Even as number of degree holders have been increasing rapidly in India in recent years, the employability outcome has remained stagnant. As per the latest India Skills Report 2025 released by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with Wheebox and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) only 55 per cent of Indian graduates are employable, indicating that nearly half of the country’s graduates are still not industry ready.

Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of Defence along with Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu inaugurating Kalpana Chawla Space & Research Centre at Chandigarh University Gharuan

The report clearly highlights a persistent disconnect between academic learning and industry expectations, forcing industries to invest heavily in time-consuming and costly on-the-job training to make new recruits productive. Bridging this widening academia–industry gap, Chandigarh University has built a strong industry-aligned academic ecosystem, where curriculum across engineering, management and sciences among other academic domains are designed by the industry, for the industry and delivered with active participation of the industry.

Chandigarh University offers new-age industry collaborative programmes designed by industry leaders, embedding skills required to thrive in the ever-evolving job market, into academic programs that is guided by Corporate Advisory Boards (CAB) comprising industry experts and CEOs from top Indian and global industry giants.

This unique collaborative teaching–learning model at Chandigarh University has been fueling bright young minds through a broad spectrum of industry-ready, future-oriented academic programmes, enhanced by continuous industry insights and exposure to emerging technologies, while empowering students with corporate mentorship, international exposure, value-centric learning, entrepreneurial spirit and professional competencies, collectively strengthening their employability and shaping them into future-ready industry leaders.

Continuing with its stellar performance in global rankings, Chandigarh University achieved 1st Rank for the third consecutive year in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026. CU also demonstrated a significant rise across key performance indicators in the coveted ranking by securing 1st rank in Employer Reputation and secured 2nd rank in Academic Reputation among private universities in India.

In Employability Rankings which shows universities producing the most employable graduates for the modern workplace, Chandigarh University secured the 1st rank in Engineering and Technology, Computer Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Chemistry among private universities in India in the latest edition of QS World University Rankings 2026 by Subject.

Cultivating Future-ready Engineering Leaders through Cutting-Edge Industry Collaborative Programs with Global Giants like Microsoft, TCS, Virtusa & IBM

Chandigarh University with its world-class, high-tech academic infrastructure has been integrating the latest industry practices and requirements into academic programs by fostering innovation in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Blockchain, Big Data, Analytics and Fintech.

For Engineering students, Chandigarh University has collaborated with tech giant Microsoft to offer BE in Artificial Intelligence and BE CSE (Computer Science & Business Systems) with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

Moreover, CU provides six Computer Science Engineering Programs in collaboration with IBM including BE CSE Cloud Computing, BE CSE (AI & IoT), BE CSE Data Science, BE CSE Cyber Security, BE CSE (AI&ML) and BE CSE (Full Stack Development). As part of the collaboration IBM, India’s first advanced information technology lab established at CU that train students in Cloud Computing, Information Security, Big Data and Business Analytics.

Chandigarh University also offers a Master of Engineering Program in Computer Science with a specialization in Cloud Computing in collaboration with Virtusa, making it one of the most in-demand CSE- CC programs in India. CU has collaborated with Coforge and established an innovation center focused on conducting R&D in AI applications within healthcare, addressing agricultural issues globally and developing autonomous vehicle technology. CU was ranked 7th among all private universities in the country in Engineering domain in NIRF Rankings – 2025.

For Automobile Engineering students, CU has tied-up with industry giants that established high-tech labs including Mahindra and Mahindra T-School, Honda Research and Skill Development Centre, Hyundai Professional Development Centre, VE Commercial Training Centre, MG Motors Lab, Eicher – CU Centre of Excellence in Automobile engineering lab, Vehicle Maintenance and Diagnostic Lab, BS-VI engines, EV technologies and intelligent mobility platforms. CU has also collaborated with Coforge and established an innovation center focused on conducting R&D in AI applications within healthcare, addressing agricultural issues globally and developing autonomous vehicle technology.

