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SEMI and India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) to Launch India Semiconductor Academy

SEMI, the global industry association advancing the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, and the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) today announced their intention to collaborate on a plan for the India Semiconductor Academy (ISA), with the objective of establishing it as a national, industry-led platform for semiconductor education, skills and employment.
 

Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Min for Electronics & IT), Mr. Arun Kumar (Chair, IDTA & Celesta Capital Managing Partner) Shari Liss, Vice President, Global Workforce Development & Initiatives, SEMI
 

The proposed Academy will strengthen India’s training and workforce-development objectives as India expands investment across semiconductor design, fabrication, advanced packaging and testing, equipment, and materials. Its focus will be on converting India’s broad engineering and technical talent base into practical, industry-ready capability for priority roles across the semiconductor value chain.

 

The proposed Academy will partner with a number of industry participants and academic institutions to achieve its objectives, including Cadence, CG Semi, Dixon Technologies, Micron Technology, Synopsys, 3D Glass Solutions, the University of California San Diego and IIT Kanpur.

 

The collaboration will draw on SEMI’s global experience convening semiconductor employers and building industry-led workforce initiatives worldwide. The partners expect to adapt relevant lessons to India’s institutional landscape, industrial priorities and employment needs.

 

A roadmap from planning to establishment

In the planning phase, SEMI and IDTA will engage industry, universities, technical institutions, training centers and laboratories to define the Academy’s governance, operating model, curriculum priorities, funding framework and phased implementation. The plan is expected to address:

  • an annually refreshed national forecast of semiconductor skills demand by role, capability and location;

  • industry-validated occupational standards and stackable credentials for priority jobs in design, fabrication, assembly, testing, marking and packaging, and equipment operations;

  • access to shared laboratories, tools and simulation environments;

  • apprenticeships, on-the-job training and employment-linked pathways; and

  • annual reporting on proficiency, placement, retention and employer satisfaction.


The Academy is intended to serve the full semiconductor talent pyramid: from fab-ready technicians and operators to manufacturing, packaging and design engineers, advanced researchers and materials scientists, and system and solution architects. It will place particular emphasis on hands-on capability in process and equipment operations, facilities, maintenance, packaging, testing, quality and safety, alongside India’s established strength in semiconductor design.

 

The initiative will also complement Pax Silica, through which India, the United States and other trusted partners are pursuing greater resilience, security and innovation across semiconductor and artificial-intelligence supply chains. A deeper pool of skilled talent in India can strengthen both India’s domestic ecosystem and trusted international technology partnerships.

 

Quotations:

S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY
“India’s semiconductor strategy must be built not only on capital and infrastructure, but also on people. The proposed India Semiconductor Academy can strengthen the training objectives of the India Semiconductor Mission by aligning education and skilling with the real requirements of industry, and by creating pathways from learning to productive employment.”

 

Ajit Manocha, President and Chief Executive Officer, SEMI
“SEMI is pleased to bring its global industry network and its experience with workforce-development initiatives to this collaboration. India has an important opportunity to connect educators, employers and learners through industry-defined competencies and hands-on training that can support semiconductor growth at scale.”

 

Arun Kumar, Chair, Executive Committee Chair, India Deep Tech Alliance and Managing Partner, Celesta Capital
“Talent is the longest lead-time input in semiconductor development. The Academy will help India translate its formidable technical potential into fab-ready and industry-ready capability. It will also reinforce the trusted technology partnerships envisaged by Pax Silica by expanding the skilled workforce available to India and thus its partners across the semiconductor value chain.”

 

April Arnzen, EVP and Chief People Officer, Micron Technology
“Micron is pleased to support the India Semiconductor Academy and its vision to strengthen India’s semiconductor talent pipeline. Building a workforce ready for the demands of a rapidly growing semiconductor industry requires close collaboration among industry, academia, and government. Initiatives like ISA create valuable opportunities for industry to help inform workforce competencies, share insights on evolving talent needs, and support the development of educational pathways that prepare students for high-impact semiconductor careers.”

 

Dr Pradeep Khosla, Chancellor, University of California San Diego
“India’s semiconductor opportunity is ultimately a talent opportunity. The India Semiconductor Academy can help build the industry-ready workforce that will enable India to move from ambition to leadership across the semiconductor value chain. UC San Diego is pleased to partner with SEMI and IDTA as a founding participant on this important national platform and is proud to contribute its expertise in engineering, advanced computing, research and workforce development to this important national effort, while strengthening the trusted technology partnerships between India and the United States.”

 

Jayashankar Narayanankutty, Group Director – Sales, Cadence
“Cadence is pleased to support the India Semiconductor Academy and its vision to build an industry-ready workforce for India’s expanding semiconductor ecosystem. As the industry evolves under ISM 2.0 beyond traditional design services toward IP creation, product ownership, and manufacturing, scaling specialized talent across the entire value chain requires close alignment between industry, academia, and government. Initiatives like ISA provide a crucial framework to translate academic potential into practical capabilities aligned with real-world design and manufacturing demands. We look forward to collaborating with SEMI and IDTA to help nurture the next generation of engineers and support India’s transition into a global semiconductor innovation hub.”

 

LW Yong, Head of Operations, CG Semi
“Building India’s semiconductor ecosystem will require us to build the talent ecosystem alongside it. We are already seeing the intensity of the talent challenge, but we have also been impressed by the hunger and willingness of Indian engineers and technicians to learn and take on this industry. With the right infrastructure and training, we believe India can build the deep talent pool needed to support a globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem.”

 

Atul Lall, Managing Director & Vice Chairman, Dixon Technologies
“India’s engineering potential is immense, but scaling our semiconductor and electronics ecosystem requires converting that potential into specialized, industry-ready capabilities. Through the India Semiconductor Academy (ISA), we have a unique opportunity to align education directly with real-world manufacturing demands. Dixon Technologies with its long experience in electronics manufacturing is proud to support this initiative, creating clear, employment-linked pathways for young professionals and driving India’s vision of self-reliance in advanced electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.”


Sudeep Shivalli, Regional Senior Director – GTM, Synopsys
“India stands at a pivotal moment in its semiconductor journey. As the nation expands its semiconductor capabilities across chip design, manufacturing, packaging, and system innovation, the demand for highly skilled talent has never been greater. Future engineers must be equipped to navigate the growing complexity of AI-enabled chip design, multi-die architectures, advanced packaging, hardware-software co-design, verification, and system-level optimization. The SEMI and IDTA is launching India Semiconductor Academy which can serve as a critical bridge between academia and industry, helping develop talent that is ready for real-world semiconductor challenges. Synopsys being a global leader in silicon to systems engineering solutions, is proud to support this vision to empower India’s next generation of innovators and strengthen the country’s position as a trusted global semiconductor partner.”

