Harmonising Processes With Design Excellence. BMW Group Debuts Retail.NEXT In India

Bird Automotive introduces Retail.NEXT facility in Gurugram.

New Design, New Digital Tools, New Roles, and New Processes.

BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad products under one roof.

Transforming experiences with the customer and brand at the center stage.

Investment of INR 365.6 crores across the country in 33 cities over 36 months.

#Retail.NEXT #BMW #MINI #BMWMotorrad #ChangeTheGame

BMW Group India announces the introduction of Retail.NEXT dealerships in India. Retail.NEXT will feature reimagined services and facilities curated to offer excellence and cater to modern requirements. Retail.NEXT will be implemented across 56 facilities in 33 cities over 36 months.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group India said, "At BMW Group India, we are changing the game by redefining the luxury experience. With the introduction of Retail.NEXT, we aren't just elevating experiences; we are transforming them. Every visit to a BMW dealership is more than just a step into a unique world; it's an immersion into a space where modernity, progress, and true luxury converge seamlessly. Retail.NEXT dealerships are designed to revolutionize customer engagement by integrating 'phygital' innovations, where the physical meets the digital in environments that are as aesthetically stunning as they are forward-thinking. This initiative marks the beginning of a countrywide roll-out as we expand our vision of an immersive luxury experience in India. We greatly appreciate our dealer partners for their unwavering dedication towards BMW Group and significant investment spanning over the period of 3 years for implementing Retail.NEXT in India."

Retail.NEXT will redefine the automotive retail experience in the luxury automotive segment. It reinforces a seamless experience for everyone, regardless of their sales or service needs. It blends digital innovation with personalized service, offering a dynamic and engaging environment. The layout features open spaces with minimalist design elements, allowing for an intuitive flow through the showroom. High-tech digital interfaces are integrated throughout the facility, enabling prospects to explore vehicle features, customize their preferences, and receive tailored recommendations.

Additionally, the design incorporates exclusive areas for private consultations and vehicle handovers, ensuring that every interaction is as personalized and memorable as possible. With Retail.NEXT, BMW Group India aims to create a future-forward retail space that not only showcases its vehicles but also embodies the brand’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Retail.NEXT puts visitors and the vehicles at centre stage along the ‘Central Customer Walkway’. The ‘one floor’ and ‘one ceiling’ bring BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad, Sales and Service, New and BMW Premium Selection (BPS) - pre-owned cars all present on one consistent flooring with no separation between business areas. A dedicated single entry for sales and service ensures a clear entry point, making it easier to navigate the dealership seamlessly to address sales or service queries.

Visitors entering the showroom receive a personal and warm welcome at the Welcome Stand instead of a traditional reception counter, thus reducing the physical barrier between them and dealership staff. The Multifunction Counter acts as a secondary interactive spot in addition to welcome stands and can be used for Parts & Accessories sales or as a cashier desk for new or pre-owned car sales. The Central Customer Walkway helps visitors navigate the showroom through an impressive array of premium luxury vehicles. The Central Customer Hospitality area – The BMW Bar & Lounge in the center provides a perfect area to relax and grab a drink during the visit. Retail.NEXT integrates Parts & Accessories and Lifestyle collection in the showroom and is now placed close to the Central Hospitality. Additionally, a fully accessorized highlight car creates a ‘Wow-Effect’ at the dealership.

The Customer Consultation Stages are located strategically throughout the showroom. The service consultation takes place where the client wants it and what fits the situation. The unique living room atmosphere and the cozy positioning of the seating close to cars creates a relaxed environment for consultation. Personal Service Advisor (PSA) and BMW Geniuses are equipped with innovative digital sales tools to provide comprehensive information on product features and services.

The Sales and Service Consultancy Lounges offer dedicated areas for situations that require a higher degree of privacy for discussion on different aspects such as financing, leasing, aftersales service, etc.

The Multifunctional Handover Bay is dedicated to all handover processes for new cars, pre-owned cars, and is also an ideal starting point for test drives. Its relaxed lounge atmosphere is designed to make new car deliveries a memorable experience.

The back-office setup provides the dealership staff a dedicated space for effectively carrying out the administrative work and phone calls.

Additionally, the Retail.NEXT showroom is a perfect orchestration of various measures such as lighting, sound, temperature, product staging, and décor. Different lighting experiences and décor elements create a cozy homely atmosphere across all touchpoints such as furniture, cars, etc.

