Classmate Partners With Grand Masters Praggnanandhaa And Vaishali - Launches 30-City Campaign For eduGAMES Infinity

·         Students can play eduGAMES Infinity everyday, featuring the popular last-page puzzles from Classmate notebooks with world-renowned chess Grandmasters

·         Exciting Daily rewards including a VR Headset to be won every single day

ITC's Classmate, India's leading notebook and stationery products brand has launched eduGAMES Infinity an innovative gamified notebook that seamlessly blends play with education. It encompasses a fun and engaging initiative aimed at transforming learning into a delightful experience. Classmate eduGAMES Infinity is now launching a unique campaign, participation in which will provide a chance to visit Hong Kong Disneyland, a once in a lifetime opportunity!

At the core of Classmate eduGAMES Infinity is the idea that learning should be joyful igniting the fun side of learning. Building on the iconic last page of Classmate notebooks — loved by generations of students — eduGAMES Infinity takes this concept to a new paradigm by making last page puzzles interactive, gamified, and rewarding. Students can scan the last page of the notebook and play a new game every day.

To bring this to life, Classmate is rolling out a 30-city campaign starting 24th May, inviting students to join the movement by simply buying a Classmate notebook and playing eduGAMES Infinity.

This season, the campaign gets even more exciting with a special opportunity to play with world champions. Celebrated sibling duo and Indian chess Grandmasters, R Praggnanandhaa and R Vaishali, will also dive into eduGAMES Infinity for 30 days, sharpening their minds daily through the power of puzzles. They believe that engaging the mind with puzzles is a great way to stay focused and mentally agile.

R Praggnanandhaa said, “Classmate eduGAMES Infinity is not just about games — it’s a fun and effective way to train your mind. I’m excited to take on a new puzzle every day and see how students across the country challenge themselves too.”

R Vaishali added, “We grew up solving puzzles at home, and they really helped us stay sharp and focused. It’s amazing to see Classmate bring that joy of learning to life for today’s generation in such an engaging manner.”

Expressing their feelings about this initiative, their parents stated “When our children were young, we encouraged them to play puzzles and brain games every day. We’ve seen first-hand how these small habits helped build their mental discipline. Classmate eduGAMES Infinity reminds us of that journey — and it’s a wonderful way for other children to begin theirs.”

Speaking about the initiative, Mr Vikas Gupta, Chief Executive, Education and Stationery Products Business Division, ITC Ltd. said “At Classmate, we have always believed that learning should be joyful and must keep alive the spirit of creativity, curiosity and fun endeavour brings that belief to life. Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali are perfect role models and their success and achievements are a reflection of the fact that focus, agility and the right tools can shape champions. We hope this initiative inspires students across India to explore eduGAMES infinity and become sharper from within.”

Participants from these 30 cities can compete on the EduGAMES leaderboard for a chance to win exciting daily prizes including a Meta Quest VR headset, and the final reward — a magical trip to Disneyland.

Campaign Reach and Visibility

The campaign will be rolled out across digital platforms, regional print & TV and influencer partnerships, ensuring wide visibility across participating cities. This leg of the campaign will run in tandem with the national Disneyland EduGAMES campaign, which continues to reward curiosity, consistency, and clever thinking.

PokerBaazi Launches Upgrade 2025, Showcasing A New Era In Online Poker Excellence

In a defining moment for the Indian Poker landscape, PokerBaazi, India’s biggest Poker platform, today announced the launch of the PokerBaazi (PB) Upgrade 2025. This significant evolution of its both mobile and desktop apps is a bold step forward in delivering a world-class playing experience. The new upgrade was officially unveiled at the PokerBaazi Experience Meet 2025, the company’s yearly digital showcase of product advancements.

The leadership at Baazi Games, including Founder and CEO Navkiran Singh, alongside Avneet Rana, Co-Founder & Chief of Technology & Product, and others spearheaded the pre-launch and personally unveiled the upgrades introduced at the PokerBaazi Experience Meet 2025. (Click here to watch)

Speaking about the PokerBaazi Upgrade 2025, Navkiran Singh, Founder and CEO of Baazi Games, said, "At PokerBaazi, we live our motto of ‘never stop improving’. With this product launch, we can proudly have our made in India apps compete with global Poker products. What we have built is a trusted, player-first ecosystem where skill is celebrated, aspirations are nurtured, and every game is a step toward excellence. It is great to lead this transformation and remain committed to setting new standards for the future of online Poker."