 

Surendra Babu Mandava, Chief Executive Officer, 3D Glass Solutions Inc.
“For companies like ours building fabs on the ground in India, manpower is the single most critical variable for success, as critical as capital or equipment. We need process engineers who can run and troubleshoot fab tools, technicians trained specifically to operate and maintain that equipment, skilled teams who can build and manage fab infrastructure itself, and increasingly, AI and software talent to enable intelligent, data-driven manufacturing. The Academy can help ensure that talent pipeline is ready in parallel with our facilities, not years behind them.”

 

Yogesh S Chauhan, Professor & Head, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Kanpur
“India has a vast pool of engineering and technical talent. The opportunity before us is to translate that talent into specialised, industry-ready capability across semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. By bringing industry, academia and government together, the India Semiconductor Academy can help bridge this gap and create employment-linked pathways for India’s young workforce. We are proud to support this collaborative effort.”

 

Next steps

The two organizations will constitute a joint working process and consult partners from industry and academia. The resulting plan will set out the institutional design and the commitments required for establishment, including public support, industry contributions in cash and in kind, access to facilities and expertise, and sustainable program revenues over time.

 

About collaborating organizations

SEMI

SEMI® is the global industry association connecting over 4,000 companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics.

Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more. 

 

India Deep Tech Alliance

The India Deep Tech Alliance is an industry-led consortium of investors, corporates, technology partners, and ecosystem stakeholders focused on accelerating India’s deep tech companies across AI, semiconductors, advanced computing, robotics, biotech, and more. IDTA convenes capital access, technical mentorship, market linkages, and policy engagement to help founders build globally competitive technology companies from India.

Learn more at idtalliance.org.

IDTA Members Invest Approximately INR 2,170 Crores Across 56 Deep-Tech Companies in Alliance's First Year

  • Capital was deployed across all five RDI Scheme’s priority sectors

  • Announcement at SEMICON India 2026 marks one year since IDTA’s launch

 

Members of the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) invested approximately INR 2,170 crores across 56 deep-tech companies between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026, as self-reported by IDTA members. IDTA announced the figure at SEMICON India 2026 today, approximately one year after the Alliance was launched as an industry-led initiative to mobilise long-term private capital, technical expertise and ecosystem support for Indian deep-tech companies.

 

Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Min for Electronics & IT), Mr. Arun Kumar (Chair, IDTA & Celesta Capital Managing Partner), Sriram Viswanathan, ECM, IDTA & Founding Managing Partner, Celesta Capital

 

The investments were made independently by individual IDTA members in accordance with their respective investment strategies and processes. The first-year figure reflects deepening investor conviction in India-built deep-tech companies and the breadth of capital deployment across strategic technology sectors.

 

Capital Deployed Across Five Priority Sectors of RDI Scheme

Artificial intelligence and its application to Indian problems drew approximately INR 639 crores across 16 companies. Deep technology spanning quantum computing, robotics and space accounted for approximately INR 649 crores across 21 companies.

 

Energy security and transition, and climate action attracted approximately INR 655 crores across 8 companies; biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology and pharmaceuticals approximately INR 189 crores across 7 companies; and the digital economy, including digital agriculture, approximately INR 38 crores across 4 companies.

 

Beyond Capital

IDTA was established around the premise that deep-tech companies require more than financing alone. Successful commercialisation also requires access to technical expertise, research capabilities, manufacturing and supply-chain partners, customers, global markets and an enabling policy environment. The Alliance brings together investors, corporations and industry associations to strengthen these connections while preserving the independence of each member’s investment decisions.

 

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India said, “India has built a strong foundation of scientific talent and research capability; the next imperative is to translate this strength into globally competitive technologies, products and enterprises. Deep-tech innovation requires patient capital and sustained support through research, validation, commercialisation and scale. The capital deployed by IDTA members in the five priority sectors identified under the RDI Scheme is an encouraging indication of growing private-sector confidence in India’s innovation ecosystem. The RDI Scheme and industry-led initiatives can complement each other in strengthening the pathways through which promising technologies move from the laboratory to the market and create long-term strategic and economic value for India.”

 

Sriram Viswanathan, Executive Committee Member, India Deep Tech Alliance & Founding Managing Partner, Celesta Capital, said, “When we announced the launch of IDTA at SEMICON India 2025, our conviction was that India’s deep-tech opportunity required a sustained, industry-led effort bringing together patient capital, technical expertise and pathways to commercial scale. One year later, the nearly INR 2,170 crores invested by IDTA members across more than 50 promising companies shows that this vision is beginning to translate into measurable action.  The progress of IDTA members over the past year demonstrates that private capital is moving alongside India’s national ambition and the investments announced today are tangible evidence of that momentum. This is an important first milestone, but the larger task is to help India’s deep-tech companies build enduring businesses, access global markets and emerge as technology leaders in their respective fields.”

 

About the India Deep Tech Alliance

The India Deep Tech Alliance is an industry-led consortium of investors, corporates, technology partners, and ecosystem stakeholders focused on accelerating India’s deep tech companies across AI, semiconductors, advanced computing, robotics, biotech, and more. IDTA convenes capital access, technical mentorship, market linkages, and policy engagement to help founders build globally competitive technology companies from India.

 

Learn more at idtalliance.org.


Additional Quotes:

Ravi Kiran Vadapally, Executive Committee Member, India Deep Tech Alliance & Chief Financial Officer & Partner (Early Stage), Premji Invest said, “A year into this journey, our conviction in India’s deep tech opportunity has only strengthened. Over the past twelve months, we have been active on the ground — committing risk capital to early-stage companies across deep tech including – semiconductors, defence tech, bio tech, robotics, and AI. The quality of entrepreneurship we are seeing convinces us this ecosystem is inflecting. Building globally competitive companies in strategic and sunrise domains takes more than capital alone — it requires patient partnership, deep sector expertise, and a willingness to walk with founders through the hard, capital-intensive early years. That is the role we see for ourselves in this consortium. We remain fully committed to working alongside the government and our fellow partners to strengthen the surrounding ecosystem — talent, infrastructure, and follow-on capital — so that the companies in this sector have a real shot at becoming tomorrow’s global champions.”


