ICICI Lombard, one of India’s leading private general insurer, has concluded the 2025 edition of its flagship business case-study competition, IL IGNITING MINDS – season 3, in collaboration with IIT Bombay (E-cell) – One of India’s premier Engineering Institute. Designed to give young innovators a real-world platform to solve meaningful industry challenges, the initiative has received 4000+ student registrations from 500+ unique premier institutes, making it the largest edition of the competition so far.

IL Igniting Minds Winner – IIT Delhi

The theme for this year’s challenge, “Unlocking SME Insurance Growth in India”, focuses on one of the most critical and underserved segments of the economy. India is home to over 6.3 crore SMEs, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. However, insurance penetration in this sector remains low due to lack of awareness, limited product relevance and accessibility barriers. Through this competition, ICICI Lombard invites students to reimagine; product design, digital enablement, distribution and outreach strategies that can make insurance adoption seamless, impactful and affordable for small and medium businesses.

IL Igniting Minds 1st Runner – IIM Ranchi

Building on past editions conducted with institutes such as IIM Calcutta & IIM Lucknow and NMIMS – which together engaged over 4,500 students from more than 700 campuses -the IIT Bombay (E-Cell) edition marks a significant step in expanding the competition’s campus footprint.

Ms. Sheena Kapoor – Head Marketing, Corporate Communications & CSR, ICICI Lombard, said, “The 3rd season of IL Igniting Minds has been truly inspiring. What began as a simple idea has now connected us with 4000+ students across 500+ campuses—young minds filled with curiosity, enthusiasm and a strong drive to solve real-life problems. This year’s outstanding competition and quality of thinking stood out. The finalist teams presented real-life case studies, challenges and problems to our senior management with clarity, depth and intelligence. Moments like these reaffirm our belief that the future of India rests in brilliant and responsible hands.”

IL Igniting Minds business case-study competition, season 3 was conducted at the ICICI Lombard Office in Mumbai where the students had an opportunity to showcase ideas to the senior management of the company. The winning team was from IIT-Delhi and the first runner-up was from IIM Ranchi; they were felicitated by ICICI Lombard senior management.

About ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited

ICICI Lombard is the leading private general insurance company in the country. The Company offers a comprehensive and well-diversified range of products through multiple distribution channels, including motor, health, crop, fire, personal accident, marine, engineering, and liability insurance. With a legacy of over 2 decades, ICICI Lombard is committed to customer centricity with its brand philosophy of ‘Nibhaye Vaade’. The company has issued over 37.6 million policies, over 3.2 million claims processed and has a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs.  282.58 billion for the year ended March 31, 2025. ICICI Lombard has 328 branches and 15,123 employees, as on March 31, 2025.

ICICI Lombard has been a pioneer in the industry, being the first large-scale insurance company in India to migrate its entire core systems to the cloud.  With a strong focus on being digitally-led and agile, the company has introduced multiple AI-powered insurance solutions. The company’s flagship insurance and wellness app, IL TakeCare, which has received over 18.4 million downloads, also offers the industry’s first Face Scan feature. The company has won several prestigious awards- including the Insurance Asia, ICC Emerging Asia Insurance, ET BFSI Exceller, ET Corporate Excellence, Golden Peacock, FICCI Insurance, Assocham, Stevie Asia Pacific, and National CSR in recognition of its various initiatives.

For more details log on to www.icicilombard.com.

RISE Infraventures began in 2021 as a young idea with big conviction, but it has quickly grown into something far more significant than a real estate advisory firm. Today, it stands as a leadership-driven institution that is actively reshaping Gurugram’s realty ecosystem. In a market long dominated by traditional brokerage practices, RISE has brought in professionalism, structure, and a values-first mindset that feels refreshingly different.

The leadership duo behind RISE Infraventures

Two Minds with One Vision

At the heart of this transformation are the two minds who envisioned a better way forward: Sachin Gawri and Shantanu Gambhir. Sachin Gawri, the Founder & CEO, brings the instinct of a strategist sharpened by years in sales, marketing, and frontline dealmaking, along with an unwavering commitment to good governance in real estate.

