All posts by Gouri

S4S Technologies announced as winner of The/Nudge Prize | Cisco Agri Challenge

National, April 28th: S4S Technologies was selected as the winner of the ‘The/Nudge Prize | Cisco Agri Challenge’, and Bioprime Agrisolutions emerged as the runner-up of the contest, which had called for ‘solutions to enhance the profitability of small scale farmers’, with 10-million-lives potential. The winners were identified by a grand jury aided by the Monitoring and Evaluation exercise conducted by Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA); and felicitated by Shri Manoj Ahuja, Agriculture Secretary, Government of India.

Cisco and The/Nudge Institute announced the challenge in December 2020 in partnership with the Office of the PSA, Govt. of India, with an aim to mobilize agri startups working towards income generation and sustainable livelihoods for small/ marginal farmers, while delivering positive economic, social, and environmental value.

The Grand Finale revealed the winning ideas and celebrated the work of these exceptional agri entrepreneurs. While the winning organization took home a prize money of INR 1 crore, the runner-up bagged Rs 25 lakhs, in addition to the milestone grants, further access to investors, mentors, knowledge and technology partners, and policy circle advisers, over the 18-month period of the program.

Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, commended ‘The/Nudge Prize| Cisco Agri Challenge’ program, saying, “It is heartening to see the leading technology company Cisco Systems and The/Nudge Institute driving innovation programs like Cisco Agri Challenge. Through this initiative, young Indian entrepreneurs are bringing innovation and affordable technologies to farmers. The Cisco Agri Challenge has successfully brought together private sector investors, government, citizens, society, and agriculture experts, apart from providing financial support to startups. The Central Government has also launched the Digital Agriculture Mission for providing technology-led solutions in the agriculture sector and the work of Cisco and The/Nudge Institute is a welcome step in this direction. I would like to congratulate the teams for this commendable work.”

From left to right in image: Sudha Srinivasan (CEO, The/Nudge CSI), Renuka Karandikar (Bioprime Agrisolutions), Shri Manoj Ahuja (Agriculture Secretary, GoI), Nidhi Pant (S4S Technologies), Harish Krishnan (MD & Chief Policy Officer, Cisco India and SAARC)

Harish Krishnan, Managing Director & Chief Policy Officer, Cisco India and SAARC congratulated the participating start-ups and said, “I congratulate S4S Technologies and Bioprime, who have won the Cisco Agri Challenge. The objective of Cisco Agri Challenge is to inspire innovation that will enhance the profitability of small-scale farmers. This aligns with Cisco’s purpose to power an inclusive future for all. I want to thank the Principal Scientific Advisor’s office and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare for their guidance and support. I would also like to thank The/Nudge Institute to have partnered with Cisco in organizing this challenge.”

Sudha Srinivasan, CEO, The/Nudge Centre for Social Innovation shared that, “The Cisco Agri Challenge drew talent, technology, capital, and attention to the most pressing land, crop, infrastructure, market fulfillment, and social protection issues of small farmers, spurred by the pandemic. The challenge has spotlighted innovative ideas that will empower India to leapfrog in developing sustainable solutions for an inclusive economy, biodiversity preservation, environmental conservation, climate change, and regenerative agriculture. Congratulations to the winners of the challenge.”

The finalists, over the course of the challenge, have raised over ₹30 Crores from investors. In addition, many of them have won international awards and accolades. Takachar, which is on a mission to fight climate change and increase farmer incomes by drastically scaling the productive utilization of crop residues, was the recipient of the prestigious Earthshot Prize. Similarly, S4S Technologies, which is working on building a full-stack food processing platform, was recently awarded the Zyed Sustainability Prize.

Commenting on winning the prize, Nidhi Pant, Co-founder, S4S Technologies said, “Accepting the prize on behalf of our women farmers, team, partners and customers. We rise by lifting others – with any of our wins. At the end, our smallholder farmer gains. We are thankful to Govt. of India, The/Nudge Team and Cisco for all the support”. S4S Technologies is a food preservation company powered by UN award-winning solar drying technology. The majority of farmers in India face the issue of proper storage post-harvesting period, as a result of which their crop isn’t sold and eventually deteriorates.S 4S technologies accept grade B and grade C produce from farmers to produce preservative-free, dehydrated food having one year of shelf life. On one side, S4S provides chemical-free, nutritious products to consumers, and on the other side, it has created a positive impact on a farmer’s livelihood helping them increase their income by over 50%. The runner-up, Bioprime, offers relief to farmers worldwide, struggling with crop loss, temperature fluctuations, drought, resilient insects and diseases. To achieve this they are developing effective & affordable Agri biologicals with time-proven biomolecules, life-friendly chemistry, smart material and energy use.

