Must Have Books For All Aspiring Indian Entrepreneurs

We are living in a time that is highly unpredictable and the only way to find peace and solace is through books. With entrepreneurship being the buzzword in the last few years, many industry leaders have penned down their entrepreneurial journey.

This year we bring to you the top 5 books on entrepreneurship that you should not miss reading:

Engineered in India: From Dreams to Billion-Dollar Cyient

Authored by BVR Mohan Reddy is the story of a young man who steps out of the precincts of IIT Kanpur in 1974 with a dream in his heart – to become an entrepreneur and contribute to nation-building. Undaunted by the dearth of experience and means to capital in pre-Liberalization India, B.V.R Mohan Reddy’s enterprising spirit takes the long and winding road, never losing sight of his ambition. He gains overseas education on scholarship and dons multiple hats before embarking on his life’s mission at forty.

Published by: Penguin Random House

Available on: Amazon

Leadership with Soul

Mr. André Lacroix, Global CEO reveals his formula for how to make businesses flourish. He shares his outstanding insights, developed over a long and diverse leadership career, to present a people-centric approach guaranteed to change everyone’s outlook on leadership. The book focuses on understanding ways people can inspire global organisations to outperform the competition. It discusses methods on how to create a truly customer-centric organisation and leave a sustainable legacy for future generations. 

The book highlights the 10 leadership principles which are Lead with emotional intelligence, Imagine the journey and paint the picture for all, Energise the organisation to outperform, Customer Intimacy, Reinvent the future, Master Complexity, Embody the strategy at the top, Laser-focussed execution, Ever-better branding glo-cally, and sustainable performance for all.

Published by: Eska Publishing and World Scientific

Available on: Amazon

Doglapan: The Hard Truth About Life and Start-ups

This is the unfettered story of Ashneer Grover-the favourite and misunderstood poster boy of Start-up India. Raw, gut-wrenching in its honesty and completely from the heart, this is storytelling at its finest. A young boy with a ‘refugee’ tag growing up in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar outpaces his circumstances by becoming a rank-holder at the pinnacle of academic excellence in India-IIT Delhi. He goes on to do an MBA from the hallowed halls of IIM Ahmedabad, builds a career as an investment banker at Kotak Investment Banking and AmEx, and is pivotal in the making of two unicorns- Grofers as CFO and BharatPe as co-founder.

Published by: Penguin Random House

Available on: Amazon

Futurepreneurs: 10 Deeptech & AI Startups redefining tech in India

 A constellation of imaging satellites that can detect something as small as gas pipeline leaks. An intelligent customer service voice bot that can mirror your language and accent. A portable breathing device that can save lakhs of infants who die on their way to reaching an ICU. No, we are not talking about Silicon Valley - these are all Made in India startups. When an MIT trained scientist, Varun Aggarwal, and a bestselling startup author, Nistha Tripathi, come together to examine the cool stuff happening in India, a book like this is born.

Published by: Maple Press

Available on: Amazon

Maverick Effect: The Inside Story of India's IT Revolution

In the mid-1970s, a young, twenty-something man living an American dream threw away a lucrative job as a database manager and came back to India. At that time, India had no IT industry to speak of; computers were a novelty, and the nation was trapped in socio-economic backwardness and a labyrinthine License Raj.

Published by: Harper Collins Publishers India

Available on: Amazon

IIITB COMET Foundation Invites Innovators, Entrepreneurs To Build Solutions For 5G

* Shortlisted may get grant upto INR 50 lakh

The IIITB COMET Foundation established by the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB) has announced its first cohort to invite Innovators and Entrepreneurs to build indigenous solutions for development of 5G Infrastructure and Applications.

"COMET 5G Springboard 1.0" – is an initiative to support innovators in the development of 5G infrastructure and next-generation 5G applications that have the power to drive Industry 4.0 era and create the ecosystem of the future.

“The roll out of 5G networks in India is expected to unlock economic opportunities to the tune of US$180 Billion as per NASSCOM. Entrepreneurs can benefit from this trend and envision and create new India specific solutions. The COMET 5G Springboard provides an excellent platform to build innovative solutions in the space of Atma Nirbhar 5G infrastructure as well as applications,” says Dr. Milind Gandhe, CEO, IIITB COMET Foundation.

The program is open for innovators working in the domains of 5G Infra Development, 5G Applications, Deep-tech solutions leveraging communications, AI/ML and AR/VR solutions leveraging 5G etc.

