Home Blog Page 311

Akums Reports Q4 FY25 with 12.4% Revenue Growth, FY25 Adj. EBITDA Remained Strong at 12.3%

Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd., India’s largest contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has announced its consolidated financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. The fourth quarter marked a significant rebound in performance, laying a strong foundation for continued growth and global expansion.

In Q4 FY25, Akums reported revenue of Rs.1,073 crore, reflecting a robust 12.4% year-on-year (YoY) growth. The company posted a 10.4% EBITDA margin. Building on its Q4 momentum, Akums closed FY25 with consolidated total income of Rs. 4,170 crore and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.3%, a 7-basis point improvement from the previous year. The company continued its focus on enhancing its product mix, building a differentiated, research-driven portfolio, and expanding its global presence.

One of the key developments during the fiscal year was securing an approx. €200 million contract for the manufacture and supply of pharmaceutical products to regulated European markets – a milestone that significantly expands Akums’ global CDMO footprint. The commercial supplies for this will begin in 2027. To support its expanding footprint, Akums invested Rs. 272 crore in capital expenditure during FY25. which now stands at 49.6 billion units annually. This infrastructure scale-up ensures readiness for large-scale domestic CDMO operations as well as global pharma opportunities.

Akums also maintained a strong R&D focus, investing Rs. 130 crore which is over 3% of revenue. With 973 DCGI approvals now, the company’s product portfolio has over 4,000 commercialized formulations. This is across multiple therapeutic areas across 60+ dosage forms.

Segmental Performance Overview

Akums’ flagship business, CDMO, contributed ~78% to the group turnover with an adjusted EBITDA of 14.1% in FY 25. The company’s domestic branded formulation business segment reported ~9% growth while international branded formulation business grew by ~14%. Trade generics and API segment continue to be in operational loss this fiscal, but the company is taking firm measures to cut the losses in the coming fiscal.

Strategic Focus and Future Outlook

Despite making meaningful progress across key business segments, Akums reported flat year-on-year revenue, largely due to muted industry volumes and price erosion in APIs. The company, however, continued to invest in long-term growth drivers to consolidate its leadership position in India’s pharmaceutical landscape and lay the foundation for global CDMO expansion.

With an R&D spend, up 16% from FY24, Akums continues to deepen its innovation capabilities, develop complex formulations, and enrich its portfolio. The company’s emphasis on quality-focused manufacturing, novel delivery formats, and patient-centric innovations ensures that its offerings are both globally relevant and therapeutically effective.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Sanjeev Jain, Managing Director, said, ” As we look back on the year we got listed, we also look ahead with a renewed sense of purpose. Our entry into Europe is a pivotal step for the Akums’ global CDMO expansion. Coupled with strategic capacity expansion and a sharp focus on differentiated offerings, we are laying the foundation for Akums to emerge as a trusted global CDMO. We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating long-term value for all stakeholders and to delivering healthcare solutions that impact lives across geographies.”

Mr. Sandeep Jain, Managing Director, added, “It gives us immense pride to close FY25 on a positive note, especially in a year marked by volatility across the pharmaceutical industry. Despite price erosion in APIs and slowing volumes, Akums remained focused on the fundamentals-operational discipline, innovation, and global ambition. Our new injectable facility is now operational, our R&D engine is stronger than ever, and our differentiated portfolio continues to resonate with partners. These are exciting times, as we accelerate our transformation into a global pharmaceutical manufacturing organization.”

Here is the Summary of Profit and Loss Statement for reference

P/L (Rs Cr)

Q4 FY 25

Q3 FY 25

Q4 FY 24

FY 25

FY 24

Revenue

1,056

1,010

944

4,118

4,178

Other Income

18

15

10

52

34

Total income

1,073

1,025

954

4,170

4,212

COGS

639

602

569

2,433

2,550

Employee Cost

184

176

164

716

647

Other Expenses

139

111

128

508

500

Adj EBITDA

111

136

98

513

515

Adj EBITDA Margin

10.4%

13.3%

10.3%

12.3%

12.2%

Depreciation

40

45

34

153

126

Finance Cost

5

5

12

35

51

Exceptional Item

-8

-5

0

-17

26

Adj PAT

44

66

46

234

220

Adj PAT Margin

4.1%

6.5%

4.8%

5.6%

5.2%

BD Safe Emergency Seminar Launched to Provide Rich Knowledge Sharing Platform for Emergency Department Doctors

To raise awareness and foster discussions on the safety of healthcare workers (HCWs) in emergency departments, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has recently launched the ‘Safe Emergency Seminar‘ series across locations in India.