Shantanu Gambhir, the Managing Director and Co-founder, complements him with decades of experience as a wealth manager and a financial strategist who understands risk, returns, and long-term value like few others do. With expertise in sales, negotiations, and financial strategy, Shantanu leads from the front, ensuring that RISE remains agile and future-focused. Together, their combined expertise spans investments, advisory consulting, market intelligence, and relationship-building. But what truly defines their partnership is a shared belief in doing things the right way—anchored in transparency, innovation, and a deeply customer-first approach. It is this alignment of vision and values that has set the tone for RISE’s culture and its remarkable journey so far.

The Shared Vision: Redefining India’s Advisory Landscape

What unites Sachin and Shantanu is a clear and uncompromising vision: to redefine real estate advisory in India by making it ethical, data-driven, and deeply relationship-oriented. They believe the sector deserves far more than transactional interactions—it deserves clarity, consistency, and advisors who genuinely understand long-term value. Guided by this conviction, they set out to build a 360-degree advisory that seamlessly serves residential buyers, commercial occupiers, and serious investors. For them, RISE was never meant to be just a sales engine; it was envisioned as a platform that simplifies decision-making, brings credibility to every touchpoint, and introduces a structured, transparent approach in a market that has often struggled with opacity.

RISE’s Reputation

Today, RISE works alongside the country’s most respected names: DLF, Emaar, Central Park, Godrej, Adani, Sobha, Tata, Lodha, M3M and many more, reflecting the credibility it has built in a short span. Its expanding network of over 3,000 channel partners further amplifies its reach and reliability, creating an ecosystem where information flows transparently and opportunities scale seamlessly.

The Leadership Synergy

At the centre of RISE’s journey is a mission that guides every conversation and every recommendation: building an advisory model where trust is the true currency. Sachin and Shantanu have hardwired transparency into the organisation—whether it’s pricing clarity, honest inventory insights, responsible project selection, or continued handholding long after a sale is closed. Their belief has always been that real estate decisions shape lives, and therefore advisors must prioritise long-term relationships over short-term wins. This philosophy influences everything at RISE, from the way teams are hired and trained to the partners they choose to associate with.

Building a Culture of Excellence

At its core is a high-energy environment powered by young, driven teams who thrive in a fast-paced ecosystem that rewards performance, fresh ideas, and ownership. This dynamism is supported by a 360-degree leadership ecosystem, with seasoned professionals like COO Bhupindra Singh, CSO Ajay Malik, CBO Sonakshi Wadhawan, and Retail Head Manish Srivastava, whose expertise strengthens execution, strategy, leasing, and the company’s nationwide expansion roadmap. Complementing this is a formidable sales leadership bench with VPs Mohit Gawri, Sumit Choudhary, and Kapil Chugh, who serve as the organisation’s backbone. Their ability to close complex, high-value transactions while sustaining long-term relationships has been instrumental in RISE’s consistent momentum.

Besides, across the company, a strong culture of learning and discipline ensures that advisors are constantly leveling up through training, market intelligence deep-dives, and financial literacy sessions, all reinforced by direct mentorship from senior leadership. And binding everything together is a simple non-negotiable: ethics first. Every recommendation, every detail shared, every deal closed is grounded in integrity, accurate information, and transparent communication, ensuring that trust remains the organisation’s most defining asset.

Why Developers Trust RISE Infraventures

For developers, RISE has become a partner they can count on. Its teams consistently deliver qualified, conversion-ready leads backed by sharp insights into pricing strategy, product positioning, and evolving investor sentiment. The firm’s track record of closing high-ticket transactions with speed and precision has further strengthened its credibility among top developers. Just as importantly, RISE’s ethical communication and accuracy of information significantly reduce developer-side risks, ensuring that every campaign, sales mandate, or leasing engagement is handled with professionalism and clarity. This combination of performance and integrity is why developers increasingly view RISE as a strategic ally.

Why Homebuyers Choose RISE Infraventures

For homebuyers, RISE represents as a trusted guide in one of life’s most significant decisions. Every advisor is trained to put the customer first, prioritising long-term security and value over short-term sales targets. RISE has built a reputation for responsible recommendations, promoting only projects that meet standards of stability, credibility, and clarity. From the first discovery and site visit to documentation, handholding, and even resale guidance, the firm offers end-to-end support, making the homebuying journey seamless, reliable, and stress-free.

