India, February 17, 2025 – As India’s agricultural drone sector prepares for exponential growth, Skylark Drones, a leading startup providing drone solutions unveiled DMO-AG at the Krishi Darshan Expo 2025 in Hisar – a first-of-its-kind software platform set to transform how agricultural drones are managed and operated across the country.

The launch is crucial when India’s agriculture sector is rapidly adopting drone technology, driven by government initiatives and increasing demand for precision farming solutions. DMO-AG addresses a critical market gap by offering a unified platform that brings together farmers, drone operators, maintenance teams, and agrochemical companies.

“With DMO-AG, we expect a transformative shift in the agricultural industry. By democratizing access to drone technology, we anticipate increased adoption of precision farming, leading to higher yields, reduced input costs, and more sustainable practices. Our DGCA-compliant platform will not only empower farmers but also Drone Service Providers and Done pilots with real-time insights, automation, and Revenue management, ultimately making Indian agriculture more efficient, data-driven, and future-ready.” – Mrinal Pai, Co-founder, Skylark Drones

The DGCA-compliant platform introduces several groundbreaking features including real-time fleet management, crop-specific recommendations, and automated health monitoring – all accessible through an intuitive interface available in local languages. This comprehensive solution is compatible with all major autopilot-enabled controllers, making it a versatile tool for India’s diverse agricultural landscape.

Skylark Drones, which has already executed more than 10 million autonomous drone flights and processed more than 100 million drone images across 120+ enterprise customers nationwide, brings substantial expertise to this sector. The launch of DMO-AG marks a significant milestone in its mission to make drone technology more accessible and efficient for India’s agricultural community.

“With India’s agricultural drone market expected to grow at 25-30% CAGR, surpassing $1 billion by 2030, DMO-AG is poised to lead this transformation. Backed by government support and the rising demand for precision farming, our platform democratizes access to advanced drone technology” adds Mrinal Pai

Mumbai / Bangalore, 17th February 2025: Sportz Village, India’s leading school sports organization, successfully hosted the 5th edition of the ‘Get Kids to Play’ (GKTP) Summit this financial year at IIM Bangalore. The event brought together educators, policymakers, corporate leaders, young athletes, and parents to discuss the importance of structured sports education in shaping well-rounded individuals, improving national health, and developing India’s future champions.

The event opened with a keynote address by Prof. Sourav Mukherji, Dean, IIM Bangalore, who emphasized that India must transition from being a nation of sports spectators to active participants. He urged schools to prioritize structured yet flexible sports programs that allow children to balance academics and play, ensuring sports become an integral part of a child’s growth and development.

A critical highlight of the summit was the Voice of Young People Panel, where student-athletes shared their experiences in balancing academics with sports. Shagana S (MS Dhoni Global School) and Aadhya Arun Kumar (Presidency School, Banashankari) discussed challenges such as gender biases, access to sports facilities, and balancing school with training, stressing the need for schools to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for all children in sports.

The summit also featured insights from Nandan Kamath, Co-founder of Sports and Society Accelerator (SSA), the knowledge partner for the event. He emphasized that policy changes are essential in ensuring a structured approach to sports education, advocating for a national framework that integrates physical literacy into academic curriculums. He also highlighted SSA’s work in bridging gaps between grassroots sports initiatives and systemic policy reforms, ensuring that every child in India has access to quality sports education.

A panel discussion featuring Girish Dwarakinath (Founder, Equilii), Olympian Hakimuddin Habibulla, Shekhar Naik (Padma Shri Awardee and Former Captain, Indian Blind Cricket Team), and Anand Deshpande (Ex-CFO, Intel India) focused on the mental and emotional benefits of sports. Panelists emphasized that structured sports participation enhances discipline, teamwork, and resilience among children, while also advocating for mental wellness programs for young athletes.

Another key discussion explored grassroots sports development and policy interventions, featuring Annie George (Decathlon India), Dilip Kumar (Rainmatter), Shaina Ganapathy (Embassy Group), Srikrishna Sridhar Murthy (Sattva Consulting) and Deepthi Bopaiah (GoSports Foundation). The speakers highlighted the need to invest in emerging sports disciplines, noting that India currently participates in only 15 out of 33 Olympic events. The panel also stressed the importance of long-term structured programs over one-time initiatives to ensure sustainable sports development in the country.

