• Integrated business destination within SPR City supports the Tamil Nadu Government’s “Perambur 2.0” initiative, empowering MSMEs, startups and professionals with premium office ownership

• The launch, inaugurated by Chief Guest Thiru A.M. Vikram Raja, State President, Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangam Peramaippu, witnessed an overwhelming response from leading industrialists, entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and Chennai’s MSME community
   

SPR India recently announced the launch of District 12, a smart office space development within the 63-acre SPR City, offering MSMEs, startups, entrepreneurs, professionals and growing businesses the opportunity to own premium office spaces in one of Chennai’s fastest-emerging commercial destinations. Supporting the Tamil Nadu Government’s “Perambur 2.0” initiative, District 12 is set to accelerate Perambur’s transformation into a vibrant commercial, business and investment hub.
 

Mr. Hitesh Kawad, Managing Director and Mr. Navin Ranka, Director, felicitating Chief Guest Mr. Shelvi K. Dhamodar, Advocate, at the District 12 launch event at SPR City
 

In support of the Tamil Nadu Government’s “Perambur 2.0” initiative, District 12 was officially launched in the presence of Thiru A.M. Vikram Raja, State President, Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangam Peramaippu, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, along with leading industrialists, entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders.
 

The launch witnessed an overwhelming response from Chennai’s MSMEs, startups, IT/ITES companies, entrepreneurs, professionals, investors and business owners, reflecting the strong demand for professionally managed office ownership within an integrated commercial ecosystem.
 

Built around the compelling proposition, “Why Rent When You Can Own Your Office Space?”, District 12 offers flexible office spaces ranging from 120 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft., enabling businesses to choose spaces that match their current requirements while providing room for future expansion. The development features premium commercial infrastructure, including a fully equipped business centre, exclusive clubhouse, modern elevators and escalators, 100% power backup, CCTV-enabled security systems, 24×7 security, concierge services, professionally maintained common areas and ample parking.
 

Businesses at District 12 also benefit from the integrated SPR City ecosystem, comprising the Market of India, shopping mall, restaurants, food courts, an eight-screen multiplex, entertainment zones, premium residences, Kauvery Hospital, The Shri Ram Universal School and other lifestyle amenities, creating a complete live-work-business destination that supports business growth while offering unmatched convenience.
 

Strategically located in Perambur, District 12 enjoys excellent connectivity, with the Perambur Bus Terminus just 500 metres away, Perambur Railway Station within 1 km and the proposed Perambur Metro Station only 800 metres away. Chennai Central Railway Station, the High Court and the Secretariat are also easily accessible.
 

District 12
 

Sharing SPR Group’s vision for the project, Mr. Hitesh Kawad, Managing Director, SPR Group, said, “District 12 reflects SPR’s vision of creating future-ready commercial infrastructure that empowers businesses to own, grow and thrive. As Perambur continues to evolve into a vibrant commercial hub, the launch of District 12 marks another significant milestone in the growth of SPR City while reinforcing Perambur’s emergence as one of Chennai’s most promising commercial and investment destinations. We are proud to offer entrepreneurs, MSMEs and professionals a premium business address within an integrated ecosystem designed for long-term growth and success.”
 

Highlighting the commercial value proposition of District 12, Mr. Shashie Kumar, CEO, SPR Commercial, said, “District 12 is designed to offer businesses much more than premium office spaces. It enables entrepreneurs, MSMEs and professionals to convert recurring rental expenses into long-term asset ownership while operating from a professionally managed commercial environment designed for growth, collaboration and enterprise. As part of the integrated SPR City ecosystem and the Market of India, businesses also benefit from greater visibility, wider customer reach, valuable networking opportunities and a vibrant business environment, making office ownership a smart investment for long-term success.”
 

Commenting on Perambur’s growing prominence as a business destination, Mr. Navin Ranka, Director, SPR Group, said, “Perambur is fast emerging as one of Chennai’s most promising commercial destinations, driven by strong infrastructure and excellent connectivity. District 12 is designed to meet the evolving needs of startups, MSMEs, professionals and enterprises seeking a premium business address in a high-growth location.”
 