The benefits of signing-up for this program include Industry and Technology relevant Mentorship, Access to 5G R&D Labs, Incubation support from PoC to Prototype to Product and Suitable funding in the form of Grants and Seed Money of up to 50 Lakh INR, informs Dr Gandhe.

Applications can be accessed on the website: https://comet.iiitb.ac.in/start-ups/

Last date to apply is 20th February 2023.

About IIITB and IIITB COMET Foundation:

Established in 1999, IIITB has operated with a vision to contribute significantly to IT for transforming the lives of individuals and society, and efficient conduct of sustainable businesses, social enterprises and governments through continuous innovation in the areas of Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering as well as IT and Society education, research and entrepreneurship. IIITB has a very active set of faculty members in the areas of Networking and Communication as well as other areas of Cyber Physical Systems.   

Under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has sanctioned the International Institute of Information Technology – Bangalore (IIITB) to set up a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) in the Advanced Communication Systems area, ‘IIITB COMET Foundation’.

The primary focus of the TIH at IIITB will be on the generation of new knowledge (Intellectual Properties, Patents, Publications, Products, Entrepreneurship, Highly Skilled Manpower Training) through basic and applied research in the areas of Advanced Communication Systems.  The major areas of focus of this TIH is to prepare the next generation of wireless communication by building 5G and beyond mobile base stations using the vendor-neutral RAN, 5G/6G core network technologies, reconfigurable intelligent surface for wireless, UAV/Drone communication, Radar for drone detection and routing, etc.   

ORRA Strengthens Its Retail Footprint, Launches A Massive Store In Koramangala, Bengaluru

ORRA, India’s leading trusted brand for diamond jewellery is expanding its presence in Bengaluru with the launch of the 68th store in Koramangala, Bengaluru. The showroom will house the latest diamond jewellery collections. ORRA’s patented 73-faceted ORRA Crown Star, the brightest diamond in India, will also be exclusively available at the new retail showroom.            

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Dipu Mehta, Managing Director, ORRA, said, “Bengaluru is an important market for us. With this launch, we aim to strengthen our brand presence and craft a lasting shopping experience for our customers. The collection at the store is thoughtfully curated, keeping in mind the overall demand for diamond jewellery and the evolving tastes and choices of our customers."

The showroom which is 6000 sq.ft has been creatively designed with comfortable seating, contemporary interiors and 2 bridal lounges to enhance the customer’s shopping experience. The new showroom has the brand’s defining range of diamond jewellery that includes the ORRA Crown Star Collection, Astra Collection, Desired Collection and Platinum Collection.

ORRA takes superiority in its diamond legacy by constantly providing product innovation and offering a wide range of bridal and contemporary jewellery. With 5 global design centres in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Antwerp, Mumbai, and New York, ORRA carries a legacy of 700-year-old Belgian craftsmanship.

The renowned brand provides its loyal customer base with 100% certified jewellery, which comes with complementary insurance and assured free-of-cost lifetime maintenance. ORRA provides its patrons with lifetime exchange and buyback in addition to a seven-day return policy on the brand’s conflict-free diamonds.

On the launch, the brand is offering its patrons:

25% off on diamond jewellery (for a limited period)

0% interest on EMI facilities

The store is operational at ORRA Fine Jewellery, SITE NO :02, 17TH MAIN,100 FEET ROAD, OPP CANARA BANK, 5TH BLOCK, KORAMANGALA, BENGALURU-560034

About ORRA:

The journey of a million gazes began in 1888 before it metamorphosed into ORRA. From sculpting and manufacturing diamonds to crafting and retailing the finest diamond and gold jewellery, ORRA has come a long way since its inception. Today, ORRA is one of India's finest bridal jewellery retail chains, having spread its glow with 68 Stores across 30 Cities and has consistently been at the forefront of design, leadership and product innovation with 5 global design centres in Antwerp, Hongkong, New York, Tokyo & Mumbai.

Master craftsmen who have inherited the centuries - old legacy of jewellery making, brilliantly cut Belgian diamonds, delicate designs in diamond jewellery, elaborate bridal sets in coloured stones, the 73-facet patented ORRA Crown Star, the one-of-its-kind ORRA store. These are just some of the facets that go into making ORRA - The Finest Diamond Destination. 

For more information, visit – https://www.orra.co.in

Uber Sees Resurgence Of Leisure Travelers As Intercity Trips Rise During Weekends

Uber has released its annual travel index ‘Riding with Intercity’, encapsulating travel trends when it came to long-distance trips. The year gone by saw the highest number of Intercity trips being booked on Saturday, followed by Sunday, signaling a clear resurgence of the ‘#wanderlust’ chasers.