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) users can also look forward to AC/DC Fast-Charging facilities for charging their electric vehicles (EVs) at the dealership.

The dealership will be able to display an extensive range of BMW M, BMW i, and BMW Motorrad models, as well as vehicles from the MINI and BPS portfolios.

Bird Automotive Retail.NEXT Showroom, Gurugram

BMW Group India announced the launch of Bird Automotive’s Retail.NEXT showroom in Gurugram. The showroom is located at Address one, Baani, Golf Course Road, Sector - 56, Gurgaon, Haryana, India - 122011.

The dealership is headed by Mr. Gaurav Bhatia, Dealer Principal, Bird Automotive. Bird Automotive also represents BMW Group India with sales and service facilities for BMW and MINI in Dehradun, Gurgaon and Delhi.

Mr. Gaurav Bhatia, Dealer Principal, Bird Automotive said, “Our partnership with BMW Group India has grown and flourished over the years, a journey we take immense pride in. The remarkable growth we have witnessed in the Gurugram region stands as a testament to our shared vision and commitment. Today, as we inaugurate the first Retail.NEXT dealership in Gurugram, we are not just opening a new chapter in our success story, but also setting new benchmarks in luxury automotive retailing. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to BMW Group India for entrusting us with this groundbreaking opportunity. Together, we are poised to redefine the luxury car buying experience, promising unparalleled service and unforgettable experiences for BMW customers in the region."

The facility is spread over 8,690 sq.ft. and showcases BMW and MINI cars on ground and first floor respectively. The ultra-modern showroom elegantly showcases a selection of 10 vehicles, including 8 BMWs and 2 MINIs. A dedicated vehicle handover lounge is thoughtfully designed to ensure each customer’s car delivery is a truly memorable experience. Additionally, latest range of merchandise and accessories are on display at the lifestyle and accessories zone. The customer interaction lounge offers a relaxed ambience to discuss various aspects of owning a BMW or MINI vehicle with sales consultants. Further, customers can avail attractive finance and insurance options for the products of their choice.

Jar Transforms Gold Savings For Indians With A User-Centric Approach

*        A micro-saving platform targets users in the 18-35 years age group

*        Backed by leading investors like Tiger Global, Arkam Ventures, and Tribe Capital among others, Jar has raised $58 million in funding so far.

*        The platform currently boasts 20 million users, with over 5 million users actively engaging with the platform each month.

Jar, an innovative micro-savings app, is transforming gold and gold investments in India through its customer-focused digital platform. By prioritizing simplicity and accessibility, Jar has made saving and investing in gold a seamless experience for users across the country.

Starting with just over 6 million users in FY 22, Jar more than doubled its user base to exceed 14 million in FY 23. Now, in FY 24, the platform has reached an impressive milestone of 20 million users. This rapid expansion underscores the app's widespread appeal and effectiveness. Jar’s current customer base has a gender split of 85% male and 15% female users. At the core of Jar's success is its unwavering commitment to user experience. Every aspect of the platform is meticulously crafted with the customer's needs and preferences in mind, ensuring that saving and investing in gold is as intuitive and user-friendly as possible.

"At Jar, we’ve streamlined the investment process to take just 45 seconds, allowing users to start saving with as little as Rs. 10 in 24K 99.9% pure digital gold. This innovative approach leverages the UPI 2.0 framework and our round-off method, acting like a digital piggy bank to facilitate effortless savings," said Nishchay AG, Founder and CEO, Jar. "By significantly lowering entry barriers with user-friendly tools and simplifying the savings journey, we empower customers across India to start their financial journey with trust and confidence."

Customer testimonials highlight the real-world impact of Jar's services. Sharing his experience on Jar, Shivraj, a farmer from Karnataka, says, "Jar has this remarkable feature of daily savings, like a digital piggy bank. It deducts small amounts from my bank account, ranging from ?30 to ?500. The money is there for me whenever an emergency arises. When I needed to pay my children’s school fees, I could withdraw my savings as gold or cash. I chose cash, and this flexibility is one of the key reasons I use this app."

