• Delivered keynote address at the Hyderabad Economic Forum on – Hyderabad: Becoming India’s Innovation Capital.

• Pitched Hyderabad as India’s Innovation Capital.

• Over 500 Business Leaders, Policymakers, Investors and Innovators Gather at SAS iTower to Shape Hyderabad’s Economic Future.

The inaugural Hyderabad Economic Forum (HEF) 2026, held under the theme “One City. One Vision. Infinite Possibilities”, hosted by SAS Infra in association with knowledge partner Bower School of Entrepreneurship, brought together over 500 business leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, academics and industry experts today at SAS iTower, Khajaguda, to shape Hyderabad’s next growth story and strengthen its position among the world’s leading economic and innovation hubs.

Sri Sridhar Babu, IT Minister, Telangana; (L-R) Dr. Preethi Reddy & Dr. G.V. Rao, Chairman, SAS INFRA; inaugurating Hyderabad Economic Forum 2026; today at SAS iTower, Hyderabad

As one of India’s fastest-growing economic centres, Hyderabad has emerged as a global destination for technology, enterprise, innovation, investment and world-class infrastructure. The Forum served as a platform for collaboration, strategic dialogue and actionable ideas aimed at driving sustainable and inclusive growth.

The event commenced with a keynote address by Chief Guest Sri Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Industries and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana, on “Hyderabad: Becoming India’s Innovation Capital.” In his address he said, “The 20th century was defined by competition for resources, industries and capital; the 21st century belongs to nations that can attract ideas, talent and innovation. India’s remarkable rise from 81st to 39th in the Global Innovation Index over the past decade reflects this global shift and underscores the country’s growing innovation strength. Telangana is determined to lead this transformation from the front.”

“Today, India is the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, and Telangana has emerged as one of its most dynamic innovation hubs, earning recognition as a ‘Top Performer’ in the Centre’s States’ Startup Rankings. Through pioneering initiatives such as AIKAM, the Telangana Data Exchange (TGDeX), a Rs. 1,000-crore Fund of Funds for Startups, the proposed AI University, Skill University, and 100 Advanced ITIs, we are creating an ecosystem where innovation is not only encouraged but enabled,“ Sri Sridhar Babu added.

He further emphasised that, “Our commitment extends beyond startups and enterprises. Through AI-enabled classrooms and the AI Literacy Mission, we are equipping nearly 20 lakh government school students with the skills required for the future economy. We are building a state where innovation is embedded in education, governance and entrepreneurship.“

He concluded by saying, my message to innovators, entrepreneurs and creators is simple, Come to Telangana with an idea. We may not guarantee that every idea will succeed, but we can assure you that every sincere idea will find support, opportunity and the confidence to grow.

The day-long sessions covered economic growth and market outlook, future-ready infrastructure, digital and AI transformation, Global Capability Centers (GCCs), innovation and entrepreneurship, and investment and capital, alongside discussions on life sciences, retail, real estate, wealth management, education, hospitality, entertainment, women’s leadership and sports infrastructure, reflecting the city’s diverse growth trajectory. Participants explored how emerging technologies, strategic investments and collaborative ecosystems can accelerate Hyderabad’s development.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Dr. G.V. Rao, Chairman of SAS Infra, said that “Hyderabad’s strength lies in its ability to excel simultaneously across multiple sectors, including technology, life sciences, retail, real estate, sports and entertainment. He emphasized that the Forum was created to bring together stakeholders shaping the city’s future and to continue fostering meaningful dialogue in the years ahead.”

HEF 2026 featured more than 20 distinguished speakers through keynote sessions, fireside chats and panel discussions. A notable discussion examined whether Hyderabad could become India’s first truly global real estate market, underscoring the city’s broader ambitions.

Among the prominent speakers were Dr. Ch. Preeti Reddy, Vice-Chairman of Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth; Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Satish Dua, General Officer, Indian Army; Mr. Sarvesh Singh, CEO of Life Sciences & Pharma for the Government of Telangana; Mr. Rahul Attuluri, Cofounder and CEO of NxtWave; Dr. Anil Lamba, Director of Lamcon Finance & Management Services; Mr. Karthik Yanamandra, Founding Partner, 360D Sports; Mr. Rehan Guha, Founder, Oxymorons & Half-a-Bawa Hospitality Consultants; and Ms. Mrunalini Rao, Founder & Creative Director, among several other distinguished leaders. Ms. Faye D’Souza, Founder of Beatroot News, moderated a few of the sessions.

