciences and her team secured the finalist position and won the contest. After this phenomenal achievement, Dr. Mahima is now the Innovation Ambassador and received recognition at the regional and national levels by MHRD’s Innovation Cell.

On 19th May 2021, the MHRD’s Innovation Cell declared 127 teams as winners/finalists of the National Innovation Contest 2020. MHRD's National Innovation Contest (NIC) 2020 aims to provide a 360-degree cycle of learning and helps the student to understand the process of innovation in a start-up and helps to identify real-time problem along with ideation to building a business model and finally entering the phase of enterprise development in a time of one year. This contest announced in July 2020 and 9000+ participants from 900+ IIC Institutes in India participated in the NIC 2020. Five MAHE teams participated in this contest in the first round. After multiple rounds including regional and national level mentoring, submissions, and evaluations Dr Mahima and her team were selected among one of the 127 winners at the National level.

Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE, congratulated Dr. Mahima Mishra on winning the MHRD's National Innovation Contest (NIC) 2020 and says “We feel proud to celebrate this moment of success. Our students keep making us proud of their achievements. We always look forward to supporting our students and their journey to innovation and creation for a better future. I would like to congratulate Dr. Mahima Mishra, her entire team, and all the mentors for guiding our students”. 

The team which was led by Dr. Mahima Mishra consists of team members including Sudarshan PK, Alumni, MIT Manipal 2020, Ranjini Aithal, Alumni, MIT Manipal 2020, Madhavi Shenoy, Alumni, MIT Manipal 2020, Melroy Pinto, Alumni, MIT Manipal 2020, and Soumik Roy, B.Tech, 2nd Year MIT Manipal. This team was specially trained under the mentorship of Dr. Arun Shanbhag, Chief Innovation Officer, MAHE, Dr. Dilip G. Naik MDS, Pro-Vice-Chancellor MCODS, Mangalore, and Dr. Shikhar Mishra, MBBS, NBMCH, West Bengal. 

Dr. Mahima Mishra is currently awarded the NIDHI-EIR fellowship by Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator and is she is conducting her work with “Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, heartily congratulated Dr. Mahima Mishra and her team for winning the MHRD's National Innovation Contest (NIC) 2020. “The contest is a great achievement for Dr. Mahima and her team for demonstrating extraordinary talent and innovative approach to solve the real-time problem. It gives us immense please to see our students achieving such distinctions and for making us proud. I would also like to congratulate the team of mentors for their outstanding effort and guidance which has helped the team in achieving this recognition.”

The Finalist Teams of the MHRD's National Innovation Contest (NIC) 2020 will receive further training on Start-up modelling and finance proposal development and the proposal will be evaluated for funding support and facilitating incubation linkage.

Link to competition website: https://nic.mic.gov.in/

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Continues To Promote Employee Wellbeing During The Pandemic

* Comprehensive medical insurance for team members covering COVID-19 treatment

* Doctor teleconsultations and support in providing ambulance services, access to hospital treatment, oxygen concentrators as per employee’s treatment requirements

* Participative scheme to compensate about 3.5 years wages for workman who have succumbed to COVID-19 as per employee category

As a part of its continued commitment to secure the health and safety of its people and the communities at large,  Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) recently announced an array of comprehensive relief measures for its team members and their families by providing easy access to healthcare and other critical support during these testing times.

TKM is ensuring uninterrupted access and all necessary support to the infected members and their families through the Company’s Medical Hotline which operates around-the-clock to get connected to the larger network of specialist doctors and hospitals.  The dedicated 24X7 Hotline provides teleconsultation, periodic review of members in home quarantine.  In addition, considering the need for psychological support and guidance to the members, there is also a Helpline available for one-on-one counselling of such members who seek support to ensure their psychological wellbeing. 

