Archive: December 5, 2022

Jocata Announces Pan-India Launch of AI/ML-based Score ‘SME DNA’ to Power Banks and NBFCs to Scale Priority Sector Lending

Mumbai, December 5, 2022: On the occasion of International Day of Banks, celebrated globally by the banking fraternity on December 4, B2B lending and compliance fintech Jocata announced the pan-India rollout of SME DNA score, a proprietary AI/ML-based risk and business intelligence score – after having successfully beta tested the model on the GSTN filings of over 20,000 MSMEs with two of the top Indian private lenders and one of the largest development banks in the country.

Jocata’s SME DNA score comes at a time when there is a growing demand for GST-based analytics. A strong regulatory push, growing GST filing compliance and the recent announcement of GSTN as a Financial Information Provider (FIP) under the Account Aggregator framework is expected to ease access to large volumes of consent-based GST data and grow the analytics outcomes.

The SME DNA score will aid underwriters with enhanced ‘Go-No-Go’ decision within 2 minutes, thereby fast-tracking priority sector lending for banks and financial institutions. With predictive insights, the SME DNA score will also spur credit innovation for banks in the form of contextual and targeted lending solutions aimed at the MSME segment, including embedded lending, GST bridge loans, sachet loans, BNPL, and cash-flow-based loans, among others.

During its beta stage, the SME DNA score aided one of the top 5 private banks in India to build a business model in the small ticket segment of unsecured business loans in the range of Rs. 2 lakh to 20 lakh, and also secured overdraft of up to Rs. 2 crores digitally from the ground up.

GSTN filings are considered a goldmine of authentic, reliable, digitally available, dynamic data. By leveraging cutting-edge data science techniques on GSTN filings, SME DNA can empower underwriters with more transparent insights throughout the business cycle of credit seekers and reduce the Time-to-Credit (disbursal) for MSME borrowers from 2-5 days to less than 6 hours.

Jocata Managing Director and CEO Prashant Muddu said, ” The outlook for GST-based analytics is very promising and it can significantly reduce the current problems that bankers face in credit decisioning for the priority sector that stems from heavy reliance on expert judgment leading to longer decisioning times. In addition to spurring credit innovation and in scaling up the priority sector lending for banks, the SME DNA score can kick-start a virtuous cycle by also empowering MSMEs to improve their business performance and get access to credit, build credit history, avail loans on more favorable terms, to unlock their potential in India’s growth story.”

Jocata’s data sciences team has analyzed MSMEs’ filing data from GSTN since its advent to developing the score that represents the risk of the MSME business. The score assesses the entity for its propensity to pay tax, and checks the health of and (over)dependence on the MSMEs’ buyers and suppliers, among other risk factors. It also helps banks’ underwriters and business teams in improving credit decisions and monitoring, besides identifying early warning signals at entity and portfolio level, which is especially important at a time when banks and financial institutions are facing pressures due to Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). This is key to easing the trust deficit financial institutions face in lending to MSMEs and giving transparency and information throughout the business cycle.”

Jocata has been working with some of the largest financial institutions to power their digital transformation journey across a suite of fintech solutions including digital onboarding, risk scoring, and assessment, credit underwriting, fraud prevention, API infrastructure and management, and early warning systems among others. Some of the key banking partners include ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, Federal Bank, Standard Chartered, DBS Bank, Tata Capital, Airtel Payments Bank, and American Express.

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TheSmallBigIdea announces key elevations for senior management

05th December, 2022; Mumbai, India: Over the last 8 years, TheSmallBigIdea has earned a reputation of being a leading independent digital agency, working across categories of entertainment, BFSI, FMCG, Retail, and E-Commerce amongst others. Its 250-member strong team is built on strong work and cultural ethics, with the organization recently being awarded the Great Place To Work® Certificate.

In an endeavor to strengthen its leadership team, TheSmallBigIdea recently announced top-level elevations in its senior leadership team.

