Category: Press Release

The facility that marks a milestone in Ansys’ commitment to innovation was inaugurated by SAC-ISRO Scientists Shri. Neeraj Mathur and Shri. Ulkesh Desai

 Key Highlights

• With 1700 Cores and Growing GPU Capacity, DC-3 brings cutting-edge GPU technology and over 10,000 cores to accelerate engineering simulations
• New data center enhances computational power for critical R&D and technical simulations and will support Ansys’ strategic growth in India, enabling innovation across sectors like aerospace, automotive, and healthcare

Pune, October 9, 2024 — Leading engineering simulation software company, Ansys Software Private Limited today announced the inauguration of its newest high-performance computing (HPC) data center, DC-3 at its Pune office by Shri. Neeraj Mathur and Shri Ulkesh Desai, President and Vice President, Space Society of Mechanical Engineers (SSME), SAC-ISRO. This facility is set to further bolster Ansys’ computational capabilities, support cutting-edge technical simulations, and drive innovation, while also contributing to India’s technological growth and progress. Ansys Pune now operates three on-premises data centers, with DC-2 and DC-3 equipped with advanced HPC cluster facilities.

While inaugurating the facility, Shri. Neeraj Mathur, President, Space Society of Mechanical Engineers (SSME), SAC-ISRO, said, “HPC is at the core of present-day innovations, particularly in areas like aerospace and simulation-driven engineering. It is promising to see Ansys’ sustained investment in India’s HPC infrastructure, and it will  play an important role in empowering engineers and researchers of the country to solve today’s increasingly complex engineering challenges.. In addition, this will also enhance the country’s technological advancement.”

Shri Ulkesh Desai, Vice President, Space Society of Mechanical Engineers (SSME), SAC-ISRO, said, “Focused on GPU technology, DC-3is poised to push innovation while staying ahead of emerging technology trends. It will play a significant role in both driving groundbreaking innovation and aligning with today’s changing landscape of emerging technologies.. This launch by Ansys also emphasizes how the company is creating a platform for future exploration and discovery.

DC-3in addition to supporting Ansys’ R&D teams, also plays a key role in supporting the company’s capability to serve customers across sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. With its on-premises HPC resources and complementary cloud computing options, Ansys Pune will continue to be a vital center for technological innovation that will contribute significantly to both Ansys’ global operations and India’s technological progress.

Speaking about the inauguration, Mike Yeager, Area Vice President, India and Japan, Ansys, said, “The launch of DC-3 in Pune further highlights Ansys’ commitment to cultivating innovation through advanced, state-of-the-art technology. This expansion is not just about increasing computational power, but it is also about enabling Ansys’ teams and customers to push the boundaries of the possibilities in engineering simulation. We are also very excited to see how DC-3 will accelerate simulations, particularly with the integration of GPU technology, and empower our engineers to explore new frontiers in product development.”

Murali Pullela, Director of Sales, Ansys added, “Over the years, Ansys has always been dedicated to empowering our customers with cutting-edge simulation technology. The DC-3 launch in Pune will further this by leveraging the immense capabilities of GPU technology as it will enable faster, more accurate simulations. This launch highlights Ansys’ pledge to deliver the best-in-class solutions.”

Ansys’ newest data center, DC-3, enhances its HPC infrastructure, complementing the existing DC-2. DC-2, currently operating at full capacity with over 8000 cores and it will now be joined by DC-3, which is built to accommodate over 10,000 cores. An initial investment of approximately INR 20 crores has already been made to install 1700 cores. Forthcoming plans include expanding GPU capacity to support GPU simulations, aligning with Ansys’ strategic migration of Fluent, Ansys’ CFD software, to native GPU technology. The company has installed around 70 GPU cores to support GPU simulations and plans to expand this capacity in future phases.

Ansys, Inc., founded in 1970, is a global leader in engineering simulation software and has a significant presence in India, with its Pune office being a key R&D hub, seating over 500 employees from diverse backgrounds. The company has been pioneering the development and application of simulation methods for over 45 years, solving complex engineering challenges for clients across various industries. Ansys’ robust infrastructure and innovative solutions continue to support the growth and technological advancement of its customers in India and empower innovators to push boundaries with the predictive power of simulation. With a presence in over 50,000 customers across sectors, Ansys offers a comprehensive suite of simulation software for product design, testing, and operation.

• Projects a revenue increase to INR 900 crore by next financial year
• Aims production of 18,000 metric tons of aluminium annually

Delhi, Oct 3, 2024:  GenX PV India, a pioneer in split junction box manufacturing with integrated diodes, has announced plans to establish a fully integrated aluminium frame manufacturing facility in Raipur by early next year. The facility will produce 18,000 metric tons of aluminium annually, catering to Indian solar panel manufacturers and reducing reliance on imports from China. This facility will provide end-to-end solutions, including extrusion, anodising, and cutting, enhancing GenX PV’s ability to manufacture aluminium frames in-house.