Gopal Jain, Executive Committee Member, India Deep Tech Alliance & Managing Director & CEO, Gaja Capital, said, “India has no shortage of scientific talent or ambitious founders. The critical opportunity is to build stronger pathways through which research can become intellectual property, commercially viable products, and scalable companies. The breadth of investment by IDTA members is an encouraging indication that more Indian innovations are beginning to make that transition. Over the past three decades we have seen the emergence of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. Now we are witnessing the emergence of an innovation ecosystem”

 

Pranav Pai, Executive Committee Member, India Deep Tech Alliance & Managing Partner, 3one4 Capital, said, “India has deep reserves of scientific talent and ambitious founders. The critical need is to build stronger pathways through which research becomes commercially viable products, protected intellectual property and companies that can scale. India is now integrating a continuum of research, grants and equity to fund innovation across sectors, and the breadth of investment by IDTA members reflects how quickly that opportunity is widening.”

Crompton Unveils AI-Powered Ganesh Chaturthi Film Highlighting its Smart and Connected Pumps Blending in the Festive Spirit

Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival of devotion, family and community togetherness. From cleaning and decorating the home to welcoming Lord Ganesha into the home to the emotional ritual of ‘visarjan’, water plays an integral role throughout the journey. Building on this deep cultural connection, Crompton Pumps has launched its AI-powered digital film for Ganesh Chaturthi, that places the Crompton IntelliSense SmartPro at the heart of a contemporary festive Story.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/36839_Crompton_18_2026.jpg

Crompton – Ganesh Chaturthi Campaign


Crompton Pumps work quietly and smartly in every household simplifying everyday life and are also an integral part of special occasions. Through its warm and emotive storytelling, Crompton seamlessly weaves this insight into a festive narrative, showcasing its recently launched Smart Controller which delivers on the promise of ‘Trusted Performance, Har Din.’


The AI-powered digital film is an attempt of Crompton Pumps to build consumer centricity into a functional category highlighting the narrative of ‘everyday life becoming easier with smart technology’. Crompton Pumps launched Crompton IntelliSense SmartPro, a smart and connected automatic controller designed to simplify everyday water management solutions.


Speaking about the campaign, Tanmay Prusty, Chief Marketing Officer, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., said, “Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration filled with devotion, family and togetherness, and we wanted to capture these familiar moments in a warm and relatable way. With this film, we wanted to bring Crompton Pumps’ trusted performance into a festive setting while showing how smarter water management solutions can make everyday life more convenient. Through AI-enabled storytelling, we have brought this festive narrative to life in a playful and contemporary format, while staying true to our promise of trusted performance, every day.”


Set against the backdrop of a joyful family celebration, the film opens with a young boy shaping Lord Ganesha with clay and helping set up his home for festivities. It then follows the family through moments of celebration, devotion and togetherness before transitioning into the emotional farewell sequence of the ‘visarjan’ backed by the enduring belief of welcoming Bappa home again next year. As the family prepares for ‘visarjan’, the pond begins filling with water, explaining how “Crompton IntelliSense SmartPro Automatic Controller understands every home’s water requirement automatically, every day;” closing with Crompton Pumps’ brand promise of “Trusted Performance, Har Din.”


The film will run across Crompton’s digital and social platforms throughout the festive period, with Maharashtra identified as the primary market for activation. The campaign aims not only to strengthen Crompton’s association with occasions where uninterrupted water is crucial, but also to illustrate how Crompton Pumps can simplify everyday living.


YouTube: www.youtu.be/cL687DEsVvY
Instagram: www.instagram.com/reel/DdMdJDrTqYM/?stkn=dWoxYThyOXAxOTZj
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/v/18T1d74E1o/
X: www.x.com/crompton_india/status/2098817558547968402?s=46


About Crompton
With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions, and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after-sales service to its customers. Beyond its consumer portfolio, Crompton also has a robust B2B presence in the Lighting segment, delivering advanced and energy-efficient solutions for commercial and industrial applications. In 2025, Crompton became the first lighting company to receive the GreenPro certification for its B2B lighting solution, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Strengthening its foothold in the renewable energy space, the company has forayed into solar rooftops—representing a significant step forward in its contribution to India’s evolving clean energy landscape. With solar solutions spanning lighting, pumps, and rooftops, Crompton continues to lead as a responsible and future-ready brand in sustainable energy.


The company’s consistent dedication to developing energy-efficient products has led to significant recognition. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by BEE, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu for the company’s storage water heater in 2023. In 2019, the brand won in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs. Additionally, it was recognized as one of India’s Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and listed among ‘India’s Top 500 Companies 2022’ by Dun & Bradstreet India. The company has also been featured in Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category.

Prudential Health India Launches 'Sense Banta Hai', its First Brand Campaign

Prudential Health India (Prudential HCL Health Insurance Limited) has launched “‘Sense Banta Hai’”, its first brand campaign. The digital-first campaign uses humour and relatable storytelling to question some of the complexities people have come to accept in health insurance and presents simpler, more thoughtful alternatives.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/36834_PHI_%20Campaign_Image.jpg

Prudential Health India launches its first brand campaign, “Sense Banta Hai”


Health insurance often enters the conversation at moments of illness, uncertainty or financial anxiety. Yet the decisions surrounding it can be difficult to understand and the experience can add to the stress customers are already facing. ‘Sense Banta Hai’ is founded on a simple belief: health insurance should make things clearer, not more complicated, and help families make confident decisions before, during and after a health event.


The campaign brings this belief alive through three impactful films inspired by relevant situations in Indian families, highlighting Prudential Health India’s key offerings.

 

  • Child Protect: A parent takes rudimentary precautions to keep a child safe but recognises that protecting the child’s future requires longer-term, strategic thinking. The film introduces Child Protect as a thoughtful way to strengthen the child’s health protection.

  • Pre-Post Express Pay: A person recovering from a fracture struggles to find a physical medical bill. The situation highlights the added burden of managing paperwork during recovery and demonstrates how Pre-Post Express Pay is designed to make the reimbursement experience simpler.

  • Health check-up consultation: A family offers multiple interpretations of a medical report, showing that information without the right guidance can create greater confusion. The film underscores the value of a doctor consultation following a health check-up.

 

The three stories are connected by a consistent idea: when health insurance anticipates a real customer need and provides a clear, relevant solution, Sense Banta Hai!


