MIT Bengaluru Hosts HACKNOVA 2024: A Premier Cybersecurity Challenge And Innovation Hub

* Industry Collaborative competition brings together over 40 teams to showcase talent in cybersecurity and technological innovation

The Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Bengaluru, in collaboration with Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) which is sponsored by Schneider Electric, successfully organized HACKNOVA 2024, a 48-hour Cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenge. Held from December 16-18, 2024, at the MIT Bengaluru Campus, the event, powered by the Institution’s Innovation Council (MAHE) and hosted by the MITB ACM Student Chapter, brought together more than 40 teams from across India to compete in a landmark initiative promoting innovation in cybersecurity.

The event began with a welcome address by Dr. Dayananda P, Professor and Head of the Department of IT, followed by the lighting of the lamp. Dr. Manohara Pai M M, Senior Professor from MIT Manipal, introduced the significance of HACKNOVA 2024.

Dr. Shreyas J, Convenor of HACKNOVA 2024 and Assistant Professor, Department of IT, MIT Bengaluru, introduced the Chief Guest, Brahmanand Basavachari, R&D Head - Digital Factory Automation Control, Schneider Electric. In his address, the Chief Guest emphasized the role of competitive platforms like HACKNOVA in fostering innovation and developing real-world problem-solving skills.

The ceremony also featured a Presidential Address by Dr. Iven Jose, Director, MIT Bengaluru, and special addresses by Guests of Honour Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu P (Deputy Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru) and Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan (Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru); Dr. Manohara Pai MM, Senior Professor and Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair, MIT Manipal.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Gururaj H L, Co-Convenor of HACKNOVA 2024, acknowledging the efforts of the organizing team and participants.

HACKNOVA 2024 serves as a dynamic platform for participants to showcase their cybersecurity skills, tackle real-world challenges, and promote collaboration and innovation in the field of technology.

HACKNOVA 2024 featured 48-hour CTF Challenge that tested participants' expertise in cryptography, reverse engineering, and penetration testing, and a 24-hour Mini Hackathon that encouraged students to devise creative solutions to contemporary technological challenges. Both events drew significant attention and competition, with participants benefiting from hands-on experiences and expert mentorship.

The CTF Challenge culminated in three winning teams:

First Place: Team comprising Sumedh Kashyap, Debashish Tripathy, and Archit Chadalawada

Second Place: Team led by Dev Kothari, alongside Shashank Pandey and Vishal Bharat

Third Place: Team featuring Ritu Raj and Aastha Sinha

The total prize pool of ?1 Lakh was distributed among the top-performing teams, recognizing their outstanding problem-solving skills and innovative solutions. The judging panel, comprising industry experts from Schneider Electric—Mr. Manoj Kumar (Project Manager), Mr. Ravikant Kulkarni (Senior Pen Test Engineer), and Mr. Mohan Singh (Security Architect)—played a vital role in evaluating the participants' efforts and providing valuable insights.

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Iven Jose, Director of MIT Bengaluru, remarked, “HACKNOVA 2024 is a testament to our institution's dedication to fostering innovation and advancing education in emerging fields. This platform not only empowers students but also strengthens our collaboration with industry leaders like Schneider Electric.” He further added, “We are proud to witness such exceptional talent and enthusiasm, which reinforces our commitment to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity experts.”

The seamless execution of HACKNOVA 2024 was made possible through the dedicated efforts of faculty convenors Dr. Gururaj HL, Dr. Shreyas J, and Dr. Sumanth V, along with the MITB ACM Student Chapter and the support of the Department of Information Technology, MIT Bengaluru. The Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair for Intelligent Technologies further enriched the event with its backing.

Participants lauded the event for its enriching challenges, exceptional organization, and networking opportunities. The provision of food, accommodation, and midnight snacks contributed to a comfortable and engaging experience, ensuring high levels of participation and enthusiasm. HACKNOVA 2024 reaffirmed MIT Bengaluru’s leadership in advancing education and innovation in cybersecurity.

