Mann+Hummel Cuts Costs And Boosts Efficiency With ELGi’s Compressed Air System - Saving Over $160,000 And 2 M kWh Annually

* The leading manufacturer of filtration systems for numerous industries replaced an aging system that was causing 20+ air-related downtime incidents per day, product damage, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in delays and wasted resources. 

Mann+Hummel, one of the global leaders in providing filtration systems, has successfully overhauled its compressed air system in partnership with Pattons Inc., USA, a subsidiary of Elgi Equipments Limited (BSE: 522074 | NSE: ELGIEQUIP). The new system, powered by ELGi’s advanced air compressors and dryers, has led to substantial cost savings, improved production efficiency, and enhanced product quality, transforming Mann+Hummel’s manufacturing operations.

Mann+Hummel serves numerous industries, that include automotive, agriculture, construction, data centers, energy, food and beverage, and many more. The company relied heavily on compressed air and clean water in its manufacturing processes, and an outdated and often faulty air compression system led to more than 20 air-related downtime incidents per day and 30 gallons of contaminated water per hour. This cost the company more than $160,000 each year, leading to delays, wasted resources, and increased supply chain backlogs.

“When an air system fails, it doesn’t just stop production — it causes ripples across the supply chain, delaying product shipments, increasing maintenance costs, and ultimately impacting customer operations,” said Steven Owens, Senior Manager, Manufacturing Engineering, Mann+Hummel.

Mann+Hummel partnered with Pattons to replace the system with ELGi air compressors and dryers. Pattons worked diligently to design a system that would uniquely cater to the company’s manufacturing plant. The implementation took 12 weeks, during which Pattons provided rental compressors, saving Mann+Hummel $500,000. It chose five ELGi EG-160 rotary screw air compressors — three fixed-speed to maintain a stable baseline air supply and two Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to adjust output on demand and conserve energy. Three ELGi AR-2350 high-performance air dryers were installed to remove excess moisture, minimize equipment damage, and prevent pressure fluctuations. An Airmatics Smart Control System was implemented to automate compressor operation and optimize energy use, and Airmate Air Receiver wet and dry tanks were installed to normalize moisture levels.

The results were immediate.

“It was like we had a brand-new plant,” Steven said. “Before the upgrade, we were constantly reacting to air pressure drops, low flow rates, and moisture contamination. Every day, production would stall, maintenance teams would scramble to fix issues, and we were losing money with every minute of downtime. Once the new system came online, it was like flipping a switch — suddenly, everything just worked. For the first time in years, we had stable, reliable compressed air across the entire plant.”

The radically improved air compression system also improved Mann+Hummel’s product quality. Before the overhaul, up to 30 gallons of water was infiltrating the air system per hour, damaging seals, cylinders, and pneumatic tools, leading to misaligned and inconsistent product assembly. Filtration components go through compressed air-driven integrity tests, and fluctuating pressure led to false failures and undetected leaks. Products were failing quality standard checks and had to be remade or scrapped.

“We had clogged systems, defective filters, and increased quality complaints. Our products weren’t meeting the standards we needed,” Stevens explained. “After the upgrade, those issues disappeared. We finally had consistent air quality, and that translated into a more consistent, higher-quality product.”?

With manufacturing efficiencies and product quality improvements, the company was able to increase production and clear its backlogs. Coming out of COVID-19, Mann+Hummel had a severe backlog, with 6 million units behind schedule. After overhauling the air compression system, the company was able to steadily clear the decks.

“For a lot of customers, filtration products are mission critical. Delays can significantly affect automotive, industrial, and energy operations,” Stevens said. “Keeping our equipment running consistently was the key to clearing the backlog, and the air compression overhaul made it possible. It’s hard to overstate how big of a change this was — it didn’t just improve efficiency, it completely transformed how we operate.”

Pattons also helped Mann+Hummel take advantage of a rebate program offered by the regional energy utility, Duke Energy. It handled much of the work to verify and technically validate the new working system to ensure energy improvements were properly documented and verified. This included compressor performance, energy load reductions, and heat recovery analysis, among other tasks.

The process involved several meetings with Pattons, Mann+Hummel, and an outside engineering firm. After all the data collection and rebate negotiations, Mann+Hummel was awarded a $300,000 rebate from Duke Energy.

“We didn’t just take the easy route and accept the flat rebate. We really got into the details, making sure every bit of savings was captured. In the end, we squeezed everything we could out of this project, and it paid off,” said Trey Carter, Systems Specialist, Pattons.

