September, 2024 - Business News Week

business

BUSINESSNEXT and MongoDB team up to accelerate autonomous operations in financial services

Sep 27, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #Accelerate

New Delhi, September Sept 27, 2024 – BUSINESSNEXT, a global leader in composable enterprise solutions for the financial services sector, today announced a partnership with MongoDB to accelerate autonomous operations powered with specialized predictive and generative AI for banking and insurance. Headquartered in New York, MongoDB empowers innovators to create, transform, and disrupt industries with the power of software and data. The collaboration between BUSINESSNEXT and MongoDB will empower banking, insurance, and financial institutions with the tools and technology needed to deliver exceptional customer experiences and drive digital transformation.

By combining BUSINESSNEXT’s deep expertise in financial services with MongoDB’s flexible, scalable database platform that has industry-leading encryption, access controls, and data protection protocols, the partnership will deliver innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of the industry. BUSINESSNEXT’s suite of solutions, include CRMNEXT, CUSTOMERNEXT, Open Communication Platform and industry-centric modules like digital lending platform, claims management and credit assessment management applications.

MongoDB’s document-oriented data model, with its flexible schema, nicely complements BUSINESSNEXT’s AI-driven capabilities. The partnership will enable banks to harness the power of their data to create personalized customer journeys, optimize lending processes, and to make data-driven decisions.

“We are excited to partner with MongoDB to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our financial services clients,” said Sushil Tyagi, Executive Director at BUSINESSNEXT. “MongoDB’s industry-leading data protection protocols, and our ability to handle complex data structures and scale effortlessly aligns with our vision of providing a modern, agile platform for banks.”

“Independent software vendors are an integral part of the enterprise software stack in India, and BUSINESSNEXT is a great example of the kind of ISV we want to work with,” said Sachin Chawla, Vice President, India and South Asia at MongoDB. “This partnership will help a large number of financial services organizations to accelerate their modernization initiatives and use AI to drive differentiation.”

Key benefits of the partnership include:

Autonomous Banking operations: The composable stack will enable financial services to meet the dynamic needs of AI driven processes and workflows
Enhanced customer experiences: Leveraging specialized and hyper-scalable AI-capabilities to deliver highly personalized customer interactions and journeys.
Accelerated lending processes: The combination of BUSINESSNEXT’s smart credit engines and MongoDB’s flexible data platform will deliver smart automation across lending operations with improved efficiency.
Improved operational efficiency: By automating back-office processes and leveraging MongoDB’s scalability, banks can reduce costs and enhance productivity.
Strengthened risk management: MongoDB’s robust and scalable data management capabilities will support BUSINESSNEXT’s risk rating and credit approval models, enabling banks to mitigate frauds, cyber security threats and continuous risk monitoring capabilities.

This partnership marks a significant milestone for both BUSINESSNEXT and MongoDB, and it is expected to drive significant value for financial institutions worldwide.

news

Move Club comes to India; Delhi to celebrate Myprotein’s commitment to India

Sep 27, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #celebrate

Delhi, September 27th, 2024— Myprotein, a leading name in the world of sports nutrition is excited to announce the launch of its community-driven global fitness initiative, Move Club, in India. In celebration of Nutrition Month, the inaugural event will take place in New Delhi on Saturday, September 28th, inviting fitness enthusiasts to be part of a revolutionary movement towards health and wellness.

The event will also feature leading influencers such as Rohit Katri, Mukesh Gahlot, Aadi Nagar & Karan Gulati.

Designed to bring together individuals from all walks of life with a common passion for staying active, the Move Club is a community-driven initiative created by Myprotein aimed at fostering fitness and encouraging individuals to push boundaries. Empowering a healthier India today for tomorrow, the platform will host activations such as group runs, workouts, and fitness challenges – curated to promote physical activity, foster a sense of community, and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. As the popularity of the initiative grows on a global scale, Myprotein is proud to extend its impact to India, a key priority market for the brand.