Uber Intercity enables riders to book seamless, on-demand intercity trips at the tap of a button, taking care of people’s travel needs for trips beyond their city. With doorstep pickups, digital payment options and in-app safety measures in place, Uber Intercity offers the same efficient, convenient and safe Uber experience, except for a new use case - travel beyond the city.

Having the option to reserve Intercity trips up to 30 days in advance gives riders the chance to use Uber for planned travel, too, beyond the on-demand rides that riders have traditionally used Uber for.

Uber Intercity is now available across over 2,000 routes in India, including popular leisure and business destinations around cities.

The index highlighted key travel trends, including top tourist destinations, popular off-beat routes, and most sought-after days of the week for ‘heading out’. Mumbaikars, for instance, flocked to retreats and wellness centers in Pune, Lonavala, and Alibaug. Bangaloreans chose to explore the Bannerghatta Biological Park and Nandi Hills. 

Here’s some of the key highlights from the ‘Riding with Intercity’ index:

Top 5 Intercity Weekend Travel Months

(Top 5 months in 2022 with the highest number of Intercity trips booked during weekends, in no set order)

-      April

-      May

-      June

-      October

-      December

Top 3 Days of the Week

(Top 3 days of the week with the highest number of Uber Intercity rides in 2022, in decreasing order)

Saturday

Sunday

Friday

Top Uses For Intercity

(Top uses for Intercity going by number of trips booked in 2022, in decreasing order)

Leisure Travel + Family Visits

Business Travel + Meetings

Visits to Places of Worship

Return trips to schools/colleges

About Uber:

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 10 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

Hexagon India Signs MOU With BEL And BEML For Emerging Opportunities In The Domestic Market

At Aero India 2023, the biennial air show and aviation exhibition held at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, Hexagon India signed MOU with BEL and BEML to collaborate in the field of Defence, Transportation, Smart Cities & Safe Cities, Critical Infrastructure Projects, Smart Agriculture, Disaster Management and Mining. Parties have agreed to jointly capitalize on the emerging opportunities in the domestic market.

On this occasion, Pramod Kaushik, President Hexagon India said, “Hexagon India is collaborating with BEL and BEML and intends to capitalize on the emerging opportunities in the domestic market through joint business development efforts. We look forward to a successful collaboration with them in the fields of Defence, Transportation, Smart Cities & Safe Cities, Critical Infrastructure Projects, Agriculture, Disaster Management and Mining. India has always been a big focus for us and we see a massive potential to contribute to this growth story through our technology. We are the global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies to put data to work.”

About Hexagon:

Hexagon is a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, quality and safety across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, public sector, and mobility applications.

Our technologies are shaping production and people related ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous – ensuring a scalable, sustainable future.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.2bn EUR. Learn more at?hexagon.com?and follow us?@HexagonAB.

Hexagon India has more than 2100 employees with offices all over the country across 14 cities. We have also set up two R&D centers in Hyderabad and Pune. We have a strong team of sales, technical development and techno-commercial experts serving our customers.

Godrej Appliances Launches India's First Leak Proof Split Air Conditioner

 ~ Its pioneering Anti-Leak Technology (patent applied), addresses the challenge of ACs leaking water

~ Targets 2x growth over last year in the upcoming summer season, for AC category

Godrej Appliances, business unit of Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, has launched India’s first leak proof split Air Conditioner with Anti-Leak technology and has also filed a patent for it. True to its brand philosophy of ‘Things Made Thoughtfully’, this powerful industry- first, pioneering innovation promises to solve a host of problems being faced by AC consumers today.

Water leaking from an air conditioner inside the home is a common problem faced by several AC users. An estimated 85% AC consumers suffer from this issue at least once in the product's lifetime and consequently, the issue ranks amongst AC’s key concerns. Given that Air Conditioners are amongst the most expensive appliance investments made by customers and have an impact on home aesthetics as well, to have it drip water inside the room is a frustrating experience. People resort to repair services or adopt temporary solutions without really getting a lasting solution. The concern is not limited to aesthetics and embarrassment, but includes other costly repercussions also, like the wall paint or wallpaper getting spoilt needing replacement, safety issues like electrical short circuits if there are plug points underneath and so on. In the long run, damp walls are prone to mold growths, leading to potential health risks such as allergies and respiratory problems, with toddlers or asthmatic patients being even more susceptible.

