HP Launches Its Powerful AI PCs With Copilot+ For Businesses & Retail Customers

* HP’s EliteBook Ultra & HP OmniBook X AI PCs come with Snapdragon® X Elite processors[i] for game-changing performance

·  Next-gen AI PCs deliver fast responsiveness with a dedicated NPU capable of 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS)

·  Equipped with upto 26 hours of battery life [ii], [iii], [iv]

·  HP introduces the world’s most secure next-gen AI PC2 to protect against AI-generated threats

Today HP unveiled its most powerful AI PCs aimed at empowering large enterprises, startups, and retail consumers to enable a never before PC experience. The newly launched laptops include the HP EliteBook Ultra and HP OmniBook X, being HP’s first Copilot+ PCs. Both laptops are designed and engineered around the Snapdragon® X Elite processor[v] and its dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU)6, capable of 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS) to run language models and generative AI locally on the device.

Ipsita Dasgupta, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, HP India, said, “We’re at the beginning of a new era of AI PCs that will redefine what a personal computer can do.  We believe this innovation is all set to unlock new possibilities and transform the future of work. Our next-gen AI PCs are designed to enhance work efficiency, boost security, and offer personalized experiences for hybrid workstyles. We are excited to see how these innovative devices will drive India's digital transformation and economic growth.”

As the way we live and work continues to evolve beyond the traditional desk, the EliteBook Ultra is crafted to be business-ready for the modern, on-the-go leader. These leaders, who interact with clients regularly, need stylish and mobile devices. They seek unique AI capabilities to boost productivity, enhance collaboration, and ensure top-tier security. The HP EliteBook Ultra features the thinnest design in its class and boasts a powerful battery. It is equipped with enterprise-grade endpoint security to safeguard data, especially in an era where cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated.

The HP OmniBook X is designed specifically for retail customers including creators and freelancers, who need a powerful and versatile device to support their dynamic lifestyles. The HP OmniBook X series is packed with advanced AI features, which significantly improve video quality and collaboration experiences. This makes them ideal for creators who are constantly on the move, needing reliable performance for tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and remote meetings.

“We are thrilled to unveil our first fully loaded AI PCs in India with the HP EliteBook Ultra and HP OmniBook X. These AI PCs are designed to create more personalized and meaningful user experiences, revolutionizing the way we interact with technology. By integrating advanced AI capabilities, we are setting a new standard in the industry, making technology smarter, more intuitive, and more responsive to individual needs,” said Vineet Gehani, Senior Director – Personal Systems, HP India. 

AI at fingertips

·       HP AI Companion: The new laptops come with built-in HP AI Companion, a personal AI-assistant for boosting productivity and creativity. With this, users will experience a personalized approach using generative AI to analyze and assess personal files to get more refined, focus responses or outputs.

·       Copilot+: Coupled with Copilot+ PC, these PCs supercharge creativity and productivity for a more personalized, powerful computing experience.

·       Poly Camera Pro: The new Poly Camera Pro[vi] uplevels virtual interactions across all collaboration and streaming apps[vii] across multiple cameras.[viii] Poly Camera Pro utilizes the NPU to power AI enhancements like Spotlight, Background Blur & Replace, Auto Framing, and more, allowing the CPU to maintain performance more efficiently while preserving battery life.

Uniquely designed for the modern workforce

·       Sleek & Powerful: The HP EliteBook Ultra and HP OmniBook X are designed for tech-savvy freelancers and on-the-go leaders with a sleek design and the perfect synergy of AI-enhanced power and mobility. Weighing 1.3 kgs, these laptops offer up to 26 hours of battery life [ix].

·       Modern Design: Both PCs feature HP’s new AI Helix Logo reflecting HP AI engineering that delivers optimized performance and security for AI today. As part of the world’s most sustainable PC portfolio[x], both devices incorporate 50% recycled aluminum[xi] in the covers and 100% sustainably sourced materials for packaging[xii], along with EPEAT® Climate+ Gold Registration and ENERGY STAR® Certification.

Work Securely

As AI advances, trusted security measures are essential for AI PCs. Commercial users can confidently do their best work from anywhere on the HP EliteBook Ultra, with Wolf Pro Security Next Gen Antivirus (NGAV),[xiii] which harnesses the power of machine learning to defend against new and known threats. As a Microsoft Secured-Core PC, the device is designed to protect the PC down to the firmware level with hardware security features that shield user credentials and other critical data.

