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Archive: October 19, 2024

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma Inaugurates 3rd South Zone ENT Surgeons Conference

Hyderabad, 19th October 2024: The 9th Telangana state and 19th South Zone ENT Surgeons conference, themed “Basics and Beyond” where nature and culture Meet science and Technology, began at the scenic Aalankrita Resort in Hyderabad, today. This Prestigious event being organised under the aegis of The Association of Otolaryngologists of India, South Zone (AOI SZ); was formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana. Dr D. S. Deenadayal, Organising Chairman, AOI TG South Con – 2024; Dr N. Venkatram Reddy, Organising Secretary, AOI TG South Con – 2024; Dr D. Dwarakanatha Reddy, Co-Ordinator, AOI TG South Con – 2024over 1000 delegates from the five Southern states of India, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka and eminent faculty from India and abroad, graced the occasion.

ENT CONFERNCE

The three day Conference aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among ENT Professionals, enhancing their skill and understanding of the latest advancements in the field, with a blend of practical workshops, expert keynote sessions, orations and Interactive panel discussions, attendees can expect a comprehensive learning experience that bridges traditional practise and modern technology innovative the organising committee is excited to welcome esteemed faculty members, industry leaders and practitioners from across the Southern states creating a vibrant platform for collaboration and learning.

Shri Jishnu Dev Varma said, this conference fosters a spirit of collaboration and shared learning. I am gladdened by the commitment of this vibrant community of specialists who are devoted to the care and the advancements of ear, nose and throat specialities. The speciality of ENT has experienced remarkable growth in the recent years evolving by leaps and bounds to encompass a wide array of sub-specialities. Today ENT surgeons handle complex and challenging procedures with extraordinary skill delivering care which is nothing short of life saving. Recognising the capabilities of ENT surgeons now they are allowed to practice super speciality in neuro-surgery, plastic surgery and head and neck surgery by NMC. This growth is not merely a testament of medical advancements but an acceptance of the dedication and expertise that professionals in this field bring to their practice every day. Hyderabad has become a prominent medical hub and is standing at the forefront of this progress, it has evolved as an hub not only for patients from India, but also for those coming from abroad, and a significant number come from the North Eastern states. The City’s reputation as a centre of medical excellence continues to attract individuals seeking the highest standard of care. The presence of distinguished faculty from across the Southern states, other parts of the country and abroad ensures that this conference will be a platform for exchange of ideas. This Conference is not just and academic endeavour, but a celebration of highest form of knowledge. The role of ENT surgeons is vital for safeguarding some of the fundamental human experiences, the ability to hear, breath, speak and enjoy the world around us, the ear, nose and throat are indeed the gateway to life itself. A Sanskrit sloka says sound enters the ears, fragrance follows the path of the nose and speech finds expression through the mouth, these three are the essence of life itself. The ENT specialists who work with these delicate parts are not just surgeons, they are stewards of our senses and custodians of quality of life. Their skills help patients to recreate experiences that might otherwise have been lost. I urge you all as leaders to embrace the true spirit of your noble profession, by spreading your compassion beyond the walls of your clinics and hospitals, show empathy towards under privileged by dedicating at least one day a week by offering your service free of cost or by significantly reducing prices to ensure quality health care is accessible to those who need it most.

Speaking at a press conference Dr D. S. Deenadayal, Organising Chairman, AOI TG South Con – 2024; said, we gathered here this year to celebrate the advancements in Otolaryngology and to foster collaboration and knowledge among the ENT professionals from across the region, national and International. Starting today, over the next two days we will be engaging in a series of insightful discussions, orations, keynote addresses, invited talks, that covers the latest research, techniques and technologies in the field of Otolaryngology. This event marks a pivotal moment as we explore how new technologies are transforming ENT care. The ENT field is advancing rapidly, with technologies like Artificial Intelligence and is poised to revolutionize care.

Dr N. Venkatram Reddy, Organising Secretary, AOI TG South Con – 2024; said; the conference will highlight new treatments for snoring, such as nerve stimulation, and address various allergies and their advanced treatments. The goal of this event is to present cutting-edge solutions that improve patient care while reducing treatment costs.