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/32072_India_BD_image.png

BD safe emergancy seminar being conducted across India

The emergency departments in hospitals typically demand high efficiency, which, in turn, increases the risk of blood exposure, blood splashes, and needlestick injuries (NSIs). Such incidents can expose healthcare workers to serious diseases like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HIV. The BD Safe Emergency seminar aims to provide a platform to bring together doctors from Emergency departments from across hospitals in each city to convene upon and discuss best practices for healthcare worker safety in high- efficiency demanding environment.

Commenting on the Safe Emergency seminar series, Atul Grover, Managing Director, BD India/South Asia said, “Our Safe Emergency seminar is a concerted effort to bring the spotlight on healthcare worker safety especially in dynamic and high efficiency demanding environments. We are committed to providing a platform for creating awareness and sharing best practices on this pertinent topic. This initiative is part of BDs broader commitment to ensuring the well-being of healthcare professionals and enhancing patient outcomes in alignment with our purpose of advancing the world of health.”

The Safe Emergency seminars organized across cities featured in-depth scientific discussions on the burden of blood exposure, sharp safety, and vascular access in emergency departments. Experts from leading city hospitals shared valuable insights and data on needle stick injuries (NSI), blood exposure and splash thereby reinforcing the need for stringent safety protocols to protect healthcare workers. The discussions were followed by case studies that illustrated real-world scenarios and the effectiveness of various safety measures.

About BD-India
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety, and expand access to health care.

Disclaimer
The image used in this press release is a stock photo and is for illustrative purpose only. The person(s) depicted herein are models. All content herein is protected by copyright, trademark and other intellectual property rights, as applicable, owned by or licensed to Becton Dickinson or its affiliates unless otherwise indicated.

ThinkinkPicturez Ltd Appoints Mr. Chetan Chauhan as CEO to Spearhead Major Expansion in Indian Entertainment Sector, with more Focused on Regional Content

ThinkinkPicturez Ltd., a dynamic and fast-growing name in India’s entertainment landscape, is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Chetan Chauhan as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic leadership move comes as the company embarks on a major expansion into regional cinema and high-value content creation across India.

CEO – Chetan Chauhan

Mr. Chauhan brings with him nearly 29 years of distinguished experience in the media and entertainment industry. He has held senior leadership roles at some of India’s most respected organizations including The Times of India Group (BCCL), Mid-Day, Reliance, and Pantaloons, with a strong emphasis on the media and retail sectors.

An influential figure in the Gujarati film industry, Mr. Chauhan has served as a publicist for more than 70 regional film projects. Notably, he was associated with Pan Nalin’s “Last Film Show”, India’s official entry to the Oscars. He is also a visiting faculty member at various mass media colleges and universities in Gujarat, where he teaches Public Relations and Media Studies.

Widely recognized as an influential figure in the Gujarati film industry, Mr. Chauhan’s extensive experience and industry network are expected to unlock new alliances and business opportunities for ThinkinkPicturez. His appointment marks a pivotal moment as the company gears up for large-scale growth and innovation in content production.

Under Mr. Chauhan’s leadership, ThinkinkPicturez is making strategic inroads into regional cinema, with plans to produce content in Gujarati, Marathi, and other Indian languages. The company is currently developing a robust slate of projects valued at over ₹500 crore, positioning itself as a key player in Indias evolving entertainment sector.

In addition to creating high-quality content, ThinkinkPicturez is committed to nurturing creative talent by providing a platform to emerging artists across India. The company’s initiatives aim to foster inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry.