Sharing his thoughts on the campaign, Amit Dave, MD & CEO Designate, Prudential Health India, said, “At Prudential Health India, our ambition is to build a health insurer that supports customers before, during and after a health event. Whether it’s helping parents plan for their child’s future through Child Protect, reducing the friction associated with reimbursement through Pre-Post Express Pay, or enabling customers to better understand and act on their health through doctor consultations, we are focused on delivering solutions that go beyond financial protection. ‘Sense Banta Hai’ reflects our belief that health insurance should be practical, relevant and genuinely helpful. As we help customers navigate their health journey with greater confidence and peace of mind, choosing Prudential Health India simply makes sense.”


Manesha Kulkarni Colaco, Chief Marketing Officer, Prudential Health India, offered her views, saying, “Our first campaign had to begin with the customer. During our primary research with consumers, advisors and other stakeholders, we repeatedly encountered aspects of health insurance that felt unnecessarily complex or disconnected from everyday needs. ‘Sense Banta Hai’ turns those insights into simple, relatable stories. For us, ‘Sense Banta Hai’ is not just a campaign platform; it is a decision standard for Prudential Health India. Every product, feature, service and customer experience is evaluated through a simple lens: does it solve a real customer need in a way that is clear, relevant and genuinely helpful? It also gives our agency and D2C channels a common language to communicate value, drive trust and make health insurance easier to understand and choose.”


Created by TBWALintas, the campaign features well-known actor Sharib Hashmi and brings together everyday family dynamics and product-led storytelling to introduce Prudential Health India’s approach to health insurance. The campaign has been rolled out through an integrated strategy across digital platforms. 

 

Sense Banta Hai! – Prudential Health India


Link to the YouTube video: Prudential Health India – Sense Banta Hai Campaign
Link to the website: Prudential Health Insurance – Buy Insurance Policies Online


About Prudential HCL Health Insurance Limited
Prudential HCL Health Insurance Limited is a standalone health insurance company and a joint venture between Prudential plc and the HCL Group. The company offers health insurance solutions designed around customer needs, combining innovative products, AI-powered experiences, preventive health initiatives, and dedicated support services to help customers confidently manage their healthcare journeys. Its purpose is to help make health a family’s greatest asset by ensuring families are never alone in critical health moments.

Sony India Unveils the FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS G Master Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens

Sony India today announced the launch of the FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS, the latest addition to its flagship G Master series of full-frame Alpha E-mount cameras. Designed for wildlife, birding, sports and photojournalism creators, the new lens combines outstanding optical performance, high-speed autofocus, and enhanced portability to help professionals capture every moment with clarity.

 

FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS G Master Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens

 

Covering a 100-400 mm focal range with a constant F4.5 aperture, the FE 100-400mm lens delivers remarkable high resolution and beautiful bokeh similar with Sony’s G Master series. The lens comes with advanced autofocus technology and offers autofocus that speeds up to approximately 3x faster compared to previous generation models.

 

With an 1,840 g build up, it comes with an innovative internal zoom structure that maintains a stable centre of gravity throughout the zoom range, enabling smooth handheld operation and improved shooting comfort for professionals on the move.

 

“We are excited to further strengthen Sony India’s extensive G Master lens portfolio with the launch of the FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS. Designed for professional photographers and videographers, this lens combines exceptional telephoto reach, fast and precise autofocus performance, a lightweight form factor and outstanding image quality. It is ideally suited for demanding genres such as wildlife, sports, birding, and photojournalism. With one of the most comprehensive premium lens ecosystems in the industry, Sony continues to empower professionals with advanced capabilities,” said Mukesh Srivastava, Head-Imaging & Professional Solution Business, Sony India.

 

Exceptional G Master Optics:

The FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS is designed to deliver exceptional image quality across the entire 100-400 mm zoom range, maintaining fine detail and clarity even when shooting wide open at F4.5. Additionally, it also comes with an enhanced optical construction, a newly developed ED XA (Extra-low Dispersion extreme aspherical) element, along with XA (extreme aspherical), two Super ED (extra-low Dispersion), and three ED glass elements. Together, these elements effectively suppress chromatic and spherical aberrations to achieve high resolution and sharpness from the centre to the edges of the frame throughout the zoom range.

 

With Sony’s Nano AR Coating II, it helps minimize ghosting and flare, enabling high-contrast images even in challenging surroundings. The lens also comes with an 11-blade circular aperture with precision spherical aberration control, producing the smooth and natural background blur characteristic of the G Master series.

 

A constant F4.5 maximum aperture ensures stable exposure while zooming, making it especially useful for both still photography and videography. Additionally, the lens supports optional tele converters, extending focal length capabilities up to 800 mm, or up to 1,200 mm when used in APS-C mode.

 

Fast and Reliable Autofocus Performance

The new lens is designed with four custom-optimized XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, a floating focus mechanism, and Sony’s latest autofocus algorithms to deliver highly responsive and precise autofocus performance. Together, these features enable autofocus speeds that are up to 3x faster, along with approximately 50% improved subject tracking performance compared to the previous-generation model.

 

It is also fully compatible with the Alpha 9 III’s high-speed continuous shooting capabilities of up to 120 fps with AF/AE tracking, helping creators reliably capture fast-moving subjects with greater accuracy and consistency.

 

Lightweight Build with Enhanced Mobility

The FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS offers advanced optical design, precision mechanical engineering, lightweight yet durable magnesium alloy barrel components, and high-efficiency XD Linear Motors to achieve a compact and strong build weighing approximately 65 oz. (1,840 g). Despite its super-telephoto capabilities, the lens is designed to support comfortable handheld shooting and extended usage in the field.

 

Its inner-zoom design maintains a constant lens length and stable center of gravity throughout the zoom range, allowing photographers to make precise framing adjustments without affecting balance or handling.

 

Built for professional Handling and offers Reliably under challenging conditions

It is designed to support professional shooting requirements across both photography and videography. With built-in image stabilization feature, it supports Active Mode and works in coordination with compatible camera bodies to deliver stable handheld shooting performance. The lens also supports the camera body’s breathing compensation feature, helping minimize angle-of-view shifts during focus transitions while recording video.

 

For enhanced flexibility, the lens includes four customizable focus hold buttons along with a dedicated function ring, enabling intuitive and personalized control based on shooting preferences.

 

Built with a dust and moisture resistant design, the lens is further protected by a fluorine coating on the front element, helping maintain reliable performance in demanding outdoor conditions while making the surface easier to clean.

 

Sustainability-focused design and packaging

As part of Sony’s Road to Zero initiative, the lens incorporates recycled materials across multiple components. More than 22% of the product’s total plastic weight is made using recycled plastic, including over 11% in the lens barrel, more than 41% in the lens hood, and over 78% in the lens caps. In addition, Sony is also transitioning towards recyclable non-plastic packaging materials, with plant-based non-woven fabrics being used for the product bags as part of its broader sustainability efforts.

