Toyota Kirloskar Motor Breaks Ground For Educational Infrastructure Development In Vijayapura

- Empowering over 2,500 rural students with enhanced learning environments by 2026

In a significant step towards fostering educational empowerment in rural Karnataka, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today marked a significant milestone with the successful ground-breaking ceremony for its comprehensive educational infrastructure development project in Vijayapura. The prestigious event was graced by the Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Government of Karnataka, Dr. M. B. Patil, alongside senior leaders from TKM, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs, and Mr. Roshan, General Manager.

This ambitious initiative is a testament to TKM’s unwavering commitment to community development through sustainable and inclusive education. The project is designed to significantly enhance the capacity and infrastructure of six key educational institutions across the Vijayapura district by 2026, creating a lasting impact on the educational journey of over 2,500 rural students. By focusing on holistic development, the initiative aims to provide these students with an enriched learning environment and the resources needed to thrive academically and personally.

The project scope includes the construction of 26 new classrooms, ensuring safe, spacious, and conducive learning spaces for students. In addition to infrastructure development, the initiative focuses on improving the overall capacity of these institutions, enabling them to accommodate more students while fostering an enhanced learning experience. The six targeted institutions benefiting from this initiative are:

Government Degree College, Mamadapura

Government PU College, Arjunagi

KPS Mamadapura

Government High School, Bolchikalakki

Government High School, Hebbalahatti (RMSA)

Government High School, Kanamuchanal

Beyond classrooms, the project is designed to address critical infrastructure needs by enhancing key facilities. This includes the construction of fully equipped kitchens to support mid-day meal programs, ensuring improved hygiene and sanitation through the provision of washrooms across all institutions, and distributing essential furniture to existing classrooms, with the initiative already underway and progressing steadily toward completion.

The strategic execution of the project began with the supply of furniture to existing classrooms, and construction activities have been initiated at the Government Degree College, Mamadapura, and Government High School, Kanamuchanal. The remaining institutions are slated for development in the upcoming financial year. With completion targeted by 2026, this transformative initiative is set to become a model for public-private collaboration in the education sector, inspiring similar efforts across the state and beyond.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. M. B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Government of Karnataka, expressed his appreciation for TKM’s proactive role in community development, “Quality education is the cornerstone of sustainable growth and societal transformation. Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure in Vijayapura is commendable. This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of students but also lays the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for the region. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact this project will have on thousands of young minds.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs - Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe in the power of education to drive meaningful change. Our initiative in Vijayapura is part of our larger vision to create sustainable communities by bridging educational gaps. By providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and essential facilities, we aim to empower students to unlock their full potential. We are grateful for the support from the Government of Karnataka and remain committed to completing this project by 2026, impacting thousands of young lives positively.”

This project aligns with TKM’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, focusing on education, environment, and community development. By addressing critical infrastructure challenges such as inadequate classrooms, poor sanitation, and lack of proper kitchen facilities, TKM is fostering an environment where students can pursue their education without basic hindrances.

Cyient Laying The Groundwork For A Recovery Ahead

Information Technology   

REDUCE

TARGET PRICE (Rs) : 1,700

Cyient management hosted a follow-up call post-Q3FY25 earnings call after the stock fell 23% on Friday. Key takeaways: i) Karthikeyan Natarajan, the outgoing CEO, will continue as an employee and advisor at least till the end of Q4FY25, and aid in the transition process. ii) Krishna Bodanapu will be at the helm only till a new candidate is onboarded, latest by the declaration of Q4FY25 results. iii) From a business perspective, the operating metrics are strong – deal wins in Q3FY25 (also large deals) and robust pipeline are both at an all-time high. This, coupled with improving client spends, should support medium-term growth. iv) Q4 should see moderate growth (in CC terms), with FY26 expected to see growth on both, the revenue and margin fronts. We await further improvement in operational execution and clarity on the management change before turning positive on the stock. We retain REDUCE.

On a steady footing operationally

In Q3FY25, Cyient reported its highest-ever order intake of USD312.3mn, including 13 large deals. Pipeline was also at an all-time high. Going ahead, focus remains on: i) proposition clarity and differentiation, ii) move from relationship-based selling to value-based selling, and iii) rewarding incremental revenue growth (rather than status quo), with a strong performance management system. Also, the company now has a strong large-deal team. Coupled with improving client spends, the company should report an improved performance in FY26. Cyient has also made significant investments in technology over the last few years which it endeavors to translate into revenue.