Further reinforcing its commitment to regional development, ThinkinkPicturez is set to engage with the Gujarat Government to seek support in driving employment and economic growth through entertainment projects in the state.

Mr. Chauhan commented, “The entertainment industry in India is growing at an unprecedented pace, as evident from the recent WAVE event in Mumbai. India is poised to become a global hub for entertainment production and ideation. Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister, the country is also emerging as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is set to revolutionize storytelling in unimaginable ways.

At Thinkink Picturez, we are aligning ourselves with this transformation, focusing on regional content and small-town narratives. There are countless untold stories waiting to be shared with the world in the most authentic and relatable ways. We are committed to nurturing fresh talent and promoting regional narratives, with a special emphasis on children’s cinema-an area that has long been overlooked. Our strategic vision includes significant investment in this segment. Meanwhile there are around 6 Hindi feature film pending projects which were announced; company management is working towards the feasibility of each project to be activated soon.

I am honored to take on this role at such a crucial time. ThinkinkPicturez has a bold vision for the future of Indian cinema, especially in regional markets. I look forward to working with our talented teams and partners to create powerful, meaningful content that connects with audiences across the country.”

With a visionary new CEO and a pipeline of impactful projects, ThinkinkPicturez Ltd is poised to redefine the future of entertainment in India.

Exclusive Media Screening of A Song for ERESHA Unveils a Poetic Fusion of Bharatanatyam and Cinema

Art Centrix Space, Vasant Kunj, played host to an intimate and evocative screening of A Song for ERESHA, the latest cinematic creation from acclaimed Bharatanatyam exponent Savitha Sastry and award-winning director AK Srikanth. The special preview, held on the evening of May 21, brought together a discerning audience including members of the media, cultural influencers, and film and performing arts fraternity.

Bharatanatyam Exponent Savitha Sastry in The Song For Eresha

Slated for a theatrical and OTT release across the United States, UK and Canada in August 2025 and later in India, A Song for ERESHA is a landmark production that seamlessly blends classical Indian dance with deeply resonant storytelling. The film follows the complex emotional journey of Eresha, the revered head of a prestigious arts institute, whose unexpected romantic entanglement leads to a dramatic unraveling of the institution she built and of her own inner world.

Crafted in the cinematic style reminiscent of masters like Satyajit Ray and Balu Mahendra, the film has been described as “poetry in motion.” It stars Savitha Sastry in the titular role, and features a predominantly female cast, including over a hundred classical dancers from across India. The film also marks the debut of Bengali actress Mayurakshi Sen, with compelling performances by Mekha Rajan and Arshya Lakshman in key roles.

Adding to the immersive experiences are evocative soundtracks composed by Abhay Nayampally, a Grammy nominee and protg of the legendary Mandolin U. Srinivas. The musical score builds on Nayampally’s collaborative work with global artists like Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra.

Directed and written by AK Srikanth- who received accolades for Slow Rivers (Florence Film Awards 2023) and Colors: White (New York International Film Awards 2021) – A Song for ERESHA is a cinematic tribute to the expressive power of Indian classical arts, both on stage and on screen.

Commenting on the essence of the film, Director AK Srikanth said, “A Song for Eresha isn’t about art or artists- it’s an intense exploration of what it means to be human. It captures the full spectrum of emotion: the joy of triumph, the sting of regret, and the delicate balance between light and darkness, logic and emotion. I envisioned it as visual poetry, brought to life by an extraordinary cast and crew, with the goal of bringing powerful storytelling back to the heart of cinema.

Reflecting on her role, Savitha Sastry shared, “Portraying Eresha was one of the most exhilarating challenges of my career. The character’s journey through love, passion, and vulnerability pushed me to explore emotional depths I’ve rarely touched on screen.”

The preview screening was a resounding success, sparking engaging conversations among attendees about the film’s emotional depth, artistic execution, and cultural relevance. A Song for ERESHA not only reaffirms Savitha Sastry and AK Srikanth’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of Bharatanatyam but also marks a bold step in reimagining traditional Indian art forms for a global audience. As the film prepares for its international release, it promises to leave an indelible mark on both the classical arts and indie cinema landscapes.

