Latest news with #Ideathon
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Technovate for India - Chhattisgarh edition fuels tech-driven solutions in employment and farming
Technovate for India - Chhattisgarh edition fuels tech-driven solutions in employment and farming The Hyatt in Raipur became the epicentre of technological innovation and entrepreneurship as Technovate for India - Chhattisgarh Edition unfolded in a grand manner. Organised by The Times of India in collaboration with Talrop , the event aimed to empower students and young entrepreneurs with insights into emerging technologies, government policies, and industry trends. With an exciting lineup of speakers, fireside chats, and an Ideathon finale, the event created an ecosystem that highlights Chhattisgarh's growing role in India's digital revolution. Inaugural address by Niharika Barik Singh The event commenced with an insightful inaugural address by Niharika Barik Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, department of electronics & IT, government of Chhattisgarh. She emphasised the state's commitment to creating a robust digital ecosystem. Yash Raj Agrawal, Founder & CEO of GimBooks "We are working towards ensuring 100% digital connectivity across Chhattisgarh. Our revised IT policies now include tax benefits and infrastructure support for AI research centres, cloud computing facilities, and startups. Technology is only as powerful as the problem it solves. It is not about building the most complex algorithm or the most advanced AI models. It is about using those technologies to make a real difference—whether it's AI-powered farming techniques, digital healthcare platforms, or smart logistics systems. Channel your creativity into solutions that will have a lasting impact," she stated. Singh also outlined Chhattisgarh's cybersecurity framework, incentives for startups, and efforts to bring all government services online. "We are positioning ourselves as the next data centre hub in Central India. We are not just preparing for the future; we are creating it," she declared, inspiring an audience of students, academicians, and industry professionals. Following the inaugural speech, Yash Raj Agrawal, Founder & CEO of GimBooks, delivered a riveting keynote address, sharing his entrepreneurial journey. He spoke about how GimBooks evolved from a simple invoice-making app to a full-fledged business management platform with over 4 million downloads and a significant presence in India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. He recalled a critical moment during the COVID-19 pandemic when his startup faced an 80-lakh financial shortfall. "There was a point where I thought about shutting everything down, but something in me said, 'Keep going.' And that made all the difference," he shared. His resilience and success story resonated deeply with budding entrepreneurs in the audience. A thought-provoking fireside chat ensued between Agrawal and Rashmi Drolia, Senior Journalist, The Times of India , Chhattisgarh. The discussion revolved around adapting to market demands, integrating AI, and scaling a startup in a competitive landscape. "We built GimBooks by listening to our users. Every feature we added was based on customer feedback. That's the key—your users will tell you exactly what they need," Agrawal explained. He also emphasized the importance of building startups in smaller cities like Raipur, where operational costs are lower and employee loyalty is higher. "Building in Raipur is far more economical than in cities like Bangalore, where high costs could have made survival during COVID impossible. Beyond costs, smaller towns foster a stronger sense of ownership among employees—they treat the company as their own, unlike metro cultures where work is just a routine. With supportive policies and funding opportunities, it's not difficult to build from here. The best ideas stem from personal pain points—problems you or those around you face. That's how I built my company despite being a non-tech founder. Once you have an idea, focus on building a strong team, networking, and seizing opportunities—it makes all the difference," he added. Technovate for India - Ideathon finale One of the most anticipated segments of the event was the Ideathon finale, where students pitched their innovative ideas in a highly competitive environment. Three teams emerged victorious, showcasing groundbreaking solutions. The winning team from the International Institute of Information Technology secured ₹50,000 for their AI-driven platform that enables smart job matching, helping the people of Chhattisgarh find jobs aligned with their skill sets. The first runner-up, Government Engineering College, won ₹40,000 for their initiative, CASH (Chhattisgarh Agri-Tech Skill Hub), aimed at empowering students to drive agricultural innovation. The second runner-up, Kalinga University, Raipur, received ₹30,000 for their AI-powered skill development program. Beyond the cash prizes, the winners gained mentorship opportunities, funding prospects, and exclusive networking sessions with industry leaders. Jones Joseph, Director & COO of Talrop, delivered a special address highlighting Talrop's mission. Ajeesh Satheesan, Director & CMO of Talrop, was also present. "India needs a Silicon Valley-like ecosystem where inventors and entrepreneurs can thrive together. Technovate for India is a step towards making this vision a reality," Joseph stated. He further elaborated on Talrop's Village Park initiative, which aims to establish 4,000 tech hubs across rural India. "By decentralising technology and fostering grassroots innovation, we can put India on the global stage," he explained. The event wasn't just about speeches and competitions. Interactive quizzes tested participants' knowledge of tech giants, AI developments, and India's startup landscape. The audience participation was electric, with students and professionals competing for exclusive merchandise and networking opportunities. A significant focus was on the impact of Artificial Intelligence, automation, and cloud computing on various industries. GimBooks is leveraging AI-powered voice assistants to streamline customer interactions, setting a precedent for how AI can be integrated into Indian startups. "We are training AI voice agents to handle customer queries and provide real-time support. This will revolutionize customer service in the coming years," Mr. Agrawal shared. His insights were a call to action for students to embrace AI and data analytics as crucial skills for the future. The Technovate for India - Chhattisgarh Edition concluded on a high note, leaving participants inspired and equipped with knowledge and connections to fuel their aspirations. The event demonstrated that Chhattisgarh is not just keeping pace with technological advancements but is poised to become a hub for digital innovation in India. As Singh aptly summarised in her speech: "Dream big. Start locally, but scale globally. The next tech giant does not have to come from Silicon Valley—it can be born right here in Chhattisgarh." With a resounding commitment from policymakers, industry leaders, and students, Technovate for India has set the stage for Chhattisgarh's bright future in technology and entrepreneurship. The event will be conducted across all 28 states of India. Apart from Chhattisgarh, 15 successful conclaves have already taken place in Puducherry, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Daman and Diu. The next edition promises to be even bigger, encouraging a new wave of ideas, startups, and game-changing innovations. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
