Authored by LC Mittal, Director, Motia Group

Consumer expectations are evolving at an unimaginable pace. For a sizable percentage of modern-day consumers, authentic experiences matter more than a materialistic procession.

What may seem like a hyperbolic statement to many is the unavoidable truth. There is a growing appetite for building unique, memorable, and shareable experiences.

The demand for tailor-made experiences is growing at a staggering speed. From customized travel itineraries to fitness programs to entertainment, the market for tailor-made products and services are increasing throughout the length and breadth of the economy.

The pandemic has also played an instrumental role in driving the new trend. The lockdown period demonstrated the power of the digital world as exemplified by the relevance of virtual meetings, classes, gyms, etc. It demonstrated how well the world can function even in a purely virtual setup. Through increased thrust on digitization, it made superlative experiences accessible to the wider masses via social media, augmented reality, virtual reality, etc.

Marketers and enterprises now understand the growing significance of the experiential economy and embrace it as a part of their overall business strategy. It is estimated that the current size of the experiential economy is around USD 5.2 trillion and is set to reach USD 12 trillion by 2028, as per the World Experience Organization.

The Era of Experiential Real Estate

As the contours of the experiential economy are expanding, real estate can’t also remain largely insulated. People now believe that real estate is not just about a place to live or work but a curation of lifestyle choices. From design to construction to brokerage, experiential technologies are growing everywhere. From static digital assets, real estate is now aggressively embracing enriched technologies such as AR, VR, IOT, AI, etc.

There is an increased emphasize on the sense of community alongside security & long-term sustainability. Projects are built that bolster meaningful social interaction within the community. It encourages residents to not live in shells but to meet and interact with each other and develop healthy bonds without compromising on their personal spaces.
Likewise, sustainability and security are key themes now. Through remote access security systems, a sense of safety is enforced in communities.

Many homeowners are now willing to pay a premium for green buildings. Real estate contributes 30-32% of the global greenhouse emissions. People are realizing the danger and hence both buyers and developers are working proactively towards sustainable real estate. Realty projects incorporate a host of profound practices such as water recycling, renewable energy, improved ventilation& sunlight, etc. to contain carbon footprint. Also thanks to newer technologies such as IOT, it is very convenient to reduce wastage with the use of smart meters and switches.

Brick & Mortar Stores Pivoting to Retailainment

There is also a visible change in the retail segment. When the pandemic blew, many believed that brick-and-mortar stores were dead. However, despite being eclipsed for some time, the physical stores are back, albeit in a new avatar. The role of retail stores is no longer just limited to places for transactions. Rather malls, shopping arcades, and high streets are transforming to become facilitators of entertainment, meaningful social interaction, and shareable memories. This is giving rise to a new term called Retailainment a word made by combining retail and entertainment.

As digital natives Gen Z and millennials form a large portion of retail clients, shopping places are repackaging to support the active social media lives of their customer base. From interior decors and trial rooms, everything is designed to be more Instagramable. Likewise, retailers are investing more in play zones, food courts, and open spaces to give a more fun-filled and comfortable experience.

September 11, 2024 || Bric-X Infra, a leading name in the real estate industry celebrates its 5th anniversary. It is a milestone that reflects its remarkable growth and commitment to excellence. Over the past half-decade, the company has established itself as a trusted player in both the residential and commercial real estate markets. As the company celebrates this success, it is gearing up for an exciting new phase of expansion and diversification.

Building on its momentum, the company is all set to expand its footprint by opening new branches in the highly competitive Delhi NCR region in the coming years. As part of its growth strategy, the company also plans to extend its team, to support the increasing demand for its services. Additionally, to address market challenges, the company is set to launch new verticals in the commercial real estate segment, focusing on resale, leasing, and also in the luxury residential segment.

Commenting on this significant milestone and the future roadmap, Mr. Sher Singh Rathore, Vijay Kamboj, and Amit Rangi, Founders of Bric-X Infra says, “The completion of five years is a proud moment for us at Bric-X Infra This milestone not only highlights our achievements but also sets the stage for the next chapter of our journey. With our planned expansion into Delhi NCR, we aim to further establish Bric-X Infra as a leader in the real estate market. As we expand, we are also focusing on tackling an important issue within the commercial real estate sector, vacant commercial spaces. Our goal is to provide comprehensive solutions for resale and leasing, helping landlords and developers maximize their investments by ensuring spaces don’t remain idle.”

In recent years, Bric-X Infra has successfully captured the interest of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) looking for both residential and commercial real estate investments in India. To cater to this growing demand, the company plans to launch a specialized venture dedicated to providing a one-stop solution for NRI clients, particularly targeting those in Australia, Singapore, the US, Canada, and South Africa. This new offering will simplify the process for NRIs seeking to invest in India, whether for personal or commercial purposes.