Notable attendees at the event included Prof. Dharmendra Saraswat from Purdue University, Mr. Arun Seth (Chairman, NASSCOM Foundation), Mr. M K Khan (Chairman, ICFA), Mekhala Krishnamurthy (CPR, Ashoka), Mr. Ajai Choudhary (cofounder HCL), Dr. Chintan Vaishnav (Mission Director- AIM, NITI Aayog), Srivalli Krishnan (Sr. Program Officer – Global Development – Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), Vijay Mahajan(CEO, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation), Hemendra Mathur (Bharat Innovation Fund), members of the Brazilian embassy and 50+ guests representing the agri / Innovation ecosystem.

Throughout the program, participants were supported by an eminent circle of partners and experts like Mark Kahn (Managing Partner, Omnivore), Anil Kumar SG (Founder & CEO, Samunnati), Samit Ghosh (Founder, Ujjivan) and Shamika Ravi (Non-resident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution). Knowledge and Technology Partners include NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore, Purdue University and Sattva Consulting.

Through the mentorship and guidance offered as part of the challenge, the eight finalists (Bioprime, Takachar, Ecozen, S4S Technologies, Whrrl, Khethworks, Dvara E-Dairy Solutions, Emertech Innovations) have gone on to accelerate their learning, refine their solutions and pivot their operations model to bring a stronger focus on smallholder farmers. From using blockchain technology to improve the agri value chain; to using clean-tech and IoT for precision agriculture, storage and market-linkage; and enabling affordable agri biologicals, these agri startups are setting the stage for scalable, breakthrough innovation in the agriculture sector, with sharp focus on the small/marginal farmer (86% of India’s farming community).

How to choose the best real estate company in Mumbai?

 Article by Mr. Rohit Kharche, Director of The Baya Company

Buying a flat or, a house, or, any kind of property anywhere, is always going to be a significant investment for you. Having the ownership of a property does make you feel secure, and even proud, but the property buying process that you have to go through is anything but simple. From zeroing on the right location to finalizing the deal, there are several steps to the process, and finding the best real estate company in Mumbai is a vital step which must not be taken for granted. This is a tricky step, because if you are not careful you will end up dealing with financial losses, and disappointments.

Here’s our guide to help you find the best real estate company in Mumbai. Go through it and prepare your checklist before you start house hunting in Mumbai.

Tips to find the best real estate company in Mumbai:

Since, the real estate in Mumbai draws people from all over the country, there is a big demand for quality housing. There are a lots of real estate companies in Mumbai both old and new,whoare engaged in developing attractive real estate projects. When the market is teeming with real estate companies, it is not possible for the buyer to decide which way to turn, and which company to trust. When every project sounds promising with tempting schemes available to ease the burden of the buyer, it is absolutely normal to feel lost. But if you just keep some basic points in mind during the sorting process, you can save yourself from regret. Let’s figure out what these points are-

How much experience does the company have in this field?

There is no dearth of real estate companies in the city, but when you start your sorting procedure,shortlist real estate developers who have years, even decades of experience. The new developers might have some tempting offers up their sleeves, and innovative ideas, but true innovation can only come when you have years of experience in designing projects and meeting the home buyers’ demands. Seasoned developers who have spent decades in this field, they are well aware of the nitty-gritty of the market. The only reason they have been able to retain success is because they have relentlessly updated their service in keeping with the changing real estate landscape, and they know what to deliver.

The number of projects they have completed so far:

A seasoned realestate company will have many completed projects scattered around the city. You should visit their website and checkout the number and details of the completed projects and visit those sites. Check reviews online, and if possible talk to people who have bought flats from them to learn about their experiences. Find outwhether they were delivered the carpet area they were promised or, not, and askwere the flats delivered as per schedule? Getting referrals and relevant information on all these aspects will help. Do your research on real estate in Mumbai to learn about the trust score of the brands.You should always opt for a real estate company who are trusted.