Riva Razdan Unveils Her Latest Novel – Death of a Gentleman

Mumbai-based author and screenwriter Riva Razdan returns with her most ambitious work yet – Death of a Gentleman, a psychological thriller set against the glittering but cutthroat backdrop of Mumbai’s high society.

Riva Razdan and her new novel, Death of a Gentleman

With Death of a Gentleman, she expands her storytelling prowess into the realm of psychological suspense. Razdan, known for her romantic-feminist hits Arzu (2021) and The Naani Diaries (2023), takes a thrilling detour from her signature style with this dark and stylish murder mystery. Her previous works are celebrated for their warmth, wit, and empowering narratives.

Earlier works of Riva Razdan – Arzu and The Naani Diaries

In Death of a Gentleman, readers meet Yuvraaj Khanna, a tech entrepreneur poised to take over India’s startup scene. With a billion-dollar valuation for his grocery delivery app and an engagement to the beautiful Sanjanaa Gandhi from Malabar Hill, Yuvraaj seems to have it all until the sudden death of his estranged father throws his life into disarray.

As the investigation deepens, long-buried rivalries, betrayals, and ambition-driven secrets begin to surface. Set in a world where appearances are everything and power is currency, Death of a Gentleman is a gripping exploration of the lengths people will go to protect their status and themselves.

When asked what she would like her readers to take away from this book, Razdan says, “I’d hope that this novel helps them to find a way to get off the hedonistic treadmill that makes one feel like they have to keep up with whoever you last saw on Instagram ‘living their best lives‘. The way to do it is to build a fortress of your own values and a circle of people you trust to protect you as you build a life you love.” With razor-sharp prose, unexpected twists, and an unflinching look at India’s modern-day aristocracy, Razdan’s latest promises to keep readers riveted till the final page.

Death of a Gentleman
Paperback | 360 pages | Released 26 May 2025
Available on Amazon

Hexa Climate and Asvata Partner for the Launch of Afforestation Project in West Bengal

Hexa Climate, a portfolio company of I Squared Capital, and Asvata, the carbon credit venture of RPG Group, announce the launch of a pioneering afforestation project in Purulia, West Bengal.

The project,which aims to transform fallow land into thriving forest ecosystems, involves planting 500,000 trees, with a potential to scale-up to 1.5 million trees. It will be registered under the VERRA VM0047 methodology, supported by advanced satellite monitoring and drone surveillance to ensure transparency, traceability, and high-quality carbon outcomes.

The project shall help in improving soil fertility, promoting biodiversity and replenishing ground water. In addition to environmental restoration, it also supports community upliftment by generating employment, encouraging beekeeping and vermi-composting.

Our foray into Nature-Based Solutions is a natural extension of our mission to connect the dots for a better world,” said Sanjeev Aggarwal, Founder and Executive Chairman of Hexa Climate. “We are building climate-resilient assets that support businesses in achieving their Net Zero goals with integrity and impact.”

We are delighted to partner with Hexa Climate on a project that exemplifies the dual power of climate action. We are excited to collaborate with local farmers, communities and experts to implement best practices in forestry and are committed to creating long-term value for both people and the planet. This is carbon finance with purpose,” Navin Mathur, COO, Asvata (RPG Group).

About Hexa Climate

Hexa Climate provides Net Zero solutions to corporates across APAC. Backed by I Squared Capital, a global infrastructure investor with over USD 40 billion in AUM, Hexa plans to deploy over USD 500 million in equity across its verticals including renewables, battery storage solutions and carbon offset solutions. In a carbon market increasingly scrutinized for quality and credibility, Hexa Climate is positioning itself as a solutions partner to corporates seeking research-backed, verifiable carbon credits. The company will offer long-term carbon credits under a Pay-on-Delivery model, providing corporates a trustworthy pathway to meet decarbonization targets. Future carbon projects under development include mangroves, biochar, and biodigesters, forming a diversified portfolio of scalable climate solutions.