Ensuring accessibility to runners across a variety of fitness levels, the first-ever Move Club run in New Delhi will feature a 5km community run around the iconic India Gate, with an easy-to-moderate pace set at 6-8 minutes per kilometre. Below are some of the event highlights and details

news

Lenskart Enlists Music Icon DIVINE As Brand Ambassador Of Hip Hop Collection

Sep 27, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #Ambassador

India’s leading and fastest-growing eyewear brand, Lenskart is set to revolutionise the eyewear industry and break boundaries once again with the launch of its brand-new product line titled ‘Hip Hop Collection’. This dynamic range of eyewear celebrates the bold and rebellious spirit of the hip hop culture, offering a fresh take on self-expression and style

In a groundbreaking collaboration with multi-platinum Indian rapper DIVINE, Lenskart has crafted a bespoke line that fuses eclectic fashion with the fearless attitude of hip hop. Serving as a statement of ambition, attitude and authenticity, the product line is more than just a visual accessory

Inspired by the audacious spirit of the streets, the collection features 26 unique designs, each reflecting the disruptive creativity of hip hop culture. From sleek high-shine finishes to bold cut-out frames and dual-toned temples, these pieces are crafted to make a statement. Built for durability and designed for individuality, the collection incorporates lightweight TR90 and stainless steel, ensuring unmatched comfort and long-lasting style. This collection is a testament to Lenskart’s commitment to providing eyewear that is not only fashionable but also functional.

Commenting on the launch Ramneek Khurana, Co-Founder, Lenskart shares, “At Lenskart, we believe in creating eyewear that not only enhances vision but also serves as a medium of self-expression. The Hip Hop Collection is a testament to our commitment to innovation and style. With DIVINE as the face of this collection, we are thrilled to bring a flavour of hip hop culture to our customers, empowering them to be bold and authentic in their choices.”

As one of the trailblazers of the Indian hip hop revolution, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Mumbai-based rapper’s journey. DIVINE states, “Hip hop is a way of life, a mindset, a form of expression. This collection captures the essence of a culture and movement I’m very passionate about, allowing individuals to make a statement and embrace their individuality. I’m excited to collaborate with Lenskart and can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic of this Hip Hop Collection.”

Since its founding in 2010, Lenskart has transformed the eyewear industry globally, offering more than just glasses—it has empowered millions to view fashion through a fresh lens. This latest collection aligns with Lenskart’s mission to bring cutting-edge designs to the forefront, combining high fashion with everyday functionality. From prescription glasses to trendsetting sunglasses, Lenskart continues to lead the revolution in affordable yet luxurious eyewear. Today, Lenskart serves millions of customers both online and in over 1,500 stores across India and beyond producing eyewear with purpose and innovation.

news

The First Step Towards Problem Solving is Important

Sep 27, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments

Prof. Manoj Tiwari facilitating Shri. Ravi Sharma

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Mumbai, hosted a thought-provoking speech on proactive problem-solving by Shri Ravi Sharma, a visionary leader and well-known philanthropist. During the event, Professor Manoj Kumar Tiwari, Director of IIM Mumbai, extended a warm welcome and honored Shri Ravi Sharma. Mr. Sharma delivered an inspiring address that covered key themes close to his heart. He emphasized the importance of taking the first step toward solving problems and encouraging proactive action in all aspects of life.

Professor Tiwari invited Shri Ravi Sharma in recognition of his numerous contributions and diverse experience as a corporate leader and philanthropist. He is an alumnus of several major telecom companies, including Alcatel Lucent, Videocon Telecom, and Adani Power. After transitioning from corporate roles, he now works full-time on societal causes. His efforts encompass education, sustainability, and spirituality. Through his flagship program, ‘Mission Chetna,’ he has positively impacted nearly 10 million citizens across 11 states in India. This initiative has also established a network of NGOs that serve as a sustainable catalyst for transformation within communities throughout the country.

In his speech, Shri Ravi Sharma emphasized the power of taking the first step to solve problems. “Too often, we are paralyzed by the fear of not having the perfect solution,” he said. “But change doesn’t wait for perfection; it waits for action. The first step is always the most important.” He encouraged students, faculty members, and professionals to adopt a proactive mindset in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. This message resonated with the ethos of IIM Mumbai, which aspires to cultivate leaders who are unafraid to confront unstructured global challenges.

A significant part of his speech focused on the transformative power of “Goodness.” Shri Ravi Sharma urged the audience to incorporate this virtue into their daily lives, emphasizing that spreading kindness and taking personal accountability are essential for fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society. “We need to take responsibility for our actions and our role in building a sustainable, spiritually rich world,” he observed. This philosophy aligns with his philanthropic endeavors, such as the Prama Jyoti Foundation, which aims to improve rural education by adopting and upgrading schools in India’s hinterland.