About Manipal Institute of Technology Bengaluru (MIT B’LRU)

The Garden City of India, Bengaluru, is now home to a new engineering institution – “MIT Bengaluru” – the latest constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). MAHE is proud to open its doors in the bustling cosmopolitan IT hub of Bengaluru by establishing its new engineering campus: MIT Bengaluru. It is offering eight B Tech programs starting from 2021, with approval from the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), MHRD, Government of India. The eight approved programs are Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication, Computer Science and Engineering – Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Science and Engineering – Cyber Security, Computer Science and Engineering - Data Science, Electronics and Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering (VLSI Design and Technology), MAHE is recognized as a deemed-to-be university since 1993 and has been accorded the status of Institute of Eminence (IoE) by MHRD, Government of India. Admission to MIT Bengaluru is based on a computer-based online entrance test, MET, conducted by the MAHE.

Quest Global Wins Prestigious HR Award At The UBS Forums’ Shared Services Summit 2024

* Aparna Pai, General Manager & Head of Global HR Operations Quest Global honored with ‘Best HR Shared Services Leader’

Quest Global, a leading global product engineering services company, is proud to announce that Aparna Pai, General Manager & Head of Global HR Operations has won the ‘Best HR Shared Services Leader’ Award at the 15th Edition of Shared Services Summit by UBS Forums. The award recognized the efforts of Aparna, who leads Quest Global’s 35-member HR Shared Services team in supporting 20,000 engineers located across 18 countries.

Established in 2019, the Shared Services Summit and Awards strive to recognize HR leaders who display excellence and innovation in their field. The jury bestowed the honor on Aparna at a ceremony in Bengaluru on 14 November. Aparna, who established the HR Shared Services Team in 2012, now spearheads HR digital transformation initiatives within the organization.

“I am honored to have been chosen for this accolade by my peers and am thankful for their trust. This award is a testament to the ceaseless efforts and dedication of the entire team at Quest Global. I believe it showcases the success we have achieved and reinforces our commitment to delivering excellent HR services to all our partners around the world,” said Aparna Pai, General Manager & Head of Global HR Operations at Quest Global.

Aparna Pai continues to play an integral role in the major automation-driven transformation of Quest Global’s HR system. She has been critically involved in projects such as Oracle HCM, SSO Integration, and the development of in-house applications. Quest Global, which has grown by nearly 50 percent over the last three years, remains focused on providing a seamless experience to its global team spanning 78 delivery centres around the globe.

About Quest Global

Founded in 1997, Quest Global is one of the world’s leading engineering research and development (ER&D) services companies. Quest Global believes engineering has the unique opportunity to solve the problems of today that stand in the way of tomorrow. For more than 25 years, we have strived to be the most trusted partner for the world’s hardest engineering problems. As a global organization headquartered in Singapore, the team at Quest Global live and work in 18 countries, with 78 global delivery centers and offices, driven by 20,000+ extraordinary people who make the impossible possible every day. Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defence, automotive, energy, hi-tech, med-tech & healthcare, rail, communications, and semiconductor industries.

Tata Soulfull Engages Over 38 Schools In Bangalore For Millet Awareness On International Millets Day

~ Inspiring the Next Generation to Embrace Millets for Better Living, Sustainable Farming, and a Greener Planet ~

~Aims to Engage 50 Schools by Year-End

Tata Soulfull, India’s leading brand for millet-based snacks and cereals, is proud to celebrate International Millets Day with its impactful ‘Desh ke Millets’ School Connect Drive. This year, the initiative has successfully reached over 38 schools in Bangalore, including prominent institutions such as Goodwills Girls' High School, St. Joseph’s Convent Girls High School, St. John’s High School, and St. Aloysius High School.

The program has educated around 27,000 students in Bangalore about the nutritional, environmental, and sustainable benefits of millets. Nationwide, it has already engaged with over 1 lakh students across 100 schools in six cities, including Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Tata Soulfull aims to expand its reach to 1 lakh additional students in the coming months, with a goal of engaging with 50 schools in Bangalore by year-end.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Prashant Parameswaran - President, Soulfull at Tata Consumer Products, said, “At Tata Soulfull, we are committed to making the ancient superfood millets accessible to modern consumers through innovative formats. Through our School Connect Program, we’ve already educated over 1 lakh students about the benefits of millets. In Bangalore alone, we’ve reached 38 schools so far and are on track to achieve our goal of 50 schools. We believe that engaging with young minds is key to driving lasting change and inspiring them to embrace millets as a sustainable and nutritious food choice.”