Visit our website | Follow us on LinkedIn

About Asvata

Asvata, the carbon credit venture of the RPG Group, is committed to accelerating climate action through high-impact carbon offset solutions. Headquartered in Mumbai, Asvata develops and finances projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while advancing sustainable development. Beyond carbon finance, Asvata plays an active role in end-to-end project development and portfolio management. Its core proposition lies in building high-quality carbon offset portfolios that help organizations achieve their sustainability and net-zero goals.

Asvata supports climate action that extends beyond emissions reduction – enabling the transformation of communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Its diverse portfolio spans Nature-Based Solutions and Engineered Removals, reflecting a balanced and future-ready approach to carbon mitigation.

Visit our website | Follow us on LinkedIn

Cricket Loot Rush is Live on Parimatch: One Bag, One Tap, Instant Wins

As the Indian T20 League approaches its grand finale, the thrill doesn’t end with the final over. To keep the adrenaline pumping, Parimatch, the #1 global gaming platform, is unleashing its latest instant game: Cricket Loot Rush. This new release blends the passion of cricket with the suspense of loot-based gameplay, delivering fast wins and big rewards in a matter of seconds.

Cricket Loot Rush is Live on Parimatch: One Bag, One Tap, Instant Wins

Unlock Exclusive Cricket Gear With Every Game

Cricket Loot Rush is designed for cricket lovers who thrive on fast action and dream of legendary cricket gear. In this game, you can collect a unique virtual set of cricket-themed items-from everyday essentials like regular stumps to elite collectibles such as pro-level batting pads, platinum helmets, and even the coveted Mullagh Medal!

But it’s not just about the gear-each item comes with a cash multiplier, turning your passion for cricket into real money wins. The rarer the item, the bigger the boost to your winnings. Sounds cool, right

Pick a Bag. Win Big!

The rules of the game are simple:

  1. Choose from three types of bags – Rare, Epic, or Legend.

  2. Set your stake – from Rs. 4 to Rs. 9,000.

  3. Hit Open to reveal your prize.

Each bag offers a unique set of multipliers, letting players choose their preferred level of risk:

  • Rare: Low risk, steady returns

  • Epic: Balanced gameplay with the chance for bigger wins

  • Legend: High risk, high reward-with multipliers up to x100

Whether you’re in the mood for something safe or aiming for a big win, there’s a bag that fits your play style.

Your winnings are calculated using the formula: amount win multiplier = total win. One tap, and your prize is instantly credited to your account.

Cricket-Inspired Fun with Instant Payouts

Cricket Loot Rush captures the spirit of the sport with vibrant visuals and a fast-paced experience. Every element-from the bag designs to the animations-is crafted to bring the energy of cricket to life. Whether youre into cricket or just love instant games, this new release is sure to deliver quick thrills and generous rewards.

Blue Dart Express Limited Clocks Rs. 5,720 Cr Revenue for FY25, Maintains Steady Q4 Momentum

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asias premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution company, today announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2025, following the conclusion of its Board Meeting which was held in Mumbai. In a fiscal year which was shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, macroeconomic volatility, and sectoral challenges, the company delivered a stable performance, underscoring its operational resilience and ability to maintain service continuity across markets.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, Blue Dart reported revenue from operations of Rs. 5,720 crore and profit after tax of Rs. 245 crore. For the quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Q4 FY25), revenue from operations stood at Rs. 1,417 crore. Profit after tax for the quarter stood at Rs. 53 crore.

Commenting on the announcement, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express, said, “Our focus in FY25 was on delivering consistency, maintaining service quality, and enhancing our offering strength with significant investments towards our aviation capabilities and infrastructure, an approach that will continue as we gear up for the future. With a long-term perspective on these investments, we remain committed to reinforcing our core, adopting technology for efficiency, and delivering reliable service. Several of these investments are front-loaded, and we anticipate upcoming business growth to drive cost optimization.