The announcement came on the side-lines of its participation at the Renewable Energy India Expo 2024 (Oct 3-5, India Expo Center, Greater Noida, Hall 12, Booth No. R883). The Raipur facility, along with backward integration of the junction box, will help GENX PV solidify its position as a comprehensive provider of solar panel materials. The company aims to increase its Bangalore manufacturing capacity of junction boxes from 20 GW to 50 GW by FY25.

Additionally, GenX PV projects an impressive revenue jump from INR 200 crores in FY24 to INR 900 crores by FY25. The company remains committed to R&D, producing advanced, compact, and efficient solar solutions, ensuring top-notch quality through rigorous testing and innovative technology integration. The inclusion of bigger diodes, stringent quality checks, and adherence to V0 flammability standards further sets GenX PV apart in the solar industry.

Piyush Agarwal, Founder and Managing Director, GenX PV said, “With our fully integrated aluminium frame facility and backward integration into junction box manufacturing, GENX PV is not just expanding its capacity but redefining the end-to-end ecosystem for solar panels. Our innovative product portfolio, which includes advanced diodes and precision-engineered components, ensures we are meeting the demands of tomorrow’s solar energy landscape. By controlling every aspect from raw materials to finished products, we are delivering unmatched quality and efficiency to our customers.”

Mumbai, October 4, 2024 – Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Limited (Piramal Finance), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Ltd (PEL), today announced the launch of the second phase of its campaign “Hum Kaagaz Se Zyada Neeyat Dekhte Hai”. This initiative aims to empower underserved customers in Bharat by providing access to formal credit. Building on insights from the initial campaign, the new campaign celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of customers, showcasing Piramal Finance’s scaled model to bring credit to the unserved customers of Bharat.

Video Links:

• Rickshaw: https://youtu.be/yUGbVvs-cBk
• Sugarcane: https://youtu.be/ICcU_xtaCHs

The campaign features relatable stories of two unique individuals—a rickshaw driver and a sugarcane juice vendor—who embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, progress, good intent, and honesty. In the video, the rickshaw driver pauses his meter at a gas station to ensure his customer isn’t charged while waiting to refuel. At the same time, the sugarcane juice vendor chooses to serve a good quantity of juice without reducing it by putting ice, which reflects their intent of doing well and doing good. They highlight their challenges of being viewed as unserved, and this is where Piramal Finance steps in, empowering customers to approach them with confidence as long as they have a thriving business or employment and good intent.

With the tagline “Aaiye Baat Karte Hain,” the campaign invites underserved customers to connect with Piramal Finance and encourages them to explore their financial options without hesitation.  The ads will be available in Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Jairam Sridharan, Managing Director, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Ltd., said, “The second phase of our campaign reinforces our unwavering commitment to serve the underserved and unserved segments, focusing on individuals who demonstrate clear intent and potential.

The response to our inaugural campaign was phenomenal, evident in our consistent growth. This new initiative takes our efforts a step further in the customer journey, addressing the unique challenges faced by those who perceive themselves as credit unworthy. We aim to change that narrative, reinforcing our role as an integral part of our customers’ journeys and their moments of connection with our brand. As we expand our products and solutions portfolio, branch network, and deepen our presence in non-metro markets, we remain focused on driving economic progress and unlocking value for our customers.”

Arvind Iyer, Head of Marketing, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Ltd., said, “‘Aaiye Baat Karte Hain’ is an open gesture inviting customers advancing in their lives to discuss their financial aspirations with us. We aim to help them navigate their journey towards accessing financial resources. This new campaign represents the next phase in the evolution of Piramal Finance’s brand promise of ‘Hum Kaagaz Se Zyada Neeyat Dekhte Hai.’ We remain committed as a lender to creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem for underserved individuals across India. We aim to reassure potential customers that we assess their needs fairly and transparently, fostering relationships built on the foundation of trust and support.”

Kawal Shoor, Planner and Founding Partner of The Womb, said, “Achchi Neeyat was a clarion call we conceived for Piramal Finance last year. Early success and research showed that, in Piramal Finance, the underserved now saw someone who really was for them. Now was the time to extend a hand further and actively invite them in with ‘Aaiye Baat Karte Hain’. Market studies had shown that budget Bharat have been rebuffed for too long by the organised loans industry, and they’re used to hearing ‘no’ all too often. With ‘Aaiye Baat Karte Hain’ we want to make the ‘Neeyat’ proposition come alive even more compellingly, as also to make them feel valued, and included”.

 

The campaign will be promoted across TV, social media, digital news publishers, and the company’s digital assets and branches.

 

Piramal Finance has rapidly expanded its presence across India, operating with over 500 branches. With 80% of its business coming from metro-adjacent areas and Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, the company serves over 1.3 million customers across 13,000 pin codes. Its multi-product retail lending platform includes home loans, small business loans, loans against property, used car loans, and unsecured loans. In June 2024, Piramal Finance surpassed the milestone of INR 50,000 crore in retail AUM. The company has also expanded its co-lending network, partnering with the likes of Digital India’s Common Service Centers and Central Bank of India. With an employee strength of 13,700+, the company is driven by a commitment to addressing the needs of underserved markets through both traditional and microfinance branches.