Pricing & Availability:

·       The HP Elitebook Ultra is available in HP World Stores and HP Online stores at a starting price of Rs. 1,69,934 in Atmospheric blue colour.

·       The HP OmniBook X is available in HP World Stores and HP Online stores at a starting price of Rs. 1,39,999 in Meteor Silver colour. 

About HP

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance And Karnataka Bank Limited Forge Strategic Bancassurance Partnership

ICICI Lombard, India’s leading private General Insurance Company, announces its collaboration with Karnataka Bank Limited, an esteemed 'A' Class Scheduled Commercial Bank in India, to introduce a dynamic Bancassurance tie-up. This alliance aims to grant Karnataka Bank's diverse clientele access to ICICI Lombard's extensive insurance portfolio, thereby enhancing penetration and reinforcing financial security across India.

With Karnataka Bank's expanding network and ICICI Lombard's innovative, agile, and digital solutions, this partnership seeks to elevate the bank's offerings significantly. The entire range of insurance products will now be accessible across Karnataka Bank's 915 branches, reaching over 13 million customers nationwide. These customer-centric solutions aim to provide long-term financial security, underscoring both entities' commitment to excellence through innovation and reliability.

Both the bank and the insurance company stand to benefit from this arrangement. While the bank earns a commission from the insurance company, the insurer gains from the distribution network of the bank. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) had in 2022 widely opened the bancassurance channel for insurers as part of its overarching effort to increase insurance penetration in the country and achieve the long-term goal of ‘insurance for all’ by 2047, when the country will celebrate its golden jubilee of independence.

Mr. Anand Singhi, Chief - Retail and Government Business at ICICI Lombard, said, "We are delighted to partner with Karnataka Bank to bring our specialized insurance solutions to a broader audience. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering customer-centric products that cater to diverse needs. Through our tech-enabled services, we aim to provide Karnataka Bank customers with comprehensive coverage for their health and assets, ensuring peace of mind and security in an ever-changing world."

Speaking on the occasion Shri. Sekhar Rao, Executive Director stated, “We are committed to enriching the financial and banking experience for our customers with ease and choice. Our collaboration with ICICI Lombard underscores this commitment and reinforces our efforts to offer best in class insurance solutions. Further Bank is embarking on digital insurance initiatives, which will empower the Bank’s customers to conveniently access and manage their insurance policies through digital platforms. This includes online policy purchase, real-time claims processing, and personalized insurance advisory services, ensuring a hassle-free experience”.

About ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd.

ICICI Lombard is the leading private general insurance company in the country. The Company offers a comprehensive and well-diversified range of products through multiple distribution channels, including motor, health, crop, fire, personal accident, marine, engineering, and liability insurance. With a legacy of over 2 decades, ICICI Lombard is committed to customer centricity with its brand philosophy of ‘Nibhaye Vaade’. The company has issued over 36.2 million policies, honoured over 2.9 million claims and has a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of ?255.94 billion for the year ended March 31, 2024.  ICICI Lombard has 312 branches and 13,670 employees, as on March 31, 2024.

ICICI Lombard has been a pioneer in the industry and is the first large scale insurance company in India to migrate its entire core systems to cloud.  With a strong focus on being digital led and agile, it has launched a plethora of tech-driven innovations, including the industry first Face Scan on its signature insurance and wellness App - IL TakeCare, with over 10 million downloads. The company has won several laurels including ET Corporate Excellence Awards, Golden Peacock Awards, FICCI Insurance Awards, Assocham, Stevie Asia Pacific, National CSR awards etc. for its various initiatives. For more details log on to www.icicilombard.com

About Karnataka Bank Limited.