The launch also featured an insightful panel discussion on “Perambur 2.0,” moderated by noted journalist and television anchor Avudaiappan S. The panel featured Mr. Hitesh Kawad, Managing Director, SPR Group, Mr. Rahul Rajamuthiah, Business Head, Market of India, Dr. Sam Paul, Paulsons Group (TONI&GUY), and advocate and renowned astrologer Shelvi K. Damother. The discussion explored Perambur’s rapid transformation into one of Chennai’s fastest-growing commercial corridors, driven by infrastructure development, enhanced connectivity, employment generation and the growing demand for organised commercial spaces.
 

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Anirudha Srikkanth and actor Samyuktha also visited District 12, interacting with the SPR team and exploring the project’s smart office formats, premium amenities and investment potential.

Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), in partnership with the Shangri-La Group, hosted eight senior MICE professionals from India on The Dragon Pulse, a five-day familiarisation trip held from 26-30 June 2026. The programme was designed to demonstrate Hong Kong as a MICE destination for the Indian market, bringing together the city’s world class meetings and events infrastructure, venue diversity, and cultural experiences within a single corporate itinerary.

HKTB hosts eight Indian MICE professionals on a five-day familiarisation trip, showcasing the city’s event infrastructure and cultural depth for corporate travel programmes

The visit coincided with the 2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, one of Asia’s most significant annual sporting and cultural events. Participants were given VIP access to the races and harbourfront festivities, offering a direct example of how a major public event of international standing can be integrated into a corporate travel programme to deliver experiences that extend beyond conventional conference settings. This approach reflects a broader HKTB strategy of inviting business event visitors to participate in the city’s landmark public events strengthening Hong Kong’s overall appeal as a business events destination.

Site inspections across the five days covered a cross-section of Hong Kong’s most significant MICE properties. The Kowloon Shangri-La in Tsim Sha Tsui, a luxury waterfront hotel with comprehensive event facilities and direct harbour views, and the Kerry Hotel in Hung Hom Bay, a contemporary urban resort with flexible event spaces and acclaimed dining, were assessed against the practical requirements of Indian corporate groups.

The itinerary also included a venue introduction and site inspection at the West Kowloon Cultural District, with a focus on M+, the museum of contemporary visual culture that anchors the precinct. In addition to its standing as a leading cultural institution, M+ offers world-class event spaces with harbour views, advanced facilities, and professional event services, positioning it as a venue of distinction for conferences, exhibitions, and large-scale corporate gatherings. West Kowloon Cultural District more broadly represents Hong Kong’s flagship arts quarter and one of the world’s largest cultural centres, increasingly recognised as a premier destination for business events that seek an environment of creative and cultural distinction.

Beyond its venue infrastructure, the programme demonstrated the range of experiences available to corporate groups in Hong Kong. Participants took a speedboat tour through the UNESCO Global Geopark in Sai Kung, where they viewed dramatic volcanic rock formations, sea arches, and a rugged coastline. Just 30 minutes from the city centre, the excursion highlighted how Hong Kong’s compact footprint combines a vibrant urban environment with landscapes of international natural heritage significance.

Cultural engagement was a consistent thread throughout the itinerary. A hands-on dim sum making workshop at Maxim’s Palace introduced participants to one of Hong Kong’s most deeply rooted culinary traditions in a classic teahouse setting, while a cocktail workshop at Tell Camellia provided direct exposure to the city’s internationally recognised mixology culture. Dinner at Rajasthan Rifles, the Anglo-Indian brasserie at The Peak, further illustrated the breadth of Hong Kong’s dining landscape and its capacity to offer Indian visitors points of cultural familiarity alongside distinctly local experiences.

The programme also encompassed the Peak Tram experience and Sky Terrace 428, the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong at 428 metres above sea level; an evening at the Sha Tin Racecourse with dinner at The Box Seat; an exclusive visit to Ocean Park Hong Kong including an encounter with the Giant Panda Twins; the “Pixar Pals Spectacular” and “Momentous” nighttime shows at Hong Kong Disneyland; an evening at Lan Kwai Fong; and a harbour cruise aboard the Oriental Pearl. Taken together, these experiences map a destination that holds equal relevance for the seasoned Hong Kong visitor and the first-time traveller, one where iconic landmarks, natural heritage, world-class dining and after-dark culture coexist within a compact, highly navigable city.

