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India and Sweden Collaborate: Innovation Day 2024 Highlights Decarbonisation Goals for Upcoming COPs

Oct 23, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #Innovation, #Sweden

New Delhi, October 23 2024: As global leaders prepare for the COP 29 climate summit, India and Sweden are boosting their collaboration to advance industrial decarbonisation and accelerate the green transition. The India-Sweden Innovation Day 2024 laid crucial groundwork for these endeavours, with both nations reiterating their commitment to report on the progress of their joint green initiatives at COP 30, where the Honourable Prime Ministers of India and Sweden are set to meet.

Delving into the theme, ”Accelerating Green Growth for Inclusive Transition” the 11th edition of the strategic event witnessed a confluence of thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators who are committed to addressing global challenges with cutting-edge innovation.

The event commenced with an engaging session on ‘Co-Creating the Future,’ featuring renowned experts from India and Sweden discussing the role of joint innovation and technological collaboration, allowing both countries to position themselves as key players ahead of the pivotal COP meetings.

Underlining the shared objective and the significant potential of the two nations to emerge as global leaders in innovations, Dr Jitendra Singh, Honourable Minister for Science and Technology, Government of India, said, “Sweden ranks 2nd among 39 European economies and 133 global economies on the Global Innovation Index, while India leads the 10 economies of Central Asia and ranks 39th globally. This highlights the abundant scope for joint research and collaboration between our nations in research, academia, innovation, and industrial entrepreneurship, including startups.

Further reflecting on the collaborative journey between India and Sweden, Chief Guest, H.E. Ebba Busch, Honourable Vice Prime Minister & Minister for Energy and Enterprise, Government of Sweden, said” India, with its young population and fast-growing economy, boasts one of the largest startup ecosystems globally, with over 75,000 startups and 100 unicorns. Alongside Sweden’s global leadership in innovation, this partnership makes us an unbeatable ally as we advance towards our net zero commitments.”

The keynote speeches by H.E. Ebba Busch and Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the significant impact of the India-Sweden partnership in driving industrial decarbonisation. They also outlined a roadmap of immediate actions for COP 29 and a vision for lasting outcomes at COP 30.

Another leadership panel on ‘Green Growth with Inclusive Transition’ included prominent voices from the public and private sectors, focusing on building a green and inclusive economy. The experts also discussed the integration of sustainability into industrial processes and green manufacturing.

From advancing space exploration to enhancing cooperation in biotechnology for sustainable food and fuels, the 11th edition of India-Sweden Innovation Day emphasised the robust alliance between India and Sweden. The event also emphasised the critical roles of the Sweden-India Business Council (SIBC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in strengthening business ties.

These organisations are crucial in understanding market dynamics, community needs, and industry trends, thereby fostering a deeper connection and synergy between the two countries.

Touching on India’s growing significance on the global stage, especially in innovation and technology, H.E. Tanmaya Lal, Secretary West, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, said, ”India is rapidly rising in the global innovation landscape. Today, we rank among the top nations in critical technology areas such as AI and biotechnology. With the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, India is driving economic growth and global innovation. Our collaboration with Sweden, particularly in technology and green transitions, is crucial for addressing global challenges.’’

Echoing his views and reiterating the commitment of both governments to enhance lives across communities through sustainability, H.E. Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, said, “Team Sweden and our Indian counterparts, including researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers, are working together to achieve a greener future through various initiatives. We are also promoting academic and industrial research, development, and cooperation through jointly funded programs focusing on the circular economy and more.”

Amid the soaring global demand for clean and sustainable energy, countries like Sweden and India are emerging as key players in this transformation. Sweden, renowned for its leadership in renewable energy and sustainability, sees immense potential in partnering with India, a growing force in technology and green solutions, to address pressing energy challenges.

”The Swedish Energy Agency has been actively engaged in India through various collaborations in the public sector, spanning national, city, and state levels. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Green Building Centre, with their market connections and community insights, have been valuable in helping us understand India’s trends and industry requirements,” said Ms. Caroline Asserup, Interim Director General, Swedish Energy Agency.

Recalling the unparalleled growth of India-Sweden Innovations’ Accelerator program since 2009, Mr. Ludvig Lindström, Senior Advisor, Swedish Energy Agency underscored the evolution of the platform into a powerful driver of sustainable innovation.