As the company moves into its next phase of growth, it aims to remain committed to its vision of providing innovative, client-centric real estate solutions across India and beyond.

Mumbai, 11 September 2024: NeuralGarage, a Bangalore-based Generative AI startup building foundation models in the audio-visual domain, has been chosen to exhibit at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 as part of Startup Battlefield 200, the world’s preeminent startup competition identifying& showcasing disruptive technologies.

TechCrunch Battlefield receives thousands of applications from across the globe &NeuralGarage is one of the only 5 startups from all over Asia selected in this final list of 200 startups who cut. This year’s Startup Battlefield participants span artificial intelligence (AI), software as a service (SaaS), fintech, security, sustainability, space exploration, and more.

“Being selected for Startup Battlefield 200 is an incredible recognition of our ground-breaking original research & technology and validates what we are building at NeuralGarage. Getting to showcase your technology at TechCrunch Disrupt is the ultimate high for any startup,” said Mandar Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of NeuralGarage. “We’re excited to present our technology, VisualDub, which redefines the way video content is created and meant to be viewed globally. We aim to demonstrate how our innovation can continue transforming the content viewing experience for billions of non-native audiences worldwide. This selection is not just a significant milestone for NeuralGarage but also a very proud moment for India’s fast-growing AI ecosystem.”

“Our models are capable of creating precision LipSync on production quality videos while maintaining exceptionally high visual fidelity and temporal consistency,” said Subhabrata Debnath, Co-Founder and CTO of NeuralGarage. “Being recognized by a global platform like TechCrunch Disrupt aligns with our mission to create globally relevant technology while showcasing the capabilities of Indian innovation on the world stage& in Silicon Valley”.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 will be held from Mon, Oct. 28 – Wed, Oct. 30 at Moscone West in San Francisco. The event is known for debuting the hottest startups, introducing game-changing technologies, and discussing what’s top-of-mind for the tech industry’s key innovators—and this year will be no different. Past companies launched at Disrupt include Dropbox, Mint, Cloudflare, Fitbit, Yammer, and more.

Awards spotlight marina facilities that achieve excellence in six categories 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 11 September 2024: Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), has announced the submission deadline for the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards (Marinas Edition) is coming to a close on 17 September 2024, following widespread interest from prospective applicants.

The Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards promote marina facilities in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye that have distinguished themselves in the key metrics of ‘Sustainability,’ ‘Employer Excellence,’ ‘Health and Safety,’ ‘Customer Experience’ and ‘Innovation.’ The ‘Outstanding Marina’ award category recognises the facility that has achieved overall excellence in the maritime sector. Finalists are honoured at a ceremony at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) on 23^rd November.

The prestigious awards aim to elevate outstanding organisations in the region, inspire their peers and set an international standard for success in the sector. Such recognition further strengthens finalists’ organisational standing by underscoring their dedication to high performance and quality for clients, investors, authorities and employees.

Enter now to showcase your notable accomplishments at the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards using the link: https://www.maritime-awards.com/. To become a finalist, nominees must meet the eligibility requirements, demonstrate competence in their award category or categories, and highlight their best achievements.

Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Acting Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, stated, “We are elated to be hosting the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards, welcoming the region’s leading marina operators. The excitement for this year’s edition has been high, leading to the latest extension in the deadline for submissions. The inaugural event last year was a great success, showcasing the accomplishments of marinas throughout the region. We are excited to see even more entries in the upcoming edition, as these awards demonstrate our unwavering commitment to promoting excellence and honouring the remarkable contributions of the maritime community.”

Abu Dhabi Maritime, which operates under AD Ports Group in tandem with the Department of Municipalities and Transport is tasked with safeguarding Abu Dhabi’s waters and fostering the development of the city’s maritime sector. The second edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards will contribute to the group’s vision of shaping a resilient and advanced maritime sector, and creating an environment that meets the highest levels of efficiency, health, and safety, elevating Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global maritime hub.

Philadelphia, PA/Bengaluru, India, September 11, 2024 – Qlik®, a global leader in data integration, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI), announces new enhancements to its AutoML capabilities. These updates make it easier for analytics teams to build and deploy high-performing machine learning models, providing native analytics to explain predictions in real-time. With full integration into Qlik Cloud, these features enable businesses to move from reactive to proactive decision-making, helping them anticipate trends, address challenges, and optimize outcomes with greater confidence.