Dr D. Dwarakanatha Reddy, Co-Ordinator, AOI TG South Con – 2024; said, this Conference is hosted every year on rotation in all the five Southern states. It’s been happening for the last 19 years and this marks the second time Telangana is hosting it since its formation.

The Conference is promising to be an exciting forum for discussing cutting-edge advancements in ENT, in particular about minimally invasive surgeries and technological innovations in the field. Among the highlights are breakthrough technique in brain surgery performed through the eye. This minimally invasive procedure, involving only a small incision in the eye socket, minimizes tissue damage, reduces post-operative complications, and ensures a faster recovery for patients, revolutionizing how brain surgeries are approached. Another remarkable topic on the agenda is the advent of robotic surgeries in ENT care, particularly for complex ear, nose, throat, and skull base surgeries. These procedures, being performed for the first time in this domain, allow access to areas where human hands struggle to reach, offering unparalleled precision and improving patient outcomes. Artificial intelligence is also making significant strides in the world of ENT. It’s driving greater accuracy and standardization in diagnosis, ensuring that patients receive more consistent and reliable care. AI is reshaping how ENT disorders are treated, and this Conference will shed light on these exciting developments.

Nestle India Ltd. Q2FY25 Result First Cut – Revenue misses street estimates

– The company recorded a revenue (up 1.3% YoY / up 6% QoQ), missing street estimates, due to muted consumer demand.
– The company earned an EBITDA (down 4.7% YoY / up 4.8% QoQ), in line with street estimates, due to higher advertising cost and high commodity prices especially for coffee and cocoa. The EBITDA margin for the company stood at 22.9% (down 130bps YoY / down 30bps QoQ).
– The company’s PAT stood (down 0.9% YoY / up 20.5% QoQ), in line with street estimates. The PAT margin was 17.6% (down 41bps YoY / up 211bps QoQ) in Q2FY25.
– Domestic sales grew by 1.2%, while export sales increased by 3.1%, driven by geographical expansion beyond metros into Tier-1 towns. The company continued to broaden its footprint by introducing new SKUs across categories in Canada, the Middle East, the Maldives, and Papua New Guinea. E-commerce also saw strong growth, up 38%, supported by premiumization, new user acquisition, festive participation, and targeted digital communications. E-commerce now contributes 8.3% to domestic sales during the quarter.
– In the current quarter, Nestle India increased its marketing investments, focusing on media efficiencies and digital capabilities. The company launched refined-sugar-free CERELAC variants, expanding the range to 21, with 14 sugar-free options. These efforts, alongside continuous innovation, have reinforced Nestle’s leadership and growth in key product categories.

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Nestle India has demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges such as muted consumer demand and high commodity prices, delivering stable growth in Q2FY25. Despite pressures, the company’s strategic focus on innovation, marketing investments, and premiumization across its product portfolio has yielded strong performance. Categories like beverages, particularly NESCAFE, and milk products and nutrition, including MILKMAID, recorded high double-digit growth. MAGGI noodles, alongside new product launches such as CERELAC variants with no refined sugar, demonstrate Nestle’s continued innovation drive. Additionally, e-commerce and out-of-home businesses showed strong growth, highlighting the company’s expanding digital and retail presence. However, commodity prices, especially for coffee and cocoa, remain elevated, putting pressure on margins. Nestle’s forward-looking initiatives, including its push into premium products and sustainability efforts, such as the use of biomass boilers in major factories, will likely support its continued growth. Moving forward, recovery in rural demand, as well as the success of new product lines and distribution channels, will be key indicators to watch. With these strategies in place, Nestle India is positioned to sustain growth and deepen consumer engagement through innovation and expanding market reach.

DCW Limited Announces RS 140 Crore Expansion of CPVC Production Capacity

Mumbai, Thursday, 19 October 2024 — DCW Limited, a leading specialty chemical company in India, has announced a significant investment to expand its CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) production capacity from 20,000 metric tonnes (MT) to 50,000 MT. This expansion involves increasing capacity by 30,000 MT through a combination of new installations, de-bottlenecking existing facilities, and process optimization.