Young Indians typically enter the workforce at 21, but often delay thinking about savings and investments until they're around 30, largely due to financial literacy gaps and ongoing obligations. Despite this, the 18-35 age group is characterized by high aspirations and digital fluency. Jar has identified this opportunity, creating a platform that aligns with their digital lifestyle. By offering an intuitive, unobtrusive method for saving and investing, Jar meets these young consumers where they are. The platform extends beyond basic savings, incorporating flexible financial services such as lending and insurance.

For Vidhi Doshi, a venture capitalist from Bangalore, Jar provided a comfortable option to diversify her investments. "I was not really interested in jewellery, making digital gold a viable option to invest in the metal, which is a very good asset class. When I came across Jar, the idea of investing that spare change stuck by e," she said. "Gold rates can fluctuate, but the convenience and security of saving with Jar give me peace of mind."

Jar is a Bangalore fintech company founded in 2021 by Nishchay Ag & Mishab Ashraf. Through its focus on customer needs and providing essential financial tools, Jar is enhancing individual financial health and contributing to a more financially resilient society.

Ingram Micro To Offer All-New iPhone 16, Apple Watch Ultra2 & AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) On September, 20

Ingram Micro India is excited to offer iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus featuring Camera Control, major upgrades to the advanced camera system, the Action button to quickly access useful features, and a big boost in battery life — all powered by the new A18 chip. iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, featuring larger display sizes, Camera Control, innovative pro camera features, and a huge leap in battery life — all powered by the fast, efficient A18 Pro chip.

Apple Watch Series 10, the thinnest Apple Watch yet, featuring the biggest, most advanced display of any Apple Watch, water depth and temperature sensing, the breakthrough health and fitness insights of watchOS 11, and more.

Apple Watch Ultra 2, the ultimate sports and adventure watch, in a stunning new black titanium finish alongside a new Titanium Milanese Loop band.

AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC, the most advanced and comfortable headphones Apple has ever created with an open-ear design.

AirPods Max in five beautiful new colors, including midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple, with USB-C charging for more convenience.

The iPhones would be available in 8,500+ retail locations, Apple watch in 4,000 retail locations, and AirPods in 7,000 retail locations across India. For complete pricing and availability details, please visit -www.indiaistore.com.

The key offer details are as below –

Banks Cards

The instant Cashback offer is available on ICICI Bank Credit Cards EMI and Non-EMI; ICICI Bank Debit Card EMI, Kotak Mahindra Bank Credit Cards EMI and Non-EMI and SBI Card Credit Cards EMI and Non-EMI 

INR 5000 Instant Cashback on iPhone 16 & 16 Plus, INR 4000 Instant Cashback on iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max in addition to 6 months No-Cost EMI.

iPhone for life: Pay 75% of the device value over 24 months and balance 25% after 24 months or 25% assured buyback at 24th month; available on ICICI Bank Credit Card on iPhone 16 series.

INR 4000 Instant Cashback on Apple Watch Ultra 2, INR 2500 Instant Cashback on Apple Watch Series 10, INR 2000 on Apple Watch SE 2, in addition to 6 months No-Cost EMI.

INR 2000 Instant Cashback on AirPods Pro 2nd Gen and up to INR 1500 Instant Cashback AirPods 4 series in addition to 6 month No Cost EMI.

Loan Offers

Loans Partners: Bajaj Finance Ltd, HDFC Bank, HDB Financial, ICICI Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank & TVS Credit.

Up to 24-month No-cost EMI on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, AirPods 4 & AirPods Pro 2nd Gen.

Up to 16-month No-cost EMI on the Apple Watch Series.

Exchange Offers

An Exchange Bonus of up to INR 6000 on the iPhone 16 series is applicable for all transactions (i.e. Cards, Loans and iPhone for life).

An Exchange Bonus of up to INR 2000 is applicable on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 10 for all transactions (i.e. Cards and Loans).

About Ingram Micro

Ingram Micro is a leading technology company for the global information technology ecosystem. With the ability to reach nearly 90% of the global population, we play a vital role in the worldwide IT sales channel, bringing products and services from technology manufacturers and cloud providers to a highly diversified base of business-to-business technology experts. Through Ingram Micro Xvantage™, our AI-powered digital platform, we offer what we believe to be the industry’s first comprehensive business-to-consumer-like experience, integrating hardware and cloud subscriptions, personalized recommendations, instant pricing order tracking, and billing automation. We also provide a broad range of technology services, including financing, specialized marketing, and lifecycle management, as well as technical pre- and post-sales professional support. Learn more at www.ingrammicro.com.