 

 TheSmallBigIdea

The agency has announced the elevation of Sanmesh Sapkal and Hima Bulusu as Associate Director, Key Accounts (Media and Entertainment) and Kruthika Ravindran as Associate Director, Key Accounts (Non-media). The three executives have been critical in establishing and strengthening TheSmallBigIdea as a leading digital marketing agency.

Commenting on the elevations, Harikrishnan Pillai, CEO and co-founder, TheSmallBigIdea, said, “TSBI is made up of a fine balance of home-grown leaders and those who get the outside perspective. Between, Sanmesh, Kruthika, and Hima, they have over 15 years of ‘TSBI experience’. They understand the craft and the culture and are some of the best in the business. We have seen them grow in the organization and now as we see them take leadership roles, it is truly fulfilling.”

With a clear vision of building a truly integrated digital agency that deepens linkages between creativity, media, and data, TheSmallBigIdea has grown to become a preferred partner for clients across segments.

Amrit AG, a Partex NV company, and YouWeCan Cancer Foundation come together to celebrate milestones in access to treatment for cancer patients.

Mumbai, 5,12,22: Partex NV, the digital pharma platform helping revolutionize the healthcare industry with Data to Drugs, recently organized a mega event at By the Mekong, St. Regis. The event celebrated Curia App for cancer patients by Amrit and its successful partnership with YouWeCan Cancer Foundations for the common cause.

The event marked the presence of international cricketer, entrepreneur, and the founder of YouWeCan Yuvraj Singh, serial entrepreneur and investor Francisco Fernandez and the CEO of Partex NV, Dr. Gunjan Bhardwaj. Other celebrity guests who attended include Actor and Entrepreneur Suniel Shetty, Cricketer Graeme Smith, Cricketer Mark Boucher, Football Coach Sol Campbell, actor Angad Bedi, Cricketer Ashish Nehra, Actor / Anchor Rannvijay Singha, Director/Producer Abhishek Kapoor and Model / Producer Pragya Kapoor, Actor / Cricket presenter Gaurav Kapur, Actor Mallika Sherawat, Actor Neha Sharma, Actor Saiyami Kher, Cricketer Zaheer Khan, and wife Sagarika Ghatge, Ajit Agarkar and his wife and many more.

As the most significant cause of fatalities in India and almost all major countries, cancer is not only life-threatening but also marred by misinformation and lack of access to quality care. Patients do not receive timely and effective care without authentic information and guidance. This means additional costs for below-par treatment for them.

Partex is a platform that contributes to the entire healthcare value chain, from operating the world’s largest RWD ecosystem to developing in-house drug assets. By leveraging artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, Partex is innovating for patients, customers, and partners on different levels to increase Humanity’s Health and Longevity. The joint mission of the two entities is to support underprivileged cancer patients from across the country to get access to quality and affordable treatment and support.

Speaking at the event, Gunjan Bhardwaj, CEO of Partex, said, “It is a moment of reckoning for us to celebrate this success here with AMRIT and YouWeCan Organisation. With Curia, we empower patients to get involved with the cancer community and cancer research. With the vision of improving human health and longevity, AMRIT wants to make research democratic and accessible for patients who need it most.  We thank Yuvraj Singh for his continued support and encouragement.”

Yuvraj Singh added his thoughts: “Life has come full circle for me today as someone who has battled cancer. I have always wanted to ensure that those with this condition can access quality, affordable, timely treatment and support. Partex has been doing some amazing work in this regard, and we celebrate the milestones today, only to ensure that we carry the work forward further in the times ahead.”

Francisco Fernandez, Chairman of Partex, added, “Cancer is not just a health condition but impacts a person’s financial and social aspects. It is a double whammy for victims of misinformation and lack of economic strength to get treated. Our efforts have been to eliminate this challenge and ensure equity in access to affordable treatment over the period since we started.”

Over the past five years, Partex has built the world’s largest data ocean with public and private data and Amrit (www.amrit.ai): a real-world data ecosystem. With Amrit, Partex transforms the healthcare industry through data licensing and incentivizing patients. The Amrit Marketplace is established to find a cure for incurable diseases, involving and rewarding patients in an equitable system. The vision is to put patients at the heart of the solution.

