Vi Honours Indian Artisans; Ties-up With NGOs To Showcase Local Handicrafts

* Artisans supported by various NGOs showcased their creations at Vi Stores across India

Celebrating India, leading telecom operator Vi launched its unique initiative, Artisans of India. This special initiative celebrated the craftsmanship and skills of local artisans, adding a vibrant touch across the country.

Vi helped provide a platform to over 60 talented artisans across its stores in multiple States. Vi Stores in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, New Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat collaborated with local NGOs to showcase artisans’ work to the public.  

These artisans, working with various crafts and traditions, showcased hand-painted bags, chikankari embroidery, paintings, toys, decorated diyas, and more.

Some NGOs Vi partnered with for this initiative included Universal Smile, ESSCENT, Astha Foundation’s Parivartan School for Specially-Abled Children, Shwwas Samiti-Swastik Handicraft Women Welfare Association, Disha Shakti Swayam Sahayta Samooh, and RAFEC. At Kolkata’s South City store, Universal Smile showcased hand-painted cloth bags made by women, with proceeds supporting an orphanage, while in Gujarat, the Astha Foundation worked with specially-abled children to create and showcase decorated Diyas.

This reflects Vi’s commitment to supporting local communities and preserving the rich artistic heritage of India. Through the Artisans of India initiative, Vi paid tribute to the cultures that unite us all. Vi remains committed to uplifting the artisans and craftsmen who contribute richly to the fabric of the nation.

About Vodafone Idea Limited

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India’s leading telecom service provider. The company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G and 4G platforms. Company holds large spectrum portfolio including mid band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave 5G spectrum in 16 circles. To support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The company’s equity share are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE in India. The company offers products and services to its customers in India under the TM Brand name “Vi”. 

For more information, please visit: www.MyVi.in

Drone-Tech Startup NxtQube Raises Seed Round Funding To Enhance Operations across Asia Pacific, Europe, And The USA

* The funding round was led by Venture Catalysts and was participated by Pontaq VC, Ananta Bizcon LLP, Rushikesh Bhandari and others 

NxtQube, India's premier drone infrastructure company, is announcing that the firm has obtained a seed round funding led by Venture Catalysts, India's leading integrated incubator and accelerator platform, and also witnessed participation from Pontaq VC (STPI), Ananta Bizcon LLP, Rushikesh Bhandari, and other angel investors. The Nashik-based firm will use the acquired funds to enhance its operations in the defence and enterprise sectors across markets in Asia Pacific, Europe, and the US with 2 million drones.

The seed funding round marks a notable milestone for NxtQube in its objective to develop a Universal Drone Docking Station, designed to serve diverse drone categories irrespective of applications. This essential capital inflow will assist NxtQube to make headway in accelerating its strategic expansion, research & development, increasing product line and penetrating new strategic markets to cater to new-age consumers across levels. Furthermore, the firm also envisions unlocking new dimensions of interaction with aerospace technology and enriching lives through innovative solutions. This will be driven through NxtQube’s Drone dock;  a fully automated and industrial-grade universal drone docking station offering cross-compatibility with diverse drone manufacturers and technologies to ensure an efficient aerial ecosystem.

Nikhil Rajput, Co-Founder & CEO of NxtQube, shared his optimism following the seed round success, saying, “The aviation sector has been transforming rapidly through the growing emphasis on drones and this investment will further assist us to ensuring a future to seamlessly integrate technology with the skies to enhance human lives. This funding will also enable us to advance a step further to enhance the quality of our Universal Drone Docking Station to cater to diverse categories and applications. Soon after our domestic launch, we will debut this globally to ensure strategic market penetration to sustain and enhance our profitability. By leveraging innovations,  NxtQube is poised to transform how drones interact with the world, making aerial solutions more accessible and effective.”

Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder, and Managing Director of Venture Catalysts, shared his insights on the investment decision, saying, “NxtQube's innovative approach to drone infrastructure aligns perfectly with the rapidly evolving drone ecosystem. Their universal docking station has the potential to significantly reduce operational costs and increase efficiency in drone deployments. We believe NxtQube is well-positioned to become a global leader in drone infrastructure, catering to the growing demand for autonomous drone operations across various sectors. What particularly excites us is the scalability of their solution and its potential to revolutionise industries beyond just drone operations. As India pushes towards becoming a drone hub, companies like NxtQube will play a crucial role in building the necessary infrastructure.”