”Our collaboration with India began in 2009, and over time, these efforts have evolved into the India-Sweden Innovation Accelerator program. As of the last count two years ago, the program has facilitated over 250 joint projects. This shift represents a significant milestone; we are no longer just linking businesses but working together to develop solutions that directly contribute to global climate goals,” said Mr. Lindström.

As businesses around the world increasingly acknowledge the need for sustainable practices, industry experts at the event emphasised the significance of integrating sustainability into core business processes.
“The imperatives of sustainability, growth, and competitiveness are no longer independent of one another. In fact, they are deeply intertwined. Being competitive now means being increasingly sustainable, and without sustainability, businesses will find themselves out of the market. While national governments and agencies are driving the global sustainability agenda, it is ultimately the public and private sectors that will deliver solutions on the ground,” said Mr. Kamal Bali, President & MD, Volvo Group India and Co-Chairman, CII Europe Council.

Experts at the 11th edition of India Sweden Innovation Day also laid emphasis on extending the partnership between the two countries, transitioning from association in research and innovation to jointly designing products and bringing them to market.

”India Sweden Innovation Day has become an institution in the relationship between India and Sweden. We have already moved into collaborating on innovating jointly and it is time to the next step and see how we could look at products and get them out in the market together,” said Mr. Robin Sukhia, Secretary General & CEO, Sweden-India Business Council / Chairman, Scandinavian Chemotech.

Another key highlight of the 11th edition of India Sweden Innovation Day was a comprehensive dialogue to explore the future of local manufacturing, opportunities, innovation and a conducive regulatory framework.

”We have been present in India for almost 50 years, engaging in licensed production. Now, we are taking the next step by establishing a state-of-the-art factory for the Carl Gustaf system. We are the first company in the defence industry to be allowed to own 100% of the factory and this will be very important for us in the future, especially if we are looking to expand the production facility,’’said Mr. Mattias Ringman, Vice President, Head of Finance, BA Dynamics, Saab.

Similarly, referring to the incredible opportunities for foreign businesses in India, Ms. Susanne Pulverer, CEO & CSO, IKEA India, said,” IKEA has had its presence in India for more than 40 years and it is also the biggest market where we support development in climate change, etc. Furthermore, it is important to provide equal opportunities for everyone, so we are committed to creating a gender-diverse organisation with a 50-50 gender ratio. Overall, India is a fantastic country and a great opportunity market, and of course, a growing market.’’

During the ‘Strategic Innovations to Accelerate the Decarbonization of Steel and Cement Industries’ panel, experts from India and Sweden explored innovative approaches to reduce emissions in these vital industrial sectors. The discussion highlighted the need for cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and strengthened collaboration between the two nations. Panelists also emphasised policy reforms and regulatory frameworks to support a smooth and efficient transition toward a decarbonised future for India’s steel and cement industries. In addition, according to experts, platforms like Lead IT have proven to be game changers in this regard.

‘’We are fortunate to have become a founding member of Lead IT in 2019. Currently, Lead IT has 36 members, with 6 out of 10 companies hailing from India. Our focus is on how Lead IT can further bridge the gap between different countries. Lead IT is not just a partnership between India and Sweden, but also involves 8 other countries. Our expectation from Lead IT is to become a strong pillar for technology innovation, technology transfer, and creating roadmaps for these crucial factors,’’ said Mr. Mahendra Singhi, Managing Director and CEO of Dalmia Cement.

In the captivating session on ‘Travel as a Business Accelerator,’ panelists shared insights into the transformative impact of travel on global business dynamics. They analysed how strategic travel planning enables access to new markets, fosters partnerships, and drives accelerated business growth.

In addition, a thought-provoking fireside chat on “Sustainability and Innovation” highlighting real-world examples of successful initiatives. This engaging dialogue offered key insights into how businesses can balance profitability with environmental responsibility in an ever-evolving global landscape.

The India-Sweden Innovation Day 2024 also spotlighted the transformative roles of Artificial Intelligence and Smart Cities. Both India and Sweden, with their substantial capabilities in AI and technology, are well-positioned to lead the global movement towards AI-driven sustainable urbanisation. Additionally, circularity in textiles was another major theme discussed, unlocking new possibilities in textile recycling and waste management.