As part of the program, students participated in interactive sessions featuring Tata Soulfull’s lively mascot, Cruncha Muncha. These sessions highlighted the versatility of millets such as Ragi, Jowar, and Bajra, emphasizing their role in sustainability by using 10 times less water than rice. Students were also introduced to Tata Soulfull’s range of millet-based snacks, including Ragi Bites No Maida Choco, Ragi Bites Fills, and Ragi Bites Choco Sticks, showcasing how millets can be a delicious part of their daily diet. The program further encouraged engagement through activity leaflets, where students explored millet-based foods and stood a chance to win exciting prizes.

With the United Nations having declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, Tata Soulfull continues to build on this momentum, inspiring future generations to include millets in their diets while supporting Indian farmers and sustainable farming practices.

About Tata Consumer Products Limited

Tata Consumer Products Limited is a focused consumer products company uniting the principal food and beverage interests of the Tata Group under one umbrella. The Company’s portfolio of products includes tea, coffee, water, RTD, salt, pulses, spices, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat offerings, breakfast cereals, snacks and mini meals. Tata Consumer Products is the 2nd largest branded tea company in the world. Its key beverage brands include Tata Tea, Tetley, Organic India, Eight O’clock Coffee, Tata Coffee Grand, Himalayan Natural Mineral Water, Tata Copper+ and Tata Gluco+. Its foods portfolio includes brands such as Tata Salt, Tata Sampann, Tata Soulfull, Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones. In India, Tata Consumer Products has a reach of over 263 million households, giving it an unparalleled ability to leverage the Tata brand in consumer products. The Company has a consolidated annual turnover of ~Rs. 15,206 Crs with operations in India and International markets. 

For more information, visit http://www.tataconsumer.com 

Isuzu Motors India Achieves Major Milestone With One Lakh Vehicle Rollout From Sri City Facility

*   The one lakh unit milestone was achieved with the rollout of the popular Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross from its Sri City Plant, Andhra Pradesh

*   The company has successfully doubled its vehicle production over the last two years

Isuzu Motors India announced their milestone achievement of rolling out one lakh vehicles from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. This remarkable achievement underscores Isuzu’s steadfast commitment to the Indian market and reflects its growing presence in the country’s automotive market. The one lakh vehicle milestone achievement was marked with the rollout of popular Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross model that has consistently garnered trust and recognition for its durability and reliability.

Dr. N. Yuvaraj, Secretary to Government, Industries Commerce & Food Processing Department, Andhra Pradesh was the chief guest of the event. The guests of honour were Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy, Founder & MD, Sri City along with Makoto Sado, Chairman, Sri City Japanese Company Group.

Isuzu Motors India began its operations in 2016 by setting up its manufacturing facility in Sri City. Bringing synergy in manufacturing operations, the company commenced its Phase-II operations in 2020 with the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Press Shop facility and engine assembly plant. Since then, more than 14,00,000 pressed parts have been rolled out from the facility.

Driven by the growing market demand, Isuzu Motors India has doubled its vehicle and engine production in the last two years, showcasing the company’s ability to adapt to evolving customer needs, while adhering to the same global levels of quality for which Isuzu is known for. Aligning with its long-term ‘Make in India’ strategy, Isuzu Motors India has strengthened its operations for the domestic market and has contributed towards expanding Isuzu’s footprint globally.

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Rajesh Mittal, President & Managing Director, Isuzu Motor India, said, “At Isuzu Motors India, we take immense pride in our journey here in India. Over the years, the company has achieved significant milestones in both production and exports. One key highlight is that, around 22% of our production line workforce comprises talented women. This showcases our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. Additionally, 100% of our production workforce are diploma engineers and they make world-class vehicles adhering to the same global standards of Isuzu’s manufacturing and operational excellence. This has enabled us to become the leading exporter of commercial vehicles from India. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to provide products and services of the highest level of quality in India and in the overseas market."

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Toru Kishimoto, Deputy Managing Director of Isuzu Motors India, said “Achieving this milestone is a testament to the trust our customers place in delivering vehicles of reliable and versatile products of the highest quality that are made for India. This is a proud moment for us and it reflects our unwavering commitment to India, a market of immense potential and strategic importance to Isuzu. We remain focused on delivering value-driven, reliable, and innovative mobility solutions to the delight of our customers.”

In addition to ramping up production, Isuzu Motors India has significantly expanded its reach across the country this year. Going forward, the company is looking to increase its touch points for taking the brand much closer to its customers for a seamless ownership experience.

About Isuzu Motors India Pvt. Ltd.

