A Manimekhalai Assumes Charge As “Managing Director & CEO of Union Bank of India”

Ms. A. Manimekhalai assumed charge as Managing Director & CEO of Union Bank of India. A seasoned banker with experience of more than 3 decades, Ms. A. Manimekhalai started her career in erstwhile Vijaya Bank as an Officer in 1988 and rose successively as Branch Head, Regional Head, and functional head of various Departments at Corporate Office. She was instrumental in devising & implementation of strategic policies covering core areas like strategic planning, setting organizational goals, growth strategies, action plans, compliance, internal control, etc.  

Before joining as MD & CEO at Union Bank of India, Ms. A Manimekhalai was Executive Director at Canara Bank, wherein she oversaw strategic planning, credit & related matters, inspection, marketing and financial inclusion, State Level Lead Bank responsibilities and the functioning of Regional Rural Banks. She played a pivotal role in effecting successful amalgamation of Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank. She has extensive experience as Director on the Board of five other companies namely Canbank Factors Ltd, Canbank Computer Services Ltd, Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Co. Ltd., General Insurance Corporation of India, India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd. and Trustee, Canara Robeco Asset Management Co. 

A member of various committees and working groups constituted by Government of India, she has actively contributed towards policymaking, including drawing the future road map of RRBs, Financial Inclusion, Agriculture Value-chain Finance, Banking Correspondent issues and creating synergies for seamless credit flow to Health Care and Education. 

Ms. Manimekhalai holds Master of Business Administration (Marketing) from Bangalore University, and a Diploma in Human Resource Management from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai. A beneficiary of various executive development programs at leading institutes of country, she is also a Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB).  

HCL Foundation Supports NIMHANS Set Up A Next-Gen Centralized Cloud-Based Patient Monitoring System In Bengaluru

HCL Foundation (HCLF), the CSR (corporate social responsibility) arm of HCL Technologies (HCL), inaugurated a next-generation centralized patient monitoring system at the National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS) to enable robust clinical surveillance and patient monitoring. The cloud-based solution will monitor patients' vital signs in real-time, simultaneously integrating with electronic patient records and medical devices, thereby facilitating remote review of patient status. 

The advanced centralized monitoring system, housed at the NIMHANS Day Care Center at Bengaluru, has been inaugurated by Mrs. Roli Singh, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, in the esteemed presence of Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS, Mr. Durga Prasad Kancherla, Vice President, HCL Technologies, and Dr. Laligam N. Sekhar, Professor and Vice-Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Washington, the USA at the event. 

The accelerated adoption of telemedicine and digital technologies in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape. Technology advancement through a next-generation centralized patient monitoring system with diverse system component options adds immense value to clinical care at NIMHANS. It streamlines workflow for the clinical staff, especially in the busy sections of the hospital where large numbers of patients await treatment at the same time.   

Keeping up with the latest innovations, NIMHANS has implemented various measures, including a productive telemedicine system, to amplify its patient care services with support from HCLF. With a shared vision of empowering healthcare and wellness, both organizations joined hands to set up a robust telemedicine platform to deliver healthcare to patients in their homes and reduce pressure on clinicians by allowing virtual consultations for follow-ups for patients coming from afar for treatment. 

HCL Foundation works closely with NIMHANS to provide technology-enabled healthcare services to the urban masses. Before the advanced patient monitoring system, HCL Foundation donated a portable DR X-ray unit and an advanced lifesaving ambulance to NIMHANS.  

HCL Foundation (HCLF) was established in 2011 as the CSR arm of HCL Technologies. It is a not-for-profit organization that strives to contribute toward national and international development goals, bringing about a lasting positive impact on people's lives through long-term sustainable programs. The foundation aims to alleviate poverty and achieve inclusive growth and development. Active community engagement ensures optimal long-term gains and upward accountability. HCL Foundation works through Life Cycle Based, Integrated Community Development Approach with a thematic focus on Education, Health, Skill Development & Livelihood, Environment, and Disaster Risk Reduction & Response. Child protective strategies, inclusion, and gender transformative approaches remain central in all initiatives of the HCL Foundation, thus ensuring comprehensive development. Presently HCL Foundation is implementing five flagship programs, namely HCL Samuday & HCL Grant – Rural Development programs; HCL Uday & Clean Noida – Urban Development programs; HCL Harit (The Green Initiative) - Environment Action program and four special initiatives - Power of One, Sports for Change, HCL Foundation Academy and My E-Haat.  