Do they have RERA certification?

Once you are past the short-listing phase, you need to delvedeeper. After finalizing areal estate company in Mumbai by sorting through thelist, and the project in your preferred location, check whether they have the right documents or, not. Most importantly, the project should have the RERA certification. If the project does not have the RERA approval, then back away. You can also get it checked on the RERA website itself, by entering the project details, if it has the approval then that should be a green signal for you. Also look for other documents, including the NOC certificate, the building plan. A trusted real estate company will always have the necessary documents.

Communicate with the developer

Meet the real estate company representatives and have a candid discussion regarding the project. If you have already got the brochure, then discuss the floor plan, the financial schemes, or, points you are not too sure of. Talk about the timeline within which the project would be wrapped up. Visit the construction site, and check for yourself. Is the carpet area being allotted as per the plan? Also check the kind of materials that are being used for the construction, the fittings, every tiny detailing will give you clarity regarding the company. Go through the project brochure and learn whether the utilities being promised by the real estate developersare being taken care of or, not.

Compare pricing

Pricing is definitely going to be another crucial factor here. Before you make any move in this direction, you should learn about the real estate prices in Mumbai. Do your own survey of the market and learn what is the standard price, and also what kind of package is being available at a certain price point. Go through the pricelist and packages offered by your shortlisted companies. Also different real estate companies have different financial schemes, so if you want to opt for an EMI scheme check which scheme seems more suitable for your need. Even if you do not need any such scheme, you should still compare prices to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Conclusion: Prepare your own checklist keeping the above mentioned pointers in mind. Be careful, gather information, check reviews, communicate, and compare before proceeding. Choose the real estate company in Mumbai carefully to ensure your investment is in safe hands.

Italian denim marquee, FREESOUL enters India with Myntra to indulge fashion-forward men in the country

National, April 28th, 2022: Myntra announces the launch of FREESOUL, a contemporary fashion brand hailing from the historic Vicenza region of Northern Italy, known for exquisitely crafted apparel with a timeless and trendy flair. Particularly revered by high-end denim connoisseurs globally, FREESOUL’s style comes to life through its limitless collection of looks that are both modern and classy, with an attention to detail that appears both sophisticated and expressive at the same time.

Founded in 1994, FREESOUL is a high-fashion brand with a category line-up that includes Denim, Athleisure, Sportswear, and Tailored garments, all influenced by the company’s multicultural background in art, innovation, travel, and design. The brand’s vision is to create a thoroughly contemporary modern look that extends beyond its legacy in denim into a full selection of signature garments, in which each piece is not only part of a limitless collection of curated looks, but also becomes an endearing object of desire on its own. FREESOUL defines its consumer as a modern, active, and ambitious male who leads a metropolitan lifestyle filled with an array of occasions that require different looks. He is defined more by his mindset than his age and has an elevated stylistic sensibility that seeks a juxtaposition of refined utility with a relaxed attitude, which is the DNA of the FREESOUL brand.

FREESOUL’S UNPARALLELED ASSOCIATION WITH MYNTRA

FREESOUL’s unparalleled association with Myntra will enable the brand to reach and engage with its diverse target audience in India and amplify its presence in the country towards fashion-conscious men, with affinity towards premium fashion brands, that look to Myntra for their fashion needs. As the preferred destination to access international brands in India, Myntra is all set to enable a dedicated FREESOUL brand store on the Myntra-Mall, the in-app experience for brands to showcase their best and assist consumers in brand and product discovery. FREESOUL is also slated to be featured on Myntra Studio and M-Live, Myntra’s much adored social commerce avenues that resonate with trend-first audiences in India, including fashion conscious millennials.

BEYOND DENIM

Shoppers will now have access to FREESOUL’s range of styles for men which go beyond denim and include trousers, jackets, shirts, crew necks, hoodies, joggers and shorts, all of which will be available on Myntra at affordable price points.