“At Qlik, we understand that trust and transparency are critical in AI-driven decision-making. Our latest AutoML enhancements ensure full model explainability, providing our users with the confidence that their AI models are reliable and performing well. These advancements foster trust and translate into more informed strategic decisions, enabling better business outcomes,” said Brendan Grady, General Manager of Qlik’s Analytics Business Unit.

Qlik’s latest AutoML enhancements bring significant value to businesses by delivering clear and actionable outcomes:

• Intelligent Model Optimization: Simplifies the process of building and deploying machine learning models by automating iteration and applying data science best practices, ensuring better performance with minimal effort.
• Native Machine Learning Analytics: Provides auto-generated dashboards that allow users to easily analyze and compare model performance, offering deeper insights into the predictions and the factors driving them.
• Seamless Integration with Qlik Cloud: Fully integrates with Qlik Cloud, leveraging existing data infrastructures to create a unified, user-friendly experience that supports efficient, data-driven decision-making.
• Comprehensive MLOps Capabilities: Ensures ongoing model accuracy and business value through automated monitoring, retraining, and lifecycle management, allowing businesses to maintain confidence in their AI outputs.

These targeted enhancements help organizations maximize the value they derive from AI, ensuring that predictive insights are reliable, understandable, and actionable.

“The enhancements Qlik is introducing to AutoML promise to significantly accelerate the value we derive from our AI initiatives,” said Mikkel Hecht Hansen, Head of BI at Nordisk Film. “The focus on model explainability will allow us to trust the insights and make data-driven decisions with greater confidence. This transparency is crucial for our business, as it helps us understand the drivers behind the predictions and act proactively, ultimately leading to better business outcomes.”

The latest enhancements to Qlik AutoML enable analytics teams to make proactive decisions with predictive analytics and full model explainability through a straightforward, no-code interface. These updates include real-time API access for up-to-date insights, associative exploration and what-if analysis for scenario planning, and enhanced security for data protection. Multi-language support ensures global accessibility, while AI model monitoring and retraining keep predictions accurate. These features seamlessly integrate into business operations, helping organizations respond quickly and make confident, data-driven decisions.

Global tech giant Microsoft has made a significant investment of Rs. 519.72 crore in Pune, one of India’s prominent IT hubs, according to Square Yards. In recent years, Microsoft’s investments in India’s commercial real estate sector have increased, spanning data centers, development centers, and flexible office spaces.

As per the registration document reviewed by Square Yards, Microsoft’s Indian arm, Microsoft Corporation (India) Private Limited, acquired 66,414.5 square meters (~16.4 acres) of prime land in Pune’s Hinjewadi. The transaction, registered in August 2024, involved the purchase of land from Indo Global Infotech City LLP. The deal incurred a stamp duty of Rs. 31.18 crore and a registration fee of Rs. 30,000.

In 2022, the company acquired a 25-acre plot in Pimpri-Chinchwad for Rs. 328 crore. Earlier this year, Microsoft secured 48 acres of land in Hyderabad for Rs. 267 crore. Both deals are part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to expand to expand its presence in India, particularly within its data centre operations. The company’s network of data centres already includes locations in Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai, solidifying its presence across key markets.

Currently, the company’s workforce in India includes over 23,000 employees across cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune. These teams support various business functions, including sales, marketing, research, development, and customer support. Additionally, in early 2024, Microsoft launched a major skilling initiative in India, aiming to equip 2 million individuals with AI and digital skills by 2025. The program, known as ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA, is part of the company’s “Skills for Jobs” initiative designed to foster a future-ready workforce.

Noida, Gurugram, and Yamuna Expressway Property Markets lead the investment surge

The real estate market in Delhi NCR is on the threshold of significant expansion with emerging trends of high-end residential and commercial properties. Such evolving dynamics have reshaped the landscape for developers, investors, and end-users alike. As per the findings by real estate consultancy firm Star Estate, the demand for properties is projected to grow exponentially in 2024-2025, with residential properties in Noida, Gurugram, and along the Yamuna Expressway leading the charge as top investment choices.

As per its findings around 58% of real estate investors plan to make investments in these locations within the next 3-5 months. Signaling a significant uptick in demand, this growing trend is set to gain pace in the coming quarters. Sharing his insights on the market’s growth, Mr. Vijay Jain, MD, Star Estate said “Noida and Gurugram are the most preferred locations for real estate investment in Delhi NCR. They are preferred by the property buyers seeking high returns and quality living. The investors who choose these areas are likely to witness substantial appreciation of around 30% to 45% YoY growth in property values over the next couple of years.”