 

Pricing and Availability 

The FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS lens will be available across all Sony Center and Alpha Flagship stores, Sony authorized dealers, major electronic stores across India & on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon & Flipkart from 22nd May 2026 onwards.

 

Model 

MRP (in INR) 

Availability

FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS

4,66,990/-

Available now

 

About Sony Alpha Community

In an effort to build a robust Alpha community with a strong network of amateur and professional photographers on one platform, a special initiative has been undertaken by Sony India where users can now avail several benefits by simply registering their Alpha cameras, lenses and accessories on the Alpha Community. Some of the benefits of registration include an extended warranty of 3 years (2-year standard warranty + 1 Year extended warranty) and free exclusive workshops by Sony experts and Artisans. Customers can also avail attractive discounts on photo tours (50% discount on photo tours for their first trip and 25% discount for the consecutive trips) and a chance to participate in photography/videography contests to win exciting prizes like cameras, lens and professional camcorders and a lot more. The platform will be a one-stop destination to get all latest updates, firmware updates, free service camps, workshops and new launches for Sony Alpha. For more information, visit Alpha Community.

 

Explore the new Sony Alpha Community App. We invite you to download, experience, and share feedback on the app.

Register your Sony products with ease

Join expert-led Alpha Classroom sessions

Stay informed about upcoming workshops near you

 

Download Now:

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iOS: apple.co/43EydLs

 

Alpha Classroom: Alpha Classroom is a series of tutorials where experts will take you through the nuances of photography & Videography, advise you on the right gear and help you explore your creative potential to reach its fullest expression. Come, learn with us and together, we will conquer the world of your dreams. alphacommunity.in/alpha-classroom/courses

 

Ask an Expert: Ask an Expert is a one-stop platform to get all your questions related to cameras, lenses, gear and more answered by a Sony Alpha Expert. It’s easy, convenient and absolutely free! Yup! You heard it right. Choose your slot and book an appointment with an expert today! alphacommunity.in/ask-an-expert

 

About Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

Sony India Private Limited (Sony India), a private limited company with its ultimate holding company as Sony Group Corporation, Japan, has established itself as a premium brand in various product categories including television, digital imaging, personal audio, home entertainment, gaming, car audio, and professional solutions. The company places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and maintains high standards in sales and services. Sony also prioritizes environmental sustainability, aiming to achieve a zero environmental footprint throughout the lifecycle of its products and business activities to contribute to a healthier and enriched life for all of humanity and future generations.

 

Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

A-18, Mohan Co-operative Industrial Estate, New Delhi – 44 | www.sony.co.in

New Toll Paid customer care no: 08065006500

Har Ghar Hira, Har Ghar KIRA: An Indian Company Leading the Charge, Supplying Lab-Grown Diamonds to the World

KIRA, the World’s Largest Grower and Manufacturer of CVD Lab-grown Diamonds, has won Highest Employment on Company Rolls at the 52nd India Gem & Jewellery Awards (IGJA), the award for the largest direct workforce in India’s gem and jewellery industry. At the same ceremony, the Lifetime Achievement Award, the industry’s highest personal honour, was conferred on Kira’s Founder – Shri Vallabhbhai Patel for 55 years in the diamond industry.

 

Shri Vallabhbhai Patel, Founder, KIRA, receives the Lifetime Achievement Award, Shanay Parekh & Ashish Lakhani, Directors at KIRA receive the Highest Employment Award

 

Shri Vallabhbhai Patel, Founder, KIRA, receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from Shri Amit Shah, Hon’ble Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, at the 52nd India Gem & Jewellery Awards. Shanay Parekh, Director, KIRA, receives the award for Highest Employment on Company Rolls at the same ceremony. Photo credit: GJEPC

 

Chief Guest at the ceremony Shri Amit Shah spoke at length about the Era of Labgrown Diamonds – “Ab lab-grown diamond ka zamana aane wala hai. The era of lab-grown diamonds is upon us, and I urge you not to focus merely on the price point. In terms of volume, the market for lab-grown diamonds is poised to expand to nearly 50 times the size of the current diamond market,”

 

“The time has come to change our scale. Speed alone will not do it. Change the scale and you will rise much higher,” he told the industry, adding that India should emerge as a founder industry in lab-grown diamonds, setting the category’s terms rather than following them, with Indian brands becoming global brands.

 

Lifetime Achievement Award: 55 years in diamonds – Founder of KIRA & Kiran Gems

 

Shri Vallabhbhai S. Patel has spent 55 years in diamonds. He was born into a cotton-farming family in a village of about five hundred people in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district and studied only to the fourth standard. In 1971 he took a job at a diamond-cutting workshop there. A venture of his own in 1978 failed and left him in debt; his father gave him the money to repay it, and in 1982 he moved his family to Bombay.

 

In 1985 he founded Kiran Gems with his brothers and built it into the world’s largest manufacturer of natural polished diamonds, a company that has won IGJA honours edition after edition.


In 2022, at the age of 65 – when most people retire, he founded KIRA. Four years on it is the world’s largest grower of lab-grown diamonds. He is the only person in the industry to have built the world’s largest company in both. At KIRA’s launch he set out its purpose in one line – “Har ghar Hira, har ghar KIRA.” i.e. A diamond in every home. “I have worked all my life on a diamond very few people in my village could ever own. A labgrown diamond changes that,” said Shri Vallabhbhai Patel, Founder, KIRA.

 

“In 2021 he said publicly that he would build a lab-grown diamond company and make it the largest in the world. Most of the trade was still deciding whether the category was real. He did it in four years. That is vision, and that is scale,” said Ashish Lakhani, Director, KIRA.

 

Highest Employment on Company Rolls: a company of more than 10,500 people

The award is measured on one number: how many people a company carries on its own rolls. KIRA has gone from 2,000 to more than 10,500 in roughly four years, the largest direct workforce of any company in India’s gem and jewellery industry. It is the measure on which GJEPC judged the award for 2025-26.

 

Planning, sawing, cutting, polishing, grading, certification, setting and despatch are all carried out in-house, each stage staffed by the company’s own employees. Nine of every ten of the world’s polished diamonds are cut in Surat, a figure the Minister cited in his address, and KIRA’s artisans work in that tradition.

