Women Entrepreneurs from ‘Bharat’ Drive Digital Shift, Reports Tide
New Delhi, 05 March 2025: Tide1 in India, the leading business financial platform for SMEs, has recorded a 282% surge in women members over the past year adopting digital business tools. Tide has more than 86,226 women members on its platform (sharply up from 22,584 one year ago, in Feb 2024), of which 96% are from Tier 2, 3, 4, and beyond towns (termed as ‘Bharat’). These cities and towns are emerging as centers of growth for SMEs in India.
Women across India—especially from Tier 2 and 3 cities are launching businesses that both fuel their ambition and make a significant contribution to India’s GDP. About 22 million small businesses in India are owned by women, making up around 20% of such businesses in the country. Digital tools are helping more owners, especially in smaller towns, grow their ventures, according to data from over 600,000 small businesses on the financial platform Tide.
Tide data shows that 30% of women entrepreneurs are from the smaller towns in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, representing 16% and 14% respectively. This is followed by 11% from West Bengal, around 9% from Madhya Pradesh and Bihar each, and 5% from Odisha.
General stores, beauty salons, and tailoring businesses lead the way—together making up 31% of all digital enterprises on the platform.
Rise of women solopreneurs
The rise of women solopreneurs is remarkable. Women digital marketers, actors, teachers, bookstore owners, agricultural tool vendors, grocery store owners, and financial consultants, make up over 61% of these ten key sectors.
Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO, of Tide in India, says: “For decades, the entrepreneurship story in India was always about metros and family-run businesses. We are now witnessing a powerful shift in the entrepreneurial landscape of India, driven by ambition, digital access, and a growing support ecosystem. Many of these women are first-generation business owners who are breaking away from traditional legacies, proving that innovation and enterprise are no longer confined to big cities.
Gurjodh adds: “These women are not just using digital tools – they are mastering them to build successful businesses, create jobs, and transform their communities. It’s inspiring to see that 96% of Tide’s women members are from smaller cities.”
Huge changes in culture, technology, and society are leading more young entrepreneurs to use digital business tools. Gen Z (19-25 years) and millennials (26-40 years) make up 78% of the women on the platform.
Tide’s data shows women entrepreneurs from Gen X and Baby Boomers are embracing digital tools, making up to 22% of adopters. A befitting example is, a 89-year-old entrepreneur (bookstore owner) who stands out as a testament to how digital adoption is transcending generations.
The rising number of women entrepreneurs in India highlights a significant shift in societal norms and the expanding opportunities for women in the financial ecosystem.
Out of Tide’s total member base, more than 14% are women. In line with its global Women in Business program to support female entrepreneurs, Tide’s commitment includes policy awareness programs, and partnerships with women-focused incubators such as WE Hub – Telangana’s state-led incubator (India’s first and only state-led incubator), NEHHDC (North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Limited) and Ubuntu Consortium (a Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs Associations) to bring more women under the formal economy through digitization.
Tide is committed to bringing 500,000 women in India onto the platform by the end of 2027, part of a global pledge to support women entrepreneurs.
Magma General Insurance Secures Partnership with Hyundai India Insurance Broking
Hyderabad, March 5th, 2025: Magma General Insurance Limited (Magma), a prominent player in India’s general insurance sector, has entered into a strategic partnership with Hyundai India Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd. (HIIB).
Under the terms of the agreement, Hyundai India Insurance Broking will offer Magma’s motor insurance products for both private and commercial passenger vehicles across 600+ dealerships in India. The collaboration will enable vehicle owners to access Magma’s comprehensive motor insurance solutions to safeguard against risks such as accidents, theft, natural disasters, and third-party liabilities. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to providing customers with seamless, cost-effective, and accessible insurance services.
The two parties signed the agreement in Gurugram last week in the presence of representatives from both companies.