Speaking on the launch, Sharon Pais, Chief Business Officer, Myntra, said: “The launch of FREESOUL will enable fashion-conscious men across the country to access a rather niche line of finely crafted denims and more from Italy on our platform. Our first-of-its-kind association with FREESOUL immensely strengthens Myntra’s denim portfolio, which houses one of the largest collections of international brands in the segment, bolstering our position as the go-to destination for choicest brands from across the world.”

Touching upon the partnership, James Carnes, Chief Marketing Officer, FREESOUL, stated: “ We are excited to bring the FREESOUL brand to India and share our uniquely modern and timeless style with one of the most dynamic young audiences globally. We believe our ‘limitless’ approach to collections will enable shoppers to elevate their image and express their identity as they navigate their busy lives. Our partnership with Myntra provides direct and seamless access to one of the most digital savvy markets, and the platform will enable us to effectively interact and engage with trend-first audiences, and continuously enhance our offerings to accommodate their evolving styles.”

AkzoNobel India launches Dulux Simply Refresh a pioneering range of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) products for multiple surfaces

28th April 2022, AkzoNobel India, a leading paints and coatings company has today announced its foray into the growing Do-It-Yourself (DIY) paints category. After success in Europe, India drives the DIY phenomena for AkzoNobel as the first country in South Asia to launch the ‘Dulux Simply Refresh’ range.

A Dulux survey shows that 85% of consumers in India say that they will do DIY jobs. Dulux Simply Refresh proposition celebrates what new-age consumers want from a DIY range – effortless fun experience of refreshing homes in their personal style with a one-stop solution of quality products to meet all their transformation needs – from home makeover projects, upcycling wooden furniture, repainting metal artifacts to minor repair jobs.

“AkzoNobel India is delighted to announce its disruptive foray into the growing DIY segment of paints. Our new range ‘Dulux Simply Refresh’ merges the best of AkzoNobel’s global expertise with a complete range of quality Do-it-Yourself products. As consumers of today increasingly demand more from their homes, Dulux Simply Refresh is our invitation to Indian consumers to transform multiple surfaces (wood, metal or walls) at one go, with just one coat of paint, but without the hassles associated with a traditional paint or repair job,” says Rajiv Rajgopal, Managing Director, AkzoNobel India.

Easy to choose, Dulux Simply Refresh offers a complete range for DIY solutions under three categories – decorative paints, repair solutions and painting kits:

Decorative paints:

Dulux Simply Refresh Multi-Surface Paint: Whether it’s a feature wall, wood furniture or a metal chair, Dulux Simply Refresh Multi-Surface Paint is easy to use and gives the perfect finish to multiple surfaces in just one coat – an industry first from Dulux. This ready-to-use interior washable paint comes with special low drip and low splatter technology, meaning consumers can get their DIY job done in a fraction of time with less mess and less wastage. Another industry first from Dulux are the 800+ specially formulated DIY paint shades. Making it easy to express, Dulux has provided 10 curated colour palettes, ranging from passionate reds to energizing blues.

Dulux Simply Refresh Spray Paint: This convenient-to-use aerosol gives a superior gloss finish to all pre-painted surfaces. The quick drying formulation and water-resistance makes Dulux Simply Refresh Spray Paint easy to use, both indoors and outdoors, and comes in 11 striking shades.

Repair and protection:

Dulux Simply Refresh Fix & Grouts: This ready to use grouting solution fixes tile gaps and protects joints of tiles in bathroom, kitchens etc. Easily applied by hand, it is extremely resistant to water and fungal attacks.

Dulux Simply Refresh Wall Filler: While not all DIY projects require pre-work, in some cases, proper preparation of walls having visible cracks can make a world of difference. Understanding this, Dulux brings this ready-mix, high-performance crack filler with excellent adhesion properties, shrink-free formulation and superior hardness… so that you get the satisfaction of a job well done.

Painting kits to enable DIY projects:

Dulux Simply Refresh Painting Kit is specially designed for the first-time users who wish to do DIY paint jobs. The six elements of the kit ensure that painting is easy, so that consumers get more time to enjoy their makeover, rather than working on it.

Now, home makeovers are simply a click away! Dulux Simply Refresh is easy to purchase as the entire range is available online at Dulux brand store (Amazon.in). Offline, the range is available across Delhi-NCR and will be expanded to all leading paint stores across the country in the coming months.