The Road Ahead

RISE Infraventures is entering a new phase of growth that extends far beyond Delhi-NCR. With plans for nationwide expansion across commercial, residential, and investment verticals, the firm is sharpening its focus on corporate leasing, GCC clients, and high-street retail advisory, creating a truly comprehensive service ecosystem. Guided by the ambition to achieve a billion-dollar valuation, the strategy remains rooted in structured advisory excellence rather than rapid scale alone. At its core, RISE envisions becoming India’s most respected ethics-led real estate advisory, setting a benchmark for professionalism, integrity, and long-term value creation across the industry.

Tata Copper+, has been announced as the Official Hydration Partner for the Vizag Marathon 2025, scheduled on 30th November 2025 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. With the association, the brand strengthens its presence within India’s running ecosystem, while supporting one of modern India’s fastest growing community.

Hydrating Vizag with the Goodness of Copper

Speaking about the association, Partha Biswas, President & Head – RTD Business, Tata Consumer Products, said, “As India’s running culture continues to grow, we see a clear opportunity to support communities that are choosing an active lifestyle, discipline and wellbeing and TATA Copper+’s association with The Vizag Marathon reflects just that.”

The brand has also introduced ‘Tata Copper+ Khud Se Aage’, a digital platform that celebrates incredible runner stories of power, grit and comeback that truly reflects the Indian spirit of resilience.

About Tata Consumer Products Limited

Tata Consumer Products Limited is a focused consumer products company uniting the principal food and beverage interests of the Tata Group under one umbrella. The Company’s portfolio of products includes tea, coffee, water, RTD, salt, pulses, spices, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat offerings, breakfast cereals, snacks and mini meals. Tata Consumer Products is the 2nd largest branded tea company in the world. Its key beverage brands include Tata Tea, Tetley, Organic India, Eight O’Clock Coffee, Tata Coffee Grand, Himalayan Natural Mineral Water, Tata Copper+ and Tata Gluco+. Its food portfolio includes brands such as Tata Salt, Tata Sampann, Tata Soulfull, Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones. In India, Tata Consumer Products has a reach of over 275 million households, giving it an unparalleled ability to leverage the Tata brand in consumer products. The Company has a consolidated annual turnover of Rs. 17,618 Crs with operations in India and International markets.

To honour the invaluable contribution made by private schools in elevating the stature of education, sports and culture in the country, Chandigarh University in collaboration with Federation of Private Schools and Associations of Punjab (FAP) felicitated principals, teachers and students from over 800 schools across India during the 5th edition of the FAP National Awards 2025 held at Chandigarh University campus.

Haryana Governor, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, addressing the awardees during the inauguration of 2-Day FAP National Awards 2025 Ogranised by Chandigarh University

Governor of Haryana, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, inaugurated the FAP National Awards 2025 as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by his wife Mitra Ghosh. Besides Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu who presided over the event as Guest of Honour, the other dignitaries who graced the event included Dr G Immanuel, Chairman of Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE), singer, actor and lyricist Gurnam Bhullar, Chandigarh University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Raviraja N Seetharam, Senior Managing Director Chandigarh University Deepinder Singh Sandhu and President of FAP Dr Jagjit Singh Dhuri. 

On the opening day of FAP National Awards 2025, 782 schools, teachers, principals and meritorious students from 18 States & UTs were felicitated with the awards. During the inaugural ceremony, 20 awards were given for Lifetime Achievement, Academic Achievement, Pride of India- Academic Achievement and Pride of India- Sports Achievement Awards. In all, Lifetime Achievement Award was given to 50 principals and teachers, Pride of India- Academic Achievement Awards were given to 315 awards students of 105 schools and 41 schools were given awards for achievements in sports. Pride of India- Sports Achievement Awards were also given to 356 students.

In the two-day award ceremony, awards will be given to teachers, students and schools from 18 States and Union Territories including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Bihar. These Awards will be given in four categories including The Best School Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Pride of School Award and The Best Student Award (Pride of India) for their futuristic vision and meritorious achievements in the domains of academic, sports, cultural and social contribution.

