ICC Brewery Conclave 2025 Pushes AI-Driven Sustainability in India’s Beer Industry

●       Brewing Sector Embraces Tech-Led Transformation

●       Paves the Way for India’s Beer Economy 2.0

With India’s beer market brewing strong and evolving rapidly, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted the Brewery Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru, drawing a diverse mix of brewers, investors, machinery specialists, and policymakers to explore next-gen growth opportunities in one of India’s fastest-growing beverage sectors.

Held at High Brew Brewery, the conclave brought together over 150 delegates including top brewery owners, international brewers, excise officials, sustainability experts, and AI solution providers. As India’s beer market races toward a valuation of ₹456 billion with a projected CAGR of 8.5%, this exclusive event offers a timely platform for dialogue, innovation, and policy alignment.

AI and Sustainability Take Center Stage

A major theme of the conclave was ICC’s push to introduce AI as a catalyst for sustainable brewing. From AI-driven fermentation control and predictive maintenance to water efficiency monitoring and carbon usage tracking, speakers emphasized how technology can reduce costs, enhance quality, and support environmental goals. “AI is now as important as yeast in the brewing process. It empowers brewers to be sustainable, scalable, and smart,” said Mr. Aadithya

Shivkumar Eashwaran, ICC Committee Chairman – Brewery & Distillery and Head Brewer at PRODEB Brewery Technology. Mr. Sushilkumar Eashwaran, Chairman – ICC Sustainability Committee, added, “Green brewing must move from optional to operational. ICC is committed to helping the industry adopt AI-led solutions that are good for business and the planet.”

Bengaluru: The Perfect Brew

With nearly 45–50% of India’s beer consumption coming from South India and Bengaluru standing tall as the country’s craft beer capital, the city offered the ideal setting. From its dynamic pub culture to its liberal excise policy, Bengaluru has become a beacon for innovation in brewing.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

Mr. Shivkumar Eashwaran, Chairman – ICC and Canadian Crystalline Water India Ltd., said,“India’s young demographic and evolving taste for craft beers create an exciting climate for brewers, innovators, and investors. This conclave is about unlocking that in a responsible, future-ready way.”

Key Themes and Sessions

●       Setting up micro and nano breweries: licensing, scale, and feasibility

●       Cross-state excise compliance: challenges and reforms

●       Advanced brewing machinery and AI-based quality control

●       Market trends: premiumisation, consumer evolution, and exports

●       The circular economy: energy and water sustainability in brewing

The conclave also featured a B2B Trade Desk, matchmaking brewers with machinery suppliers, malt producers, and tech enablers. A guided brewery tour and beer tasting at High Brew Brewery gave attendees a live look into India’s emerging craft beer excellence.

The Road Ahead

To build on the outcomes of the conclave, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) announced the launch of a Green Brewery Certification Program in collaboration with its Sustainability Committee, aimed at encouraging breweries to adopt measurable ESG benchmarks related to water usage, waste management, and emissions.

ICC will also roll out a National Microbrewery Exchange Program to facilitate knowledge and talent exchange between emerging and established brewers across Indian states and global hubs.

In addition, ICC will collaborate with technology partners to develop an AI-enabled, open-access compliance platform to help microbreweries simplify and streamline adherence to complex state-wise excise norms.“Beer is not just a drink—it’s an economy, a culture, and a collaboration,” said Mr. Sushilkumar Eashwaran, capturing the spirit of the conclave.

Union Bank of India Approved The Accounts Of The Bank For The Quarter ended June 30, 2025

The Board of Directors of Union Bank of India approved the accounts of the Bank for the Quarter ended June 30, 2025, 

 Network:

1. 8,649 Branches including foreign branches

2. 8,976 ATMs

3. 24,907 BC points

4. 138 MLPs (MSME Loan Points)

5. 140 RLPs (Retail Loan Points)

6. 70 ALPs (Agriculture Loan Points)

7. 113 Union MSME First Branches

8. 1,685 Gold Loan Points

9. 12 LCBs & 38 MCBs

10. 3 SAMBs & 29 ARB 

Financial Inclusion schemes:

Financial Inclusion schemes launched by GOI with an aim to eliminate barriers and provide economically priced financial services to the less accessible sections of the society through government-backed schemes like PMJJBY, PMSBY, PMJDY and APY.

1. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY):

This is a Government- backed insurance scheme; where 4.35 lakhs new enrollments were done by the Bank for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

2. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY):

This is Government- backed accidental insurance scheme; where 5.10 lakhs new enrollments were done by the Bank for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

3. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):

Our bank is instrumental in opening 3.26 Crores accounts under PMJDY Scheme with balance of Rs. 13,089 Crores as on 30.06.2025. The corresponding figure was 2.99 Crores account with balance of Rs. 10,669 Crores as on 30.06.2024.

4. Atal Pension Yojana (APY):

APY is a pension scheme, primarily targeted at the individuals working in unorganized sector, 1.73 lakh new enrollments were done by Bank for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

5. Union Nari Shakti Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs:

   Sanctioned 2,881 Applications for Rs.503 crores during Q1FY26 

6. Credit facility towards Green initiatives: -

• Renewable Energy Sector: -Sanctioned Rs. 29,782 crores as on 30.06.2025

• Union Green Miles: -Sanctioned amount Rs. 1,006 crores as on 30.06.2025.

Punjab National Bank Hosts “Prize Distribution Ceremony For Cybersecurity Hackathon”

PNB hosted the Prize Distribution Ceremony of the “Code Against Malware” Hackathon at its Head Office. The hackathon was conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, under the guidance of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), with the objective of fostering innovation in cybersecurity and engaging India’s young technical talent.

The ceremony was graced by Shri M. Nagaraju, IAS, Secretary, DFS as Chief Guest, alongside Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur; Shri Atul Kumar Goel, Chief Executive, IBA; and the Bank’s Managing Director & CEO, among other distinguished dignitaries, faculty members, jury members, and student participants. 

Launched in December 2024, the “Code Against Malware” hackathon invited student teams from IIT Kanpur and other premier institutions to develop endpoint security solutions to detect ransomware using behavioural analysis, artificial intelligence, and heuristic techniques. 

The initiative received an enthusiastic response with 90 registrations, of which 15 teams progressed to the development phase. Seven working prototypes were submitted and evaluated. 

In his address, the Chief Guest, Shri M. Nagaraju, highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in the banking sector, noting that such initiatives align with the national goal of building resilience against emerging digital threats.

MD & CEO, in his remarks, underscored the institution’s commitment to driving innovation, strengthening cyber defences, and promoting collaboration between industry and academia. 

The winners of the hackathon, along with winners from similar initiatives across other public sector banks, will be provided an opportunity to showcase their solutions at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2025 in Mumbai.

PNB is one of India’s leading public sector banks, committed to delivering cutting-edge financial services and pioneering innovations in cybersecurity, digital payments, and financial inclusion. The Bank has been recognized with multiple awards, including Winner – Cyber Security Team of the Year, Winner – Incident Response Maturity, and Winner – Digital Payments Award (FY 2024–25).

The Pant Project Launches Flagship Store In Kochi On July 19, 2025

The Pant Project, India’s rising clothing brand, is all set to launch its flagship store in Kochi on July 19, located on Mahatma Gandhi Road. This marks a major milestone in the brand’s expansion journey, bringing its signature focus on fit, comfort, and premium fabrics to Kerala.

Designed with a multi-use approach, the store highlights The Pant Project’s bestselling categories including Power Stretch, Formals, and a versatile pants universe featuring Linen, Wool, Chinos, Cargos, and Jeans. Customers can enjoy a personalized experience through in-store masters and an AI-based sizing technology currently under testing.

“We’ve had consistent demand from our Kochi customers over the years, and this store is our way of bringing them closer to a tailored pant experience,” said Dhruv Toshniwal, Founder. In line with Dhruv, Udit Toshniwal, Founder said “We’ve seen a high volume of repeat customers from Kochi via our online channels. This store is our way of giving back by offering high-quality fabric, class-leading fit, and real value.”

Further Sharath Raju, VP-Retail added “We plan to expand across key cities this year, bringing our unique fit experience closer to customers nationwide.”

With linen and PV cotton collections tailored for Kerala’s climate, and water-repellent pants ideal for monsoon wear, the store brings both relevance and innovation to local shoppers. The brand currently operates in six cities, with plans to expand to three more by year-end. As a launch offer, the Kochi store will feature a 30% discount on all products on Saturday and Sunday (19th & 20th) and it's valid only for early visitors.