 

Alongside the payroll, KIRA and the founding family support community development, women’s empowerment, hostel donations and the Kiran medical college and hospital.

 

“Our artisans and employees are the real gems behind KIRA. More than ten thousand of them built this company in four years, and everything we have achieved rests on their skill and their commitment. We are grateful to every one of them, and this award is theirs,” said Shanay Parekh, Director, KIRA.

 

“One in every three lab-grown diamonds in the world is cut by our people. Machines can grow a diamond. Only a skilled hand can finish one,” said Rajesh Lakhani, Founder, KIRA.

 

KIRA already runs the chain the Minister described

“I urge all of you to ensure that the entire ecosystem and manufacturing chain of lab-grown diamonds remains firmly in Indian hands: from making the machine to the moment the jewellery reaches a woman’s hand, the whole system should be in India’s control. You can do it. Surat and Mumbai have shown it,” the Minister said, noting that the Government of India, with the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat, is bringing policy support to the sector.

 

KIRA : Growing, cutting, polishing, grading, certification and jewellery manufacturing all happen under one roof at KIRA’s one million sq ft facility in Surat, on the world’s largest fleet of CVD machines. The company runs 5,000+ growing machines and produces over 400,000 polished carats a month. One in every three lab-grown diamonds in the world comes from KIRA.

 

Production runs on 100 MW of captive solar, rising to 200 MW over the next two years. KIRA exports to 75+ countries and supplies over 6,000 clients worldwide, with 400,000+ certified stones live on its inventory portal.

 

Demand is moving quickly in the largest markets. In the United States, over 61 per cent of engagement rings now carry a lab-grown centre stone. Younger buyers ask where a stone came from and how it was made, and a fully traceable diamond grown on renewable power answers both questions. Affordability widens the market further: more people can own a diamond, in more sizes and more designs, than at any point in the trade’s history.

 

About KIRA

KIRA is the world’s largest grower and manufacturer of CVD lab-grown diamonds. It grows, cuts, polishes, grades and sets lab-grown diamonds under one roof at its one million sq ft facility in Surat, India, running 5,000+ CVD growing machines and over 400,000 polished carats a month on 100 MW of captive solar. KIRA exports to 75+ countries and supplies over 6,000 clients worldwide, with 400,000+ certified stones live and more than 10,500 people on company rolls. Channel Offices: Mumbai, Surat, Hong Kong, New York.

 

www.kiradiam.com | www.instagram.com/kiradiam

 

Notes for Editors

The event: The 52nd India Gem & Jewellery Awards were held on 13 September 2026 at the Bharat Diamond Bourse, Mumbai. First held in 1975, the awards recognise export performance, value addition, employment generation and R&D investment. The sector accounts for 6.3 per cent of India’s merchandise exports and supports around 75 lakh direct and indirect jobs. India processes over 90 per cent of the world’s cut and polished diamonds.

 

Dignitaries present: Shri Amit Shah, Hon’ble Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation (Chief Guest); Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Shri Eknath Shinde, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat; Adv. Ashish Shelar and Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Ministers, Government of Maharashtra; Shri Govind Dholakia, MP, Rajya Sabha; Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Anoop Mehta, President, Bharat Diamond Bourse; & others.

Novel Patterns Wins 'Best Agentic AI Application' at ET Enterprise AI Awards 2026 for Bringing Governed AI Reasoning to Lending

Novel Patterns, an AI-native financial intelligence company built for financial institutions, has won the ‘Best Agentic AI Application’ award at the 2nd edition of the ET Enterprise AI Awards 2026.

 

Ashutosh Singh, CFO & Head of Products, Novel Patterns, receives the ‘Best Agentic AI Application’ award at the ET Enterprise AI Awards 2026

 

The recognition acknowledges Novel Patterns’ application of agentic AI to complex lending decisions through DecisionOS, its decision intelligence Platform for financial institutions. DecisionOS connects financial evidence, policy, reasoning and workflow to help AI move beyond task automation and participate intelligently across the lending lifecycle. Novel Patterns’ solutions are currently live with 140+ financial institutions across India, Africa and Southeast Asia.

 

Ashwani Arora, CEO, Novel Patterns, said, “Banks and NBFCs don’t adopt AI simply because it is fast. They adopt it when it can improve decision capacity while remaining accurate, explainable and defensible in front of a regulator, an auditor and a credit committee. We built DecisionOS around a simple discipline: AI reasons on evidence, operates within policy, and every output carries a traceable record of how it got there.”

 

DecisionOS: Intelligence Across the Lending Lifecycle

  • CRM Intelligence – every lead captured, qualified and intelligently routed.

  • Journey Intelligence – onboarding journeys that dynamically adapt to customer context.

  • Credit Intelligence – bank statements, financial statements, bureau, tax and salary data transformed into a decision-ready view, with reasoning attached.

  • Document Intelligence – documents classified, extracted and checked for inconsistencies and potential tampering.

  • Policy Intelligence – policy intent and circulars converted into executable, versioned and simulated rules.

  • Post-Disbursal Intelligence – financial and behavioural signals monitored to identify emerging borrower stress before missed payments become the first signal.

  • Incentive Intelligence – payouts and reconciliation orchestrated across channels.

  • Collateral Management Intelligence – asset value, ownership and exposure monitored throughout the loan lifecycle.

  • Partner Portal Intelligence – partner ecosystems onboarded, allocated and monitored through a common intelligence layer.

And many more intelligence capabilities across the financial lifecycle.

 

Together, these capabilities connect customer context, financial evidence, policy, reasoning and workflow into a common decision fabric.

 

Built for Financial Intelligence – Not Generic AI

The intelligence behind DecisionOS is purpose-built for financial decision-making. The platform is designed around a multi-layer trust architecture incorporating source-grounded processing, policy and rule validation, cross-document reconciliation, confidence scoring and human-in-the-loop review for exceptions.

 

 It analyses more than 400 financial and behavioural indicators and bring more than 1,000 behavioural risk signals into credit assessment. Proprietary financial ontologies provide the domain context required to interpret relationships across different sources of financial information.

 

DecisionOS combines this intelligence with policy and workflow, helping institutions understand what the evidence means, which policy applies, why a recommendation was generated and what needs to happen next.

 

From AI Automation to Decision Intelligence

For Novel Patterns, the award is a milestone in a larger ambition: to build a connected intelligence layer for financial decision-making.

 

The objective is not to replace human judgement, but to let AI handle more of the complexity while people retain authority where judgement matters – with consequential decisions remaining explainable and auditable.

 

Intelligence that reasons. Decisions that remain human. Outcomes that can be trusted.