Agency: The Womb

Production house: Nirvana Films

Director: Prakash Varma

Producer: Nandini Gowda

Executive Producer: Sneha Iype

• Nearly half of cybersecurity budgets still underfunded in spite of increased attacks.

Bangalore, India (3 October 2024)—Sixty-three percent of cybersecurity professionals in India say their role is more stressful now than it was five years ago, according to the newly released 2024 State of Cybersecurity survey report from ISACA, a global professional association advancing trust in technology.

The annual study, sponsored by Adobe, showcases the feedback of more than 1,800 cybersecurity professionals worldwide on topics related to the cybersecurity workforce and threat landscape. According to the data from 122 Indian cybersecurity professionals, the top reasons for this increased stress are:

• An increasingly complex threat landscape (87 percent)
• Insufficiently trained staff (54 percent)
• Worsening hiring/retention challenges (53 percent)
• Lack of prioritization of cybersecurity risks (44 percent).
• Low budget (40 percent)

Increasing Cybersecurity Attacks

In line with this sentiment around challenging threats, 29 percent of Indian respondents say their organizations are experiencing increased cybersecurity attacks. These top attack types include social engineering (16 percent), malware (12 percent), denial of service (11 percent) and zero-day exploit (11 percent).

On top of that, more than one-fourth (28 percent) of respondents from India expect a cyberattack on their organization in the next year, and more than half (57 percent) have a high degree of confidence in their team’s ability to detect and respond to cyber threats.

“Social engineering attacks, such as phishing, are a growing concern for organizations as human error remains a major factor in data breaches,” said Mike Mellor, VP of Cyber Operations at Adobe. “With the increasing frequency and sophistication of these attacks, it’s essential for organizations to adopt secure authentication methods to strengthen their defenses. Adobe believes that fostering a deep security culture among all employees through anti-phishing training, combined with stronger controls such as zero-trust networks protected by phishing-resistant authentication, are essential in safeguarding any organization.”

Resource Challenges

Despite an increasingly difficult threat landscape, the survey shows cybersecurity budgets and staffing are not keeping pace. Nearly half (47 percent) say that cyber budgets are underfunded, and 49 percent expect budgets will increase in the next year.

In terms of hiring, 46 percent of India-based organizations say their cybersecurity teams are understaffed, and respondents in India indicate that:

• 30 percent of organizations have no open positions.
• 48 percent of organizations have non-entry level cybersecurity positions open.
• 24 percent have entry-level positions open.

“Despite the increase in the awareness of cybersecurity threats, many organizations in India and even globally are still underfunding their cybersecurity budgets,” said RV Raghu, director, Versatilist Consulting India Pvt Ltd, and ISACA India Ambassador. “With 87% of Indian cybersecurity professionals identifying the complex threat landscape as a top stressor and 40% pointing to underfunded budgets, it is evident that organizations in India need to do more to support their cybersecurity teams. Hiring challenges combined with the increasing complexity of the attacks that we face today are putting a lot of pressure on cybersecurity teams. “It is time for organizations to rethink their approach, and focus on better resource allocation, enhanced training, and support systems to build resilient cybersecurity teams that are capable of withstanding future threats.”

Skills and Retention Trends

Employers in India seeking qualified candidates for open roles are prioritizing prior hands-on experience (84 percent) and credentials held (51 percent). Respondents from India indicate that the main skills gaps they see in cybersecurity professionals are cloud computing (48 percent) and security control implementation (40 percentage).

For the more than half of survey respondents in India (66 percent) that reported having difficulty retaining qualified cyber candidates, the main reasons for leaving included limited promotion and development opportunities (49 percent), poor financial incentives (42 percentage), high work stress levels (39 percent), lack of management support (39 percent), and limited remote work possibilities (39 percent).

“Employers should home in on the occupational stress their digital defenders are facing. This is an opportunity for employers to explore ways to support staff before burnout and attrition occur,” says Jon Brandt, ISACA Director, Professional Practices and Innovation. “Employees want to feel valued. As the leadership adage goes, take care of your people and they’ll take care of you.”

• BFSI leads in “women in leadership” – 24.5% of Corporate Executives are women in the sector, followed by FMCG at 21.5% women at leadership levels
• GCCs report the lowest attrition rate of women at 10%
• FMCG the best at retaining women in leadership’ attrition rate of women is at 2.6% vis-à-vis men attrition rate at 7%
• 98% companies build People with Disabilities (PwD) friendly environments as per 6^th Edition of MICI

India, September 26, 2024: Avtar, India’s pioneer and leading workplace culture consulting company, today announced findings from the 9^th edition of ‘Best companies for women in India (BCWI)’, listing. The 2024 Avtar & Seramount findings mark an evolution in the workplace culture in India, as the initiative nears the close of a decade. Data emerging from the survey establishes that average women representation across industries today is at 36.6% and close to 40% at entry level. Sectors like professional services are close to gender balance with 46% women while manufacturing reported a gender ratio of 20%, an indication of intensifying efforts.