The all-new Anti-Leak Technology incorporated in Godrej Leak Proof* Split ACs aims to offer a permanent solution to combat the above problems. This AC also offers a host of other relevant technologies and features such as 5-in-1 Convertible Cooling Technology that can be set basis the number of people in the room and help save energy, i-sense technology to match the set temperature for utmost comfort, powerful cooling even at 52°C with lower derating, inverter technology for power saving and ecofriendly R32 refrigerant that has zero ozone depletion and low global warming potential. In addition, it has 100% copper coils, and connecting pipe and anti-corrosive blue fins are fitted for efficiency, durability and resistance to corrosion.

Commenting on the launch of this innovative technology, Kamal Nandi, Business Head and Executive Vice President – Godrej Appliances, part of Godrej & Boyce said, “At Godrej Appliances, we have been working relentlessly to offer innovative solutions with cutting-edge technologies to address any challenges faced by consumers. After multiple trials at our research and design centers, we have perfected the Anti-Leak technology and pioneered India’s first Leak Proof Split AC which promises consumers much-needed relief from the problem of leaking ACs, which has plagued consumers for a long time. Coupled with a robust product portfolio for the upcoming summer season, we expect over 2x growth in AC sales compared to last year.”

Sabyasachi Gupta, Product Group Head- Air Conditioners, Godrej Appliances added, “We are elated to introduce India’s first Leak Proof Split Air Conditioner, that aims to deliver superior prevention of water leakages. A path breaking offering, it promises a much better and trouble-free AC experience for consumers – delivering more durability, unhindered performance, aesthetics, health, and safety. Along with this pioneering proposition, for the upcoming summer season, Godrej Appliances has a lineup of 25+ SKUs covering several advanced technologies and features like 4 Way-Swing, 5-in-1 convertible cooling, UVCool and Nano Coated Anti-Viral filtration technologies, Heavy Duty Cooling, Hot and Cold ACs and Smart IOT enabled ACs.”

Godrej Leak Proof Split ACs comes with 10 years-inverter compressor warranty. It will soon be available at Rs. 48,900/- MRP across stores and popular ecommerce platforms. Consumers can also avail easy finance options on it.

About Godrej Appliances

Godrej Appliances, a business unit of Godrej & Boyce, is one of the leading Home Appliances players in India. Godrej & Boyce was the first Indian Company in 1958 to manufacture refrigerators and since then Godrej Appliances has expanded its portfolio across several categories like Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, Microwave Ovens, futuristic Thermo-electric cooling solutions, Air Coolers, Deep Freezers, highly specialized Medical Refrigerators, UVC Technology-Based Disinfecting devices, Dishwashers, and more recently InsuliCool product range. This portfolio has been powered by the driving philosophy of 'Things Made Thoughtfully.’

Environment protection is a core value at Godrej. Thus, this concept extends from human-centric design to planet-centric design. Both manufacturing units of Godrej Appliances became the first in India to win the coveted Platinum Plus Green Co. certification for their pioneering eco-friendly practices. The brand takes pride in its carefully designed products and environment-friendly technologies. Further to this, it promptly provides the best-in-class, after-sales service through more than 680 service centers and 4500 + SmartBuddy service experts pan-India.

WorldSkills Contest Winners From Toyota Kirloskar Motor - Felicitated By The Government of Karnataka

In a boost to Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s contributions to the “Skill India Mission”, three team members from Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) an institute created by Toyota Kirloskar were today felicitated by the Government of Karnataka for their exemplary achievements at the WorldSkills Competition 2022. At an event held today in Vidhana Soudha, the winners were facilitated by Shri. Dr. Ashwathnarayan C. N., Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Electronics, IT & BT, Science & Technology; Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihoodin, Government of Karnataka in the presence of Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Senior Vice President & Chief Communication Officer, Mr. Swapnesh R. Maru, Executive Vice President, Mr. G. Shankara, Vice President and Mr. Hiroki Ando Technical Advisor – Finance & Administration from Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

TTTI symbolises the company’s commitment towards developing world class skilled workforce for the Indian auto Industry, the trio of Mr. Likith Kumar Yemmoddi Prakash, Mr. Karthik Gowda Seehalli Nagaraju and Mr. Akhilesh Narasimhamurthy made the nation proud by bringing home medals from the WorldSkills Competition 2022. Mr. Akhilesh and Mr. Karthik received the bronze medal for Mechatronics Skills in Germany, while Mr. Likith won bronze medal for Prototype Modelling Skills in Switzerland.