 

About Novel Patterns

Novel Patterns is an AI-native financial intelligence company building intelligent decision infrastructure for financial institutions. Its platforms combine financial domain intelligence, AI reasoning, decision orchestration and governance across lending and investment management. Novel Patterns’ solutions are used by 140+ financial institutions across India, Africa and Southeast Asia.

Lava Expands Bold Series with the Launch of Bold N4 Pro 5G On Amazon

  • 6000mAh battery with 18W charging

  • Dual Camera: 50MP AI Rear Camera with 8MP Front Camera*

  • Glossy Back Design coupled with 17.13cm (6.745″) HD+ Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate

  • 1 Android and 2 Security Updates

 

Lava International Limited, India’s leading homegrown smartphone brand, today announced the launch of the Bold N4 Pro 5G, the latest addition to its Bold series, bringing together powerful performance, long-lasting battery life, a smooth 120Hz display, and Lava’s intelligent AI companion, Vayu AI.

 

Lava launches Bold N4 Pro 5G on Amazon

 

Designed for consumers seeking a dependable everyday smartphone, the Bold N4 Pro 5G combines powerful hardware, a clean software experience and a durable build. Available in two stylish colour options, – Monaco Blue and Opulent Lilac, the smartphone brings together a modern design and reliable features for everyday use.

 

Design and Display

The Bold N4 Pro 5G features a 17.13 cm (6.75″) HD+ Notch display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, delivering an ultra-smooth visual experience for gaming, multimedia, and daily scrolling. Designed with a sleek and modern look, the smartphone is available in two stylish colour options, offering consumers a contemporary design that complements everyday use.

 

Performance and Memory

At the heart of the smartphone is the Octa-Core Unisoc T8200 processor, built on a 6nm architecture and achieving a 500K+ AnTuTu score. The processor is paired with 6GB RAM, which can be extended by up to 6GB through virtual RAM, enabling smooth multitasking, gaming and everyday app usage. The smartphone offers 128GB of onboard storage, with support for up to 1TB of expandable storage via microSD card, providing ample room for apps, photos, videos and other content.

 

Battery and Charging

Powering the Bold N4 Pro 5G is a 6000mAh battery, built to support users through their daily routines, whether it’s staying connected, streaming content or getting work done on the go. The device supports 18W fast charging, offering a convenient charging experience when users need to power up.

 

Camera and Connectivity

The Bold N4 Pro 5G is equipped with a 50MP AI rear camera that helps users capture sharp and detailed images across different everyday moments. With shooting modes such as Night Mode, HDR, Portrait, Film, Pro Mode and Motion Photo, the camera offers multiple ways to capture and experiment with content.

 

Adding to its content creation capabilities, the smartphone comes with Dual-View Video, enabling users to record from two perspectives at the same time. It also supports 2K video recording at 30fps for detailed video capture, while the 8MP front camera* is suited for selfies and video calls.

 

For connectivity, the smartphone supports dual 5G SIM connectivity and Bluetooth 5.4, along with a Hybrid SIM slot that accommodates either two Nano SIMs or one SIM and one microSD card. The smartphone also offers side-mounted fingerprint authentication and Face Unlock, giving users convenient options for quick and secure access.

 

Software and Durability

The Bold N4 Pro 5G runs on Android 16 with a bloatware-free UI, offering a clean and streamlined software experience without unnecessary pre-installed applications. It also features Vayu AI, Lava’s intelligent AI companion, bringing AI-powered functionality to everyday smartphone use. The smartphone is supported with 1 Android OS upgrade and 2 years of security updates, helping ensure a reliable and up-to-date software experience.

 

Built to withstand the demands of everyday use, the smartphone comes with an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, adding an extra layer of protection for users on the go.

 

Free Service @ Home

Continuing Lava’s customer-first philosophy, the Bold N4 Pro 5G comes supported by Lava’s signature Free Service @ Home, offering convenient after-sales support across India.

 

Pricing and Availability

The Bold N4 Pro 5G, priced at Rs. 15,999, will be available at a special launch price of Rs. 13,999 from 26 September 2026, 12 PM on Amazon.

 

Variant

Price (INR)

Special Launch Price (INR)

6GB + 128GB

15,999

13,999

 

Key Specifications

Feature

Specification

Display

17.13 cm (6.75″) HD+ 120Hz Display

Processor

Octa-core Unisoc T8200 Processor (500K+ AnTuTu Score)

Battery & Charger

6000mAh Battery & 18W Charger

Charging Port

Type-A to Type-C

RAM

6GB+ up to 6GB Virtual RAM

ROM

128GB

Expandable Memory

Up to 1TB (microSD)

SIM

Hybrid – 2 Nano SIMs or 1 SIM + 1 microSD

Camera

50MP AI Rear Camera & 8MP Front Camera*

IP Rating

IP64

Fingerprint Sensor

Side-mounted

Operating System

Android 16 (No bloatware)

Warranty

1 Year Replacement Warranty on Handset and 6 Months Warranty on Accessories

 

*Through Software Interpolation.

 

About Lava International Limited

#ProudlyIndian | Made in India, Made for India

 

Lava International Limited, headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, is a pioneering mobile handset and solutions company in India, founded in 2009 with the vision to empower individuals. The company’s corporate office and manufacturing facility, equipped with a production capacity of 42.52 million handsets per annum, are strategically located in Noida. Lava’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its two state-of-the-art research and development centers in Noida, housing dedicated teams in software and hardware design. The company’s extensive nationwide presence is facilitated by a robust retail network of 1.65 Lakh retailers, directly served by over 1000 distributors, and supported by a vast after-sales service network of 800+ professionally managed service centers. The brand has a global presence in 20+ countries.

 

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ARCH College Expands its Global Role in Design Education and Impact-Focused Entrepreneurship

ARCH College of Design & Business, Jaipur, is strengthening India’s contribution to international education and impact-focused entrepreneurship through its role as the Indian partner in Co-LIFE – Co-Designing Learning for Impact-Focused Entrepreneurship, a three-year Erasmus+ programme funded by the European Union.
 

Impact Focused Entrepreneurship workshop for educators with NCERT Expert and Entrepreneurs at ARCH Campus, Jaipur

 

As part of the international initiative, ARCH is bringing its expertise in design education, design-led innovation, creative entrepreneurship and sustainability to a collaborative European education ecosystem. The programme brings together partners from four countries — Belgium, Finland, Denmark and India — involving eight higher education institutions, creating opportunities for cross-border knowledge exchange and collaboration around new approaches to entrepreneurship education.
 