With more than 500 employees globally, Partex is a data-to-drugs, digital pharma platform spread across Germany, Switzerland, the USA, and India.

All New Awadhi Speciality Restaurant – Awadh5 Opens at Pune

Pune, 05 December 2022: Adding lots of tadka to the city’s vibrant food and beverage landscape, Awadh5 opens its doors to the true gourmands in the city. It’s an Indian specialty restaurant featuring the best of Northern frontier cuisine.

Awadhi cuisine is synonymous with delightful Kebabs, Kormas, Biryanis and more. Our menu at Awadh5 is infused with the royal touch of saffron – the hero ingredient in many of our signature dishes.

The menu at Awadh5 has been curated to perfection by our Master Chef Dipendra Singh, a culinary maestro with over two decades of experience with Indian and Awadhi cuisine. He has worked with the finest Indian speciality chain in India. The restaurant has a dedicated Bar area which offers special menu with popular Indian Cocktails, some of the finest Indian and International liquor at attractive prices.

The contemporary décor with hints of ethnic elements and regular santoor performances adds to an elevated dining experience.

Our Chef is curating fantastic group menus and special Sunday brunch menu to take our guests through an Awadhi Cuisine Journey along with some of the finest Indian Cocktails & Mocktails.

The restaurant address: 5th Milestone, Viman Nagar, Pune

Located at Four Points by Sheraton Pune

Contact: 7709006688; 020-6760 6699

EV Market: Challenges, Development & Solutions by Dr. Irfan Khan, Founder & CEO of eBikeGo

Electric mobility technology to be adopted to avoid accidents

Dr.Irfan Khan, Founder & CEO, eBikeGo

In India, accidents on the road are still a major problem. Because of this, each of us needs to do our share to limit the amount of vehicle accidents that happen. Making sure that our vehicle is equipped with the newest safety features is one of the finest methods to achieve this. Understanding how this technology functions can go a long way in assisting you in preventing an accident, whether you are interested in buying a brand-new vehicle that comes with these safety measures already installed or you have an older vehicle that needs technical improvements.

A new study directed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that over 8,000 two-wheeler crashes could be prevented each year by equipping passenger vehicles with front crash prevention. Front crash prevention includes blind spot detection systems and lane maintenance.

These systems would find 2-wheelers and be able to avoid crashes by alerting the driver or intervening if a possible collision is detected. In the case of a collision, EVs have safety features that rapidly separate the battery in the event of a collision. Special pyro-fuses are triggered when the vehicles numerous sensors identify a collision, severing the high voltage wires and effectively shutting off all electricity.

The majority of the Indian automobile market is comprises of the two-wheeler sector. Its market share of more than 80% enables it to expand quickly and continually; the prior year saw double-digit growth. For the nation’s two-wheeler market, this is a mixed bag. The two-wheeler sector is relieved by the improvement, which last occurred in 2012; still, two-wheelers account for 25% of all fatalities in traffic accidents. With the aid of assistive technology, which has already found its way into cars but has yet to make a significant impact on the motorbike and scooter landscape, these alarming statistics can be greatly reduced.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on EV safety.

Usage of IoT based solutions

Internet of Things (IoT)-based solution for managing vehicle charges and investigates its application in outdoor settings by sending data to lengthy detachments. The idea behind this proposed method is to protect human life because it’s possible that it may produce a brief trail, which would then cause serious harm to human life. Therefore, IoT is used to analyse the maximum limits of charge capacity with limitations in voltage sets. These parameters are calculated using a gradient boosting algorithm where prediction error is lesser. It is vital to employ an IoT-based technology with a cheap installation cost because this technique takes into account a data transfer methodology where the assessed information is transferred to a control centre.

Battery

The new generation electric vehicles also feature a battery source, which is advantageous for long- distance driving. The location of the charging station allows the users to choose the type of battery and even track the battery’s charge. In this monitoring stage, required components of electric vehicles have been fitted with a new monitoring device that replaces the outdated Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Wireless sensors are an intelligent device that performs the same function as GPS. Even the sensor technology used in these electric vehicles will be preferable to GPS systems.