About ELGi: Elgi Equipments Limited is a global air compressor manufacturer renowned for its extensive range of innovative and technologically advanced compressed air systems. Committed to maximizing customer productivity and minimizing ownership costs, ELGi offers customers a comprehensive range of compressed air solutions designed to enhance energy efficiency and power superior performance. The product offerings span oil-lubricated and oil-free rotary screw air compressors, oil-lubricated and oil-free reciprocating air compressors, centrifugal air compressors, dryers, filters, downstream accessories, and IOT solutions for 24x7 remote monitoring. With a portfolio of over 400 products, ELGi caters to a wide range of applications across industries. For more information about the organisation and its products, visit http://www.elgi.com.

About Pattons: Patton's Inc. (Pattons), a distributor of industrial compressed air systems and full-line service provider, was established in 1945 and is now owned and operated by ELGi North America. Pattons has seven branches across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, providing a full line of reciprocating, scroll, and rotary screw air compressors, vacuum systems, and air system accessories such as dryers, filters, piping, and condensate management systems. Pattons services include preventative maintenance programs, emergency breakdown services, and full system auditing capabilities. For more information visit www.pattonsinc.com 

Marriott International Signs Agreement With The Balwa Group To Debut Le Méridien In Mumbai

* Anticipated to debut in January 2029, Le Méridien Mumbai International Airport is set to be a hub for travellers to explore Mumbai in style

Marriott International, Inc. announced a signed agreement with The Balwa Group to introduce Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts to Mumbai, a dynamic metropolis where tradition and modernity intertwine. To support the growing demand for premium hospitality accommodations, Le Méridien Mumbai International Airport will invite travelers to savor the moment and connect with Mumbai’s kaleidoscope of creativity, culture and dynamic culinary scene through the brand’s timeless perspective on modern travel. Located at a convenient two kilometers from the Mumbai International Airport, the hotel is anticipated to open in January 2029.

“Le Méridien has always inspired travelers to explore the world in style and savor the good life through the lens of its creative-minded spirit, and what better city to continue this journey than in the lively, ever-evolving city of Mumbai”, said Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. “The brand’s mid-century design, captivating spaces and chic, signature programming will offer a distinct stay experience to world travelers visiting the city. This signing marks a strategic step in expanding Marriott International’s lifestyle portfolio across the region, and we are excited to once again collaborate with The Balwa Group, ensuring delivery of the highest standards of hospitality, in line with our values.”

“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Marriott International through the signing of Le Méridien Mumbai International Airport said – Mr. Rafiq Balwa, Director and Vice President of The Balwa Group. This marks the third hotel collaboration between the two groups, following the success of Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai International Airport and the soon-to-open The Ballard – A Tribute Portfolio Hotel. This hotel will be a landmark in our portfolio – combining global design sensibilities with the cultural richness of Mumbai. Le Méridien, a brand known for unlocking the charm of each destination through curated experiences and timeless style, will bring a fresh perspective to Mumbai’s hospitality scene. As we continue to expand our hospitality footprint, we are committed to creating iconic destinations that offer exceptional experiences and reflect our unwavering passion for excellence.”

Anticipated to feature 161 contemporary guest rooms and suites, Le Méridien Mumbai International Airport will inspire travelers to explore Mumbai in style and enjoy experiences that enrichen and broaden horizons. Plans for the property include a specialty restaurant, a patisserie, and the brand's signature – Le Méridien Hub - a modern reinterpretation of the traditional hotel lobby that offers an array of opportunities for guests to gather, connect, and savor the moment, serving custom-brewed, barista-crafted coffee during the day and beverages in the evening at the signature Latitude/Longitude Bar.

Recreational facilities expect to feature a fitness center, an open-air swimming pool and a spa. Plans for the hotel also include a 1,357 sq meters of banquet space with expansive outdoor lawns and an open-air terrace, ideal for both large and intimate gatherings, as well as business meets.

Samsung To Outpace Industry Growth In AC Segment In India

* Samsung’s AC sales grew 2x year-on-year between January and March, 2025 on the back of 19 new AC models

* The new Bespoke AI WindFree AC models focus on intelligent cooling, energy efficiency, and connected living, and are designed for the evolving demands of Indian consumers

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today said that sales of its Air Conditioners grew 2x between January and March, 2025, outpacing the industry growth of 20-25%. The industry-leading growth helped Samsung secure 10% market share in the first quarter of the calendar year in India.