Helios Launches Italian luxury watchmaker U-BOAT; Eyes 45% Festive Growth

Helios, India's largest premium watch retailer from Titan Company Ltd. announces the expansion of its international portfolio, by introducing U-BOAT, the renowned Italian premium watchmaker, to the Indian market through a partnership. This addition to Helios’ portfolio ahead of the festive season is poised to contribute an expected 45% growth in revenue. Renowned for its masculine designs and Tuscan craftsmanship, U-BOAT is set to enchant Indian watch enthusiasts with its unique style. Joining the ranks of over forty prestigious global brands at Helios, U-BOAT is set to bring its unparalleled design and innovation to the forefront of premium timepieces in India.

This launch seamlessly aligns with the upcoming festive season, which is poised to delight the consumers. According to a Deloitte report, about 40 percent of the consumers choose watches as gifts, especially during the festive season. The growing demand for premium timepieces is fueled not only by their status as symbols of elegance and prestige but also by their deep cultural significance, especially in markets like India where brand image holds considerable importance. The ease of online shopping and the perception of watches as meaningful, lasting gifts further boost this trend.

Amidst the vibrant celebrations, U-BOAT watches stand out for their bold designs and Swiss movements, creating timepieces that exude power, perfect for individuals with strong personalities and leadership qualities. Known for its innovation and craftsmanship, U-BOAT utilizes advanced materials such as Carbon Fibre, Titanium T5, Sterling Silver, and Bronze. The brand is also celebrated for its pioneering features like the crystal sapphire red glass with a matte effect and patented systems including the safe hook locking crown and crown release button. The Darkmoon collection, the brand’s most popular, features a watch fully immersed in a silicone-based oil bath that magnifies the dial and ensures perfect visibility from any angle, complemented by a distinctive dome-shaped sapphire crystal.

With the introduction of 41 SKU’s by U-BOAT into the Indian market, Helios has further solidified its position as the premier destination for international premium watch brands in India. With its extensive network of 240 stores, Helios underscores its commitment to offering discerning Indian consumers an unparalleled selection of the world’s most prestigious timepieces and provides a strategic gateway for international brands looking to enter and thrive in the burgeoning Indian market.

Speaking on the launch of the brand, Mr. Rahul Shukla, Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Watches and Wearables, Titan Company Ltd. said, “We are delighted to introduce U-BOAT to our discerning Indian clientele through Helios. This launch marks a significant milestone for us, aligning perfectly with the surging demand for premium and innovative timepieces in India. As Helios advances its expansion strategy, the launch of U-BOAT signifies the beginning of its efforts to introduce a diverse array of esteemed international premium brands to India. This launch, perfectly timed with the festive season, offers an exciting opportunity for consumers to indulge in exceptional luxury and celebrate in style. We are confident that this launch will resonate strongly with those looking for a standout timepiece specially during this time of year.”

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Italo Fontana, Founder and Owner, U-BOAT said, “India’s rich traditions and dynamic personalities align perfectly with the spirit of U-BOAT. We are excited to introduce our watches to this vibrant market through our partnership with Helios. Our shared vision and values with the Tata Group led us to form this partnership, which has already proven successful both professionally and personally. We aim to position U-BOAT as a leading name in premium watches, recognized for its unique Italian design, exceptional materials, and superior quality.”

Starting at INR 1,22,500, these SKU’s by U-BOAT will be available at 11 marquee Helios stores in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad & Kolkata.

Karnataka Leads With 9 Young Competitors At WorldSkills 2024 In France: Second Highest Representation From Any Indian State

*      Out of the 60-member Indian team, 9 competitors proudly represent Karnataka

*      Showcasing skills across Additive Manufacturing, Industrial Control, CAD and others

*      Team India is the fourth largest contingent at WorldSkills 2024 in Lyon, France.

*      The Indian team will showcase their skills in 52 different categories.

As the young Team India showcases their talents at WorldSkills 2024 in Lyon, France, the state of Karnataka stands out by contributing the second highest number of competitors, with 9 individuals excelling across various skills. The participants from Karnataka are competing against 1300+ competitors from 70 nations in various skills such as Additive Manufacturing, Industrial Control, Manufacturing Team Challenge, Mechanical Engineering CAD, Cooking, Mechatronics.