The summit concluded with a strong call to action for educators, policymakers and communities to work together in creating a sustainable and inclusive sports culture in India. Saumil Majmudar, Co-founder & CEO, of Sportz Village, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment, stating: “At Sportz Village, we firmly believe that sports should not be seen as an extracurricular activity but as an integral part of a child’s development. The ‘Get Kids to Play’ Summit is an important step toward ensuring that every child in India has access to structured sports programs that build not just athletes but well-rounded individuals. We urge educators, policymakers, and communities to work together in creating a sustainable sports culture in India.”

Parminder Gill, Co-Founder & Head ofthe  Foundation, Sportz Village, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the collective responsibility in making sports accessible to all children: “Sports education is the foundation for not just great athletes, but also healthier and more confident individuals. The discussions at this summit reaffirm the role of schools, communities, and corporate partnerships in shaping India’s sports future. We need sustained efforts to make play accessible to all children, ensuring that sports become a way of life rather than a privilege.”

With the successful conclusion of this 5th edition of the ‘Get Kids to Play’ Summit in this financial year, Sportz Village continues to lead the conversation on integrating sports into mainstream education. The event underscored the need for collaborative efforts to make sports an essential part of every child’s growth journey, ensuring that India’s next generation is healthier, stronger,r and ready to excel in the global sports arena.

By: Deepti Verma Chhabria Co-Founder & Director, Aerome

When was the last time you stopped to smell the flowers at a nearby shop? Or walk a little slow around a bakery, basking in the glorious aroma of freshly baked bread or cinnamon buns? While you may not recall the precise moment, a mere mention of these delectable aromas can transport you back in time to when you saw some pretty flowers or spent time at a quaint café. And that’s because, for us humans, the sense of smell is one of the strongest anchors; a scent can transcend into our psyches and teleport us back in time. Thus, it hardly comes as a surprise when a growing number of brands are leveraging smell or “scent marketing” to curate multi-sensory experiences for their customers.

The Interplay of Scent & Human Psychology

The power of scent emerges as a little-known and yet plausible force to be reckoned with while influencing human psychology & buying behaviors.

Various reputed studies talk at length about the influence of scent on human psychology. Research done by Sense of Smell Institute discovered that people remember smells with 65% accuracy, even after a year. For reference, people could only recall 50% of visuals following a gap of 3 months. Research from Rockefeller University supports the same argument, claiming that people can recall 35% of what they smelt vs. only 5% of what they saw. And that’s understandable – while we live in the era of information overload, where we view tons of information via content on social media apps, TV, banners, etc – a sense of smell allows us to pause time for a little bit longer, and truly engage with the environment around us.

To that end, today’s leading brands are openly embracing scent marketing to not only influence buying decisions but also establish long associations with their customers. Nike did a study that revealed that “scented environments” led to an incredible 84% increase in “buying intent”. That’s the power of “olfactory branding” and brands, ranging from retail outlets to airlines, hospitality, automotive, and more, are all here to make the most of this future of branding & marketing.

Industry-Wide Scope of Scent Marketing

As the competition intensifies, brands today are leaving no stone unturned to grab attention and build long-lasting ties with customers. Here’s how brands from diverse industries are gearing up to leverage scent marketing for profitability and long-lasting brand associations.