Isuzu Motors India Private Limited (IMI), a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, was established in August 2012. Headquartered in Chennai, the company sells the popular ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross – India’s First Lifestyle and Adventure Pick-up, the Hi-Lander - All-rounder Pick-up and the ISUZU mu-X, premium 7-seater SUV in the personal vehicle segment and variants of ISUZU D-MAX pick-ups – S-CAB and Regular Cab, for the commercial segment. ISUZU vehicles are known for their reliability and performance around the world. Renowned the world-over, ISUZU vehicles are gaining huge significance in the Indian market as well, thanks to the ‘value proposition’ it offers the customers.  

Isuzu Motors India manufactures these products at its modern manufacturing plant in Sri City, spread over an area of 107 acres in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The company began its manufacturing operations in April 2016, with strong focus on quality and commitment to Indian market. In February 2020, Isuzu Motors India commenced the start of its Phase-II operations with the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Press Shop facility and engine assembly plant. In 2017, IMI started export of its ‘Made-in-India’ vehicles and has emerged as the India’s #1 Exporter of Goods Transport LCV Pick-up >2t <=3t Category for FY23-24, as per SIAM report.  An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Isuzu Motors India is committed to providing products and services of the highest level of quality to ensure customer delight.  

The company has dedicated dealer touch-points, conveniently located in 68 locations across the country. For more information on the company, and its products/services. www.isuzu.in   

The First Step Towards True AI Companion

Imagine having less stress and more time. Picture getting the help you need before you have to ask. In the era of mobile AI, the freedom to focus on what matters most to you isn’t a dream, it’s reality — and it’s coming soon to Galaxy.

A few weeks ago, we launched the One UI 7 beta program. It marked the start of a new era with the first AI-integrated operating system, a true AI platform that vastly improves mobile experiences for users through unprecedented personalization.

Galaxy’s approach to AI personalization, from our launch of the first AI phone to our continuous innovation of on-device AI, is to never compromise on privacy. We know you want the benefits of mobile AI that truly understands you. You want a phone, tailored to your lifestyle, that adds to what you can do while removing everyday barriers — all with no risk of personal information being misused.

In anticipation of the next standard-setting Galaxy S series smartphones, we’re giving Galaxy users greater peace of mind alongside greater personalization. That’s why we’ve created the Personal Data Engine, a powerful privacy advancement that ensures on-device, cross-app personal data protection.

Personalized data is stored in a secure space, carefully safeguarded by an encryption key that’s managed by Knox Vault. That’s the same trusted platform used to secure the most sensitive information on your smartphone, such as your biometric data. And as an added layer of protection, post-quantum cryptography future-proofs the security of your data against rising quantum computing threats.

On this fortified foundation of privacy, we’re opening up more possibilities for mobile experiences tailored to your life, only with Galaxy.

One defining element of One UI 7 is Now Bar, which gives personalization a new meaning by seamlessly integrating your everyday actions and most-used apps into your lock screen. It’s where you’ll control your entertainment, time your next personal best workout, get directions to your next meeting or start communicating in other languages.

Now Bar will also be an access point for the most comprehensively insightful experiences ever on Galaxy. Now, your phone won’t just ping you, it will power your lifestyle.

Imagine you’re packing for a trip from Seoul, Korea, to San Jose, California. While you get ready, your phone offers a prompt to create a folder of your essential apps for quicker access. So you don’t miss your flight, it lets you know when it’s time to leave for the airport. It even provides a curated travel playlist to set the mood for your long flight.

With a single swipe, you can access the weather forecast — no need to search or check various apps. Throughout your trip, your phone captures the magic of each moment, and as each day winds down, it helps you relive the highlights.

Morning and night, Galaxy AI will keep you both informed and inspired with actionable tips and recommendations1 uniquely tailored to your life. Game-changing personalization with privacy you can always trust. This is the next evolution of Galaxy AI.

AnTeRa Kitchen & Bar Unveils New Culinary Extravaganza In Bengaluru

~Renowned Actor Nikhil Siddhartha inaugurated the new AnTeRa Kitchen & Bar at Outer Ring Rd, Marathahalli, Bengaluru~

~Showcasing the True Essence of Kannada Cuisine with the Launch of Its First Restaurant in Bengaluru~

AnTeRa Kitchen & Bar, a name synonymous with exceptional culinary experiences, has expanded its horizons to Bengaluru, introducing a rich tapestry of Telugu flavors to the heart of the city. The grand opening on December 18, 2024, was graced by renowned actor Nikhil Siddhartha as the chief guest, turning this culinary event into an evening of glamour and exquisite taste.