"Our AC business is growing at a robust pace. In the March quarter, we grew by 2X, which helped us secure 10% of the market, according to our internal estimates. We are confident that we are going to lead the growth in the industry, and with better growth we will have good market share as well," said Ghufran Alam, Vice President, Digital Appliances Business at Samsung.

Samsung expects broad-based growth across channels and regions, helped by a rise in disposable income, growing aspirations and increasing electrification in smaller cities and towns. Samsung has increased its distribution footprint by 40% and has partnered with leading financial institutions for providing zero-cost EMI for purchase of room-air conditioners.

“We have launched 19 new models this year with a clear focus on superior cooling, energy efficiency, durability, and future readiness. Our new Bespoke AI WindFree ACs learn consumer patterns and behavior - whether they are home, sleeping, or coming in from a hot day. Based on these patterns, the AC adjusts itself to deliver optimal comfort,” Alam added.

The Bespoke AI WindFree ACs come with AI Energy Mode that intelligently adjusts the cooling settings to save up to 30% energy. This addresses the top key buying factor for consumers while buying an air conditioner – the demand for energy-efficient appliances without compromising on comfort.

The AI Fast & Comfort Cooling feature ensures instant relief by rapidly reducing room temperature with maximum fan speed. Once the desired temperature is achieved, the system intelligently switches to WindFree Mode to maintain consistent cooling, ensuring a comfortable environment for activities like sleeping or entertaining guests.

The new Bespoke AI WindFree ACs start at INR 32990 and go all the way to INR 60990 for the most premium  model. Samsung ACs come with 5-year comprehensive warranty and consumers benefit from a strong service and installation network covering 19000+ PIN codes in the country.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.  

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the world of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN.

Atlassian Team '25: Atlassian Opens Up AI Teammate Rovo For All Customers

Collaboration software company Atlassian announced today that its enterprise AI solution, Rovo, will be available to all customers. Atlassian also announced the new Rovo Studio app, which lets users create custom AI-powered agents with low-code/no-code options. Company co-founder and CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes shared the news onstage during the company’s annual Team '25 conference in Anaheim, California.

Atlassian also unveiled new collections: curated sets of apps and agents designed to solve specific challenges for different types of teams. Teamwork Collection includes Jira, Confluence, and Loom as well as teamwork-focused AI agents. Strategy Collection helps business leaders assess how their teams' day-to-day work ladders up to larger company goals and strategic initiatives. Part of the Strategy Collection, Talent, is a new workforce planning app to help leaders make sure the right people are working on the most important priorities.

Rovo for all

Rovo, which was unveiled at last year’s Team gathering, is the first Atlassian solution developed in and for the AI era. It combines the apps Rovo Search, which surfaces the most useful information from across both Atlassian tools and third-party sources, and Rovo Chat, which distils tremendous amounts of company data into a tailored conversation, with Rovo Agents, out-of-the-box or custom-made AI teammates that can take action on a user's behalf, saving days of work and achieving better results.

Rovo has proven so effective for teams that Atlassian has moved to make it available to all Jira, Confluence, and Jira Service Management users as part of their subscriptions—starting with Premium and Enterprise, with Standard customers to follow.

“AI isn’t a nice-to-have anymore - it’s a must-have for teams that want to win. Over a million people use AI on the Atlassian platform each month, and that number’s growing fast," says Mike Cannon-Brookes, Co-Founder and CEO, Atlassian.

“When you have a great product, you want to get it into as many hands as possible - that’s what’s next for Rovo. We’re not just focused on the Fortune 500, we’re aiming to reach the Fortune 500,000 and beyond. AI has the power to unlock potential for every team, in every industry, everywhere. And we’re just getting started.”

As part of bringing Rovo to all Atlassian customers, the company is rolling out usage quotas of AI credits and Indexed Objects in all plans and collections. These quotas are designed thoughtfully so that all customers can experience Rovo's many benefits.

Leaning into the agentic AI revolution: Rovo Studio

Alongside Rovo Search, Chat and Agents, Atlassian also unveiled Rovo Studio. This new app is a one-stop-shop for:

Building custom AI-powered agents with low-code/no-code options

Tailoring processes and rules with automation

Modelling real-world objects with assets and schemas

Curating rich, interactive views of content with hubs

Developers will also be able to use Forge to create custom skills, build agents with code, or extend the user interface of their apps.

