AIFI Launches “GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum” to Forge the Future of Indian Forging Industry

In a landmark initiative set to redefine the future of India’s forging sector, the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) has announced the launch of the “GenNext Entrepreneurs “, a first-of-its-kind platform in India aimed at nurturing emerging leaders in the forging industry. The Forum is a visionary step to empower the new generation of business leaders as they step into a globalised industrial landscape marked by innovation, rapid product evolution, and sustainability imperatives.

With India’s economy accelerating at an average growth rate of 7.2% over the past three fiscal years, and industries swiftly embracing disruptive technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, and fintech, the forging sector stands at the threshold of a significant transformation. The GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is AIFI’s proactive response to this new industrial paradigm, recognising the enthusiasm, adaptability, and global outlook of the next generation in family-owned forging businesses.

Speaking on this transformative initiative, Mr. Yash Munot, President, Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), said, “The GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is not just a platform, it’s a movement to shape the future of the Indian forging industry. Our vision is to position Indian forging as a global benchmark for innovation, quality, and sustainability. Through this forum, we aim to harness the creativity, energy, and ambition of the next generation of entrepreneurs. We are committed to offering them strategic insights, access to industry’s best practices, leadership training through academia-industry partnerships, and global exposure. This initiative will play a critical role in addressing succession challenges, updating traditional business models and building a collaborative ecosystem that ensures the industry's sustained growth and global competitiveness. Our mission remains focused on promoting excellence in technology, operations and leadership anchored firmly in sustainable and inclusive development.”

The Forum seeks to provide a dedicated platform for young forging entrepreneurs to engage in peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, participate in leadership development programmes and stay aligned with emerging global trends and technologies. Its activities include strategic sessions, academic collaborations, policy discussions, and exposure visits to innovation hubs. The initiative marked its first milestone with a launch event in Hyderabad, which included a visit to the CII-Godrej Green Business Centre, India’s first LEED Platinum-certified green building and an engaging leadership workshop titled “Re-inventing Family-Owned Businesses and Shifting Orbits of Growth”, conducted by renowned innovation strategist Dr. Rahul More.

Mr. Ankit Mehta, Director, KLM Forge Pvt. Ltd., Pune, said, “In an evolving industrial landscape, collaboration and innovation are more critical than ever. AIFI GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum invites young forgers like me to actively engage with peers, exchange ideas on modern forging practices and explore the latest technologies shaping our industry”

Future activities under the Forum will include interactions with young leaders from across industries, leadership programmes in collaboration with top academic institutions, overseas study missions, and capacity-building initiatives on cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, cybersecurity and ESG frameworks. By creating a culture of continuous learning and forward-thinking, the AIFI GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is set to become a defining platform for shaping the future of the forging industry in India.

Mr. Sivarjun Rachamallu, GM,  Rachamallu Forgings Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, said, “I am honoured to be part of the GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum, a visionary initiative by the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI). GenNext serves as a platform for the next generation of forging professionals, where fresh perspectives meet seasoned expertise. The forum aims to drive positive transformation in the forging sector by advancing technology, promoting sustainability, and contributing to the development of progressive industry policies at the governmental level.” 

This initiative aligns seamlessly with AIFI’s broader vision to position the Indian forging industry as a global leader in manufacturing excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Through strategic advocacy, skill development, and a strong focus on collaborative growth, AIFI remains committed to empowering the sector and driving its transformation on the world stage.

Odysse Electric Clocks 344 Units Sold in June, Records 54% Monthly Growth

Odysse Electric Vehicles, one of India’s fastest-growing premium electric two-wheeler manufacturers, recorded total sales of 344 units in June 2025, registering a robust 54% month-on-month growth. This strong performance underscores the rising preference for practical, reliable, and sustainable mobility solutions among Indian commuters. 

The standout performer this month is the newly launched Odysse HyFy, a smart, low-speed electric scooter designed for daily urban commutes. Affordable, stylish, and hassle-free to maintain, the HyFy has quickly become a preferred choice for first-time EV buyers and young riders looking to switch to greener alternatives without compromising on convenience.

Mr. Nemin Vora, CEO, Odysse Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are encouraged to see our efforts translating into steady growth month after month. This milestone reflects the growing trust our customers place in us and the broader shift towards cleaner mobility. We remain focused on bringing more innovative and accessible EVs to the market while delivering a seamless ownership experience.”

The company’s consistent product innovation, combined with its expanding presence in both urban and semi-urban markets, has been instrumental in driving this growth. Odysse’s diverse electric scooter portfolio continues to attract a wide range of first-time EV buyers and daily riders seeking cost-effective alternatives to conventional two-wheelers.

