Karnataka Students Wins Top Honors At “India’s Largest GenAI Student Challenge”

* The OpenAI Academy x NxtWave Buildathon Finale At The India AI Impact Summit

Students from Karnataka were recognized among national winners at the OpenAI Academy x NxtWave Buildathon finale at the India AI Impact Summit, held at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan, New Delhi. LineLens built by students from MS Ramaiah Engineering College secured 4th position for creating an AI-driven CRM research workspace powered by agentic AI. LineLens converts a researcher’s browser into an intelligent CRM workspace that automates discovery, outreach, and collaboration tracking through agentic AI. Karnataka’s representation reinforces the strong pipeline of industry-ready AI student talent from the state.

Organized as a flagship pre-summit initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) IndiaAI Mission, the Buildathon brought together more than 70,000 young innovators in 7 states - Delhi, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu around the country. Identifying talent from universities through regional rounds across, the buildathon underscored the depth of India’s AI capabilities beyond metropolitan hubs. 90 teams advanced to the national finale, where they were evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising Raghav Gupta, Head of Education, India & Asia Pacific, OpenAI; Sandeep N, GTM APAC, OpenAI; Dr. Buddha Chandrasekhar, Chief Coordinating Officer, AICTE, Ministry of Education and Saharsh Sharma, VP, Chiratae Ventures along with industry leaders from JP Morgan Chase and Make My Trip. The review process prioritized the effective use of Large Language Models (LLMs), scalability, and system architecture, ensuring that student innovations translated into practical, deployment-ready solutions.

Guest of Honor Rama Lanka Devi, Lead Architect, Niti Frontier Tech Hub, Niti Ayog said, “India’s youth are not just learning AI, they are the first generation of AI nation-builders. And when they build with purpose, transformation becomes inevitable.”

Speaking at the national finale, Rahul Attuluri, CEO and Co-Founder of NxtWave, said, “With the OpenAI Academy x NxtWave Buildathon, we built the country’s largest GenAI challenge for students under the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Together with OpenAI, NxtWave is contributing to India’s mission of developing the largest pool of young AI talent. It’s a proud moment to see students from across regions present practical AI solutions on a global stage, and we will continue to expand this initiative to reach more cities and learners.”

Bonnie Chatterjee, Global Head of AI Deployment Engineering, OpenAI, said, “India is rapidly becoming a global epicenter for AI talent. What truly sets this ecosystem apart is the shift from experimentation to application. Students are building solutions rooted in reality, tackling everything from rural healthcare to agricultural yields. Through the OpenAI Academy, we’re bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world impact, proving that Indian innovation is practical, essential and inclusive."

By mobilizing talent to solve challenges rooted in their own regional contexts, the initiative ensured that AI innovation is not just imported but indigenous, reinforcing the Summit’s mandate for inclusive, impact-led adoption at scale. Winning teams were awarded a total prize pool of ₹10 lakh, along with ecosystem support to scale their innovations reinforcing the buildathon’s focus on innovation.

Earth Fund Announces Investment Of INR 20 Crores In Truboard Partners

Earth Fund, India's specialist Built Environment and Sustainability focused venture capital platform, today announced its investment of 20 crores in Truboard Partners, a leading provider of AI-powered asset performance platform serving lenders, equity investors, developers, and asset owners across real estate and financial assets. Truboard's platform delivers a 360-degree view of investment performance, enabling sophisticated portfolio management and enhanced IRRs through data-driven insights. The investment underscores Earth Fund's commitment to backing technology infrastructure that is professionalizing India's real asset ecosystem.

Founded by professionals with experience across real assets, technology, and institutional finance, the company has developed a platform used by investors and operators to manage complex, multi-asset portfolios across India’s real estate and energy market aided by recent expansions in the US and EU markets.

Vipul Thakore, Founder and CEO of Truboard Partners, said: “Earth Fund’s investment reflects a shared view that managing asset performance across real assets requires technology designed for the operational realities of these sectors. Our engagement across developers, lenders, and institutional investors supports the development of a common operating layer for portfolio management spanning real estate and energy, across both debt and equity structures. This partnership enables us to strengthen an established product foundation and scale it responsibly across asset classes.”

Earth Fund's partners emphasized the combination of founder pedigree and demonstrated institutional adoption as decisive investment factors. Nirupa Shankar, Managing Partner Earth Fund, noted: "Truboard fills a critical gap in India’s real asset ecosystem by bringing structure and transparency to post-investment asset monitoring in real estate and clean energy infrastructure. By turning fragmented data into actionable insights, the platform compresses lender visibility from months to days, helps manage risk, and enables asset owners to generate 2–3% higher returns on assets in a market that has traditionally lacked real-time visibility." Abhijeet Pai, Managing Partner at Earth Fund, added: "What attracted us to Truboard was the same pattern we see in category-defining companies—blue-chip clients, measurable ROI delivery, and product sophistication that creates switching costs."