As we look ahead to FY26, we remain cautiously optimistic amid ongoing external uncertainties. Nonetheless, Blue Dart will continue to invest in expanding our network, advancing digital capabilities, and embedding sustainable practices to drive long-term operational strength to enhance service capabilities, deepen customer trust, and build operational resilience.”

In the fiscal year gone by, Blue Dart was recognized for excellence across key areas including customer service, sustainability, compliance, and brand loyalty. The company continued to be recognized as a Great Place to Work and one of the best organizations for women. Additionally, Blue Dart was awarded for its customer-centric culture, operational excellence in logistics, and trusted brand reputation. It was also acknowledged for its strong legal compliance practices and sustainable business approach.

About Blue Dart

Blue Dart Express Ltd., South Asias premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution company, offers secure and reliable delivery of consignments to over 56,000+ locations in India. Blue Dart is a provider of choice for its stakeholders due to its customer centric approach and aims to further strengthen this partnership. As part of DHL Group’s DHL eCommerce division, Blue Dart accesses the largest and most comprehensive express and logistics network worldwide, covering over 220 countries and territories, and offers an entire spectrum of distribution services including air express, freight forwarding, supply chain solutions, customs clearance etc.

The Blue Dart team drives market leadership through its motivated people, dedicated air and ground capacity, cutting-edge technology, wide range of innovative, vertical specific products and value-added services to deliver unmatched standards of service quality to its customers. Blue Darts market leadership is further validated by its position as the nation’s most innovative and awarded express logistics company for exhibiting reliability, superior brand experience and sustainability which include recognition as one of ‘Indias Best Companies to Work For’ by The Great Place to Work Institute, India, ranked amongst ‘Best Multinational Workplaces in Asia’ by The Great Place to Work Institute, Asia, voted a ‘Superbrand’ and ‘Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand’, listed as one of Fortune 500’s ‘Indias Largest Corporations’ and Forbes ‘Indias Super 50 Companies’ to name a few. Blue Dart’s Diversity and Inclusion initiatives have also led to it being recognized as one of India’s ‘Best Workplaces for Women’ in 2021 and ‘Best Organisations for Women’ in 2025 by the Economic Times.

Blue Dart fulfils its social responsibility through its Go Programs namely Go Green – Climate Protection, Go Help – Drinking Water, Livelihood, Health, Disaster Management and Go Teach -Education.

Aurigo Appoints Technology Veteran Dr. Sunil Kumar Vuppala as Vice President of AI Labs

Aurigo Software, the leading provider of capital planning and construction management software for infrastructure and facility owners, announced the appointment of Dr. Sunil Kumar Vuppala as Vice President of AI Labs. Based in Bengaluru, Dr. Vuppala will lead the company’s global artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and research and development initiatives.

“Dr. Sunil Vuppala joining as Head of Aurigo AI Labs is a significant milestone in our ambition to embed AI at the heart of every product we build,” said Manish Sharma, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Aurigo Software. “Sunil pairs world-class expertise in AI/ML, agentic architectures, and data science with a proven ability to turn research into responsible and trustworthy enterprise-scale solutions. Under his leadership, we will accelerate our AI-first SaaS roadmap that delivers unprecedented value to our customers.”

Aurigo Appoints Technology Veteran Dr. Sunil Kumar Vuppala as Vice President of AI Labs

Dr. Vuppala has over 20 years of experience spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, analytics, Internet of Things, and automation. He has built four AI-first platforms and executed 100+ AI use cases, working with over 30 clients globally. With 40+ patents to his name, including six granted in the U.S., Dr. Vuppala has authored more than 35 technical papers and delivered over 100 guest lectures in academic and industry forums.

In his new role, Dr. Vuppala will lead the development and expansion of Aurigo’s AI Labs and oversee the continued evolution of its core AI solution, Aurigo Lumina. His responsibilities include integrating trustworthy, secure, and scalable AI into the company’s flagship platform, Masterworks, and driving AI adoption in capital planning and construction management across infrastructure and facility owners globally.

