collaboration | Business Upturn

TNO and FSO instruments collaborate to commercialize Satellite Laser Communication

Tushar Aggarwal — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 17:52:09 +0000

TNO, a renowned research institute, has embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with commercial entity FSO Instruments, signaling a major step forward in the commercialization of optical space technology. This collaboration aims to transform TNO’s satellite laser communication technology into viable commercial products, marking a significant development in the field.

The agreement between TNO and FSO Instruments spans twenty years, granting FSO Instruments the global rights to industrialize and commercialize TNO’s innovative optical technology. This technology promises enhanced broadband connectivity, offering faster and more secure communication compared to traditional radio frequencies.

By leveraging TNO’s expertise in developing optical instruments for space applications, particularly in astronomy and Earth observation, this collaboration is poised to propel the Netherlands and Europe into a stronger position in the global market. With the exponential growth in data consumption, the demand for laser communication technology is expected to soar, making this collaboration timely and strategic.

FSO Instruments, a joint venture between technology firms Demcon and VDL Groep, specializes in developing high-quality instruments for laser satellite communications. This technology enables the shaping and transmission of laser beams over long distances, facilitating connectivity between ground stations, satellites, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The technology promises data transmission speeds up to a thousand times faster than current radio frequency-based communications, highlighting its potential to revolutionize global communication systems.

This collaboration signifies a significant shift towards the commercialization of cutting-edge space technology, with potential applications ranging from enhancing satellite communication networks to improving connectivity for various aerospace platforms. As the demand for high-speed, secure, and reliable data transmission continues to grow, this partnership is well-positioned to drive innovation and shape the future of global communication systems.

Medical Manufacturing Technologies launches innovative customer experience center

Tushar Aggarwal — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 07:25:07 +0000

Medical Manufacturing Technologies (MMT), a leading global provider of medical device manufacturing solutions, has unveiled its state-of-the-art Customer Experience Center (CEC) in New Hope, Minnesota. Positioned at 9433 Science Center Drive in the heart of the MidWest MedTech Hub, the CEC serves as a showcase for MMT’s cutting-edge medical manufacturing technologies, emphasizing the value of integrated collaboration and expanding on the synergies within the MMT equipment portfolio.

The opening of the CEC represents a significant milestone for MMT, as it brings together the leading names in catheter and guidewire production technology solutions under one roof. Robbie Atkinson, CEO of MMT, expressed enthusiasm for the facility, stating, “Over the last 3 years, MMT has been at the forefront of innovation in medical device manufacturing. With the opening of our new Customer Experience Center, we are excited to continue our commitment to excellence and to provide our customers with a unique and immersive experience.”

The CEC is designed to provide convenient accessibility to MMT’s valued customers and partners in the medical device industry. It will showcase a wide range of medical manufacturing technologies, including automation solutions from MMT Automation and Somex Automation, recently acquired by MMT. Rich Warren, chief commercial officer, highlighted the importance of the CEC in demonstrating MMT’s capabilities in integrating the production floor and enabling rapid iterations of designs.

“At MMT, we understand the evolving needs of the medical device industry, and we are committed to providing our customers with the tools and expertise they need to succeed,” Warren said. “The CEC will serve as a collaborative space for innovation and idea exchange, where customers can see firsthand how MMT can support their end-to-end catheter and guidewire production needs.”

With a team of experienced MedDevice manufacturing engineers and technicians on hand, the CEC offers a unique and personalized environment for customers to explore the latest advancements in medical device manufacturing. The facility will also host training sessions, seminars, and workshops to further enhance the customer experience and drive innovation in the industry.

The opening of the Customer Experience Center marks a significant step forward for MMT in its mission to revolutionize medical device manufacturing. By providing a platform for collaboration and innovation, the CEC will enable MMT to continue leading the way in delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the medical device industry.

India’s ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’ initiative aims for technological transformation

Tushar Aggarwal — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 06:56:06 +0000

The ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’ initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India, aims to propel the country towards becoming the most developed nation by 2047. This ambitious initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for futuristic infrastructure, seeks to revolutionize infrastructure planning and design by leveraging cutting-edge technologies.

Telecom Secretary Dr. Neeraj Mittal highlighted the initiative’s goal of breaking down silos in planning across ministries, emphasizing collaboration and innovation. The initiative harnesses the power of 5G, IoT, AI, AR/VR, AI-native 6G, ‘Digital Twin,’ and next-generation computational technologies to reshape infrastructure planning and design.

B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, underscored the transformative potential of Digital Twin technology. He discussed the role of AI in shaping the future landscape and expressed optimism about India’s position at the forefront of technological advancements.

The ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’ initiative is poised to usher in a new era of digital empowerment and technological advancements in India. It aims to leverage unified data and collective intelligence to anticipate the real-world effects of innovative infrastructure planning solutions. This approach will help formulate a future roadmap for sustainable and scalable development of infrastructure projects.

Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT Bengaluru, highlighted the alignment of the initiative with ongoing research in 6G, advanced telecommunications, IoT, Digital Twin, AI, ML, and other cutting-edge areas. This indicates a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach towards infrastructure development in India.

Overall, the ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’ initiative represents a significant step towards realizing India’s vision of becoming a global leader in technological innovation and development. By harnessing the power of digital technologies, India is poised to transform its infrastructure landscape and achieve unprecedented levels of growth and development.

Walmart Global Tech Partners with IIT Madras to establish center for Tech Excellence for MSMEs

Tushar Aggarwal — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 13:36:07 +0000

In a strategic move to support India’s vibrant Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, Walmart Global Tech (WGT) has partnered with the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) to establish the Walmart Center for Tech Excellence. This initiative is set to revolutionize the way MSMEs in the manufacturing and retail sectors leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitization to enhance their operational efficiency and profitability.

The partnership between WGT and IIT Madras comes at a crucial time when MSMEs are looking for innovative solutions to navigate the challenges posed by the global economic landscape. Through this collaboration, Walmart aims to empower local entrepreneurs and businesses by providing them with cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that were once only accessible to large corporations.

The Walmart Center for Tech Excellence will serve as a hub for innovation and collaboration, bringing together experts from WGT, IIT Madras, and the MSME community to develop customized AI and digitization solutions. These solutions will not only help MSMEs streamline their operations but also enable them to compete more effectively in the digital economy.

One of the key focus areas of the center will be the development of an open-sourced, domain-agnostic platform that will enable MSMEs to integrate AI and digitization into their existing workflows. This platform will provide MSMEs with access to a wide range of tools and resources, including AI-powered analytics, predictive modeling, and automation capabilities.

Additionally, the center will create a repository of case studies and best practices that will help MSMEs accelerate their adoption of AI and digitization. By sharing real-world examples of how AI and digitization have transformed businesses, the center aims to inspire other MSMEs to embark on their digital transformation journey.

Commenting on the partnership, Suresh Kumar, Global CTO and CDO at Walmart Inc., expressed his excitement about the potential impact of the center on the Indian MSME sector. “We believe that by equipping MSMEs with the right tools and technologies, we can help them unlock new opportunities for growth and success,” said Kumar.

The Walmart Center for Tech Excellence represents a significant investment in India’s MSME sector and underscores Walmart’s long-term commitment to supporting local businesses. Through this initiative, Walmart aims to empower MSMEs to embrace the digital future and emerge as leaders in their respective industries.

Zuckerberg to meet LG CEO for XR headset development

Tushar Aggarwal — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 09:52:39 +0000

Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Meta Platforms Inc., is scheduled to meet with LG Electronics Inc. CEO Cho Joo-wan in Seoul around February 28 to discuss the joint development and launch of an extended reality (XR) headset, according to industry sources. The meeting marks Zuckerberg’s first visit to South Korea in 10 years and is focused on discussions with LG regarding XR headsets. The two companies are expected to officially announce their partnership for the joint development of the device.

The planned XR headset is set to be released in the first half of next year, aiming to outperform Apple Inc.’s latest mixed reality (MR) headset, Vision Pro, in terms of performance. LG and Meta will leverage their respective hardware technology and expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) for the upcoming product.

The XR sector encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), offering users the ability to experience three-dimensional virtual worlds for virtual meetings and live translated captions of foreign languages.

During the meeting, Zuckerberg and Cho will discuss the application of LG’s smart device operating system (OS) to the XR headset, as well as the use of Meta’s AI services for LG’s home appliances. LG has requested Meta to use its OS for the XR headset, which is expected to generate more than 1 trillion won ($750.5 million) in revenue from advertisement fees from app developers. The OS offers games, language education, and news content, and if embedded with Meta’s XR headset, it is expected to significantly boost LG’s sales.

The two companies will also explore the use of on-device AI for the headset, which allows smart devices to collect and analyze data without the need for a remote cloud server, thus improving the device’s performance.

LG aims to secure big data from global consumers in their teens and 20s through the partnership with Meta, as these demographics are forecast to be the major users of the XR headset. This big data will be advantageous for LG to develop customized products and strengthen its cutting-edge AI tech. LG Group affiliates, such as LG Display Co. and LG Innotek Co., are expected to supply their products to the XR headset. LG Display is developing micro-organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, while LG Innotek, a camera module maker, is advancing its premium lens manufacturing.

The global XR device market is forecast to grow to $35.7 billion by 2026, with the XR headset sector dominated by three players: Apple, the Meta-LG alliance, and the Samsung-Google-Qualcomm alliances. As the competition in the XR headset market intensifies, each company is positioning itself to stake its reputation and compete in a market reminiscent of the early smartphone industry.

Scotland’s seer platform to drive innovation in Healthcare

Tushar Aggarwal — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:54:00 +0000

Scotland is set to enhance collaboration and innovation in its health and social care system through the expansion of Seer, a world-leading data and analytics platform. Seer has been instrumental in providing staff with easy access to data for decision-making in patient care and resource planning, particularly in areas such as cancer intelligence, blood stock monitoring, and the flu vaccination programme.