In his inaugural address, Governor of Haryana, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh said, “Private sector plays a pivotal role in elevating the standard of school education in our country. Of about 14.72 lakh schools in India, there are 3.40 lakh private schools which account for 23% of the total schools. I strongly feel that an organization like FAP must come forward in ensuring the children from weaker sections of society have their fair representation in private schools as well which will further promote equity and inclusiveness in education.”

“Our progress in education also reflects the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji under whom historic reforms have strengthened India’s position as a global education hub. The PM Shree scheme has modernized over 4,500 schools providing world class infrastructure and access. The National Education Policy has placed research, innovation, and knowledge at the center of learning. As a result, India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index has improved from 81 in 2014 when Prime Minister Modi ji had come to power to 39 in 2025 which is a remarkable achievement. Patent filings have grown up by 31% and India now ranks 4th globally with 1.3 million academic research publications in the last five years. The government’s decision to reduce patent application fee is by 80% for institutions has accelerated this change,” the Governor added.

Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh further said, “Moreover, the education budget has risen from Rs 79,451 Crore in 2014 to a historic figure of Rs Rs 1,28,650 Crore in 2025-26. As we honor today’s achievers let us reaffirm our collective commitment to shaping a brighter more innovative and inclusive future for India’s children.”

 
Commending the award recipients for their significant contributions in shaping the minds of the youth, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, said, “As an educationist, I can say that whatever change that has come in the society has come because of teachers. Our visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s has given the vision of a Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat by 2047. I am sure the biggest role in realizing this vision will be played by the provided educational institutions and private school teachers because it is not possible for government to do everything or even fulfil the need of quality education which is being fulfilled by the private institutions for making this vision a reality. So today India has emerged from the 11th largest economy in the world to become the fourth largest economy. Even children from the poorest of the poor backgrounds can touch the heights of progress with the power of education. Five years ago, no one had thought that private schools would get the same honor and respect as government schools. Which has been possible through these FAP Awards.”

“Children from the poorest of backgrounds can touch the skies of progress with the power of education. Affectionate and devoted teachers play the most important role in giving strength to the flight of children. The new National Education Policy 2020 aims to make India a Global Knowledge Superpower. Our educational institutions and teachers have to contribute actively in school education, higher education and skill education to achieve this goal. I am sure our teachers will establish India as a Global Knowledge Superpower with their crucial contribution,” he added.

Dr G Immanuel, Chairman of Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE) said, “Now around the world now there is a lot of competition happening and every school education board is trying to compete from with other board. The best practices are being transferred easily. Most of the boards are going for STEAM education now. Earlier, STEM education which means Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education was followed. Now, to this we added Art. Art is very important because Art is part of everything. In STEM education, Art is being added to make it more collaborative, more useful for everybody.”

Warning against the dangers of digital information, Dr G Immanuel said, “Learning doesn’t happen and only within the school premises in the schools, colleges or universities. It happens everywhere anyway with lots of information freely flowing. Now one has to regulate this. Unless we regulate this information to decide which information should be taken in and which information should not be taken in, it may affect and cause a problem. Therefore, as educators we need to reach out to the children and have some regulatory system as unregulated information may cause a lot of havoc for everybody. Now, digital information is causing problems for everybody. There are countries and universities around the world who are going back to physical books and physical way of teaching because e-books, smart boards, they are causing lot of problems.”

In his address, President of FAP Dr Jagjit Singh Dhuri said, “Private schools are playing a pivotal role in school education. But despite this, the contribution of private schools in India’s transformation in the education sector was ignored and the teachers at private schools were not given due recognition for the crucial role they are playing in providing quality education with utmost dedication and hard work. So, the purpose of FAP awards is to give due recognition to private schools and their teachers in society with these awards. This initiative not only recognizes the efforts of private schools who have reached the pinnacles but also encourages other schools to compete for achievements in the fields of academics, sports, cultural heritage, infrastructure and facilities.”

“We are honoured that FAP has become the only educational federation in the world to award 11001 management members, principals, teaching and non-teaching staff and students from across India with FAP National Awards between 2021 to 2025 for achievements in academic, sports and cultural domains at no financial cots to any recipient. The award for this record was presented to us today by Dr Aravind Lakshminarayanan, CEO of Nobel World Records Private Limited, during inauguration of the 5th edition of the FAP National Awards 2025 which is matter of great joy and satisfaction for us,” he added. 