The event concluded with a strong consensus that Hyderabad is uniquely positioned to lead India’s next phase of growth, innovation and global relevance. HEF 2026 marks the beginning of an ongoing platform that will continue to convene leaders, policymakers and innovators to shape Hyderabad’s long-term economic vision and global competitiveness.

About SAS Infra

SAS Infra is a Hyderabad-based premium real estate developer with an active portfolio spanning ultra-luxury residential, large-scale commercial and luxury retail developments, including SAS Crown (Kokapet) and SAS iTower (Khajaguda).

About Bower School of Entrepreneurship

Bower School of Entrepreneurship served as Knowledge Partner for the Hyderabad Economic Forum ’26.

Better Choice Realtors has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Iconic SCO Project of the Year’ award for India World Mart at the ET Now Realty Conclave & Awards 2026. The recognition celebrates the developer’s contribution towards redefining the Shop-Cum-Office (SCO) segment through a future-ready commercial ecosystem that seamlessly integrates retail, business, hospitality, and investment opportunities. Further strengthening its position among leading SCO plots in Gurugram.

Better Choice Realtors receives the ‘Iconic SCO Project of the Year’ award for India World Mart at the ET Now Realty Conclave & Awards 2026

Strategically located in Sector 88A on Dwarka Expressway, India World​Mart offers a unique opportunity for retail brands, office users, clinics, wellness centres, restaurants, and service providers to establish themselves in one of NCR’s fastest-growing business corridors, making it one of the most sought-after SCO plots on Dwarka Expressway. The project has been designed for investors and businesses looking for a commercial property on Dwarka Expressway and a premium commercial property in Gurugram that combines location strength, accessibility, visibility, and long-term growth potential.

The award underscores Better Choice Realtors’ commitment to developing innovative commercial projects in Gurugram that align with emerging market trends while delivering long-term value to stakeholders.

Commenting on the achievement, Rakesh Kapoor, Sales Head, Better Choice Realtors, said, “We are truly delighted and humbled to receive this recognition for India World Mart. Awards like these are especially meaningful because they validate the vision, hard work and commitment that go into creating a project of this scale. India World Mart was conceived as a destination that would redefine the SCO format by bringing together business, retail and investment opportunities in a future-ready ecosystem. This recognition motivates us to continue raising the bar and delivering developments that create lasting value for our stakeholders.”

Recognised as one of the real estate industry’s premier forums, the ET Now Realty Conclave & Awards 2026 convened leading stakeholders from across the sector to exchange insights on the forces reshaping India’s urban and real estate landscape. The event also celebrated outstanding achievements across the industry, honouring organisations and projects that are setting new benchmarks in innovation, quality and impact.

About Better Choice Realtors

Better Choice Realtors was founded with a simple but powerful belief: buying property in India shouldn’t be risky or complex. Since 2006, we’ve helped over 2,000 families and businesses secure plots, SCOs, and builder floors in legal and strategically located developments. To create high-quality, future-ready residential and commercial spaces that meet and exceed our clients’ aspirations — ensuring full legal compliance and strategic locations.

Marking another milestone in its rise as a globally recognised institution, Galgotias University has secured a place among India’s Top 16 Private Universities and the 1201-1400 global band in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The University has also been ranked 46th among all public and private universities in India and 3rd among private universities in Uttar Pradesh.
 

Three Years in a Row: QS 2027 Places Galgotias University Among India’s Top Private Universities, Top 16 Nationally and Top 3 in UP
 

This achievement builds on the University’s strong performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, where Galgotias University was ranked among the Top 27 Private Universities in India and placed in the 1201-1500 global band. Recognition in two of the world’s most respected university ranking frameworks reflects the University’s continued rise among India’s leading higher education institutions and its growing presence on the global academic stage.
 

The latest rankings underscore Galgotias University’s continued progress across academic excellence, employability, research, innovation, internationalisation, entrepreneurship, and industry engagement.
 

Over the past year, the University has continued to strengthen its position as a future-focused institution by creating multiple pathways for student success. For the graduating Class of 2026, Galgotias University facilitated over 5,100 placement offers from more than 1,250 recruiters, while also nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem with 135+ startups incubated on campus, several of which are already generating revenue and creating employment opportunities.
 