CU holds the prestigious accreditation from the US-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), placing it among the top 0.1 percent of Indian universities with accredited Engineering programs CU is accredited with an A+ rating by NAAC, placing it among the top 5 per cent universities in India to get the coveted accreditation. The varsity also holds National Board of Accreditation (NBA) accreditation for Engineering and Management programs.

These facilities enable students to transition seamlessly from theory to application, cultivate research thinking and develop innovation-driven solutions aligned with real-world industry needs.

Nurturing Future Business Leaders with 17 Industry Collaborative Cutting-Edge Management Programs

To nurture future business leaders through its unique experiential learning model, Chandigarh University has established collaborations with as many as 11 industry giants to offer MBA programs. CU collaborated with global consulting giant KPMG – one amongst ‘Big Four’ consulting firms of the world to offer MBA in Global Business Management and BBA in Financial Technology (FinTech). MBA Data Science & Al with SAS, MBA Business Analytics with IBM, MBA in Applied Finance with PWC, MBA with State Bank of India in Banking & Financial Engineering and MBA Fintech with NSE, MBA in Capital Markets with NISM, MBA Strategic HR with AON and MBA in Healthcare and Hospital Management.

These academic collaborations not only offer a broad spectrum of industry-oriented, futuristic academic programs but also empower students with corporate mentorship, international exposure, value-driven learning, entrepreneurial development and professional skill-building transforming them into dynamic business leaders of tomorrow. CU has also secured 7^th place among all private universities in the management domain in NIRF Rankings 2025.

Chandigarh University offers specialized management programs in emerging and high-growth business areas, enabling students to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving global landscape of industry. With these academic collaborations, CU also ensures that students earn globally recognized certifications that enhance their professional credibility and employability. With a strong focus on outcomes, students gain access to excellent employment and placement opportunities with top global organizations and leading multinational companies. Moreover, students benefit from global exposure through immersive international programs and receive continuous mentorship from experienced industry leaders, preparing them to excel in competitive professional environments.

Nurturing Future Leaders with 154 Industry-Oriented Academic Programs, 32 High-Tech R&D Labs, 15 COEs and Mentorship by 980 Industry Stalwarts

Chandigarh University provides its students an environment conducive to innovation and discovery with as many as 32 industry-sponsored high-tech R&D labs and 15 Centers of Excellence others established by leading MNCs and global giants such as Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, Hyundai, Tech Mahindra, Capgemini, LinkedIn and IBM among others that play a crucial role in elevating capabilities of students and faculty members through exposure to live industry projects.

Chandigarh University continues to set new benchmarks in outcome-driven education by nurturing future leaders across emerging and high-growth domains through its 154 industry-oriented academic programs. Designed in close collaboration with global industry partners, these programs seamlessly integrate cutting-edge curricula, hands-on learning, live industry projects, and real-world problem solving. This unique experiential learning ecosystem is further strengthened with mentorship of 980 seasoned industry stalwarts who bring invaluable insights, practical expertise and market-aligned perspectives into the classroom. This unique combination of academic excellence and industry immersion ensures that students graduate not just with degrees, but with the required skill sets and leadership acumen required to thrive and lead in an ever-evolving global workforce.

CU has tied-up with industry leaders that provide hands-on training to students with high-tech labs including Microsoft Innovation Center, Google Android Lab, Adobe Express Lounge Lab, Cloud Computing Lab, Oracle Academy, Tech Mahindra IMS Academy, Unisys Innovation Lab, EMC Academic Alliance, Microsoft Global Technical Support Center, Red Hat Academy Lab, SAP Next Gen Lab, Infor Lab and Microsoft Azure LAAS (Learning as a Service) platform, BOT lab, Bosch Bridge Centre and Cisco Networking Lab among others.

Over 40 Industry Collaborations in 2025 with Global Tech Leaders like Microsoft, LinkedIn, Capgemini, Adobe, Altium & Intel to Provide Outcome-Oriented Learning and Enhance Employabiliy

Chandigarh University has established India’s first LinkedIn Experience Zone on its campus in association with LinkedIn that empowers students with hands-on access to AI-driven career tools, expert guidance on digital profile building, personal branding and professional networking, while leveraging LinkedIn’s global network of over 1.2 billion professionals to enhance employability and connect students with global career opportunities.