Rovo getting better every day

Rovo Search now has 50 connectors (and counting) across Atlassian and third-party tools like OneDrive, Gmail, or Notion, making context-switching, lost information and knowledge siloes a thing of the past. Atlassian has made deep investments in stronger capabilities for Rovo Chat, such as Deep Research (coming soon). Deep Research synthesises insights from organisational Teamwork Graph data and tailors them for each individual user. This allows users to rely on Rovo Chat for long-term strategic planning, big decisions, and understanding tradeoffs.

Additionally, Atlassian has added new out-of the-box agents for facilitating teamwork, supporting developers and improving company-wide service delivery. Teamwork Graph, a data intelligence layer that connects Atlassian with third-party data, powers each of these innovations; it understands how all work objects across an organisation—like teams, messages and goals—interconnect by mapping billions of data connections across over 10 billion data objects.

Introducing Teamwork and Strategy Collections

In an effort to assist organisations as they implement a unified System of Work—and work to partake in the human-AI collaboration of the future—Atlassian has released new Collections of apps and agents tailored to specific use cases.

Atlassian’s new Strategy Collection connects leaders to every part of their organisation and provides a clear view of the connection between strategy and execution, replete with real-time data showing whether teams are driving towards the highest-priority outcomes.

This specialised collection brings together three apps: Focus (now available to the general public), Talent (a brand new app) and Jira Align:

First introduced at Team '24 Europe, Focus transforms a static strategic plan into a living artifact where leaders can see in real time how the company is tracking against top priorities and key results. Focus provides a central hub for mapping and tracking goals, work, teams and funds related to strategic initiatives or priorities.

The new Talent app gives leaders an up-to-the-minute view of how resources are deployed to a Focus Area, and helps them ensure people are in the right place to support both short- and long-term goals. If a project is lacking a vital skill set, AI can help; leaders can use the Talent Finder agent to search for employees with skills matching project demands.

Align empowers enterprise-wide work planning from idea to delivery. It tells teams what they should work on next, which roadblocks and risks are appearing, and how work is translating into value. Existing Align customers will get access to the full Strategy Collection at no additional cost.

Teamwork Collection is designed to enable cross-functional collaboration and align technical and business teams towards a common goal.

Today’s teams are under immense pressure to deliver value at a faster clip; a staggering 89% of leaders believe their organization must move more rapidly than ever to keep up with competition. Unfortunately, work silos, ineffective AI and disconnected tools impede everyone’s progress.

Teamwork Collection is a curated selection of apps and powerful AI agents designed to give every team the resources collaborate effectively:

Jira helps all teams plan and track work.

Confluence provides a workspace for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

Loom enables video communication for all teams to move work forward, both in and out of meetings.

Rovo agents, from the Brainstorm Facilitator to the Diagram Creator or Workflow Builder, supercharge workflows to improve, not just expedite, decision-making

Each app and agent contributes value on its own, but the magic happens when they’re used together. By leveraging their combined strengths, teams can use Jira, Confluence, Loom and Rovo agents to break down silos and foster a culture of teamwork that empowers everyone to contribute.

Bringing the Atlassian Cloud Platform to the most complex organisations

Atlassian’s continued investments in its infrastructure layer will soon enable even the most complex organizations to utilise the benefits and innovations available on the Atlassian Cloud Platform.

The Atlassian Isolated Cloud, launching in 2026, is a virtual private cloud solution made for enterprises with the most stringent requirements for handling highly sensitive data. Isolated Cloud will join Atlassian Government Cloud, which is built for US government teams and kicked off early access in February.

More information on all announcements can be found on the Atlassian blog. Live recordings of sessions from Atlassian Team '25 will be available to watch on demand soon.

About Atlassian

Atlassian unleashes the potential of every team. Our software development, service management and work management software helps teams organize, discuss, and complete shared work. The majority of the Fortune 500 and over 300,000 companies of all sizes worldwide - including NASA, BMW, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HCL, Wipro, Bajaj, Adani, Royal Enfield, TVS Motor, PhonePe - rely on our solutions to help their teams work better together and deliver quality results on time. Learn more about our products, including Jira, Confluence and Jira Service Management at https://atlassian.com. 

Mumbai Emerges As One Of APAC’s Most Competitive Data Centre Leasing Markets: Knight Frank

* Global Data Centre Market Projected 46% Increase In Capacity By 2027

Knight Frank in its latest report Global Data Centres Report, identified Mumbai as one of the most competitive leasing markets in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The city’s data centre ecosystem is being transformed by AWS, which is significantly scaling through large-scale colocation leases rather than self-builds. This strategic approach is accelerating Mumbai’s emergence as a regional data centre powerhouse.