Enhancing the Core Experience:

-          One of the most significant highlights of the showcase was the introduction of PokerBaazi’s new Desktop App — an all-new application built on a completely different front-end technology, delivering superior speed, stability, and bringing a fresh UI/UX that will significantly boost user experience as well as the app performance, catering to both casual and professional players.

-          The Kingmaker which is an in-house, fully modular game engine has now been introduced to power the tournament format as well. It is designed to enhance scalability and add a lot of micro-interactions enabling real time game updates for a more dynamic and responsive game play experience. It also drastically reduces the time needed for building new game features.

Empowering Player Growth Through Analytics & Content:

-          Pokershots 2.0 is a refined analytical tool designed to enhance player performance through simplified data insights, featuring an intuitive UI/UX and new capabilities such as tagging specific hands for in-depth post-game analysis. This tool empowers players dedicated to mastering the mind sport of Poker.

-          Baazi SensAI incorporates AI into gameplay analytics, acting as an in-app AI coach that assists users by analysing their gameplay, providing insights, and summarising hand histories. This feature will empower players to make data-driven decisions and continuously improve their strategies.

-          The Revamped Poker TV offers a bold new avatar for PokerBaazi’s content hub, providing richer, more engaging content for learning and entertainment related to the game.

Player-Centric Innovations:

-          The All-in Club is an exclusive membership club offering premium features and unparalleled rewards.

-          New Advanced Cash Game Features include Interactive R.I.T. (Run It Twice) and EV Cashout to enhance strategic gameplay options.

-          Enhancements in Responsible Gaming tool which is a personalised system that fosters mindful gaming through player-specific guidance and support, reinforcing a healthy approach to the mind sport.

Building a Trusted & Secure Ecosystem:

Delivering a robust and fair gameplay environment, the Upgraded Security Infrastructure includes partnerships with GTO Wizard and a 'no bot' certification from GLI Labs. Sophisticated algorithms and AI are used to track down fraudulent behaviour, ensuring integrity in the mind sport.

A Vision for the Future

Navkiran Singh further added, “With the 2025 upgrade, we are reimagining the way players engage with the game and ensuring both our mobile and desktop platforms set a global benchmark in terms of technology, gameplay, and user engagement.”

The latest enhancements reaffirm PokerBaazi’s commitment to building a secure, fair, and immersive digital ecosystem that empowers players at every level in this evolving mind sport. By unveiling a series of transformative updates at the Experience Meet, PokerBaazi has further cemented its leadership as a driving force in shaping the future of online Poker in India. You can go to https://www.pokerbaazi.com/ to download the latest version of the app with Upgrade 2025 updates.

Marriott International Announces Global Launch Of New Regional Collection Brand: Series By Marriott™

* Company Signs Founding Deal with Concept Hospitality Private Limited in India to Affiliate The Fern Brands with Series by Marriott

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced the global launch of its new collection brand for the midscale and upscale lodging segments—Series by Marriott™—as the company continues to expand its lodging offerings around the world. Series by Marriott is expected to expand Marriott’s global presence by bringing well-established regionally created brands and hotels that champion consistent quality and service into the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Series by Marriott will offer guests comfortable stays in more places and provide regional owners access to the benefits of Marriott’s platforms, including the company’s award-winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, all while maintaining their portfolio’s independent identity.

Series by Marriott marks its initial launch through a founding deal with Concept Hospitality Private Limited (CHPL) in India, a key growth market for Marriott. Established in 1996 by Param Kannampilly, CHPL, is one of India’s leading hotel management companies with a portfolio of six brands and over 100 hotels operating in 90 locations. Under the strategic agreement between CHPL and Marriott, CHPL's flagship brands—The Fern, The Fern Residency, and The Fern Habitat—will affiliate with Series by Marriott on an exclusive basis across India and Marriott will make a small equity investment in CHPL. The Fern portfolio is currently comprised of 84 open properties and 31 executed pipeline deals, totaling 115 properties and approximately 8,000 rooms. Fern properties are expected to join Marriott’s portfolio in India over time following discussions with the third-party hotel owners and execution of long-term franchise agreements with those owners. CG Hospitality, the hospitality division of the multi-national conglomerate CG Corp Global, is the majority stakeholder in CHPL.