Adobe, the global leader in digital media established India’s first Adobe Express Lounge Lab at CU to empower students with future-ready creative and digital skills. The state-of-the-art lab provides hands-on access to Adobe’s industry-leading tools, including Adobe Express, Creative Cloud applications, and AI-powered platforms like Adobe Firefly, enabling experiential learning across engineering, media, design, fine arts and business disciplines. Designed as a dynamic innovation hub, the initiative bridges academic learning with real-world applications through certified courses, workshops, mentorship, hackathons and portfolio-building support, significantly enhancing students’ employability and preparing them for the evolving digital economy.

The global consulting giant, Capgemini has established academic collaboration with Chandigarh University to equip engineering students, particularly Computer Science Engineering with industry-relevant skills in emerging technology domains and provide professional mentorship, certifications, internships and placement opportunities, aligning academic outcomes with the evolving demands of India’s digital economy and preparing a future-ready workforce.

Similarly, CU has established collaborations with tech giants like Microsoft, Intel and Altium among others to provide outcome-oriented learning and enhance employability prospects of students.

12 Lakh LinkedIn Certifications, 6747 Infosys Springboard, 652 UNESCO Certifications & 99% Paid Internships in 2025

Aligned to the National Education Policy (NEP) guidelines on multidisciplinary approach to education that allow students to combine diverse fields for holistic development, fostering critical thinking and adaptability, Chandigarh University (CU) places strong emphasis on integrated learning that transcends traditional academic boundaries. This approach is strengthened through multidisciplinary courses, focused soft-skills training and continuous enhancement of technical competencies to develop well-rounded, adaptable and future-ready professionals.

CU integrates global digital learning platforms into its curriculum. Through LinkedIn Learning, students across Generic Programmes (GP), University Core (UC), Open Electives (OE) and Value-Added Courses (VAC) accessed short, practical, skill-based modules, resulting in over 12 lakh certifications completed by nearly 60,000 students and faculty in a single year (2025). Infosys Springboard further enabled industry-aligned technical and soft-skills learning, with 6,747 certifications earned, while UNESCO-certified courses under GP strengthened global citizenship and sustainability awareness, leading to 652 value-based certifications.

Moreover, CU leveraged the SWAYAM government portal to promote flexible, self-paced, credit-based learning in technical and soft skills with 6,825 students completing certifications and 29,849 students registering which is supported by curriculum-mapped assignments.

Benchmarking its offerings with global standards, CU has aligned its NEP-driven, outcome-based curriculum with Coursera, where faculty curated 642 multidisciplinary courses mapped to international best practices and integrated into regular teaching. Complementing this academic rigor, CU processed 1,534 internships during the Jan–Dec 2025 cycle across 6 academic clusters and 167 programs, with 99% paid internships and 37 international placements (internship), reinforcing strong industry demand, global exposure and career readiness.

Industry-Curated Curriculum Cultivating Future Technocrats

Core curriculum offered by CU in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Virtual Reality, IOT, Bioinformatics, Information Network Security, Grid Computing, Structural Engineering, Geo-Technical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Construction Technology, Environmental Engineering, GIS, Water Resource Engineering among others is specially designed by industry giants themselves. The industry-oriented curriculum of CU is aligned with leading International Universities and Research Agencies; CSE curriculum is aligned with Stanford University, ISACA, NASSCOM for Civil Engineering, University of Singapore, Imperial College London, ASME and ISTE.

The curriculum is prepared by renowned academicians and subject experts from IITs, NITs and industry experts from top MNCs such as IBM and Quark among others top brands. These engagements not only provide students with practical exposure but also equip them with the latest industry trends and practices, enhancing their employability and readiness for the competitive job market.