The capacity increase will be rolled out in phases, with 20,000 MT expected to be operational in the second half of Q2 FY26 and an additional 10,000 MT by the end of FY26. This phased approach ensures rigorous quality control while effectively meeting the growing demand for CPVC, which is renowned for its superior thermal and chemical resistance properties in construction, plumbing, and industrial piping applications.

DCW Limited’s competitive edge lies in its ability to use its own S-PVC (Suspension PVC) as a raw material when market conditions are favourable. This capability guarantees a consistent quality and supply of inputs for CPVC production, further strengthening the company’s position in the market.

The total investment of Rs. 140 crore aligns with the rising demand for CPVC across various sectors. To maintain financial prudence, DCW Limited plans to fund approximately 30% of the project through internal accruals and balance through debt, but maintaining its position for a reduction in overall debt in the coming years.

Saatvik Jain, President of DCW Limited commented:

“This investment is a key pillar of our growth-with-deleveraging strategy, which allows us to expand while maintaining a strong financial position. By utilising our existing infrastructure and expertise for growth, we are positioning DCW as a major player in the specialty chemical space. With a demand-supply mismatch for CPVC in India, this expansion further aligns with the” ‘Make in India’ initiative of our Hon’ Prime Minister and supports the country’s growing infrastructure needs.” This capacity expansion positions DCW Limited to further solidify its leadership in the specialty chemicals market catering to more sophisticated and stable end-user markets, ensuring better profitability and long-term growth opportunities.”

16 Assistive Tech Startups Awarded Seed Grants in NCPEDP’s Empower 2024 Initiative

Thiruvananthapuram, October 19, 2024: In a landmark move to accelerate innovation and inclusion in the assistive technology (AT) sector, 16 startups received seed grants of up to Rs 5 lakhs during the Empower 2024 event, organised by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) in partnership with the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub)’s Attvaran. This pioneer initiative, part of the newly launched NCPEDP Assistive Technology Hub, supported by Mphasis F1 foundation, represents a major boost for AT startups in India, encouraging universal design and accessibility solutions.

EMPOWER 24

The NCPEDP Assistive Technology Hub, launched at Empower 2024, is poised to become a center of excellence for AT research, innovation, and policy interventions. Supported by Mphasis, which remains deeply committed to driving disability inclusion through impactful technological solutions, the hub will provide startups with the resources they need to develop scalable, high-impact solutions tailored to India’s unique accessibility needs

Held at the National Institute for Speech and Hearing (NISH) in Kerala, the startup pitch day brought together 25 startups with a shared mission of advancing assistive technologies for people with disabilities and the elderly. Out of these, 16 startups were selected for seed grants, and six others were offered exclusive mentoring opportunities to help refine their business models and expand their impact.

Winners of the Seed Grants:

  • Aignosis Artificial Intelligence Private Limited
  • Aural App
  • Cognitii (Neurodiverge Labs Private Limited)
  • Dextroware Devices
  • Grailmaker Innovations Private Limited
  • Iwayplus Pvt Ltd.
  • Ksham Innovation Private Limited
  • MULTIFLY LIFESTYLE PRIVATE LIMITED
  • Panoculon Labs Pvt. Ltd.
  • Phonologix Health Solutions Pvt Ltd
  • The Able Company (BeyondBarrier Products Pvt. Ltd.)
  • Thryv
  • True Assistive Technology
  • uDot Braille Tech
  • UpliftiQ
  • Wheel Ease Solutions

These startups, driven by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, are creating cutting-edge solutions to improve accessibility. The seed grants aim to empower them to take their products to the next level, expanding their reach and impact on society.

The jury panel, which reviewed the startups’ pitches, included industry experts like Pradeep Gupta, Chairman of Cybermedia Group and NCPEDP Chair; Saurabh Bajpayi, Deputy General Manager of SIDBI; Dr. Ravinder Singh, Senior Scientist at ICMR; Ganesh Nayek, Director at STPI; and Prof. Catherine Holloway, Co-founder and Academic Director of the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub). Each startup presented their innovative ideas, followed by an interactive Q&A session with the jury.

“Entrepreneurs in the disability innovation space often develop solutions tailored to specific needs. However, it’s essential for them to consider how their ideas can impact the wider market to create larger social change,” Pradeep Gupta stated.