The upcoming Seer 2 platform, leveraging cloud technology, will offer the health and social care workforce an advanced version, providing increased flexibility and access to new tools and technologies. Already, these features have been used to develop new dashboards for capacity management during winter.

Health Secretary Neil Gray highlighted these advancements at the Digital Health and Care Scotland Conference 2024. He also announced the Scottish Government’s plans to update Scotland’s first Data Strategy in spring, along with an updated Delivery Plan for the Digital Health and Care Strategy to be published in April.

Mr. Gray emphasized the importance of digital and technology-driven services in enhancing health and social care. He noted that leveraging data and digital technology is critical to driving improvements in healthcare and is key to service reform plans. The Seer 2 platform, described as world-leading, is facilitating collaboration and innovation across government and the NHS by providing near real-time intelligence for decision-making, generating new insights, and improving outcomes.

In addition to the Seer platform, Mr. Gray visited Boroughloch Medical Practice, known for embracing technology. There, Dr. Abhayaratna demonstrated an online consultation and workflow system that aids GP practices in managing patient caseloads through digital triage and operational change.

Dr. Abhayaratna highlighted the practice’s success in digital access, with around 80% of patients making online requests since October 2019. This system has optimized the practice’s multi-disciplinary team’s skills, ensuring each patient receives the best care. Patient feedback has been positive, with 75% reporting that the digital service is better than previous arrangements.

These developments showcase Scotland’s commitment to leveraging technology and data to address challenges in healthcare, such as funding pressures, inequalities, and workforce issues. By embracing digital innovations, Scotland aims to enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and improve overall efficiency in the health and social care sector.

Lorentz Solution and Intel: Revolutionizing semiconductor design with PeakView EM design platform

Tushar Aggarwal — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:39:12 +0000

Lorentz Solution and Intel have embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration that is reshaping the landscape of electromagnetic (EM) design technology. With the recent certification of Lorentz Solution’s PeakView EM design platform on Intel’s 18A process technology, the partnership is setting new standards in accuracy, efficiency, and innovation in semiconductor design.

The integration of PeakView with Intel’s 18A process technology represents a significant milestone in EM design. The platform’s ability to simulate complex electromagnetic fields with unparalleled accuracy and speed is a testament to Lorentz Solution’s commitment to excellence. This certification is not just a technical achievement but also a validation of the company’s relentless pursuit of innovation in semiconductor design.

One of the key aspects of this collaboration is the utilization of Intel’s standard golden reference data, which has enabled PeakView to achieve a level of precision that was previously unattainable. This integration has not only enhanced the performance of PeakView but has also opened up new possibilities in semiconductor design.

The implications of this collaboration are far-reaching. By becoming the standard for 3D EM design on Intel’s 18A process, PeakView is driving a new era of semiconductor design. This has profound implications for industries that rely on semiconductor technology, such as consumer electronics, automotive, and beyond.

Beyond the technical aspects, this collaboration is also a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the technology industry. By working together, Lorentz Solution and Intel have demonstrated how strategic partnerships can drive technological advancement and set new industry standards.

Looking ahead, the future of semiconductor design is bright. With Lorentz Solution and Intel leading the way, we can expect to see continued innovation and advancement in EM design technology. This collaboration is not just about designing faster and more efficient microchips; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in semiconductor design and shaping the future of technology.

Broadcom’s vision for collaborative Tech: The role of community-based Infrastructure

Tushar Aggarwal — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:26:43 +0000

Broadcom Inc., a leading technology company, is spearheading this initiative to foster quicker tech adoption and enhance collaboration. Eric Nielsen, Director of Communities and Influencers at Broadcom, sheds light on the company’s commitment to leveraging community-driven approaches for these purposes.

Following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware Inc. last November, CEO Hock Tan emphasized the company’s value of “community.” Tan has kept the community team intact and continues to sponsor VMUG, the VMware User Group organization. This move highlights Broadcom’s recognition of the importance of community engagement and education in technology adoption.

Broadcom inherited VMware’s substantial ecosystem, known as the vCommunity, which consists of over 5 million IT practitioners and architects. The community’s charter is to simplify the implementation of technology, such as PowerCLI scripting for automation, and provide educational resources for users.

In a recent interview, Nielsen discussed the significance of community-based infrastructure in the technology sector. He highlighted how developers play a crucial role in unlocking revenue opportunities and how VMware is adapting to this new dynamic. VMware is increasingly focusing on developers and applications as key drivers of business value, aligning with Broadcom’s strategy of integrating acquisitions into its divisions.

Broadcom’s approach to acquisitions differs from traditional methods. The company acquires technologies and integrates them into its divisions, effectively treating them as independent entities with common infrastructure. This approach allows Broadcom to maintain a diverse portfolio, with approximately 60% hardware and 40% software divisions.