This event at IIM Mumbai served as an opportunity for the next generation of leaders to look beyond conventional solutions and work towards a proactive, compassionate world. It inspired a new wave of leaders who are willing to take responsibility and actively contribute to societal betterment, for, in Shri Ravi Sharma’s words, “actual change happens with small, independent individual actions.”

business

Check Point Software Celebrates Partner Success at the Asia Pacific Partner Conference 2024

Sep 27, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #Celebrates

India, September 25, 2024 – a leading leading cyber security platform provider of AI-powered, cloud delivered solutions globally, recognised the top partners across the Asia Pacific region, during this year’s Check Point Asia Pacific Partner Conference 2024. Held in Phuket, Thailand from 2^nd – 5^th September 2024, this yearly conference saw attendance of 240 regional partners from 19 countries.

This year’s Partner Awards recognized the top-performing cyber security providers and distributors across the Asia Pacific region. These partners have been instrumental in helping customers build more secure business environments by embracing Check Point’s 3Cs of security—comprehensive, consolidated, and collaborative. By leveraging a prevention-first security architecture that covers all attack vectors, streamlining security operations, and fostering proactive collaboration, these award winners have consistently identified and nurtured new sales opportunities, enhancing revenue predictability even in a rapidly changing landscape.

Pankaj Narayan, Head of Channels for Check Point Asia Pacific, emphasized the significance of these partnerships: “Check Point Software is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of our top business partners across Asia Pacific. These partners deliver unparalleled business value by adopting our 3Cs of security, which play a crucial role in consolidating a stronger security posture for our customers. Through an integrated partnership with Check Point, these award-winning partners are not only driving technology adoption but also ensuring ongoing customer engagement, particularly in areas like cloud and mobile security. Their efforts are vital in today’s digital landscape, where cyber security is more critical than ever.”

He continued, “These awards honour channel excellence in helping customers enhance their cyber security capabilities amidst the consistently rising tide of global cyberattacks, which are increasing in sophistication, leveraging new technology such as AI. With Check Point’s prevention-first approach and our partners’ dedication, we are poised to elevate our engagements, create more opportunities, and achieve our shared mission of securing the world.”

Check Point’s honoured partner award winners are :

Growth Partner of the Year Award was won by NCS Pte. Ltd in Singapore. NCS has consistently been the largest and most strategic partner for the Check Point business in Singapore, with a significant joint customer base across Government and Enterprise sectors, driving strong year-on-year growth.

Partner of the Year Award was given to NEC Australia. A long-time partner, NEC continuously partners with Check Point, with a focus on State and Federal Governments, and specialising in the health sector. NEC Australia and Check Point have strategically aligned their Sales, Presales, Post-Sales, Marketing, and Executive teams through a joint Go-to-Market Plan to mutually grow the business.

Harmony Partner of the Year Award was awarded to Softcell Technologies Global Pvt. Ltd in India. This partner is one of India’s leading System Integrators with over 30-plus years of experience, particularly in cyber security. With a 700-plus strong team, across six offices, they serve more than 2000 customers in IT Security, Mobility, Optimized IT Infrastructure & Cloud and Engineering Services. Over the past few years, Softcell has focused on upskilling in all Check Point products, especially the Harmony suite. They have been a top contributor to Check Point’s demand generation initiatives for Harmony Enterprise & Collaboration offerings, achieving significant joint business development success, including key wins in H1 FY24, with continued momentum in the second half of the year.

Cloud Partner of the Year Award was presented to ASF Consultancy Limited in Hong Kong. With their dedicated focus on Check Point cloud business, ASF has been the top cloud partner in Hong Kong for 2 consecutive years, as well as the trusted cloud security advisor in Hong Kong, enabling their client journey from on-premise to cloud-based security solutions.

Quantum Partner of the Year Award was handed to ST Engineering Info-Security Pte Ltd in Singapore. ST Engineering Info-Security has been partnering with Check Point for many years in key Defense, Government and Commercial customers in Singapore. With a deep expertise in network security services, ST Engineering has successfully deployed Check Point Quantum and Hyperscale solutions across a broad customer base, consistently choosing Check Point as their preferred cyber security partner for delivering turnkey security projects.

Infinity Partner of the Year Award was awarded to Vastcom Technology Limited in Macau. By leveraging Infinity Global Services’ offering and excellent collaboration with the Check Point account team, and upselling from a simple renewal project, Vastcom have won the first million-dollar Infinity deal in Macau in the first half of this year.