Prof. Catherine Holloway added, “Disability innovation often starts within families or communities working to overcome accessibility barriers. While the creator of the solution may not always scale it, the innovation itself has the potential to benefit many others.”

Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, congratulated the winners and said, “This is just the beginning. The Assistive Technology Hub’s first cohort has shown incredible promise, and I believe we are on a path to make an inclusive world a reality.”

This pioneering initiative marks a transformative step to redefine accessibility and empower millions across India.

Dr. Gullapalli Nageswara Rao: Urgent Call to Expand Corneal Transplant Infrastructure in India

National, October 19, 2024: Dr. Gullapalli Nageswara Rao, Founder of LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) today highlighted the critical shortage of corneal transplants in India and the urgent need for significant improvements in the country’s corneal healthcare infrastructure. The occasion was the announcement of a historic milestone by LVPEI’s Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute of becoming the world’s first and only institution to complete 50,000 corneal transplants as of August 2024. Achieved over 38 years, the accomplishment underscores the institute’s leadership in the field and its unwavering commitment to eye care.

Dr. Gullapalli Nageswara Rao, Founder, of LV Prasad Eye Institute said, “India is facing a severe shortage of corneas for transplantation with demand far exceeding our capacity to meet it. With this gap widening each year, we must take immediate and comprehensive action to prevent millions from losing their sight. While some believed it was impossible to establish advanced corneal services in India, we have proven otherwise. Our success serves as a model that can be replicated nationwide to eliminate corneal blindness and encourage organ donation. We must expand corneal donation programmes, establish more eye banks, institution of the hospital cornea retrieval programme and develop comprehensive policies to build a robust corneal healthcare system in India. The goal must be to build a sustainable, self-reliant corneal healthcare system. With collaborative efforts, we can restore sight to millions of Indians suffering from curable corneal blindness.”

India faces a pressing public health challenge with approximately 100,000 corneal transplants required annually to combat corneal blindness—a condition affecting an estimated one million people nationwide. Currently, the healthcare system can only provide around 30,000 transplants each year, leaving a huge gap between demand and supply.

By 2030, the goal must be to increase the number of corneal transplants from 30,000 to 60,000 annually. The eye bank network must be expanded with at least 50 standard eye banks nationwide, each requiring an investment of approximately . The Hospital cornea retrieval programmes should be instituted in 500 major general hospitals along with placement of grief counsellors and linked to the eye banks. A pool of Cornea Specialists must be readied by training at least 500 ophthalmic surgeons capable of performing corneal transplant surgeries.

Dr. Rao outlined a multi-faceted approach to address the shortage with state-of-the-art facilities that meet international eye banking standards, recruiting and training cornea specialists and ophthalmologists to increase surgical capacity, and encouraging the local pharmaceutical industry to produce medications essential for corneal care.

Awareness campaigns must emphasize the importance of donating corneas after death. Grief counselors are crucial in encouraging families to donate corneas. The government and the private sector must ensure funding to improve their salaries and expand their presence in hospitals nationwide. Hospital cornea retrieval programmes must be implemented in every tertiary hospital that offers corneal transplantation services.

Demography plays a significant role in access to care with states lacking sufficient cornea specialists having longer waiting lists and greater backlogs. Training more specialists and distributing resources evenly can help ensure equitable eye care nationwide.

Stakeholders at all levels, including government, the private sector, and the medical community, must join forces to overcome this challenge. Everyone must work together to create policies, allocate resources, and raise awareness about corneal donation.

Reaviva Holistic Health: Redefining Wellness with Science and Luxury Care

Mumbai, 18th October 2024 – Reaviva Holistic Health has opened its doors in Santacruz West, Mumbai, offering an elevated approach to health and wellness. Led by CEO Shalini Shhivdasani, Reaviva fuses cutting-edge medical technologies with holistic practices, establishing a unique wellness sanctuary. The launch was celebrated with an elegant event attended by notable figures like Anupriya Goenka, Vikas Gupta, and Meiyang Chang, underscoring Reaviva’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and excellence.