NDTV
26-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Delhi To Host Industrial Ideathon; Rs 80 Lakh Prize Pool For Student Innovators
New Delhi: The Delhi government will launch its first Delhi Industrial Ideathon 2025, which aims to drive digital transformation, support entrepreneurship, and empower the youth to contribute to the economy, Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said. The minister said that the Ideathon, scheduled to be held in July or August this year, will bring together the brightest student minds to solve real-world problems faced by Delhi's industries and will award a total prize pool of over Rs 80 lakh. The event is being organised by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) in collaboration with the Department of Industries and is expected to draw hundreds of participants. The minister said that the Ideathon will feature over 120 student teams from more than 30 leading educational institutions across Delhi and each team will comprise two to four students, mandatorily including at least one female participant and preferably bringing together students from multiple academic disciplines. He added that the government's aim is to drive digital transformation, support entrepreneurship, and empower youth to contribute meaningfully to the economy. He said the event will award a total prize pool of over Rs 80 lakh. The winning team will receive Rs 10 lakh, while the first and second runners-up will be awarded Rs 7.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh respectively.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PU UIET records 325 placements, Rs 24.7L highest package
1 2 Chandigarh: The University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Panjab University, has reported 325 student placements in the academic session 2024–25, with the highest on-campus package reaching Rs 24.73 lakh per annum. The average salary offered was Rs 8.5 lakh, with the overall placement rate standing at 78.4%. Among the placed students, 22-year-old Anuj Kumar secured the highest on-campus package of Rs 24.73 lakh per annum from Cisco, which had also made the top offer last year. A resident of Karnal, Anuj has been placed in Bangalore and also wants to pursue MBA in future from abroad. Other notable placements included Khushi Jain at Walmart, Jasjeet Singh at UltraHuman, and Riya Handa at American Express. The placement drive saw participation from multiple companies, including American Express, Cisco, BEL, Deloitte, ZS, Tata1mg, and L&T. Several first-time recruiters such as Hero Cycles, Viscadia, IndiaP2P, Turing, and Omniful also hired students from the institute. Roles were offered across IT, consultancy, and core engineering sectors. Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig said UIET continues to make steady strides. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 30 Facts That Might Surprise You Culture & History Undo "The institute's growth over the past two decades is evident in its corporate linkages and alumni network, which are opening new doors for our students," she said. Director Prof Sanjeev Puri emphasised the focus on bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations. "We stress technical competence as well as soft skills, and this year's results reflect that approach," he said. Students received training in aptitude, interviews, and technical skills, along with sessions by companies such as Infosys and American Express. Alumni working with firms like JP Morgan and Apple also conducted mentoring programmes, while events like Ideathon and Technovate provided hands-on industry exposure. Training and placement officer Prof Sarbjeet Singh said placement activity is still ongoing. "A number of off-campus processes are under way. More offers are expected in the coming weeks, and we remain confident about closing the season on a stronger note," he said. The placement cell now plans to bring in international recruiters and explore emerging fields such as AI, fintech, and green technology. BOX: Lesser growth than previous years This year's placement figures fall short of the peaks seen in recent years, particularly the 2022–23 session, which had marked a high point for UIET. That year, students received offers up to Rs 45 lakh from Amazon, and a record 382 offers were made overall. The average package then stood at Rs 8.72 lakh. In 2023–24, the top on-campus offer was Rs 25 lakh from Cisco, with a higher off-campus offer of Rs 42 lakh by ServiceNow, and an average of Rs 9.11 lakh. By contrast, the 2024–25 cycle has so far seen fewer offers, a lower highest package of Rs 24.73 lakh, and a drop in average salary. While officials cite ongoing off-campus processes, the slowdown has been noted.
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Greater Noida gears up for Bharat Education Expo 2025
Greater Noida: The second edition of Bharat Education Expo 2025 is all set to be organised from April 24 to 26 at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Knowledge Park, Greater Noida, officials said on Monday. The event is being organised by India Exposition Mart Limited with support from the Uttar Pradesh government's higher education department and the Greater Noida authority. 'The initiative plays a crucial role in positioning the district as a prominent knowledge hub in the national capital region and to highlight the quality education being delivered through modern technologies,' said Manglesh Dubey, additional DM (administration), GB Nagar, at a press conference on Monday. The 2025 edition is likely to witness participation from over 100 exhibitors representing various segments of the education sector. These will include universities, colleges, edtech startups, coaching institutes, study abroad consultants, and service providers in education loans and scholarships. Spread across 7,000 square meters, the event will feature cutting-edge technologies, world-class academic systems, and student-centric services, officials said. Additionally, the expo will host a wide array of engaging activities and competitions such as Creathon (Ideathon, Hackathon, Startathon, Codethon), Robo Race, Robo Soccer, Drone Shows, and IT demonstrations. Interactive workshops on robotics and nature, singing competitions for students, quizzes on science, technology and business, and a special counselling zone for higher education and careers will also be part of the programme.