“Series by Marriott furthers Marriott’s commitment to delivering lodging offerings in the right place at the right price with basics done well,” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International. “Creating a new, regional collection brand will further Marriott’s reach among value-conscious travelers, provide additional choice for our existing Marriott Bonvoy members and guests, and offer more affiliation opportunities for local owners.

“We are thrilled to launch Series by Marriott through our founding deal with CHPL. This deal will help meaningfully expand Marriott’s leading position in India, a key market for the company.  We see this multi-unit conversion deal as a strong foundation as we look to accelerate growth of the Series by Marriott collection in additional markets around the world. The Fern portfolio throughout India is highly regarded and CHPL’s commitment to operational excellence and meeting the needs of regional travelers embodies the spirit of the Series by Marriott brand,” said Capuano.

“India is one of Marriott’s most dynamic and strategic markets, making it the ideal launchpad for Series by Marriott,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Our founding deal with CHPL allows us to scale purposefully with a trusted local brand that resonates with regional travelers. This collaboration combines CHPL’s deep market knowledge with Marriott’s global platform—broadening access to quality hospitality and unlocking strong growth potential across the country. Launching Series by Marriott in India reflects the region’s critical role in our long-term growth strategy.”

“Through our majority stake in CHPL, we’ve nurtured The Fern brands as standard-bearers for eco-sensitive, high-quality hospitality in India. Being part of Series by Marriott will allow us to amplify our reach. The Fern brands are expected to benefit not only from the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program and global distribution systems, but also from strategic growth opportunities,” said Dr. Binod Chaudhary, Chairman of CG Corp Global.

“We are thrilled to partner with the world's largest hospitality company in driving a new era of growth in India’s midscale segment. Our vision is to unlock the immense potential of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as well as lesser-known destinations across India that are rich in culture, heritage, and opportunity. This strategic collaboration underscores our commitment to expanding access to quality hospitality, fostering local economies, and meeting the rising demand for sustainable, comfortable, and accessible stays in emerging markets,” said Param Kannampilly, Chairman, Concept Hospitality Private Limited.

A Series of Hotels: Regionally Created, Globally Connected

Series by Marriott is designed to deliver a simple and approachable experience for travelers with a focus on fundamentals and well-executed basics. Hotels in the portfolio will offer quality and value with clean, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, daily coffee or tea, with breakfast, fitness centers and meetings and event spaces available at certain properties. Hotels will reflect the regions and customers they serve while delivering Marriott’s global standards for safety and cleanliness. As part of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, members staying at Series by Marriott properties will be able to earn and redeem points and enjoy member benefits.

Global Growth Opportunity for Owners

Series by Marriott has been created to bring strong, regionally relevant brands and hotels into the Marriott portfolio with industry leading revenue generation capabilities and affiliation cost structures. Owners will have the ability to maintain their portfolio’s independent identity while leveraging the power of Marriott’s award-winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program with nearly 237 million members globally, and digital platforms like Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app to generate direct bookings.

In addition to its founding deal with CHPL, Marriott is also in active discussions about the Series by Marriott brand with owners in the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Photo Caption: Marriott International Announces Global Launch of New Regional Collection Brand: Series by Marriott™ in a strategic deal with Concept Hospitality

From L-R:  Mr. Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, Development - South Asia, Marriott International; Mr. John Toomey, Chief Commercial Officer, APEC - Marriott International; Ms. Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia - Marriott International; Mr. Shawn Hill, Chief Development Officer, APEC - Marriott International; Mr. Rajeev Menon, President, APEC - Marriott International; Dr. Binod Chaudhary, Chairman of CG Corp Global; Mr. Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director, CG Corp Global and CG Hospitality Global; Mr. Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, Concept Hospitality; Mr. Avneet Bhutani, Vice President – Asset Management, APEC – Marriott International; Mr. Raymond Tan, Senior Director of Hotel Development, APEC – Marriott International.