New Customer Partner of the Year Award was given out to Hitachi Systems India Limited. This Partner has seen significant growth due to its focus on creating value through customer collaboration. With deep industry expertise and a broad range of digital ecosystem management services, from cable to cloud, they offer customised, business-aligned IT services and solutions. A Premier Tier Partner of Check Point for over a decade, their close collaboration with Check Point in FY24 has led to successful upselling and new key customer acquisitions.

Distributor of the Year Award was presented to Tech Data Advanced Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. This distributor was recognised for its pivotal role in the technology partner ecosystem, leading as a solutions and ideas aggregator. Tech Data have demonstrated strong dedication to the Check Point partnership by heavily investing in joint go-to market strategies, building a robust technical team to support our presales and technology initiatives. In FY24, they achieved the highest annualized revenue for Check Point in India, and supported numerous implementations & POCs, enhancing the partner ecosystem’s GTM initiatives.

Growth Distributor of the Year Award went to Dicker Data Australia. One of Australia’s largest Distributors with over 45 years of experience, Dicker Data grew over 100% Year on Year in New Business with Check Point in 1H 2024. This growth was driven by Partner enablement, including the highest growth in new MSSP Partners, successful onboarding of New Partners, stocking Quantum Spark and innovative marketing strategies targeting Enterprise, Mid-Market and SMB Partners to expand Check Point’s presence in Australia.

GSI Partner of the Year Award was clinched by NTT Ltd, with regional offices across APAC. A long-standing global partner for their exceptional performance and remarkable return to growth in the first half of 2024, NTT ANZ and NTT Taiwan achieved impressive triple-digit growth, while NTT Singapore and NTT China demonstrated substantial high double-digit growth, nearing triple-digits. NTT has secured significant new customer bookings and played a leading role in winning ITP deals with large enterprise customers, highlighting the strong collaboration and shared commitment between our organisations to drive business success together.

ATC Partner of the Year Award was won by Red Education, based in Sydney, Australia. With a decade-long partnership, the ATC of the Year award underscores Red Education’s commitment to excellence in cyber security education to our customers and partners. This award highlights Red Education’s role in addressing the cyber security skills gap and have built a foundation for a more secure digital future, addressing their dedication to quality, innovation, and shaping the next generation of cyber security professionals.

APAC Technical Excellence Award was presented to Keystone Solutions, Inc., a long term and strategic Elite-tier partner of Check Point in Philippines. Keystone has strategically collaborated with Check Point and key FSI customers, particularly in advancing Infinity Total Protection contracts. Their contributions in planning technology blueprints, overseeing deployment and adoption and conducting technical reviews have been instrumental in driving business growth and ensuring customer success.

business

Trassir India Hosts Inaugural ‘Tech Meet’ Event For Stakeholders In Ahmedabad

Sep 27, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #Stakeholders

Navi Mumbai, Sept 25: TRASSIR India, the fully owned subsidiary of TRASSIR – a world leader in video surveillance systems and security solutions, hosted its inaugural ‘Tech Meet’ event in Ahmedabad on September 20, 2024, for its stakeholders including system integrators, regional distributors and consultants. The event showcased the company’s innovative product range and cutting-edge technology including AI-driven video management and analytics solutions alongside hardware offerings such as CCTV cameras and NVRs. The company also announced its ambitious expansion plans for India and specifically for Gujarat. Over the next year, TRASSIR India will establish captive experience centres across the country, starting with Gujarat. Additionally, TRASSIR India is set to expand its local manufacturing and R&D centres to drive innovation and meet regional market demand.

The event was inaugurated by Mr Nikita Golikov, Head of International Sales, TRASSIR and Mr Saikumar Sankar, Country Manager of TRASSIR India. Esteemed Chief Guest Mr. Deepak Kathiriya, alongside an expert panel featuring industry leaders such as Mr. Amit Pandya, Mr. Manish Bavishi, Mr. Nilesh Modi, and Regional Sales Manager Mr. Utkarsh Desai from TRASSIR, took the stage to discuss the groundbreaking role of AI in Video Surveillance. Their insightful discussions shed light on the future of security technology and its transformative impact on the industry.

