Archive: May 1, 2025

Telangana Unlocks Rs.1,500 Cr Green Investment Push with Groundbreaking Biogas Tech in Landmark Biovest-Spantech-EcoMax Alliance

Hyderabad, India / Cape Town, South Africa — May 1, 2025: Telangana announces Green Investments of more than 1500 Cr INR in the state in developing biogas plants leveraging a revolutionary technology being introduced in India for the first time.

Biovest Holdings (South Africa), Spantech Engineers (India), and EcoMax Energy (India) have joined forces to Usher in a New Era of Biogas Innovation in India.

In a game-changing Indo-South African pact, Biovest Holdings (South Africa) and Spantech Engineers (India) have inked a bilateral technology transfer agreement set to redefine global green energy frontiers. As part of this strategic alliance, Spantech will supply its cutting-edge biogas purification systems BioGenie™ to Biovest, while Biovest will license its breakthrough containerized modular anaerobic digestion technology Herba™—capable of 3X biomethane yields—to be manufactured locally by Spantech in Hyderabad, ushering in a new era for India’s clean energy landscape. EcoMax Energy Hyderabad is the exclusive partner for deploying this technology through their CBG initiatives in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, bringing in investments and creating employment opportunities for thousands across the state.

EcoMax Energy Pvt Ltd has announced building an initial 20 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants across the state of Telangana with eventually one in every district, leveraging this revolutionary Herba™ technology. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect has been formally signed between EcoMax and Spantech in the presence of senior ministers and officials from the Telangana Government.

This cross-continental alliance is set to redefine the future of the biogas industry in India, with BioVest’s Herba™ technology poised as a game changer—bringing efficiency, modularity, and sustainability into focus for decentralized green energy production at scale.

This collaboration brings together Biovest’s pioneering innovation in anaerobic microbial digestion and Spantech’s engineering excellence in industrial gas and renewable energy systems to scale a technology poised to disrupt the traditional biogas industry.

Announcing this, Mr. M Rithvik Rao, CEO and MD of Ecomax Energy said, “EcoMax Energy’s ultimate vision is to transform Telangana into a green energy powerhouse, achieving complete self-reliance in compressed natural gas consumption while simultaneously creating thousands of green jobs and supporting our agricultural communities. We are actively raising capital from European green funds and development banks to finance this ambitious project, underscoring its global significance and environmental credentials.”

This collaboration is fostered by the close relationship between the Republic of South Africa and India. Expressing his happiness on this Indo-South African partnership, H.E. Gideon Labane, Consul General of South Africa in India, said:

“This partnership between Biovest, Spantech and EcoMax is more than a business alliance—it is a bold step toward a cleaner, greener future rooted in shared innovation between South Africa and India. Herba™ is not just a technology; it is a symbol of what’s possible when two nations come together to reimagine energy, agriculture, and sustainability. We are proud to witness this powerful collaboration take shape—a testament to South Africa-India partnerships that don’t just dream big, but deliver real impact for our people and our planet.”

Nature-Inspired, Engineered for the Future

The Herba™ system is a bio-inspired solution that mimics how ruminant animals like cows convert fibrous plant material into energy. This innovation, dubbed the “Mechanical Cow,” transforms organic biomass into high-yield biogas using a two-phase microbial digestion process that is faster, more efficient, and environmentally superior to conventional anaerobic digestion (AD) methods.

“With Herba™, we’re not just offering a better technology—we’re offering a paradigm shift. It’s decentralized, scalable, and built for the realities of agricultural and industrial economies,” said Mr. Harold Edwards, Chairman, Biovest Holdings.

Why Herba™ is a Game-Changer

Compared to traditional AD systems that suffer from high capital costs, long retention times, and limited feedstock flexibility, Herba™ delivers:

Less than 36-hour retention time (vs. 55 days in conventional systems)

Biogas yield of 800L/kg of feedstock

CH₄ concentrations consistently over 80%

21x higher organic loading rates

Energy efficiency below 2kW per unit

Factory-built, mobile, and modular units—no need for civil works

Zero effluent discharge and high-value co-products like biochar, food-grade CO₂, wood vinegar, and nutrient-rich water

Making Clean Energy Local and Scalable

Under the partnership, Spantech Engineers will become the exclusive manufacturing and technology deployment partner for Herba™ in India, enabling rapid localization, job creation, and cost-effective biogas plants across both rural and urban markets. Most importantly, it changes the economics of biogas through significantly enhanced biomethane yields.

“This partnership aligns with India’s clean energy vision and circular economy goals. We’re excited to bring Herba™ to life here and offer a comprehensive end to end Biogas solution that is truly transformative for the biogas industry impacting agriculture, transport, industry, and beyond,” said Ramgopal, Director – Technology and Innovation of Spantech Engineers Pvt Ltd.