The 2024 annual listing deep-dives and provides industry-wise listing for the first time establishing that the IT industry as the single largest employer of women with 24% companies in the listing, Banking & Financial Services Industry (BFSI) follows with a distant 11% and close to 20 other sectors ranging across manufacturing, pharma, healthcare, media & entertainment, hospitality, etc. trail with fewer companies featuring on the list. This year’s listing also includes a new category of listing- “Best Companies for Women in India- Emerging Icon”, organizations with 100-500 employees in their Indian operations, where 33% of the workforce are women and an encouraging 26% is the gender ratio at the leadership level.

Avtar also released the sixth edition of its annual ‘Most Inclusive Companies Index’ (MICI), wherein interestingly, from 58% companies focusing on People with Disabilities (PwDs) in 2019, the number has risen significantly to 98% of companies focusing on building inclusive work environments for PwDs. The index further broadens the understanding of inclusivity in India by evaluating diverse dimensions including gender, disability, age and culture.

Dr. Saundarya Rajesh – Founder, President, Avtar, celebrating the progress expressed,  “We are at a unique, paradox and juncture in India today with respect to women’s participation in the workforce; we have made significant progress in many areas such as the sheer volume of the women workforce, the facilities and flexibilities provided and the benefits to name a few but yet far behind in leveraging the opportunity – of enabling women in leadership positions, of ensuring rise in women participation and distribution across sectors and needless to emphasise women’s safety and well-being at the workplace so that they are encouraged to stay and grow. We are committed to keep nudging and raising the bar at Avtar and this year’s report takes one more step in that direction – of recognising emerging companies on their initiatives towards increasing and enabling women in the workforce and of deep-diving into the data industry-wise so that we have an incisive reflection of the gaps and areas that we need to work on.”

She further added, “It is remarkable to witness how organizations across geographies are increasingly committed to creating work environments where diversity is empowered to thrive. The BCWI study and the MICI continue to be a beacon of progress and as we move forward, we remain committed to enabling workplaces where equality is not just a goal, but a reality. The DEI rigour and focus of the participating companies prove that they are keen on turning around challenges into opportunities. We are thrilled to congratulate the companies recognised in the listing this year, for their unwavering commitment to DEI in their actions and spirit.”

“Most Inclusive Companies Index helps companies in India focus their efforts to understand gaps and provide specific strategies, programs, tools, and resources to help raise the standard on DEI strategies for under-represented talent including gender, LGBTQ+, PWD, and different generations.” said Subha Barry, President of Seramount. “We celebrate the leadership, employees, and initiatives that foster an inclusive environment where women and all talent can thrive.” she further added.

This year BWCI received 361 applications from organizations across various industries, regions and sectors in India, out of which companies from industries as diverse as Automotive, BFSI, Chemical, Conglomerate, Consumer Products, E-Commerce, Global Capabilities Center, Hospitality, Health Care, IT, ITES, Logistics and Management Consulting, Manufacturing, Media, Pharmaceutical, Professional Services, Real Estate, Retail and Apparel, and Science & Engineering, Telecommunication and Utilities, made it to the Best Companies List.  The study accepted applications from companies between February 2024, and July 2024. The Top Companies and Best Companies for Women in India were chosen based on their efforts towards gender inclusion, as represented in their applications.  The Emerging Icons had 52 companies applying to participate, of which the winning list features 10 companies.

The companies that feature in MICI together employ 7427 people with disabilities. The champions of inclusion together employ 4652 people with disabilities, the exemplars have over 2275 PwD employees working for them.

2024 Avtar & Seramount Top Companies for Women in India (listed A-Z, alphabetically)

• Accenture Solutions Private Limited
• AXA XL India Business Services Pvt. Ltd.
• Barclays in India
• Cairn Oil and Gas, Vedanta Limited
• Citibank
• IBM India Private Limited
• KPMG in India
• Lear Corporation
• Tech Mahindra Limited

2024 Avtar& Seramount Champions of Inclusion – Most Inclusive Companies Index. (listed A-Z, alphabetically)

• Accenture Solutions Private Limited
• AXA XL India Business Services Pvt. Ltd.
• Citibank
• IBM India Private Limited
• Infosys Limited
• KPMG in India
• Midland Credit Management India Private Limited
• Target Corporation India Pvt. Ltd.
• Tech Mahindra Limited

• Tree Seeding Robot blends Continental’s automotive know-how with Land Life’s reforestation expertise for autonomous, high-quality nature restoration globally
• Innovative sustainability solution: Robot effortlessly navigates through difficult terrain and sows one seed per minute
• In-house development service provider Continental Engineering Services (CES) responsible for innovative autonomous seed module
• Martin Poettcher, Head of GreenTech at CES: “We are pleased to partner with Land Life and to jointly develop a sustainable solution for the preservation and protection of vital ecosystems. Our collaboration will clearly benefit the environment”

Frankfurt (Germany), September 25, 2024. Continental is developing a tree seeding robot together with the nature restoration company Land Life in order to mitigate the effects of deforestation. The robot can sow at a rate of one tree seed per minute, with the remote-controlled vehicle placing up to 60 pits in the ground per hour. This makes it a particularly effective and sustainable solution for reforestation in regions affected by environmental damage.