Collaboration is essential in today’s technology landscape, especially when it comes to deriving business value from applications. Broadcom’s Tanzu division, formed after the VMware acquisition, focuses on delivering business value through applications. The company also emphasizes DevOps, Kubernetes, and automation frameworks to support application development and deployment.

Security is another critical aspect of Broadcom’s collaborative approach. With ownership of Symantec and Carbon Black, Broadcom embeds security into its software and hardware stacks. This integrated approach ensures that security is a core component of Broadcom’s solutions, addressing the growing concern around cybersecurity threats.

Broadcom’s vision for a collaborative future underscores the importance of community-based infrastructure in driving tech innovation and adoption. By leveraging community-driven approaches and focusing on collaboration, Broadcom aims to create a more connected and efficient technology ecosystem.

Innovative solutions and global collaboration at SusHi tech startup expo in Tokyo

Tushar Aggarwal — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 04:44:40 +0000

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s SusHi Tech and Tokyo Innovation Base recently held a vibrant expo highlighting local and global startups in Japan. The expo featured the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 Global Startup Program (GSP) and Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), both established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The SusHi Tech GSP, focusing on sustainability and innovation, aims to address environmental and urban development challenges while leveraging Tokyo’s technological expertise.

One of the main goals of these initiatives is to create a more startup-friendly environment in Japan, particularly in Tokyo. TIB, on the other hand, aims to become a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. It seeks to support younger generations in playing a greater role in shaping the future, as exemplified by its assistance to university students in organizing startup expos.

Starting from February 15, TIB will offer a consultation service for startups, covering advice on securing funds, entering foreign markets, and receiving assistance from local governments. Keiichi Yoshimura, Director General of the Office for Startup and Global Financial Strategy at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, emphasized the importance of incorporating artificial intelligence into daily life and discussing Japan’s evolving city landscapes.

Innovation goes beyond technology, according to Yoshimura, and also encompasses infrastructure, environment, sustainability, and culture. To encourage innovation, the GSP features the SusHi Tech Challenge, an entrepreneurial pitch contest where startups present technologies and ideas for tackling global issues. The winner receives a prize of ￥10 million JPY (approximately $66,587 USD), aiming to make the GSP the largest startup expo in Asia.

The expo also featured an exhibition space for startup companies, showcasing products and inventions with environmental soundness. One standout was Kokua’s “pasobo,” a personal disaster preparedness analysis tool that provides information and items needed in a natural disaster based on individual circumstances. Additionally, Liberaware exhibited its new micro drone, the IBIS2, which can operate in narrow spaces where larger drones cannot, with applications in various industries such as railroads and steel companies.

The expo highlighted the innovative spirit of Japanese startups and their potential to revolutionize various industries while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Dojima network redefining blockchain interoperability in Web3 space

Tushar Aggarwal — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 14:13:59 +0000

The Dojima Network is making waves in the world of decentralized applications (DApps) by revolutionizing cross-chain development. By bridging Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and non-EVM chains, Dojima is fostering a more interconnected and innovative Web3 space.

Blockchain interoperability is a key challenge in the digital landscape, and Dojima Network is at the forefront of addressing it. By enabling seamless communication and transaction capabilities across different blockchain networks, Dojima is not only enhancing the functionality of DApps but also redefining what they can achieve. The platform’s focus on eliminating barriers between EVM and non-EVM chains is empowering developers to create and deploy applications that are versatile and accessible to a broader audience.

Since its inception, Dojima Network has been committed to technological innovation and fostering collaboration within the Web3 space. Its achievements reflect a dedication to excellence and a deep understanding of the ecosystem’s needs. Looking ahead, the platform aims to further enhance its capabilities, ensuring that the Web3 space is not only more interconnected but also more conducive to innovation.

The broader trends in the Web3, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrency sectors also reflect a push towards scalability, efficiency, and security. Initiatives such as Uniswap v4’s optimizations post Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade and TRON’s plans for integrating tokens with Bitcoin demonstrate a commitment to improving the blockchain ecosystem. The correction of inflated figures in crypto donation reports related to terrorism funding by the U.S. Treasury underscores the importance of accuracy and trust in the digital economy. Challenges faced by industry leaders, such as SEC Chairman Gary Gensler’s scrutiny and innovative marketing strategies by platforms like Coinbase, highlight the complex dynamics of regulation, innovation, and market forces.

Dojima Network’s mission extends beyond technology. By enhancing blockchain interoperability, the platform is facilitating smoother cross-chain app development and laying the groundwork for a more collaborative, innovative, and liquid Web3 ecosystem. This vision aligns with notable performances in the blockchain sector, with ZetaChain leading with a 347.9% increase in the 7-day change index. These achievements not only showcase the potential of interoperable platforms but also set the stage for the future of the blockchain industry.