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

Tata Coffee Grand Cold Coffee, the Ready to Drink cold coffee brand from Tata Consumer Products, is set to elevate the festival experience at Horn OK Please festival as the Associate Partner for the highly anticipated Delhi edition, scheduled on 29-30 November 2025 at JLN Stadium. The brand will unveil a full-scale immersive experience zone that promises to give the festival attendees a refreshing break from the bustle with its signature on the go cold coffee range.

Your Horn OK pit-stop just got cooler with Tata Coffee Grand Cold Coffee

At the core of the activation is a double-decker setup that combines indulgence and discovery.

• The Ground Floor is dedicated to serving chilled, Tata Coffee Grand Cold Coffee in 3 international flavours – Belgian Chocolate, French Vanilla and Swiss Caramel

• The Upper Deck transforms into a dedicated Chill Zone, offering visitors a relaxed space to unwind with friends while enjoying elevated views of the festival. Each guest can enter the lounge for a 30-minute slot, which guarantees an easy, smooth experience, literally making it “Too Cool To Have It Solo”

Speaking about the association, Partha Biswas, President & Head – RTD Business, Tata Consumer Products, said, “Horn Ok Please is one of Delhi’s most loved youth festivals and this partnership allows us to bring our brand’s young, energetic and refreshing spirit to life. Our experiential chill zone is crafted to help the festival lovers with great on-the-go cold coffee along with a place to pause, connect, and turn fleeting moments into stories they will remember.”

Enhancing the overall festival atmosphere, Tata Coffee Grand Cold Coffee will also introduce limited-edition merchandise, giving attendees an opportunity to take home a tangible reminder of the coolest experience. Complementing this is an Instagram and Snapchat worthy photo spot located opposite the booth. The space is crafted to seamlessly extend the brand’s “Ultimate Chill Zone” narrative, encouraging visitors to capture and share their moments while engaging with the activation.

To further drive engagement, visitors can take part in interactive features like a slot machine game, and meet the brand’s energetic Coffee Boys, a roaming crew carrying branded bags and offering cold coffee on the go, ensuring high visibility across the venue. The activation aligns with the brand’s recent “Too Cool to Have It Solo” campaign, which celebrates how shared experiences, no matter how brief, can spark meaningful connections in urban settings.

With its immersive setup and energetic brand presence, Tata Coffee Grand Cold Coffee aims to be one of the most engaging highlights at Horn OK Please Festival 2025.

About Tata Consumer Products Limited
Tata Consumer Products Limited is a focused consumer products company uniting the principal food and beverage interests of the Tata Group under one umbrella. The Company’s portfolio of product includes tea, coffee, water, RTD, salt, pulses, spices, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat offerings, breakfast cereals, snacks and mini meals. Tata Consumer Products is the 2nd largest branded tea company in the world. Its key beverage brands include Tata Tea, Tetley, Organic India, Eight O’Clock Coffee, Tata Coffee Grand, Himalayan Natural Mineral Water, Tata Copper+ and Tata Gluco+. Its foods portfolio includes brands such as Tata Salt, Tata Sampann, Tata Soulfull, Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones. In India, Tata Consumer Products has a reach of over 275 million households, giving it an unparalleled ability to leverage the Tata brand in consumer products. The Company has a consolidated annual turnover of Rs. 17,618 Crs with operations in India and International markets.

SRM University-AP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Callus Company, a fast-growing South Korean HR and EdTech firm, to introduce its flagship SPRINT Program -a global internship – to-hire – exclusively for SRM-AP students.

SRM University-AP joins hands with Callus Company, South Korea, launching its flagship SPRINT program

The MoU was signed by Mr Suk Ho (Juno) Yu, CEO, Callus Company, and Dr R Prem Kumar, Registrar, SRM University-AP. The two-year agreement aims to enhance student employability by providing access to international internship opportunities, global workplace exposure, and potential transition into paid positions.

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in South Korea, Callus Company connects early-career global talent with companies worldwide through structured internship placements and remote hiring solutions. The company is rapidly expanding in India and Asia, with plans to build a 100,000-candidate talent pool by 2026.