Continental’s in-house engineering and development services provider Continental Engineering Services (CES) and Land Life are collaborating to bring this innovative robot to the market for the first time. Land Life is a global market leader for renaturation and reforestation solutions based in the Netherlands. The company will contribute its in-depth expertise in nature restoration projects. CES, on the other hand, is developing the automatic drilling and seeding module for sowing the seed balls. A robot vehicle from the German manufacturer Stella Engineering, which is already available in the market, serves as the automated driving unit that carries the robot.

“We are pleased to partner with Land Life to jointly develop a sustainable solution for the preservation and protection of vital ecosystems,” says Martin Poettcher, Head of Business Center GreenTech at CES. “We have adapted the robot to our proven, robust automotive technology so that it can operate in an automated and safe way, even in rough terrain. Our collaboration will clearly benefit the environment.”

According to a monitoring report by the World Resources Institute (WRI), global forest loss increased by 24 percent in 2023: from 22.8 million hectares in 2022 to 28.3 million hectares in 2023. The loss of tropical rainforest is particularly serious. In total, around 37,000 square kilometers (3.7 million hectares) disappeared in 2023 – a forest area much larger than Belgium. According to the WRI, the world has lost three to four million hectares of tropical forest per year over the past two decades. Areas of mature rainforest are particularly important for biodiversity, carbon storage, and the regulation of regional and local climate impacts.

In view of the serious effects climate change has, with forest fires and also the ongoing clearing of forests, the restoration of ecosystems has never been more urgent. However, conventional reforestation methods are often impractical, especially in inaccessible terrain. More advanced solutions are needed. This is where the seeding robot offers new possibilities for restoring vital tree populations – thus protecting climate and biodiversity.

Sustainable, practical and natural restoration, thanks to automotive expertise

“Our collaboration with CES will strengthen biodiversity while expanding natural ecosystems. This synergy of CES’ automotive know-how with Land Life’s reforestation background is advancing the approach to autonomous, high-quality nature restoration worldwide,” explains Harrie Lövenstein, Head of R&D at Land Life. “Our partnership represents an interdisciplinary approach that is essential for the development of innovative technologies which will protect ecosystems in the future. Continental’s automotive expertise in the development of high-quality and robust technologies and innovations that are necessary in the automotive environment has allowed us to make major advances in innovative reforestation technologies that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.”

The sowing robot offers many advantages over conventional sowing and planting techniques. For example, it relies on an innovative, fully automatic direct sowing method. The drilling and sowing module developed by CES is at the heart of the automated sowing machine. And this is how it works: first, ground-covering weeds and grasses are removed. The robot then drills a hole at optimum depth and width for the soil and tree. A seed ball is dropped into the drilled hole using compressed air and the soil that was initially drilled out is then emptied back over the seed. The whole process takes less than a minute.

Use of the seeding robot for global reforestation

Reforestation projects in geographically-diverse regions globally require a highly-versatile solution. Such an offering must effortlessly sow native seeds in various shapes and sizes while navigating through dramatically different terrains including rocky and sandy zones, extreme inclines and sharp slopes, and slippery surfaces covered with branches and debris. The electrically-powered seed drill must guarantee high-quality precision sowing and follow a predetermined sowing plan. The innovative technology developed by CES ensures optimum embedding of the seed. The robot is designed for reliable and robust performance in difficult environments and is able to cope with varying soil conditions, strong weather, dust and extreme temperature fluctuations. This allows large areas of degraded soil to be restored quickly and effectively. This innovation is not just about planting trees but securing a sustainable future.

CES is developing sustainable technologies to protect the environment

CES is increasingly being called in for “green” development projects. The engineering services provider’s GreenTech division pursues a holistic approach to ecological sustainability, for example by using artificial intelligence (AI) to increase the energy efficiency of technology systems and machines. This results in a variety of innovative technological solutions. CES recently developed a weed control system for the automatic removal of weeds and the protection of crops. The system combines proven automotive sensor technology and AI to enable ecological, environment-friendly weed management. The tree seeding robot is the next step towards environmentally conscious care of vital ecosystems.

• Strengthens leadership for aggressive growth and expansion plans in India and international markets

Bengaluru, September 24, 2024: Cashfree Payments, India’s leading payments and API banking solutions company, announces the appointment of Nitin Pulyani as Head of Product & Sr Vice President. In this new role, Nitin will spearhead product innovation and develop strategic growth initiatives for Cashfree Payments. He will oversee product development, drive innovation and ensure delivery of world-class products and solutions that cater to the evolving needs of businesses both in India and globally.

Commenting on the appointment, Akash Sinha, Co-Founder & CEO of Cashfree Payments, said, “As a seasoned product leader, Nitin’s extensive experience and innovative mindset will enhance our ability to deliver industry-best products and solutions. With him on the team, I am confident we will continue to set new benchmarks in the sector. Welcome aboard, Nitin!”