The company is also facilitating ambulance services and helping access treatment at hospitals through the Hotline. For employees who are undergoing home quarantine, a COVID home care kit containing basic medicines, oximeter, thermometer, masks, sanitizer etc. is provided. Additionally, TKM is enabling home care support, through a tie-up with reputed medical service provider for treatment and conducting COVID-19 related testing. Efforts are in place to organize oxygen concentrators to the needy employees’ as and when required. In the event of need for hospitalization, efforts are made by the support team group at TKM in identifying beds availability and support arranging for treatment at the hospital at the earliest.  Through an insurance partner, the company has arranged for comprehensive medical insurance for Team Members of up to INR 11.5 lakh for treatment of COVID-19 related ailments.  Further, the company has started an in-house communication channel called “TKM-Suddhi” to appraise the members on challenges due to the pandemic and help them take preventive measures to manage it.

In the event of an unfortunate demise of any employee, there is a participative scheme in place to provide compensation equivalent to about 3.5 years wages for workman as per employee category.

Talking about the new initiative, Mr. G. Shankara, Vice President, HR and Services, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Securing health and safety of all stakeholders including local communities is a top priority. As a responsible corporates, under the guidance of the related authorities, we continue to undertake several comprehensive actions necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by taking care of our employees and their families through various  initiatives and Self Help Groups created internally. 

This is also one of our ways to support the Government and lessen the pressure on the medical infrastructure in the country.”

TKM has been at the forefront in consistently taking effective measures to counter the outbreak and will continue to support and take adequate measures for the safety of its key stakeholders, healthcare workers and the community. The company recently launched COVID Vaccination Centre (CVC) at workplace for seamless vaccination program of its employees in line with government guidelines along with extensive CSR support to the frontline workers of the Government of Karnataka including volunteer support of few employees to assist the National Doctors helpline amongst other support.

Mahindra Rural Housing Finance, India Post Payments Bank Partner For Cash Management Solution

* Mahindra Rural customers can now repay loans at over 136,000 post offices

* Partnership with IPPB in keeping with Mahindra’s Rise philosophy

Mahindra Rural Housing Finance Limited (MRHFL), a subsidiary of Mahindra and Mahindra Financial Ltd, and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) today announced a strategic partnership for cash management solution. As part of the tie-up, IPPB will be offering cash management and collection services to MRHFL through its access points and postal service providers. With the cash management service, MRHFL customers will be able to repay their monthly or quarterly loan instalments at over 136,000 post offices.

The tie-up for cash management solution is a significant partnership in the financial services sector, and is aimed at customer inclusivity by both the partners. IPPB’s large national network combined with its simple, scalable and replicable technology framework has facilitated the deployment of cash management solution to meet the requirements of MRHFL.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. J Venkatramu, MD & CEO, India Post Payments Bank, “As technology continues to evolve and creates new ways of doing business, it has been our constant endeavour to offer our customers and partners accessible & affordable banking solutions. Cash management being the lifeline of business operations, IPPB with its robust network and technology platform can help corporates to manage their receivables safely, securely and seamlessly. We are committed to working with Mahindra Rural Housing Finance in its pursuit of transforming lives in rural areas and remove barriers for the unbanked & underbanked by reaching the last mile leveraging the vast reach of the postal network.”

Anuj Mehra, Managing Director, Mahindra Rural Housing Finance said, “At Mahindra, we keep on looking at innovative solutions to enhance the customer support for our customers. The tie up with IPPB is a step in that direction which we believe will provide our customers access to efficient banking services and enable them to become financially secure and empowered. I am grateful to IPPB for agreeing to partner with us on this unique solution which will enable our customers to Rise”.

Through a range of on ground activations, social media platforms and other channels, including SMS campaigns and WhatsApp, MRHFL and IPPB will inform and sensitize customers of the unique partnership for cash management.