Karnataka Bank Limited, a leading 'A' Class Scheduled Commercial Bank in India, was incorporated on 18th February 1924 at Mangaluru, a coastal town of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka State. The bank took shape in the aftermath of patriotic zeal that engulfed the nation during the freedom movement of 20th century India. It has got 915 branches with 13 Million + customer base, 8500 employee strength & 235000 shareholders. They intend to bring about best of the banking practices through a blend of timeless values accompanied with cutting edge technology. For more details log on to https://www.karnatakabank.com 

Here Are Some Stunning New Lipsticks You Must Try This National Lipstick Day

With stunning shades and exceptional formulas, designed to delight and inspire every beauty enthusiast, Westside has a range of lipsticks that one must try this National Lipstick Day. Whether you're a fan of bold reds or subtle nudes, there’s an array of options to pick from.

Studiowest Seduce Intense 03 Rouge Red Lipstick - Rs.695/-

Achieve a bold and striking look with Studiowest lipstick in red. This lipstick is designed to make a statement, giving your lips a rich and vibrant colour that is perfect for those special occasions when you want to stand out.

Studiowest Amuse Shimmer 01 Rouge Lipstick - Rs.695/-

Elevate your look with Studiowest lipstick in the shade red. This lipstick does not just deliver a bold, red hue but also adds a touch of shimmer, making your lips the center of attention. Perfect for those special occasions when you want to stand out

Studiowest Pink Vivid Matte P-82 Lipstick – Rs.395/-

Find your perfect smile with this pink lipstick by Studiowest. This matte lipstick helps smoothen chapped lips and offers long-lasting wear. Plus, the highly pigmented formula delivers a rich color payoff.

Studiowest Nude Pink Praline Collagen Plumping Lipstick – Rs.395/-

Enveloped in soft and gentle nude pink hues reminiscent of sweet praline, this lipstick by Studiowest is a luxurious addition to your makeup collection. Infused with collagen, it not only enhances the natural fullness of your lips but also provides intense hydration for a soft and supple feel.

Studiowest Bloom Brown 03 Dahlia Lip Jelly – Rs.395/-

Brighten your smile with this lip jelly from Studiowest. This playful lip jelly adds a sheer, vibrant tint that perfectly enhances your natural lip colour. Infused with nourishing ingredients, it keeps your lips hydrated and glossy without any stickiness. Ideal for everyday wear, its lightweight formula feels comfortable and lasts all day.

Studiowest Bloom Brown 06 Caramel Lip Gloss – Rs.395/-

Give your lips the perfect hint of glamour with this lip gloss from Studiowest. This luxurious gloss offers a rich, caramel hue that enhances your lips with a stunning shine. Enriched with moisturizing ingredients, it keeps your lips soft and hydrated all day. The non-sticky formula ensures comfortable wear, making it perfect for any occasion.

Doctor Turned Musician Unveils Patriotic Anthem Vande Mataram

The rapturous tune joins the festivities. Dr CV Ranjith, the composer, seems a bit excited and enthusiastic as the moment approaches. A dental surgeon by profession, the passionate musician  from Kannur, has been striving hard, journeying through the heartlands of India, struggling against the ticking clock in the recording studios, setting and revising the tune to capture the imagination of the people through his innovative project – Vande Matharam – A feel of Patriotism– a patriotic song, looks excited as his dream project is all set to release during this Independence Day.

“I feel excited and a bit emotional to see that this musical journey has reached the final destination.  Though it was quite arduous, physically taxing and a race against time, it was also exciting and seemed like a journey of soul searching for me. I was enjoying the struggle and quite happy to see that the efforts have paid off well”, Ranjith said.  

"Vande Mataram," composed and directed by Dr. CV Ranjith, is slated to be released on 12 August ,a few days ahead of Independence Day. “Ever since the incomparable musical masterpiece of AR Rahman’s Vande Matharam, I think, no other patriotic song has come to inspire the Indians like this. This is my humble attempt in this direction as I have tried to portray the historical beauty and natural brilliance of this country through my musical production. This would surely inspire the patriotic Indians, I think”, Ranjith said. Shot in breath taking locations spanning from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, this song promises a fresh and captivating experience, he said.

Dr. CV Ranjith shared that he had dedicated a year to crafting this 6-minute-long anthem. The filming commenced in July last year, capturing diverse views of both rural and urban India, including Delhi, Agra, Amritsar, Kullu Manali, Ladakh, Kedarnath, Srinagar, Keran, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hampi, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Jaipur, Ajmer, Meghalaya ,Kolkata, Varanasi, Baroda, Lucknow, Kanyakumari, Dhanushkodi, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kannur.