Since its inception in 2022, NxtQube has been able to sustain a meteoric rise in the domain, developing indigenous docking stations, building indigenous hardware and feature rich firmware — complementing the Made in India initiative. This has helped the firm to make uninterrupted remote drone operations possible irrespective of locations. NxtQube’s docking stations boast top of the line compatibility of scheduling autonomous missions, along with remote diagnostic capabilities with minimal downtime and assistive pilot features.

The firm is presently developing a battery-swapping module to extend the operational efficiency of drones. However, the firm is also set to address the growing emphasis on global drone innovations by developing docks for swarm capabilities, logistics docks designed for hub-to-hub and last-mile delivery, and platforms for virtual piloting. Its Universal drone docking station, Nxtqube Drone dock is capable of undertaking complex activities that include take-off, landing, flight surveillance, charging and data extraction. 

About NxtQube

NxtQube is on a mission to build Universal autonomous docking stations, with a vision to empower aerial and on-ground robotics for Unmanned Level 2+ Autonomy. Currently leading the Autonomous Drone Docking Stations space in India. NxtQube is focused on building complementary technology and working with the ecosystem, focusing on the Niche technology of Autonomous Drone Docking Stations to continuously innovate and make reliable robotics technology.

PSG College Of Technology honors Leela Kaza, Founder & Co-CEO, Bounteous x Accolite With Distinguished Alumni Award

*  Leela Kaza has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in the IT industry and his role in fostering entrepreneurship 

*  Leela Kaza, Founder and Co-CEO of Bounteous x Accolite, has been recognized by PSG College of Technology as a Distinguished Alumni during the institution’s Foundation Day celebrations. The prestigious honor was awarded in recognition of Leela’s significant  contributions to the IT sector - for spearheading and delivering cutting-edge IT solutions to the world’s leading global brands, creating employment opportunities for thousands, and mentoring over 20 software enterprises to help them scale and thrive.  

Shri. Babasaheb Neelkanth Kalyani, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd., along with Shri. L Gopalakrishnan, Managing Trustee of PSG & Sons’ Charities, presided as chief guest for the event. 

The PSG Tech “Distinguished Alumni Award” is an esteemed accolade bestowed upon former students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and excellence in their respective fields. This year, Mr. Leela joins a select group of five other alumni, each of whom has made notable advancements in their industries. 

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Leela remarked, “I am overwhelmed with this recognition from my alma mater, PSG College of Technology. It is a privilege to have studied at such a prestigious institution, and being acknowledged as a Distinguished Alumni is an honor that I hold close to my heart. The foundation laid during my time at PSG Tech has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey, and I am deeply humbled to receive this award alongside such esteemed peers. The relationships I formed during my college days remain intact even today, and it has been incredible to witness how each of my batchmates has gone on to have illustrious careers. This award is not just a recognition of individual achievement but also a celebration of the enduring bonds and shared successes of my PSG Tech family.” 

Dr R Nadarajan, Dean Placement and Training, PSG College of Technology, commented on the award, stating, “We are immensely proud to recognize Leela Kaza as a Distinguished Alumni of PSG Tech. His achievements in the IT sector are truly exemplary and reflect the values and education that PSG Tech strives to instill in its students.

Having an alumnus like Mr. Kaza, who has made such significant contributions and continues to lead with integrity and innovation, is a matter of great pride for our institution. His success is an inspiration to our current students and to the broader PSG community.”  

About Bounteous X Accolite: 

Bounteous x Accolite makes the future faster for the world’s most ambitious brands. Our services span Strategy, Analytics, Digital Engineering, Cloud, Data  & AI, Experience Design, and Marketing. We are guided by Co-Innovation, our proven methodology of collaborative partnership. Bounteous x Accolite brings together 5,000+ employees spanning North America, APAC, and EMEA, and partnerships with leading technology  providers. Through advanced digital engineering, technology solutions, and data-driven digital experiences, we create exceptional and efficient business impact and help our clients win. 

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Marks Women's Equality Day With Renewed Commitment To Gender Equality And Empowerment

In recognition of Women's Equality Day on August 26th, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) reaffirms its steadfast commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women within its workforce and beyond. Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), TKM has initiated a series of transformative measures aimed at fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

As part of its long-term vision, TKM has set a target to increase the representation of women in its workforce to 30% by 2030. To achieve this, TKM has implemented a series of robust Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including the formation of a focussed senior level team dedicated to DEI, extensive benchmarking across industries and aligning with the International Labour Organization’s 2030 agenda of creating greater opportunities for women.