“Working together, India and Sweden can become global leaders and partners in creating sustainable and innovative solutions for the entire planet. From startups to industry transition, we are pioneering initiatives in sustainable energy, safe transport, circular economy, sustainable cities, AI, and Digital transformation. Let us continue to work together and share ideas,’’ said Mr. Sanjoo Malhotra, CEO of India Unlimited.

The India Sweden Innovation Day 2024 was a resounding success, with participants deliberating on the valuable connections made and the collective commitment to cultivating partnerships that can lead to impactful solutions.

As COP 29 approaches, both countries are set to introduce collaborative frameworks and policies that will drive progress in areas such as green manufacturing, energy efficiency, and sustainable urbanisation. The upcoming year before COP 30 will be crucial for translating these strategies into real-world outcomes that align with global climate ambitions.

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NIRA Dynamics’ Wheel Safety solutions would annually prevent hundreds of accidents caused by wheel detachments

Jun 11, 2024 by Gayathri Pariti 0 Comments #CEO at NIRA Dynamics, #LINKÖPING, #Lisa Åbom, #LWI technology, #NIRA Dynamics, #Safety solutions, #Sweden, #Wheel detachments

LINKÖPING, Sweden, June 11, 2024  — Following the Swedish Tire Safety Council’s alarming report on wheel detachment incidents, NIRA Dynamics reaffirms the value of its pioneering Loose Wheel Indicator (LWI) technology. Established in the market since 2017 and currently enhancing over 1 million vehicles, including Audi’s fleet, LWI represents a significant leap in automotive safety, offering a proven, software-based solution to mitigate the risks associated with wheel loss.

The urgency for innovative safety solutions has never been more critical, as the council’s report sheds light on the 30,000 wheels detaching annually in Sweden, contributing to roughly 900 traffic accidents. Leveraging the widespread adoption and success of LWI technology, NIRA Dynamics is at the forefront of addressing this issue through advanced sensor analytics and real-time driver alerts.

By utilizing the vehicle’s existing wheel speed sensors, LWI detects the early signs of wheel loosening. This seamless integration and continuous monitoring system have made LWI a cost-effective and easily deployable safety feature for manufacturers like Audi and Zeekr, demonstrating significant reductions in the incidence of wheel detachment.

Already on the market, preventing accidents

With LWI’s established presence since 2017, its contribution to road safety is tangible. For drivers, LWI provides unmatched confidence and security, dramatically lowering the potential for wheel detachment accidents. For society, a broad application of LWI would pave the way for safer roads and underscore NIRA Dynamics’ commitment to pioneering sustainable safety solutions.

“Since its introduction, LWI has been instrumental in safeguarding over a million drivers, a testament to our vision for a safer automotive future,” affirms Jörg Sturmhoebel, Product Manager Wheel Safety at NIRA Dynamics. “The Swedish Tire Safety Council is doing a great job education the public about tire safety, however, there are cost-efficient technologies that can further minimize the number of wheels lost.”

Future outlook and call to action

Encouraged by the Swedish Tire Safety Council’s findings, NIRA Dynamics continues to innovate in the realm of vehicle safety. The company extends an invitation to automakers and industry stakeholders to explore the benefits of integrating LWI technology, moving closer towards universal road safety through technological excellence. “We truly believe that more car manufacturers could and should benefit from collaborating on tire-related occurrences. The tires and their characteristics are extremely important factors when it comes to traffic safety” says Lisa Åbom, CEO at NIRA Dynamics.

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The Future of Urban Living – The Sustainable Communities of Tomorrow

May 20, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #Akash Pharande, #Amenities, #Amsterdam, #and recreational facilities, #Berlin, #city planners, #Commercial, #compact urban forms, #congestion, #cycling, #Dubai Marina, #Europe, #Hamburg, #Hong Kong, #India, #Infrastructure, #integrate residential, #Integrated Living, #integrated townships, #JLL India, #Masdar City, #master-planned communities, #neighborhoods, #Netherlands, #New York, #North America, #Pharande Spaces, #pollution, #Portland, #public transportation, #Punggol, #self-contained integrated projects, #self-sufficient, #Singapore, #Stockholm, #sustainable urban development, #Sweden, #Tampines, #The Global Scenario, #Tokyo, #United Arab Emirates, #urban planning, #Vancouver, #walking

By – Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

Akash Pharande, Managing Director - Pharande Spaces

I travel a lot to understand how different countries address their urban sprawl because we use such insights to design integrated townships here in India. In fact, one result of these travels was our partnering with a globally acclaimed architect who helped us recreate a global residential experience in India.