“We are excited to showcase our diverse range of products to our stakeholders and explore new ways to expand our presence in Gujarat. Their role is pivotal in bringing our technology to a wider audience and we look forward to building successful partnerships. Over the coming year, we will establish the company’s experience centres and regional offices in Gujarat as well as in key markets across India. Moreover, we plan to expand local manufacturing facilities and R&D centres to focus on both software and hardware development, ensuring we meet the growing demand for innovation in the region,” says Mr Saikumar Sankar, Country Manager, TRASSIR India.

The event aimed to familiarize system integrators, regional distributors and consultants with TRASSIR’s latest offerings and technological advancements. Attendees were introduced to the company’s extensive product line-up and had the opportunity to network with TRASSIR’s team, gaining deeper insights into the company’s cutting-edge solutions.

“We proudly serve over 15,000 clients globally, offering advanced solutions tailored to their specific needs. Our innovations are driven by three dedicated R&D centres, continually pushing the boundaries of surveillance technology. Currently, TRASSIR’s systems are deployed in 50 countries, providing reliable, scalable installations worldwide. We are committed to equipping our dealers with the latest technological developments at competitive rates, backed by comprehensive support. Our goal is to empower our partners to address real business challenges effectively, ensuring mutual growth and success in this competitive market,” concludes Mr Sankar.

With over two decades of experience in CCTV surveillance since 2002, TRASSIR has established itself as a trusted name in the security industry. Headquartered in Vashi, Navi Mumbai; TRASSIR India currently serves to a diverse pool of clients across various sectors including banking, warehouses, HoReCa, education institutions, retail, manufacturing, smart cities, and the Government.

business

SKINN from House of Titan forays into the affordable fragrance segment with 24Seven range of fine fragrances

Sep 27, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #affordable

Chandigarh, India, 25^th September – SKINN, a renowned Indian fragrance brand by Titan, is delighted to announce the launch of its new affordable fragrance line, SKINN 24Seven. This strategic move marks a significant expansion for SKINN, aiming to cater to the growing demand for premium fragrances at accessible price points. This everyday fragrance collection seeks to make fine fragrances an integral part of daily grooming rituals, establishing a new category in the Indian fragrance market.

SKINN 24Seven introduces a range of Eau De Parfums designed to elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary. With the brand positioning “Make the ordinary special and every day magical with the new range of SKINN 24seven” it encourages consumers to embrace “fine fragrances for every hour, every day”.

The Indian perfume & Deodorant market is valued at roughly INR 10,000 crores, of which perfumes would be INR 4500 crores and Deodorants at INR 5500 crores. The organized size of the perfumes category would be INR 2500 crores out of INR 4500 crores which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12-13% over the next 5 years.

SKINN, a pioneer in the Indian fine fragrance market, has long led the ‘Masstige’ segment. As consumer preferences evolve and disposable incomes rise, there’s a growing demand for high-quality fragrances at affordable prices. SKINN 24Seven is strategically timed to tap into this burgeoning market, offering a perfect blend of quality, affordability, and style to appeal to these discerning consumers.

Mr. Manish Gupta, CEO, Fragrances and Accessories Division, Titan Company Limited, stated, “SKINN 24Seven is offering an excellent choice to consumers to enhance their Lifestyle choices. We’re inviting consumers to make fragrance an essential part of their daily ritual, ensuring they’re truly ready to meet every moment at their best. With its combination of premium quality, affordable pricing, and versatile fragrance options, we aim to make premium fragrances accessible to a wider, younger audience without compromising on quality. Our focus is pan-India markets, as we’ve identified a strong appetite for affordable premium products.”

The fragrance notes in SKINN 24Seven evoke a range of emotions. Oceanic and citrus notes, combined with earthy and woody accords, create a sense of ease and simplicity. Meanwhile, floral and fruity notes, blended with amber and gourmand accents, evoke feelings of joy and warmth. The ergonomic bottle design ensures easy application, while the minimalist packaging complements the fragrances‘ understated elegance. Each fragrance is designed to last between 6- 8 hours, ensuring a consistent and pleasant scent throughout the day.

technology

The German University of Digital Science opens for students from all over the world

Sep 27, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #Digital Science

Potsdam, September 20th, 2024 – The first of October 2024, Germany’s first fully digital university will launch its initial MBA and Master’s degree programs as well as Open Courses and Micro-Degree Programs to train training professionals for the digital transformation worldwide. This is the vision of computer science professors Mike Friedrichsen and Christoph Meinel. The initiators of the innovative digital university concept expect approval as a state-recognized university in the first quarter of 2025. The private and non-profit “German University of Digital Science” (German UDS) is based in the media city of Babelsberg in Potsdam, where the headquarters and the so-called “Maschinenhaus”, hosting the servers for teaching operations, are located.

