Latest news with #TheAscent
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
A Rs 2cr prize dedicated to grassroots-level innovators
Infosys Foundation instituted Aarohan Social Innovation Awards in 2018 with the single-minded goal of being a vital platform for identifying and supporting innovative solutions addressing critical societal challenges. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "These awards reflect our commitment to fostering grassroots innovation across India, with a focus on driving scalable and sustainable social change," says Sumit Virmani, trustee, Infosys Foundation. Now in its fourth edition, the awards span key categories including education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The biannual awards were named Aarohan, meaning 'The Ascent,' by Sudha Murty, former chairperson of Infosys Foundation, in an attempt to reflect progress and the transformative power of social innovation. Aarohan has now grown into an ecosystem of innovators, inspiring ideas with the potential for visibility, funding, and large-scale change. With a total prize pool of Rs 2 crore, Aarohan addresses the core problem of funding, a lack of which often stops grassroots-level innovation from taking wings. Individual winners are awarded a prize of up to Rs 50lakh. This year's entries closed on June 22. Aarohan welcomes both early-stage prototypes and market-ready solutions prepared for scaling. The awards recognise that many impactful innovations, particularly in the social sector, stem from the personal experiences or hardships of their founders, the Foundation said in a statement. "Whether the idea is nascent or ready to grow, Aarohan provides critical support to ensure these innovations don't fade away due to lack of resources or amplification. " One of Aarohan's most notable success stories is Prashant Gade, founder of Inali Foundation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In 2018, Prashant approached Aarohan at the prototype stage with the Inali Arm, a low-cost prosthetic arm designed for individuals with disabilities who lacked access to expensive care. To date, the Inali Foundation has distributed over 15,000 prosthetic limbs free of charge, offering hope to thousands of individuals. Prashant's vision is to serve the estimated 22 million disabled Indians, ensuring inclusivity and dignity for every individual. "As one of India's most prestigious platforms for recognising social impact, Aarohan is dedicated to identifying and nurturing solutions that address real-world problems with scalable and sustainable outcomes," says Virmani. "From day one, our focus has been on scale because social innovations truly make an impact only when they scale. That's why the Aarohan award isn't a one-time reward—it's tied to periodic milestones to encourage sustainable growth," he says. Beyond the award money, Infosys Foundation also provides access to a community of social innovators and support towards a mentoring and incubation programme to bridge expertise gaps. "This year, we are partnering with leading incubation organisations to offer winners enhanced mentorship, resources, and opportunities for growth. These collaborations will help amplify the impact of their innovations, enabling them to reach wider audiences and deliver transformational solutions more effectively," Virmani adds. Among last edition's (2023) winners, nLite 360 stands out — a portable smart phototherapy device built by Subrahmanyam Prasad Muddam and Akitha Kolloju from Hyderabad. It's battery-powered and designed to treat severe jaundice in newborns, making neonatal care more accessible. In education, Smart Vision Glasses stole the show. Created by Seetharam Muthangi from Bengaluru, these AI-enabled glasses help visually impaired individuals identify objects, people, and read printed material, even in regional languages. In women empowerment category, Shelter Associates, a Pune-based NGO, won for their One Home One Toilet initiative. They've developed a data-driven model to build household toilets for underprivileged women, helping improve hygiene, safety, and dignity.
Business Upturn
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Nazara Technologies acquires UK-based Curve Games for Rs 247 crore to strengthen global console gaming footprint
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on May 20, 2025, 13:48 IST Nazara Technologies Ltd, India's only publicly listed gaming company, has announced a strategic acquisition of Curve Digital Entertainment Ltd (popularly known as Curve Games), a leading UK-based PC and console gaming publisher, for ₹247 crore. The all-cash deal is expected to significantly bolster Nazara's presence in the global gaming ecosystem. With this acquisition, Nazara aims to tap into the over $100 billion global PC and console gaming market, diversifying its portfolio beyond mobile gaming and reinforcing its vision of building a globally competitive gaming powerhouse from India. About Curve Games Curve Games has carved a niche in the global publishing space with more than 100 million downloads across a portfolio of indie gaming hits like Human Fall Flat , Bomber Crew , For the King , and The Ascent . The publisher is active in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, providing Nazara with immediate access to new geographies and genres. For the calendar year 2024, Curve Games reported: Revenue: ₹263.5 crore EBITDA: ₹114.4 crore Profit Before Tax: ₹49.6 crore Strategic Rationale Commenting on the deal, Nazara Technologies CEO Nitish Mittersain said, 'Curve's proven expertise in PC and console publishing makes them an ideal partner as we expand our focus beyond mobile. This acquisition brings exceptional IP and strengthens our global mission.' Executive Chairman of Curve Games, Stuart Dinsey, added, 'Nazara's ecosystem and access to emerging markets make them a strong strategic partner. We're aligned in our vision to build a global indie publishing platform.' This transaction aligns with Nazara's consistent strategy of acquiring niche gaming assets and building an IP-led global gaming company. Curve Games will serve as a bridge for Indian game developers to launch and publish globally, especially in premium gaming markets. About Nazara Technologies Nazara Technologies owns prominent gaming and esports brands such as Kiddopia, Animal Jam, World Cricket Championship, Sportskeeda, and Datawrkz. The company operates across India, North America, and other international markets and is actively expanding its portfolio via acquisitions. Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Author or Business Upturn is not liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