Dvara Kshetriya Gramin Financial Services (Dvara KGFS) Secures “Long Term Capital” From FIIs

* Expansion on the cards as equity of 3Mn Euros and Subordinated debt of 5Mn USD raised

Dvara Kshetriya Gramin Financial Services (Dvara KGFS), a major NBFC working in India’s financial inclusion space, has successfully raised Equity of 3Mn Euro from Sparkassen International Development Trust  GmbH (SIDT) and 5Mn USD through issuance of Subordinated Bonds to FMO Entrepreneurial Development Bank.  This infusion will further strengthen the capital base of the Company thus enabling it to augment its growth plans and expand its outreach. The company is strategically pivoting towards enhancing wholistic financial access to Micro Entrepreneurs in the inclusion space.

SIDT is part of the German Sparkassen Group, considered the largest financial group in Europe. SIDT launches its first equity participation in the Indian financial inclusion space with this investment in Dvara KGFS.

FMO Entrepreneurial development bank is a public-private development bank supervised by the Dutch Central Bank (DNB). FMO’s first investment in Dvara KGFS came in FY24.

Speaking about the funding, Mr. LVLN Murty, Managing Director and CEO, Dvara KGFS, said, "At a time when the inclusion space in India is witnessing unprecedented challenges, this fund raise is a testimony of the resilience, agility and scalability of the Dvara KGFS business model and lending infrastructure.  With the strong backing of our highly reputed investors and lenders, we are confident in our ability to deepen our impact in providing finance to the underserved and reinforce our mission to enable financial well-being at the last mile by opening  50 branches in this financial year that would originate Enterprise Loans exclusively, thereby taking the total branch strength to 477 by the end of this fiscal  This fund raise not only fortifies  our capital base but also validates the impact driven, resilient path we have charted in the financial inclusion ecosystem. The company is investing in digital transformation using artificial intelligence for enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience.”

On the development, Ms. Shilpa Bhatter, CFO, Dvara KGFS, said, “We have embodied highest standards of corporate governance and financial discipline in our organization. This infusion of capital reinforces our commitment to ethical and prudent portfolio management and further fortify our lending infrastructure by investing more meaningfully into state of the art technology and data analytics capabilities, thereby strengthening our core operations while continuing to deliver measurable social and financial outcomes.”  

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Carsten Steffan from Sparkassen International Development Trust GmbH said, “We are pleased to support Dvara KGFS in its mission to improve financial access in rural India. As part of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, our focus is on enabling responsible and inclusive financial services in emerging markets. This investment reflects our commitment to creating sustainable impact by supporting institutions that demonstrate deep local insight, strong governance, and scalable models. We look forward to a long-term collaboration that contributes to financial empowerment and community development in India.”

Dvara KGFS provides an array of loans and third-party products tailored to meet its customers' diverse financial needs through an omnichannel approach. It remains steadfast in its commitment to bridging the financial gap and empowering individuals and micro businesses through its financial services in the inclusion space. With the success of this fundraise, Dvara KGFS is positioned to significantly enhance its impact on the lives of its customers.

Union Bank Of India Empowers Dreams: Chhonzin Angmo Becomes First Visually Impaired Woman To Conquer Mount Everest

Chhonzin Angmo has etched her name in history by becoming the first visually impaired female to stand atop the world's highest peak! Her quest to the pinnacles of glory was supported by Union Bank of India. With unwavering determination, Angmo reached Mount Everest, inspiring millions with her achievement.

Having lost her sight at eight due to a reaction to medication, Angmo's journey is a testament to her resilience and courage. Despite her disability, the 29-year-old employee of Union Bank of India  has already climbed several peaks such as Siachen Kumar post (15632 ft), unnamed peak (19717ft )Ladakh, before embarking on her Everest journey. She received National Award from Hon’ble President of India for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2024 under the ‘Sarvshresth Divyangjan’ category.

Her successful ascent showcases her perseverance, trust in her team, and unrelenting spirit. Angmo's achievement is a shining example of how courage, resilience, and determination can overcome adversity. Union Bank of India celebrates Angmo's achievement as an inspiration to humanity, embodying the spirit of empowerment and inclusivity that the Bank strives to promote. Angmo's story encourages both the underprivileged and privileged to push beyond perceived limitations.

Parvati Nair Guest Of Honour At Apollo’s Rafaelo Treatment Launch

Renowned South Indian model and actress Parvati Nair was Guest of Honour at the launch of the Rafaelo procedure at Apollo Hospitals today. 