Speaking of the team’s achievements, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Senior Vice President & Chief Communication Officer said, “We are immensely proud of Likith, Karthik and Akhilesh for their outstanding performance at a coveted platform like the WorldSkills Competition. I ‘am sure that they will be an inspiration for other students. At the same time, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Karnataka and Government of India for promoting and developing young minds through the Skill India Mission. Today’s gesture by Shri. Dr. Ashwathnarayan C. N., Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Electronics, IT & BT, Science & Technology; Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihoodin of Karnataka reflects the Government’s commitment towards nurturing home-grown talent and providing them with suitable platforms to showcase their talent.

The key to success in a rapidly changing industry like ours is the ability to upskill workforce with the required knowledge and making them globally competitive. With skill enhancement programs at TTTI, our aim is to help students develop critical thinking, technical knowledge, problem solving and team building ability through hands-on learning experiences and global exposures. We strongly believe that such holistic learning and skilling curriculum will fulfil the growing need in India for skilled manpower thus narrowing the existing gap between the demand and supply of a skilled workforce.”

Present at the event, Mr. Swapnesh R. Maru, Executive Vice President said “We are humbled at  the achievement of the winners as their success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of students trained at the TTTI and the quality of technical skills and products we deliver.

Toyota is committed to creating possibilities and programs that deliver a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Over the last two decades in the State of Karnataka, we have continued to actively promote social interventions by working with various stakeholders and using resources at grass-root level to address critical social needs. We are happy that our skill development institutes like TTTI and TTEP contribute to the social and economic development of our local communities and provide better access to jobs and opportunities.”

Speaking at the event Shri Dr. Ashwathnarayan C. N., Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Electronics, IT & BT, Science & Technology; Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihoodin said, “We have always believed in the power of youth and the importance of skilling them at an early stage. Keeping this in mind, we are appreciative of the fact that Toyota Kirloskar Motor has always kept this at the forefront, by giving an impetus to skill the youth across Karnataka through initiatives like the Toyota Technical Training Institute. Akhilesh Narasimha Murthy, Likith Kumar, and Karthik Gowda have proven to be a shining example with their exceptional performance at the WorldSkills competition, proving that with dedication and the right guidance, talent from any part of the country can compete and emerge with flying colours at international levels. We commend Toyota Kirloskar Motor for its continuous efforts in imparting exceptional training to young people and hope to have many more such achievers form the State every year”.

Karnataka already has robust skill development programs to train and upskill the state’s available human resource to be able to equip them with better employment opportunities and such robust programs by corporates complement our visions and efforts in the State”

As a part of its commitment towards developing world class skilled workforce for the Indian auto Industry, Toyota in 2007 established the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) which offers a three-year rigorous full-time training in – Automobile Assembly, Automobile Paint, Automobile Weld and Mechatronics to financially challenged students hailing  from rural hinterlands across Karnataka state. This three-year residential training program is fully paid for by TKM and concentrates on holistic development of the trainees by focusing not only on knowledge and skills but also on body and mind development. TTTI is recognized by National Council of Vocational Training (NCVT), Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM), Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC) and Directorate General of Training (DGT).

TKM has undertaken a major expansion of TTTI with capacity going up from 200 to 1,200 students (academic batch-wise). This will be a major boost to the existing skill facility in its Bidadi plant with a focus to scale-up students’ skill levels on advanced technology, by Toyota expert trainers (globally certified).

Over the years TKM has trained over 77,360 employable youths through a variety of skill development initiatives. TKM is currently working on establishing one Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in each district of the 31 districts in Karnataka. TKM continues to train trainees in 53 institutes across 22 Indian states through the Toyota Technical Education Program (TTEP). The primary objective of the TTEP initiative is to enhance the student’s skill sets which will strengthen the talent pool from the grass root level and provide opportunities for youth with special focus on rural areas. In addition, Toyota dealers also support by providing On-Job training to these students. TKM also has collaborations with the governments of Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Haryana, New Delhi, and Telangana to provide skill development to students and faculty members. TKM's skill outreach has grown over the years, resulting in world-class skill champions.

Photo caption: Shri Dr. Ashwathnarayan C. N., Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Electronics, IT & BT, Science & Technology; Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihoodin, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Senior Vice President & Chief Communication Officer, TKM, Mr. Swapnesh R. Maru, Executive Vice President, TKM & other dignitaries at World Skills Award felicitation.