Under this collaboration, Callus Company will introduce SRM-AP students to its patented Sprint Program matching system, which connects university talent with global companies based on skills and career aspirations.

Key features include the Circulation of international internship opportunities to SRM-AP students, Screening, shortlisting, and interview coordination with global companies. A two-month Extended Assessment Period, where selected students intern and may subsequently receive paid offers based on performance, Priority access for SRM-AP to exclusive internship projects.

This MoU marks a significant step toward expanding global career opportunities for SRM- AP students, aligning with the university’s vision of fostering international exposure and industry readiness.

Falcon Tech Robotics LLC (“Falcon Tech“), a leading provider of AI-powered robotic solutions and the UAE-based joint venture of Kody Technolab Ltd, today announced a landmark partnership with Hypermedia FZ-LLC (“Hypermedia“), a premier innovative Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) company based in the UAE. The two entities have reached an agreement to collaborate on the implementation and deployment of 360 Odigo Robots across Hypermedia’s extensive network of 30 malls and the Dubai Expo site.

Odigo joins Hypermedia’s DOOH network

This partnership marks a significant stride in infusing advanced AI robotics into the DOOH advertising sector, and underscores how rapidly Kody Technolab Ltd is advancing in AI and robotics. Back-to-back large-scale Odigo orders in the region – first with LuLu Group International and now with Hypermedia – signal accelerating global demand for Kody Technolab’s robotic solutions. A deployment of this magnitude, combined with the recent agreement for 290 Odigo units with LuLu Group International, takes the total count of Odigo robot orders past 600 units across the UAE for November 2025. This combined operational scale positions Kody Technolab Ltd as the preferred global partner for advanced robotic ecosystems.

Under this strategic agreement, Falcon Tech Robotics will deploy its advanced advertising and guiding robots, Odigo, across the 30 Hypermedia-managed malls (with 12 robots planned per mall), including high-profile locations such as Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, City Centre Mirdif, Yas Mall, Burjuman and more, and at the key exhibition location of the Dubai Expo site.

Developed and perfected by Kody Technolab Ltd, Odigo is an AI-powered advertising and guiding robot that brings DOOH to life for Hypermedia. Hypermedia can now deliver moving, programmable ad inventory to its clients that can be targeted by floor, zone, time of day, and more. All Odigo robots are controlled via a centralized dashboard that will let Hypermedia schedule, update, and segment campaigns in real time, while granular analytics on ad impressions, ad interactions, and navigation journeys give advertisers clear, actionable insight into performance and ROI.

“This partnership with Hypermedia FZ-LLC, a key player in the UAE’s media and advertising landscape, marks another major milestone for Falcon Tech Robotics and a strong endorsement of Kody Technolab Ltd’s robotics innovation,” said Manav Patel, Managing Director, Kody Technolab Limited. “A deployment of this scale signals growing international confidence in the technology engineered at Kody Technolab, and we are proud to bring these capabilities to the UAE, further strengthening our presence in the experiential marketing sector.”

Falcon Tech Robotics LLC will oversee the entire deployment, reinforcing Kody Technolab Ltd’s growth momentum in international markets as a globally recognized creator of advanced robotic solutions.

About Kody Technolab Ltd

Kody Technolab Ltd is a leading technology company specializing in advanced robotics and AI-driven automation for commercial, retail, and industrial environments. With expertise in software engineering, autonomous navigation, and intelligent systems design, Kody Technolab Ltd develops scalable robotic platforms that power major deployments across the Middle East and Asia.

About Falcon Tech Robotics LLC

Falcon Tech Robotics is a UAE-based joint venture between Kody Technolab Ltd and Platinum Group for Businessmen Services LLC, dedicated to accelerating robotics adoption across the Middle East. The company deploys advanced AI-driven service and robots powered by Kody Technolab Ltd’s proprietary technology and supported by Platinum Group’s regional market presence.

About Hypermedia FZ-LLC

Hypermedia FZ-LLC, a subsidiary of W Group, is a premier innovative Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) company based in the UAE. Known as “Creators of Impact,” Hypermedia specializes in delivering high-impact advertising campaigns across a vast network of prime locations, leveraging innovation to connect brands with audiences effectively.