•  RETAIL: Scented environments are leading to customers spending more time and buying more at retail outlets. Stores like Nike, and  Abercrombie & Fitch already swear by the same. Furthermore, today’s leading retail stores, shopping malls, etc are increasingly investing in ambient scenting to provide an avant-garde multi-sensory immersive experience to their prospects and consumers.
•  HOSPITALITY: A growing number of hotel chains are utilizing signature scents to establish exclusivity and add a touch of rich luxury to the overall experience.
•  AUTOMOTIVE: A trend not limited to only high-end luxury cars, more automotive brands today are going after distinctive fragrances to create a unique experience.
•  HEALTHCARE: Tasteful ambient scenting can uplift the environment and make it more conducive for healing and rejuvenation. Thus, it hardly is a surprise when leading hospitals or healthcare providers opt for ambient scenting to make their patients feel more relaxed and comfortable.
•  OFFICE SPACES & REAL ESTAE: Scents have been accredited for boosting workspace productivity. Notes of peppermint or citrus can make people feel fresh, energized, and ready to “zone in”. At the same time, scents of vanilla or cedarwood create a distinctive homely feeling. Leading players in the real estate segment are increasingly investing in ambient scenting to boost sales & overall customer gratification.

What’s Next: The Future of Scent Marketing

As the stakes rise and more brands begin to invest in scent marketing, the entire paradigm is going to evolve and undergo massive transformation. We are already witnessing a push towards sustainability in ambient scenting, crafting fragrances that are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Furthermore, we also expect to see the advent of AI-driven scent systems and smart diffusion technology. While the advent of AI will certainly help create personalized customer experiences, scent marketing is also expected to be widely used in curating truly bespoke Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality experiences.

Thus, the writing on the wall is clear: scent marketing is here to stay and redefine the future of branding and marketing. As brands compete for customers’ loyalty and mindshare, the most memorable branding experiences will not only be “seen” or “heard” but also “felt”. Join the bandwagon and craft a truly unique scent for your brand!

PhonePe, today announced the launch of a device tokenization solution for Credit and Debit cards. With this launch, users will be able to tokenize their cards on the PhonePe App, and use the card tokens seamlessly across all use cases on PhonePe such as Bill Payments, Recharges, booking travel tickets, making insurance purchases, making payments on Pincode, as well as at Online Merchants where the PhonePe Payment Gateway services are integrated.

For consumers, tokenizing their cards has several benefits. They will no longer need to save their card details on merchant platforms or enter a CVV for every transaction, leading to higher success rates and fewer drop-offs at checkout. With tokenized cards securely linked to devices, fraud risks from stolen or leaked card details are also significantly reduced, giving consumers an extra layer of security and boosting consumers’ confidence in online payments. To begin with, consumers will be able to tokenize their Visa Credit and Debit Cards.

For merchants, the advantage goes beyond security – it means tapping into a constantly expanding network of tokenized cards, ensuring faster transactions and higher conversions. As more consumers adopt this seamless payment method, businesses will naturally benefit from higher success rates, improved customer retention, and a frictionless checkout experience that fuels growth. PhonePe PG merchants will also have access to this solution.

Commenting on the launch, Rahul Chari, Co-founder & CTO,of  PhonePe, said, “This launch will be a step forward in making digital payments more secure and seamless. We plan to expand this offering by integrating with more card payment networks and enabling access to the device-tokenized cards to all PhonePe PG merchants. At PhonePe, we have always focused on building innovative solutions that enhance customer trust and convenience. As digital payments evolve, we remain committed to delivering offerings that make transactions safer, faster, and frictionless for both businesses and consumers.”

Chandigarh, 17 February 2025 – Fossil, the globally celebrated lifestyle brand known for its timeless craftsmanship and innovation, is excited to announce the launch of its first franchise store in Chandigarh at Elante Mall. This marks the brand’s 30th retail location in India, further fortifying its presence in the country. This strategic expansion aligns with Fossil’s vision of enhancing accessibility and delivering an unparalleled shopping experience to fashion-forward consumers in the region.

Speaking on the launch, Johnson Verghese, Managing Director of Fossil India, said, “Chandigarh, known for its embrace of style and sophistication, presents an excellent opportunity for our retail location. At Fossil, we are dedicated to providing our customers with an immersive shopping experience that reflects our brand’s values. Elante Mall, being a key shopping hub, offers the perfect setting to connect with our customers and showcase our latest collections. We look forward to welcoming Chandigarh’s fashion enthusiasts to explore our range of watches, accessories, and leather goods.”