Established in 2020, Odysse Electric is at the forefront of reshaping India's electric vehicle landscape. Odysse Electric offers one of the largest product portfolios, comprising 7 models which includes 2 low-speed scooters, 2 high-speed scooters, a delivery scooter targeted to B2B segment, an EV sports bike, and a commuter bike for daily users. The product range includes: -

• Electric motor cycle Vader (with 7” Touchscreen Android Display, AIS-156 approved battery, five drive modes, 18-liters storage space, Robust build)

• Odysse HyFy (25 km/h (compliant with low-speed EV regulations with Up to 70-89 km on a single charge)

• Electric bike EVOQIS & Evoqis Lite(with four drive modes, keyless entry, anti-theft lock and motor cut-off switch)

• Latest addition of High-Speed Electric scooter SNAP (AIS 156 approved smart Portable Battery, waterproof motor, Distance to Empty & CAN enabled display)

• High Speed Electric scooter HAWK Li (India’s first electric scooter with cruise control & Music system along with portable battery)

• Low Speed - E2Go Lite, E2go+ and E2GO Graphene (electric scooter with portable battery, USB charging, digital speedometer and keyless entry)

• Low speed electric scooter V2 Lite , V2 Graphene and V2+ (waterproof motor, huge boot space, dual battery and led lights)

• Electric scooter TROT 2.0 for last-mile delivery (Loading capacity of 250 kgs and IoT).

MAHE BLRU’s MIT Reports Stellar Placement Season with ₹52 LPA Top Salary

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  Highest package offered is ₹52 LPA

• 250+ top recruiters participated in the placement drive 2025

• Highest internship stipend offered was ₹1.1 LPA

• Top 3 streams garnering maximum packages: ₹22 LPA for Computer Science dept., ₹18.6 LPA for Computer Science & Engineering- AI & Cyber Security dept., ₹15 LPA for Information Technology dept.

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), located at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Bangalore campus. It is a top-tier constituent of MAHE, which ranked 4th in the NIRF 2024 University Rankings. MIT Bangalore has achieved incredible placement results this year.

The highlight of the season was a ₹52 LPA package secured by Vijval Narayana, a B.Tech student from the Electronics and Communication Engineering department. This marks a significant milestone for MIT Bengaluru’s first graduating batch. The season also witnessed several high-value offers, the standout packages being ₹22 LPA for Pradyota Kirtikar (Computer Science); ₹18.6 LPA each for Himavarshini Beedala and Shreeya Khera (CSE - AI & Cyber Security); and ₹15 LPA for P. Yasmeen Begum (Information Technology).

Prof. (Dr) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru, said “At MAHE Bengaluru, we are always committed to extend beyond traditional education to foster industry-ready professionals. By aligning our curriculum with modern market demands and enhancing practical skills development, we ensure our students are always well-prepared for the competitive landscape. The impressive placement outcomes and handsome packages our students secure are a testament to this strategic approach.”

Sharing his thoughts, Dr. Iven Jose, Director of MIT Bengaluru, said, "At MIT Bengaluru, we create an exciting learning ecosystem shaped by innovation, industry immersion, and holistic development. Being in the center of India's and specifically Karnataka's technology hub, our students have easy access to incredible companies, research institutes, and start-up ecosystems. Through advanced infrastructure, interdisciplinary working, and engaged faculty, we commit to our students working on real-world challenges and place importance on honing skills such as entrepreneurship, sustainability, and digital transformation."

 

MIT Bengaluru also reported encouraging statistics in its internship placement drive:

• ₹1.1 LPA - Highest internship stipend

• ₹38 KPM - Average stipend

• ₹30 KPM - Median stipend

Over 250 Top Recruiters Participated

The placement season saw participation from more than 250 recruiters spanning sectors like technology, consulting, healthcare, energy, and finance. Major companies included: Microsoft, Amazon, McKinsey & Company, Komprise, Optum, Saviynt, Shell, HPE, Infosys, TCS, Intel, Goldman Sachs, Philips, Unilever, Dell, Capgemini, Swiggy, LumiQ, BlackRock, Cognizant, Siemens Healthineers, and many others.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education Bengaluru (MAHE B’LRU):

Established in 1953, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant research contributions, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, honoured MAHE with the prestigious designation of Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. Currently ranked sixth in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience. MAHE Bengaluru, an off campus of MAHE, excels in delivering comprehensive education to students, supported by highly qualified faculty, and dedicated mentors. The MAHE Bengaluru campus has an inspiring, future-relevant learning ecosystem, on a new-age tech-enabled living campus. Here, the students immerse themselves, transform, and discover multiple choices and opportunities. At MAHE Bengaluru, the potential for growth and the opportunities available are boundless.