German UDS – Germany’s First Globally Operating Digital University

Why does the German UDS call itself the first fully digital university? Since the COVID-19 pandemic at the latest, online lectures have become common practice for students and lecturers alike. However, most universities in Germany and abroad continue to offer in-person classes alongside online lectures. At German UDS both studies and continuing education are entirely possible in a 100% digital format. Moreover, from the start, the new university positions itself as an explicitly global educational institution. This means that students and lecturers from around the world can become part of the German UDS, as all lectures, exercises, seminars, and exams are offered digitally and exclusively in English.

German UDS Target Audiences

The German UDS is designed for all learners and teachers worldwide who want to actively shape the digital transformation. The initiators, Profs. Drs. Mike Friedrichsen and Christoph Meinel, particularly focus on the Global South: “We are not thinking exclusively, but emphatically, of people from the Global South for whom studying or further education in the western world is impossible for financial, professional, or family reasons. But even in Germany, in Europe, or other Western countries, not everyone is able to attend an in-person university.”

Addressing the Global IT Skills Shortage

The shortage of skilled professionals in many sectors continues to grow nationally and internationally. Germany, in particular, will need more highly educated professionals in the coming years than any other European country. The increasing digitalization of all areas of life significantly raises the demand for IT experts. According to the U.S.-based Korn Ferry Institute, the global tech sector alone will face a shortage of 4.3 million IT specialists by 2030.

This is where German UDS positions itself: education and training for the digital transformation.

The clear goal of German UDS is to help alleviate the critical global shortage of IT professionals, a shortage that is stalling digital progress in many countries. “In Germany alone, almost 150,000 IT positions cannot currently be filled,” says Meinel, referring to the latest findings of the Bitkom Digital Association.

Artificial intelligence alone will not solve the skills gap, Friedrichsen emphasizes: “The future problem solvers and architects of digitalization need high-quality knowledge. German UDS intends to deliver this knowledge online, no matter where in the world people live and work.”

The Academic Offering – Digital for Digital

Starting October 1, 2024, the following programs will be offered:

– MBA programs: Digital Technologies and Digital Transformation

– Master’s programs: Advanced Digital Reality, Applied AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Leadership

The launch of the first MBA and Master’s degree programs will be followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Digital World. “Open Courses” and ‘Micro-Degree Programs’ complement the digital learning offering in various digital topics. A course on the innovation method “Design Thinking” is also being developed.

Anyone interested can apply for the coming semester until end of September 2024.

“We see our university’s unique selling point truly in the term ‘digital.’ It is the key to the future. That makes our offer coherent: we provide digital learning and teaching for the most central digital topics of our time – Digital Technologies and Transformation, Digital Reality and Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Digital Leadership Anyone wanting to dive deeply into these subjects should also apply digital technology practically during their studies. It’s not only our practical collaborations with companies and partners worldwide, but also the specially developed learning platform, German-UDS.academy, that synthesizes studies and practice through this study method. In our opinion, this significantly contributes to ‘learning by doing’,” Friedrichsen and Meinel explain. “After all, what better practice is there than to digitally tackle digital topics? Ultimately, we learn everything in a context – walking, speaking, reading, writing… We want to move, communicate, participate, and express ourselves. It’s no different in the digital world. Only by feeling at home in it can we dive deeper and shape it together.”

Students enrolled virtually at German UDS will pay moderate and affordable fees of €7,500 per academic year to obtain the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees.

German UDS aims to serve as a “beacon of digital education,” democratizing global access to high-quality, innovative knowledge essential for navigating digital transformation and alleviating the IT skills shortage. “At the same time, the future digital university is also committed to actively promoting freedom, equality, self-determination, tolerance, and the rule of law in the digital world,” emphasizes Friedrichsen.

The German-UDS.academy learning platform

The German-UDS.academy is a digital education platform offering a wide range of interactive online courses (MOOCs – Massive Open Online Courses) and additional services. Professors, lecturers and researchers from the German University of Digital Science and its partners create interactive Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on various digital transformation topics, regardless of location. These courses are then made available on the German-UDS.academy platform. With these activities, the German-UDS.academy, providing a global social learning network.

