Reinforcing its leadership in AI-driven innovation, the Technology Enabling Centre (TEC) at Chitkara University, established with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, successfully co-organised the Global Conference on AI-Driven Sustainable Technologies and Higher Education Innovation on February 21–22, 2026, in Pune.

Leaders and experts from eight nations meet at the AI-Driven Sustainable Technologies & Higher Education Innovation Conference, co-organised by Chitkara University in Pune

Co-hosted with Confab 360 Degree, Kirloskar Institute of Management, and Rushford Business School, Switzerland, the conference brought together more than 200 delegates, including Global Capability Centre leaders, academic experts, policymakers, and industry professionals from India, Switzerland, Australia, China, the USA, Jordan, Malaysia, and Japan.

The event emerged as a powerful global platform to examine how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping sustainable technologies and transforming higher education.

The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Chandrasekhar Buddha, CEO, Anuvadini AI, Ministry of Education, Government of India, who emphasised the urgent need for AI-driven skill development, problem-solving capabilities, and the creation of a global knowledge repository to maximise AI’s societal impact.

Over two days, the conference featured nine high-impact keynote and expert talks, four dynamic panel discussions, and hands-on practice sessions focused on ethical AI in research, thesis structuring, and intellectual property strategies, including patents and copyrights.

A key highlight was the dedicated industry–academia open interaction and innovation showcase, designed to catalyse collaboration, accelerate joint research, and translate AI breakthroughs into scalable solutions.

Speaking about the conference, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University, said, “Artificial Intelligence is not merely a technological advancement, it is a transformative force redefining how we learn, innovate, and solve global challenges. Conferences like these create the collaborative ecosystems necessary to ensure that AI drives sustainable development, ethical progress, and inclusive growth worldwide.”

The conference concluded with a clear message: global collaboration, responsible AI adoption, and innovation-led partnerships are essential to shaping the future of sustainable technologies and higher education.

The event was supported by prominent industry partners, including the Services Export Promotion Council and ABWCI – Association of Business Women in Commerce and Industry.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited private university in North India, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, offering career-oriented undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technology fields. For students planning higher education, the University provides industry-aligned programs designed to combine academic excellence with practical exposure.

The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects, research opportunities, and global collaborations, supported by modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, industry mentorship, and skill-based training that strengthens student employability. Backed by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry collaborations, students gain strong placement support, international exposure, academic exchange, and collaborative research opportunities.

Consistently ranked among leading institutions by national and global frameworks such as NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education, the University maintains high academic rigour and industry relevance. With strong corporate partnerships and a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary learning, it prepares students for emerging career opportunities in India and abroad.

For more information visit : www.chitkara.edu.in.

The British School New Delhi hosted the International Baccalaureate (IB) Asia-Pacific Scheduled Professional Development Workshop from Saturday, 28 February to Monday, 2 March 2026, welcoming educators from across the region for three days of high-quality professional learning and exchange.

Vanita Uppal OBE, Director of The British School New Delhi, addressing educators during the IB Asia-Pacific Professional Development Workshop

As an authorised IB Diploma Programme (DP) and IB Career-related Programme (CP) school, The British School was proud to convene this regional gathering, reinforcing its longstanding dedication to the IB philosophy of nurturing inquiring, knowledgeable and principled global learners.

Vanita Uppal OBE, Director of The British School New Delhi, commented, “For us at The British School, collaborating with the IB to bring these workshops to colleagues across the region is testament to our ongoing commitment to advocate for and support the IB mission of educating for a better world. Great teachers are learners themselves; they believe in the power of collaboration and of learning with and from their peers. We hope the participants returned enriched and enjoyed the signature warmth and hospitality of TBS.”

The workshops brought together IB educators from across the Asia-Pacific region, offering specialised sessions across programmes and subject areas. The sessions aimed to deepen pedagogical expertise, enhance assessment practices and encourage reflective teaching through professional dialogue, collaboration and shared inquiry.

Hosting the Asia-Pacific workshop followed closely on the heels of The British School’s celebration of 20 years of offering the IB Diploma Programme, marking the school as one of the early adopters of the IBDP in India. The milestone underscored two decades of sustained commitment to international education and academic excellence.

According to Priyamvada Das, IBDP Coordinator at The British School, “The depth of professional dialogue and shared inquiry over these three days reaffirmed the strength of the IB community. At TBS, professional development is not simply an event — it is embedded in our culture of reflection, rigour and collaborative excellence.”

The event further strengthened The British School’s position as a leading IB World School in India and as a hub for professional learning within the Asia-Pacific region.

Trinity Air Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd., a stalwart in the Indian travel industry since 1982, is highlighting the successful momentum of its strategic expansion into the education sector through Trinity Study Abroad. Operating successfully over the past two years, this specialized division simplifies the complex international education journey by seamlessly combining personalized academic counseling with its parent company’s proven expertise in visa processing and global logistics.