These outcomes are supported by a robust ecosystem comprising about twenty industry-aligned Centres of Excellence established in collaboration with leading global industry partners, advanced research infrastructure including the NVIDIA DGX H200 High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, international academic collaborations, and experiential learning opportunities designed to prepare students for leadership in a rapidly evolving global economy.
 

The University’s students continued to distinguish themselves across technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sports. Galgotias students secured 18 wins in Apple’s Swift Student Challenge 2026, one of the highest representations from any Indian university. At EDVentures 2026, where 19 teams from 10 countries competed, Galgotias students earned the competition’s top honour, underscoring the University’s growing reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship. Demonstrating excellence beyond academics, Galgotias students also won five Gold Medals at the World Yogasana Championship 2026, a global event that brought together participants from 79 countries. The University’s innovation ecosystem has also enabled students to develop 58 applications currently live on the Apple App Store. Together, these achievements highlight the quality of talent, mentorship, and opportunities that define the Galgotias experience.
 

Commenting on the achievement, Shri Suneel Galgotia, Chancellor, Galgotias University, said, “Being recognised among India’s top ranked private universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027 is a significant milestone for Galgotias University. Rankings of this stature provide an independent global benchmark of institutional quality and excellence. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our students, faculty, researchers, alumni, and industry partners, and reinforces Galgotias University’s growing standing among leading institutions in India and around the world.”
 

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, added, “Our performance in both the QS and Times Higher Education World University Rankings demonstrates the growing strength and global competitiveness of the Galgotias ecosystem. These rankings matter because they evaluate universities across multiple dimensions, including academic reputation, employer perception, research, internationalisation, and graduate outcomes. For us, this recognition validates the investments we have made in creating opportunities for students through industry partnerships, innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and career success. More importantly, it signals that our students are receiving an education benchmarked against global standards.”
 

The QS World University Rankings are among the world’s most respected and widely referenced higher education rankings, evaluating universities across parameters including academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, internationalisation, sustainability, and graduate employability.
 

Together, the University’s performance in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and the THE World University Rankings 2026 strengthens Galgotias University’s position among India’s emerging globally recognised universities and underscores its vision of becoming a world-class destination for learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
 

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities recognised for academic excellence, research, innovation, global collaborations, and industry aligned education. With a vibrant student community of over 50,000 learners and a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates, the University has built a rapidly growing ecosystem focused on technology, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world impact.
 

In the QS World University Rankings 2027 by Quacquarelli Symonds, Galgotias University was placed in the 1201-1400 global band and ranked 16th among private universities and 46rd among all universities in India. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University was placed in the 1201-1500 global band and ranked 27th among private universities and 65th among all universities in India. The University is also accredited with NAAC A+, one of India’s highest institutional quality ratings.
 

Galgotias University offers programmes across engineering, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, business, law, media, design, health sciences, hospitality, liberal education, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. In 2026, students secured more than 5,100 job offers from over 1,250 recruiters. The University has built strong industry and innovation partnerships with organisations including Apple, Infosys, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, L&T EduTech, Capgemini, and Salesforce, while continuing to strengthen its global academic engagement and startup ecosystem.

Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water brand, has announced its limited-edition bottles inspired by Cocktail 2. The limited-edition bottles will feature the film’s star-studded lead cast, Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, and are now available across key markets including Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Ahmedabad in 250 ml, 500 ml and 1-litre packs.
 

Bisleri Launches Limited-Edition Cocktail 2 Bottles Featuring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna
 

Timed with the release of Cocktail 2, the collaboration taps into the nostalgia and anticipation surrounding one of Bollywood’s most recognisable film franchises. With the sequel already generating significant buzz across social media and fan communities, Bisleri brings the excitement closer to consumers through limited-edition packs that celebrate entertainment, culture and shared experiences.

Commenting on the association, Tushar Malhotra, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bisleri International, said, “With its strong pop-culture appeal, Cocktail continues to hold a special place in the minds of audiences. As Cocktail 2 brings together a stellar cast and generates significant excitement among fans, it is poised to become one of the most talked-about entertainment events of the year. Bisleri’s association with the film aligns with our strategy of partnering with high-impact entertainment properties that drive engagement and cultural relevance, allowing us to be part of a moment that is already creating considerable buzz across audiences and platforms.”