This industry-centric experiential learning model of CU has been instrumental in not just nurturing futuristic workforce and make CU students globally-competitive but also ensure their job placements in top national and international firms, provide exposure to live industry projects and enable them to conduct collaborative research projects at industry-sponsored high-end R&D labs and Centre of Excellences, offer internships, conduct workshops, certifications, hands-on training using the cutting-edge technology and futuristic tools, exposure to case studies and corporate mentorship programs to create the next generation technology and business leaders.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: www.cuchd.in.

A science-led innovation, Airboost™ by Duroflex designed to deliver deep, restorative sleep by addressing three fundamental pillars of recovery:

• Pressure: Airboost’s air-matrix structure distributes body weight across 1 lakh+ micro-support points, reducing peak pressure and supporting spinal alignment.

• Breathability: Designed to enable 3 times more continuous airflow vs existing mattresses in the market, Airboost minimises heat build-up through the night.

• Energy restoration: Rapid responsiveness of Airboost reduces the energy required to roll over, supporting deeper sleep cycles and overnight recovery.

• Duroflex Airboost has been exclusively approved by the National Health Academy for effective spinal support and back pain reduction. 

• The Indian Society of Sleep Research recommends Airboost for enhanced Slow Wave Sleep (Deep Sleep) in India

• The collection is available through Duroflex Experience Centers pan-India, select retail channels and online at www.duroflexworld.com/pages/Airboost-mattress

Airboost by Duroflex featuring Virat Kohli

Watch the explainer film here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2iwN6a59SQ 
 

Duroflex Airboost™ I Latest in Sleep Tech

Duroflex, one of India’s leading sleep and comfort solutions brands, announces the launch of the Airboost™ Series, a sleep science-led material innovation for the Indian mattress category. The proprietary Airboost™ is built with an open matrix fibre structure offering 3X breathability, and introduces a fundamentally different approach to sleep technology in an industry long defined by foam density, coir firmness and spring counts.

Engineered to adapt hyper-locally to the human body, Airboost™ with 1 lakh+ independent micro-support points continuously contours to the shape and movement of the body while sleeping, helping distribute the body’s pressure evenly. Its 3D open-air structured design enables uninterrupted airflow from all directions, supporting effective heat dissipation away from the body. This temperature regulation is increasingly recognised as critical to sleep quality in India’s hot and humid climate.

After testing various branded mattresses available in India, Duroflex Airboost™ has been exclusively approved by the National Health Authority (NHA) for its ability to support spinal health and the Indian Society for Sleep Research (ISSR) for enabling enhanced N3 sleep (also known as Slow Wave Sleep), the stage of sleep which focuses on physical recovery, tissue repair and immune strengthening of the body. This sleep innovation reinforces Duroflex’s Designed to De-Stress philosophy – using sleep science to solve unmet consumer needs across the sleep and comfort ecosystem.

In India, demanding work schedules, rising lifestyle stress, and environmental factors such as heat and humidity continue to compromise sleep quality. Postural adaptation, temperature regulation and overnight energy restoration play a crucial role in supporting deep restorative sleep. Airboost™ is designed to address these three fundamental sleep requirements simultaneously – in ways that the current mattress offerings in the market struggle to achieve.

Speaking on the launch, Sridhar Balakrishnan, CEO, Duroflex Limited said, “For six decades, Duroflex has been guided by a consumer-first principle, creating solutions that address real problems. We are the makers of Duropedic®, the first ever mattress approved by doctors at NHA and trusted by elite athletes like Virat Kohli, Neuma – India’s first firmness adjustable mattress, and Wave Kinect, a smart bed compatible mattress.”

He added, “Sleep is one of the most important health investments, yet material innovation in the mattress segment was long overdue. Airboost™, our Make-In-India technology, disrupts traditional foam-and-coir approaches with over 1 lakh Airknit fibres by working with the body’s natural physiology. It reduces effort in regulating temperature, maintaining posture, and re-energising during the night. Every fibre, every design choice, is aimed at helping the body truly de-stress and wake up feeling restored. With our new, one-of-its-kind manufacturing facility in Hosur now fully operational, we are confident Airboost will find relevance with Indian consumers seeking deeper, more restorative sleep.”