While the demand for overseas education continues to surge in India, students and parents often face a fragmented process. They keep juggling separate vendors for admissions, loans, visas, and travel. Trinity Study Abroad addresses this gap by offering a single-window ecosystem. The firm integrates core educational services such as career counseling, university shortlisting, and SOP guidance with Trinity’s in-house capabilities in travel, forex and accommodation support.

“Trinity Study Abroad aims to provide the best guidance and help to students who want to study abroad,” said Mr. Baby John, Managing Director, Trinity Air Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd. “Trust, Honesty, Integrity and Customer service are the four pillars on which I have built all my companies. With this venture, we are bringing those values to education, ensuring that families receive transparent, end-to-end mentorship rather than just application processing.”

Key highlights of Trinity Study Abroad’s service portfolio include:

• Personalized Mentorship: A shift away from volume-based processing to dedicated, one-on-one student counseling.

• Comprehensive Logistics: Leveraging the parent company’s IATA-accredited legacy for seamless visa filing, air ticketing, and foreign exchange.

• Financial & Post-Arrival Support: Assistance with education loans, pre-departure briefings, and settling-in support in destination countries.

Navigating the complexities of international education from selecting the right course to securing accommodation in a new country can be overwhelming for families. Trinity Study Abroad mitigates this anxiety by offering a structured pathway that covers every critical milestone. Whether it is identifying high-ROI courses in emerging hubs or managing intricate visa documentation for traditional favorites, the team ensures that students are not just treated as ‘applicants’ but as well-prepared future residents. This holistic model extends to essential post-admission needs, including education loan assistance and forex support, ensuring parents have a single, reliable point of contact for the entire journey rather than coordinating with multiple agencies.

The division is currently assisting students with applications to major global education hubs, including the UK, Canada, Australia, the USA and Europe. By anchoring academic aspirations with robust logistical support, Trinity ensures a secure transition for students leaving home for the first time.

For more information, please visit: www.trinitystudyabroad.com/services

About Trinity Air Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd.

Established in 1982 in Mumbai, Trinity Air Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd. is a recognized leader in the travel and tourism industry. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Baby John, the company has built a reputation for excellence in passport assistance, visa processing, international air ticketing, and curated holiday experiences through Trinity World Holidays. Trinity Study Abroad represents the group’s strategic venture, dedicated to empowering the next generation of global citizens.

As the global technology economy continues to expand, women remain significantly underrepresented in core technology roles such as data science, artificial intelligence, analytics, and emerging digital fields. Globally, women account for less than 25% of the technology workforce, with even lower representation in specialised areas like AI and advanced analytics.
 

Newton School Commits to Training 1 Lakh Women in Technology in 2026

India reflects a similar trend. While women constitute approximately 50% of university graduates, their participation in high-growth technology careers remains disproportionately low. Structural and societal factors continue to influence this gap — including limited access to specialised technical training, family expectations around career choices, relocation constraints, and career breaks related to caregiving responsibilities. These barriers are often more pronounced in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where access to industry-aligned technology education and mentorship opportunities can be limited.

Against this backdrop, Newton School, a technology education and career accelerator, has announced a national commitment to train 1,00,000 women across India in high-growth technology roles by 2026 through structured programs, financial support mechanisms, and employment-linked career pathways.

The commitment builds on momentum already created by the company. Over the past year, more than 60,000 women have accessed Newton School’s free and paid technology programs, ranging from foundational learning tracks to advanced career transition programs in data science and artificial intelligence.

Data from Newton School’s learner ecosystem reflects both the existing gender gap and the potential to close it. Currently, women represent approximately 25% of learners within the data science program. However, the performance outcomes across placements tell a more encouraging story.

The average salary for data science placements at Newton School remains the same for both genders, indicating that when access to structured learning pathways and career preparation is available, women perform on par with their peers in the technology workforce. In fact, the highest salary placement within Newton School’s data science program has been secured by a woman, highlighting the significant potential of women professionals when provided the right training environment and mentorship.

Learner insights from the platform also highlight evolving workplace priorities among women entering technology careers. A large proportion of women learners express a preference for remote or work-from-home opportunities, reflecting the importance of flexible work structures that allow professionals to balance career growth with personal and family responsibilities.

Newton School’s programs are designed to support this shift by preparing learners for distributed technology teams and remote-first roles, with curriculum aligned to collaborative digital workflows, global project environments, and modern technology stacks. By combining structured training, interview preparation, and exposure to companies that offer flexible work opportunities, the platform aims to help more women build sustainable technology careers without being constrained by geography or relocation barriers.

As part of the 2026 commitment, Newton School will offer multiple learning pathways designed to support women at different stages of their careers, including its mentor-led Data Science and AI program and new tracks focused on Agentic AI and emerging technologies. To significantly expand access, the initiative will also scale free learning resources through Launchpad, a library of self-paced technology courses and live masterclasses aimed at helping more women explore and enter tech careers before committing to full-time programs. Participants will also receive access to AI-powered career tools such as mock interviews and resume evaluators, along with a dedicated skill-based assessment window for women applicants, where top performers may receive scholarships to help reduce financial barriers to entry.