Quote of Ms. Nidhi Pundhir, Director, HCL Foundation 

“HCL Foundation has always been active and ready to support and address the challenges of affordable and effective healthcare with technology integration through these initiatives. We welcome the opportunity to implement a next-generation surveillance system for robust and real-time patient monitoring system at a reputed institution such as NIMHANS. HCLF is happy to support their vision of modern healthcare, reducing pressure on clinicians by enabling dynamic monitoring of patient status through cloud-based intelligent systems.” 

40 International Investors, Entrepreneurs Participated In India’s First-Ever Global Conference On – ‘India Global Innovation Connect’

* N.R. Narayana Murthy, Founder Infosys stated that this is the best time to be an entrepreneur in India – in India’s First-Ever Global Conference on Startups – ‘India Global Innovation Connect’ @ Bengaluru

* More than 80 speakers from India, Singapore, Israel, Switzerland, the US, Japan, Korea, and Germany actively participated in the conference

* Over 350+ participants from leading companies, startups, and institutions attended the event

India’s first ever global conference on Startups - India Global Innovation Connect (IGIC) 2022 organized by Smadja & Smadja, a Switzerland-based strategic advisory firm, in strategic partnership with Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), wrapped up on a high note with a strong commitment to bolster the start-up ecosystem in Karnataka through seamless support on policy, infrastructure and other required considerations.

The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri. Basavaraj Bommai on 2nd June 2022 along with Shri B V Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, Claude Smadja, President, Smadja & Smadja, and more such industry stalwarts. The event also witnessed investors, private equity firms, and entrepreneurs from Singapore, Israel, Switzerland, the US, Japan, Korea, and Germany.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri. Basavaraj Bommai highlighted that Karnataka is the State as the leader in action for startups, and Bengaluru is home to 400 of the Fortune-500 companies. He also outlined that the state was the first to introduce a startup policy and the only competition for Karnataka is Silicon Valley in the US.

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), involved as the strategic partner organization for IGIC, has played an integral role in the program by contributing to heightening the profile of Karnataka as a thriving, dynamic centre for technology innovation and entrepreneurship, both in India and at a global level.

With over 80 speakers from India and other countries the India Global Innovation Connect received more than 350+ participations. Apart from sessions on technological partnerships and ideas on E-mobility, Greentech, discussions on fintech, deep tech, Edtech, and Web 3.0 also drove a great engagement. The event further identified and assessed medium and long-term technology and business trends along with new opportunities for start-ups and corporates while acting as a platform for dialogue between technology innovators and business end-users.

Speaking on the association, Shri B V Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, said, “Since its inception, KDEM has worked relentlessly to establish Karnataka as a global hub for innovation and technology. We focus to build a bridge between policymakers and the industry to create a robust platform for start-ups that can contribute to the nation’s development and digital economy. The India Global Innovation Connect (IGIC) is the next step in our vision to expand our horizons for a resilient entrepreneurship and innovation movement in Karnataka”.

Some of the key notable attendees and speakers included Dr. E V Ramana Reddy, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, N.R. Narayana Murthy, Founder Infosys Limited, Founder & Chairman, Catamaran Venture, India; Mr. Ranganath M D, President, Catamaran Ventures, Prashanth Prakash, Accel Partners, India, and Hari Menon, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Big Basket, India, and Mr. Harshil Mathur, CEO & Co-founder, Razorpay.

During one of the sessions, N.R. Narayana Murthy, Founder Infosys Limited, Founder & Chairman, Catamaran Venture, India appreciated the efforts by Indians from the Silicon Valley in the global scenario for easing the friction to access Indian Ideas. He said – “this is the best time to be an entrepreneur in India”.

The panelists in 22 sessions focused on technological partnerships, ideas on Greentech, Fintech, Deeptech, Edtech, Web 3.0, Super Apps, and Unicorn Growth stories and partnerships. The India Global Innovation Connect has etched its mark on the global map as a successful platform to build a network between the government and industry, thereby strengthening the position of Karnataka in the nation’s welfare and global start-up and innovation ecosystem. 

About Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) is designed to function as the knowledge bridge between the Government of Karnataka and industry to accelerate the growth and investments of the IT, BT, and S&T sectors in Karnataka. With Industries in the driving seat, KDEM is working to harness the unlimited potential of the digital economy of Karnataka by expanding the growth to emerging clusters Beyond Bengaluru and thereby transforming the lives of the people in the state. The IT ecosystem not only uplifts the lives of professionals in the industry but, also powers millions of other ancillary jobs across other industries thus contributing to the overall economy of the Country.