Pickup in revenue and margins in FY26

The management expects moderate sequential growth in Q4 (in CC), impacted by currency headwinds. However, orders won in Q3FY25 will not fully execute in Q4, thus limiting an upside. FY26 should see revenue growth after a decline in FY25, coupled with margin expansion. Such growth will be spread through the year, unlike in FY25, where growth was more back-ended. Margin expansion will be led by three key factors: i) revenue growth, ii) second phase of a comprehensive cost optimization plan (Phase 1 in FY24), which can aid a 100-150bps margin expansion; operating costs and SG&A can be optimized, and iii) enhanced offshoring.

Transition process under way

After resignation of Karthikeyan Natarajan, the Board is evaluating both, internal and external candidates, for the position of CEO, for which a large job consultancy firm has been appointed. This process should be completed mostly by the end of Q4FY25 (certainly by the declaration of Q4FY25 results). During this interim period, Krishna Bodanapu will remain in-charge of the company, with the outgoing CEO aiding in this transition. The appointment of the new CEO should not result in any wholesale changes, but build on top of the existing base that has been established over years.

Golden Jubilee Celebration Of Tarangini Arts Foundation

Tarangini Arts Foundation proudly announces the grand celebration of its Golden Jubilee with a magnificent musical event, Meera Tarangini, to be held on 2nd February 2025 at the prestigious Chowdaiah Memorial Hall, Vyalikaval, Gayathri Devi Park. The evening promises to be a soulful journey through the timeless Meera bhajans, brought to life by a spectacular 50-member instrumental musical ensemble.

The ensemble is a harmonious blend of 35 veena artists, 10 vocalists, and 5 percussionists, weaving a rich tapestry of music that pays homage to the divine compositions of Meera Bai. This extraordinary production is conceptualized by none other than the renowned veena maestro Suma Sudhindran, whose vision and artistry have inspired generations of musicians.

Adding to the evening’s brilliance are celebrated artists Anooru Ananthakrishna, BC Manjunath, and Suchethana Rangaswamy and Group, who will grace the stage with their exceptional talent and passion. Joining them is Mrs. Anuradha Madhusudan, a renowned veena artist, accompanied by her disciples, who will add depth and vibrancy to this beautiful presentation.

Join us as we celebrate 50 glorious years of Tarangini Arts Foundation’s dedication to promoting and preserving the rich heritage of Indian classical music. This milestone event is not just a concert but a tribute to the spirit of devotion, artistry, and cultural legacy.

Event: Meera Tarangini

Date: 2nd February 2025Time: 6:00 PM                                                                                                      

Venue: Chowdaiah Memorial Hall, Gayathri Devi Park Extension, Vyalikaval,  Bangalore

Entry is Free 

Ajit Prabhu Foundation And GSB Scholarship League Celebrate 9th Annual Scholarship Event

Ajit Prabhu Foundation of Prabhu Family Charitable Trust (PFCT) along with GSB Scholarship League (GSBL) recently hosted their 9th annual Scholarship event at the TV Raman Pai Convention Center in Kodialbail, Mangaluru to offer academic scholarships to engineering students. The scholarship program, initiated by Mr. Ajit Prabhu, Co-Founder & CEO of Quest Global, a leading global product engineering services company, aims to alleviate the financial burdens of exceptional students, enabling them to pursue their academic goals without financial hindrance.

Mrs Gita Pai, Chairperson of GSBL said “For the academic year of 2024 and the 9th edition of the scholarship program, 83 students received scholarships from the Ajit Prabhu Foundation. Since its inception, the program has cumulatively awarded 754 scholarships to 332 students.” 

Mrs Poonam Ajay Prabhu, Trustee of PFCT, said “Ajit Prabhu Foundation not only provides scholarships but also offers valuable career opportunities. We are also proud to have extended job offers from Quest Global to 12 students who are in their third and fourth year of college.”

On this occasion, Dr. Avinash Prabhu, Member of the PFCT addressed the student saying, “Time is our greatest asset, let’s invest it wisely. Remain humble, stay curious and never stop learning. Amidst all the hustle, always remember to nurture your family and friends, for they are the pillars that support thorough life’s journey.”

Mr Suresh V, the other Trustee of PFCT, added “This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to empower young talent and create a brighter future for aspiring youngsters.”

The event was attended by PFCT Trustees Mrs. Poonam Ajay Prabhu, Mr. Suresh V, Smt. Shalini Aravind Prabhu, Mr. Avinash Prabhu, and Mrs. Gita Pai, Chairperson of GSBL.  