Dr. CV Ranjith recalled his unforgettable experience filming in Keran, noted as India's first village, where the borders of India and Pakistan are separated by a river.

“It was a challenge to come up with a new tune which would instil both patriotism and musical excellence as hundreds of such songs would come up during the Independence Day and Republic Day. It was a hard task to set a different track to meet the standards demanded by the aficionados. But, I believe, I have done full justice to the project”, he said. Ranjith, who also directed the video album alongside composing the tune. The lyrics for "Vande Mataram" was penned by Sumita Ayilliath, a Dubai-based radio host and lyricist, and the vocals were performed by Aslam, a singer based in Mumbai. The song's sound mixing and production was handled by Ashwin Sivadas, while cinematography credits go to Sanil Koothuparamp, PV Ranjith, and Dr. CV Ranjith himself. Editing was done by Deepti and Nived.

The song is produced under the banner of renowned Bollywood Producer Mayur K Barot’s White Measure Entertainment, Mumbai.

Dr. CV Ranjith, known for his earlier hit "The Song of Kannur: Heaven of Tourism," which was awarded the Babasaheb Dr. BR Ambedkar International Award, has also created songs in 20 Indian languages, including a tribute to cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

"Vande Mataram" will be released through the renowned music label Muzik 247, aiming to resonate with the youth and inspire a renewed sense of patriotism across the nation.   

ISACA Bangalore Chapter Hosts Conference With Theme “Fortifying The Future: Harnessing AI For Cybersecurity, Privacy, And Governance”

* 1-day complete power packed session held on July 27, 2024, at Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru

The 27th edition of the Annual Karnataka Conference with the theme “Fortifying the Future: Harnessing AI for Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Governance” inaugurated on July 27, 2024, at Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru.

The Conference was  inaugurated by  of Shri. P Robert, Deputy Director, URSC, ISRO, Government of India, Mohan Rao Goli, CVP & Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Samsung R&D India- Samsung Research India, Rajasekharan KR, President of the ISACA Bangalore Chapter, Mrs. Vijaya Vanitha and Mr. Deepak Bhaskaran of ISACA Bangalore Chapter with other dignitaries were present.

The Guest of honour address delivered by Shri. P Robert, Deputy Director, URSC, ISRO, Government of India presented session on Fortifying the Future: Harnessing AI for Cybersecurity - A Space Perspective. Keynote address  delivered by Mohan Rao Goli, CVP & Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Samsung R&D India- Samsung Research India who discussed the importance of Fortifying the Future: Harnessing AI for Cybersecurity. The conference edition of the ISACA newsletter was released by the Chief Guest. The theme of this year’s conference intends to explore the interesting opportunities for Information Security professionals, which stem out of the challenges in Cyber India and Artificial Intelligence. Senior industry professionals, Government representatives, and academicians shared their knowledge and insights at the Conference.

After a successful largest-ever conference held in 2023 with 300 delegates, the excitement to network and meet in person was high among all the delegates. With more than 400 registrations, it is the largest conference ever held by ISACA Bangalore since inception. With power-packed sessions, the conference is a huge knowledge boost.

Mr. Rajasekharan, President of the ISACA Bangalore Chapter welcomed all the delegates as for the largest ever conference held by ISACA Bangalore and shared the insights of outstanding chapter award received from Mr. Erik Prusch CEO of ISACA on behalf of Bangalore chapter during the ISACA 2024 North America Digital Trust World Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, USA in May 2024 and the power of artificial intelligence to protect our digital world.  The conference chair and VP of ISACA Bangalore Branch, Ms. Vijaya Vanitha gave an overview of the action-packed schedule and thanked the dignitaries, chief guest and the speakers for sharing their valuable time.

Post inauguration, as part of Plenary session Mr. Gopalan Oppillappan, Head AI delivered a session on Exploring the AI Frontier: Leadership Perspectives for the Next Decade.

Following this Prakash Rendu chintala, Manager, Cybersecurity Strategy and Risk Management and Mohammad Aslam, Cyber Security Consultant, Optiv delivered a session on Stronger Cyber Defenses: Integrating AI with human behavioral insights for enhance cybersecurity posture”.