“Aurigo is building the future of enterprise AIaaS, and it’s an honor to be leading a team that’s passionate about solving real-world problems,” said Dr. Vuppala when asked about his appointment. “The company’s inherent culture of innovation and customer focus creates the perfect environment to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve in the infrastructure domain.”

Before joining Aurigo, Dr. Vuppala served as Director of Data Science at Ericsson’s Global AI Accelerator (GAIA), where he led cross-functional teams to develop production-grade AI models across telecom, security, and visual intelligence domains. He also held senior positions at Philips Research, Infosys R&D, and Oracle, contributing significantly to research and enterprise applications in sectors including healthcare, telecom, energy, and education.

Dr. Vuppala holds advanced degrees from IIT Roorkee (M.Tech), IIIT Bangalore (Ph.D.), IIM Ahmedabad (SMP), and NLSIU Bengaluru (MBL). A passionate educator and industry volunteer, he teaches at institutions such as IIIT-B and Great Learning and serves as chair of the IEEE Computer Society Bangalore Chapter.

About Aurigo Software
Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help them plan with confidence and build with quality. With more than $450 billion of capital programs under management, Aurigo’s solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and the government, with over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India.

Learn more at www.aurigo.com.

2 JKLU Students Among 1,272 Selected Worldwide for Google Summer of Code 2025

Two B.Tech students from Jaipur’s JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) have accomplished what thousands around the world aspire to each year. Karan Kumawat and Divyanshu Gautam, B.Tech (CSE) students from the batch of 2022 at the Institute of Engineering and Technology, JKLU, have been selected for the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2025 – one of the world’s most competitive and prestigious global, online programmes focused on bringing new contributors into open-source software development.

Karan Kumawat and Divyanshu Gautam, B.Tech students of JK Lakshmipat University, were among 1,272 contributors selected for Google Summer of Code 2025

This year, GSoC received 23,559 proposals from over 15,240 applicants across 130 countries. From this large pool of applicants, only 1,272 contributors were chosen to work with leading open-source organisations under the mentorship of seasoned developers and industry experts.

Congratulating Karan and Divyanshu on their selection to the prestigious global online mentorship programme, Professor Alka Mahajan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, JKLU, said, “By sharing their knowledge with the wider world, the global open-source community has contributed immensely to innovation and growth. I am very pleased to know that our brilliant B.Tech students will be joining this exclusive global community and contributing to some of the significant open-source software development projects selected by Google this year. Their journey exemplifies the growing presence of Indian talent in open-source innovation-and the power of education that bridges knowledge and application.”

Open Source, Global Impact

Over the next 12+ weeks, Karan and Divyanshu will collaborate remotely with global mentors, contributing code to open-source projects.

“The GSoC 2025 programme has some flexibility in the schedule for projects. The length of time allowed to complete a project can range from 10 weeks to 22 weeks for medium and large projects with the standard length of 12 weeks. Small projects can range from 8 to 12 weeks,” Google said in a blog post.

“GSoC Contributors and their mentors can decide together if a project should be extended to end a couple of weeks or so later,” Google added.

The stipend amount that each would receive from Google could go up to USD 3,000 (approximately Rs. 256,000).

But beyond the financial support, the programme offers something even more transformative: the chance to work at the intersection of innovation and impact-solving real-world challenges, contributing to widely used technologies, and learning from some of the best minds in the global tech community.

Projects with Purpose

Karan’s project, “Chainvoice: Enhancing Decentralised Invoicing with Privacy, Automation, and Multi-Token Support,” sits at the intersection of blockchain and finance. His work aims to enhance decentralised invoicing systems by making them more secure, automated, and adaptable across multiple digital currencies – contributing to the growing domain of decentralized finance (DeFi).

Divyanshu’s proposal, “Efficient Recurring Events and Solidifying Core Features,” focuses on strengthening calendar-based productivity tools used worldwide. His contribution seeks to improve efficiency, reliability, and usability in widely adopted open-source scheduling platforms.

Starting in 2005, GSoC has brought over 21,000 new contributors from 123 countries into the open-source community over the past 20 years.