With India’s wellness industry expected to hit  the end of 2024, Reaviva meets the growing demand for evidence-based, effective wellness solutions. At the core of Reaviva’s philosophy is the seamless integration of science and holistic personal care. Reaviva addresses modern wellness challenges by offering a transformative experience—tailored care that’s not only luxurious but also backed by scientific rigor.

Reaviva’s service offerings are extensive, utilizing the latest wellness technologies such as Tri Beam (ND Yag Laser), Morpheus 8 (Micro-Needling Radio Frequency), Ultracell Q Cell Plus (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound), Wonder Prestige (Body Contouring), and Alma Soprano ICE Platinum (Laser Hair Reduction), among many others. Each treatment is personalized to meet clients’ individual needs, offering top-tier solutions for skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, body contouring, pain management, fitness and more.

In addition to advanced skincare and body contouring treatments, Reaviva offers a comprehensive range of holistic therapies, including yoga, meditation, Pilates, and physiotherapy sessions. For deeper wellness, Reaviva offers a wide variety of tailored IV drips, including those targeting PCOS, stress, immunity, hydration, and more, designed to enhance overall health and recovery. Fitness and rehabilitation services are equally comprehensive, incorporating EMS suit training along with advanced therapies like dry needling, cupping, and myofascial release, providing targeted solutions for physical recovery and performance improvement.

Aside from the above-mentioned segments, Reaviva is breaking stigmas by offering specialized sexual health treatments like vaginal tightening, pelvic floor strengthening, and urinary incontinence therapy, empowering clients with solutions for intimate wellness. Mental health counselling sessions are also available, making Reaviva a truly comprehensive destination for holistic health and wellness. To top it all off, in-house DNA testing and blood panels further streamline the process, ensuring clients have easy access to personalized health insights without the need to visit multiple locations.

CEO Shalini Shhivdasani states, “Reaviva is not merely a studio; it is a premier destination for individuals seeking scientifically backed wellness solutions within a luxurious environment. Our vision transcends traditional healthcare; we strive to create a sanctuary where technology, health, and beauty harmoniously converge. In this space, we offer bespoke care meticulously tailored to the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that every client embarks on a transformative journey toward enhanced well-being and vitality. We strongly believe that every journey at Reaviva is as unique as the person taking it!

With the opening of Reaviva Holistic Health, the wellness landscape in India is poised for a revolution. Offering personalized care in a luxurious setting, Reaviva is the go-to destination for individuals looking to embark on a transformative wellness journey.

Jean-Claude Biguine Salons Expands in India with Bounce Acquisition and New Product Range

Mumbai, 18th October 2024: Jean-Claude Biguine Salon & Spa (JCB), a global leader in hair and beauty with over 47 salons in India, is proud to announce an exciting series of developments that will redefine the salon industry in India. With the acquisition of Bounce Salons, a prominent South-based chain, JCB India Group strengthens its presence in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kochi, and Bhopal, and introduces its exclusive new care product line, Raise. The launch event also unveiled the captivating Elegance Rebelle hair trends collection, showcasing global style and creativity. Akansha Ranjan Kapoor closed the walk for this grand showcase, adding her flair to this much-anticipated event.

“The acquisition of Bounce Salons marks a pivotal milestone in our journey towards expanding our footprint across India,” says Sneh Koticha Contractor, Director, JCB Salons India. “We saw immense synergy between our two brands, with a shared passion for innovation, education and a deep commitment to delivering exceptional beauty experiences. This acquisition empowers us to share our distinctive expertise with a wider audience in the South, while also drawing on the rich regional insights that Bounce provides to enhance our offerings.”

Jean-Claude Biguine proudly distinguishes itself as a leader in the industry by launching its exclusive care line : Raise. Combining 20 years of salon expertise with advanced technology, Raise offers an innovative range of care solutions that cater to the unique needs of Indian hair and skin. This line is designed to make effortless haircare achievable, providing salon-level results at home with products that have been rigorously tested for efficacy across diverse hair types and textures. The formulations were crafted by JCB’s experts, perfected with valuable feedback from real consumers and tested in some of the best global laboratories ensuring that Raise maintains the expectation of uncompromised quality of the aspiring Indian consumer

“With Raise, we are not just transforming haircare but providing effective solutions for our clients to achieve effortless hair, every day,” says Sneh. We take pride in offering a professional-grade product line that empowers our customers to maintain their style and care routine beyond the salon. It’s all about bringing expertise, convenience, and luxury into their daily lives.”