Some of the interesting sessions delivered during the conference are

·         Quantum Computing and AI: Securing the Future by Dr. Nagendra Nagaraja, CEO, QpiAI

·         AI and Future of Humanity by Anand Murthy Raj, Director, Gladwell Academy

·         AI vs. AI: Harnessing AI Defenses Against AI-Powered Risks by

Manojkumar Parmar-Founder - CEO, CTO – AIShield

·         Intersection of AI and Web3: Data privacy, security, and regulatory considerations by Ayilur Ramanath, IT Expert

·         Building Resilient Digital Twins: A Security-First Approach by Shakeel Khan, Vice President, ColorTokens Inc and Amarnath Reddy , CTO, 22by7

Other multiple sessions were Womens panel discussion, Digital transformation, Privacy in the Age of AI: Balancing Innovation with Ethical Data Use, Building Resilient Digital Twins: A Security-First Approach, panel discussion on Data, Privacy and AI Dynamics: Shaping the Future Landscape of the Digital Economy and second panel focussed on The Future Relationship Between AI and Humans: Collaboration or Competition?

A gala party post conference was held to celebrate the Outstanding Chapter award with our members and conference delegates. Chief guest distributed the awards for the rank holders of the recent ISACA Certification exams, winners for white paper contest were also felicitated.

The conference also had display of insightful and interesting stalls by the sponsors, Optiv, CANARA Bank, Technologies, UPGUARD, Protiviti, Zscaler, 22by7, ColourTokens, TUV SUD and TSAARO

About ISACA Bangalore: ISACA is an international professional association focused on IT governance and Security. ISACA currently offers 8 certification programs as well as other stackable certificates. It has 1,85,000 strong members across 188 countries and cover a variety of professional IT-related positions in the disciplines of IS/IT audit, risk, security and governance as well as educators, consultants and regulators. ISACA Bangalore Chapter has more than 2,500 members and has the largest member base in India. The members have diverse expertise in domains on IS/IT audit, risk, security and governance.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) Financial Results For The Quarter Ended June 30, 2024

Key Highlights

Business Performance in Key Parameters

Deposits

Savings Deposits increased to Rs 4,84,377 Crore registering a Y-o-Y growth of 4.4%.

Current Deposits stood at Rs 64,702 Crore as on June’24.

CASA Deposits increased to Rs 5,49,079 Crore recording a Y-o-Y growth of 3.4%.

CASA Share of the bank stands at 40.08% as on June’24.

Retail Term Deposit (less than 3 Crores) witnessed a growth of 9.2% on Y-o-Y basis to Rs 5,85,598 Crore in June’24.

Advances

Total Retail credit increased by 14.4% Y-o-Y to Rs 2,34,564 Crore in June’24.

The bank grew under Core Retail Advances recording a Y-o-Y growth of 15.5%. Within Core Retail Credit:

Housing Loan grew by 14.7% Y-o-Y to Rs 1,01,796 Crore.

Vehicle loan posted a growth of 26.9% Y-o-Y to reach Rs 21,726 Crore.

Agriculture Advances grew by 15.8% on Y-o-Y basis to Rs 1,68,503 Crore

MSME Advances increased Y-o-Y by 7.9% to Rs 1,42,886 Crore.

Asset Quality

Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) declined by Rs 19,636 Crore to Rs 51,263 Crore as on June’24 from Rs 70,899 Crore as on June’23.

Net Non-Performing Assets (NNPA) declined by Rs 11,199 Crore to Rs 5,930 Crore as on June’24 from Rs 17,129 Crore as on June’23.

Profitability

Total Income of the Bank was booked at Rs 32,166 Crore for Q1 FY’25 from Rs 28,579 Crore for Q1 FY’24, recording a growth of 12.5% on Y-o-Y basis.

Total Interest Income of the Bank was at Rs 28,556 Crore for Q1 FY’25 from Rs 25,145 Crore for Q1 FY’24, recording a growth of 13.6% on Y-o-Y basis.

Fee based income of the Bank was at Rs 2,077 Crore for Q1 FY’25 from Rs 1,785 Crore for Q1 FY’24, recording a growth of 16.3% on Y-o-Y basis.

Efficiency/Productivity Ratio

Domestic Net Interest Margin stands at 3.21% in Q1 FY’25.