About Ajit Prabhu Foundation

The Ajit Prabhu Foundation was established in 2016 and thus far has sponsored higher education of over 575 deserving and capable students in numerous fields of study, especially Engineering. More information can be found at www.ajitprabhufoundation.org

About Prabhu Family Charitable Trust

The Prabhu Family Charitable Trust (PFCT) is dedicated to fostering a positive impact on society. Committed to improving the lives of underprivileged communities through various philanthropic endeavours, PFCT is keen to uplift the society through philanthropy in education, empowerment, and environmental preservation. More information can be found at www.prabhufamilycharitabletrust.org

About Ajit Prabhu

Ajit Prabhu is chairman and CEO of Quest Global, a product development and production engineering company that enables Fortune 500 companies to transform their markets.

Ajit has been recognized for his business acumen, including: 2017 T.I.E. Global Entrepreneur of the Year, 2014 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 2014 SICCI Outstanding Entrepreneur. Ajit is a RAeS fellow and IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

Ajit holds a MS in biomedical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where he is a Livingston W. Houston Society Patrons member for lifetime giving and a School of Engineering advisory council member; a MS in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University, where he is a department of mechanical engineering hall of fame member, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Karnataka University.

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. As a global organization headquartered in Singapore, the team at Quest Global lives and works 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 deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, Quest Global can solve problems better and faster at an optimal cost. This multi-dimensional approach enables solutions for most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defence, automotive, energy, hi-tech, med-tech & healthcare, rail, communications, and semiconductor industries. 

Taneira’s First Brand Film Shines With Usha Uthup And Mrunal Thakur, Celebrating Craftsmanship And Legacy

* Empowers consumers to make informed choices with trust, transparency and Timeless Elegance in every drape

Taneira, a TATA product has unveiled its first-ever brand campaign, a strategic initiative designed to reinforce its core promises of Trust, Authenticity, Purity, Craftsmanship, Diverse Indian Weaves Under One Roof. The campaign features the legendary Usha Uthup, well-known for her deep love for sarees, alongside the graceful Mrunal Thakur. Together, they bring alive the brand’s dedication to preserving and promoting the textile heritage of the country while empowering consumers to make informed choices. The campaign highlights the timeless elegance of handwoven sarees and the stories they carry, reaffirming Taneira as the ultimate destination for those seeking sarees unequivocally rich in both tradition and trend.

The film unfolds within a vibrant Taneira store, where Mrunal Thakur is seen draping a stunning pure silk saree and seeking the ‘expert’ opinion of Usha Uthup. What follows is an interaction laced with playful exchanges that are a slice of everyday life and resonates with every ardent saree shopper. Their conversation adds a touch of charm while addressing common concerns that many consumers have, from choosing the right fabric to gauging the authenticity of a saree. Through a series of delightful moments, the film underscores the unique qualities of Taneira Sarees, such as pure silk credentials, proudly certified with the Silk Mark tag, to their intricately handwoven designs crafted by master artisans from across the country. It brings to life the enduring allure of these pieces while reassuring consumers that Taneira offers transparency, authenticity, and craftsmanship they can trust.

Sharing her thoughts on this campaign, singer Usha Uthup expressed, “For me, sarees are not just a part of my attire, they are a part of my personal identity. Taneira’s commitment to preserving the art of saree weaving while embracing contemporary design interpretations mirrors my own values of celebrating cultural legacy and individual expression. It is truly special to be involved with a brand that celebrates the timeless beauty of sarees, while making them accessible to women who value both style and meaning in their wardrobe.”

The narrative revolves around a stunning Kanjeevaram saree, featuring an 'Elephant design' and a resplendent Korvai border woven with the finest Pure Zari, showcasing Taneira's ability to bring unique yet timeless designs to life through unmatched craftsmanship of India's weaving traditions.

Uthup added, “This partnership feels like a natural extension of my long-standing love for sarees and my passion to support artisans whose craft deserves to be cherished and shared with the world”.

Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Mr. Ambuj Narayan, CEO, Taneira, said “At Taneira, our goal is to offer authenticity with transparency, all at a price that reflects value, while telling the stories of the hands that painstakingly bring each piece to life. We are dedicated to celebrating the seamless blend of heritage and modernity, and this campaign embodies that vision by bringing to life the rich legacy of Indian textiles at the heart of what Taneira represents. It has been an honor to collaborate with a legend like Usha Uthup and the very gracious Mrunal Thakur to tell this story and inspire a deeper connection with the artistry behind every Taneira saree”.