Sharing thoughts on the partnership, Mr. Sameer Samdani, Whole Time Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai India Insurance Broking, added, “We aim to enhance insurance penetration by offering superior insurance solutions designed in association with the most trusted insurance companies. We are confident that our customers will benefit from Magma’s dynamic approach and solutions. The tie-up reinforces our proposition of delivering “Superior Products and One Class Above Experience to all our customers nationwide.”
Mr. Rajive Kumaraswami, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, of Magma General Insurance Limited, elaborated on the partnership, “We are excited to partner with Hyundai India Insurance Broking (HIIB), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMI), the second-largest carmaker in India. This partnership is a strategic initiative for us to strengthen our passenger car portfolio. Through our bouquet of motor insurance products and more than a decade of expertise in underwriting different customer segments, we shall be able to support Hyundai India Insurance Broking customers with easy access to insurance and quality service across the country.”
With this tie-up, Magma and Hyundai India Insurance Broking reaffirm their commitment to delivering high-quality insurance solutions, ensuring financial security and convenience for vehicle owners across the nation.
CYK Hospitalities Welcomes Lowkey Café to Gurugram
March 5, 2025, Gurugram, Haryana: CYK Hospitalities, a leading F&B consultancy firm, renowned for creating innovative dining experiences, has introduced its latest project, Lowkey Café, in Elan Epic, Sector 70, Gurugram. This newly launched cafe is designed to be a serene getaway for coffee enthusiasts, food lovers, and professionals seeking a peaceful workspace.
Lowkey Café brings a distinctive experience to Gurugram, offering a curated selection of organic dishes, brunch favorites, small plates, and delectable desserts, and a thoughtfully designed space that blends comfort with functionality. The minimal aesthetic and cozy corners make it a perfect spot for reading, remote working, or casual meetings. With a workspace that fosters productivity and a menu that tantalizes taste buds, Lowkey Café is an all-in-one destination for those looking to unwind or work in a relaxed ambiance.
The menu at Lowkey Café features an array of egg-based delicacies like French egg ramekin, Turkish eggs, sandwiches, and gourmet burgers. The menu also extends to sourdough pizzas, sundried tomato and pesto risotto, spinach and ricotta ravioli, quinoa chickpea Buddha bowl, and indulgent desserts like chocolate fondant and classic tiramisu, offering something for every palate.
The cafe features a unique rotation of coffee beans sourced from different regions of India, ensuring a fresh and dynamic coffee experience for its patrons. Complementing this, its in-house “Breads & Brews” concept offers a delightful combination of artisanal bread and signature coffee blends, making every visit an indulgence in flavors and craftsmanship.
At this new project, CYK Hospitalities went beyond just conceiving and branding, it has also set up operations at the establishment. This service ranges from developing customized standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensuring there is a proper kitchen design, menu engineering, and staff training. The meticulousness of CYK Hospitalities went to an end-to-end solution catering to how the vision of Lowkey Café could be imagined. Strategy ensured that every detail from aesthetic appeal to service efficiency matched the features of the brand and market positioning.
On the side-lines of the project, Lowkey Café, Founder, Vishal Jhoon, said, “Lowkey Café is a passion project birthed out of a need for a space where people could just be themselves. We wanted to create a place that seamlessly blends good food with great coffee and gives that inspiring atmosphere; our idea was to craft this haven where individuals could work, connect, and enjoy a few high-quality brews. Under the guidance of CYK Hospitalities, our dream has practically been fulfilled with their know-how and strategic execution“.