The limited-edition Cocktail 2 bottles will be available across general and modern trade outlets in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Ahmedabad. As part of the activation, four specially branded Bisleri trucks will travel across Mumbai, creating high-impact visibility for the collaboration and building excitement around the film’s release. The campaign will also be amplified through branded retail visibility and digital engagement, extending the association beyond theatres and bringing it closer to consumers.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), supported by Mphasis, is set to present a landmark policy paper titled Assistive Technology in India: A Systems and Investment Approach for Inclusion, Independence, and Economic Participation of Persons with Disabilities. The paper comes at a time when the need for assistive technology is rapidly growing across the world. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.5 billion people globally require at least one assistive technology product—such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, prosthetics or communication applications. Yet, less than 10% of people who need assistive technology in low in middle income countries have access to AT.
 

Recognising this urgent gap and the absence of a dedicated national policy framework in India, NCPEDP will unveil the policy paper on June 24. The document presents foundational recommendations for a National Assistive Technology Policy Framework and calls for a comprehensive overhaul of how India designs, delivers, finances and sustains assistive technology for persons with disabilities, older persons and individuals with functional limitations. It aims to provide a roadmap for government and other stakeholders to build an accessible, affordable and future-ready assistive technology ecosystem for the country.
 

Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP argues that assistive technology should no longer be viewed as a welfare measure or a one-time distribution exercise, but as essential social and economic infrastructure that directly impacts education, employment, healthcare access, mobility, independent living and productivity.
 

India is home to 2.68 crore persons with disabilities, while more than 70 percent of them live in rural areas where access to assistive services remains limited. The challenge is expected to grow further as India’s elderly population increases rapidly and more people live longer with chronic illnesses and functional impairments.
 

“India has established a strong normative and rights-based foundation for disability inclusion through the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the Accessible India Campaign, and sectoral policies such as the National Education Policy, 2020. The Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme remains the principal public mechanism for AT provisioning and has expanded access to basic devices for many low-income households. However, assistive technology delivery remains fragmented across ministries, schemes, and service channels, with a predominant focus on device procurement and one-time distribution,” said Ali.
 

The policy paper estimates that India’s assistive technology market could reach USD 8-10 billion by 2030, presenting a significant opportunity for policy-led innovation, investment domestic manufacturing. Yet access remains limited to only a fraction of those who need assistive products and services.
 

The launch event is expected to bring together Members of Parliament, senior government officials, representatives from STPI and technology institutions, civil society organisations, development sector experts, disability rights advocates, academia, research institutes and persons with disabilities to discuss the future of assistive technology in India and the need for a dedicated national policy framework.

The metro and non-metro regions in India’s used car market rarely agree on anything. Metro and non-metro buyers show different preferences on body type, features, on whether they even want a gearbox they have to operate themselves. On one point they agree – the Maruti Suzuki Swift is the most bought used car in the country, and it holds that spot in the biggest cities and the smallest towns alike.

For most of these buyers, the Swift is their first car. People reach for it when they have decided to stop depending on cabs, or when an older family car has started costing more at the workshop than it is worth. At that point a buyer wants the safe choice. Across 33 million users, the country keeps landing on the same one.

The Cars24 Team-BHP Gears of Growth report shows that the Swift holds a 4.93 percent share of all used car transactions nationally in 2025. In metro markets it leads at 5 percent. In non-metro markets it leads again at 4.80 percent. No other model in the report’s rankings appears at the top of more than one list. The Swift tops all three.

A lead that holds in every geography

Nationally, the second-placed Wagon R sits at 3.47 percent, nearly a percentage and a half behind the Swift. In non-metro markets the distance is wider still: the Swift’s 4.80 percent share leads the second-placed Swift Dzire at 3.08 percent. In a market where the entire top 10 is separated by about three percentage points, that is a commanding margin.

Source: Cars24 Team-BHP Gears of Growth 2025 Report

Below the top spot the two lists pull apart fast. Metro buyers put the Honda City fourth and the Baleno fifth, both cars the report links to upgrade demand, newer model years and automatic gearboxes. Non-metro buyers rank the Swift Dzire second and push the Alto into their top 10, cars the report calls value-led and cheap to keep running. Two very different markets, one shared first choice.

Why the used Swift travels where other models cannot

The report records that the second-hand Swift leads across all three markets. The reasons behind it sit in plain sight across the rest of the data.

First, the Swift is a hatchback, and hatchbacks still own this market. They make up 52 percent of all used car transactions in 2025, against 32 percent for SUVs and 16 percent for sedans. The report calls hatchbacks the backbone of the used market, cheap to run and easy to thread through city traffic. The Swift sits dead centre of that demand.