About Smadja & Smadja

Smadja & Smadja Strategic Advisory (S&S) was established in 2001 in Switzerland and the US. It works with international companies, individual investors, and government entities on global trends and strategic issues. The Firm's mission is to help its clients navigate and leverage globalization and the technology and entrepreneurial revolution, providing them with actionable insights and a "world view" to help identify new opportunities and risks, and manage the increasing volatility and complexity of a globalized world. The firm creates platforms of content – from strategic, closed doors, seminars to high-profile international conferences. Smadja & Smadja has activities, clients, and partners in Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Jacob's Creek Introduces UNVINED, Pernod Ricard India Forays Into The Non-Alcoholic Wine Category

Today, leading Australian wine brand, Jacob’s Creek announced the launch of Unvined, a non-alcoholic wine with less than 0.5% alcohol, available in two varietals - Riesling and Shiraz.  Unvined, a modern expression of winemaking, is the perfect answer to occasions when one wants to enjoy a glass of wine without the alcohol content yet retaining the true character of the original styles and flavors.  

The winemakers at Jacob’s Creek use sophisticated technology which removes alcohol whilst capturing most of the original aromas and flavours of the wine. The Unvined range has 50% less calories than regular wine of the same varietal, catering to the evolved consumer base looking for varied options to suit their preferences and mood. With the introduction of these two new varietals under non-alcoholic wine category, Jacob’s Creek truly delivers on a coveted portfolio of wines that everyone around the table will want to reach for.

Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India, said: “Non-alcoholic wine may sound counterintuitive and something out of the ordinary, however sometimes it’s exactly what the evening calls for. The idea behind creation of Unvined was to ensure that everyone is able to celebrate important life moments with their friends and family in a way that fits with their lifestyle. Given Jacob’s Creek’s vast expertise in winemaking, we have created a product that has a perfect balance of taste while preserving the natural grape profile. We are proud to release Unvined in India. It is an exceptional product with less than 0.5% alcohol and a faithful expression of premium wines from Australia”.

Unvined Riesling offers attractive citrus, lime and floral notes that are typical of Australian Riesling. The light bodied palate of the non-alcoholic wine with refreshing fruit notes is balanced by a crisp acidity on the finish. While Unvined Shiraz has appealing plum, blackberry and spice notes distinctive to a South Australian Shiraz. Its medium bodied palate delivers sweet fruit and light toasty oak flavour supported by soft ripe tannins. Unvined can be readily enjoyed with a wide selection of foods.  For the Riesling white meat, seafood dishes and salads make for a perfect companion. For the Shiraz, lighter style curries go perfectly well.

Unvined Riesling and Shiraz are available in select retail outlets in Delhi and Mumbai and pan-India through Amazon India at INR 900/-.

About Jacob’s Creek

Jacob’s Creek™ is one of Australia’s leading global wine brands, offering quality wines with great varietal expression. The brand was first launched in 1976 and is named after the place where Johann Gramp planted his first vines on the banks of Jacob’s Creek in 1847. In doing so, Johann founded the Barossa Valley’s first commercial vineyard, the Gramp & Sons business and a history of winemaking innovation that dates back almost 175 years.

The wines are crafted with great care, with consumers tastes at the forefront of the winemakers’ mind. Having earned over 8,800 medals at wine shows across the brand’s portfolio over 40 years, Jacob’s Creek wines are trusted by consumers for their genuine quality.

“Government Will Go Any Miles To Support Startups.”, Basavaraj Bommai, CM Karnataka At India Global Innovation Connect

* Bengaluru witnesses first global conference on Startups

* More than 40 international investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators interact with the Indian startup community

The Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri. Basavaraj Bommai today inaugurated India’s first global conference on Startups, India Global Innovation Connect, organized by Smadja & Smadja, a Switzerland-based strategic advisory firm, in a strategic partnership with Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), Catamaran Ventures, and Tata Digital.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Bommai said Karnataka is at the forefront of startup innovation. Bengaluru is home to 400 of the Fortune 500 companies and no other country in the world has as many such companies. “Startup is not new to Karnataka and Karnataka is the top destination for startups and not one of the top states,” he said.

He further added, "The Karnataka government will go any miles in supporting startups. We are not worried about the competition. It keeps us going and growing. We convert the competition into acceleration," he said during his conversation with Claude Smadja, President of Smadja & Smadja advisory after inaugurating the two-day international conference India Global Innovation Connect here on Thursday.