On this project, Pulkit Arora—the person behind the strategic approach of CYK Hospitalities opined, “With Lowkey Café, our objective was to do more than just create another coffee shop; we sought to construct a space—the space that engages communities and complements the changing way of life of a modern consumer. The idea was to plunge the consumer into a space where they would be encompassed by the work-friendly environment of culinary artistry blending into the space. Everything was well thought out from concept to implementation by our team to ensure that nothing is out of alignment with the vision. CYK Hospitalities is a pro in this, creating such experiences, offering a comprehensive suite of services that spreads across branding, operational management, or business development for F&B establishments.“
Lakshay Khurana Secures Injury After Intense Ishq Jabariya Action Scene
Speaking about his action-packed journey, Lakshay shared, “Ever since the track has changed in Sun Neo’s Ishq Jabariya, my role has been all about anger, shouting, and action. I have a lot of action scenes to do. Just a few days ago, I was hanging on a harness for four hours. I have some training in mixed martial arts, so that helps me perform these scenes well. But when you keep doing action scenes back-to-back without proper rest, your body starts feeling the strain. I’m experiencing muscle cramps and stiffness, but I love doing action, so I’m giving my best. It looks like I’m turning into a full-fledged action hero now! Since I’m doing well in action scenes, the makers are writing more of them for me, which is exciting.”
The Ishq Jabariya actor further added, “Of course, injuries happen. People say that action heroes don’t stop even after getting hurt, but I believe it’s important to pause and listen to your body. In TV shows, we have to shoot continuously, no matter what. The script demands it, so we have to do it. But yes, we need to take care of ourselves. Recently, I had to take a tetanus shot because of an injury. My back was completely twisted, and I couldn’t even walk properly. I had to wear a belt while shooting, and even applying balm wasn’t helping. The stress is high, but as actors, we must balance our passion with self-care.”
Tata Capital Secures Milestone as First NBFC to Enhance Website Accessibility
New Delhi, 5th March 2025: Tata Capital, the financial services arm of the Tata Group, has become the first player in the financial services industry to enhance its website with accessibility features for differently abled individuals. Tata Capital’s inclusive website reflects the company’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring seamless access to financial services for the differently abled.
The revamped website features an accessibility menu catering to diverse user needs, ensuring an inclusive browsing experience. It offers reading assistance for the blind and improves readability for visually impaired users.
Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Abonty Banerjee, Chief Operating Officer of Digital and Marketing, at Tata Capital, said, ” At Tata Capital, we are committed to fostering an inclusive digital environment that ensures equal access to financial services for all users. This initiative reflects our dedication to leveraging technology to remove barriers and empower individuals.”
GUVI and Freshworks Secure Partnership to Empower Teachers with AI3
Delhi, March 5th, 2025: GUVI, a leading vernacular ed-tech platform from the HCL Group, recently concluded Project GENIE (GenAI for Indian Education) in partnership with Freshworks as part of its AI-4-Schools Initiative. The event saw over 1,300 teachers register, reaffirming GUVI’s commitment to fostering AI literacy in Indian classrooms. With a track record of groundbreaking AI-led initiatives—including the Guinness World Record-winning SAWiT.AI Learnathon for Women —GUVI continues to pioneer AI education in India.
Piloted in Tamil Nadu, Project GENIE equipped teachers with future-ready AI skills through a structured three-stage approach. The online Learnathon introduced core AI concepts such as Data Science, Prompt Engineering, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) in Tamil. The top 100 educators then advanced to an offline hackathon held at GUVI’s IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai, and HCLTech’s ELCOT IT Park, Madurai, where they created 336 AI-powered educational apps. The initiative concluded with a felicitation ceremony at GUVI’s IIT Madras Research Park, recognizing 20 outstanding educators for their innovative AI-driven teaching solutions.
The felicitation event brought together experts from NASSCOM, UNICEF, and other leading institutions to advance AI-driven learning in schools. The distinguished panel was moderated by Mr. Arun Prakash M (Founder & CEO, GUVI) and featured key figures such as Dr. Radha Varadharajan (Chief Skills Officer, Naandi Foundation), Ms. Sheeba (Principal, Velammal Ology Tech School, Mugalivakkam), Ms. Sornalatha (Principal, Global Pathways School, Coimbatore), Dr. Krishnan Srinivasaraghavan (International Adjunct Professor of Sustainable Development, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham & Former Head of Exploration, UNDP India), Ms. Priya Singh (NASSCOM), and Mr. Jaspreet Gurm (UNICEF). Together, they engaged in insightful discussions to shape the future of AI in education.
HackerKID, GUVI’s gamified coding platform for kids, played a pivotal role in equipping school teachers with essential AI tools. By providing structured learning and hands-on experience, it fostered innovation and strengthened AI-driven learning in classrooms.
“Seeing over 300 AI-powered education apps created by school teachers is truly inspiring,” said Arun Prakash, Founder & CEO of GUVI. “It’s a testament to how technology, when blended with native languages, can transform learning and spark innovation in classrooms.”
“With the success of Project GENIE, we have shattered the perception that AI is only for people in tech,” said Apoorv Johari, Head of GUVI for corporations. “This initiative has shown how AI can enable teachers to enhance education.”
The felicitation ceremony was further enriched by the presence of several distinguished guests, who played a pivotal role in supporting the initiative. These included Mr. Shanmuga Anandaraman, Director of Social Impact at Freshworks, and Mr. Samuel Ebenezer from Freshworks, who were instrumental as internal stakeholders. Other key supporters included Ms. Sheeba Thomas from NASSCOM, Ms. Jyoti, Founder of Meghshala Trust, and industry experts like Mr. Kalaiarasan Pushpanathan from DTCC, Mr. Chandramouli Muralidaran, also from DTCC, and Mr. Kalaiselvan K from Aliaxis. The education sector was well-represented with contributions from Ms. Rosalind Jacobs, Principal of Annai Arul Public School, Mr. D J Ajith, CEO of Olive Public School, and other educators such as Ms. Sheeba from Velammal Ology Tech School, Mugalivakkam, Ms. Sornalatha from Global Pathways School, Coimbatore, and Ms. Samhitha Venkatesh, Director of Ela Green School.
“The success of Project GENIE demonstrates the power of partnerships and collective effort in redefining education through AI,” said S.P. Balamurugan, Co-Founder at GUVI.
Participating educators received accredited certifications from GUVI and Freshworks, along with lifetime access to GUVI’s GenAI course, ensuring continued AI skill development. Through Project GENIE, GUVI is bridging the gap between technology and pedagogy, ensuring that India’s educators remain at the forefront of AI-driven transformation.
EF Polymer Wins INR 2 Crores at DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge
Bengaluru, March 5, 2025 – DCM Shriram Foundation and The/Nudge Institute, in partnership with the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, announced EF Polymer as the winner of the DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge. EF Polymer was awarded INR 2 crores for its pioneering solutions to enhance water-use efficiency and boost agricultural productivity for India’s smallholder farmers at a grand finale event graced by chief guest Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and Former CEO of NITI Aayog. CultYvate, an agri-tech platform by Farm2Fork Technologies, also received special recognition and was awarded INR 25 lakhs for its contributions to developing smart irrigation systems that simplify irrigation and provide farmers with advisory for effective decision-making.
Launched in June 2023, with the cohort kicking off in September of the same year, the DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge was designed with the goal to drive water efficiency, productivity, and profitability for 1 million smallholder farmers in India, focusing on four major water-intensive crops- sugarcane, wheat, paddy and cotton. It received 134 applications, of which 16 AgTech organizations were selected for the cohort, driving innovations across irrigation, BioAg inputs, advisory services, and more. Post evaluation, four finalists were identified for their breakthrough potential: EF Polymer, CultYvate, IndusTill, and PhyFarm.
India is facing a severe water crisis, with per capita water availability dropping below 1,486 cubic meters—well under the 1,700 cubic meter threshold for water stress. Agriculture, which consumes 78% of India’s freshwater, is a key driver, with 62% of its water coming from rapidly depleting groundwater. At the current rate, India will have only 50% of its water needs by 2030, threatening 600 million farmers. The DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge demonstrates the potential of AgWaterTech organizations to build scalable, high-impact solutions for water-intensive crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton, which are crucial to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers facing escalating water stress and climate-related challenges.
Mr Ajay S Shriram, Chairman & Sr Managing Director, DCM Shriram Ltd and Director, DCM Shriram Foundation added, “Water is the most critical resource for agriculture. Against the backdrop of the nation’s severe water crisis, this challenge forms a crucial mission to find and scale holistic, modern solutions to make water use more efficient for smallholder farmers. We congratulate the winner, along with the other finalists, for their pioneering work – and look forward to watching these solutions continue to scale and transform the lives of millions of farmers around the nation.”
Kanishka Chatterjee, Director, The/Nudge Prize said, “When we launched this Prize – the AgWater Challenge, we faced a complex question about groundwater depletion and smallholder incomes. Despite hurdles like free water access and fragmented decision-making, fourteen organizations showed exceptional grit tackling this high-impact problem. I’m deeply proud that all four finalists have set the foundation for an AgWater inflection point in India. Their commitment birthed India’s first AgWater ecosystem, bringing together experts, investors, and enablers with genuine urgency. They’ve proven technological solutions can be both accessible and transformative for smallholders. The path remains complex, but we’ve shown innovative, scalable solutions are within reach. We should only go above and beyond from here.”
The winner, EF Polymer, is an agro-biologicals startup driving efforts to improve availability for agriculture. Currently operating in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, its product – Fasal Amrit – is an organic soil conditioner, that can absorb water up to 100 times its weight. This ensures optimal soil moisture retention and boosts crop yields. Over the last two years, EF Polymer has covered over 17000 farmers across 11 states, increasing irrigation efficiency by 40% and 18.72% yield increase.
CultYvate, which received special recognition for driving affordable technology and data transparency for smallholder farmers, leverages IoT-enabled soil sensors, weather stations, and satellite-based remote sensing to deliver critical insights on moisture levels, crop health, environmental conditions, and beyond. Operational in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Punjab, their services particularly benefit paddy farmers.
The other two finalists are also making remarkable contributions to the field. Industill Farmtech Private Limited provides an agricultural technology innovator called AutoFarm, to automate irrigation, promoting micro-irrigation and improving water efficiency. Its IoT platform automates irrigation and fertigation with smart devices, managed via a mobile app, this helps boost yield and efficiency while reducing water, fertilizer, and pesticide use. PhyFarm (Physiz Agtech Pvt Ltd) offers irrigation automation technology that enables farmers to remotely control pumps and valves via a mobile application that measures and optimizes water usage using intelligent irrigation systems.
During this journey, the organizations also received mentorship from the advisors, jury, and key ecosystem partners including Hemendra Mathur (Investor & Venture Partner, Bharat Innovation Fund & Co-founder, ThinkAg), Aruna Rangachar Pohl (Senior Advisor & Chairperson, Advisory Committee, IFHD), and Arindom Datta (former Executive Director, Rabobank). Additional key ecosystem partners include Emmanuel Murray (Investment Director, Caspian), Vilas Shinde (Chairman & MD, Sahyadri Farms), and Romiel Samuel (Founder & Executive Director, Indus Water Institute). Research, knowledge, and immersion partners include Ecociate Consultants, Deshpande Foundation, ThinkAg, The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, 2030 Water Resources Group, Villgro, Social Alpha, Arghyam, the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India (MANAGE), and IIT-IIT.
HCG Strengthens Commitment to Cancer Care Across India
New Delhi,5th March 2025:
Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd (HCG) is a premium Oncology healthcare organization headquartered in Bangalore, mainly focusing on delivering quality cancer care and cureto its patients. The vision of HCG is adding life to years by redefining healthcare through global innovation.
Over the years HCGcontinues to set benchmarks in Oncology with its cutting-edge diagnostic, treatment, and surgical services. With a presence spanning more than 20 hospitals across the country, HCG has solidified its reputation as a leader in precision medicine, pioneering advancements in cancer treatment through state-of-the-art technology.
HCG was founded by renowned oncologist and entrepreneur Dr. B.S. Ajai Kumar, with a vision to revolutionize cancer care in India. The company has played a pivotal role in bringing specialized oncology services to patients, offering a multi-disciplinary approach that combines medical expertise with the latest innovations in radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology.
The HCG Jaipur Unit stands as one of the foremost cancer care facilities in Rajasthan, dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer treatment with the latest medical advancements. Equipped with cutting-edge radiation therapy, targeted chemotherapy, and advanced surgical oncology solutions, HCG Jaipur continues to deliver world-class healthcare services to patients in the region.
Speaking on the significance of medical record management in oncology care, Junaid Nazir, Medical Record Officer at HCG Jaipur, emphasized, “Accurate and efficient medical records management plays a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes. At HCG Jaipur, we ensure that each patient’s treatment journey is meticulously documented, enabling personalized care and precision-based treatment plans. Our commitment to maintaining high standards of medical documentation directly contributes to the overall efficiency of cancer treatment.”
HCG’s relentless focus on research, innovation, and patient-centric care continues to position it at the forefront of the fight against cancer in India. With its ever-expanding network of specialized oncology centers, the organization remains committed to its mission of making world-class cancer care accessible and affordable to all.
Pokiddo Junior Expands in India with INR 40 Crore Investment
Mumbai, March 5th, 2025: Following its successful debut in Mumbai, The Esteemed Chinese brand Pokiddo Junior, an indoor entertainment brand, is gearing up for a major expansion in India. Prasuk Jain Hospitality Private Limited, the parent company of Snow World Entertainment, has made a substantial plan for investment of 40 crores to drive this growth, reinforcing its commitment to providing world-class indoor play experiences. As part of its expansion strategy, five new centers will open in cities like Delhi, and Bengaluru, and a second location in Mumbai, catering to the increasing demand for premium family entertainment.
India’s indoor amusement sector is witnessing remarkable growth, with over 6.6 million square feet of operational play spaces spanning 500 locations across 83 cities. The industry is projected to expand to 11 million square feet by 2028, reflecting a significant surge in demand for innovative, experience-driven entertainment. Pokiddo Junior is at the forefront of this transformation, bringing a fresh approach to the sector by combining play and learning in an immersive environment. As the industry expands, Pokiddo Junior’s rapid growth is perfectly aligned with this trajectory, ensuring that Indian families have access to world-class entertainment that caters to both fun and development. Considered to be one of the leading upcoming players, Pokiddo has expanded it’s footprint in India, USA, UAE, KSA, & Europe.
“At Pokiddo Junior, we believe that play is an essential part of a child’s growth and development. With India’s indoor amusement industry on a rapid growth trajectory, we see an incredible opportunity to set new benchmarks in experiential entertainment. Our expansion is not just about adding more locations, it’s about creating immersive spaces where families can connect, kids can explore, and the industry as a whole can evolve. We’re excited to bring Pokiddo’s world-class experiences to more cities and contribute to the growing demand for innovative indoor entertainment in India,” said Prasuk Jain, Managing Director of Prasuk Jain Hospitality Private Limited
With its expansion strategy focused on high-footfall metro areas, Pokiddo Junior is strategically selecting locations that offer accessibility, convenience, and a vibrant atmosphere for families. The brand aims to replicate the success of its Mumbai venue by maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and engagement in every new location.
The Mumbai center, located in Raghuvanshi Mills, quickly gained popularity as a destination for parents and children alike. Featuring state-of-the-art play zones, kids’ karting tracks, trampoline arenas, ball pits, and immersive arcade games, Pokiddo Junior offers an engaging and enriching environment for children aged 9 and below. Unique spaces such as the Princess Room, Supermarket Room, and Farmland encourage role-playing and imaginative play, making it more than just a fun experience—it’s also a space for learning and development. It is extending it’s current footprint by adding 3000 sq ft to its existing location to open the first kids salon, VR Zone, Sky Simulator, Carnival & Cafe.
The rapid expansion of the International brand Pokiddo Junior is a testament to its vision of redefining indoor entertainment in India. By seamlessly blending fun and learning, the brand continues to set new benchmarks in the children’s entertainment space, ensuring a memorable experience for both kids and parents.