The retail real estate landscape is evolving into a far more intelligent and intuitive ecosystem. Instinct and legacy brand appeal are now being complemented and often guided by sophisticated data insights. Developers today are mapping catchment behaviour, footfall patterns, spending profiles, and dwell times with precision, using these indicators to curate experiences rather than just lease spaces. Amid this scenario, the tenant mix has become a refined exercise in strategy, bringing a balance between aspiration and utility. By aligning fashion, F&B, entertainment, and daily retail needs through data-led decisions, developers are maximising both engagement and return on every square foot.

Data-Driven Leasing: How Tenant Mix Drives Retail ROI

According to data from Cushman & Wakefield, retail leasing across top eight cities has reached about 2.41 million square feet (msf), growing by 7.6% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) and a massive 45% year-on-year (YoY). The Delhi-NCR region is among India’s top three retail markets, clocking 0.51 msf of leasing – a huge growth of 70% compared to Q2CY25 – led by fashion, food and beverage (F&B) and entertainment. The data further showed that fashion (21%), Food & Beverage (19%), and entertainment (16%) accounted for over half of the leasing activity in the September quarter.

Behind every successful retail destination today lies a quiet layer of intelligence: the science of tenant mix. Leasing teams are no longer relying on conventional wisdom; they’re decoding consumer behaviour in real time. Advanced tools such as Wi-Fi tracking, heat mapping, and loyalty app analytics now reveal how shoppers move, pause, and spend within a space. This continuous flow of insights allows developers to fine-tune their leasing strategy, reshuffling underperforming categories and reinforcing those that resonate with evolving demand clusters. It’s a dynamic, data-informed process that keeps retail environments fresh, relevant, and consistently revenue-generating.

Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group says, “Real-time data from parking systems and visitor-tracking apps is enabling a far sharper understanding of consumption rhythms. These insights help us identify under-served segments, refine floor zoning and curate a tenant mix that maximises both retailer performance and overall mall ROI. We consistently observe that when F&B, entertainment and fashion are strategically balanced, dwell time increases meaningfully. Data is becoming the new leasing compass—ensuring every square foot delivers measurable and sustainable value.”

Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, says, “In Gurugram’s high-potential micro-markets, premium retail thrives on understanding the subtle shifts in consumer intent. These neighbourhoods attract a blend of globally exposed professionals and affluent families, and their expectations from a retail space are evolving rapidly. What we see from consumer behaviour is a strong preference for experiential formats: boutique fashion, fine dining, wellness, and curated leisure. This is of utmost importance to study consumers’ expectations and buying behaviour patterns, to create a much more desired and impactful brand thereby create the greatest impact.”

Giving views on how data shapes retail strategy, Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, says, “In high-density markets, leasing is all about precision. Here, data has become essential to shaping a retail environment that truly mirrors the aspirations of the catchment. The audience is younger, tech-savvy, and experience-driven, which means every leasing decision must be backed by clear behavioural insights. Our analytics framework tracks category performance to ensure each tenant strengthens the ecosystem’s overall vitality. Ultimately, data helps us build not just a mall, but a living ecosystem that evolves with its consumers.”

Siddharth Katyal, CEO, Bhumika Realty, said, “Earlier, tenant curation was based largely on intuition and brand relationships. Today, it’s a quantifiable process. We rely on a blend of demographic analysis and performance mapping to identify which categories resonate most with our visitors. For instance, data may reveal a higher conversion potential in F&B or family entertainment for a specific micro-market. The goal is not just to fill space but to ensure a symbiotic ecosystem where anchor brands pull traffic and smaller stores benefit equally. That’s how leasing becomes a value chain, not a random assortment.”

Moreover, data has quietly become the new differentiator in retail leasing – the factor that separates intuitive design from informed precision. Developers are increasingly collaborating with PropTech and retail analytics partners to forecast demand, measure performance, and predict shifting consumer preferences with remarkable accuracy. This analytical foundation enables more strategic brand curation, resulting in stronger synergies between tenants and a healthier revenue mix. 