The Dojima Network’s focus on bridging the gap between EVM and non-EVM chains is a significant step towards realizing the full potential of the Web3 space. As the platform continues to push boundaries in blockchain interoperability, it not only supports the development of sophisticated and accessible DApps but also contributes to a more integrated and dynamic digital economy. Amidst significant developments across the Web3, blockchain, and cryptocurrency sectors, the Dojima Network emerges as a key player in shaping the future of blockchain innovation and collaboration.

Logility’s GenAI revolutionizes Supply Chain Decision-Making

Tushar Aggarwal — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:28:26 +0000

Logility, a leading provider of supply chain management solutions, has unveiled its latest innovation, GenAI, aimed at revolutionizing supply chain decision-making processes. Leveraging an AI-native platform, GenAI promises to help enterprises navigate the complexities of supply chain data, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.

Key features of GenAI include its ability to accelerate supply chain decision-making by providing access to critical information and enhancing the productivity of all team members involved in demand and inventory management. Acting as a bridge between departmental silos, GenAI facilitates seamless communication and collaboration, reducing decision latency and enabling organizations to transition from sequential processes to more fluid operations.

One of the most notable capabilities of GenAI is its advanced querying functionality, which allows planners to access forecasts, sales history, and demand drivers for any product, location, or customer, across various time periods and levels of detail. This enables users to analyze forecast changes using large language models (LLMs) while ensuring data security through Microsoft Azure.

With the introduction of GenAI, Logility aims to empower companies to meet the demands of today’s dynamic market with confidence and strategic agility. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, organizations can streamline their supply chain operations, optimize inventory management, and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.

As supply chain management continues to evolve, innovations like GenAI are poised to play a critical role in helping businesses stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on emerging opportunities. With its focus on speed, precision, and collaboration, GenAI represents a significant step forward in the quest for supply chain excellence.

Logility’s GenAI is set to revolutionize supply chain decision-making, providing organizations with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-paced business environment. With its advanced capabilities and AI-driven insights, GenAI promises to reshape the future of supply chain management and drive sustainable growth for enterprises worldwide.

From Rihanna and Fenty Beauty to Phoebe Dynevor and Self-Portrait, here is a list of the top 10 celebrities and notable brand collaborations.

Siddharth Chavan — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 10:17:57 +0000

Celebrities have evolved from mere faces on the silver screen to trendsetters and style idols in the ever-changing world of fashion and culture. A curious component of their influence is the seamless integration of their brand with high-profile collaborations. From fashion lines to cosmetic goods, these collaborations not only showcased celebrities’ creative ability but also gave fans an exclusive taste of their favorite celebrities’ distinct styles.

Join us as we explore 10 notable celebrity-brand collaborations that have left an everlasting stamp on the world of beauty and elegance.

1) Rihanna x Fenty Beauty:

When Rihanna entered the beauty market with Fenty Beauty, the world took a breather. The musician and entrepreneur made a splash by launching a diverse beauty line. Fenty Beauty became a global phenomenon, celebrated for its diverse shade selection and devotion to reflecting all skin tones.

2) Kanye West x Adidas:

Few collaborations have generated as much buzz as Kanye West’s work with Adidas. The Kanye sneaker line changed the footwear scene by fusing high fashion and streetwear characteristics. The cooperation highlighted Kanye’s design prowess and resulted in a series of coveted sneaker releases that keep captivating the fashion-conscious.

3) Beyoncé x Ivy Park:

Beyoncé’s collaboration with Adidas for her Ivy Park sportswear collection was a movement, not merely a fashion statement. The collection combines comfort, style, and empowerment in a way that reflects the superstar’s commitment to diversity and body positivity. Ivy Park’s standing as a symbol of strength and confidence grows with each new release.

4) Selena Gomez x Coach:

The cooperation between Selena Gomez and Coach has redefined modern elegance. The singer and actress put her excellent taste on display, designing a line that perfectly blends refinement and edge. Selena’s partnership with Coach, which includes everything from handbags to ready-to-wear pieces, demonstrates her ongoing influence in the fashion world.

5) David Beckham x H&M:

David Beckham’s collaboration with H&M made affordable and stylish menswear available to the general public. The cooperation between the soccer star and the Swedish fashion giant resulted in a series of capsule collections that highlighted his excellent taste and mastery of modern menswear trends. The cooperation redefined accessible luxury, from fitted suits to casual basics.

6) Kylie Jenner x Kylie Cosmetics:

Kylie Jenner’s entrance into the cosmetics industry with Kylie Cosmetics was novel. Her lip kits were a smashing success, and the brand’s popularity elevated the youngest Jenner to the rank of beauty mogul. Kylie Jenner’s involvement with her cosmetics brand highlighted her entrepreneurial energy and marketing ability, pushing her to the ranks of beauty industry titans.

7) Pharrell Williams x Chanel:

When the legendary singer Pharrell Williams teamed with Chanel, it was a first-of-its-kind mix of music and fashion. Pharrell’s capsule collections with the luxury label offered a silly blend of streetwear and high fashion, reflecting his diverse style. The collaboration highlights both the artist’s and the brand’s daring spirit.