“India continues to be one of Hong Kong’s most strategically important MICE markets, and The Dragon Pulse was designed to reflect the full scope of what the city can offer Indian corporate groups today,” said Puneet Kumar, Director – South Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board. “From VIP access to the 50th Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races to site inspections at some of the city’s most exceptional venues, the programme demonstrated that Hong Kong’s MICE proposition goes well beyond infrastructure. It is a destination where world-class event facilities, natural heritage, cultural traditions, and dining experiences of genuine distinction exist within a highly connected city. What The Dragon Pulse affirmed is that for Indian companies looking to deliver incentive and conference programmes that leave a lasting impression, Hong Kong remains one of the strongest choices in Asia.”

Hong Kong offers a spectrum of venues suited to events of every scale. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), a globally recognised facility, has recently received Gold Certification for MICE Venues from CrescentRating, an internationally recognised halal travel accreditation body, an acknowledgement of the standards it has established for Muslim exhibitors and delegates, and a consideration of growing relevance for Indian corporate groups. 

At the larger end of the scale, AsiaWorld-Expo is currently undergoing a Phase II expansion that will add more than 20,000 square metres of column-free space, directly responding to rising demand for large-scale, flexible exhibition and arena-style events and reinforcing Hong Kong’s competitiveness for the world’s biggest gatherings. Kai Tak Sports Park, the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong’s history, opened in March 2025. Its Main Stadium seats 50,000 and is designed to accommodate international sporting competitions, concerts, music festivals, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings within a fully integrated harbourfront precinct that also encompasses retail, dining, and open community spaces. Additionally, more than 20 new hotels have opened in Hong Kong over the past five years, expanding the city’s capacity for small and medium-sized meetings and conventions and offering organisers a wider range of accommodation and meeting configurations.

For the Indian MICE industry, the visit reinforced why Hong Kong continues to hold relevance as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. With visa-free entry under the Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) arrangement for eligible Indian passport holders, direct flight connectivity, and an established ecosystem of hotels, venues, and experiences, it offers organisers the flexibility to build programmes that balance business objectives with memorable experiences. Rather than relying on any single attraction, Hong Kong’s appeal lies in how these elements come together to create a well-rounded corporate itinerary.

The Dragon Pulse – Hong Kong MICE Familiarisation Trip was organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board in partnership with the Shangri-La Group, from 26–30 June 2026.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhance visitors’ experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities. The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.

India’s housing market is entering a more mature and geographically balanced phase, with growth being driven not just by the country’s largest metropolitan centres. While Delhi-NCR continues to dominate the luxury segment, the Tier-2 cities are emerging as the next growth frontier, aided by improving infrastructure, rising purchasing power and changing buyer expectations.

From Urban Expansion to Regional Growth: The Next Chapter of India’s Housing Story

Homebuyers are more discerning, with lifestyle, planning and long-term value influencing an increasing number of purchasing decisions. In response to shifting demand, developers are increasing their supply of premium and luxury units. The transition is most visible in Delhi-NCR. According to Cushman & Wakefield’s Delhi-NCR Residential MarketBeat Q4 2025, the region recorded 14,248 new residential launches during the quarter, up 39% sequentially and nearly 2.5 times year-on-year. Gurugram alone accounted for almost half of these launches, reinforcing its position as the country’s leading luxury residential market.

Reflecting this evolution, Kushagra Ansal, Director, Ansal Housing, says, “Gurgaon has emerged as one of India’s clearest luxury housing benchmarks because buyer behaviour here has become more confident, more selective and far more long-term in outlook. Today’s homebuyer is not just looking at ownership as a transaction, but as a decision tied to lifestyle, capital preservation and future relevance. That shift has strengthened interest from HNIs and other affluent buyers, who now view Gurgaon as a market where convenience, quality of life and strong infrastructure come together in a way few other places can match. What makes the city especially significant is that it is setting a template for premium housing across the country, showing how mature demand, market depth and connectivity can create lasting residential value.”