Truboard marks the maiden investment from Earth Fund which was recently been reported to attract funding from institutional backers like HDFC Capital Advisors Limited (HCAL), the alternative investment platform of HDFC Bank as well as listed developers like Nila Spaces. The Sponsors of the Fund, Brigade Enterprises Ltd. and Gruhas have committed over 50% of the capital received in the fund highlighting their strong belief in the fund’s thesis.

About Truboard Partners

Truboard Partners provides AI-driven asset performance management software that delivers comprehensive portfolio intelligence to lenders, equity investors, and asset owners managing real and financial assets. The platform enables 360-degree visibility into investment performance, risk management, and operational efficiency, helping institutions optimize portfolio IRRs through data-driven decision-making.

About Earth Fund

Earth Fund is India’s only specialist venture platform focused on PropTech and climate-forward real estate innovation anchored by Brigade Group and Gruhas. Backing early-stage ventures that are redefining the built environment, Earth Fund is catalysing a more efficient, transparent, and responsible urban future. Earth Fund extends a Capital++ model where portfolio companies gain access to developer networks, industry expertise, and real-world deployment opportunities.

Baidyanath Ayurved Expands Superfoods Portfolio With Launch Of Organic Moringa Powder To Address Everyday Nutritional Gaps

Baidyanath Ayurved, one of the largest and oldest manufacturers of traditional Ayurvedic medicines and wellness products in India announced the launch of Baidyanath Certified Organic Moringa Powder, the latest addition to its expanding superfoods portfolio. Known globally as a nutrient-rich superfood, Moringa has been introduced to meet the growing demand for holistic, plant-based nutrition and to offer consumers a simple, natural way to support everyday wellness by providing a naturally iron-rich, calcium-rich, and antioxidant-rich superfood.

Baidyanath Certified Organic Moringa Powder is made from carefully selected moringa leaves that contain plant-based nutrients including vitamins A and C, along with naturally occurring phytonutrients that support overall vitality when consumed as part of a balanced diet. It is cleaned, shade-dried, and finely milled to help preserve their natural nutrient profile. This gentle processing method helps retain the leaves’ naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while maintaining a vibrant green colour and fresh aroma, reflecting minimal processing. Each batch undergoes strict quality checks to ensure purity, hygiene, and consistency, delivering a clean-label superfood powder free from artificial additives or fillers.

Speaking during the launch, Ajay Sharma, Director, Baidyanath Ayurved, said: “With the introduction of Organic Moringa Powder, we are strengthening our superfoods portfolio with a nutrient-dense, plant-based solution that aligns with today’s preventive wellness trends. Moringa is globally recognised for its rich nutritional profile and presenting it in a convenient powdered format allows consumers to easily bridge everyday nutritional gaps. This launch reflects our continued commitment to combining heritage-backed expertise with modern nutrition needs.”

Positioned as a daily nutrition supplement rather than a condition-specific product, Baidyanath Certified Organic Moringa Powder is suitable for a wide range of consumers, including women seeking iron- and calcium-rich dietary support, vegetarians and vegans looking for plant-based superfoods, fitness enthusiasts, working professionals, and senior citizens aiming to maintain balanced nutrition. Its mild flavour and fine texture make it easy to incorporate into smoothies, protein shakes, warm water, soups, dals, sabzis, chutneys, and even roti or paratha dough, offering flexibility for both traditional and modern recipes.

Available across leading online marketplaces (such as Amazon, Flipkart, Jio-mart etc.) and select offline retail outlets, this launch further reinforces Baidyanath’s heritage-driven yet forward-looking approach to wellness. While moringa has long-standing roots in traditional natural wellness practices, its introduction as a superfood powder reflects Baidyanath’s ability to adapt classical knowledge into contemporary, easy-to-use formats. With this addition, Baidyanath continues to evolve its wellness portfolio to meet changing consumer preferences while staying rooted in its rich Ayurvedic legacy.

Baidyanath Organic Moringa Powder (200 gm) is now available at an introductory price of ₹215 (MRP: ₹330).

Hatsun Badminton Centre Engages Datuk Misbun Sidek As High-Performance Coach

Hatsun Badminton Centre, part of the HAP Sports Trust established by Hatsun Agro Product Ltd (HAP), has engaged with legendary badminton coach Datuk Misbun Sidek to guide advanced training programmes for players at the Centre.