Second, the Swift fits how India actually drives. Manual gearboxes account for 72 percent of used car sales, and that share runs highest outside the metros. Most used Swifts are manual, frugal on fuel and cheap to fix, which lines them up with the largest pool of used car buyers.

Third, supply and resale, which buyers feel directly. Maruti has sold Swifts in volume since the mid-2000s, and its service network reaches towns most brands never bother with. For a first-time used car buyer, that cuts two ways. Any local mechanic can fix it, and when the time comes to sell, a Swift moves fast because the next buyer trusts it for the same reasons. The report puts the Swift’s lead down to this appeal across price points and age groups. People buy what they know they can repair anywhere and sell without a fight.

What the Swift’s lead does not mean

The data deserves an honest reading. These are transactions on Cars24, drawn from more than 33 million users as of December 2025, not national registrations. Part of the Swift’s lead is simply supply: it tops the used charts partly because so many were sold new. And topping the charts is not the same as being the right car for everyone. The same report shows the Creta as the only SUV in the national top 10, proof that a growing group of buyers wants something the Swift is not.

The lead will may not hold forever either. SUV share of the used market has more than doubled since 2023, from 15 percent to 32 percent. Today’s new SUVs are the used stock of 2027 and 2028, and as that supply matures the hatchback’s grip on the top of the charts can loosen.

For now, the finding holds. In a used car market splitting into two Indias, one upgrading and one just arriving, the Swift is the answer both keep giving.

About the data

All figures in this article are sourced from the Cars24 x Team BHP Gears of Growth 2025 report, based on Cars24’s internal transaction data comprising over 33 million users as of December 2025. Model shares refer to the share out of total used car transactions. 

Lloyds Realty Developers Limited announced that it has been certified as a Great Place To Work, recognising the company’s commitment to fostering a high-trust, people-centric workplace culture built on employee experience, shared values, and long-term growth. The recognition comes at an important stage in the company’s journey as it continues to strengthen its presence across Mumbai.

Mr Ravi Agarwal, MD & Chairman of Lloyds Realty Developers Ltd.

The Great Place To Work Certification is awarded to organizations that achieve a minimum of 70% positive response on an employee experience survey evaluating key areas such as credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. For more than 30 years, Great Place To Work has served as the global authority on workplace culture, drawing on insights from over 100 million employees across 150 countries through a rigorous, research-driven methodology widely regarded as the gold standard for assessing and defining exceptional workplaces.
 

Commenting on the recognition, Ravi Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, Lloyds Realty Developers Limited, said, “Receiving the Great Place To Work Certification is a proud milestone for Lloyds Realty and a reflection of the culture our teams have built together over time. As we continue to expand our footprint and pursue the next phase of growth, our people remain the foundation of everything we do. Accountability, Integrity, and Transparency are not simply values we uphold — they shape how we work, collaborate, and build lasting relationships with our employees, partners, and communities. I would like to thank every member of the Lloyds Realty family for their trust, dedication, and passion. We remain committed to creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to grow, contribute meaningfully, and take pride in shaping the future of our organisation.”

“At Great Place To Work, we believe a great workplace is built through trust, purpose, and a people-first approach. By earning this Certification, Lloyds Realty Developers Ltd. has demonstrated its commitment to prioritizing employee experience and cultivating a culture where people thrive. This milestone celebrates your team’s dedication to creating a workplace that inspires excellence,” said Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work, India.

As the company enters its next phase of growth, Lloyds Realty remains focused on strengthening a culture that attracts and nurtures talent, encourages innovation, and enables teams to create lasting value for customers, partners, and the communities it serves. 

About Lloyds Realty Developers Limited
Lloyds Realty Developers Limited is a Mumbai-based real estate development company and a subsidiary of Lloyds Enterprises Limited. Formerly known as Aristo Realty Developers Ltd. and tracing its roots back over three decades, the company has delivered close to 3 million square feet of residential and commercial real estate across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Tirupur, with landmark projects such as Pearl Residency, Lloyds Garden, and The Qube. The company brings a long-standing legacy in Mumbai’s redevelopment space, including cluster redevelopment and MHADA schemes, and is currently expanding its portfolio with new launches such as The Nilayam in Goregaon and Solace in Dadar (West). Guided by Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Agarwal, Lloyds Realty Developers Limited continues to focus on quality craftsmanship, timely delivery, and sustainable urban development across India’s real estate sector. www.lloydsrealty.com.