About India Post Payments Bank 

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has been established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication with 100% equity owned by Government of India. IPPB was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on September 1, 2018. The bank has been set up with the vision to build the most accessible, affordable and trusted bank for the common man in India. The fundamental mandate of IPPB is to remove barriers for the unbanked & underbanked and reach the last mile leveraging a network comprising 155,000 post offices (135,000 in rural areas) and 300,000 postal employees. IPPB’s reach and its operating model is built on the key pillars of India Stack - enabling paperless, cashless and presence-less banking in a simple and secure manner at the customers' doorstep, through a CBS-integrated smartphone and biometric device. Leveraging frugal innovation and with a high focus on ease of banking for the masses, IPPB delivers simple and affordable banking solutions through intuitive interfaces available in 13 languages. IPPB is committed to provide a fillip to a less cash economy and contribute to the vision of Digital India. India will prosper when every citizen will have equal opportunity to become financially secure and empowered. Our motto stands true - Every customer is important; every transaction is significant, and every deposit is valuable.

About Mahindra Rural Housing Finance Limited

Mahindra Rural Housing Finance Limited (Mahindra Home Finance), set up in 2007, is a subsidiary of Mahindra Finance, India’s leading rural NBFC and a part of the USD 19.4 billion Mahindra Group. 

Mahindra Home Finance provides loans for purchase, renovation and construction of houses to individuals in rural and semi-urban areas of the country. The company also offers Affordable Housing finance designed around the unique needs of the rural and semi-urban customer.  The Company is present in 14 states and 1 Union Territory with 650+ branches in 80,000+ villages and has been instrumental in building more than 10 Lakh homes across the country.

Ranked 19th among India’s Best Companies to Work For in 2020 by Great Place to Work (GPTW), Mahindra Home Finance also features among GPTW’s Top 25 Great Places to Work in BFSI - 2020.

ISM Has Become Member Of The Most Connected Startup Network In The World!

International Strategic Management Inc. (ISM) has become a member of the most connected startup network in the world!  Startup Grind allows those within the startup and tech industries to connect through an exclusive global network and access opportunities such as investor introductions, roundtables, curated content, discounts, and more.

“We are excited to join the ranks of such a highly engaged global community,” says ISM CEO Faris Alami. “ISM represents a few other major brands, and it is an honor to represent StartupGrind in our communities, and we look forward to leveraging the network to impact the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Metro Detroit.”

ISM plays a major role in setting up the establishment and growth of entrepreneurship ecosystems globally, through the facilitation of discussions and in the implementation of strategies that were created.  In Detroit, ISM has been part of the entrepreneurship ecosystem for several decades, through the engagement of government and private sectors, providing education to entrepreneurs, and supporting those entrepreneurs as they establish and grow their businesses.

“Detroit already has a strong ecosystem today, but by adding this program to ISM’s portfolio, and to the community at large, we can enhance that ecosystem’s experience both locally and globally” says Faris. “Introducing entrepreneurs to this platform, exposing them to other ideas and discussions right in their hometown will only add to the strong entrepreneurship ecosystem that exists today.”

Madeline Ulivieri, Chapter Lead of Startup Grind adds, "We are thrilled to have the Chapter in Detroit relaunch this year. Detroit is an exciting place with a ton of opportunities and we are looking forward to Faris bringing the community together. Our mission is to give startups the education and opportunities they need to build, grow, and scale their companies. We're thrilled to be accomplishing this in Detroit.”

At StarupGrind, each month has different themes, each theme highlighting a specific topic, industry, or idea.  May is Women’s Month. We will be celebrating women entrepreneurs sharing their story and their journey for starting and growing businesses. Search and use #SGWomen to join the discussion and find virtual events.

About International Strategic Management

International Strategic Management (ISM), located in Troy, Michigan, is a global executive, leadership and entrepreneurial ecosystem development program and management consulting company, offering programs worldwide on leadership, entrepreneurship, management and cultural/diversity training for youth and executives as well as companies nationwide and internationally.  

About Startup Grind

Startup Grind helps founders, entrepreneurs, and startups succeed, regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic circumstance. We believe a better tomorrow is possible by supporting the innovators and risk-takers of today. 50% of our team are founders themselves, so we know from experience how difficult it can be. It cannot be done alone, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created an even greater sense of urgency. This is why we built a safe haven for emerging startups that share our belief that a better future is on the horizon — because we know it’s up to us to make it happen.