Addressing the gathering, actress Parvati Nair, who is known for her work in South Indian cinema and her roles in critically acclaimed films and who is also an advocate for preventive healthcare, said, “It is heartening to see Apollo's relentless pursuit of healthcare excellence through investments in future-ready medical technology. As someone who strongly believes in the power of preventive health, I can’t stress enough on the importance of putting our health first—before symptoms force us to. Regular health check-ups, early detection, a balanced diet, staying physically active, and being mindful of our mental well-being are the simple yet powerful tools we all have access to. Let’s continue to make fitness as a priority in our lives—not just through exercise, but by being proactive about our health choices.”

Apollo Spectra Hospitals has introduced the Rafaelo Procedure in Chennai, marking a major advancement in proctology care in South India. 

This minimally invasive, outpatient treatment for internal haemorrhoids uses targeted radiofrequency energy to shrink haemorrhoidal tissue with minimal discomfort and faster recovery. Performed by senior colorectal surgeon Dr. Vani Vijay, the 15–20-minute procedure allows same-day discharge and preserves healthy tissue. With lower risks and quicker healing compared to traditional surgery, the Rafaelo Procedure is ideal for today’s busy lifestyles.

“Routine health check-ups, timely screenings, a nutritious and balanced diet, staying physically active, and caring for our mental health are all small yet powerful habits that can drastically improve our quality of life.” advised Ms Parvati.

She also highlighted that fitness should not be seen as a temporary goal, but a sustainable lifestyle anchored in awareness and proactive choices. “It’s not just about hitting the gym or following trends—it’s about taking responsibility for our bodies and minds every single day,” she said. “Let’s inspire each other to lead healthier lives—not out of fear, but out of love for ourselves and those we care about.”

Parvati Nair’s address served as a powerful reminder that true wellness begins with prevention. By embracing consistent health screenings, mindful living, and active choices, individuals can take control of their health journey. Her message aligned seamlessly with Apollo’s vision for future-ready healthcare—underscoring the collective responsibility to prioritise well-being before illness takes hold.

Imperial College London To Co-Create World-Leading Science And Technology Research With Indian Partners

* New hub will expand scientific and innovation links between Imperial and partners in India 

* Imperial Global India will support research and innovation collaborations, student scholarships, collaborative PhD programmes and fellowships 

* Business leaders, policymakers and scientists herald potential of new hub to drive India-UK cooperation 

* One of the world’s top universities, Imperial College London, has launched its new science hub in Bengaluru. 

* Imperial says that research programmes with Indian partners will focus on helping to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges in areas such as climate change and sustainability, food and water security, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

* The hub, Imperial Global India*, will strengthen partnerships between Imperial and leading universities and institutes in India, act as a communication channel to form closer ties with industry and policymakers, and provide a platform for greater collaboration in science and technology innovation between India and the UK. 

Imperial has today announced that the hub, which is being established as a Liaison Office, will support joint research projects, long-term collaborations, student scholarships, collaborative PhD programmes and fellowships. 

Imperial Global India has announced its first key initiatives: 

The India Connect Fund will support up to 25 joint research projects every year between Imperial and partners in India in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum science, biotech and clean energy.  

The Future Leaders Scholarship is Imperial’s biggest ever scholarship programme for Indian scientists and will support 75 STEMB students over the next five years. 

The establishment of six high-impact Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Global Faculty Fellowships with the National Centre for Biological Sciences and Indian Institute of Science to develop a London-Bengaluru AI in Science Network. 

Investment in a Global Challenge Lab programme to bring together hundreds of UK and Indian students each year to jointly co-create innovative solutions to UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Investment in high-impact doctoral training networks in science and technology through a new collaborative PhD programme with the Indian Institute of Science, bringing together UK and Indian PhD students to work on joint research projects. This will be enhanced by a Global Fellows programme facilitating doctoral-level exchanges between leading laboratories in the UK and India. 

The hub was formally launched at an event at the Science Gallery Bengaluru where India’s top business leaders, policymakers and scientists discussed ways to expand India-UK partnerships in science, technology and innovation. 