The store is designed to reflect Fossil’s distinctive blend of modern aesthetics and heritage craftsmanship, creating an inviting and interactive retail space. Customers will have access to an exclusive selection of timepieces, handbags, jewelry, and lifestyle accessories, curated to complement their unique style preferences.

This launch marks another significant milestone in Fossil’s journey of expansion across India, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality products and exceptional retail experiences. By establishing a presence in Chandigarh, Fossil aims to engage with local customers through a thoughtfully designed retail environment that showcases the brand’s dedication to innovation and quality craftsmanship.

Castor seed production in Gujarat for 2024-25 is estimated at 14.75 lakh tonnes, down 6% from 15.74 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, according to the SEA Castor Crop Survey 2024-25. The drop is due to an 11% decline in acreage to 6.46 lakh hectares from 7.24 lakh hectares, despite a 5% increase in yield to 2,281 kg per hectare.

The Castor Crop Survey 2024-25 was presented at the Global Castor Conference organised by the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) in Gandhinagar on Saturday. According to the survey, heavy rains in August adversely affected castor crop, leading to resowing and lower plant counts in key districts like Vadodara, Surendranagar, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, which accounts for majority of the castor production in India.

Mr. Priyam Patel, Managing Director of NK Proteins Pvt Ltd and Chairman (West Zone) of SEA, said, “The estimated reduction in castor production in Gujarat can largely be attributed to a decrease in castor acreage. Excess rainfall in August and September coupled with diversification to other crops such as cotton and groundnut primarily resulted in a reduction in area under castor crop in the state. The yield has shown an increase due to favorable weather as on this date. However, future yield estimates remain subject to further revision based on weather conditions.”

Rajasthan’s production is estimated at 2.85 lakh tonnes, down 9%, with acreage dropping 12% to 1.70 lakh hectares, while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will produce 0.54 lakh tonnes, down 33% due to a 38% acreage drop.

India’s overall castor production is expected to be 18.22 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, 8% lower than 19.75 lakh tonnes last year. National acreage fell by 12% to 8.68 lakh hectares from 9.88 lakh hectares, though yield improved by 5% to 2,101 kg per hectare from 1,999 kg per hectare.

Chandigarh, February 17, 2025: Bank of India, a leading Public Sector Bank, has raised 10 years Infrastructure Bonds of Rs.2,690 crore @ 7.50% p.a, today through NSE Electronic Bidding Platform. The Base Issue size was Rs.1,500 crore with Green Shoe option of Rs.3,500 crore. Bank received total of 94 bids amounting to Rs.8,845 crore, 5.90 times of the Base issue size. Bank accepted bids at cut-off coupon of 7.50% of Rs.2,690 crore. There were 26 successful bids.

The funds raised through Long Term Bonds will be used for funding long term projects in infrastructure sub-sectors and affordable housing in accordance with RBI guidelines. The funds raised by the Bank through this issue is not meant for financing any particular project.

14 February 2025: Powering Livelihoods is an initiative by the independent think tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and Villgro, which is dedicated to advancing livelihoods through clean technology innovations that have the potential to impact 37 million livelihoods in India’s agriculture and textile sectors. This initiative is aimed at scaling commercial deployments of decentralised renewable energy (DRE) based livelihood technologies including cold-storage startups with sustainable, energy-efficient, and scalable technologies.

By helping startups scale innovative technologies and by facilitating commercial partnerships between entities like go-to-market partners, end-user financiers, etc, Powering Livelihoods seeks to improve large-scale commercial adoption of DRE livelihood technologies in rural areas. The large-scale adoption of these technologies would lead to improving opportunities for higher sustainable income, decrease in drudgery, increase in market access, reduction in food loss, and thus empower communities, all while promoting gender equity and environmental sustainability. The cold-storage solutions that the programme supports, particularly in regions where food waste and supply chain inefficiencies are widespread, have a variety of solutions designed for the prevention of food loss right from the farm gate to the last mile retailer node.