Nitin Pulyani said, “Since its inception, Cashfree Payments has been dedicated to addressing the payment needs of Indian businesses. As the Indian digital economy continues to expand, I see tremendous potential to leverage Cashfree’s years of research and innovation in the fintech space to drive growth and scalability for businesses. I am excited to contribute to Cashfree Payments’ next chapter of growth.”

Nitin Pulyani has extensive fintech experience leading product vision and strategy at brands like PhonePe and Jupiter. With over two decades of building and launching products that delight millions of customers, Nitin has developed innovative product strategies, driven revenue growth and built high-performing teams in companies like Ola, NeoGrowth, and TaxiForSure, showcasing his ability to navigate and excel in fast-paced environments. He is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business. He also holds a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) from the Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi.

This appointment follows the recent hiring of Harsh Gupta as Chief Revenue Officer. These strategic additions are timely for Cashfree Payments as the company continues expanding its team to support its growth and market expansion objectives.

Cashfree Payments is India’s leading payment service provider, processing transactions worth USD 80+ billion annually. It is a trusted choice for over 6,00,000 businesses for digital payment solutions. The company is redefining how businesses approach digital payments, verification, and payouts through its wide range of tech-first offerings. Cashfree Payments is expanding its presence in the UAE region outside of India through its acquired partner, Telr.

• Continental’s Technical Center India has joined hands with Amrita University and MathWorks to introduce the Course in Automotive Systems and Layered Architecture
• “This partnership will create a talent pool that is well informed about state-of-the-art technologies and equipped to meet future challenges.” – Latha Chembrakalam, Head of Technical Center India (TCI), Continental

Bengaluru, September 24, 2024. Continental’s Technical Center India (TCI) has collaborated with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore and MathWorks to introduce the course titled “Automotive Systems and Layered Architecture” delivering know-how of the automotive industry emphasizing on Automotive Open Source Architecture (AUTOSAR) with an aim to prepare industry-ready talent. The initiative aims to reduce the divide between industry and academia while equipping students with industry experience and practical skills.

Continental signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amrita University in 2022 in order to introduce several academic and research initiatives through curriculum development, research projects, and offer consulting as well as internship opportunities. “The Automotive Systems and Layered Architecture (AUTOSAR)” course signifies a momentous step towards this direction. It will not only equip the students with the necessary skills but help them meet the demands of the evolving industry.

“This partnership is a testament to Continental’s commitment towards fostering an industry-ready talent. We plan to equip students with practical skills and experience they need to excel in the automotive industry by integrating Continental’s industry expertise with academic knowledge. This partnership will create a talent pool that is well informed about state-of-the-art technologies and well prepared to meet the upcoming challenges”, says Latha Chembrakalam, Head of Technical Center India (TCI), Continental.

Prof C. Parameswaran, Principal Director of Corporate & Industry Relations from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham said “We are extremely grateful to have the support and expertise of Continental Automotive and MathWorks for introducing a course that has been curated to provide our students with a comprehensive understanding of AUTOSAR, a technology that has become an industry standard in the automotive sector. This course will be offered through a combination of lecture, hands on workshops and industry relevant case studies. By pursing this course, we expect the students will not only be knowledge, but also adaptable innovative and ready to lead the way in the world of Automotive Engineering.”

“The AUTOSAR course offered by Continental and MathWorks will allow hands-on experience in developing scalable, modular software architecture required for automotive embedded systems. Through the tools offered by MathWorks and the industry expertise of Continental, learners gain practical skills in model-based design, simulation, and testing, aligning with current industry standards for efficient and reliable automotive software development”, added by Dr. Sasangan Ramanathan, Dean – Academics, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

Sunil Motwani, Country Manager – MathWorks India said, “We are thrilled to partner with Continental India to develop a comprehensive course for Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore. MathWorks is uniquely positioned with deep roots in education and extensive collaboration with the industry, giving us a clear understanding of the skills needed in the workforce. The course is designed to help students learn about various aspects of automotive product development including architecture, embedded systems and standards like AUTOSAR through the Model-Based Design framework. We believe that this course will prepare the students for jobs in the automobile world.”

Phased Approach to Build Industry-Ready Talent

This collective effort has been executed in three phases. Phase 1 comprises of designing a curriculum that aligns with industry standards which leveraging industry expertise, university ecosystem, and simulation technology in hand. Phase 2 aims at collective growth through collaboration, which includes Faculty Development Programs (FDP) and monthly expert sessions at the university campus, culminating in an industry readiness examination at the end of the semester. Phase 3 is the execution phase which aims to bring the vision to reality through active and effective delivery of course with university bodies and simulation partners.

The AUTOSAR course, with its extensive approach to industry-academia integration will work towards creating a stronger talent pool in India. It will further help contribute to the overall growth of the automotive industry in the country and innovation in future.