Datuk Misbun Sidek has coached international champions, including 3 former world No. 1 players Rashid Sidek, Roslin Hashim, and Lee Chong Wei. At Hatsun Badminton Centre, he now works with the resident coaching team to mentor athletes and introduce specialised training modules aimed at further strengthening international-level competitiveness.

Datuk Misbun Sidek said "The training infrastructure at the Hatsun Badminton Centre ranks among the best environments for intensive preparation. India has produced a strong pool of badminton players in recent years, and sustained progress depends on structured long-term training. I see a lot of potential among the players at the academy. Having mentored three World No. 1s, I am here in search for my fourth. I look forward to working with the players and coaches here to strengthen match preparation and competitive consistency"

Mr. R.G. Chandramogan, Chairman, Hatsun Agro Products Ltd said, “The Hatsun Sports academy was created to give young athletes access to world-class training infrastructure and experienced coaching. Bringing one of the finest coaches in the sport to work with our players reflects our belief that disciplined training, guided by the best expertise, creates the foundation required to produce world-class champions.”

The collaboration is expected to significantly enhance high-performance training at Hatsun Badminton Centre and provide Indian shuttlers access to world-class coaching methodologies.

The Hatsun Sports academy serves as a premier athletic hub featuring eight world-class badminton courts, the Hatsun Tennikoit Academy with twelve exclusive courts, and the Hatsun Chess Academy. To date, the facility has successfully trained 300+ budding athletes across these disciplines. Leading the charge for badminton is world No. 88 S. Rithwik Sanjeevi, the first player from Tamilnadu to clinch the Gold medal in senior national championship held in Vijayawada, the Gold medallist in Mangalore India international challenge & 2024 Super 100 Odisha Masters champion. Along with Rithwik, other seniors players are expected to thrive under Datuk Misbun Sidek’s mentorship. To ensure holistic development, the academy provides a comprehensive professional platform equipped with a high-performance gymnasium, swimming pool, athletic tracks, and a sauna for elite physical conditioning.

Titan Hosts Design Impact Awards Conclave - Addressing The Water Crisis (Second Edition) At The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru

The second edition of the Design Impact Awards, themed around addressing the water crisis, was held on 18 February 2026 at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. As part of the Design Impact Awards second edition, six startups were selected and supported with grants of ₹50 lakh each to implement their solutions over the past year. This conclave marked a celebration of the on-ground impact created during this implementation phase, while also bringing together leaders from industry, government, and the innovation ecosystem through keynote addresses and panel discussions. The event featured a recognition ceremony for partners and grantees and culminated in the announcement of startups selected for the “Deep Impact” phase, where a pool grant of INR 3 CR were awarded to the winners. Beyond the awards, the platform enables startups to showcase their work, build strategic connections, and explore pathways for wider adoption of their solutions.

The Conclave brought together a diverse set of key stakeholders from government, industry, philanthropy, and the social innovation ecosystem. The event was attended by senior leaders such as Mr. Ajoy Chawla, Managing Director, Titan Company; Mr. N.E. Sridhar, Chief Sustainability Officer, Titan Company; Mr. Ashok Natarajan, CEO, Steady-Taps Consulting; and Shri. Srinivasulu, IFS, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment & Ecology Department, Government of Karnataka.

In addition, representatives from partner institutions including BWSSB, EMPRI, CSR leaders, philanthropic organizations, ecosystem enablers, and participating startups were also present, creating a multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue, collaboration, and scaling of water innovations.

Featured Grantees & Impact Highlights

The winners acknowledged at the Design Impact Awards Conclave today are:

CultYvate (Farm2Folk Pvt. Ltd.)

SmartTerra Urban Water Management Pvt. Ltd.

Solinas Integrity Pvt. Ltd.

Over the past year, the six grantees have piloted scalable solutions across agriculture, urban water management, wastewater recycling, and pipeline inspection. Highlights include:

CultYvate (Farm2Folk Pvt. Ltd.) – IoT-based Alternate Wetting & Drying system for paddy farming; pilot in Punjab covering 2,500 acres and 600–800 farmers

SmartTerra Urban Water Management Pvt. Ltd. – AI-driven software for leak detection and NRW reduction; pilot in Khammam, Telangana

Solinas Integrity Pvt. Ltd. – Robotic inspection systems to reduce Non-Revenue Water; 16 km of pipeline inspected in Kolhapur

EF Polymer Pvt. Ltd. – 100% organic biodegradable superabsorbent polymer to enhance soil water retention; pilot in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

EcoSTP Technologies Pvt. Ltd. – Net Zero Sewage Treatment Technology; pilot demonstration at EMPRI, Bengaluru

Transwater Systems Pvt. Ltd. (BOSON White Water System) – Decentralized wastewater treatment; pilot at Kadubeesanahalli BWSSB STP, Bengaluru.