Therefore, by integrating wireless sensors into essential components of the vehicle, it will be possible to keep an eye on things like battery life, travel distance, alerts for charging stations, etc.

Security

An IoT based vehicle theft detection and remote engine locking system is GPS technology that helps the users identify the vehicle in theft mode and enables the controlling mechanism technique. The incidence of automobile thefts is exponentially increasing in the modern world. Criminals are getting smarter all the time and have developed applications that target the current vehicle safety system.

Vehicle theft has grown to be a serious problem that needs to be tracked down and stopped. By using a few expensive items, such an ignition key, the suggested solution gets around most of the problems while increasing cost effectiveness and decreasing complexities. The extension for operating systems that remotely lock the vehicle engine and deter theft is part of the  suggested solution. The proposed method allows users to start and stop their vehicles using either an Android application or by using the ignition keypad to open the security mechanism that pinpoints position (latitude, longitude) any location where the car is using the application time. The Android app is really beneficial for in the event of theft, locking the vehicle’s engine on reckless automobile driving. Therefore, automobiles are given more effective control mechanisms and so lowering the crime rate.

Driver Distraction

It is one of the leading reasons for serious road accidents. Studies show that incoming calls and messages are one of the main reasons for driver distraction. Even taking your eyes off the road for a short duration can lead you to a tragedy, and the assumption of hands-free telephony is not a solution.

It’s because when you are talking on a call, the focus is more on the conversation and not on the road. Moreover, many riders just remove their phones to check who is calling, and then they decide what to do next. The solution to this can be the execution of Bluetooth hardware to the telematics gadget, which is in touch with the rider’s phone and reads out the number to a Bluetooth headset-enabled helmet. This usable technology will inform the rider about the urgency of the call and then he can take the necessary step accordingly. As the telematics device can be issued with motion sensors, it can also refuse the call to be picked up before the bike is stopped.

Another feature of driver distraction is the person riding with him – the pillion. It is normal for the rider to turn his head to speak to the pillion rider Due to high levels of noise pollution. In doing so, he takes his eyes off the road for some seconds, which can prove dangerous. Here too, Bluetooth-enabled helmets can be proven useful, as, without any distraction, they will establish a link of communication
between both.

Fatigue

Fatigue is an element that gives rise to errors in judgment, leading to dangerous consequences.

Listening to your favourite music can be a way to stop this from happening, which can be telecast to a Bluetooth-enabled helmet. This will ensure that you are alert and not drifting off to sleep. While this may not be perfect for city commutes, it can be pleasant in long-distance travel, which is synonymous with fatigue.

Emergencies

In an accident, the emergency response becomes extremely decisive, mostly within the first ten minutes. Therefore, a safety telematics gadget can be a lifesaver in emergencies, when equipped with proper technical accessories such as accelerometers, GPS, and cellular modem. In the event of an accident, this can be used to send notifications to the person’s emergency contacts which increases the chances of obtaining immediate help and survival.

Helmet technology

Any bikers must include helmets as their safety equipment. Wearing a helmet decreases the chance of a head injury by 69 percent when one faced an accident. Manufacturers of helmets have incorporated technology to improve the safety of this protecting gear. Many helmets, feature app-powered sound, fact, and Bluetooth features, allowing them to connect to your smartphone.

Tire pressure and temperature sensors

It is easy to install a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) into your motorbike as it’s also cost- effective. When riding, this technology permits you to view the tire temperature and pressure. Most TPMSs come with Bluetooth tire gauges, whereas some send notifications if an issue is identified. This vital safety device allows a periodic pressure gauge to check it quicker and more regularly.