Developed as part of Duroflex’s long-term focus on sleep science and material innovation, Airboost™ reflects a broader shift towards rethinking how mattresses are built for modern lifestyles. As sleep research increasingly establishes connections between sleep quality and long-term health outcomes, materials that can measurably improve sleep architecture play a larger role towards healthier lifestyles.

The Airboost™ range is available in multiple variants under the Duropedic portfolio, offering different comfort configurations and thickness options. The collection is available through Duroflex Experience Centers pan-India, select retail channels and online at www.duroflexworld.com/pages/Airboost-mattress.

About Duroflex
Duroflex, one of the three largest mattress companies in India, offers a wide range of premium mattresses, sofas, recliners and sleep accessories with 60 years of experience and innovation. Backed by research, the brand today offers sleep and comfort solutions for consumers across the country. Its mattress range – Duropedic, one of India’s leading ranges of orthopaedic mattresses – has been recommended by doctors at the NHA.

The brand has an extensive retail distribution network of 73 COCO stores and 5000+ trade partners. With an expanding footprint and strengthened omni-channel presence, Duroflex is introducing solutions in sleep and furniture technology to elevate modern living. The product portfolio has been envisioned to ensure that our customers are provided with quality sleep and comfort solutions.

To know more visit – www.duroflexworld.com and www.mysleepyhead.com | Follow us on @duroflexworld and @sleepyheadhq.

Planning regular investments often involves balancing present affordability with future income growth. One approach investor explore is gradually increasing their SIP amount over time rather than starting with a higher commitment. This method aligns contributions with changing cash flows and evolving financial priorities. A structured way to visualise this approach is by understanding how step-up features work within an SIP framework.
 

Using a step up SIP calculator to plan gradual increases in SIP contributions
 

Understanding the concept of a step-up SIP

A step-up SIP allows you to increase your SIP contribution at predefined intervals. Instead of investing a fixed amount throughout the tenure, the contribution rises periodically, usually in line with income progression or revised savings capacity. You may choose the frequency and percentage of the increase at the outset, depending on what suits your planning horizon.
 

This structure may suit investors who prefer starting with a manageable amount and adjusting contributions gradually. It is commonly considered in long-term planning where consistency and discipline are prioritised over short-term outcomes.
 

Why investors consider a step-up approach

A gradual increase in SIP contributions may help align investing habits with changing life stages. Early in one’s career, surplus income may be limited, while later years may allow higher allocations. By planning incremental increases, you may avoid the pressure of committing a larger sum at the start.
 

This approach also supports habit-building, as the initial SIP amount remains within comfort levels. Over time, the likelihood of maintaining continuity may increase, provided contributions remain aligned with income changes.
 

How a step up SIP calculator supports planning

A step up SIP calculator helps you estimate how periodic increases in SIP contributions may influence the overall investment journey. By entering variables such as starting amount, step-up rate, and tenure, you may view an indicative projection of how contributions and potential outcomes evolve over time.

The calculator is an aid, not a prediction tool. It may provide only an indicative picture.
 

Using a step-up SIP calculator may assist in comparing different step-up rates and understanding how small increases may affect long-term accumulation. It allows you to explore scenarios without making assumptions about certainty or outcomes.
 

Interpreting outputs with caution

While a step up SIP calculator presents projections, it is essential to interpret these outputs carefully. Any illustration is based on assumed inputs and does not account for market fluctuations or changes in personal circumstances.

Performance: Past performance may or may not be sustained in future.
 

If an example shows a higher accumulated value due to stepped-up contributions, it reflects a mathematical projection rather than an assured outcome.

*For illustrative purpose only
 

You may treat such outputs as a reference point for planning conversations rather than as a basis for expectation-setting.
 