Karnataka’s Outstanding Candidates At WorldSkills 2024 Highlight The State's Expanding Talent Pool On A Global Stage

Harshavardhan Vk from Sangli, Maharashtra, is a talented cooking enthusiast. He honed his culinary skills at home and pursued formal education at Nalanda School and Sharada University in Mangaluru, Karnataka. Harshavardhan's positive and cheerful attitude shines through in his cooking. His mentor, chef Thirugnanasambantham Kuppuswamy, the principal of Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), is known for his calm demeanour and expertise. The chef’s ability to guide and teach with great emphasis on detail has been instrumental in shaping Harshavardhan's journey, making him a great influence in Harshavardhan's cooking career.

Joethir Adithya K R is a talented young individual from Chennai specializing in Hotel Reception. He attended Sri Kumaran Public School in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and later continued his education at Delhi Public School, Bengaluru South. Joethir is deeply committed to providing the best customer experience, a passion that was sparked during a family vacation where he was captivated by how hotel staff made their stay memorable. Initially interested in Food and Beverage from a young age, his experiences in the hospitality industry led him to realize his true passion for the front office function at the hotel reception. The ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and manage diverse situations drew him towards this career path. His preparatory journey has been both challenging and rewarding, especially as he gears up for WorldSkills 2024. Joethir's training at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel in Delhi has provided him with invaluable real-time guest interactions and practical experience, essential for both the competition and his future career. Joethir attributes much of his progress to his mentor, Aagman Baury, a seasoned professional in the industry. Mr. Baury's kind nature and positive outlook have been a constant source of motivation for Joethir, helping him stay focused and manage stress throughout this journey. Joethir expresses deep gratitude for Mr. Baury's guidance, which has made this experience both enjoyable and enriching.

Mohith M U from Karnataka is a dedicated participant in the Manufacturing Team Challenge. He completed his schooling from Morarji Desai Residential School in Alur Siddapura, Karnataka, and is currently studying at Toyota Technical Training Institute in Bangalore, Karnataka. Describing himself as an eager learner, Maluganahalli's journey took a significant turn when he joined Toyota, where he discovered the importance of combining learning with skill development. This realization motivated him to strive for excellence, not only for personal growth but also to bring a medal home for India in the WorldSkills competition. As a team participant, Maluganahalli is committed to continuous practice, with the shared goal of achieving success at the global level. He is guided by Dinesh, who plays a crucial role in his training. Dinesh provides consistent guidance and maintains daily interactions with Maluganahalli, ensuring that he and his team are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Watching Team India’s overall performance, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said, "As we witness the remarkable performances of our Indian contingent at WorldSkills 2024, I am filled with immense pride. Having visited their booths and seen their dedication first hand, I can attest to their hard work and passion. Our young boys and girls are truly making the country proud. I am confident that we will not only excel but also elevate skilling as an aspirational value in our nation. Together, we are poised to achieve greatness and bring home victory."

Acknowledging the sentiment and positioning the government’s vision, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE said, “Our Honourable Prime Minister’s vision is to make India the skill capital of the world and this can only happen when we make skilling aspirational. This is the reason why we are participating in the WorldSkills competition. Our competitors face off against 70 nations in 52 skills, with India sending the fourth largest contingent here. Our team has been prepared and trained by our industry partners and I’m sure they will bring laurels for the nation.”

Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organises the IndiaSkills Competition to identify and train candidates who will represent India at the World Skills Competition. Karnataka leads the second highest contingent at the national competition in the IndiaSkills 2024, marking a significant achievement for the state.

The state's participants stood out among 900 contestants from across India, competing in 6 different skills including Additive Manufacturing, Industrial Control, Manufacturing Team Challenge, Mechanical Engineering CAD, Cooking, Mechatronics. 

IIIT-B And RBIH Partner To Revolutionize Fintech Innovation In India

International Institute of Information Technology Bengaluru Innovation Centre (IIIT-B IC) and the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster innovation and growth in the Fintech sector. This collaboration aims to create a unified and robust ecosystem that accelerates the growth of financial technology through innovation, research, and support for startups.

The MoU signing was held at the RBIH Office in Bengaluru, where leaders from both organizations, Dr. Lakshmi Jagannathan, CEO, IIIT-B IC and Mr. Aakarsh Naidu, Head of Fintech and Startups, RBIH, gathered to mark this pivotal moment. The MoU formalizes the partnership between IIIT-B IC and RBIH, combining their strengths to create a robust ecosystem for Fintech development. This agreement represents a shared commitment to enhancing the Fintech landscape, providing valuable resources, and fostering a culture of innovation.