Speakers included: N.R. Narayana Murthy, Founder – Infosys Limited; Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group; Srinath Ravichandran, Cofounder & CEO, Agnikul Cosmos; Dr Anjana Badrinarayanan, Associate Professor at National Centre for Biological Sciences and Schmidt AI in Science Fellow; Vidit Aatrey, CEO and Founder, Meesho; Mr Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka; and Dr M.C. Sudhakar, Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka. 

The event was hosted by Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial, Vindi Banga, Chair of Imperial’s Council, and Imperial Global India Academic Co-Directors Professor Sanjeev Gupta and Dr Elena Dieckmann.     

Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, said: “Our new science hub Imperial Global India will forge and strengthen links between Imperial and partners in India.  

“Through the hub we will support several flagship programmes including research projects, long-term collaborations, student scholarships, collaborative PhD programmes and fellowships in areas such as telecoms, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology and health-tech, and advanced materials.  

 “These initiatives will help deliver solutions to the world’s biggest challenges." 

The hub is being led by Earth scientist Professor Sanjeev Gupta and biomaterials researcher Dr Elena Dieckmann.   

Imperial is ranked second best university in the world and top in the UK in the latest QS World University rankings. 

The UK and Indian governments share ambitions for deeper collaboration on science to drive economic growth, create skilled jobs and improve lives in the UK, India and worldwide.  

Through the hub Imperial will seek to develop joint projects that leverage the best of UK and India science and innovation, whilst also engaging with joint government priorities in areas ranging from telecoms, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology and health-tech, and advanced materials.  

Imperial already has a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, that is supporting joint research projects in a range of scientific areas, as well as close links with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). 

Imperial academics are collaborating with partners from 400 Indian institutions across India.

Top collaborators include the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc), Christian Medical College Vellore, the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi. 

Imperial also has a growing number of strong industry connections in India. Imperial and Tata Steel’s Centre for Innovation in Sustainable Design and Manufacturing is developing innovative new manufacturing processes to help decarbonise steel production.   

Imperial Global 

Imperial’s strategy, Science for Humanity, set out plans to establish a network of hubs in strategic global cities to amplify Imperial’s impact.  

The network is building long-term collaborations with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders, fostering new high-impact partnerships with industry, government and knowledge organisations, and developing deeper links with alumni.  

Imperial Global India will join the Imperial Global network of hubs in Singapore, San Francisco, USA and Accra, Ghana.   

* Pending the completion of regulatory formalities to be able to set up our own liaison office, Imperial Global India will initially be managed by a service provider duly appointed by Imperial College London. 

Additional quotes: 

Mr Priyank Kharge, Honourable Minister for Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, said: “I am proud that Bengaluru has emerged as a thriving hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. It is a testament to the creativity and dynamism of our ecosystem that Imperial College London – one of the world’s foremost institutions in STEMB and innovation – has chosen our city to launch its India hub. We share common goals, including the ambition to harness the power of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, agritech, and biotechnology to protect our environment and enhance quality of life. By bringing together our innovation and research communities, we can catalyse the co-creation of breakthrough technologies and solutions. I am excited to see the impact this collaboration will generate in the years to come.” 

Dr M.C. Sudhakar, Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, said: “I am pleased to welcome Imperial College London – one of the world’s leading universities with a distinguished reputation across the STEMB disciplines – to Bengaluru.  

“This international collaboration creates a vital knowledge bridge between our two countries, opening meaningful opportunities for mutual learning and exchange. Initiatives like this empower our students, educators, and innovators to work alongside like-minded global peers, advancing research and innovation across the full spectrum of science and technology. By uniting our talent and expertise, we can drive progress toward a more climate-resilient and healthier future.” 

Dr Elena Dieckmann, Academic Co-Director of Imperial Global India, said: "Imperial Global India will connect leading researchers, students, and industry pioneers from India and the UK to drive scientific collaboration and innovation. The hub will be a platform to rapidly develop and scale groundbreaking ideas into real-world technologies and applications." 

The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs said: “Education lies at the heart of the UK's relationship with India. It forms the core of the living bridge between our nations and unlocks opportunities that benefit both countries. I'm delighted that Imperial College London, one of the world's best and most international universities, is strengthening its partnerships in science, technology and innovation with India. 