Konica Minolta Unveils Phase II of PAN India Brand Marketing Campaign via Metro Trains in 6 Key Cities

Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Pvt. Ltd., leading player in digital production printing and business solutions, is scaling new heights with the launch of the second leg of its PAN India brand marketing campaign through Metro trains, covering six major metropolitan cities: Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Building on the success of the initial activation in Delhi and Mumbai earlier this year, this larger rollout will span 7 metro trains across 6 cities, starting June 23rd in Delhi, Mumbai, and continuing across the rest of the cities.

Under the campaign theme ‘Shaping New Heights, Together’ and ‘India Prints on Konica Minolta’, the brand is showcasing its vision of innovation and collaboration through high-visibility branding on the exteriors and interiors of metro trains. The exterior branding ensures maximum city-wide visibility, while the interiors are designed to engage commuters with detailed information about Konica Minolta’s product portfolio and core business solutions.

On this, Mr. Katsuhisa Asari, Managing Director, Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Pvt. Ltd., said, “With this expansive branding exercise rollout, we are entering a significant phase of brand awareness across India’s most dynamic cities. Each train we brand is a mobile showcase of our technological edge. For our customers and our stakeholders, this signals that Konica Minolta is ready for the next phase of growth in India that is deeper, more integrated, and sharply aligned with the evolving business needs of tomorrow.”

Konica Minolta has consistently invested in high-impact branding efforts such as Digital OOH, One PowerHouse, and Print Xpress, but this metro campaign marks a landmark initiative in terms of scale, reach, and immersive engagement.

As urban India continues to evolve and digital printing becomes a cornerstone of modern businesses, Konica Minolta is ensuring it remains at the forefront, connecting with millions of commuters every day, and reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in progress.

One year of robotic sanitation in Chennai: Bandicoot Mobility+ Robots transform sewer cleaning

The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) proudly marks one year since the deployment of Bandicoot Mobility+ robots, ushering in a new era of safe, efficient, and humane sewer maintenance in the city. 

Since their introduction in April 2024, the Bandicoot Mobility+ system has significantly improved sanitation operations across Chennai. Over the past year, these robots have successfully cleaned more than 5,000 manholes and stormwater drains, reducing the need for manual scavenging and enhancing the safety and dignity of sanitation workers. Developed by Genrobotics—a National Award-winning Kerala startup and one of the top three AI startups recognized by MeitY—Bandicoot represents India’s commitment to using advanced robotics for meaningful social transformation. The Mobility+ variant integrates robotic technology with a vehicle-mounted system, allowing the robot to be transported easily between sites and operated in even the most congested urban areas.

 

The robot’s ability to carry out deep and precise cleaning of manholes—reaching depths beyond 10 meters—has proved especially valuable in Chennai’s complex underground drainage systems. With features like real-time camera monitoring, gas detection, and contactless waste collection and disposal, the system ensures maximum worker safety while maintaining high operational efficiency. The onboard waste storage unit, automatic dumper, and stabilizing mechanisms make the entire process seamless and hygienic, with no human intervention required inside the manhole.

 

This success story is a strong example of how deep tech startups in India are solving real-world challenges through purpose-driven innovation. By combining engineering excellence with a social mission, Genrobotics has transformed a long-standing public health and human rights issue using indigenous technology.

This model of robotic sanitation has caught national attention. Inspired by Chennai’s results, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has now announced plans to adopt Bandicoot robots for drain cleaning in Bengaluru, signaling a growing national shift towards technology-driven urban infrastructure management.

 

“What Chennai has achieved is not just about using robots to clean manholes—it’s about bringing dignity, safety, and innovation into sanitation,” said Rashid K, Co-founder of Genrobotics. “Bandicoot, the world’s first robotic scavenger, was fully developed in-house in India—built from scratch to solve the real issue of manual scavenging.”

 

He added, “India has immense talent—from IITs to passionate innovators across the country. In a developing nation like ours, countless social issues still need real solutions. True innovators should focus on addressing these challenges to help India thrive as a deep tech ecosystem, rather than imitating what already exists for short-term gain. That’s exactly why we chose the path of genuine, purpose-driven innovation—not just to build technology, but to create real change for people. And we’ve been committed to that mission since 2012.”