Stating that Karnataka is the first state in the country to introduce a startup policy, he said, the seeds of startup revolution were sowed by the Maharaja of Mysore who supported industrialization, banking and innovation much before the country attained independence.

The inauguration was also attended by a galaxy of international investors, private equity firms, entrepreneurs and innovators from Singapore, Israel, Switzerland, the US, Japan, Korea and Germany. Some of the key attendees included Mr. B V Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission; Mr. Ranganath M D, President, Catamaran Ventures and Prashanth Prakash, Accel Partners, India and Hari Menon, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Big Basket, India.

Declaring the conference open, Claude Smadja, President, Smadja & Smadja, said, “India has always been a land of great entrepreneurial promise for me. As the 4th Industrial evolution has begun, it is pertinent to acknowledge that India will play the role of a catalyst especially with its ability to innovate solutions for itself and the world. India now has the world's third-largest start-up ecosystem. As a result, the India Global Innovation Connect highlights the potential of how India's start-up and innovation story is becoming global. Its emergence as the new Silicon Valley of the world will lead to a greater, safer, and stronger tomorrow.”

Over 100 speakers from India and countries like Singapore, Israel, Switzerland, the US, Japan, Korea and Germany are participating at the 2-day conference at the Hotel Conrad, Bengaluru. The panelists in 22 sessions will focus on technological partnerships, ideas on Greentech, Fintech, Deeptech, Edtech, Web 3.0, Super Apps, and Unicorn Growth stories and partnerships.

About Smadja & Smadja

Smadja & Smadja Strategic Advisory (S&S) was established in 2001 in Switzerland and the US. It works with international companies, individual investors, and government entities on global trends and strategic issues. The Firm's mission is to help its clients navigate and leverage globalization and the technology and entrepreneurial revolution, providing them with actionable insights and a "world view" to help identify new opportunities and risks, and manage the increasing volatility and complexity of a globalized world. The firm creates platforms of content – from strategic, closed doors, seminars to high-profile international conferences. Smadja & Smadja has activities, clients, and partners in Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

About Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) is designed to function as the knowledge bridge between the Government of Karnataka and industry to accelerate the growth and investments of the IT, BT, and S&T sectors in Karnataka. With Industries in the driving seat, KDEM is working to harness the unlimited potential of the digital economy of Karnataka by expanding the growth to emerging clusters Beyond Bengaluru and thereby transforming the lives of the people in the state. The IT ecosystem not only uplifts the lives of professionals in the industry but, also powers millions of other ancillary jobs across other industries thus contributing to the overall economy of the country.

REHAU India Collaborates With TITUS Group To Launch Hardware Solutions For Indian Market

* The strategic partnership will strengthen REHAU’s product portfolio in India

REHAU, the global leader in manufacturing polymer-based solutions, has announced collaboration with global brand TITUS today at INDIAWOOD 2022. The company's expansion into hardware is a strategic move to provide a complete solution for its B2B partners while also entering into the B2C market. India is expected to have significant expansion in real estate, particularly in the luxury segment, resulting in a desire for higher-quality, aesthetically modern furniture with long-lasting and reliable hardware components. Consumers in India are willing to invest in premium furniture components, making this a favourable opportunity for REHAU & TITUS to introduce new hardware solutions into the Indian market.

The partnership will witness the joining of two businesses that believe in being close to their customers while providing them with cutting-edge engineered products. REHAU and TITUS will engage to deliver an exclusive selection of hardware products to customers and manufacturers in India, including Hinges, Drawer Systems, Connecting Fittings, and Damping Solutions.

On this momentous occasion, Ms. Bhavana Bindra, MD, REHAU South Asia said, “The partnership between REHAU & TITUS is going to offer a premium hardware solution to the Indian market. It is a strategic partnership for REHAU where we see a tremendous market for high-quality hardware in India, and our partnership with TITUS is an excellent example of capitalizing on the opportunity.  Hardware has long been an overlooked category in the furniture industry, and we hope to raise its profile in the Indian market through our collaboration. Premium hardware adds years to the life of a product while also improving the aesthetic value of a space. We are glad to collaborate with TITUS group as we share the same philosophy of providing excellent, innovative products to our consumers. I'm delighted, and I'm looking forward to a synergistic relationship in which we can build on each other's strengths."