BITS Enters A New Era Of Admissions, Announces Tuition Blind Admissions For Top 500 BITSAT Rankers

BITS Pilani, an institution of eminence, has consistently upheld the principle that financial barriers should never come in the way of exceptional talent. This enduring commitment has shaped a strong institutional culture of scholarship‑driven support, ensuring equitable access for all deserving students. In the last year alone, the institute disbursed ₹132 crore in merit and merit‑cum‑need scholarships, enabling one in four students across its campuses to receive financial assistance.

Starting in AY 2026–27, BITS Pilani will take a landmark step in its 60-year journey by introducing tuition-blind admissions for the top 500 BITSAT rankers. Eligible candidates with an annual family income of up to ₹20 lakh will receive a full tuition scholarship for all four years, subject to maintaining a minimum CGPA of 7.5 at their respective campuses. This is not a scholarship students must apply for after joining; rather, it is an assurance built into the admission offer, ensuring that top performers can choose BITS based on aspiration and opportunity, not affordability.

This initiative is enabled by growing alumni support and sustained institutional investment. Over the coming years, BITS intends to expand this coverage progressively, with the long-term goal of moving towards tuition blind admissions for all.

Commenting on the announcement, Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “We have invested heavily in scholarships for years, but tuition blind admissions for our top 500 BITSAT rankers is a defining step. If you have the talent, money should not come in the way. We will keep expanding this year on year until we can make BITS fully tuition blind for every admission.”

Further details will be available on the official BITS Pilani admissions portal at https://admissions.bits-pilani.ac.in/

About BITS Pilani

Established in 1964, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) is an Institution of Eminence, globally recognised for excellence in higher education, research, and innovation. Over the decades, BITS Pilani has evolved into a multi-campus university, known for its academic rigour, cutting-edge research, and strong industry and international collaborations. BITS Pilani continues to strengthen its academic standing across national and global benchmarks. In the NIRF Rankings 2025, the Institute secured Rank 2 in Pharmacy, Rank 7 in the University category and Rank 11 in Engineering underscoring its leadership across key disciplines. All national ranking agencies of repute rank BITS as No. 1 among the private institutions for engineering. Globally, BITS Pilani is featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is ranked among the world’s top 250 in Engineering reflecting its growing international footprint. Accredited with an A++ grade by NAAC and supported by 100+ international collaborations, BITS Pilani continues to drive innovation-led education and impactful research. For more information, visit: https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/

A Lunar New Year Celebration At Blue Ginger, Taj West End, Bengaluru

To mark Lunar New Year 2026, Blue Ginger at Taj West End, Bengaluru, presents a chef-curated Vietnamese dining experience inspired by Tết, Vietnam’s most significant cultural festival. From 17th to 23rd February 2026, this limited-period celebration brings together authentic flavours, symbolic ingredients, and refined culinary techniques to honour themes of renewal, prosperity, and togetherness.

The thoughtfully designed set menu showcases beloved Vietnamese classics such as Bánh Canh coconut soup, Bánh Xèo crispy rice pancakes, and Bánh Mì with pickled vegetables, alongside comforting curries and grills. Signature highlights include chicken wrapped in betel leaves, braised jumbo prawns with chilli and basil, tenderloin with bamboo shoots, and silken tofu with bok choy, each dish reflecting the depth and balance that define Vietnamese cuisine.

Complementing the menu is a bespoke cocktail selection inspired by regional Vietnamese flavours. Guests can savour creations such as the herb-forward Saigon Garden, the indulgent Hanoi After Dusk infused with Vietnamese coffee, the silky Mekong Pearl with coconut and pandan, the celebratory Golden Dragon Spritz, the spiced Red Lantern, the floral Lotus Blossom, and the playful Pho-rito, a creative nod to Vietnam’s iconic pho spices.

Subtle Lunar New Year accents — warm red and gold highlights, refined festive table styling, and soft Asian-inspired music, complete the immersive yet elegant experience, staying true to Blue Ginger’s signature identity.

Dates: 17 February – 23 February 2026
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Venue: Blue Ginger, Taj West End, Bengaluru
Price: Set menu starting from ₹4,500++
Reservations: 080 6660 5660

A celebration of flavour, tradition, and new beginnings, Lunar New Year at Blue Ginger invites guests to welcome the year with abundance, warmth, and the timeless comfort of Vietnamese cuisine.