Range and Speed

Range issues frighten away a lot of potential EV consumers, while safety concerns deter others. It is easy to understand how these technologies could be dangerous given their highly combustible batteries and charged electrical circuitry. However, thanks to a host of innovative features developed to safeguard drivers and other road users, electric cars are just as secure as any other type of vehicle.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Nowadays ABS is the most important Motorcycle Safety Tech Trend. Bikes equipped with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) are more dependable. ABS enhances the stability of your bike and prevents the wheels from form-locking. Braking overly hard to avoid a collision or because of a slick road destabilizes your bike, causing the front wheel or back to lock up. Wheel locking, however, may lead your bike to skid or crash.

Recently, some electric two wheeler has come with lots of technical advancements by which road accidents can be reduced wherein the vehicles are providing IoT (Internet of things), battery (fastest charging time), Security (remote lock, tracking, etc.). Such an innovative 2-wheeler Muvi has been created with the latest electrical mobility technology available to provide you with clean, nimble, efficient, and uncomplicated mobility. Under its careful “friendly scooter” appearance is state-of-the- art technology designed to propel you around the city efficiently which connects with the latest smartphones for total control.

The author is the Founder & CEO of eBikeGo (https://ebikego.com ), a sustainable mobility company that aims to make world-class electric mobility solutions that transform how people move. Mobility must transform if people are to thrive; but the industry’s emphasis is on economy & efficiency, not excellence. eBikeGo is driven towards creating a suite of customer-centric electric mobility solutions empowering people to seize not just the moment, but the future.

Innovative and Disruptive Startups Showcase Products and Services at Make in Odisha Conclave 2022

Bhubaneshwar 5 December 2022: Nineteen innovative and disruptive start-ups showcased their products and services at Startup Odisha Stall at the parallel exhibition of the ongoing Make in Odisha Conclave 2022. These included start-ups from deep tech, aviation, automotive, healthcare, education, F&B, and robotics. Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman, Startup Odisha, visited each stall and complimented the start-ups on the commendable products and services that they had to offer. All exhibitors exuded with confidence and passion and were ever willing to answer the numerous queries from thousands of visitors.

“Make in Odisha Conclave 2022 has provided us a huge platform to showcase our products and showcasing the learnings we are providing to the school going children, the kind of achievements we have made. The reach that this platform provides is immense and we are very proud and fortunate to have received this opportunity. I thank Startup Odisha and Make in Odisha Conclave 2022 for providing us with this platform.” said Exhibitor Abhishek Shukla, Education Manager at Young Tinker Academy.

During his visit to the stalls, Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman, Startup Odisha said, “The variety of exhibitors at Startup Odisha’s stall at Make in Odisha 2022 portrays the diverse start-up ecosystem that the state of Odisha has. We have start-ups that leverage the traditional strengths of Odisha as well as start-ups that are into frontier technologies. The aim of Startup Odisha is to achieve 5000 start-ups by 2025 and grow the ecosystem further. This will also help in additional job creation and contribute to the economic development of the state.

Exhibitor, Yuvraj Harichandan, Founder, Archon Motors Pvt. Ltd, said, “We have been receiving orders from many other sources for our products and we really think Startup Odisha team for giving us this opportunity and for all the support throughout our journey and we really look forward to have a big break-through in Odisha as an Ev manufacturer.

Exhibitor Amrit Visval, Founder, Datoms , an IoT Platform said, “This platform provides a fantastic opportunity for us not just to showcase our solution and products but rather to be present here as a part of Make in Odisha Conclave 2022, collectively coming together and meeting, discussing, interfacing , getting to line out thought and reflecting on how we are doing since we started this journey together. We are in talks with a big brand, one of the few top brands in India and next year we want to expand our footprint even further.”

Exhibitor, Yuvraj Harichandan, Founder, Archon Motors Pvt. Ltd said, “We are extremely proud to showcase one of Odisha’s inter genius EV powertrain which will be developed and manufactured and homegrown and this will also on a higher efficiency with power density and we see for a huge market in Odisha and also pan India. We have been receiving orders from many other sources for our products and we really thank Startup Odisha team for giving us this opportunity and for all the support throughout our journey and we really look forward to having a big break-through in Odisha as an EV manufacturer.”