By remaining focused on the growing importance of quality and efficiency, REHAU & TITUS, constantly innovate to offer best solutions for a sustainable future.  REHAU has a well-established network base in India with more than 1000 direct customers and upto 2500 retailers, REHAU has exceeded expectations with an enormous client base in India. REHAU is looking forward to reaching every nook and corner of the country, owing to its robust network base.

Mr. Marko Korelc, Regional Sales Director, TITUS Group said, “I am happy to announce the partnership of REHAU and TITUS. REHAU having a widespread network base and a vast product portfolio in India, inevitably, became the first choice for us to collaborate in India. We have been providing premium hardware solutions around the world for decades and now it's time for India to witness the world-class component ranges. Hardware is a growing sector in India and through this partnership we are looking forward to expand our market outreach.``

Apart from announcing the biggest collaboration, REHAU is also showcasing its portfolio for the whole furniture industry under one roof at INDIAWOOD 2022, within a sprawling area of 390sqm. The exhibition is scheduled during 2–6 June 2022 at Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) and REHAU is exhibiting in Hall-H2A, Stall-B202, C302.  Various experience zones have been set up as part of the exhibition booth, showcasing a wide range of products. The displayed products vary from uPVC edgebands, laminates, solid surfaces, roller shutter system, and plinth system to adhesives, masking tapes and many more. REHAU is also displaying its recently launched modular kitchen at the exhibition. 

Micron Ventures Fund II Commits $200M For Deep Tech Startups

* Latest investments build on success of Micron Ventures Fund I and brings total assets under management to $300M

Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), today announced that its venture capital team, Micron Ventures, will be investing $200M in deep tech startups with its Fund II. Micron’s Fund II builds on the success of the initial AI-focused Fund I by targeting broader deep tech innovations. Additionally, to reflect Micron’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, 20% of invested capital in the new Fund II will be aimed at startups led by women and other underrepresented groups.

Since its inception, Micron Ventures has made investments in 25 startups, yielding strong financial returns and multiple unicorn companies within the portfolio. Micron Ventures has accelerated broad technology innovation including in AI-assisted manufacturing, edge security and autonomous vehicle development. Furthermore, 25% of the invested capital in Fund I has gone to startups led by underrepresented groups, surpassing Micron’s initial 20% target. Micron Ventures has also invested in companies innovating to bring new green technologies to market that have the potential to further accelerate Micron’s progress against its sustainability initiatives.

“Investing in startups provides Micron with a deeper perspective on technology innovations and a view of disruptive ideas on the horizon,” said Rene Hartner, vice president of corporate development at Micron. “The future will be built on diverse ideas that aim to address the world’s most urgent problems – funding the deep tech startup community will propel innovation forward and help open doors to new business opportunities for Micron.”

Micron also partners with innovators to offer support and infrastructure to accelerate their success in the market. In addition to expected future financial returns, Micron has already gained multiple strategic benefits such as accelerating the adoption of AI technologies to reduce manufacturing costs, advancing our global go-to-market capabilities with Cloud Service Providers and further strengthening our relationships within the global automotive value chain.

“Micron has provided direct support in executing Multiscale’s vision to optimize the materials discovery and manufacturing processes,” said Vasu Kalidindi, co-founder and chief executive officer of Multiscale. “Collaboration with Micron enabled us to create an advanced platform for materials innovation. By utilizing actual Micron use cases, we were able to fail fast and course correct or quickly identify strategies that worked, all of which helped to accelerate the learning process.”

“Micron has been tremendously supportive of the company during the ups and downs of our journey, including the turbulence caused by the pandemic,” said Jonathan Ng, founder and chief executive officer of Iterative Scopes. “Fund II is an affirmation that Micron is a fantastic long- term partner for companies like us who are focused on building breakthrough innovations in our respective fields.”

Early-stage equity investments are a key component to Micron’s innovation strategy and not only provide key market and ecosystem insights, but also support the company’s mission to drive equity, sustainability and better outcomes for all. Startup founders and leaders with a strong vision and who are looking to challenge the status quo through science and technology, can learn more about Micron Ventures here.

About Micron Technology, Inc.

We are an industry leader in innovative memory and storage solutions transforming how the world uses information to enrich life for all. With a relentless focus on our customers, technology leadership, and manufacturing and operational excellence, Micron delivers a rich portfolio of high-performance DRAM, NAND and NOR memory and storage products through our Micron® and Crucial® brands. Every day, the innovations that our people create fuel the data economy, enabling advances in artificial intelligence and 5G applications that unleash opportunities — from the data center to the intelligent edge and across the client and mobile user experience. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), visit micron.com.