However, my main takeaway from this globetrotting has been far less positive – the alarming rate at which rampant urbanization is challenging even the most glamorous world cities.

As cities’ populations overflow, traditional urban infrastructure groans and often crumbles under the strain of housing demands. Did you think that overcrowding and declining living standards are the order of the day only in India? Far from it – it is a global phenomenon.

The Global Scenario

In the thronged streets of New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong – and even in Berlin, Hamburg, and Stockholm – urban sprawl running wild is in evidence everywhere. In India, we have accepted congestion, pollution, and stressed infrastructure, but be aware that very few countries are exempt from them anymore.

Across the world from Asia to Europe to North America, local governments and expert city planners are implementing the only viable solution. You guessed it – integrated townships.

In Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, self-sufficient, self-contained integrated projects have in fact been at the forefront of urban planning for many decades. Singapore, in particular, is famous for master-planned communities such as Punggol and Tampines, which integrate residential, commercial, and recreational facilities to create vibrant and self-sustaining neighborhoods.

-township-

In the UAE, integrated developments like Dubai Marina and Masdar City deliver comprehensive living and working environments for residents. In Europe, Sweden and the Netherlands have embraced the concept of integrated townships to promote sustainable urban development.

Stockholm and Amsterdam have pioneered eco-friendly neighbourhoods that prioritize walking, cycling, and public transportation while incorporating green spaces and mixed-use developments.

In North America, integrated townships have gained traction in response to urban sprawl and the growing trend for more walkable and inclusive communities. Vancouver in Canada and Portland in the United States have implemented policies to encourage mixed-use development and compact urban forms.

This approach has given rise to highly integrated neighborhoods that provide everything their residents will ever need – living spaces, offices to work in, as well as shopping malls and recreational amenities.

Integrated Living – No Alternatives

If this sounds like a marketing prospectus for a modern integrated township in India, it’s because while we certainly haven’t pioneered the concept, we have certainly caught on to it big time. And for good reasons.

A report by international property consultants JLL India entitled ‘Livability quotient – a paradigm shift in India’s emerging cities’ puts it very aptly – “A balanced lifestyle contributes highly to the livability quotient of a city or township,” it states. “Amenities for leisure and recreation such as sports facilities, gymnasiums, clubhouses, malls and shopping streets are considered lifestyle amenities and are much appreciated by users.”

“Townships managed by private developers have an advantage over cities managed by local governments. The high level of interaction that happens between a township developer and customers naturally enables a focused delivery of services.”

I guess there’s no better way of putting it. As our larger cities draw more and more inward migration because of their employment prospects, we certainly need better solutions to house everyone. India’s growing upper-level middle class expects to find housing that multi-tasks and delivers on their lifestyle preferences.

What better solution for this than integrated mixed-use developments where they can seamlessly transition between living, working, and leisure activities without enduring long commutes?

As the successful eco-cities of Scandinavia and the master-planned communities of Singapore and the UAE demonstrate, integrated townships are a concept whose time has come – and is, in fact, by now an imperative in India.

intergrated township

A Long Way to Go

As Anarock Property Consultants put it, the growing demand for integrated townships in India has risen even more in the wake of changing housing preferences post-pandemic. However, despite the increased interest, integrated townships still represent only a fraction of the total housing supply in India. Since 2010, only about 2% of all housing projects in the top seven cities fell in this category,

Clearly, we are missing something important here.

India is a nation at a crossroads in its urbanization journey. Rapid population growth, rural-urban migration, and fragmented urban planning have spawned a host of challenges, from sprawling urban sprawl to choked traffic arteries and polluted air. The need for holistic urban planning has never been more pressing.