Exhibitor Banabihari Kar, Business Development Manager, Aveti Learning said, “We are currently serving 900 schools of Odisha and they are making use of our smart class products. We got the recognition from Startup Odisha, people from different sectors and government recognised us because of the innovativeness of our products. Startup Odisha has helped us get a lot of connections and we are thankful to them.

Start-ups that took part in the exhibition included:

IG Drones a leading Enterprise Drone Solution provider for drone surveying, mapping & inspection by industry experts. IG Drones has partnered with multiple State Governments & 30 of the biggest PSU’s & MNC’s and has executed more than 250 Projects with head office at Delhi and branch offices at Mumbai (Maharashtra), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Kolkata (West-Bengal), Guwahati (Assam), Bangalore (Karnataka), Bhubaneswar (Odisha).

ARCHON MOTORS an advanced electric mobility solution provider that aims to be a game changer in the EV ecosystem.

Pipli Technologies Pvt Ltd an augmenting intelligence to help you solve the most crucial question “ What do customers want? ”. Pipli’s aim is to demystify technology, make it easy to use, available to all and away from the current trend of high costs.

OrangeCross HOmeHealth Pvt Ltd delivers people-centric, high quality health care in the comfort of your home

Young Tinker Educational Foundation (formerly Navonmesh Prasar Foundation) is a non-profit organization with a vision to build an equitable world through STEAM education and skills of the future.

EZERX HEALTH TECH PVT LTD is a Med-Tech & BioTech startup founded in 2018 which aims to develop highly progressive medical devices and innovative solutions.

BONV TECHNOLOGY PRIVATE LIMITED enables carbon free smart aerial mobility bringing new dimensions to speed safety and sustainability in goods & people transportation.

CUREBAY TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED aims to bridge this gap in the Indian healthcare system and make quality healthcare accessible to each and every Indian citizen.

LectureNotes Technologies Private Limited is a semester content marketplace for undergrad students enrolled in any course under any discipline.

INNOCULE MATERIALS AND ADDITIVES PRIVATE LIMITED is an intensive R&D driven speciality chemical company with strong focus on developing novel products and processes for mining and mineral industries.

VAISALI DAIRY PRIVATE LIMITED a tech-enabled and hydroponics fed dairy farm

Yoobbel Technologies Private Limited is a platform that enables influencers, merchandisers and entrepreneurs in setting up their own label, along with the Technical, production and Logistics support.

Larkai provides innovative and high-quality cardiac diagnostic monitoring products that are user friendly and reliable.

TransportSimple builds a suite of enterprise solutions for transporters in the logistics industry to manage the operation and accounts with ease.

Aveti E-learning program provides supplemental digital educational resources in regional languages that includes e-learning content and interactive assessments all according to the syllabus as mandated by the local school board.

Skyy Rider Institutions Pvt Ltd is a platform for job-oriented skill development.

Davik Food and Beverages Private Limited offering the finest selection of instant Tea and Coffee premix at unbeatable prices.

Phoenix Robotix Pvt. Ltd brings in technologies such as things network-IoT and Big data to build a comprehensive ecosystem for smart cities empowering governments, administrations and decision makers to make better data driven decisions, making cities smart, safe and sustainable thus improving the lives of people and citizens inhabiting them and also helping industries meet their compliance requirements and cities to achieve their sustainable development goals through sensor nodes and data analysis.

Early-stage investor Auxano Capital invests INR 20 Crores during FY 21-22

Delhi, 5th December 2022: Auxano Capital, an early-stage (seed to Series) venture capital firm, makes investment of INR 20 Crores in the financial year 2021-22 from Auxano Entrepreneur Trust (AET) – Cat I Angel AIF and Auxano Dawn Fund (ADF) – Cat II AIF. The VC firm has invested in six companies in 2022 and committed another approx. Half Million in three more companies, expected to close before the year-end.

The investments initiated by Auxano Capital comprise exceptional growth opportunities for early-stage technology/innovation-driven companies across sectors like Genomics, EdTech, Drones, Alco-Bev, SaaS, and Agri-Tech.