Factors to consider before choosing step-up increments

Before deciding the step-up percentage, you may review income stability, expected changes in expenses, and existing financial commitments. A modest increase that aligns with realistic cash flows may be more suitable than an aggressive step-up that becomes difficult to sustain.
 

Using a step up SIP calculator again with revised assumptions may help you reassess affordability under different conditions. This iterative approach supports informed planning without over-reliance on a single scenario.
 

Where hybrid funds may fit in a broader plan

Within a diversified portfolio, some investors also explore hybrid funds to balance exposure across asset classes. Hybrid funds combine different investment types within a single structure, which may suit those seeking moderated variability alongside growth-oriented components.
 

When considering such options, it is important to view them as part of an overall allocation strategy rather than in isolation. The suitability of hybrid funds depends on individual goals, time horizon, and comfort with variability.
 

Conclusion

A step-up approach to SIP investing focuses on gradual progression rather than immediate scale. Tools such as a step up SIP calculator may help you visualise how incremental increases in contributions interact with time and consistency. While such tools support planning, outcomes remain uncertain and depend on multiple factors. A measured, well-considered approach aligned with personal circumstances may help maintain continuity over the long term.
 

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s longstanding reputation as one of the world’s great food cities has been built on contrast — a destination where humble street stalls sit comfortably alongside polished Michelin-starred dining rooms, and where “Great Taste” can be found everywhere in Hong Kong. This season, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) celebrates the city’s rich culinary culture with the launch of Taste Hong Kong, a new gourmet guide developed in collaboration with the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) that invites visitors to experience the city through the eyes — and appetites — of its master chefs.

Taste Hong Kong launches a chef-curated guide spotlighting street eats and Michelin-starred dining experiences

Taste Hong Kong is a chef-curated culinary guide to the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. More than 50 master chefs — all graduates of CCI’s prestigious Master Chef Course in Chinese Cuisine — have collectively handpicked 250 restaurants throughout Hong Kong, shining a spotlight on the places they return to time and again. The guide offers a comprehensive and refined overview of the city’s culinary landscape, highlighting a rich tapestry of Chinese cuisines alongside an array of international flavours, from traditional noodle shops and classic dessert parlours to family run local gems, artisanal cafés, upscale hotel restaurants, and Michelin-starred fine dining destinations. Going beyond conventional rankings and accolades, the guide provides an authoritative, insider perspective on the city’s most authentic and distinctive gastronomic experiences.

At the heart of Taste Hong Kong are the chefs themselves. As the creative minds behind some of Hong Kong’s most celebrated dining rooms, they bring a rare perspective on what defines a great meal — and what makes a restaurant endure. Among them are acclaimed figures such as Adam Wong and Lee Man-sing, who have each contributed personal recommendations that reflect both their culinary roots and their deep connection to Hong Kong’s dining culture.

“When I think about Hong Kong food, I think about the neighbourhood places I always go back to — dai pai dongs, cha chaan tengs and small restaurants that define the city’s everyday dining culture. These spots reflect how locals really eat and the city’s culinary soul. I am excited to be part of this guide because it gives visitors a genuine way to experience Hong Kong through the food and neighbourhoods that locals know and love,” says Adam Wong, a 3-star Michelin Executive Chef at the Forum Restaurant.

“I have always believed that some of Hong Kong’s best food is found in the simplest settings, whether it’s a comforting bowl of noodles or hot pot shared with friends. The restaurants highlighted in Taste Hong Kong are places with history, consistency and heart. They show why Hong Kong is one of the world’s most exciting cities to eat in,” says Lee Man-sing, Executive Chef of Mott 32 Group.

Designed for both visitors and locals, Taste Hong Kong organises its 250 restaurant picks by neighbourhood. With various neighbourhoods represented, travellers are encouraged to venture beyond well-trodden dining districts and experience the distinctive character of each area. From sizzling woks in bustling street kitchens to quiet neighbourhood favourites passed down through generations, the chefs’ selections offer visitors and locals a deeper insight into Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant diversity, guiding them to the true “Great Taste” of the city.