Integrated townships offer hope amidst this urban chaos. With the government’s ambitious plans to create smart cities and revitalize urban infrastructure in a country where land scarcity, fragmented development, and outdated infrastructure are the norm, there is quite simply no other solution.

Without integrated townships, the status quo in India is frankly unsustainable. With every passing year, our trajectory of urbanization is spiraling further out of control – with far-reaching consequences on our society, our environment, and our economy.

Beyond just bricks and mortar, integrated townships also serve as catalysts for economic growth and building strong, wholesome and supportive communities. They provide local employment opportunities, reduce dependence on city centers, offer higher returns on investment, and provide a holistic solution to the many challenges we face in our cities.

About the Author:

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in West Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in West Pune. With the recent integration of Puneville Commercial into one of its most iconic townships, Pharande Spaces taken a major step towards addressing Pune’s current and future requirements for fully integrated residential-commercial convenience.

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Legitify Secures Euros1.5 Million in New Funding Round

Mar 11, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #Aida Lutaj, #Aida Lutaj (CEO) and Arko Ganguli (CPO), #Alchemist Accelerator., #Alexander Chikunov, #Antler, #Donnchadh Cullinan, #Dublin, #Funding, #ICT HPSU, #Ireland, #Javier Extebeste, #Legitify, #NDRC, #Rebay Ventures, #Stockholm, #Sweden

Legitify, the online notarization solution, proudly announces the successful close of a €1.5 million funding round. This significant milestone is led by Verb Ventures, with key contributions from Enterprise Ireland, Actium Partners, Redbay Ventures, and other investors, marking a strong vote of confidence in Legitify’s innovative approach to simplifying and streamlining notarization processes.

Legitify 1

Founded in the autumn of 2020 in Stockholm, Sweden, by co-founders Aida Lutaj (CEO) and Arko Ganguli (CPO), and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the company is previously backed by Antler, NDRC, and Alchemist Accelerator. Legitify has quickly established itself as a leading remote online notarization solution in Europe and beyond. The company empowers both enterprises and individuals to effortlessly certify and notarize documents online, transcending traditional jurisdictional boundaries and transforming in-person processes with a sleek, intuitive, and cost-effective online solution.

Legitify’s impact is already evident, with many notable leading enterprises and professional services firms across over 40 geographies leveraging the solution for their notarization needs. The company is setting the new standard for online document certification and notarization across Europe and beyond, servicing over 1100 customers to date, and spanning sectors from financial services, legal services, consulting, real estate, and more.

Aida Lutaj, CEO of Legitify, shared her enthusiasm: “This funding round, spearheaded by Verb Ventures, represents a significant leap forward for Legitify. It not only reinforces our commitment to making cross-border legal processes smoother and more accessible but also paves the way for us to expand our product offering, introduce AI-powered enhancements to our solution and broadening our operational reach. We’re excited to solidify our position as a leader in tech-enabled notarization and essential business services as we continue to expand into new markets.”

Alexander Chikunov, Founding Partner at Verb Ventures, echoed this sentiment, noting Legitify’s impressive trajectory: “In a remarkably short time, Legitify has emerged as a frontrunner in providing a seamless notarization solution to professionals across various industries. Their innovative platform addresses a critical need in a market that sees billions of certifications and notarisations annually. We’re thrilled to support Legitify’s growth ambitions and their journey to introduce new products and solutions to their customers.”

Donnchadh Cullinan, Department Manager ICT HPSU at Enterprise Ireland, adds:

“We are delighted to support Legitify as the company continues to remove the complexity and barriers to notarisation processes for individuals and companies through their innovative online notarisation solution aiming to simplify cross-border transactions. Legitify facilitates the seamless processing of certifying and notarising legal documents online remotely across different jurisdictions, helping business to grow globally. This is an exciting growth phase for the company, and we look forward to working with the Legitify team on its ambitious plans.”

Javier Extebeste, Chairman of Rebay Ventures, shares: “We believe that superior products develop superior businesses. Legitify and its founders accumulate the drive, user understanding and legal expertise to build superior products and continue as a frontrunners in the massive digital notarisation market.”

As Legitify embarks on this exciting new chapter, the company is poised to further disrupt the legal tech market and redefine the standards of efficiency, accessibility, and security in online notarization services and broader legal processes.