Speaking about the association, actress Mrunal Thakur said, “It has been my pleasure to be a part of this campaign with Taneira and a living legend, Usha Uthup Ma’am. Over the past year, my collaborations with Taneira have been truly enriching. Not only have I been privileged to experience their differentiated designs, but also the diverse crafts they embody. Every collaboration has deepened my appreciation for the sarees and stories they tell. This campaign perfectly captures that journey and feels incredibly meaningful as it aligns with my own fashion philosophy”.

Puneet Kapoor, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy South - "Taneira set out to showcase its value propositions to both new saree enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs. We asked ourselves some tough questions: Can a brand withstand the scrutiny of the most knowledgeable customers—those who might know as much, if not more, about sarees than we do? While Mrunal has long been the elegant face of Taneira, the real triumph was bringing on the iconic Usha Uthup, the undisputed goddess of sarees in India. This dynamic duo infused our story with charm, entertainment, and emotion, offering a compelling spin on the essence of our value propositions."

The campaign is live now.

Akshayakalpa Organic Recycles Over 40,000 Kg Of Plastic Waste Through ‘Give Back The Milk Pack’ Initiative

~ Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad witness a milestone in environmental responsibility as the brand recycles over 40,000 kg of milk packs ~

This Republic day, Akshayakalpa Organic, India's first certified organic dairy company and producer of the country’s most popular organic milk has announced about the success of its sustainability initiative, 'Give Back?the Milk Pack'. Reflecting the spirit of responsibility and nation-building that Republic Day embodies, this innovative initiative encourages consumers to bring back their used milk packets for responsible recycling, sparking a significant revolution in the battle against plastic pollution. After its resounding success in Bengaluru, the program has expanded to other major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Chennai, further underscoring the brand's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.

Since the inception of this initiative in 2022, Akshayakalpa Organic has recycled more than 40000?kg of plastic in total across Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad highlighting that when people come together for a common cause, small actions can create a big impact. This recycling program introduced by the brand urges consumers to follow three easy steps — rinse the pack for 30 seconds, hang it to dry, and once it dries then return it by placing it in a delivery bag. The consumers thus also play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable future for their generations to come through this simple?process.

Speaking on the completion of this milestone, Mr. Shashi Kumar, CEO and Co-Founder of Akshayakalpa Organic stated, “We are excited to share that through our 'Give Back the Milk Pack' program, we have recycled over 40,000 kg of plastic waste in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. This accomplishment shows the powerful change communities can create when they unite for a shared goal. It reminds us of our dedication to sustainability and how small efforts can lead to big environmental gains. We thank our consumers who have joined us in making this initiative a success and making this planet a better place to live. This is merely the start, and we look forward to continuing our journey toward bigger achievements towards sustainability.”

In addition to the 'Give Back the Milk Pack' initiative, Akshayakalpa Organic is deeply committed to fostering a culture of sustainability through various community engagement programs and educational initiatives. These include lake cleaning drives and neighborhood cleanliness drives across major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad, which empower consumers to make eco-friendly choices. By inviting communities to actively participate in these efforts, Akshayakalpa emphasizes that every small action contributes to a larger positive impact on the environment, driving meaningful change for a sustainable future. The brand is also pioneering eco-conscious packaging solutions, such as paperboard packaging for its dairy products and sustainable leaf-based packaging for vegetables. These measures significantly reduce plastic use and reflect Akshayakalpa's broader mission of promoting self-sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through these initiatives, Akshayakalpa addresses the urgent issue of plastic pollution while inspiring collective action for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

Varanasi Selects 10 Semi-Finalists For Global $3 Million Mobility Challenge To Reimagine Crowd Management

* Ten semi-finalists chosen to participate in $3-million Sustainable Cities Challenge in Varanasi

* Over 80 high-quality entries submitted from across the globe

* Semi-finalists to be awarded $50k implementation grants to develop innovations in Varanasi

The Toyota Mobility Foundation has announced its ten semi-finalists for its Sustainable Cities Challenge in Varanasi’s old city, Kashi. Developed in partnership with the Municipal Corporation of Varanasi, Challenge Works, and World Resources Institute, the Challenge sought global innovators to create scalable, data-driven solutions to reimagine crowd management in the city. Varanasi, one of India’s most iconic heritage and spiritual cities, draws a substantial number of tourists. This influx also presented an opportunity to develop innovative, data-driven solutions aimed at improving the city’s safety and accessibility, benefiting religious tourists, residents, and vulnerable communities alike.