Technical Center India’s (TCI) Academic Associations

Technical Centre India (TCI) was set up in 2009 and has grown substantially as of Continental’s in-house R&D locations. With a strength of more than 6,000 engineers, it is one of the company’s major R&D locations organized under the Software and Central Technologies (SCT). TCI supports both global and local R&D for the company’s Automotive group sector. TCI has in the past and is currently collaborating with a host of premier institutions across the country.

~ The super top up policy can be added to any company’s base policy ~

Mumbai, 25^th September 2024: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading General Insurance companies announces the launch of ‘SBIG Health Super Top-Up’, a health insurance top-up plan designed as an economical and affordable option supplementing over and above the basic health insurance policy. The product offers versatility for individuals seeking insurance to enhance their existing policy – by seamlessly complementing any existing health insurance policy from any provider, whether corporate or personal. It enables customers to customize their coverage to suit their specific needs, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free experience.

With lifestyle diseases on the rise and medical inflation escalating at approximately 14% in the country, having sufficient coverage is imperative to effectively manage unexpected medical emergencies, which are not usually covered through standard health insurance plans.

The ‘SBIG Health Super Top-Up’ policy provides individuals with the assurance they need to confidently face any unforeseen medical situation. The plan contains a wide range of coverages, offering two plans with sum insured ranging from 5 lacs to 4 Crores. Under the policy, the claim becomes payable when your primary health insurance coverage is exhausted or when expenses exceed the deductible amount. It caters to the needs of Group Health or Retail Health customers requiring additional coverage, as well as the urban and semi-urban populace with inadequate or no insurance. Additionally, it fulfills the requirements of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) or families seeking extensive insurance coverage.

The SBIG Health Super Top-Up offers remarkable benefits, including:

• Flexible Annual Aggregated Deductible and Long-Term Aggregated Deductible options
• Sum Insured range of 5 Lakhs to 4 Crores and Deductible options from 2 Lakhs to 2 Crores
• Cumulative Bonus (CB) No reduction in CB, in case of a claim
• Unlimited Restore for related and/or unrelated illness/injury
• Option to reduce Waiting Period
• Global Cover
• Long-term policy options up to 3 years,
• Competitive premiums starting from Rs. 3,377 for individuals aged 18–35 years

This comprehensive Super Top-up policy offers a range of valuable features, including global coverage, unlimited restore, and a cumulative bonus that remains intact even after a claim, providing you with increasing value over time. Additionally, the reduction in waiting periods ensures quicker access to  benefits, among other features. A one-time welcome discount of 5% will be applied to all policies, provided the proposer purchases the SBIG Health Super Top-Up insurance within 5 days of receiving the quote from the company.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Subramanyam Brahmajosyula, Chief Product & Marketing Officer, SBI General Insurance said, “With the escalating costs of medical treatments and the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related illnesses, having comprehensive health coverage is no longer a luxury but a necessity. At SBI General, we have always been at the forefront of providing customers with simplified and affordable risk solutions that address the evolving needs of the customers. The ‘SBIG Health Super Top-Up’  Insurance Policy, is for the benefit of insuring customers who want to top up their existing insurance plan at a reasonable premium rate. This policy is tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families, offering peace of mind and financial security during unexpected medical emergencies. This super top-up policy features the unique advantage of seamlessly complementing any existing health insurance plan from any provider.”

About SBI General Insurance

SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India’s most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence of over 143 branches. In FY 2023-24, SBI General Insurance achieved significant growth, with a notable 17% increase in Gross Written Premium (GWP), reaching INR 12,731 crores.

The company has also received notable accolades including the ‘Domestic General Insurer of the Year’ – India at the Insurance Asia Awards 2023 in Singapore, recognition as one of the Best Brands 2023 at the ET Edge Best Brands events and being honoured as one of the Best BFSI Brands at the ET Now Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024. We have also received recognition as the runner-up for Highest Growth – General Insurance at the ASSOCHAM 15th Global Insurance Summit & Awards and were named the winner in the ‘Best Large General Insurer’ category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards 2023.

With a team of 8,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network of over 22,518+ SBI branches, agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

SEMI launches its Workforce Development Program in India to address the global talent gap and make youth job-ready

Delhi, India, September 11, 2024: SEMICON India 2024, the region’s premier semiconductor event, commenced today with a grand inauguration presided over by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML) in Greater Noida. Organized by SEMI in partnership with Messe München India, MeitY, India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and Digital India, the event underscores India’s emergence as a global semiconductor powerhouse. SEMICON India 2024 brings leading global semiconductor industry companies to exhibit and present on addressing key challenges such as talent shortages, supply chain redesign, and sustainability concerns.

As part of its ongoing efforts to accelerate India’s semiconductor growth, SEMI has officially launched its Workforce Development Program in India with a recent workshop on Semiconductor Manufacturing, held in partnership with ESSCI at IIT Delhi. The program emphasizes collaboration with educational institutions to create specialized curricula for semiconductor design roles and co-develop skill development initiatives. Addressing the global talent gap in the semiconductor industry, the launch aims to equip India’s robust engineering pipeline with the necessary skills to be job-ready for the fast-growing sector.