“Professors and other academics involved in our project have already prepared the first courses. They are aimed at anyone who wants to help shape the digital transformation and move confidently and self-determined in the digital world,” reports Prof. Christoph Meinel, the former Director of the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) in Potsdam, who retired as HPI Managing Director in March 2023 and immediately dedicated himself to founding the German UDS.

“With the first online courses of the emerging German UDS, we are demonstrating that we don’t just talk the talk, we act,” adds Prof. Mike Friedrichsen, who previously taught at Stuttgart Media University (HdM) for 25 years.

Support from an international advisory board

According to the initiators, the project of a private digital university is supported by an international advisory board of academics. The eight-member advisory board includes experts from the universities of Stanford (USA), Monterrey (Mexico), Madrid (Spain) and Cape Town (South Africa).

Non-Profit Sponsoring Organization Already Active

Friedrichsen and Meinel have established a foundation for their project, which serves as the shareholder of the non-profit “German University of Digital Science gGmbH”. This resides in the so-called “CloudHouse”, the headquarters of the German UDS, in Potsdam’s media city Babelsberg. It provides the start-up funding for the digital university and is responsible for all its rights and obligations. According to the initiators, they are currently in intensive discussions with private individuals, companies, and institutions about contributions to the initial financing.

business

SIAM-SAFE Technical Conference 2024 Highlights Smart Mobility, Safety, and Sustainability

Sep 27, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #Highlights

Bengaluru, 25^th September 2024: The Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), organized the SIAM – SAFE Technical Conference 2024 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, today. The Technical Conference was held under the theme “Smart Mobility: Integrating Safety with Sustainability”. This conference brought together Government officials, industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest advancements in vehicular technology, road safety, and sustainable fuels, aiming to pave the way for the future of mobility in India.

The SIAM–SAFE Technical Conference was graced by the Chief Guest, Mr B Dayanand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Karnataka, along with the Guest of Honour Mr V Anbukumar, IAS, Managing Director, KSRTC, and Mr C Mallikarjun, Addl. Transport Commissioner, Govt of Karnataka. Several other distinguished dignitaries, industry experts, and OEMs also shared their valuable insights on the future of mobility and safety in the automotive sector.

Kicking off with an inaugural session on “Technology Advancements for Road Safety in India,” Mr Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, warmly welcomed the esteemed dignitaries and participants. Mr Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM said, “Smart mobility, driven by technological advancements, is making transport safer, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our transport department. As we navigate a period of significant transformation with connected, shared, autonomous, and sustainable mobility, we continue to face challenges in meeting our road safety targets. While aligned with the UN Decade of Action Plan, achieving these goals will require focused collaboration from the government, industry, and the community.”

On this occasion, Chief Guest Mr B Dayanand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Karnataka, said, “Road safety is a critical but overlooked issue in India, where every fatality is preventable. While Western countries aim for zero deaths, India lags behind. Responsible road behavior must become habitual, and we need better education to achieve this. Educating the younger generation is key, as reliance on enforcement alone is insufficient. I urge industry leaders to develop solutions like mandatory helmets and seatbelts to start vehicles and reduce noise pollution. Conferences like this are essential for advancing road safety, and I commend the industry’s efforts toward safer vehicles.”

Guest of Honour Mr V Anbukumar, IAS, Managing Director, KSRTC, said, “The future of public transport lies in innovation, and Karnataka’s vast network of 25,000 buses is at the forefront of this transformation. To meet the evolving needs of millions who rely on this network daily, we must focus on modernisation. This includes adopting 13.5-meter buses, implementing advanced designs, and improving vehicle aesthetics.”

On this occasion Mr C Mallikarjun, Addl. Transport Commissioner, Govt of Karnataka shared the message from Dr Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary to Govt of Karnataka & Chairman (Road Safety Authority). In her message, Dr Shalini highlighted Karnataka Government’s comprehensive road safety action plan supported by a budget of ₹225 crores. This plan aligns with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ guidelines and focuses on infrastructure improvements, vehicle safety, and promoting responsible road behavior to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030. Key initiatives include eliminating blind spots, conducting road audits, implementing intelligent traffic systems, and employing smart enforcement technologies.