From Crop Waste to Green Fuel

Herba™ is ideally suited for India’s vast agricultural economy. A typical 8,000-tonne-per-annum agri-waste plant using Herba™ can generate:

~7 tons per day of compressed biogas (Bio-CNG)

3.6 million diesel-liter equivalents (DLEs)

2,440 tons of food-grade CO₂

1,180 m³ of nutrient water for irrigation

981 dm³ of biochar

80 m³ of wood vinegar

This positions the technology not just as a renewable energy solution, but as a holistic platform for circular value creation.

A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future

With the Herba™ platform, EcoMax, Biovest and Spantech are laying the foundation for next-generation bioenergy systems that are modular, fast to deploy, and capable of fueling a green revolution—starting in India and expanding globally.

The companies will soon announce more projects and commercial-scale rollouts across multiple Indian states in collaboration with government agencies, private stakeholders, and farming communities.

“When like-minded innovators unite, the possibilities are limitless. This partnership isn’t just about what we will accomplish together – it’s about setting a new standard for the Biogas Industry and empowering those we serve. By combining BioVest’s cutting-edge Herba technology with Spantech Engineers’ compressed gas technology, we are poised to redefine what’s possible for our clients and the future of biogas. Together we will create solutions that not only meet today’s challenges but inspire tomorrow’s opportunities,” said the founders of Biovest Holding, Johan Botha and Otto Hager.

iCollab, a first-of-its-kind B2G Revenue accelerator, will play a strategic role in enabling BioVest and Spantech to unlock sustainable revenue pathways within India’s green energy ecosystem. Mr. L Srinath Reddy, Chairman of iCollab Hub Foundation “This collaboration with Ecomax-Spantech-BioVest reflects iCollab’s mission to accelerate transformative and scalable greentech solutions that align with India’s renewable energy goals for 2030 and net-zero vision for 2070.”

The Hills Meet Heritage as The Fern Brentwood Resort Hosts ‘Rangilo Rajasthan’

Mussoorie, 01 May 2025: The Fern Brentwood Resort & Spa, Mussoorie, is all set to paint the Queen of Hills in the vibrant colours of Rajasthan with its upcoming food and culture festival, Rangilo Rajasthan (Colourful Rajasthan). Running from 19th May to 1st June, this two-week-long celebration brings the royal flavours, rustic warmth, and colourful traditions of Rajasthan to the hills, offering guests an immersive experience through food, décor, music, and more.

As part of the resort’s Festivals of India series, this edition has been curated to transport diners straight to the heart of Rajasthan. From the moment guests step in, they will be welcomed with Rajasthani-style hospitality – complete with colourful turbans, traditional music, themed décor, and signature welcome drinks like chilled Jaljeera and refreshing Aam Panna. The venue, Whistling Pine, will be decked out in vibrant hues, folk motifs, and handcrafted elements that echo the spirit of the desert state.

Speaking about the festival, Arindam Bahel, General Manager, The Fern Brentwood Resort & Spa, Mussoorie, shared, “With Rangilo Rajasthan, we’re offering more than just food – it’s a cultural journey. We want our guests to feel the soul of Rajasthan in every bite, every sound, and every colour. Everything has been thoughtfully put together from the warm hospitality to the spice-laden curries and festive vibe.”

The chefs at The Fern have carefully crafted the menu to present an authentic taste of Rajasthani cuisine. Guests can savour dishes like Dal Baati Churma, the soul of any Rajasthani feast, along with the fiery and flavourful Laal Maas, earthy Ker Sangri, and hearty Gatte ki Sabzi. Delicacies such as Papad ki Sabzi, Rajasthani Kadhi, Govind Gatta Curry, and Sev Tamatar will also be served, accompanied by traditional breads like Missi Roti, Bajra Roti, and Tandoori Rotla. To round off the experience, desserts like Moong Dal Halwa, Malpua, and Ghevar will add the perfect sweet touch.

The festival menu also features authentic street-style flavours with dishes such as Jodhpuri Mirchi Bada, Pyaaz Kachori, and Rajasthani Bhujia, all brought together in an indulgent buffet. With both vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties available, the spread ensures something for every palate.

“The idea was simple — to bring the colours, flavours, and festive warmth of Rajasthan to our hilltop retreat,” shares the hotel team. Guests love experiences that go beyond the ordinary. This festival is about offering them something that feels joyful, rooted, and memorable.”

Whether you’re a guest at the resort or a visitor from the city, the festival is open to all. The culinary experience is elevated further with live folk tunes playing in the background and a setting that invites guests to slow down, indulge, and savour.

Just a short drive away from Dehradun and set in the heart of Mussoorie, The Fern Brentwood Resort is the perfect destination to enjoy this festival amid the summer breeze and hill-side charm. This unique celebration is an invitation to experience Rajasthan like never before – in the lap of the Himalayas.

Kalakriti Tiles Collection by Antica Ceramica: A Cultural Canvas for Contemporary Spaces

In a world increasingly driven by fast trends and fleeting aesthetics, Antica Ceramica’s newly launched Kalakriti Collection stands as a timeless tribute to India’s artistic heritage. Seamlessly blending tradition with modernity, Kalakriti—derived from the Sanskrit words Kala (art) and Kriti (creation)—is not just a tile collection; it’s a celebration of identity, craftsmanship, and soul-stirring design.