Ishwin Singh Hora, Director, Reach Group, says, “Retail ROI today is shaped by how thoughtfully a developer interprets and integrates customer insights. Assessing catchment behaviour, footfall variations, and spending patterns helps in curating tenant mixes that maintain a balance between experiential offerings and everyday convenience. This approach fosters consistent footfall and long-term value creation. While data informs our decisions, it complements-rather than replaces-industry experience. The real strength lies in harmonizing analytics with a nuanced understanding of local culture, consumer behaviour, and evolving lifestyle dynamics.”

Ajendra Singh, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Spectrum@Metro , says, “In malls, data has become the quiet architect of experience. What we earlier viewed as isolated metrics: peak hours, repeat visits, or category sales now stitches together a holistic picture of how people actually live their day inside a retail space. For us, the goal is not just higher footfall but meaningful engagement. Insights help us create intuitive journeys: placing discovery-led brands where curiosity is highest, or strengthening convenience zones where families gather. When you use data to understand intent, leasing stops being transactional; it becomes a way to design joy, loyalty, and long-term value.”

Therefore, as developers increasingly harness predictive analytics and digital intelligence, tenant mix emerges as the true measure of retail success. Every decision, grounded in data yet shaped by instinct, contributes to creating destinations that are adaptive, enduring, and emotionally engaging, transforming retail into a living, learning experience, one dataset at a time.

Over the decades, Gurugram-based realty player, MRG Developer, has established itself across sectors such as agriculture, finance and education, before foraying into real estate with a strong foundation. Known for its vision to deliver “Spaces for Life,” real estate developer MRG aims to redefine living by combining quality, timely delivery and a blend of excellence, comfort and affordability. As part of its expansion, the MRG developer is now gearing up for a big 2026, with a focus on luxury housing, sustainable urban living and customer-first values.

MRG Developer Plans Big for 2026 With Luxury-Led Growth

One of its flagship developments is MRG Crown, spread across 8.16 acres in Sector 106, Gurugram, offering 436 low-density independent floor units along with 109 plots. Comprising 3 BHK low-rise residences, MRG Crown aims to deliver an exclusive living experience that balances privacy, luxury and connectivity. The project promises delivery by 2027, giving buyers a clear timeline to plan their move.

At the heart of MRG Crown is a thoughtfully designed 1.5-acre “Leisure Island,” surrounded by landscaped greenery, complementing a 22,000 sq. ft. clubhouse envisioned as a lifestyle hub with amenities such as a half-Olympic size swimming pool, sports courts, wellness zones, lounge areas and fine-dining facilities. Looking ahead, MRG Developer has unveiled MRG Crown 2.0, which will be designed by the celebrated architect Hafeez Contractor, with landscape architecture by Juilee Deoskar.

In addition to real estate, MRG Developer leverages its presence in the education sector via MRG School (affiliated to CBSE), which adds to the group’s community-building credentials and emphasizes holistic lifestyle offerings beyond just housing.

As MRG Developer prepares for 2026, Gurugram remains at the centre of its long-term expansion strategy. The developer’s growing stature in Gurugram’s real estate landscape is further validated by industry accolades. MRG Developer was honoured with the Times Realty Awards 2024 for Excellence in Residential Property for MRG Crown, recognising its commitment to quality, thoughtful design and customer-centric execution. Additionally, it received the prestigious Times Business Awards 2024 as Real Estate Developer of the Year, a testament to its consistent performance, transparent practices and forward-looking approach. The company is actively evaluating high-potential micro markets and expanding its presence in the areas that are witnessing exponential demand for luxury homes.

This expansion is further supported by the robust regulatory environment shaped by Haryana RERA, which has brought transparency, predictability and buyer confidence back into the Haryana real estate. For responsible players like MRG Developer, Haryana RERA has created an ecosystem where quality-led, timely, and customer-centric development can thrive. The developer acknowledges Haryana RERA’s contribution in enabling long-term planning and facilitating a healthier, more accountable Haryana real estate market.

Given the regulatory safeguards under Haryana RERA and the growing demand for quality housing near corridors like Dwarka Expressway, real estate developer MRG’s strategy appears well-aligned with evolving buyer expectations. As MRG Developer eyes 2026, it will mark a defining year for the developer, transitioning from niche luxury projects to becoming a broader lifestyle-driven developer brand.