8) Gigi Hadid x Tommy Hilfiger:

Gigi Hadid’s collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger reignited the fashion industry. The supermodel’s maritime-themed collections are a wonderful blend of casual elegance and naval influence. Each runway show was a spectacle, and the collaboration’s ageless and approachable appeal has continued to capture the interest of fashion fans.

9) Lady Gaga x Haus Laboratories:

Lady Gaga’s collaboration with Haus Laboratories demonstrated her commitment to self-expression and originality. The beauty collection, noted for its vibrant colors and avant-garde packaging, fits Gaga’s artistic persona. The cooperation encourages beauty fans to embrace their trends and use makeup as a source of self-expression.

10) Phoebe Dynevor x Self-Portrait:

The breakout star of Netflix’s smash series “Bridgerton,” Phoebe Dynevor, worked with Self-Portrait to create a capsule collection that illustrates modern romanticism. The collection incorporates feminine curves and delicate touches and reflects the actress’s effortlessly stylish style. The partnership adds a dash of Regency-era beauty to modern fashion.

Physics Wallah to invest Rs. 500 crore over 3 years in Xylem Learning collaboration

Dixita Hazarika — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 14:12:48 +0000

Physics Wallah, an Indian educational technology company has entered into a collaboration with Xylem Learning, which is another educational technology company based in Kerala. Physics Wallah is planning to invest Rs 500 Cr over the next three years, as a part of this partnership. The objective is to strengthen the presence of Physics Wallah in the Southern market.

The Founder and CEO of Physics Wallah, Alakh Pandey, expressed his excitement and pride regarding this partnership. In a statement, Alakh Pandey stated,” This partnership with Xylem Learning fills me with immense excitement and pride. It not only aligns with our shared vision of providing quality education to all but also propels us closer to our strategic goal of becoming the leading education platform in South India.” The collaboration will be involving strategic equity and cash investments in Xylem along with the expansion of its operations.

He further revealed their plan of investing Rs 500 crore over three years to promote Xylem’s unique “XYLEM model of Hybrid Learning” in neighbouring states. To achieve this goal, team building, content development, technological innovation, expansion into other categories, and the establishment of hybrid centres will be required. He also stated that they will look at mergers and acquisitions in the South.

Founded by a 26 year old MBBS graduate Ananthu S, Xylem Learning holds a strong presence in the Kerala market and its future plans of expansion includes Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and other southern markets. At present, Xylem provides free classes to over three million students through their 30 YouTube channels. More than 1 Lakh paid students are enrolled in various online courses while 30,000 students are attending it offline in hybrid centres in five prime Kerala districts. They also operate 10 tuition centres along with a school integrated programme across seven schools. Xylem has recently also ventured into commerce and Kerala PSC test preparation and will continue expanding into other categories.

This collaboration will leverage the exchange of both knowledge and technology to enhance the learning experience of both NEET and JEE aspirants in South India. Avanthu expressed that the partnership is driven by the principles of affordability, trust, and the democratisation of education.

In his statement, he said,” We aim to achieve Rs 300 crore revenue with 25% Ebitda in FY24, up from Rs 150 crore in FY23. Alakh Pandey’s vision perfectly aligns with ours, as we are both dedicated to making quality education accessible and affordable for students”

India & US all set to collaborate on fighter jet engine production; Here’s what we know about it

Dixita Hazarika — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 11:15:11 +0000

India and the US are set to collaborate on fighter jet engine production. The General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be transferring approximately 80% of the jet engine technology.

As reported earlier, India and the US were close to an agreement to jointly produce fighter jet engines during PM Modi’s visit to the US. According to unidentified sources, the deal is worth about seven billion dollars and negotiations are going on both sides regarding payment mechanisms, machinery procurement and tech transfer. According to reports, approval has been granted for this agreement by both India and US and they are now set to collaborate and now involves General Electric Co. partnering with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. to produce engines for the Tejas light-combat aircraft.

No such engine technology from the US has been shared this widely before with other countries. Sources further stated that no country had ever received such a level of technology transfer from the US, the UK, or France.

This agreement is expected to boost India’s fighter jet programme as well as its air force. Strengthening of Mdi’s image is also expected as he looks forward to a third term in office in national elections next year.

The collaboration will take place as soon as the deal is signed between GE and HAL. The technology transfer will most likely take place in phases, with 80% of the value being added to the engine occurring in India within three years.

Zaggle collaborates with NPCI to issue contactless credit cards on RuPay network

United News of India (UNI) — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 05:03:06 +0000

Hyderabad-based Zaggle, a profitable SaaS FinTech company and a pioneer in digitizing business spends, on Wednesday announced that it has collaborated with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to issue contactless credit cards on the RuPay network.

Zaggle and NPCI along with partner banks would use this platform to launch multiple credit cards to address the ever-growing demand of Corporates, SMEs, and consumers.