Speaking on the tremendous growth momentum, Mr. Brijesh Damodaran, Co founder & Chief Investment Officer of Auxano Capital said, “Late 2021 to mid-2022 we did not make any fresh investments. We were skeptical of the increasing froth in the ecosystem and were focused towards strengthening our existing portfolio companies and at the same time continued exploring opportunities. As the froth settled over the next 3 months, we identified 5 new investments. We believe VC firms should not chase the fear of missing out (FOMO) but rather follow the process and thesis. Venture capitalists must be conscious of their competencies and tread in the competence circle to expand further. Besides, they must remember that their role is to provide capital for the business and not run it. They should guide the entrepreneurs on maintaining legal, financial and regulatory hygiene and assist entrepreneurs in Building an A-Team, achieving growth, and implementing processes. We have followed all these strategies to the best extent so far, which helped us accomplish such an upward trajectory of growth. We aspire to continue this growth momentum in the coming years and help emerging startups with the required funds.”

Currently, the VC firm hopes to invest across various facets of the technology sector and looks forward to investing in future technologies like Blockchain & NFT, Web 3, AR/VR, Metaverse, IoT, and Cybersecurity.

Bengal Business Council Hosts Their Annual Convention & Vision Conclave

Kolkata, 5, December, 2022: Bengal Business Council hosted their Annual Convention & Vision Conclave at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, New Town, Kolkata today. Bengal has been inspiring the nation through the ages. Now, for the first time in recent history, Bengalis have come together to form a council of their own to foster entrepreneurship and networking amongst themselves and to further entrepreneurial cultivation in the Bengali youth. “Established in the year 2021, Bengal Business Council, intends is to bring together Bengali business houses from all over the world to develop camaraderie and trust and imbibe the sense of entrepreneurship in the Bengali community”, said Mr Chandra Sekhar Ghosh, President, Bengal Business Council & Founder, Managing Director & CEO, Bandhan Bank.

The day long convention had sessions titled ‘The Rise of Bengali Startups’ that was curated by Mr Avelo Roy, Managing Director, Kolkata Ventures, and featured Mr Babul Supriyo (Minister of Information Technology & Electronics and Tourism, Govt. Of West Bengal, Dr Amit Chakrabarti, Founder, SAICON, Mr Amitava Saha, Co-founder, XpressBees & FirstCry.com, Dr Suborno Bose, Founder and Chief Mentor, Indismart & IIHM, Mr. Sanjoy Chatterjee, Chairman NASSCOM East and Mr Ranodeep Saha, Co-founder, Rare Planet.

Mr Alapan Bandopadhyay, Chairman of West Bengal Heritage Commission & Former Chief Secretary, Government Of West Bengal delivered the Annual Oration Address on ‘Bengali Business And It’s Influence – Past, Present & The Future’ moderated by Mr Sourav Chunder, Advocate, Calcutta High Court, Legal Advisor of the council. Also present on the occasion were Mr Debarshi Dutta Gupta, Vice President of Bengal Business Council and Managing Director, East India Pharmaceutical Works Limited, and Mr Meghdut Roy Chowdhury, Vice Chairman Of Bengal Business Council and Executive Director & Chief Innovation Officer, Techno India Group.

The chief guest at the concluding session was Dr. Shashi Panja, Minister Of Industries, Commerce and Enterprises, Govt of West Bengal. The session, aptly titled ‘Vision For The Future’ featured Mr Debasish Sen, IAS (Retd), Managing Director, WBHIDCO Limited, Mr Chandra Sekhar Ghosh, President, Bengal Business Council & Founder, Managing Director & CEO, Bandhan Bank, Mr Subhashis Dutt, General Secretary – Bengal Business Council and Business Head, Mohendra Dutt & Sons, Mr Subrata Dutta, Vice- President, Bengal Business Council and Managing Director, The George Telegraph Group and was moderated by Mr Avishek Auddy, Chairman, Bengal Business Council and Director, Chandras’ Chemical Industries (1973) Pvt Ltd – PC Chandra Group.