 

Following its successful rollout, CMWSSB is looking to expand robotic operations into more city zones and scale up preparations for the monsoon season. With Bandicoot Mobility+, Chennai has not only adopted innovation—it has set a benchmark for cities across India aiming to build a safer, smarter future.

Liquid Cooling solutions for data centres expand Park Place Technologies' IT infrastructure offerings across APAC

• Immersion Liquid Cooling and Direct-to-Chip Cooling introduced to portfolio of services.

Park Place Technologies, the world’s leading global data centre and networking optimisation firm, today announces the expansion of its portfolio of IT infrastructure services with the introduction of two Liquid Cooling solutions for data centres: Immersion Liquid Cooling and Direct-to-Chip Cooling.

 

This announcement comes at a critical time for businesses who are seeing a dramatic increase in the compute power they require, driven by adoption of technologies like AI and IoT. This in turn is driving the need for more on-prem hardware, more space for that hardware, and more energy to run it all – presenting a significant financial and environmental challenge for businesses. Park Place Technology’s new Liquid Cooling solutions present a strong solution for businesses looking to address these challenges as the technology has the potential to deliver strong financial and environmental results.

 

Direct-to-Chip is an advanced cooling method that applies coolant directly to the server components that generate the most heat including CPUs and GPUs. Immersion cooling empowers data centre operators to do more with less: less space and less energy. Using these methods, businesses can increase their Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) by up to 18 times, and rack density by up to 10 times. Ultimately, this can help deliver power savings of up to 50%, which in turn leads to lower operation costs.

 

From an environmental perspective, liquid cooling is significantly more efficient than traditional air cooling. At present, air cooling technology only captures 30% of the heat generated by the servers, compared to the 100% captured by immersion cooling, resulting in lower carbon emissions for businesses that opt for immersion cooling methods.

 

Park Place Technologies can deliver a complete, turn-key solution for organisations looking to implement Liquid Cooling technology, removing the complexity of adoption, which is a common barrier for businesses. Park Place Technologies provides a single-vendor solution for the whole process from procuring the hardware, conversion of the servers for liquid cooling, installation, maintenance, monitoring and management of the hardware and the cooling technology.

“Our new Liquid Cooling offerings have the potential to have a significant impact on our customers’ costs and carbon emissions, two of the key issues they face today,” said Chris Carreiro, Chief Technology Officer, at Park Place Technologies.  “Park Place Technologies is ideally positioned to help organisations cut their data centre operations costs, giving them the opportunity to re-invest in driving innovation across their businesses.

The decision to invest in Immersion Cooling and Direct-to-Chip Cooling depends on various factors, including the specific requirements of the data center, budget constraints, the desired level of cooling efficiency, and infrastructure complexity. Park Place Technologies can work closely with customers to find the best solution for their business, and can guide them towards the best long-term strategy, while offering short-term results. This takes much of the complexity out of the process, which will enable more businesses to capitalise on this exciting new technology.”

 

About Park Place Technologies

 

Park Place Technologies is a global data centre and networking optimisation firm. We help 21,500 organisations – including half the Fortune 500 -- fuel innovation by dramatically reducing time and money spent on IT infrastructure management, while boosting performance and Uptime.  

Powered by the world’s largest on-the-ground engineering team, a robust group of advanced engineers, and our global Enterprise Operations Centres, Park Place delivers significant cost savings on hardware maintenance, software technical support, hardware procurement, and more. We also streamline IT infrastructure management, freeing internal teams from day-to-day tasks, enabling them to focus on strategic initiatives.  Park Place Technologies: Save. Simplify. Innovate.  

For more information, visit ParkPlaceTechnologies.com. Park Place is a portfolio company of Charlesbank Capital Partners and GTCR.  

ISA to host the second edition of the International Solar Festival in Osaka, Japan

   

* The global edition to showcase CEO Caucus, celebrating youth led innovation and cultural bonding at World Expo 2025, Japan

-      Hosted in collaboration with MNRE, ISA brings the global solar movement to center stage at World Expo 2025.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) will host the next editions of its flagship initiatives—the CEO Caucus and the International Solar Festival (ISF)—at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, from 3–4 July 2025. These platforms will bring together global leaders, innovators, policymakers, and community champions to advance the global solar transition and foster collaboration across regions.

Launched in 2024, the CEO Caucus and International Solar Festival (ISF) have emerged as key platforms shaping the future of solar energy deployment and innovation.