Already these cities have witnessed around 45% price hikes in property rates in the current year especially within the premium homes segment. Such strong prospects further reinforce the appeal of these prime locations. Mr. Jain emphasised the significance of these areas by highlighting the fact that most of the buyers in these cities look for mid to high-end residential properties. “At Star Estate, we are witnessing a clear shift towards luxury real estate asset. We have experienced recently that nearly 50% of prospective buyers are focusing on this segment,” he said.

According to Mr. Jain, the buyers today are not just looking for homes, they are seeking elevated living spaces. “The buyers prefer homes that offer comfort, luxury, and an enhanced lifestyle and so the premium homes is growing,” he noted. The key Infrastructure developments in these locations have bolstered investor confidence.

The ongoing transformation of the Delhi NCR real estate market is equally indicative of broader trends in urban living. “With the market continuing its upward trajectory, the emphasis on luxury, connectivity, and lifestyle amenities is fast becoming increasingly important to both the investors and the end-users,” said Mr. Jain adding that these trends obviously provide valuable insights for the stakeholders.

Among these locations, Yamuna Expressway, in particular, is rapidly becoming the new frontier for real estate investment. “With major projects like the Noida International Airport on the horizon, the region is poised for double digit appreciation in property values. The developments here are not just about infrastructure, they equally represent a long-term vision for growth and prosperity. For the investors seeking strong returns, Yamuna Expressway is an ideal destination,” commented Mr. Jain.

Several key infrastructure projects along the Yamuna Expressway are set to further enhance the region’s appeal. “As the upcoming Noida International Airport is expected to become operational by April 2024, we have witnessed a surge in property inquiries,” added Mr. Jain.

“While Noida and Gurugram have emerged as epicenter of real estate growth, Yamuna Expressway is shaping the future of the region’s real estate landscape in the coming years,” concluded Mr. Jain.

As per Star Estate findings, the rising interest of the buyers is in 3 BHK and even the larger luxury apartments which reflects the evolving lifestyle needs of homebuyers. With a growing emphasis on home offices and multifunctional spaces, this preference for spacious, multifunctional homes is particularly strong in Noida and Yamuna Expressway property markets, which have emerged as preferred destinations for those seeking both convenience and luxury. Gurugram bodes well in terms of long-term investment prospects. Thus, the real estate landscape in Delhi NCR in a nutshell, set to offer unparalleled opportunities for astute investors.

Explore the digital pillars of Industry 4.0 with AAEON’s innovative AI Demos at SIDO Lyon 2024.

(Taipei, Taiwan – September 10, 2024) AAEON, a leading IoT platform provider, will be exhibiting a range of live demonstrations featuring both new and upcoming products at Booth #O205 of SIDO Lyon from September 18 to September 19, 2024.

Date: September 18 – September 19, 2024

Booth:#O205

Venue: CitéInternationale, Lyon

Get your free expo pass here: Code: E-AAELY24

At Booth #O205, AAEON will showcase exciting additions to its product lines utilizing technology from premier partners, representing the diversity in AAEON’s product capabilities.

Highlighting AAEON’s compatibility with NVIDIA technology, the showcase will feature the NIKY-2155, set to enter mass production later this year. Programmed to function as a smart scale for detecting, weighing, and pricing fruits and vegetables, it will utilize the NVIDIA® Jetson Orin Nano™.

Showcasing AAEON’s adoption of Intel® Arc™ graphics is a worker activity recognition application incorporating the recently-released EPIC-RPS9and MXM-ACMA, leveraging the inferencing power of Intel’s newest graphics technology to detect unexpected behavior, and dangerous situations, and improve worker safety.

AAEON’s final demonstration will be an object detection device powered by the board counterpart of the UP Squared Pro 710H Edge, alongside Innodisk EV2M-GOM1 MIPI cameras and integrated Hailo-8™ AI accelerator.

Also available will be a much-anticipated roundtable on the topic of how IoT, AI, and machine learning can benefit customers across different industries. The discussion is scheduled from 9.30 am to 10.15 am on September 18 in the Confluence Auditorium.

Speakers:

• Guillaume Roy (Head of Smart Industry – SopraSteria)
• Jean-Laurent Gazelle (Business Development Manager Southern Europe – AAEON)
• Arthur Jacquemet (Co-founder and CEO – Fabera)
• Pierre-Yves Le Morvan (Senior Account Manager Industrial and Manufacturing – NVIDIA)

Alongside its live demos, AAEON will also be showcasing a broad selection of static demos from across its varied catalog, including a number of as-yet unreleased models.

Visitors are encouraged to join AAEON at Booth #O205, where representatives will be delighted to discuss the products and provide details of the demonstrations on display.

For more information about the SIDO Lyon, or to register to attend, please visit the official exhibition website and be sure to use the code E-AAELY24 to obtain a free visitor’s pass.