Global Yield on Advances improved Y-o-Y by 28 bps to 8.33% in Q1 FY’25.

Business per employee improved to Rs 24.80 Crore in June’24 from Rs 22.22 Crore in June’23.

Business per branch improved to Rs 233.26 Crore in June’24 from Rs 214.77 Crore in June’23.

Net profit per employee improved to Rs 13.66 Lakhs in June’24 from Rs 5.18 Lakhs in June’23.

Net profit per branch improved to Rs 128.47 Lakhs in June’24 from Rs 49.95 Lakh in June’23.

Capital Adequacy

CRAR increased to 15.79% as on June’24 from 15.54% as on June’23 registering an improvement of 25 bps.

Tier-I Capital was at 13.04% (CET-1 improved to 10.95% as on June’24 from 10.85% as on June’23 and AT1 improved to 2.09% as on June’24 from 1.44% as on June’23) and Tier-II at 2.75% as on June’24.

Priority Sector Achievement

Priority Sector Advances exceeded the National Goal of 40% and stands at 40.29% of ANBC.

Agriculture advances exceeded the National Goal of 18% and stands at 18.29% of ANBC.

Credit to Small & Marginal Farmers exceeded the National Goal of 10% and stands at 10.16% of ANBC.

Credit to Weaker Sections surpassed the National Goal of 12% and stands at 13.57% of ANBC

Credit to Micro Enterprises surpassed the National Goal of 7.50% and stands at 7.70% of ANBC.

Financial Inclusion

PMJDY accounts increased to 5 Crore 13 Lakhs as on June’24 from 4 Crore 66 Lakhs in June’23.

Enrollments under PMJJBY, PMSBY & APY in June’24 are as under:

Digital Progress and Initiatives

Number of PNB One Activated users increased to 187 Lakh as on 30.06.2024 from 125 Lakh as on 30.06.2023 registering a growth of 50% on Y-o-Y basis.

Number of WhatsApp Banking users increased to 34.0 Lakh as on 30.06.2024 from 14.6 Lakh as on 30.06.2023 registering a growth of 133% on Y-o-Y basis.

Total Digital Loan Disbursement improved by 48.5% to ?2,240 Crore during Q1 FY’25 from Rs 1,508 Crore during Q1 FY’24.

PNB is the 1st Bank to Launch PM Vishwakarma Scheme in Digital Mode.

Distribution Network

As on 30th June 2024, the Bank has 10,150 domestic branches and 2 International Branches.

IIIT-B And ELCIA Unite For A Successful 2024 Tech Summit, Highlighting Deep Tech And Sustainability

The ELCIA Tech Summit 2024 has successfully concluded, leaving a mark on the tech community. Hosted by the Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA) at the International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIIT-Bangalore), this year’s summit showcased the ELCIA Next-Gen Innovative Tech Hackathon. This vibrant event brought together creative minds, tech enthusiasts, and industry experts to develop solutions with significant societal and environmental impact.

Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-B, remarked on the significance of the event, "The ELCIA Next-Gen Innovative Tech Hackathon has been a platform for aspiring innovators to push the boundaries of technology. It has provided an opportunity to develop solutions that not only showcase technical prowess but also address critical societal needs. This hackathon signifies the need for collaborative innovation, bringing together diverse minds to create impactful technologies that contribute to a sustainable and inclusive future."

Mr. Sriram Kumar V - PRESIDENT, ELCIA, commented, "As the President of ELCIA, I am incredibly proud of the talent and innovation showcased during the 'ELCIA Next-gen Innovative Tech Hackathon'. This 7-week-long event brought together the brightest minds from across Bengaluru City, demonstrating their passion and ingenuity in tackling complex technological challenges. The hackathon has set the stage for the ELCIA Tech Summit 2024, where we will continue to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. I look forward to witnessing the transformative ideas and technologies that will emerge from this summit."

Mrs. Rama - ADVISOR, ELCIA, commented, "The 'ELCIA Next-gen Innovative Tech Hackathon' has been a remarkable journey, reflecting the extraordinary capabilities of our participants. As an Advisor to ELCIA, I have been deeply impressed by the level of creativity and problem-solving skills demonstrated throughout the hackathon. The enthusiasm and dedication of these young innovators have been truly inspiring. The upcoming ELCIA Tech Summit 2024 will be an excellent platform to further explore these groundbreaking ideas and drive meaningful discussions on the future of technology."