EDII Incubated Omspace Rocket & Exploration Secures $3M Pre-Seed Funding To Build Indigenous Small Satellite Launch Vehicle

Omspace Rocket & Exploration Private Limited, an Indian space-tech startup incubated at CrAdLE (Centre for Advancing & Launching Enterprises), Technology Business Incubator at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), has successfully raised $3 million in a pre-seed funding round. The investment, led by a Family Office and an Angel Investor, marks a significant milestone in Omspace’s journey to develop Infinity One, an indigenous, modular launch vehicle designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite missions.

Founded in 2020 by a passionate team of engineers and innovators — Dr Ravindra Raj Binod Mistri, Mr. Maulik Mota, and Ms. Stutika Padamshali, Omspace is headquartered in Ahmedabad, with an international presence in Dubai, UAE. Omspace's flagship innovation, Infinity One, aims to deliver payloads of approximately 350 kg to altitudes of up to 800 km. With an emphasis on fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the launch system seeks to offer reliable launch solution for India’s growing space-tech sector.

The newly raised funds will be utilized to:

• Finalise and begin test launches of the Infinity One prototype

• Expand Omspace’s research & development team and hire specialised talent

• Strengthen the company’s manufacturing infrastructure and ground systems

CrAdLE, the Technology Business Incubator at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), plays a pivotal role in nurturing early-stage ventures across sectors, especially in deep-tech and innovation-led domains. Backed by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, CrAdLE has been instrumental in guiding Omspace through technical validation, strategic mentoring, and business planning. With its support, Omspace is now accelerating the development and testing of its flagship launch vehicle, Infinity One.

Dr Mistry, Co-Founder of Omspace Rocket & Exploration Private Limited, said, “This funding is a major milestone in our mission to democratise access to space from India. We are deeply thankful to CrAdLE and EDII for believing in our vision and enabling us with the resources, mentorship, and environment to take bold leaps.”

Dr Satya Ranjan Acharya, Director, CrAdLE, EDII, said, “At CrAdLE (Centre for Advancing & Launching Enterprises), we’re proud to support ventures like Omspace Rocket & Exploration that are pushing the boundaries of technology and placing India on the global space-tech map. Their journey reflects the potential of indigenous innovation backed by the right ecosystem.”

As India strengthens its space-tech ecosystem with a vibrant private sector push, startups like Omspace are emerging as key contributors to building indigenous, scalable, and affordable space solutions.

Till date, CrAdLE has supported 135 startups, fostering technology and knowledge-based entrepreneurial ventures in four focus sectors: manufacturing, food processing, renewable energy, and healthcare.

Sri Eshwar College of Engineering, Coimbatore, New Horizon College of Engineering & PES University wins ‘The Great Learning AI Challenge’

• Marking World Youth Skills Day, the Challenge sparked a nationwide movement with participation from 12,000 students representing over 200 colleges.

• 45+ GenAI Courses, worth Rs 40,000, were offered free on Great Learning Academy Platform between July 13-15

 

In a bold step to accelerate GenAI literacy among India’s youth, Great Learning successfully concluded the inaugural edition of “The Great Learning AI Challenge” on World Youth Skills Day, drawing massive participation from across the nation.  Over 16,000 individuals across India enrolled in 45+ GenAI courses, with certificates worth ₹40,000, offered completely free through Great Learning Academy between July 13 - 15. The three-day upskilling sprint witnessed enthusiastic participation from 12,000 college students, representing over 200 colleges and 4,000 early career professionals. Notably, 60% students were from tier 2 cities, highlighting the growing awareness of the importance of acquiring Generative AI skills in these cities.

 

Following competitive tracking through a leaderboard, the winning institutions were crowned in two categories. In both the GenAI Super Squad (highest number of unique participants) and GenAI Masterminds (most course completions) categories, Sri Eshwar College of Engineering, Coimbatore, New Horizon College of Engineering, and PES University, Bangalore secured the top three positions.

 

Commenting on the challenge, Aparna Mahesh, Chief Marketing Officer, Great Learning, said, “What we witnessed with The Great Learning AI Challenge was truly heartening. Gen Z is not just adapting to the AI revolution; they are leading it with passion and purpose. While we did set out to offer free courses, it sparked something bigger, a sense of possibility, of confidence, of being future-ready. The energy and enthusiasm we witnessed from students across the country reflected a generation eager to shape India’s future in technology and innovation. What began as a learning initiative quickly turned into a national movement and reminded us why we do what we do. At Great Learning, we are committed to keeping this momentum alive by empowering youth with meaningful opportunities to build successful, future-ready careers in an AI-driven world.”