Prof. Debabrata Das, Director IIIT Bangalore emphasized the importance of this MOU and opined that with the financial domain expertise of RBI coupled with the deeptech expertise of IIIT-B, fintech as well this initiative will be a clear differentiator.

Dr. Lakshmi Jagannathan, CEO of IIIT-B-IC, highlighted that this is a unique opportunity to strengthen the Fintech Innovation and Startup Ecosystem and IIITBIC is keen to lead from the front.

Mr. Rajesh Bansal, CEO of Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) said “by leveraging IIIT-B’s and RBIH’s expertise in technology, innovation and research, we take a step towards creating a future-ready fintech ecosystem. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to driving impactful fintech solutions that meet the evolving needs of India’s diverse population and strengthen financial inclusion across the country.”

About IIIT-B and IIIT-B IC

The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B), recognized for its excellence in academia, innovation, and societal contributions, has long been a leader in fostering technological advancements. Through its independent Section 8 company, IIIT-B IC Innovation Centre (IIIT-B IC IC), the institute has spearheaded innovation and entrepreneurship for nearly two decades. With a specialized focus on the deep tech sector, IIIT-B IC IC provides a nurturing ecosystem for startups, supporting cutting-edge research and technology development. The centre continues to play a pivotal role in driving breakthrough innovations that address critical challenges across industries.

About RBIH

RBIH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India, set up to promote and facilitate an environment that accelerates innovation across the financial sector. RBIH intends to foster and evangelize innovation across the financial sector to enable “Frictionless Finance for a Billion Indians”. To do so, RBIH serves to enable synergy between technology companies, banks, non-banking financial companies, fintech, academia, and investors through three pillars of focus – Product innovation, Process innovation, and Policy innovation, spearheaded by technology.

"Fostering Academia And Industry Partnerships – The Way Ahead: IIM Jammu Hosts Roundtable Conference & Alumni Meet At Bengalaru"

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu successfully hosted the Roundtable Conference at Hotel Trinity, Whitefield, Bengaluru, focusing on the theme "Fostering Academia and Industry Partnership: The Way Ahead." The event aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering collaboration to address current challenges and future opportunities in the corporate world. The event was graced by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu. The event featured Industry Stalwarts from the leading conglomerates.

The conference featured three insightful panel discussions, each addressing critical aspects of the industry-academia partnership. The first panel, titled Cultivating Industry-Ready Leaders for Long-Term Employability, explored the strategies and practices necessary for preparing graduates to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global industry. The discussion centered on the importance of adaptability, leadership qualities, and practical expertise in ensuring long-term career success.The second panel, Navigating the Future of Work: Integrating AI, Ethical Practices, and Human-Centric Skills, delved into the future of work, highlighting the need to integrate artificial intelligence, ethical considerations, and human-centric skills in the workplace. This discussion emphasized the role of ethical practices in driving meaningful change and the importance of aligning career goals with broader societal and environmental objectives.The third and final panel, Leadership in Digital Transformation, focused on the critical role of leadership in guiding organizations through digital transformation. The conversation underscored the need for visionary leadership, strategic decision-making, and fostering a culture of continuous learning to successfully navigate technological advancements.

The event culminated with the national anthem, followed by lunch and networking sessions, providing attendees with the opportunity to forge new connections and explore potential collaborations. In the evening, the Alumni Committee of IIM Jammu hosted a vibrant Alumni Meet at Hotel Trinity, Whitefield, Bengalaru. The event was graced by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, who addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of a strong and connected alumni network. Dr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida and Dr. Garima Saini were also present, contributing to the engaging discussions. The alumni shared valuable insights on strengthening the network and were updated on the latest developments at IIM Jammu. The evening concluded on a positive note with dinner.

IIM Jammu continues to strengthen its ties with the industry, ensuring that its academic programs remain relevant and responsive to the needs of the corporate world. The Bengalaru Roundtable Conference is yet another step in IIM Jammu's commitment to fostering a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship between academia and industry. The Indian Institute of Management Jammu remains committed to fostering strong academia-industry partnerships that contribute to the holistic development of future leaders and managers.