The guide is supported by a rich suite of digital content, including neighbourhood videos and curated maps, hosted on the campaign’s dedicated website. A downloadable digital edition of the Taste Hong Kong guide will also be available, serving as an easy-to-use companion for planning meals and neighbourhood discovery. QR codes will be displayed at various MTR stations, bus shelters and visitor signage across neighbourhoods. HKTB will also broadcast the “Taste Hong Kong” promotional video at major tourist hotspots, and prominent shopping malls and hotels across the city, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global gourmet capital where exceptional food can be found everywhere — often in the most unexpected places.

To discover the full Taste of Hong Kong guide and begin your culinary adventure, visit tastehk.discoverhongkong.com. Download the digital guide, watch the neighbourhood videos and join the conversation using #TasteHongKong to discover the authentic flavours that define Hong Kong, one neighbourhood at a time.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with marketing and promoting Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhancing visitors’ experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities.

The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.

ImagiNxt, a global technology festival platform, has announced the launch of its inaugural edition, ImagiNxt 2026, scheduled to be held on May 22–23, 2026, at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai. The two-day event will bring together stakeholders from across India’s technology ecosystem, including policymakers, startups, investors, enterprises, researchers, and creators.

India is home to the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 157,000 startups and more than 100 unicorns, yet it lacks a single, multi-format platform that integrates technology innovation with policy dialogue and global collaboration. ImagiNxt has been conceived to address this gap by convening domestic and international participants across technology, capital, governance, and academia.

Deepak Lamba, Founder & CEO, ImagiNxt

Commenting on the announcement, Deepak Lamba, Founder & CEO, ImagiNxt, said that India’s technology journey has evolved beyond service delivery to building foundational digital infrastructure with global relevance. He added that ImagiNxt is intended to serve as a forum where technology builders, investors, and policymakers can engage on how such systems are developed, regulated, and scaled internationally.

Building on this vision, ImagiNxt 2026 is conceived as a high-calibre global convening, bringing together leading technology thinkers and decision-makers from around the world. The exhibition will feature some of the most significant technology companies showcasing category-defining products, while curated experiential installations will allow participants to engage with frontier technologies and imagine what comes next.

The event is expected to host over 15,000 participants, with 200+ speakers, including international experts and senior industry leaders. More than 1,000 startups are slated to participate alongside 300+ investors, with the programme comprising 100+ sessions across five parallel thematic tracks over two days.

International participants announced for the event include Cristina Ventura, General Partner at White Star Capital, and Noi Cecilia Oldne, Chief India Representative of the Sweden–India Business Council. Several additional international speakers will be announced in the coming days, bringing perspectives across venture capital, emerging technologies, and cross-border innovation ecosystems.

Indian representation will include investors such as Shailesh Lakhani, Managing Partner at Peak XV Partners, and Dipanjan Basu, Co-Founder and Partner at Fireside Ventures; Rohit Chennamaneni, Co-Founder of Darwinbox; Sanjay Nekkanti, Founder and CEO of Dhruva Space; and Sanjeev Sharma, Founder and CEO of Swaayatt Robots and others.

The programme will also feature participation from representatives associated with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), NASSCOM, 5F World, NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore, and academic institutions focused on artificial intelligence and technology research, enabling discussions across policy, enterprise, and academia.

ImagiNxt 2026 will be structured around five parallel tracks covering India’s digital public infrastructure and global technology engagement, enterprise technology and workforce transformation, startup innovation and fundraising, consumer technology and digital culture, gaming, developer ecosystems, and design.

As part of the event, ImagiNxt will host a startup pitch programme across multiple categories, where shortlisted startups will present to juries comprising Indian and international investors. The platform has also partnered with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) India to showcase grassroots innovations, including solutions emerging from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

About ImagiNxt
ImagiNxt is a technology festival platform focused on convening stakeholders across innovation, policy, and enterprise. The platform operates through large-scale physical events and a year-round digital ecosystem, facilitating dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange within the technology sector.