PNB observes International Day of Persons with Disability

New Delhi, December 5, 2022: Punjab National Bank (PNB), nation’s leading public sector bank, observed “International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)” in a unique way by introducing an upgraded version of the Retail Internet Banking Manual for customers who are visually impaired. This makes PNB’s digital products more inclusive and aims at building accessible customer service solutions via screen reading software. This development adds to the portfolio of PNB’s other accessible tools including the android-based application custom-made for differently-abled PNB employees, PNB Pride Module which was introduced in 2021 on the observance of this day.

The upgraded manual both in print and Braille was unveiled on Dec 3rd 2022 at a special event organized at the head office in the esteemed presence of Shri George Abraham, CEO Score Foundation,  distinguished social entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, and prominent disability activist. The event was also graced by EDs, CGMs, AGMs, and the members of PNB Parivar. Further, differently-abled staff members at different zones and circles attended the function virtually. The bank also felicitated the extraordinary achievements of differently abled employees from various departments during the observance of the day.

On the day, Shri Vijay Dube, Executive Director of PNB, said, “Barriers faced by persons with disabilities are a detriment to the society, and accessibility is necessary to achieve progress and development for all. PNB has introduced various initiatives towards the inclusion and empowerment of differently abled employees and customers. With this, the bank builds towards a conducive society for the common growth for all.”

Further, on this occasion, PNB marked the day by donating generously to the National Association for The Blind, which has transformed the lives of over 80,000 persons with visual impairment. This donation aimed at keeping the winters warm and comfortable for visually impaired school-going children with the organization.

Strengthening Startup Communities across Punjab: 1000+ initiatives onboarded by IMPunjab

December 2022: Innovation Mission Punjab, a unique private-public partnership that aims to build, empower and act as a catalyst for local start-up communities in Punjab organised its 2nd round of Startup Day in Ludhiana. Startup Day was organized to build a strong startup community thus paving the way for an enriching economy by leveraging the start-up ecosystem of the state.

It is prudent to provide the right framework, funding, and mentoring to support entrepreneurs as young people, are getting more inclined to start off on their own. Young entrepreneurs discussed their ideas in-person with IMPunjab team members and stakeholders and learned about what opportunities they can take advantage of and with whom they can collaborate to scale their startups. This initiative has been able to nurture many small enterprises, helped in identifying markets and expansion as well as increasing revenue by approx 5X. The support has been exceptional with right guidance to transform their ideas into reality, and truly harnessing entreprenuers potential and sustain their startup’s development. With over 100+ registrations across Ludhiana for the event, Pup ping, Artful.com, Groceryb2b network, Clothoverse, and Securepaisa.com were some of the startups among others who participated in the event.

Milind Kwatra, Founder of Hum Hain came for an Entrepreneur Talk and the team also leveraged the local industrialist network in bringing in their experiences and led an open discussion forum. The panel had a strong representation from the region and included Nitigya and Gavish (HeeBee), Dr Arvind Dhingra -Head, Incubation Centre, GNDEC, Ms Anika (Ekara Financials), Sanam Teja, Abhay Singhal (Founder – TickTalkTo), and Vikas Khanna (GGI) along with the IMPunjab team, were present panel for the Startup Day.

Commenting on the event, Mr Somveer Anand, CEO & Mission Director, IMPunjab said, “We strive to enhance and strongly believe in the entrepreneurial spirit of youth of Punjab. With 1100+ Startups on board, IMPunjab hopes to bring together the best of Punjab’s born risk taker- entrepreneurial talent and to develop a vibrant startup ecosystem in the state. The aim of the Startup Day is to foster an entrepreneurial environment that helps small businesses contribute to Punjab’s overall economic development by engaging for right guidance with stakeholders of the startup ecosystem.”

IMPunjab also provides incentive programs like incubation support through P.I.N.E. incubator network, mentoring support through a ready pool of mentors, investor facetime for investable startups and feedback and validation to take the idea further.