Crafted for spaces that tell stories, Kalakriti is designed to resonate deeply with architects, interior designers, and décor connoisseurs who believe that good design must evoke emotion and meaning. Each 60×60 cm tile features a polished glimmer surface that captures light and life in equal measure, while its earthy tones and intricate motifs reflect India’s rich visual heritage in a contemporary language. Whether it’s a heritage-style residence, a curated boutique, or a modern showroom with a story to tell, Kalakriti becomes the perfect medium through which tradition and trend can coexist effortlessly.

“The Kalakriti Collection is our way of preserving art through surfaces,” says Mr. Rahul Bhugra, Director of Antica Ceramica. “We’ve created tiles that don’t just adorn spaces but also elevate them by weaving in layers of history and culture. It’s an offering for the modern aesthete—someone who values not just form and function, but also emotional connection.”

Beyond its visual appeal, Kalakriti is engineered for durability and everyday ease. The tiles are bacteria-free, heat and chemical resistant, and frost resistant, making them suitable for a wide range of applications—from indoor walls and floors to kitchens, bathrooms, and accent areas. Their low-maintenance surface is easy to clean and install, ensuring that beauty is never compromised by practicality.

For design professionals, Kalakriti opens up a new world of expression. Its timeless patterns and subdued yet expressive color palette allow architects and interior designers to craft layered environments that feel warm, rooted, and refined. It’s a collection that offers creative freedom—be it in juxtaposing old-world charm with modern minimalism or in building storytelling corners that feel personal and profound.

Décor lovers too will find a deep sense of joy in Kalakriti. In an era where homes are more than just physical spaces—they’re reflections of values, journeys, and aspirations—Kalakriti tiles add that much-needed depth. They serve as the perfect backdrop for soulful interiors, where every surface becomes a silent narrator of beauty, culture, and care.

With the Kalakriti Collection, Antica Ceramica once again reaffirms its role as a pioneer in the tile and surface industry—offering not just products, but artistic experiences. For those designing with intention, crafting with heart, and styling with sensitivity, Kalakriti is more than a tile—it’s an invitation to rediscover the art of living.

Sitics Logistics Orders 100 Delivery Drones from TECHEAGLE to Transform Last-Mile Logistics in India

National, 1st May 2025 — In a landmark development aimed at redefining the future of logistics in India, Sitics Logistics Pvt. Ltd. has placed an order for 100 autonomous BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) delivery drones from TECHEAGLE Innovations Pvt. Ltd. The deal is among the largest commercial drone logistics agreements globally and underscores a shared vision to build a faster, more sustainable, and tech-enabled delivery ecosystem across the country.

The collaboration is designed to address inefficiencies in traditional last-mile and mid-mile logistics. TECHEAGLE’s in-house developed drones will support Sitics’ operations across e-commerce, intercity B2B, and direct-to-consumer deliveries. The initial rollout will begin in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai-Pune, and Bengaluru, with plans to scale to over ten cities in the coming months. With this deployment, the two companies are working to build a hybrid logistics network that combines aerial and ground-based systems to deliver increased efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Speaking on the partnership, A.M. Sikander, Group CEO and MD of Sitics Logistics, said, “This partnership with TECHEAGLE marks a bold step toward the future of logistics. At Sitics, we’re committed to redefining delivery with smarter, faster, and more sustainable solutions—and drone technology is a game-changer in that journey.”

The move comes at a time when India’s e-commerce parcel volumes are projected to rise sharply—from 400 crore to 1,000 crore annually over the next five years. TECHEAGLE’s drone systems are built to scale with this growth, offering lower operational costs in dense urban areas and hard-to-reach rural regions. The drones are also significantly more climate-friendly, with each delivery reducing carbon emissions by up to 94% per kilometer compared to electric two-wheelers.

Vikram Singh Meena, Founder and CEO of TECHEAGLE, highlighted the larger vision behind the collaboration: “This partnership with Sitics reflects a turning point for logistics in India. As consumer demand continues to surge, there is a clear need for infrastructure that is both economically and environmentally sustainable. With drone delivery now operational at scale, we’re proud to partner with Sitics to bring this next-generation capability to life where it’s needed most.”

TECHEAGLE has a strong track record in drone logistics, having successfully deployed its systems in some of India’s most challenging geographies, including projects with AIIMS, India Post, and state governments across the North East and Himalayan regions. The company’s proprietary drone models—Vertiplane (a 100 km-range hybrid eVTOL drone) and Verticopter (a 20 km-range eVTOL drone)—are powered by advanced AI-based route planning and a cloud-based fleet orchestration system, enabling fully autonomous BVLOS operations.

This partnership also aligns closely with national priorities under the Make in India initiative and the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. By leveraging deep-tech innovation and local manufacturing, the collaboration reinforces India’s position as a leader in future-ready logistics while contributing to climate goals and technological sovereignty.