A key responsibility for ARCH within Co-LIFE is its leadership of Work Package 4, which focuses on developing a collaborative network involving businesses, non-academic organisations and other stakeholders. Through this role, ARCH is contributing to stronger connections between education, industry, entrepreneurship and the wider creative ecosystem, with a focus on developing learning approaches that can create meaningful impact.
 

As part of its Co-LIFE engagement, ARCH recently hosted an Entrepreneurship & Industry Interaction Workshop for Teachers, bringing together 45+ teachers and academics from 25 schools. The workshop focused on Impact-Focused Entrepreneurship (IFE), Design Thinking and the role of industry-linked learning in school education, exploring ways to make learning more creative, practical and connected to the real world.
 

The workshop brought the concept of Impact-Focused Entrepreneurship to life through real-world case studies. ARCH facilitated case studies of Jaipur Rugs, Kalpana Handmade Paper, Neeraja Blue Pottery and Jaipur Bloc, enabling participants to understand how design, innovation, sustainability, traditional knowledge and entrepreneurship can come together to create meaningful impact. The case studies also demonstrated how real business experiences can be translated into practical learning frameworks for students.
 

The workshop was led by Dr. Shipra Vaidya, Co-head, Faculty of Commerce, NCERT, who travelled from Delhi to Jaipur to conduct the session. The workshop encouraged educators to explore multidisciplinary approaches to entrepreneurship education and consider how Design Thinking can help students identify problems, ask meaningful questions, explore possibilities and develop innovative solutions.
 

Ms. Archana Surana, Founder, ARCH College of Design & Business, highlighted ARCH’s continuing Design Culture Initiative, which focuses on bringing Design Thinking and design sensibilities into school education. She encouraged educators to explore diverse design domains, including Service Design, Sustainable Design, Emotional Design and Systems Design, while introducing young learners to design-led problem-solving.
 

The programme also brought together entrepreneurs and education practitioners, including Nishant Patni, Founder, Hello English–CultureAlley; Divya Arora, Co-Founder, Kesar Sweets, Jaipur; Shekhar Gattani, Founder, Imlee Jaipur; and Sandeep Sethi, creator of the Jaipur Educational Festival. Their experiences provided educators with practical perspectives on entrepreneurship, employability, innovation, adaptability and problem-solving.
 

The workshop further explored the transformative potential of NEP 2020, particularly its emphasis on multidisciplinary and flexible learning. Educators were encouraged to connect industries with NCERT subjects, develop emerging business ideas, products or job roles, and identify ways in which such real-world connections could be integrated into classroom learning.
 

ARCH’s involvement in Co-LIFE reinforces its larger vision of making design education more relevant, interdisciplinary and impact-oriented. By bringing together design thinking, entrepreneurship and sustainability, ARCH aims to encourage learners and educators to move beyond conventional classroom approaches and engage with real-world challenges.
 

Through its leadership of Work Package 4, ARCH is contributing to the development of stronger networks between higher education institutions, businesses, non-academic organisations and other stakeholders. This international collaboration reflects ARCH’s broader purpose of connecting design, education, entrepreneurship, industry and sustainability to prepare learners for a rapidly evolving world.
 

As part of the ongoing Co-LIFE international engagement, Ms. Archana Surana, Founder, ARCH College of Design & Business, will travel to Finland as both a speaker and panellist, representing ARCH in the programme’s international academic engagements. On 21 September 2026, she will be at Laurea University of Applied Sciences as a speaker, presenting ARCH’s perspective and work around design-led education, impact-focused entrepreneurship and creative innovation. On 22 September 2026, she will participate in engagements at Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Vantaa, and LAB University of Applied Sciences, Lahti, including a panel discussion. Her participation will further strengthen ARCH’s contribution to the Co-LIFE programme and facilitate knowledge exchange between Indian and European higher education institutions.
 

Through its participation in Erasmus+ Co-LIFE, ARCH College of Design & Business continues to strengthen its international engagement while contributing an Indian perspective to the evolving global conversation around design-led education, impact-focused entrepreneurship, creative innovation and sustainability.

EasyShiksha Launches B2B Partner Program, Offering Lifetime Commission on Every Student Referral

EasyShiksha, an online education platform operated by EdSpectra Global Private Limited offering certification courses, internships, and university-affiliated programs, today announced the launch of its B2B Partner Program, a referral initiative open to individuals and institutions across India and internationally.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/36830_EasyShiksha_B2B_Partnership.png

Become a B2B Partner with a Leading EdTech Platform


The program allows educators, career counsellors, alumni networks, coaching institutes, colleges, and companies to refer students to EasyShiksha’s catalog of over 1,500 active courses and earn a commission on resulting enrollments — without taking on any responsibility for course delivery, certification, or student support, which remain entirely EasyShiksha’s own.


A Commission Model Built to Compound
Commission under the program scales with referral volume, starting at 15% for partners referring up to 100 paid students per month and rising to 30% for partners exceeding 1,000 referrals monthly.


The program’s central feature, according to the company, is that commission attribution does not expire after a student’s first purchase. Once a student is linked to a partner’s referral code, any future enrollment that student makes — a second certification, an internship, or a subscription — continues to generate commission for the original referring partner, with no requirement to refer that student again.


“We’ve always believed the best way to reach students isn’t more advertising — it’s people who are already trusted by the students who need us. Building a commission model that pays for the long term, not just the first referral, was our way of actually committing to that belief instead of just stating it,” said Sunil Sharma, CEO, EasyShiksha


Open to Individuals and Institutions Alike
The program is structured to accommodate two categories of partners on identical commercial terms: individuals — such as educators, counsellors, and alumni with an existing network — and institutions, including coaching centres, colleges, placement offices, and companies referring in bulk. Applications are free, and the company states that approved partners typically gain access to their referral dashboard within one to two business days of applying.


Partners are provided with a real-time dashboard showing referral activity, current commission tier, and payout history, along with marketing materials and message templates intended to reduce the effort required to begin referring students.


Availability
The B2B Partner Program is open for applications now, for both India-based and international applicants, with payouts available via bank transfer or PayPal depending on the partner’s location. Full program details, commission tiers, and the application process are available at www.easyshiksha.com/b2b-partners.


About EasyShiksha
EasyShiksha is an online education platform offering certification courses, internship programs, and certifications in association with partner universities, spanning technology, business, and professional-skills subjects. EasyShiksha is operated by EdSpectra Global Private Limited.