As part of the two-stage, three-year, global $9 million Sustainable Cities Challenge, the city of Varanasi launched in June 2024 and secured over 80 innovator entries worldwide. Detroit, Michigan, and Venice, Italy, round out the list of three selected cities, each awarding $3 million in grants.

The semi-finalists are:

CITYDATA, Inc.: CITYDATA.ai is a Silicon Valley-based big data and AI company that creates mobility digital twins for cities and districts worldwide. Its solution involves implementing its data platform CITYFLOW, which predicts and mitigates overcrowding scenarios.

FRACTAL ANALYTICS LIMITED: Fractal is a global provider of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics solutions to Fortune® 500 companies. The team's solution involves the integration of behavioral science, data-science, and human-centered design to tackle overcrowding in Varanasi.

Graymatics Inc.: Graymatics Inc. is an emerging global leader in Vision AI and Video Analytics. Its solution involves using a multimedia processing platform, which leverages deep AI to pioneer real-time crowd and safety insights to democratize public infrastructure, mobility, and connectivity for citizens and tourists.

ARCADIS: Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering intelligence-driven sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. The team will use SANKALP, an integrated solution for crowd management, combining spatial analytics, real time monitoring and actionable intelligence.

INTPIXEL LABS PRIVATE LIMITED: VOGIC AI is dedicated to transforming physical spaces into safer, smarter, and more efficient environments by harnessing the power of visual data. The team's solution will use video analytics, vision language GenAI models, dynamic signage, public announcements, and multilingual WhatsApp communication to better manage crowds in Kashi.

Prameya Consulting Private Limited: Prameya Consulting Pvt. Ltd. is an urban planning and strategy firm that drives urban transformation through collaborative problem-solving and strategic planning. The team will use NayiChaal, a data-driven ecosystem, to facilitate information exchange between various stakeholders in Varanasi and empower them to make informed decisions by having access to real-time actionable data.

SmartViz Ltd: SmartViz is a pioneering technology firm reshaping the landscape of data-driven and human-centric environments in buildings and cities. The team's solution leverages 3D lidar sensors and machine learning for real-time pedestrian monitoring which presents the data with predictive modelling and scenario planning to help city authorities make proactive decisions around effective crowd management.

Steer Davies & Gleave Limited: Steer is an employee-owned consultancy, working worldwide in planning and design for transportation and movement. The team's solution includes developing a crowd dynamics model for Varanasi for better insights into crowd movements, helping city officials and partner agencies plan for upcoming events.

The Urbanizer: The Urbanizer is a pioneering urban design, landscape design, and architecture firm based in India. The team's solution uses JanJaatra, a color-coding system paired with real-time digital navigation, to revolutionize crowd management in Varanasi.

Tiami Networks Inc: Tiami Networks is a B2B and B2G deep-tech startup that develops innovative solutions that address complex challenges in dynamic environments. The team's solution uses PolyEdge™, which leverages signals of opportunity (SoOp), such as 5G and Wi-Fi, to provide real-time detection, tracking, and analytics to monitor and manage large-scale pedestrian and vehicular movements in real time.

The Challenge evaluated these entries for their scalable, data-driven solutions designed to better manage overcrowding, enhance citizen decision-making, and provide vital services for vulnerable groups in Varanasi.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the ten semi-finalists to reimagine crowd management for Toyota Mobility Foundation’s Sustainable Cities Challenge in Varanasi,” said Akshat Verma, IAS, Municipal Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer, Varanasi Municipal Corporation/Varanasi Smart City. “Being the spiritual heart of India, Varanasi draws countless visitors each year, to experience its rich traditions, sacred rituals, and vibrant culture. We understand that this Challenge offers us an opportunity to manage the crowds in ways that preserve the city’s unique spirit for generations to come, while strengthening the city’s tapestry of faith and culture.

Semi-finalists will each receive a $50,000 implementation grant to help teams refine and localize their solutions to reimagine a safer and more accessible Varanasi. They will also participate in the Challenge’s Innovator Academy, providing them with resources and guidance for their solutions. “As Toyota Mobility Foundation, we look forward to collaborating with the semi-finalists to explore innovative data driven solutions that leverage technology and human centric design to enhance safety and accessibility in the historic city of Kashi. The hope for this Challenge is to develop scalable solutions that can serve as a blueprint for other global cities to reimagine their crowd flow and management,” said Pras Ganesh, Executive Program Director, Toyota Mobility Foundation Asia.