Mr. Vaidyanathan - MEMBER, Executive Committee, commented, "The ELCIA Tech Summit 2024 will provide an invaluable opportunity to highlight the achievements that we have been able to witness at this Hackathon, and foster a collaborative environment for further innovation and growth… it has been an exceptional showcase of talent and innovation. As a member of the Executive Committee, I have seen firsthand the dedication and hard work of all participants. Their innovative solutions and fresh perspectives have the potential to drive significant advancements in technology."

Mr. Vinay Kumar - MEMBER, Executive Committee, "As we approach the ELCIA Tech Summit 2024, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. This Summit will not only showcase the groundbreaking work from the hackathon but also bring together industry leaders and experts to discuss the future of technology and its impact on our lives. The Hackathon, especially, has been a testament to the incredible potential of our city's tech community. It has been a privilege to witness such a high level of ground-breaking ideas and execution from the participants."

The hackathon was a major highlight of the ELCIA Tech Summit Agenda. VLSI System Design (VSD), a semiconductor training company based in Bangalore, organized the entire event using their extensive knowledge of semiconductor and embedded product development. The hackathon took place in three phases from July 6 to July 25, both online and offline. A total of 125 teams from various colleges and universities in Karnataka participated, showcasing innovative product ideas across three themes.

The first two rounds were conducted online, where teams had to submit their idea proposals, product development plans, and demo videos. After a thorough screening process led by Kunal Ghosh and his team, 29 teams advanced to the pre finals.

Mr. Kunal Ghosh, the Founder of VSD, said, “The screening process was challenging because the young participants were full of innovative ideas and enthusiasm. They offered high-tech solutions with budget-friendly options, making it hard to choose the final 10 teams.” These finalists demonstrated their prototypes at IIIT Bangalore before a jury of experts from industry and academia. The jury evaluated the teams based on technology, market readiness, customer friendliness, and cost-effectiveness.

Team Bruteforce, consisting of Yash Gupta, Divyansh Singhal, and Daksh Sharma, won the first prize with a cash award of Rs. 50,000 for their project, 'Wearable Haptic Braille Device for the Blind.' Team NewBees, comprising Kushagra Singh, Anshul V. Patil, and Kafil Abbas Momin, was the first runner-up, receiving Rs. 35,000 for their project, 'Smart Hand Mobility Assistive Device for Enhanced Rehabilitation and Daily Assistance.' The second runner-up was Team Generic Junkiez, involving Ashish Ramesh, Sahil Parashram Desai, and Jonathan Daniel K, who received Rs. 25,000 for their project, 'Autonomous Robotic Integration for Automation.'

Additionally, seven teams received a prize of INR 10,000 each for their outstanding contributions. Winners will now have the opportunity to work closely with the ELCIA team to productize their ideas, ensuring that these groundbreaking concepts are transformed into viable products that can benefit society and the environment. This collaboration between ELCIA and the winning teams exemplifies the summit’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the journey from concept to market.

Participants have pushed the boundaries of what is possible and also addressed real-world challenges with their solutions. The ELCIA Tech Summit 2024 has been a resounding success, demonstrating the incredible potential of collaborative innovation. The summit has set a high standard for future events, inspiring the next generation of tech pioneers to continue their innovative journeys.

About IIIT-Bangalore

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute dedicated to undergraduate and postgraduate programs specializing in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI), IT for Society, and broader fields of IT and research. Situated in the heart of Electronic City, Bangalore, it holds a prominent position in the academic landscape. IIIT-Bangalore is graded A+ by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2022, IIIT-B has secured 74th ranking. The institute was ranked number 1 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today. IIIT-Bangalore contains state-of-the-art infrastructure, eminently qualified faculty, a vibrant alumni community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations.

The institute’s specially designed courses make the students’ cognizant of the current technologies. Experiential learning and practices followed in the institute equip them with the tools and knowledge to solve contemporary real problems. IIIT-Bangalore has consistently achieved excellent placement records every year since its establishment in 1998, thanks to the unwavering support of the industry and the expanding pool of highly skilled alumni.