As the global demand for food security and sustainable agriculture practices continues to rise, the need for energy-efficient and environmentally responsible cold storage solutions has never been more urgent, especially in the scenario of climate change and rising heat affecting food loss more than ever. Cold storage systems are essential in extending the shelf life of agricultural produce, reducing waste, and ensuring that products reach markets without spoilage all while providing a better alternative to farmers against distress sale or throw-away of surplus produce. However, the existing cold storage infrastructure in many regions remains limited or outdated, often relying on conventional, energy-intensive methods that exacerbate climate change.

Key focus areas of the Powering Livelihoods initiative are:

• Commercial Scale-Up through Support to Startups: The initiative is committed to driving the growth of startups by providing tailored support, strategic guidance, and resources to scale their operations effectively in the market
• Awareness Generation through Demand Ignition: They focus on creating targeted awareness initiatives designed to stimulate demand, educate consumers and drive market engagement for innovative products and services
• Affordability through Affordable Financing Solutions: They further aim to enhance affordability by offering flexible and accessible financing options that empower consumers and businesses to access the products and services they need without financial strain
• Accessibility through Channel Partnerships: By fostering strategic channel partnerships, they enhance accessibility, ensuring that products and services are available to a wider audience through diverse and reliable distribution networks

Game-changing solutions in the cold storage sector: –

The Powering Livelihoods initiative highlights several key startups that are revolutionizing the cold storage sector with their sustainable and innovative solutions:

• Rukart – Subjee-Cooler (Cold Storage): Based on evaporative cooling, Rukart’s Subjee-Cooler is designed to extend the shelf life of leafy vegetables and fruits by 2-7 days. Ideal for retailers, the Subjee-Cooler preserves produce without the use of chemicals, preventing income loss due to spoilage. It also doubles as a ripening chamber, offering further versatility
• Temperate – Multi-Commodity Cold Storage: Temperate addresses India’s cold chain infrastructure gap with its low-power, cost-effective cold storage technology. Consuming 80% less power than traditional refrigeration systems, Temperate maintains optimal conditions for fruits and vegetables, increasing shelf life and reducing waste
• CoolCrop – Solar-Powered Farm-Gate Cold Storage: CoolCrop offers energy-efficient, portable, modular cold storage units powered by solar energy. Designed for farm-gate use, these units provide cooling services to farmers, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs, enabling them to store produce sustainably and make informed market decisions with predictive analytics
• Newleaf – Biomass-Based Refrigeration System: Newleaf’s patented refrigeration technology is powered by farm waste, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional cold storage. The system is versatile, supporting cold storage, pre-cooling, ripening, and even mushroom cultivation, helping farmers increase shelf life and negotiate better prices for their produce
• Saptkrishi – SabjiKothi (Vegetable storage for cart vendors): Sabjikothi is a highly affordable, weight and space-effective cooling box based on evaporative cooling technology, that cart vendors can use to sell their commodities without fear of it perishing. The cooling box keeps the commodities fresh for about 2 weeks with an anti-pathogen coating to keep them from perishing. Thus Fruits and Vegetables can also be procured in bulk at a negotiated price from wholesalers by the cart vendors

As cold-storage startups like Rukart, Temperate, Newleaf, CoolCrop and Saptkrishi continue to innovate, they are paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient cold chain system. The programme believes that the partnerships created between such technology providers, the go-to-market partners, and end-user financiers would create an ecosystem that would thrive on its own and subsequently create more such partnerships in the future, even without the support of a programme like PL.

By leveraging renewable energy, low-power technologies, and environmentally friendly solutions, these startups address the dual challenges of food waste and sustainability. With the support of the Powering Livelihoods programme, evidence of use cases where commercial viability of such technologies is being generated. This helps the ecosystem partners like market distributors, financiers, government entities, and the end users like farmers, micro-entrepreneurs, and food-producing companies to confidently embrace sustainable cold storage technologies for such use cases

New Delhi, 14th February 2025: Danube Properties, one of the largest private developers in Dubai, has unveiled its latest luxury project, setting a new standard of modern sophistication.

Nestled in the rapidly growing Dubai Silicon Oasis, TIMEZ by the Danube is an exceptional fusion of timeless design and contemporary luxury, offering a level of refinement unparalleled in the area.