About Great Place To Work
Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, it has surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Through its certification process and surveys, the organization helps companies measure and improve their employee experience.

VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of the global EV brand VinFast, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Capital, India’s third-largest non-banking financial company (NBFC), to provide auto and inventory financing for its exclusive dealer network. The partnership aims to provide a comprehensive suite of financing solutions to VinFast India’s dealer network, supporting the company’s growth ambitions in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, along with Mr. Narendra Kamath, COO – SME Finance, Tata Capital in Gurugram

Under the partnership, VinFast’s dealer partners will have access to financing solutions tailored to support working capital requirements, inventory management and network expansion.

The collaboration brings together VinFast’s expanding dealer network and Tata Capital’s extensive financing capabilities. A leading NBFC in India, Tata Capital provides a broad range of financing and credit solutions that complement traditional banking services. The company serves approximately 7.7 million customers through a comprehensive product portfolio and a nationwide network of nearly 1,500 branches.

By leveraging Tata Capital’s broad branch network, digital platforms, and financing expertise, VinFast aims to further strengthen its dealer ecosystem and support its continued expansion across the country. The partnership also aligns with the company’s broader goal of accelerating the adoption of sustainable transportation solutions in one of the world’s fastest-growing EV markets.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, along with Mr. Narendra Kamath, COO – SME Finance, Tata Capital, and Mr. Soumitra Das, Business Head – Supply Chain Finance at Tata Capital.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, shared, “VinFast India is pleased to partner with Tata Capital, one of the most trusted financial services providers in the country, in a collaboration that reflects our shared commitment to advancing electric mobility in India. This partnership will enable us to offer comprehensive financing solutions for our dealer network, thereby supporting greater accessibility, operational ease and long-term growth for the brand. We are confident that their strong pan-India presence and financial expertise will play an important role in enhancing the ownership journey for our customers and partners.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Narendra Kamath, COO – SME Finance, Tata Capital, said, “India’s transition to electric mobility is gathering significant momentum, creating a growing need for innovative and scalable financing solutions. Through our partnership with VinFast, we aim to empower dealers with tailored financing support that enables business growth and operational efficiency. Together, we are committed to strengthening the EV ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of sustainable mobility across the country.“

Expanding access to financial solutions for both customers and dealer partners is part of VinFast’s broader strategy to build a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem in India. Alongside a growing EV portfolio that includes the VF 6, VF 7, and VF MPV 7, the company is introducing initiatives aimed at making EV ownership more accessible and convenient, including assured resale value programs. Most recently, VinFast extended its free charging program across the V-Green charging network until March 31, 2029. Together, these efforts support broader EV adoption and help advance India’s transition to sustainable mobility.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.

About Tata Capital

Tata Capital Limited, a holistic financial services provider, caters to the diverse needs of retail, housing, SME, and corporate customers with a pan-India network of 1500+ branches. Its range of offerings includes Consumer Finance, Housing Finance, Commercial Finance, Cleantech Finance, Microfinance, Debt Syndication, Private Equity, and Credit Cards.

For more information, please visit www.tatacapital.com.

• Bengaluru-Karnataka grows Three times Asia’s average rate

• Bengaluru-Karnataka outpaces Singapore in Startup Exit Value

• Between 2021-2025 – Bengaluru-Karnataka generated

• USD 46 billion in startup exits

• attracted USD39 billion in venture capital

• ecosystem value grew 190%

• Outpacing both global and regional growth rates.

Government of Karnataka and Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), in partnership with Startup Genome, today announced key findings from the Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) 2026, unveiled at VivaTech Paris. The rankings highlight India’s growing innovation footprint, with six Indian ecosystems featured globally. Recognized as the definitive benchmark for startup ecosystems, GSER draws on data from more than 5.5 million companies across 350+ innovation ecosystems worldwide.

Bengaluru, Karnataka: Ranked Second in Asia for AI Innovation, Enters Global Top 10 in Performance and R&D

The GSER 2026 ecosystem rankings are based on a weighted composite index across six key success factors: Performance (27.5%), Funding (20%), Market Reach (20%), Talent and Experience (17.5%), AI-Native Cluster (10%), and R&D Engine (5%). Each factor is scored on a 1–10 scale across more than 350 global ecosystems, making the ranking a multidimensional assessment of ecosystem strength rather than a single-parameter measure.