The event was a true celebration of Kannada culture and culinary heritage which unfolded with a red-carpet welcome followed by sumptuous feasts, and an ambiance that resonated with the authentic essence of the region. AnTeRa’s founders, Anurag Reddy, Ashish Reddy and Partner Nagesh Reddy, were thrilled to introduce the new restaurant in Bengaluru. The name AnTeRa reflects an amalgamation of Andhra, Telangana, and Rayalaseema recipes.

Expressing his enthusiasm at the opening of the new branch in Bengaluru, Nikhil Siddhartha, Tollywood actor, said, “I am so happy to be part of the AnTeRa family and to open the new Bengaluru branch. I have seen them grow in a very short span, and I wish all the very best to the entire AnTeRa team. May they continue to grow and expand even more in the coming years. AnTeRa is definitely a go-to place for all kinds of food lovers. They offer a huge variety of dishes from each part of the Telugu states and now unique cuisines of Kannada.”

Anurag Reddy, Founder at AnTeRa, shared, "Our aim is to provide an inviting ambiance that showcases the soul of Telugu traditions. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep passion for our culinary roots, we have designed a dining experience that is both modern and authentic."

Ashish Reddy, Founder of AnTeRa Kitchen & Bar, said, "We are delighted to bring the flavors of Telugu cuisine to Bengaluru. AnTeRa is not just a restaurant; it's a journey through the rich heritage of three regions. We've curated a menu that encompasses age-old recipes and time-honored delicacies, taking your taste buds on an unforgettable adventure."

Nagesh Reddy, Partner at AnTeRa said that "AnTeRa Kitchen & Bar in Bengaluru promises to be a culinary landmark and a place for patrons to discover the intricate and mouth-watering flavors of Telugu cuisine".

Kotak Celebrates The Indomitable Spirit Of Indian startups

* Unveils Kotak BizLabs accelerator programme empowering startups to Fast-Track, Advance and Scale up

* Aims to empower up to approximately 1000 startups through a community engagement programme

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“KMBL”/ “Kotak”) has launched the Kotak BizLabs accelerator programme, a new initiative under its CSR efforts, aimed at empowering early-revenue stage startups. This programme is designed to help startups overcome growth challenges and scale their businesses effectively. In collaboration with top incubators like IIMA Ventures, NSRCEL, and T-Hub, Kotak BizLabs will provide tailored acceleration initiatives, including mentorship, market access, and advisory support.

The Indian startup ecosystem, while vibrant, faces significant challenges such as market expansion, customer acquisition, operational scaling, and strategic partnerships. While many incubator programmes focus on early-stage for startups (ideation and conception), there are very few programmes which focus on early growth startups that face challenges navigating competition, refining product market-fit, securing funding for expansion and scaling operations.

Kotak BizLabs addresses these issues by offering high-touch support, thematic workshops, ecosystem exposure, competitions, mentoring, partnerships, business development, guaranteed seed funding, and demo days.

Kotak BizLabs aims to empower early revenue stage startups across diverse sectors such as agritech, climatech, fintech, edtech, healthcare, and sustainability, with a strong emphasis on social impact products and services. The programme is set to extend critical support through its comprehensive community engagement. This initiative will offer invaluable networking opportunities, access to a virtual knowledge centre, and a series of hybrid workshops across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu to about 1,000 startups. Additionally, about 50 high-potential startups will receive intensive acceleration support; including grants of up to ?15 lakh each for 30 selected startups.

Himanshu Nivsarkar, Senior Executive Vice President, and Head – CSR & ESG, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd said, “The journey from an early-stage startup to a thriving business is challenging. At Kotak, we recognize that beyond funding, startups need specialized support, mentorship, and strategic partnerships to accelerate their growth. The Kotak BizLabs accelerator programme is a testament to Kotak Mahindra Bank’s commitment to nurturing the spirit of self-employed segment in India. This initiative aligns with Kotak’s vision to fuel the dreams of the aspirational Indian, drive innovation, and create a robust ecosystem for self-employed segment. In collaboration with top incubators, Kotak BizLabs aims to reach 1000 startups and will provide the necessary resources to support the next wave of industry leaders, contributing to India’s innovation, job creation, and economic prosperity.”