On March 13, 2024, TKM celebrated a significant milestone with the capping ceremony of its first batch of 55 women supervisors, along with the induction of 160 new female team members, raising the total number of women in the company to over 450, with plans to reach 850+ by the end of the year. TKM has also introduced a Gender Diversity Standard Operating Procedure Manual, detailing best practices for promoting gender diversity. These efforts, including unconscious bias surveys and the "Samvardhana" sensitization program, underscore TKM's holistic approach to creating a supportive, inclusive ecosystem that not only empowers women but also enhances the overall quality and competitiveness of its workforce.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. G. Shankara - Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe that gender equality is not just a goal, but a critical driver of our success and sustainability. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace is deeply embedded in our organizational values, and we are proud to be making significant strides in empowering women within our workforce. By setting ambitious targets and investing in the necessary infrastructure and training programs, we are not only enhancing gender diversity but also creating a work environment where every individual can thrive. As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, we reaffirm our dedication to creating equal opportunities and paving the way for a more equitable future for all.”

TKM’s commitment to gender diversity is further exemplified by the expansion of its training programs. The three-year residential course at Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) now has its intake doubled to 1200 students, with up to 600 female students, while the Toyota Kaushalya program offers a two-year training program for rural and economically disadvantaged students. To support this initiative, TKM has made significant infrastructure investments, including the construction of a new dormitory at Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) to accommodate 600 female students, and the enhancement of safety features and facilities such as upgraded restrooms and locker rooms.

As TKM marks Women’s Equality Day, the company reaffirms its commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. This vision extends beyond the organization’s boundaries, encompassing the entire value chain and society at large. TKM believes that diversity and inclusion are not only corporate responsibilities but also societal benefits that contribute to the development of world-class talent and mass happiness. TKM remains dedicated to supporting the professional development and advancement of women through targeted initiatives and programs, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive in their careers.

AJAX Engineering Appoints Mr. Gautam Eunny As Chief Marketing Officer

AJAX Engineering, India's premier concreting equipment manufacturer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Gautam Eunny as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). With an experience spanning 25 years across multiple domains such as Business Development, Strategy, Operations, B2B Sales & Marketing, Gautam brings a wealth of expertise and experience to AJAX Engineering.

Gautam’s professional journey includes notable tenures at Pidilite Industries, Lafarge India, and Larsen & Toubro, where he has consistently driven business growth and strategic initiatives. Prior to joining AJAX, he was associated with Pidilite Industries as the Senior Vice President, Large User Business.

In his new role at AJAX Engineering, Gautam will be responsible for spearheading marketing strategies, driving business development, and enhancing the company's market presence. His comprehensive understanding of the industry, coupled with robust management skills, positions him as a valuable asset to the leadership team.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Shubhabrata Saha, Managing Director and CEO at AJAX Engineering, said, “We are glad to welcome Gautam to our executive leadership team. His exceptional track record in strengthening brand presence and innovative approach to market dynamics will be pivotal as we navigate our next phase of growth. Gautam's strategic insights and leadership expertise will significantly enhance our customer engagement and help drive operational excellence.”

Mr. Joseph Peeris, Chief People Officer & Corporate Affairs at Ajax Engineering, added, “Gautam's exceptional track record and his exposure to markets makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are confident that his leadership will drive our marketing efforts to new heights.”

Expressing his enthusiasm on the appointment, Gautam Eunny commented, “I am honored to join AJAX Engineering and look forward to contributing to its success. With a commitment to cultivating a culture of innovation and growth, I look forward to work alongside a highly talented and dedicated team to drive ahead market strategies and enhance our brand presence. Together, we will focus on leveraging cutting-edge marketing techniques and insights to unlock new opportunities and elevate AJAX’s position in the industry.”

With Gautam’s extensive experience and strategic vision, AJAX Engineering is poised to embark on a new growth trajectory. His appointment underscores the company's commitment to driving innovation, expanding its market footprint, and delivering exceptional value to stakeholders. As AJAX Engineering continues to lead the industry with cutting-edge solutions, Gautam's leadership is expected to accelerate the company's growth trajectory and reinforce its position as a global leader in concreting equipment manufacturing.

Shorthills AI Studio Now Available In The Microsoft Azure Marketplace

* Microsoft Azure customers worldwide now gain access to Shorthills AI Studio to take advantage of the scalability, reliability, and agility of Azure to drive application development and shape business strategies.

Shorthills AI, today announced the availability of Shorthills AI Studio in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, an online store providing applications and services for use on Azure. Shorthills AI customers can now take advantage of the productive and trusted Azure cloud platform, with streamlined deployment and management.

Shorthills Al Studio modules like DocLens, Chatscribe, and BidCortex extract structured data from unstructured language documents to help you quickly unlock value from your existing data lake thereby generating a higher return on investment. These AI-powered modules can accelerate your AI/ML adoption journey.