Navi Mumbai’s 90 MW data centre has been developed specifically to support hyperscalers like AWS. This facility is designed with rapid scalability and high-density capacity, aligning perfectly with AWS’s growth needs. These large-scale colocation deals are driving the expansion of Mumbai’s availability zones (AZs). Currently, Mumbai has three AZs, but their footprint is growing with deployments spreading from Airoli and Juinagar to Panvel.

The report also highlights Chennai as another emerging data centre destination in India. The city is drawing attention due to its strategic coastal location, which offers robust connectivity and disaster resilience, making it attractive for hyperscalers and enterprise-grade operators looking for diversified infrastructure.

Globally, the data centre industry is expected to grow by 46% by 2027, adding 20,828 megawatts (MW) in capacity. This expansion could scale up to 177% by 2030, backed by a projected £229 billion in capital expenditure. This surge is driven by soaring demand for digital infrastructure to support AI, cloud computing, and enterprise digital transformation.

Shishir Baijal, Chairman & Managing Director, Knight Frank India, said "India’s data centre industry is experiencing unprecedented momentum, driven by rapid digitalisation, policy support, and a growing appetite for cloud-based services. Cities like Mumbai and Chennai are emerging as key anchors in the global data centre map, offering scalable infrastructure, power availability, and robust connectivity. As demand from hyperscalers and large enterprises intensifies, India is well-positioned to become a regional hub for digital infrastructure investment.”

Regional Growth Highlights:

• North America remains the dominant global market, with 11,638 MW in new capacity, reflecting a 54% growth rate and a staggering £128 billion in capital being deployed to support this expected growth. The region benefits from a combination of homegrown hyperscale dominance, increasing enterprise colocation demand, and strategic expansion into emerging secondary markets.

• Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) is set to expand by 4,529 MW (44%), requiring a £49.8 billion investment. European markets are experiencing a shift towards secondary hubs such as Milan and Madrid, primarily driven by power constraints in core markets like Frankfurt and London.

• Asia-Pacific (APAC) is projected to grow by 4,174 MW (32%), with £45.9 billion in investments. Alongside established hubs like Tokyo and emerging locations such as Johor, Malaysia, Mumbai, and Chennai are witnessing increased interest, offering cost advantages, regulatory support, and growing colocation ecosystems.

Stephen Beard, Global Head of Data Centres at Knight Frank said, “The global data centre industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with hyperscaler and colocation providers prioritising markets that offer access to power, robust connectivity, and a favourable regulatory environment. We’re increasingly seeing sustainability considerations shaping investment strategies, with an increasing focus on renewable energy adoption and energy-efficient design. Real estate investors and developers are positioning themselves to capitalise on this demand, with an emphasis on acquiring strategically located land and securing long-term power agreements. As global capital races to capture the next wave of digital infrastructure growth, the competition for prime development sites, particularly in power-constrained locations, will intensify. Industry stakeholders must navigate regulatory complexities, power availability concerns, and sustainability requirements to remain competitive in this high-growth sector. Operators, investors, policymakers, and partners, each have a role to play in shaping this future. The task ahead is to build infrastructure that not only supports innovation but also safeguards sustainability, security, and equity.”

BLDEA College Of Engineering & Technology Vijayapura Wins TCS TechBytes State Finals 2025

* IT quiz conducted by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and BITES, evaluated students in emerging technologies

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) and the Board for IT Education Standards (BITES) an autonomous body promoted by Government of Karnataka, announced the winners of the 16th edition of TCS TechBytes.

Winner: Ayman Patil –  BLDEA College of Engineering & Technology, Vijayapura

Runner-up:_Aditya Raj – IIIT, Dharwad

TCS presented a education scholarship worth Rs 85,000 to the winner, while the runner-up received Rs 50,000. All finalists were also awarded education scholarships of Rs 10,000 each. The prizes were distributed by Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, TCS Bengaluru and Dr. D.N. Sujatha, Executive Director BITES. The program was also attended by Dr. Puttaraju, Academic Director BGS & SJB group and Dr. K V Mahendra Prashanth, Principal of SJB Institute of Technology.

Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, TCS Bengaluru, said “TCS TechBytes is a great engine to explore diverse trends in the technology space. Our program embodies our commitment to develop a future ready talent pool so that they are equipped with relevant skills for their careers. Through such initiatives, we aim to help students sharpen their critical thinking, problem-solving, and quick decision-making skills. It also provides them with the opportunity to stay updated with the latest advancements in technology, which is essential in an ever-evolving industry.”

The quiz took place over five segments that tested students’ acumen in various technologies.

Prof S Sadagopan, Chairman, BITES, said, “TCS TechBytes builds a culture of excellence, which is vital in today’s competitive environment. This program not only enhances students' technical knowledge but also fosters a spirit of healthy competition that encourages them to strive for their best. By providing a platform where students from diverse backgrounds can come together and showcase their skills, TCS TechBytes instills values of teamwork, resilience, and fair play. We are proud to partner with TCS in this important initiative as it provides students across Karnataka a platform to expand their tech knowledge.”

Students from over 115 engineering colleges across Karnataka participated in the program this year. Six regional finals were conducted at Hubballi, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Bengaluru, Tumakuru and Kalaburagi. TCS TechBytes is a campus outreach program that strives to provide a better understanding of IT to students of all streams of engineering. The objective is to enhance the knowledge and awareness of students and enable them to compete in a technology intensive industry. 

MAHE Hosts FINENT 25: A Confluence Of Ideas, Innovation, And Finance

Manipal Academy of Higher Education hosted the second edition of FINENT 25, the annual flagship conclave of Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, on 4th April 2025.   Bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and academics, the event served as a vibrant platform to explore the idea of evolving intersections of finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. Organized by the Department of Humanities and Management, MIT Manipal, the conclave was held in collaboration with FIS Global, dlabs Hyderabad, and Young Indians, Mangalore.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Madhav Nair, CEO – India, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, and Honorary Secretary of the Indian Bank Association, serving as Chief Guest.  An alumnus of MIT’s 1993 batch, Mr. Nair reflected on his journey from engineering to banking.  Drawing parallels between personal choices and broader economic shifts, he urged students to “catch the wave” of change — staying alert to trends, continuously upgrading their knowledge, and embracing responsible innovation in the fintech domain.

Mr. Ramkumar Narayanan, EVP, Technology & Services (India & Philippines), FIS Global, the Guest of Honor, spoke on entrepreneurship, technology, and finance as three forces that will define the future. He encouraged students to leverage these fields for innovation but to consider how they can be used for broader social impact.  Presiding over the session, Cdr (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director, MIT Manipal, highlighted the institution’s forward-looking initiatives in semiconductor technology, Healthtech, and fintech. He emphasized the importance of proactive skilling, urging students to tap into freely available certification opportunities that align with emerging industry demands.

Mr. Madhav Nair delivered a keynote address titled “Viksit Bharat – Role of the Banking Sector,” examining how the banking industry plays a vital role in India’s growth story. Mr. Ramkumar Narayanan spoke on “AI Opportunities in Fintech,” exploring how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to improve customer experiences and drive innovation in financial services. In his keynote, Mr. Upendra Namburi, ideator and Founder of ideaearth, explored “New Age Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Fintech,” providing insights into emerging business models and the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.  In a lively fireside chat, Mr. Shiv Ram Krishna Pande, a 2011 MIT, Manipal alumnus and founding team member at BitSave, discussed the relevance and future of cryptocurrency in a session titled “Bitcoin Matters.” Another engaging segment, “Author’s Voice,” featured Dr. Varadharaju Janardhanan, VP – HR at Flipkart and author of two motivational books. He spoke about the entrepreneurial mindset, leadership, and innovation, drawing lessons from his own experience and writing.

The FINENT 25 conclave featured a significant panel discussion on "Building a Fintech Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in India," moderated by FIS Global's Senior VP Mr. Venu Madhav with experts from BlackRock, Green Light, ideaearth, Equifax, and SP Jain School of Global Management.  The panelists explored India's fintech landscape, startup challenges, and ecosystem development strategies.  The event concluded with a valedictory session emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship, drawing inspiration from MAHE founder Dr. TMA Pai, with Dr. Varadharaju Janardhanan as Chief Guest and Mr. Venu Madhav as Guest of Honor, presided over by MIT Manipal's Joint Director Dr. Somashekara Bhat.  The conference was organized under Dr. Yogesh Pai P's, with Mr. Lidwin Kenneth Michael and Dr. Rajesh R Pai serving as convenors, supported by co-convenors Dr. Sumukh S Hungund and Dr. Raveendra Rao.