As part of the initiative, Newton School will open a structured assessment window exclusively for women applicants. Instead of relying on traditional academic filters, the assessment evaluates aptitude and applied problem-solving ability. Based on performance, eligible participants may receive scholarships, helping reduce financial barriers while rewarding demonstrated capability.

The commitment builds on several real career transitions already enabled through Newton School’s programs. Shishira M, now a Data Analyst at Meesho, transitioned into data science after discovering that traditional coding roles were not aligned with her strengths.
 

Tasneem, who faced a health setback that disrupted her career, retrained in data analytics and secured a remote Business Analyst role at ConvertCart, allowing her to rebuild her professional life while managing medical needs. Kirti Soni secured a new role at Yipit Data with a 200% salary increase after leveraging Newton School’s lifetime placement assistance following a layoff. Sonakshi Bhatt transitioned from patent research into data science and secured a role at Digit88 Technologies after structured interview preparation. Anjali Choudhary, coming from a biology background, successfully pivoted into the technology workforce after completing her training.

Commenting on the initiative, Nishant Chandra, Co-founder of Newton School, said, “India’s technology economy is expanding rapidly, but the real question is who gets to participate in that growth. Women represent one of the most underleveraged talent pools in the country. Our learner data shows that when women gain access to structured training and career pathways, their outcomes are equally strong. Last year alone, more than 60,000 women accessed our programs. In 2026, we are committing to scale that impact significantly. This initiative is about enabling measurable participation in India’s technology workforce.”

The initiative will be open to women across India, with targeted outreach in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where structured technology education opportunities remain limited. By combining financial support, structured learning pathways, and employment-linked preparation, Newton School aims to expand women’s participation in India’s rapidly growing digital and AI-driven economy at scale.

Women interested in exploring the programs or accessing the free learning resources can take a look here: tinyurl.com/NewtonSchoolWomensDay

Marking the spirit of International Women’s Day, Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) organised a special programme honouring inspiring women from governance, entrepreneurship, and sports. The event celebrated the achievements of accomplished women while also supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Kushmitha Ganesh, Vice-President, Vels Group of Companies & Director of VELS Jollywood Studios & Adventures, honored women employees for their achievements

The programme featured distinguished guests including Kavitha Ramu, I.A.S., Director of Museums, Government of Tamil Nadu; entrepreneur Swarnamugi Raghupathy; and international rifle shooter Elavenil Valarivan, who interacted with students and shared insights from their professional journeys.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr.Preethaa Ganesh, the Vice President of the VELS Group of Institutions emphasised that education and financial independence are the strongest foundations for women’s empowerment. She highlighted that when women are educated and financially independent, they gain the confidence to make independent choices and stand up for themselves.

VELS University’s Founder Chancellor, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, and Pro Chancellor, Dr. Arthi Ganesh, graced the event.

Addressing the gathering, Kavitha Ramu, I.A.S., spoke about the importance of shared responsibility in society and how men and women must work together to build an equitable and progressive community. Entrepreneur Swarnamugi Raghupathy shared her inspiring journey and encouraged students to transform ideas into successful ventures through discipline, focus, and perseverance. International shooter Elavenil Valarivan spoke about the mental strength required in sports and the importance of resilience while handling pressure at the highest level of competition.

As part of the celebrations, VISTAS distributed seed funding of INR 2 lakh each to three women entrepreneurs under the VELS Fund initiative. The programme also introduced the V Fund Accelerator Programme for Women Entrepreneurs, aimed at supporting early-stage women-led startups through seed funding, incubation, capacity-building programmes, and mentorship from industry leaders under the VELS Innovation Council.

On the occasion, VISTAS also congratulated Ms. Priyanka S., a Ph.D. scholar in Biotechnology, who has been selected for a fully funded International Training Programme on Modern Organic Agriculture in Jiangxi Province, China, under the supervision of global experts from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), Thailand. She is one among seven selected trainees worldwide and the only scholar from India, alongside participants from Ecuador, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

The institution also appreciated G. A. Swathika, an international volleyball player and B.Sc. (IT) third-year student, who represented India at the Under-18 Asian Championship held in Thailand and recently won a silver medal at the National Volleyball Championship.

In another significant initiative, five students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds were awarded admission letters with complete scholarships through the ODL programme. Among the beneficiaries was a married woman with two children whose determination to pursue higher education despite financial challenges deeply inspired the audience.

The event concluded with an encouraging message urging students especially young women to pursue their aspirations with confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. Through such initiatives, VISTAS continues to promote women’s empowerment, support entrepreneurship, and expand access to higher education.

For more details about Vels University kindly visit www.vistas.ac.in.