 

Enrollment trends revealed a strong focus on core GenAI concepts, with Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT, Generative AI for Beginners and ChatGPT for Beginners being the most popular courses during the challenge, followed by ChatGPT for Marketing, ChatGPT for Excel, and Build a Website using ChatGPT. Some of the other courses that were of interest to students were Data Analytics Using ChatGPT with Excel and Python, ChatGPT for Business Communication and Interview Preparation Using Gemini.

 

Harshit Gajendran from New Horizon College of Engineering distinguished himself as the top performer of The Great Learning AI Challenge by completing 45 GenAI courses within just three days, a truly exceptional accomplishment that demonstrated both determination and a deep commitment to upskilling. Reflecting on his journey, he shared: “The Great Learning AI Challenge was unlike anything I have done before. It really pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and dive deep into the world of Generative AI. Finishing all the courses in just three days wasn’t easy, but it helped me build a strong understanding of everything from prompt engineering to problem-solving with AI. What made it truly special was being part of something bigger, a nationwide challenge where thousands of us were learning, competing, and growing together. Being named the top performer among thousands of participants is incredibly motivating. It feels like all the effort has truly paid off.”

 

The initiative, anchored by the campaign tagline ‘Gen Z Goes GenAI — Because careers don’t start with jobs, they start with skills’, underscored the growing urgency for young professionals to build expertise in emerging technologies. Designed to accelerate GenAI adoption across India, the challenge served as an accessible and inclusive platform for learners to gain in-demand skills, earn recognised credentials, and engage with AI meaningfully. By offering high-quality learning at scale and no cost,  the campaign helped bridge the gap between traditional education and industry expectations, while laying a strong foundation for India’s youth to thrive in an increasingly AI-powered world.

 

About Great Learning

Great Learning is a leading global ed-tech company for professional learning and higher education. It offers comprehensive, industry-relevant, hands-on learning programs across various business, technology, and interdisciplinary domains, driving the digital economy. These programs are developed and offered in collaboration with the world's foremost academic institutions in various formats, such as - certificate programs (ranging from 3-11 months), online degrees, as well as hybrid degrees. Great Learning is able to leverage the highly qualified, world-class faculty at these universities, together with its vast network of 7800+ industry expert mentors, to deliver an unmatched learning experience for over 13 million learners from over 170 countries around the world.

Driving The Future: Kotak Mahindra Prime Is Now A Preferred Financier For Tesla In India

• 

• Kotak Mahindra Prime first to be appointed as a Preferred Financer for Tesla in India

• Kotak Mahindra Prime will offer specially curated finance schemes for Tesla buyers

• Buyers can check financing options on Tesla’s India portal / mobile app

 

With Tesla bringing in its revolutionary electric vehicles to India, Kotak Mahindra Prime (KMPL) has been officially announced as a Preferred Financer, offering its seamless financing experience for their futuristic EVs.

 

Kotak Mahindra Prime, one of India’s leading auto finance company, is the first among financers to be appointed as a Preferred Financer for Tesla in India. KMPL will be offering specially curated car finance schemes for Tesla EV buyers. Buyers would be able to check financing options by KMPL on the Tesla India portal / mobile application itself for a seamless buying experience.

 

Shahrukh Todiwala, MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Prime, put it best: “Tesla has redefined mobility with their cutting-edge technology. Their entry in the Indian market is a pivotal moment as the Indian automobile industry continues to make new strides towards green mobility. We at KMPL have always been at the forefront of financing sustainable mobility solutions. Our collaboration with Tesla will give further impetus to our efforts in enabling customers realise their aspiration towards a more sustainable living.”

 

About Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited:

Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited (KMPL) is a subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited and has been one of India's leading car finance company since 1996. In 2018, KMPL successfully kick-started its two-wheeler loan business and has also begun offering Loan Against Property since 2022. In the automobile space, KMPL finances new, pre-owned passenger cars and two wheelers for retail consumers as well as provides wholesale financing to automobile dealerships. The company has preferred financier relationships and tie-ups with various automobile manufacturers in India. KMPL provides Loans Against Property against both commercial and residential real estate, ensuring ready finance for business or personal needs. KMPL's retail distribution network comprises of 161 branches across 24 states in India that is further supported by a wide network of direct marketing associates and agencies across the country. https://www.primeloans.kotak.com.