SEMICON India features additional SEMI programs to advance industry growth, such as Sustainability and Smart Manufacturing, supporting the favorable regulatory policies by the ISM and the Government of India and facilitating global investments to strengthen India’s position in the industry. Representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, Karnataka, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu will showcase their vision and policies designed to attract significant investments and drive growth, further highlighting India’s collective ambition to become a key player in the global semiconductor landscape.

In his address, Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the semiconductor industry’s critical role in India’s technological advancement and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the sector.

Echoing this sentiment, Ajit Manocha, SEMI President and CEO, said, “India is on the path to becoming the next semiconductor powerhouse in Asia, and the stars are now aligned to create an ecosystem that en ables growth for India and the world. With AI fueling global semiconductor hub & its demand, around 150 new fabs will be required to meet the industry’s ambitious $1 trillion target by 2030. India will need to achieve exponential growth to maximize its share, and SEMICON India will help to catalyze this market, augmenting ISM’s roadmap and favorable policies.”

“India is projected to face a workforce shortage of 250,000 to 300,000 professionals by 2027; upskilling India’s raw talent to meet this demand is crucial, and global players have a vital role in this effort,” Manocha said. “In partnership with leading Indian institutions, SEMI aims to address this talent gap by equipping the future workforce with the necessary skills and expertise to thrive in the evolving semiconductor landscape.”

“India Semiconductor Mission, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and Government of India are committed to a diversified and resilient semiconductor supply chain,” said ISM CEO Shri Akash Tripathi. “In the last 32 months, ISM has placed India in the semiconductor manufacturing map of the world, with four semiconductor manufacturing facilities coming up with a total investment of over USD 17 billion. With a very strong talent pipeline and strong resolve of GoI to support the development of the semiconductor industry in India, I am sure we will be successful in becoming a trusted partner in the global value chain of semiconductors in the coming years.”

SEMICON India 2024, co-located with electronica India and productronica India, features over 250 exhibitors, of which over 140 are international exhibitors, including global leaders such as SEMI, NXP, Foxconn, PSMC, Renesas, Tata Electronics, CG Power, Applied Materials and Cadence. Attendees will explore innovations in smart manufacturing, supply chain management, sustainability, and workforce development during the three-day event.

Program Sessions and Participating Companies

• Advanced Packaging – Experts will discuss how 2.5D and 3D integration enable chiplets to be optimized for different functions while highlighting the role of heterogeneous integration in developing next-generation devices for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and other demanding applications. Participating companies include AMD, Applied Materials, BESI, KLA and Western Digital.
• Design / EDA – This session will explore the march of technology in chip design and how tool vendors are evolving to equip designers with the capabilities needed to create and verify the next generation of chips. Participating companies include Breker Verification Systems, Cadence, Micron, Real Intent, Siemens and Synopsys.
• Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) – Speakers will delve into the latest advancements in FHE, focusing on advanced packaging techniques and healthcare applications while exploring market opportunities and the importance of environmental sustainability. Participating companies and organizations include Elephantech, ITC Packaging, MeitY, National Centre for Flexible Electronics, and Reddy Laboratories Ltd.
• Smart Manufacturing – This program will feature presentations showcasing real-world applications of technology areas like automation, data utilization with AI and machine learning, and digital twins, providing attendees with a clear path towards integrating them into their own operations. Participating companies include Ansys, Applied Materials, Lam Research, Micron and Tata Electronics.
• Smart MedTech – Experts will explore how advanced medical electronics and semiconductors are transforming patient care and healthcare supply chains, featuring insights into cutting-edge technologies and solutions for preventative care.
• Supply Chain Management – This session aims to provide a holistic overview of the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities in the semiconductor supply chain in India, featuring insights from industry leaders in device manufacturing, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, and materials providers. Participating companies include Applied Materials, Lam Research, Tata Electronics, and TechInsights.
• Sustainability – Experts will analyze sustainability vulnerabilities in the semiconductor industry, highlight existing resources that can be readily implemented, and explore innovative solutions to unsolved challenges. Participating companies and organizations include Applied Materials, Electramet, MeitY, and Merck.
• Workforce Development –This session will offer a comprehensive overview of semiconductor workforce development in India with insights from industry leaders, educators, and government officials. Participants will review and adapt successful global initiatives to the Indian context and explore potential partnerships with local educational institutions, government agencies, and NGOs. Participating companies and organizations include AICTE, Applied Materials, ESSCI, and Micron.
• In addition to the above, parallel sessions are planned themed around design ecosystem by Qualcomm, R&D for advanced packaging, and taxation regime of India.

For more details, please visit www.semiconindia.org and connect with SEMI India on LinkedIn and X (#SEMICONIndia).

SEMICON India Organization and Partners

SEMICON India 2024 is organized by SEMI, the global industry association representing the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, in partnership with India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), and Messe München India, the Indian subsidiary of Messe München GmbH and a leading organizer of trade fairs in India. The SEMICON India 2024 program has been developed in partnership with the Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA) and with support from the India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA) and India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA).