NIIT Launches 4th Edition of the ‘EdTech Growth Summit’
New Delhi, 28 February 2025: NIIT Ltd., a leading skills & talent development corporation, proudly announces the 4th edition of the ‘EdTech Growth Summit’, which will be held virtually on March 4, 2025. This year’s summit focuses on leveraging AI for sustainable growth, offering EdTech founders’ valuable insights from top investors and industry leaders.
This edition of the summit promises an engaging lineup of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, designed to foster networking and knowledge-sharing among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. With AI playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of education, the summit will spotlight innovative strategies and solutions to accelerate growth and impact in the EdTech space.
This year’s summit gets a major boost with Google Cloud coming on board as a Technology Partner, alongside the Microsoft Founders’ Hub. This partnership opens exciting opportunities for startups to scale through advanced cloud-based solutions, providing access to cutting-edge AI tools, expert mentorship, and potential funding avenues to drive innovation and long-term growth.
Rajendra S Pawar, Chairman & Co-founder, NIIT Group, said, “The 4th edition of EdTech Growth Summit is centered on harnessing AI to drive sustainable growth in the EdTech sector. By bringing together industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs, the summit aims to inspire innovation and empower emerging founders with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate and excel in this dynamic landscape.”
The virtual summit will once again present high-impact sessions led by prominent EdTech founders and industry leaders, including Rajan Anandan, MD – PeakXV Partners, Ex-MD – Sequoia Capital, Ex-MD – Google across India & South East Asia; Mayank Kumar, Co-Founder – upGrad & Co-Founder – BorderPlus; Chaitanya Kalipatnapu, Co-Founder, Emeritus; alongside the Founders of NIIT and the Vice Chancellor & President of NIIT University, among others.
Select start-ups will also participate in the Founders’ Growthcamp 2025 in the month of April at NIIT University (NU) campus in Neemrana.
Previous editions of the Growthcamp saw participating founders of EdTech startups who received a total of INR 7.8 Crore worth of benefits from Microsoft Founders Hub, NIIT EdTech Growth program’s Technology Partner.
Hybrid Model Businesses More Optimistic About 2025 Growth CEO Study Finds
New Delhi, 28 February 2025: In a challenging economic environment, businesses operating in the hybrid model have reported that they are significantly more optimistic about growth in the year ahead than more traditionally- focused businesses that require their teams to commute daily. They are also recognising that hybrid working allows them to operate with lower business costs, boost employee productivity and attract the best talent – all of which support this optimism.
A study of more than 1000 CEOs and senior business leaders by International Workplace Group (IWG), found that three quarters (75%) of businesses offering hybrid working had a positive outlook for 2025 compared to 58% of non-hybrid companies.
Flexible working has allowed many businesses to cut overheads by reducing office space and taking advantage of short-term workspace solutions. More than three quarters (79%) of flexible businesses reported cost savings and a similar amount (75%) say hybrid working is incredibly helpful in mitigating upcoming economic pressures like rising taxes, increased tariffs and market trends.
The research, conducted by IWG, the world’s leading provider of flexible workspace, with brands including Regus and Spaces, indicates that as business confidence across the world is under increased scrutiny, businesses prioritising flexibility are significantly more optimistic. 63% of hybrid businesses reported feeling more positive about the economy than they did a year ago, compared to just 44% of non-flexible businesses.
Workforce productivity key to brighter outlook
Flexible working models are also driving productivity and talent retention. 72% of flexible businesses report improved productivity in their workforces, and a similar percentage (71%) believe their policies have enhanced their ability to attract and retain top talent.
This is supported by Stanford academic Professor Nicholas Bloom’s recently published study** which found that hybrid working improved job satisfaction and reduced quit rates by one-third (33%), without damaging productivity.
Higher confidence in growth and workforce expansion
Flexible businesses are also more confident in their growth and workforce expansion. Over two-thirds (67%) of hybrid businesses are confident their business will grow in 2025, and nearly a half 48% are confident in expanding their workforce, compared to only 51% and 38% of non-hybrid companies, respectively.
Hybrid leaders cited wide-ranging benefits including increased employee satisfaction (53%), retention (43%), and productivity (46%).
Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, commented: “In these challenging times, CEOs and business leaders are contemplating the path ahead. Businesses that are aiming for peak profitability understand that the key to success lies in retaining and attracting the best talent – their greatest intellectual capital. This strategic focus is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving world.
“By embracing hybrid working, businesses are reducing costs and enhancing their team’s happiness and productivity. It’s no surprise that businesses adopting this model are the ones looking to the year ahead with optimism.”
Harsh Lambah, Country Manager, India added “The findings of this study reinforce what we have been witnessing in India—businesses that embrace hybrid working are not only more resilient but also significantly more optimistic about their future. By offering greater flexibility, companies can attract top talent, drive productivity, and reduce operational costs, all of which are critical for sustainable growth. At IWG, we are committed to empowering businesses with our expansive network of flexible workspaces across India, enabling them to navigate economic uncertainties while fostering a more agile and efficient work environment.”
RRP Electronics Partners with Deca Technologies on Semiconductor Packaging
Mumbai, February 27, 2025– In a groundbreaking move for India’s semiconductor sector, RRP Electronics, backed by cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, has forged a strategic alliance with US-based Deca Technologies, Inc. to supercharge its wafer-level packaging capabilities. This partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s journey to becoming a global semiconductor powerhouse.
Under this collaboration, RRP Electronics—renowned for its expertise in assembling and testing semiconductor components—will integrate Deca’s cutting-edge Wafer-Level Chip Scale Packaging (WLCSP) and M-Series™️ Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging (FOWLP) technologies into its state-of-the-art processes. This will elevate the company’s ability to deliver high-performance semiconductor solutions to customers worldwide.
Deca Technologies, a leader in advanced semiconductor packaging with backing from industry giants like Qualcomm, Infineon, and ASE Group, sees this alliance as a gateway to India’s booming electronics and semiconductor ecosystem.
A Leap Toward Semiconductor Excellence Electronics is already making waves in the sector, currently collaborating on a prestigious project for a Swiss client, producing sophisticated Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) in QFN packages. This further cements its reputation for delivering precision and innovation in high-tech electronics.
Rajendra K. Chodankar, Chairman & CEO of RRP Electronics, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating “We are investing in a large-scale Technology Transfer License Agreement (TTLA) with Deca, potentially on exclusive terms, to create a fully automated, world-class infrastructure. This partnership will take semiconductor packaging in India to new heights. We aim to complete our qualification tests by August 2025 and foresee revenue exceeding USD 30 million (about ₹260 crore) in just the second year of operations, with exponential growth in the years to come”
Tim Olson, Founder & CEO of Deca Technologies, added “We are thrilled to be part of India’s ambitious semiconductor growth story. RRP Electronics’ vision, expertise, and determination make them the perfect partner to drive innovation in semiconductor packaging. This collaboration will accelerate their ambitious plans and strengthen India’s position in the global semiconductor value chain”
A Game-Changer for India’s Semiconductor Industry Beyond this partnership, RRP Electronics is spearheading a massive ₹12035 crore, phase 1 Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly Test (OSAT) initiative, and 24000 crore fab set to establish a cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing and assembly facility in Maharashtra. The Government of Maharashtra is backing this initiative, recognizing its potential to drive economic growth and technological advancement in the region.
In September 2024, RRP Electronics inaugurated a world-class facility equipped with next generation manufacturing technology. This initiative is expected to create around 4,000 jobs, bolstering the local economy and cementing Maharashtra’s status as a global semiconductor hub.
As India accelerates its semiconductor ambitions, RRP Electronics and Deca Technologies are poised to redefine the landscape, bringing cutting-edge packaging solutions, massive job creation, and a new era of technological leadership to the country.
ENGIE Powers India’s Renewable Energy Transition
India, 27th Feb, 2025 : ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy solutions, continues to strengthen India’s energy transition by expanding its renewable energy footprint and investing in community development. As part of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), ENGIE yesterday inaugurated a school shed at Shree Kundaliya Pagar Kendra School in Taluka VAV, near its Electro Solaire project at Raghanesda Solar Park (GUVNL-1, 200 MW). Established in 1954, the school provides education up to 10th standard and serves 400 students.
The newly constructed shed offers much-needed protection from extreme temperatures, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for outdoor activities. Identified by ENGIE’s site teams, this initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting education, health, and community well-being. The shed was officially inaugurated by Sandeep Jadhav, Head of Operations.
“At ENGIE, our vision extends beyond clean energy. We believe in empowering the communities where we operate by investing in education, health, and sustainable livelihoods. Our renewable energy projects are not just about power generation—they are about creating opportunities and driving meaningful change. Today, 80 percent of our project workforce comes from local communities, and we continue to support initiatives such as skill development programs, clean water access, and education support,” said Amit Jain, CEO & Country Manager India | MD Renewables & Batteries India & South-East Asia
Beyond Key CEO Piyush Goel Named 2025 Chicago Titan 100 for Leadership
New Delhi, 27th February 2025– Beyond Key, a leading global technology solutions provider, proudly announces the recognition of its Founder and CEO, Mr. Piyush Goel, as a distinguished honoree of the 2025 Chicago Titan 100 by Titan CEO. This prestigious accolade honored the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives in Chicago, representing companies that collectively generate over $70 billion in revenue and employ more than 439,000 individuals across diverse industries.
The Titan 100 program, an internationally recognized initiative, celebrates CEOs and visionary executives who exemplify innovation, leadership, and industry impact. The program, led by Jaime Zawmon, President of Titan CEO, acknowledges executives who are driving meaningful change and setting new standards for success. This year’s honorees were celebrated at an exclusive awards ceremony recently at the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, where they joined an elite network of transformative leaders.
Piyush Goel, recognized as the 2025 Chicago Titan 100 for the second time in a row, recognizes his exceptional leadership and his instrumental role in Beyond Key’s global growth and innovation in AI, data analytics, and custom software development. Under his stewardship, Beyond Key has consistently been at the forefront of cutting-edge technology solutions, fostering a culture of inclusivity, continuous learning, and forward-thinking innovation.
Reflecting on this achievement, Mr. Piyush Goel, CEO and Founder of Beyond Key, stated: “Being recognized as a Titan 100 honoree is a tremendous honour and a testament to the relentless dedication of the entire Beyond Key team. Our focus has always been on delivering transformative solutions that empower businesses, and this milestone reaffirms our commitment to driving meaningful impact in the technology sector.”
Under Piyush Goel’s leadership, Beyond Key has achieved remarkable milestones, including being recognized as a “Great Place to Work” for six consecutive years, securing a spot among the Top 25 Organizations for Building Culture and Innovation for All, and ranking 35th in India’s Great Mid-Size Workplaces 2024 by Great Place to Work®. Additionally, Beyond Key was named an Inc. 2024 Power Partner Award Winner, reinforcing its industry leadership.
As a 2025 Chicago Titan 100 honoree, Piyush Goel remains dedicated to Beyond Key’s mission of fostering innovation, driving growth, and delivering impactful technology solutions. His continued leadership ensures Beyond Key remains at the forefront of industry advancements, making a lasting difference in the digital landscape.
AI’s Role in Sustainable Development Highlighted at ESIC National Seminar
Hyderabad, February 27, 2025 – The Engineering Staff College of India hosted a landmark National Seminar on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies across various sectors, emphasizing their crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals.
The seminar underscored that technology is ever-evolving. Its journey began in ancient times with the invention of the wheel for transportation—a breakthrough that enabled humanity to cover vast distances swiftly. From the advent of navigation systems that have allowed us to discover and connect with distant places, to the revolutionary impact of the printing press during the industrial era, and now, the transformative influence of Artificial Intelligence, human ingenuity continues to drive improvements in quality of life. “Today, AI is making significant inroads in sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, marketing, cyber security, education, and textiles, thereby fostering innovative development,” stated Professor V. Balakishtha Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana State Higher Education Council.
Professor Reddy further emphasized that the goal of leveraging AI and modern digital technologies to achieve sustainable development is being jointly pursued by the Engineering Staff College of India in Gachibowli, Jayaprakash Narayan College of Engineering, and Avinash Group of Institutions. The seminar, held on Tuesday, 25th February 2025 at the SK Campus Convention Center, was attended by nearly a thousand students from various colleges.
Addressing the assembly, Professor Reddy highlighted the importance of technology for India’s competitive edge in the global arena. He noted that with 65 percent of the population being young, it is crucial for this demographic to embrace and master new technologies. He expressed optimism that India, which currently supplies skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers to nearly every corner of the globe, is well on its way to achieving sustainable development by 2047—provided that the youth continue to refine and apply their intellectual abilities.
Dr. Sandhya Chintal, Vice President of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), highlighted the continuous evolution of technology. She remarked that while innovations such as the steam engine and electricity have each marked significant technological revolutions, today’s advancements—including augmented reality, robotics, blockchain, 3D printing, quantum computing, cloud computing, and nanotechnology—are fueling a new wave of global innovation that spans sectors from finance to healthcare.
In her address, Dr. Chintal encouraged the youth, whom she referred to as the “Future of India,” to seize the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s progress by leveraging their skills in science and technology.
Dr. G. Rameshwar Rao, Director of the Engineering Staff College of India, assured the audience that the institution remains committed to providing training on emerging technologies. He noted that the college annually trains approximately 7,000 personnel working in various government offices across the country and has already extended training to hundreds of students from 17 colleges under the Prime Minister’s Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
The seminar featured a series of insightful presentations covering a range of topics, including:
The use of AI in preventing, forecasting, and detecting challenges related to earth, air, water, sky, and energy (presented by retired IG Dr. S. Umapati).
AI, digital skilling, and sustainability—bridging the gap for a smarter tomorrow.
The latest advancements and research in AI for sustainable development by Futurelink’s Sri Pramod Chintapenta.
Career opportunities in AI and the role of technology in driving social impact (addressed by Associate Vice Chancellor Dr. Hafiz Bhash).
Perspectives on cyber security risks from Singapore’s Sai Krishna, along with discussions by Kashyap Kompel, Vijay Kumar Makyam, KS Ravi Kumar, Dean Sushil of Avinash College, and an address on Intelligent Traffic Management – the e-Chalaan system by Police Officer Nursing Rao from the Telangana Police Command Control Center.
Speaking at the concluding session, Telangana Planning Board Vice Chairman Dr. G. Chinna Reddy stated that the most talked-about subject in the world today is Artificial Intelligence. He mentioned that a recent international conference on Artificial Intelligence was held in France, where the Prime Minister of India also participated and explained the importance of AI.
He highlighted that the script of the Gondi language spoken by tribals in the Asifabad district was discovered through artificial intelligence, a fact that the Indian Prime Minister recently mentioned in Mann Ki Baat.
Dr. Chinna Reddy also noted that the brain of Einstein, who contributed to the discovery of nuclear energy and the atomic bomb, was preserved in a laboratory. He emphasized that even greater intelligence is now embedded in artificial intelligence.
He encouraged Telangana students, who have been securing top marks in national exams, to conduct further research on AI in the future and contribute new discoveries to the world.
The entire program was successfully organized under the leadership of Sai Kishore, Head of the Faculty Development Cell at the Engineering Staff College of India.
KLADIO Promises to Transform India’s Education Landscape with Ambitious Initiatives and Visionar
New Delhi, February 27, 2025: With a firm commitment to fostering experiential learning and bridging the industry-academia gap, KLADIO today marked its foray into India’s education landscape.
The official launch took place in the national capital amid the presence of esteemed dignitaries including prominent educators, lawmakers, and influencers, all of whom converged to support KLADIO’s vision for India’s education sector.
”Backed by a highly proficient and experienced leadership team, KLADIO aims to redefine the learning experience of students, empowering them to become global citizens and industry leaders. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative pedagogy, we will strive to nurture a dynamic educational environment that facilitates critical thinking, hands-on exposure, and collaboration,” said Mr. Tannay Jit Singh, Founder of KLADIO and an accomplished Third Generation Edupreneur.
KLADIO’s mission focuses on promoting experiential learning and practical training. It provides global learning opportunities in India that are comparable to the best programs in Dubai, London, Brazil, France, and the USA.
Featuring an inspiring keynote speech and an insightful panel discussion, KLADIO’s launch served as a strategic platform for diverse stakeholders to delve into the future of education in India. Additionally, a fireside chat by Mr. Harneet Singh, Founder, and Chief AI Officer of Rabbitt AI, underlined the potential of integrating disruptive technologies to enhance learning outcomes.
”The launch of KLADIO marks the dawn of a new age in education. With a firm determination to make learning engaging, accessible, and industry-relevant, we aspire to unlock the true potential of India’s students and contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat,” said Mr. Harneet Singh.
A key highlight of the event was a book launch that showcased the evolution of educational literature. Furthermore, a prestigious award ceremony celebrated excellence in the field, honoring outstanding educators and experts.
KLADIO has raised the bar in the education space with its distinctive ”Family Business Management” program that instills essential skills and knowledge required to successfully manage and enhance family-owned businesses by tapping into new opportunities.
A taste of Spring – Vasant Ritu Khasa at Royal Vega, ITC Royal Bengal
Indulge in the Vasant Ritu Khasa this season at Royal Vega, ITC Royal Bengal. The Vasant Ritu Khasa celebrates spring produce from across the country, showcasing seasonal vegetarian flavors.
Royal Vega, nestled within the iconic ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata, is the first restaurant in the state to be awarded the Sattvik Certification by the Sattvik Council of India. The restaurant continues to abide by principles of purity and sustainability in its offerings. The Sattvik Verification Label certifies that Royal Vega’s vegetarian cuisine is crafted with 100% vegetarian ingredients and has been prepared by the highest food safety regulations, allowing guests to indulge in a healthy and delicious full-course vegetarian meal without concern.