Somaiya Vidyavihar witnessed a powerful celebration of legacy and lifelong belonging as it hosted the Silver Somaiyans Celebration 2026 followed by the Somaiya All Alumni Meet (SAAM). The event brought back the Batch of 2001 for their 25th anniversary, creating a vibrant intersection where professional success met nostalgic homecoming.

Proud Illustrious Alumni at SAAM 2026 of Somaiya Vidyavihar

A Foundation Built for Generations
The tone for the day was set by Shri Samir Somaiya, President of Somaiya Vidyavihar and Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, whose address reflected the institution’s deep-rooted philosophy of long-term impact.

“Somaiya Vidyavihar has always believed that education is not built for the moment, but for generations“, said Chancellor Somaiya. “We do not measure our progress in five-year plans, but in what we leave behind 50 or even 100 years from now. He added, “When our alumni return and see the new and upcoming buildings and facilities, like the Saraswati Building or the  Dharma Studies Building, they often ask why they didn’t get a chance to study in these spaces. And if every returning student feels this way, then we will take it as their certificate that we are doing a good job.”

He also quoted Carlos Dublanc, an Argentinian architect based in London, who applauded Somaiya Vidyavihar for how its education infrastructure, architecture and research create spaces that truly support learning and innovation. According to Dublanc, the campus embodies a vision of “places where memory meets fantasy,” reflecting an environment that is deeply rooted in tradition while encouraging students to aspire and reach for the skies, a balance he described as both inspiring and remarkable.

Reconnecting: Where 25 Years Vanished in a Moment
For the returning alumni, the day was defined by the ecstatic feeling of finding their “tribe” again. The air was thick with stories of life’s highs and lows, shared with a vulnerability that only lifelong friendships allow.

“Walking through the campus brought back a flood of beautiful memories,” shared Jagdish Teckchandani (KJSSC ’01). “What surprised me the most was how effortlessly we slipped back into the same carefree, senseless banter, right from where we had left off 25 years ago. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to feel like 20-year-old kids all over again.”

This sentiment was echoed by Keval Momaya (KJSAC ’01), who remarked, “It’s true – we have left the campus, but the campus hasn’t left us. I feel privileged to be a part of Somaiya.”

Shaping the Future of Work and Global Leadership
The reunion was not just a look backwards, but a leap forward. A major highlight was the “Future of Work” panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Raman Ramachandran (Dean, K J Somaiya Institute of Management). The session explored the evolution of leadership in the age of AI, showcasing the intellectual caliber that the “Somaiyan” foundation provides.

The impact of this foundation was visible in the success stories present – alumni representing the Indian Judiciary, Citi Bank, Kotak Asset Management (Singapore), TeamLease Edtech,  The Akanksha Foundation, TNI Controls, Prohuman Health, Nandan GSE Pvt. Ltd., Microsoft, Indian Police and K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce were felicitated. The spirit of mentorship was also in full swing, as CA Bhavesh Mange (KJSAC ’01) shared, “I met B.Tech students testing an EV car prototype for an event in Qatar. I was able to guide their vision and offer to connect them with potential investors. It felt like coming home.”

A Rhythmic Celebration of the Somaiyan Identity
As the evening progressed, the nostalgia turned into high-octane celebration with a performance by the legendary Usha Uthup. Her powerhouse voice and infectious energy served as the perfect soundtrack for a batch celebrating 25 years of resilience and joy.

“What a magical campus you have! I mean I just cant even begin to tell you how proud I feel to be a part of this evening and I get to sing at your mesmerising, magical campus!”, said the legendary Usha Uthup, adorned in her signature Kanjivaram saree and a beaming bindi.

For the Somaiya student or parent watching from the sidelines, the message of the Silver Jubilee was clear. A Somaiya education is a lifelong asset. It is a place where you gain more than a degree; you gain a family, a moral compass, and a legacy that stays with you for a quarter-century and beyond.