The cards would be enabled for international as well as domestic transactions, making business travel convenient and easy, the FinTech company said in a release here.

Besides, users would be able to use this credit card for contactless transactions as well.

Zaggle would focus keenly on enhancing the user journey through digital onboarding and instant issuance along with intuitive In-App customer experience, spend insights, credit score. This would be supplemented by product innovations like gamification, customised partner offers, and other ancillary services. The customers would also be rewarded with cashback points, accelerated reward points, air miles, and various other exciting offers and discounts.

Zaggle intends to combine credit cards as payment solutions to their Spend Management software providing the businesses with a holistic value proposition. The cards and software would be available as tightly integrated solutions for customers to address their unique requirements.

Speaking about the partnership with NPCI, Raj N, Founder and Chairman, Zaggle said, “RBI’s announcement to link credit cards with UPI will provide a huge boost to this segment. Recently India witnessed nearly 9.4 billion transactions of INR 10.25 trillion led by Unified Payment Interface (UPI), and this suggests the huge opportunity that India offers.

We are excited about our partnership with the NPCI and the launch of multiple credit cards will enable us to fulfil customer requirements providing them with several benefits and rewards”.

The Indian spend management market provides an addressable opportunity of nearly $1 trillion and through our innovation led-partnerships, we will continue to revolutionise credit offerings for our customers, Raj added.

Avinash Godkhindi, Managing Director & CEO, Zaggle said, through our credit cards, we intend to provide access to credit to largely underserved Indian consumers. The Indian market remains fairly under-penetrated and while there are challenges to growth due to the on-going geo-political crisis, we are seeing steady demand across corporates, SMEs and Consumers.

We will continue with innovation-led partnerships and the multiple credit cards will be another step in our vision to revolutionize digital payments and lending ecosystem in the country,” he added.

Gaurish Korgaonkar, Head – Fintech and Corporate Business, NPCI said, “We are delighted to partner with Zaggle for facilitating business transactions seamlessly via our new contactless credit cards on the RuPay network.

These cards will be enabled for domestic as well as international transactions and hence, will play a pivotal role in aiding the requirements of business travellers.

At NPCI, we constantly aim to innovate and augment an already extensive line of products and services targeted towards boosting digital spends and expediting the creation of a cashless economy.”

Currently, Zaggle has 1,750+ active clients, 12000+ merchants and over 1.7 million+ active users. The company has offices across 7 cities with 250+ employees and is committed to bringing the best-inclass user experience to its users.

UPI payments to be now accepted in UAE, Details here

Sneha Sengupta — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 13:20:03 +0000

UPI offers an instant option for a real-time payment system powered by NPCI backing inter-bank transactions. It averred in a statement that this partnership will enable over 2 million Indians who travel to UAE for business or leisure purposes every year to pay for their purchases using UPI-based mobile applications across shops and merchant stores in the UAE.

Ritesh Shukla, chief executive officer, NIPL averred the organization is excited about the partnership with Mashreq Bank, which will enable consumers from India to transact seamlessly using NPCI’s UPI platform and deliver a seamless user experience.

Till then, Kartik Taneja, executive vice-president (head of payments) at Mashreq Bank said that given the position of UAE as an international commerce and tourism hub, retail merchants in the Emirates always enable the latest payment methods that are expected by our international clients.

“Innovation has been at the core of what Mashreq does, and we have a proud history of introducing omnichannel solutions that benefit our customers and the UAE’s economy. We are the first in this market to partner NIPL and offer cutting-edge mobile-based digital payments to our clients,” said Taneja.

In 2020, UPI sanctioned transactions of around $457 billion, which is nearly equal to approximately 15% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Airtel joins hand with Google Cloud, Cisco for new ‘office internet plan’

Sneha Sengupta — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 11:28:51 +0000

On August 5, Bharti Airtel announced its partnership with Google Cloud and Cisco to enable the digital transformation of SMEs, SOHOs and early-stage tech start-ups to help them flourish extensively. The company will launch ‘Airtel Office Internet’ as an all-in-one enterprise-grade solution.

The Co said, “Airtel Office Internet will bring high-speed data connectivity, conferencing and business productivity tools as a unified solution with one plan and one bill.”

Following are the details of the latest Airtel Office Internet plan:

1 Gbps speed FTTH broadband with unlimited local/STD calling with an additional enterprise-grade security system from Cisco and Kaspersky to restrict unwanted domains, viruses, crypto-lockers and attacks.
Compatible Google Workspace licenses for professional email communication are attached with an assemblage of productivity and collaboration tools from Google.
It will also provide a free Airtel BlueJeans license to enjoy unlimited and secure HD conferencing.
A Digital self-serve portal will enable easier management space for businesses.
The latest office offer starts at ₹999.

Bikram Singh Bedi, Managing Director at Google Cloud India, said, “The combination of Google Workspace’s collaboration and productivity tools combined with Airtel’s robust pan-India connectivity solutions will be a great growth enabler for small businesses in India.”