Drawing inspiration from the royal kitchens of India, Royal Vega offers a thoughtfully curated menu rooted in the principles of Ayurveda—the ancient science of life and holistic well-being. The restaurant’s offerings are aligned with Ayurvedic philosophy and a holistic approach to health, focusing on fresh and seasonal produce that promotes balance and harmony with nature. As a key influence on Indian culinary traditions, the Ayurvedic approach guides the restaurant’s menu, which is tailored to nourish the body by nature’s rhythms. This philosophy is reflected in the seasonal offerings at Royal Vega, where the menu is carefully designed to complement the six seasons (Ritu) of the Indian calendar, each lasting two months.
Vasant Ritu Khasa offers an array of mindfully selected vegetarian dishes that highlight the flavors of the season, including Mewa Paneer (stuffed rolled paneer and premium dry fruits slow-cooked in a gravy of poppy seeds, cashew nuts, and khoya), Kadali Badam Kofta (green bananas and almond marbles simmered in onion and curd gravy, finished with Timur), Shatawari Maarmik (crisp green asparagus tips seasoned with nuts and raisins), and Shahi Phal Sandesh (layered Sandesh), to name a few.
Cupid Limited Secures INR 42 Cr Order from Tanzania for Male Condoms
Mumbai, February 27, 2025: Cupid Limited, India’s premier manufacturer and brand of male and female condoms, water based personal lubricants, IVD kits, deodorants, perfumes, almond hair oil, body oils, petroleum jelly and other FMCG Products has received a purchase order from Medical Stores Department, Government of Tanzania for supply of male condoms worth ₹42 crore. The order, part of an international framework agreement is to be executed between May to July, 2025.
Commenting on this significant milestone, Aditya Halwasiya, Chairman & Managing Director, Cupid Limited said, “This is great news for us and the Call-Off Order from the Medical Stores Department, Tanzania is a testament to the strong relationships cultivated over the last 15 months by the new team at Cupid.
We have big plans across our B2C and B2B businesses in India and abroad and our focus remains on growing each business vertical sustainably and profitably”.
RTX’s Pratt & Whitney GTF Advantage™ Engine Achieves U.S. FAA Certification
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (February 27, 2025) – Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, announced that the GTF Advantage engine has achieved the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification for the Airbus A320neo family. The Advantage is the latest engine from the GTF family to be certified.
“GTF engines already offer the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for single-aisle aircraft,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “The GTF Advantage engine extends that lead and enhances aircraft capability, providing more thrust and even more value to operators of A320neo family aircraft, especially on longer-range aircraft like the A321XLR, all with a more durable configuration. With this certification and engine deliveries on track for later this year, it’s fitting we mark these milestones in 2025, as Pratt & Whitney celebrates a century of powering the future.”
The GTF Advantage will deliver 4-8% more takeoff thrust, enabling higher payload and longer range, unlocking new destinations for airlines. It offers better fuel efficiency with lower carbon emissions. Pratt & Whitney is working to ensure that the GTF Advantage will be compatible with future specifications for 100% sustainable aviation fuel. Fully intermixable and interchangeable with today’s GTF engine model, GTF Advantage will become the production standard.
The GTF Advantage includes fully redesigned life-limited parts and technology enhancements throughout the gas path. It is fundamentally more durable, with increased airflow in the core to lower operating temperatures and a state-of-the-art hot section to increase time on wing. In the high-pressure turbine (HPT), the enhancements include an advanced airfoil design with improved coatings. The HPT and combustor also feature optimized cooling hole size, shape, and location, with improved hole drilling techniques to reduce oxidation.
“India was an early adopter of the GTF engine and operators have benefited from its best-in-class fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions. With technological enhancements that deliver increased thrust, fuel efficiency and durability in severe operating environments, we expect the GTF Advantage to be attractive to Indian operators,” said Ashmita Sethi, president & country head, Pratt & Whitney, India.
The GTF Advantage test program incorporated extensive endurance testing to advance product maturity at entry into service. The GTF Advantage accomplished more than twice the amount of testing compared to the current GTF engine. It also benefits from over 100,000 hours of engine and rig testing across all GTF programs, along with 38 million flight hours of in-service operation. Certain elements of the GTF Advantage configuration can be incorporated into today’s GTF engine to support increased time on wing.
To date, more than 2,200 GTF-powered aircraft have been delivered to over 80 customers worldwide. GTF engines enable up to 20% better fuel efficiency and since entering service, have helped airlines save more than 2 billion gallons of fuel, equivalent to avoiding 20 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, compared to those aircraft having been powered by prior generation engines. Demand for the GTF engine remains strong, with 11,000 engine orders and commitments in total across all platforms.