What sets TIMEZ by Danube apart is its unique, flexible units designed to adapt to the evolving needs of buyers and residents. These homes are equipped with innovative features that cater to changing preferences over time.

Priced competitively starting at AED 800,000, the units provide an exceptional value proposition. Buyers can also take advantage of Danube Properties’ renowned 1% per month payment plan—an industry trend the developer pioneered.

The project offers a range of luxury apartments, including studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom options. Notably, the flexibility to convert studios into 1-bedroom apartments and 1-bedroom units into 2-bedroom ones offers added customization. For those seeking the utmost in luxury, some 2-bedroom apartments even come with private pools, while the largest 3-bedroom apartments provide expansive living spaces. Additionally, an ultra-luxurious Presidential Suite is available for those desiring exclusive opulence.

Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Properties, emphasized that TIMEZ by Danube offers UAE residents the opportunity to own their dream home in one of the most rapidly developing areas of Dubai. He highlighted the tremendous value and growth potential of Dubai Silicon Oasis, one of the city’s most desirable locations.

“Dubai Silicon Oasis is a thriving community situated along Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, offering excellent connectivity to key parts of Dubai’s modern infrastructure. The launch of TIMEZ by the Danube in this district is a reflection of our confidence in the future growth of this area,” said Mr. Sajan. “Silicon Oasis provides significant capital appreciation and rental yields due to its anticipated connectivity through the Dubai Metro’s Blue Line, which will serve as a game-changer for all communities along Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road. Additionally, the relocation of Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum Airport will further boost the area’s appeal.”

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is an innovative, tech-focused district that blends modern living with professional opportunities. Strategically located near key highways like the Al Ain – Dubai Highway and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, DSO offers seamless access to the rest of the city. This dynamic area is ideal for families and professionals who value an eco-friendly lifestyle, with green spaces, parks, cafes, schools, and retail outlets all within easy reach. As a technology-driven free zone, DSO offers 100% foreign ownership and tax-free benefits, making it a premier destination for both investment and innovation.

“Owning property at TIMEZ by the Danube presents an unparalleled opportunity to invest in one of Dubai’s most sought-after locations, with incredible potential for growth,” Mr. Sajan added.

The proximity of TIMEZ by the Danube to Academic City—home to 27 colleges and universities with around 30,000 students—adds further appeal, especially for students looking to purchase their own homes in this vibrant community.

The project is slated for handover in the third quarter of 2028, with excellent connectivity for residents commuting from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi.

Latest Campaign

Danube recently announced Bollywood superstar Kartik Aaryan as its brand ambassador. The campaign, “Danube Hai Na,” emphasizes Danube as the ultimate one-stop solution for all home needs—whether it’s building materials, home improvement, or real estate. With flexible payment plans, fully furnished apartments, and 40+ amenities, Danube supports homeowners at every stage—before, during, and after their real estate purchase.

According to Betterhomes, Danube ranked among the top three developers in the off-plan sector for January 2025, based on total sales value, alongside with Emaar and Sobha.

Bengaluru, 14th February 2025: ISHRAE (The Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) in collaboration with Informa Markets in India, proudly announces the 24th edition of ACREX India 2025, South Asia’s largest exhibition dedicated to air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and intelligent building technologies. Scheduled to take place from 20th to 22nd February 2025 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru, the three-day expo will spotlight the immense growth and innovation of India’s HVAC industry, projected to reach from $11.8 billion in 2024 to an impressive $29.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.3%. The HVAC & R Industry contributes immensely to the National Goal of Net Zero by 20270 since Air Conditioning consumes approximately 50-60 % of energy use in all commercial buildings in all vertical segments.