Mr Sushant Naik, President, SAFE and Global Head (Government & Corporate Affairs), Tata Motors, said, “I commend SIAM and the dignitaries for a successful day one of the annual convention. As a key industry, we must minimize negative impacts. Today’s theme, ‘Smart Mobility: Integrating Safety with Sustainability,’ underscores our focus on solutions that enhance road safety while aligning with environmental goals. The use of advanced and emerging technologies like AI, ML, Big data analytics, and Cloud computing in Intelligent transport systems will play a pivotal role in making our roads safer, greener and sustainable.

The session concluded with Closing Remarks by Mr Bhagwan K Bindiganavile, Executive Vice President, VE Commercial Vehicles. Mr Bhagwan said, “Let us reaffirm the critical link between road safety and sustainability. As technology evolves, it must prioritize our citizens’ safety and environmental protection. Public awareness and community engagement through educational campaigns are crucial for fostering safe driving habits and ensuring the success of our initiatives. I encourage everyone to actively engage in our discussions, focusing on advancing smart, safe, and sustainable mobility.“

Dr N V Prasad, Secretary Transport, Govt of Karnataka, Mr Uma Shankar, Addl. Commissioner Transport, Govt of Karnataka and Mr Mallikarjun, Addl. Commissioner Transport, Govt of Karnataka were also present in the inaugural session.

The first session titled, “Emerging Trends in Vehicular Technology” chaired by Mr D Balakrishnan, Vice President, (R&D), Ashok Leyland Ltd, highlighted the latest advancements in vehicular technology. The session included a series of insightful presentations, starting with Mr Anil Kumar, Sr GM – PV Engineering, Tata Motor “Overview of BNCAP & Safety Awareness amongst Vehicle Users”; Mr R Babu, Vice President, R&D on “Technology & Innovation for 2W Safety”; Mr Gururaj Ravi, Vice President, Maruti Suzuki India Limited on “Enhancing Road Safety: Integrating Passive and Active Safety Features in Modern Automobiles”; Mr Subrata Mitra, Vice President, Ather Energy, on, “Overview on Indian Vehicular Technology – 2W Perspective”; Mr. Suresh Chettiar, Vice President, Volvo Bus Corporation, on “Sustainable Fuels in Transport for the Future” and Mr Sudhir Sathe, Dy. General Manager, Mahindra & Mahindra on “ Emerging Trends in Vehicular Technology”.

The second session titled,” Sustainable Fuels for the Future” was chaired by Mr. Alok Jaitley, Vice President, SAFE and EVP, Maruti Suzuki India. The session included a presentation by Mr. Rajesh M Badhe, Chief General Manager, Indian Oil Corporation, titled “Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology: Potential and Challenges for the Indian Market,” followed by Dr M Murlidharan, Dy. General Manager, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, on “Innovations in sustainable fuel”. Dr Raja Munusamy, Sr. VP, Reliance Industries, on “Hydrogen Fuel Cell Program: The Road Ahead,” while Mr Yogesh Bolar, Vice President, Ashok Leyland, shared insights on the future of fuels in the transport sector.

The third session titled,” Circularity and End-of-Life Vehicle Management” was chaired by Mr Harjeet Singh, Executive Advisor (Technical), Hero MotoCorp, who set the tone by discussing the importance of sustainable vehicle lifecycle management. The session was graced by Guests of Honour, Dr N V Prasad, Mr Purshottam, Mr C T Murthy, Addl. Transport Commissioners, Govt of Karnataka. Mr Chandrababu, Director, CPCB (Regional Office) Bangalore, presented on “Ensuing Policy on End-of-Life Vehicle: Implementation, Challenges and Opportunities,” addressing regulatory frameworks. Mr Balraj Bhanot, Former Director, ARAI, discussed vehicle safety standards in his presentation, “Vehicle Inspection & Certification,” while Mr Sudershan S Gusain, Chairman, Safety Awareness Group, ATMA/ITTAC, emphasized tyre safety and recycling in “Importance of Tyres: Safety & Recycling.” The session concluded with Mr Ailoor Subramanian, Vice President (R&D), Renault Nissan Technology and Business Centre India, who presented “OEM Responsibility Towards Circularity and Sustainable Development”. SIAM solicitated four Senior Transport Department officers who have done exemplary service in Road safety.

The technical conference concluded on a high note, marked by a rich and insightful exchange of ideas, best practices, and strategies, fostering a collaborative spirit between government officials and esteemed industry experts.

Archive: September 27, 2024