“At NSRCEL, we believe that the key to fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth lies in nurturing high-potential startups with the right mix of resources, guidance, and partnerships. We are excited to collaborate with Kotak BizLabs accelerator programme in supporting the next generation of visionary entrepreneurs. The synergy between our incubation expertise and Kotak’s commitment to empowering startups will create an environment where ideas can flourish, businesses can scale, and leaders of tomorrow can emerge", said Mr. Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO- NSRCEL

Chintan Bakshi, Partner – Incubation, IIMA Ventures, said “At IIMA Ventures, we are witnessing significant entrepreneurial energy and talent emerging from India’s growing startup hubs like tier 2 and 3 centre especially, Ahmedabad, Indore, and Jaipur, where we already have a strong presence. These cities exemplify the untapped potential of tier-2 and tier-3 regions, where founders are building innovative solutions for local and global challenges.  The Kotak BizLabs accelerator programme, is uniquely positioned to provide relevant and targeted support to early-stage entrepreneurs in these regions. By looking beyond the metros, this initiative fosters inclusivity and accessibility for startups that often lack access to structured resources and mentorship.  Together, we aim to empower bold ideas and enable startups in underserved regions to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the innovation ecosystem.”

Sujit Jagirdar, Interim CEO, T-Hub, said, "T-Hub is delighted to partner with Kotak Mahindra Bank for the Kotak BizLabs accelerator programme, a transformative initiative addressing challenges faced by early-revenue stage startups. By combining Kotak’s vision and T-Hub’s ecosystem expertise, we aim to create significant opportunities for startups to access resources, mentorship, and industry connections that will support their growth journey. Together, we look forward to empowering startups to build sustainable businesses and contribute to India’s innovation landscape.”

Aspiring Startups can apply for Kotak BizLabs accelerator programme at https://kotakbizlabs.accubate.app/ext/form/2802/1/apply

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited:

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received banking license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited.

The Bank has four Strategic Business Units – Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, which cater to retail and corporate customers across urban and rural India. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked. As on 30 June 2024, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 1,965 branches and 3,279 ATMs (incl. cash recyclers), and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai). For more information, visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/

About NSRCEL:

NSRCEL is IIM Bangalore’s flagship business incubator that is a non-profit institution purely focused on aiding creators and funding startups in their journey. With nearly 2813 ventures incubated that exceed $7.37 Billion in combined value, NSRCEL is building a space conducive to entrepreneurial collaboration and growth.

With programs specifically catering to entrepreneurs with profit ventures and social ventures, also student and women entrepreneurs, NSRCEL offers its support to various players of the startup ecosystem. NSRCEL brings together founders, industry mentors, eminent academicians from its parent institution Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, and researchers who thrive on continuous interaction of theory and practice. 

NSRCEL is also the first incubator with a program tailored for social entrepreneurs and their unique challenges. For more info, visit www.nsrcel.org

About IIMA Ventures:

Founded in 2002 as an entrepreneurship centre at IIM Ahmedabad, IIMA Ventures (Formerly IIMA-CIIE) is the innovation continuum that studies, educates, incubates, accelerates and invests in early stage startups, aspiring entrepreneurs and investors.

IIMA Ventures has mentored over 7000 founders, accelerated over 1500 startups, provided catalytic capital to over 700 companies, and inspired over a million people with our 400+ publications. It has been a pioneer on multiple fronts including India’s first accelerator - iAccelerator, India’s largest idea scouting competition - The Power of Ideas, India’s first climate fund - INFUSE Ventures, India’s biggest platform for inclusive fintech - Bharat Inclusion Initiative, India’s first entrepreneurship bestseller - Stay Hungry Stay Foolish, and many more. Visit iimaventures.com for more information.

About T-Hub:

T-Hub (Technology Hub) is an innovation hub and ecosystem enabler. Based out of Hyderabad, India, T-Hub leads India’s pioneering innovation ecosystem and is the world’s largest innovation campus. Over the nine years, T-Hub has pivoted around the 6Ms (Mentors, Market, Motivation, Manpower, Money, Methodologies) and 2Ps (Partnerships & Policy advisory) framework with a mission of driving results and collaboration for entrepreneurs’ success. It has delivered 100+ innovation programs so far, creating an impact for start-ups, corporations, and other innovation ecosystem stakeholders.  Since inception, it has provided over 2000 national and international start-ups with access to better technology, talent, mentors, customers, corporates, investors, and government agencies. For more information, visit- Link