ACREX India 2025 is designed for professionals across the HVAC industry, including contractors (HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, mechanical, building automation and controls), consulting and mechanical engineers, architects, wholesalers, distributors, importers, exporters, public utilities, government agencies, procurement teams, testing and certification bodies, R&D specialists, design-build firms, manufacturers’ representatives, and more. The event serves as a key platform for fostering valuable business opportunities and industry collaborations. The three-day expo will host over 500 and attract over 30,000 trade visitors. The expo will witness participation from both exhibitors and visitors from over 40 countries, including Belgium, China, the Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the Netherlands, the UAE, the UK, Ukraine, and the USA. Leading industry players, including Fujitsu General India Pvt Ltd, ABS, Daikin, Danfoss, Voltas Bluestar, Johnson Controls, Carrier, Luftek, Saint-Gobain, Edgetech, AAF, SystemAir, Paharpur, Honeywell, Grundfos, ABB, Thermax, Armstrong, Delta Controls and more, will showcase their latest innovations, providing a comprehensive insight into global HVAC trends and advancements.

This grand edition in Bengaluru stands as an apex in South Asia’s HVAC industry. With the theme ‘Unleashing India’s Potential for A Responsible Built Environment,’ it serves as a powerhouse of innovation, featuring cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions. The growing demand for HVAC solutions is driven by the increasing number of high-rise buildings, Commercial Buildings, Multi-use facilities, hypermarkets in Tier-II cities, Data Centres, Super specialty Healthcare facilities shopping complexes, and malls, where HVAC systems are an essential requirement. This growth is further bolstered by the government’s continued emphasis on ongoing smart city projects across the nation, creating new avenues for infrastructure development and technological advancements in the HVACR sector.

The show is amply supported by both domestic and international associations such as the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Trades Association (RATA), All India Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Association (ACRA), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR), Assocham India, Indian Plumbing Association, India Green Building Council (IGBC), FSAI, UN Environment Programme, International Copper Association India, Contamination Control Society of India (CCSI), Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA), IIFIIR, ISKID, Green Business Certification Institute (GBCI), among others.

Mr. Anoop Ballaney, Society President, ISHRAE said “The HVAC industry is advancing rapidly, driven by breakthrough innovations in energy efficiency, smart automation, and sustainable climate control solutions. At ISHRAE, we remain at the forefront of shaping industry standards, pioneering research, and fostering technical excellence in HVACR systems. ACREX India 2025 will be a crucial platform for industry professionals, engineers, and researchers to exchange insights on cutting-edge HVAC technologies, from advanced refrigerants and decarbonization strategies to AI-driven building automation and net-zero cooling solutions. Through our commitment to technical standardization and skill development, ISHRAE continues to play a pivotal role in guiding the industry toward global best practices and regulatory compliance. As India’s demand for climate-responsive infrastructure grows, it is imperative to drive the adoption of intelligent, high-performance HVAC solutions that prioritize efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. ACREX India will not only showcase the latest technological advancements but also reinforce the importance of technical collaboration in setting new benchmarks for the industry.”

Speaking on the announcement of ACREX India, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, “The demand for HVAC systems in India is witnessing a steady rise, driven by rapid urbanisation, expanding infrastructure, and an increasing emphasis on energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Government initiatives such as the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC), ‘Make in India,’ and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes are accelerating the adoption of energy-efficient and smart HVAC technologies, aligning with India’s vision for carbon neutrality by 2070. As South Asia’s premier event for the HVAC industry, ACREX India 2025 will serve as a channel for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. With a focus on sustainable and intelligent building solutions, the event will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals to drive the future of HVAC technology and position India as a key player in the global HVAC landscape.”

Celebrating Industry Excellence

Attendees at ACREX India 2025 can look forward to an exciting lineup of events celebrating excellence, innovation, and industry advancements. The prestigious ACREX Awards of Excellence will honor outstanding contributions and groundbreaking products in the HVAC sector. Adding to the prestige, the ACREX Hall of Fame will recognise industry icons whose visionary contributions continue to inspire building developers, architects, and designers. The expo will also feature dynamic zones such as the Startup Pavilion, Innovation Zone, and Demo Zone, providing a platform for emerging technologies and hands-on experiences. B2B Meetings and the Solution Center will facilitate valuable industry collaborations, while Technical Seminars & Workshops (delivered by distinguished speakers from across the globe), the Launch Pad, and Idea Presentations will showcase the latest trends, insights, and transformative solutions shaping the future of HVACR.