“The CEO Caucus and International Solar Festival are not just flagship initiatives of ISA—they are dynamic, global convenings for public-private collaboration, youth-led innovation, and transformative solar action. By hosting them at World Expo 2025 in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), ISA is deepening its commitment to transforming solar movement from Ambition to Action. While India’s progress offers a powerful role model for Global South — reaching 224 GW of renewable capacity as of April 2025, including 108 GW from solar— these platforms are about global momentum bringing together India, Japan and ISA’s 124 member countries by sharing stories, building partnerships, and enabling jobs led solar growth,” said Mr Ashish Khanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance.

 

The 2025 CEO Caucus, themed “Forging the Future of Solar: India-Japan Innovations for a Sustainable Asia’ will focus on unlocking new opportunities for cross-border investment, resilient supply chains, and clean energy innovation. A key highlight will be the India–Japan Solar Industry Roundtable, which will explore collaboration in battery storage, green hydrogen, and solar manufacturing—supporting India’s ambition of 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. The Osaka edition builds on the first 2025 CEO Caucus roundtable held in Brussels in June, which explored Europe’s role in diversifying and strengthening global solar value chains.

International Solar Festival: Stories of Impact and Innovation

The second International Solar Festival will spotlight transformative solar stories from youth, entrepreneurs, and communities through:

·         Young G Limitless: Leading the Solar Takeover – a spotlight session where young changemakers and technology influencers reimagine the solar future.

·         Dastan-e-Aftaab (Story of the Sun) – a mesmerising cultural performance celebrating our shared solar heritage and the universal significance of the sun.

The Festival’s first edition in New Delhi (September 2024) attracted thousands and celebrated solar energy’s power to transform lives, fuel dreams, and empower communities. The Festival focused on four key themes: Youth Engagement, Gender Inclusion, Entrepreneurship G Private Sector Engagement, and Community Empowerment—amplifying underrepresented voices and harnessing the energy of youth and innovators to make solar both aspirational and accessible.

Scaling Up Global Solar Collaboration

Both platforms are now being positioned as annual global convenings for solar advocacy, policy dialogue, and investment mobilisation. CEO Caucus roundtables are also planned across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America C the Caribbean in 2025. Reflecting on these global platforms, Mr Khanna added: “The CEO Caucus and International Solar Festival are not just milestones—they are movements. They embody our belief that solar energy can unite nations, transform lives, and accelerate the sustainable future we all aspire to. Through leadership, innovation, and youth-led action, we are building the solar-powered tomorrow the world urgently needs. We invite stakeholders from across the ecosystem to join us in Osaka and be part of this shared journey.”

Event Details:

·         CEO Caucus: Forging the Future of Solar: India-Japan Innovations for a Sustainable Asia:

3 July 2025 | Bharat Pavilion, World Expo 2025

·         International Solar Festival: 4 July 2025 | Bharat Pavilion, World Expo 2025

ISA welcomes participation from government representatives, industry leaders, innovators, financiers, youth organisations, and civil society.

 

The World Expo 2025, organised by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), is currently underway in Osaka, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the Expo focuses on three sub-themes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives. It serves as a global platform for innovation, collaboration, and transformative solutions to shape a better future. With 28 million visitors expected, the Expo is a landmark event driving conversations and action for tomorrow’s societies.

About the International Solar Alliance:

The International Solar Alliance is a global initiative launched in 2015 by India and France at COP21 in Paris. It has 123 Member and Signatory Countries. The Alliance works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promotes solar power as a sustainable transition to a carbon-neutral future.

ISA’s mission is to unlock investments in solar energy while reducing the cost of technology and financing it. It promotes the use of solar energy in agriculture, health, transport, and power generation sectors. ISA Member Countries are driving change by enacting policies and regulations, sharing best practices, agreeing on common standards, and mobilising investments.

Through this work, ISA has identified, designed and tested new business models for solar projects; supported governments to make their energy legislation and policies solar-friendly through Ease of Doing Solar analytics and advisory; pooled demand for solar technology from different countries; and drove down costs; improved access to finance by reducing the risks and making the sector more attractive to private investment; increased access to solar training, data and insights for solar engineers and energy policymakers.

With its advocacy for solar-powered solutions, ISA aims to transform lives, bring clean, reliable, and affordable energy to communities worldwide, fuel sustainable growth, and improve quality of life. On 6 December 2017, 15 countries signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement, making ISA the first international intergovernmental organisation to be headquartered in India. ISA is partnering with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organisations, civil society, and other international institutions to deploy cost-effective and transformational solutions through solar energy, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

For more information, visit the ISA website: www.isa.int