The Raise product line features “Expert care for Effortless hair”, ensuring that superior formulas do the heavy lifting to help achieve healthy, silky, manageable strands with ease. These ambitious and superior formulas are designed to be better than the rest, utilizing proprietary complexes with powerful natural ingredients and innovative technologies that “Elevate Everyday” hair care. Designed to be undeniably convenient, Raise products offer a fast and effortless experience, allowing clients to maintain beautiful hair without the hassle. Multifunctional in nature, they serve as the oversized black blazer of personal care—versatile and essential. Moreover, the Raise line is inclusive by design and exclusive by nature, catering to all hair types, textures, and concerns with exclusive formulations for effortless hair every day.

In addition to the product launch, JCB introduces Elegance Rebelle – hair trends that showcase, a bold and versatile lineup of 12 striking hair designs. Divided into 6 Angel-inspired styles and 6 Devil-inspired styles, the showcase embodies a seamless blend of classic elegance and edgy, daring creativity. From chic updos and modern braids to vibrant colour transformations and sophisticated balayage, Elegance Rebelle speaks to every woman’s and man’s desire to express both their softer and bolder sides.

Inspired by the theme “An Angel to Some, a Devil to Others,” the showcase reflects today’s hottest trends, including the resurgence of red hues and pastel tones like pinks, blues, and greens, perfect for the 2025-26 season. Each look is tailored to different occasions—from glamorous evening soirées to everyday chic—and can be customized to suit varying skin tones and hair textures.

“Walking as the showstopper for Jean-Claude Biguine Salons’ ‘Elegance Rebelle’ is exhilarating! This collection, blending sophistication with an edgy flair, perfectly echoes my own love for fashion and self-expression. It’s an honor to celebrate bold individuality, creativity, and beauty.” Akansha Ranjan Kapoor on her experience as the showstopper.

With this expanded presence, the introduction of the Raise product line and the Elegance Rebelle, JCB salons is poised to redefine the salon experience in the Indian market, offering a fusion of French elegance and expertise that clients have come to love. The creative inspiration behind Raise extends beyond hair, embodying the full spectrum of beauty services that Jean Claude Biguine is known for, from classic and ultra-modern makeup to nail art—all available across our salons nationwide.

AGNIT Semiconductors Raises USD 3.5 Million in Seed Round Led by 3one4 Capital, Co-Led by Zephyr Peacock

India, October 18, 2024: AGNIT Semiconductors, India’s only vertically integrated Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor startup, has raised  in a seed round led by 3one4 Capital and Zephyr Peacock – marking their first investment in India’s semiconductor sector. Along with two new investors, the round also witnessed participation from Lakshmi Narayanan, the former CEO of Cognizant and noted angel investor.

The 5-year-old Bengaluru-based startup has raised  in total so far and plans to utilise the fresh funds to scale its production and commercial operations. Additionally, the company is set to expand its offerings into new market segments, targeting consumer electronics and electric two-wheelers to cater to the evolving fast-changing needs. Eyeing a sale of 100,000 semiconductor chips in the next 12 months, AGNIT aims to contribute to India’s push for innovation and self-reliance.

Commenting on the investment, Pranav Pai, Founding Partner & CIO, 3one4 Capital, said, “Agnit Semiconductors is breaking new ground by advancing Gallium Nitride technology in India, a critical component for the future of global electronics and energy systems. Agnit represents the new wave of Indian deep tech startups – born from rigorous research, focused on critical technologies, and positioned for global impact. What sets Agnit apart is its end-to-end capability – from materials to ASICs. This vertical integration, combined with their patented technologies, gives them a unique advantage in a competitive global market. We are excited to partner with Agnit as they scale their operations and take Indian semiconductor technology to the global market”

Sharing insights on the investment, Pankaj Raina, Managing Director, Zephyr Peacock, said, “The demand for GaN semiconductors is growing worldwide as they enable improved performance and energy efficiency, supporting the development of smaller and more cost-effective devices. Agnit has developed extensive know-how and proprietary processes to develop high-quality GaN materials and devices. We believe that the company will become a key stakeholder in the semiconductor supply chain in India and globally, and we are excited to partner with them in their journey.”