“The UK-India Technology Security Initiative, agreed on my visit to Delhi in July 2024, sets out how we will work with India across many of the defining technologies of the decade. The new hub will make critical contributions to these shared UK-India ambitions, driving economic growth, creating skilled jobs, and improving lives in the UK, India and worldwide. These new partnerships will further create a dynamic two-way flow of ideas and talent to drive shared prosperity and address global challenges in areas ranging from health and climate to telecoms, AI, quantum, biotech and critical minerals.” 

 UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Science is international by definition. We can aim higher and go further when we work together. This is especially true for the UK and India, where deep links in areas like life sciences are bolstered by our deepening trade relationship, and our unique historical and cultural bonds. 

“Imperial’s presence in Bengaluru will enable its international community of students, researchers and innovators to work with their India-based counterparts, on efforts that could drive growth, unlock investment, and deliver breakthroughs from health to energy, and beyond. It also boosts a formidable global network the University is building, across the world. These efforts are a prime example of why working on science research with international partners like India, is an important part of the Government’s Plan for Change.” 

About Imperial College London  

We are Imperial – a world-leading university for science, technology, engineering, medicine and business (STEMB), where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. 

As a global top ten university in London, we use science to try to understand more of the universe and improve the lives of more people in it. Across our nine campuses and throughout our Imperial Global network, our 22,000 students, 8,000 staff, and partners work together on scientific discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship. Their work navigates some of the world’s toughest challenges in global health, climate change, AI, business leadership and more. 

Founded in 1907, Imperial’s future builds on a distinguished past, having pioneered penicillin, holography and fibre optics. Today, Imperial combines exceptional teaching, world-class facilities and a habit of interdisciplinary practice to unlock scientific imagination. 

About Professor Sanjeev Gupta 

Professor Sanjeev Gupta is the Academic Co-Director of Imperial Global India and a Professor of Earth Sciences at Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering. A geologist by training, his primary research is in reconstructing environmental evolution on planetary surfaces. He studies modern landscapes to understand the environmental factors governing their form and analyses sedimentary rocks to decipher ancient landscape evolution.  

His early research involved exploring the submerged landscapes of the English Channel using sonar data, which led to the discovery that catastrophic megafloods separated Britain from Europe, and explained how Britain became an island. Together with colleagues at the Indian Institute of Technology – Kanpur, he has worked on how rivers controlled early urbanisation in the Bronze-age Indus Civilisation and on quantitatively characterising groundwater resources and aquifer depletion in the Ganga basin, a major environmental issue in India.  

He subsequently shifted research area to explore ancient environments and habitability on Mars. He is on the science teams and a Long Term Planner for NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity and M2020 Perseverance rover missions. These studies have led to the discovery of the first in situ evidence for ancient rivers, deltas and lake systems at the martian surface. He is applying this experience to preparing for Europe’s first rover mission to Mars, the European Space Agency ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover that will explore the Oxia Planum region of Mars. 

About Dr Elena Dieckmann 

Dr Elena Dieckmann is an Imperial researcher, entrepreneur and innovator specialising in sustainable material development.  Her convergence science research approach focuses on the circular economy, deeptech translation and composite materials, and integrates material science and economic viability, leading to community-driven solutions.    

She is a Lecturer at Imperial’s Dyson School of Design Engineering where she earned her PhD.  She leads the MSc Cleantech Innovation programme and co-leads the Innovation Design Engineering MA/MSc with the Royal College of Art. 

Her research and its industry applications have earned her widespread recognition, including winning the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award in 2017 and being listed by Forbes as one of 30 Under 30 to watch in industry in 2018. 

In collaboration with research partners at the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc), one of Dr Dieckmann's current projects involves developing solutions to tackle the growing global issue of decommissioned solar panels by repurposing them for use as architectural materials. 

Imperial in numbers 

2nd in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025) 

1st in Europe and the UK (QS World University Rankings 2025) 

University of the Year (Daily Mail University Guide 2024) 

University of the Year for Graduate Employment (The Times and Sunday Times Good

University Guide 2024) 

Greater proportion of world-leading research than any other UK university (Research Excellence Framework)  

Gold Award (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023).

Photos Caption: “From left to right: Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and Kerala; Vindi Banga, Chair, Imperial College London; Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon; N. R. Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys; Priyank Kharge, Cabinet Minister for Information, Biotechnology, and Rural Development; Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London.”