Commenting on the impact of the Program Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President - Corporate Affairs and Governance - Toyota Kirloskar Motor said “The Toyota Mobility Foundation’s Sustainable Cities Challenge showcases our commitment towards innovative, inclusive mobility solutions that address the diverse needs of communities worldwide. In Varanasi, we see a unique opportunity to implement data-driven, human-centric solutions that enhance crowd management while safeguarding its cultural and spiritual legacy.

We are amazed by the creativity of the ten semi-finalists, as their solutions have the potential to transform Varanasi and set a global benchmark. Together with our partners and innovators who share our vision, we continue to champion solutions that embody our mission of 'Mobility for All,' fostering a more sustainable future for cities worldwide.”

Director of Cities and Societies at Challenge Works, Kathy Nothstine, said, “The ten semi-finalists for the Varanasi Challenge offer a significant step forward. As cities become more interconnected and welcoming to global visitors, it’s our responsibility to protect the well-being of local communities and residents. Striking the right balance between safety and accessibility is key. This global Challenge invites innovators to test their ideas in real-world contexts, seeking effective solutions for better crowd management, reducing congestion, and improving the experience for both residents and visitors.”

Ben Welle, Director of Integrated Transport and Innovation at WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities said, "The innovations developed through this challenge will have a direct impact on the people of Varanasi, and we hope these solutions can be adapted to other cities around the globe, enhancing urban mobility on a global scale."

The Sustainable Cities Challenge is funded by the Toyota Mobility Foundation and has been designed in partnership with Challenge Works and the World Resources Institute.  Toyota Mobility Foundation is an independent foundation that works with like-minded partners to deliver innovative solutions to mobility related problems, aiming to leave a sustainable legacy that can enable mobility for all. Challenge Works is a global leader in the design and delivery of open innovation challenges that mobilize innovative thinkers to solve pressing problems and unlock change. World Resources Institute is a global research organization which works with partners to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives and ensure that nature can thrive.

To find out more, visit the Sustainable Cities Challenge website. 

About the Sustainable Cities Challenge

The Sustainable City Challenge is a two-stage, three-year $9 million global opportunity for cities and innovators. The Sustainable Cities Challenge will be delivered over two stages:

Stage 1: Call to cities

The Challenge sought cities who wish to host City Challenges in 2024 – 2025. In November 2023, ten shortlisted cities received a range of capacity building support to help them understand the issue they want to solve and attract innovators to provide solutions. By May 2024, three cities were selected to host City Challenges to find solutions for local mobility challenges.

Stage 2: Call to Innovators via 3 City Challenges

Working with the host cities, the Sustainable Cities Challenge team supported by designing local City Challenges, which launched between May and June 2024. Each City Challenge offers up to $3million in funding to innovators.

Host Cities held open calls for entries from innovators via their City Challenge with the support of the Sustainable Cities Challenge team. Together, they selected innovators to develop and test their solutions in 2024 – 2025. In 2026, final awards will be given to winners in each host city to continue to implement and grow their solutions.

About Toyota Mobility Foundation

The Toyota Mobility Foundation was established in August 2014 by the Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) to support the development of a more mobile society in which everyone can move freely. The Foundation underscores Toyota’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and respect for people. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise and technologies to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. TMF works in partnership with universities, governments, non-profits, research institutions and other organizations, creating programs that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address mobility issues around the world. 

Chair Akio Toyoda commented “TMF aims to create a truly mobile society that will help people live better lives no matter where they are.”

In the past, TMF has led a range of Challenges, including the global Mobility Unlimited Challenge, CATCH in Malaysia, InoveMob Challenge in Brazil and STAMP Challenge in India. You can find out more about TMF and how it is governed at toyotamobilityfoundation.org.   

About Challenge Works

For a decade, Challenge Works has established itself as a global leader in designing and delivering high-impact challenges to incentivize cutting-edge innovation for social good. Challenge Works is a social enterprise founded by the UK’s innovation agency Nesta. In the last 10 years, they have run more than 90 prizes, distributed over £200 million in funding, and engaged with more than 16,000 innovators. Challenge Works believes no challenge is unsolvable, partnering with non-profits, governments, and other organizations around the globe to unearth entrepreneurs and their innovations that can solve the greatest challenges of our time. Visit them at https://challengeworks.org/  

About World Resources Institute

World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization with offices in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States, and regional offices for Africa and Europe. WRI’s 1,700 staff work with partners to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives and ensure nature can thrive. Learn more: WRI.org and on Twitter @WorldResources.