Speaking on the fundraise, Hareesh Chandrasekar, CEO and Co-founder of AGNIT Semiconductor said, “As we close our seed round with 3one4 Capital and Zephyr Peacock, it marks an extraordinary five-year journey where we’ve pioneered Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology to revolutionize specialized applications, augmenting traditional silicon. GaN holds immense potential across sectors like 5G, fast charging, PV inverters, and beyond—its full impact is yet to be realized. Achieving this requires unwavering support, and we’ve been fortunate to have the backing of IISc and MeitY. As we scale our market presence, we’re also committed to strengthening our leadership team to steer the company towards greater success.”

AGNIT is one of the first startup incubated by the Gallium Nitride Ecosystem Enabling Centre and Incubator managed by the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) located at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), funded by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY). The startup has also been awarded from the Government of Karnataka for their state-of-art GaN semiconductor technology. In line with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, AGNIT has also recently signed an MoU as part of the iDEX program with the Ministry of Defence to design and develop next-generation wireless transmitters for defence applications using GaN technology.

Grafite Ceramics Unveils First Gallery in Maharashtra: A New Era for Tile Innovation in Navi Mumbai

Mumbai- Grafite Ceramics, a leader in the ceramic tile industry, is thrilled to announce the opening of its first gallery in Maharashtra, located at Galaxy Marble & Ceramics, Marble Market, Sector 23, Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai. The grand opening is set for October 20, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in Grafite’s mission to deliver premium ceramic solutions in one of India’s fastest-growing urban regions. The Grafite Gallery is designed to elevate the tile selection experience for builders, architects, interior designers, and homeowners. With over 6,000 customization options, the gallery features an extensive product range, including samples for mood boards, detailed insights into the manufacturing process, and advanced demonstration areas for surface comparisons. Visitors will also experience cutting-edge technology, including 360-degree virtual tours and high-resolution images to help visualize their projects.

Why Navi Mumbai? Demographics and Infrastructure Advantages! Navi Mumbai is witnessing unprecedented infrastructure development, making it an ideal location for Grafite Ceramics. With initiatives such as an operational metro line and an upcoming international airport, the city is rapidly evolving into a vibrant metropolitan hub. As residential and commercial projects continue to rise, the demand for high-quality ceramic solutions is increasing. Grafite’s diverse range of vitrified tiles is positioned to meet this growing need, offering exceptional quality at competitive price. Grafite Ceramics operates a state-of-the-art production facility in Morbi, Gujarat, with an impressive annual capacity of 50 lakh square meters of tiles. The company specializes in glazed and polished vitrified tiles, offering 10 surface options and five unique series tailored for seamless application. Its innovative processes ensure precision in design, ensuring that every tile enhances the aesthetic appeal of any space. Chief Managing Director Ravi Patel stated, “The launch of our gallery in Navi Mumbai reflects our commitment to innovation and quality. We believe that by providing a premium selection of tiles, we can significantly contribute to the region’s architectural landscape.”

Managing Director Viral Patel added, “As Navi Mumbai continues to develop into a key real estate destination, Grafite Ceramics is dedicated to delivering top-quality ceramic solutions that blend quality with affordability, catering to the needs of modern infrastructure projects.”

At Grafite Ceramics Experienced, Knowledgeable & Ethically Committed Skilled Workforce Consistently Strive & Deliver Industry Standard Superior Quality Glazed Vitrified Tiles That’s Manufactured A Production Facility Based At Morbi, Gujarat (India). Infrastructure Occupies Twelve Acres Of Land With A Production Capacity of Fifty Lacs Square Meters Annually, Under The Leadership Of A Chair Person Who First Stands To Be A Practicing Architect &Interior Designer Now A Industrialist Ensuring End Product Scores High On Aesthetics & Functionality, Creating Memorable Experience Of A Luxurious Lifestyle For The End Users. Using State Of The Art Cutting Edge Technologies & Innovative Applications That Gratify Lifestyle & Elevates The Spaces.