“We are excited to bring Shorthills AI Studio to the Microsoft Azure Marketplace,” said Paramdeep Singh, Co-Founder, Shorthills AI. “By leveraging Azure's robust infrastructure and global reach, we can now offer our AI-powered solutions to a broader customer base. This partnership empowers businesses to unlock the full potential of their data, drive innovation, and achieve tangible business outcomes.”

Jake Zborowski, General Manager, Microsoft Azure Platform at Microsoft Corp., said, “We welcome Shorthills AI to Azure Marketplace, where global customers can find, try, and buy from among thousands of partner solutions. Thanks to trusted partners like Shorthills AI, Azure Marketplace is part of a cloud marketplace landscape predicted to grow revenue 500% from 2022 to 2025.”

The Azure Marketplace is an online market for buying and selling cloud solutions certified to run on Azure. The Azure Marketplace helps connect companies seeking innovative, cloud-based solutions with partners who have developed solutions that are ready to use. Learn more about Shorthills AI and get it now by visiting its page in the Azure Marketplace.

About Shorthills AI:

Based out of Shorthills (NJ, USA) and Gurugram (India), Shorthills AI builds generative AI based search products and solutions for enterprises. Shorthills AI Studio helps enterprises unlock the value in their data lake. These modules generate insights and create opportunities for up-sell/ cross-sell, optimize cash cycle, and improve customer experience. Shorthills AI is a one stop solution for GenAI consultancy, data engineering, model selection, data modelling as well as model fine-tuning. It is also one of the largest global contributors in open-source frameworks like LangChain, LlamaIndex etc. Besides being part of the first ever cohort of NASSCOM - GenAI Foundry, Shorthills AI is also NVIDIA Inception Partner and part of Microsoft Founder's Hub.

Fastrack Smart Unveils The Next Evolution In Style: The Bold & Fashion-Forward Metal Series

Fastrack Smart, India’s leading fashion-tech brand for youth, introduces the Metal Series, a new range of metallic, stylish and technologically advanced smartwatches. Designed specifically for the young India, this dynamic new collection seamlessly blends quality design, affordability with cutting-edge features, setting a new benchmark for the category.

Hailing from the House of Titan, Fastrack has consistently defined fashion-forward timepieces for India's youth. The Metal Series is a testament to this legacy, blending premium metallic aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. This collection is a perfect embodiment of Fastrack's DNA – delivering style and substance in perfect harmony. Inspired by Fastrack's stainless-steel watches, this smartwatch collection is crafted from premium-grade metal and features a stainless-steel strap. The products have also gone through multiple rigorous testing process to make sure the steel quality is durable and long lasting.

Speaking on the launch of The Metal Series, Adithya Raj, Head Sales & Marketing – Wearables, Titan Company Ltd. said, "Fastrack Smart has redefined youth fashion with its unique blend of style and technology. The Metal Series is a testament to our commitment to delivering trendsetting products that resonate with the aspirations of Gen Z. We believe this collection will not only elevate the smartwatch category but also become a coveted accessory for the modern youth. At Fastrack Smart, we're committed to staying at the forefront of wearable technology, delivering the trendiest designs with the smartest features, all at an accessible price point. We can't wait to see how the youth rocks the Metal Series!"

The Fastrack Smart Metal Series is a technological powerhouse designed to seamlessly integrate into your dynamic lifestyle.

*        Premium Design Meets Advanced Technology: Crafted with precision, the Metal Series boasts a premium metallic build and durable stainless-steel straps, ensuring a perfect blend of style and durability. Powering this exceptional performance is an advanced chipset, delivering seamless functionality and efficient energy management.

*        Stay Connected, Your Way: Experience unparalleled convenience with SingleSync BT calling, allowing you to effortlessly manage calls and messages without reaching for your phone.

*        Brilliance in Display: Feature stunning AMOLED displays, immersive UI experience and enhanced clarity for an enhanced user experience the products come with next-gen sensor customized for Fastrack Smart smartwatches.

These elements combine to create a smartwatch that not only looks good but also performs exceptionally, making the Fastrack Smart Metal Series the ultimate accessory. The campaign, ‘Designed to Flex,’ is crafted to highlight the fashion and utility that complement the evolving style statement sought by our country’s youth.

The Fastrack Smart Metal series will be available at Titan World, Fastrack Stores, Shopper Stop, Lifestyle, Pai International and other authorized multi-brand retail outlets & mobile doors. For online buyers it will be available at fastrack.in, Amazon & Flipkart.