The finding underscores Bengaluru-Karnataka’s growing influence in the global AI landscape. Ranked Asia’s #2 AI-native startup ecosystem the region continues to build on its strengths in talent, research, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. The ecosystem also recorded stronger-than-average growth in early-stage AI funding, reinforcing Karnataka’s role in shaping India’s AI future.

Bengaluru-Karnataka Ecosystem Analysis

Across the GSER 2026 framework, Bengaluru-Karnataka demonstrates consistent outperformance across multiple high-weight indicators, with particularly strong signals in ecosystem output, innovation capacity, and value creation velocity.

Ranking #15 globally in the Startup Ecosystem Index, Bengaluru-Karnataka continues to strengthen its position as India’s leading startup hub. Since GSER 2021, the ecosystem has recorded a 190% growth in ecosystem value, significantly outpacing the global average of 149% and the Asia average of 66%. With a total ecosystem value of USD 153 billion, USD 46 billion in startup exits between 2021 and 2025, 304 exits, and 30 active unicorns, Bengaluru-Karnataka demonstrates strong innovation output while maintaining comparatively lower talent input costs. The ecosystem ranks among the Top 10 globally and #3 in Asia for Performance, and among the Top 15 globally and #4 in Asia by Ecosystem Value.

On the investment front, Bengaluru-Karnataka attracted USD 39 billion in venture funding between 2021 and 2025, placing it among the Top 15 ecosystems globally and fourth in Asia. The ecosystem’s average exit timeline of 8.2 years, compared to the global average of 11.1 years, reflects faster value-realisation cycles and capital recycling. Its funding profile is characterised by a strong concentration of growth and late-stage capital, complemented by increasing early-stage activity, highlighting the continued evolution of the ecosystem.

In innovation, Bengaluru-Karnataka’s R&D Engine ranking improved from the global Top 30 in GSER 2025 to the Top 10 globally in GSER 2026, driven by increased patent output and research commercialisation. This growth is supported by leading institutions such as IISc, ISRO, DRDO, C-DAC, and NAL, alongside emerging deep-tech initiatives in quantum technologies and aerospace. The ecosystem has also emerged as a leading AI hub, accounting for approximately 58% of India’s AI startup funding and ranking #2 in Asia in the AI-Native Cluster category.

This indicates strong early-stage concentration in AI-first business models, with scaling potential dependent on later-stage capital and global market expansion.

Overall, GSER 2026 highlights a structurally high-performing ecosystem characterised by strong value creation efficiency, improving innovation output, and above-average capital inflows, supported by faster exit cycles and deepening research-commercialisation linkages.

Bengaluru-Karnataka’s Key Highlights in GSER 2026

Bengaluru retained its position among the world’s Top 40 startup ecosystems for the second consecutive year and ranked as the #15 Global Startup Ecosystem, with an ecosystem value of USD 152.8 billion. The ecosystem ranked among the Top 10 globally and #3 in Asia for Performance, which measures the size and performance of an ecosystem based on accumulated startup value created through exits and funding.

In innovation, Bengaluru-Karnataka ranked among the Top 10 globally and #5 in Asia in the R&D Engine category, which measures innovation through research activity and patent generation. The ecosystem also ranked among the Top 15 globally and #4 in Asia in Funding Momentum, which measures ecosystem strength through early-stage funding activity and investor participation.

Bengaluru-Karnataka further ranked among the Top 15 globally and #2 in Asia in the AI-Native Cluster category, which measures the scale and intensity of AI startup activity within the ecosystem. In Talent Strength, the ecosystem ranked among the Top 30 globally and Top 10 in Asia, measuring its ability to generate, attract, and retain high-quality talent over time. The ecosystem also ranked among the Top 20 in Asia in Affordable Talent, which measures the ability to hire technology talent competitively, and among the Top 30 in Asia in Funding Runway, which measures the average capital runway that startups secure from venture funding rounds.

Commenting on the recognition, Priyank Kharge, Honourable Home minister, IT & BT, E-governance, Government of Karnataka, said, “Bengaluru-Karnataka is no longer just India’s startup capital; it is increasingly a global DeepTech and AI innovation hub. This recognition by Startup Genome validates our long-term investments in talent, research, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies. As we build Karnataka’s DeepTech Decade, our focus remains clear: create the next generation of globally impactful companies from Karnataka for the world.”

View the full report here www.karnatakadigital.in.