Daisy Chittilapilly, President of Cisco India & SAARC added, “As the threat landscape grows exponentially, cybersecurity becomes an urgent challenge for any business, regardless of size. This is particularly true for small businesses, given that they typically operate with limited resources and investments. Our partnership with Airtel is built on our joint vision of enabling enterprise-grade security for small businesses, grounded in AI and automation, so they can focus on areas that will have the biggest impact on their recovery and growth.”

Chingari collabs with Dekho to introduce ‘Infotainment’

Sanah Shah — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 06:18:03 +0000

Chingari, an Indian video-sharing social network service has collaborated with Dekho, an application that learns your taste in movies, TV shows and web series, and recommends what to watch across various platforms. With their alliance, they aim to introduce ‘infotainment’ which provides a combination of information and entertainment through media, usually short-video clips or television.

Chingari plans to showcase more accessible, sharable, and credible news video content with their newfound partnership. The news and information would be simplified by creating summaries of important and interesting news across the genres of politics, business, entertainment, international and national updates and so on.

Particularly targeting the Indian audience, the tie-up is designed for Hindi speaking consumers in the world. It is advantageous for Chingari as it will boost the content accessibility in the genres mentioned above, for the news consumers of Dekho. According to a statement released by Chingari, their partnership with Dekho will allow access to global breaking and trending news.

Sumit Ghosh, Co-founder and CEO of Chingari, said, “We are delighted that Chingari users will now have access to the latest news and happenings across the world from Dekho. Our aim is to provide a seamless experience to our millions of users to keep themselves updated with the events occurring around the world along with creating and watching interesting content.”

Deepak Salvi, COO and Co-founder of Chingari, said, “We are glad to have Dekho as an official news partner with us. This partnership will change how users are going to view the news nowadays. As over period of time, on the go news consumption has been evolved.”

Chingari had previously collaborated with NH Studioz in October 2020 to expand into movies and understand the level of interest of their consumers.

Chingari is an Indian video-sharing social network service where people can record and share short video clips. It was launched in Google Play Store in November 2018. it rose to fame after the Indian government banned TikTok, a similar short-video sharing platform. According to the company, it gained over 30 million users in India as of September 2020.

Tata Motors ties up with Karnataka Bank to provide customers retail finance support

Arjun Kalia — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 09:27:45 +0000

In order to facilitate retail finance solutions for its customers to boost sales, Tata Motors announced its partnership with Karnataka Bank on Monday. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Tata Motors with Karnataka Bank will introduce attractive financing offers to its customers making it easier for them to purchase their favourite Tata car.

A variety of schemes advantageous to the customers will be made available across 857 branches of Karnataka Bank which include 199 semi-urban and 67 rural branches, making vehicle buying easy and affordable nationwide.

Under this collaboration, customers will be able to avail loans of up to 85% on the on-road pricing of a Tata Motors vehicle with an interest rate linked to External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR), which will be updated on the bank’s website periodically. The loan under the scheme can be availed for a tenure of seven years.

“We are elated to be partnering with Karnataka Bank to introduce attractive finance schemes for our customers. This is in alignment with our constant endeavor to make safe personal mobility solutions more accessible to individuals and families. We hope that these offers will boost customer morale and make the process of purchasing a car more convenient for all,” said Rajan Amba, Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Customer Service at Tata Motors.

Mahabaleshwara MS, Managing Director & CEO of Karnataka Bank was also elated with this partnership since the dreams of many bank customers to own a personal vehicle will now become reality.

The scheme will also be available to the customers who are agriculturists and are owners of farming lands as well as by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

Facebook ties up with Matrix Partners to support small scale enterprises

Divyaleen Manchanda — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 09:15:29 +0000

Facebook has tied up and collaborated with an early-stage venture capital fund Matrix Partners to help early-stage small and medium businesses (SMBs) to maximize their digital potential. Facebook added that with their tie-up, the program also completes one year during which it has collaborated with six VC Funds- Sauce. VC, Fireside Ventures, SAIF Partners, Sequis Capital, DSG Ventures, and Matrix Partners. During this period, they managed to skill, train, and mentor more than 150 brands at various stages of their growth journey.

This new program will skill more than 3,000 businesses this year and the company is committed to support the growth of small businesses in India. Archana Vohra said,”We work towards enabling the recovery of small businesses from the pandemic. In light of the current constraints, we’ve taken the initiative online along with a host of our other skilling initiatives such as Boost with Facebook and Advertiser Vintage program to ensure uninterrupted skilling and support for small businesses.”

Sanjot Malhi, Director at Matrix Partners India, said that Facebook’s incubator program is a great stepping stone for early-stage consumer-focused companies who are looking to build awareness and engagement with a digital audience. It has also started Campaign Lab that helps direct-to-consumer small businesses to get creative solutioning support and go live with mobile-friendly creatives and strategy under 72 hours.