The momentum in Gurugram reflects a broader national trend. CBRE’s India Market Monitor Q4 2025 – Residential noted that residential sales and launches both crossed 270,000 units in 2025, while high-end housing overtook the mid-end segment to account for the largest share of residential sales. The sustained demand for premium homes signals that buyers are increasingly prioritising quality and long-term value.

The momentum is no longer confined to metropolitan markets. Cities such as Jaipur, Lucknow, Dehradun, Chandigarh and Rishikesh are emerging as the next growth engine for India’s housing market, aided by improving infrastructure and rising buyer confidence. Better infrastructure, expanding employment hubs and improved connectivity are accelerating demand across Tier-2 cities, where luxury housing is steadily gaining ground.

Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, says, “The luxury housing story in Tier-2 cities is being driven by a fundamental shift in buyer aspirations. Today’s buyers are not simply looking for larger homes; they want thoughtfully designed residences that deliver privacy, wellness, convenience and a superior living experience. We are also seeing demand become increasingly end-user led, with entrepreneurs, professionals and business families investing in homes that reflect their lifestyle rather than purely investment considerations. As infrastructure and urban ecosystems continue to improve, buyers are becoming more confident about choosing premium developments outside traditional metropolitan markets. Luxury is no longer defined by location alone—it is defined by the quality of the product, the strength of the community and the long-term value that a well-planned development can offer.”

Tejpreet Singh Gill, MD, GILLCO Group, says, “One of the most significant shifts we’re witnessing today is the growing confidence that homebuyers and investors are placing in India’s Tier-2 cities. Improved infrastructure, better connectivity and expanding economic opportunities are enabling these markets to build their own momentum while complementing established centres like Delhi-NCR. What stands out even more is the growing sophistication of homebuyers, who are making more considered choices and placing equal importance on quality, connectivity and long-term value, regardless of where they buy. This evolution is creating a more balanced housing landscape, where cities that combine economic opportunity with a high quality of life are emerging as enduring centres of residential growth.”

The numbers reinforce this shift. According to PropEquity’s Tier II Cities: Residential Overview, housing sales across the top 15 Tier-2 cities reached INR 40,443 crore in Q1 2025, up 6% year-on-year, while developers launched nearly 2.43 lakh residential plots between 2022 and May 2025. Higher-ticket homes priced above INR 1 crore also continued to gain traction, reflecting rising buyer confidence.

As expectations evolve, developers are adapting their projects to match changing preferences, placing greater emphasis on planning, amenities and integrated communities.

Reflecting this trend, Harvinder Singh Sikka, Chairman, Sikka Group, says, “The biggest shift we are witnessing is in what homebuyers expect from residential developments. Buyers today are looking beyond square footage and pricing to evaluate design, amenities, community living and long-term value. This evolution is encouraging developers to create projects that offer better planning, integrated lifestyles and higher-quality infrastructure. Whether in metropolitan markets or emerging cities, the focus has clearly moved towards homes that enhance everyday living while retaining strong investment potential. As aspirations continue to rise, premium features that were once limited to luxury developments are becoming increasingly important across a wider range of housing segments. This marks a fundamental shift in how residential projects are being planned and delivered.”

The result is a broader premium housing market, where luxury is steadily expanding beyond India’s largest cities as incomes rise and urban ecosystems mature.

Commenting on this trend, Sanchit Jain, Director, Sarvottam India, says, “Tier-2 cities are becoming far more relevant in the luxury housing conversation because the buyer profile itself is changing. We are seeing a clear rise in purchasing power, stronger interest from end-users and investors, and a greater willingness to invest in homes that deliver long-term value. Luxury demand is no longer confined to the metros; it is steadily spreading into markets where planning, livability and future appreciation align with buyer aspirations. This reflects a more mature mindset, where people are not simply buying a house, but choosing a location and product that can hold value over time. For developers, that makes the market more compelling because it rewards quality, thoughtful design and a sharper understanding of what today’s buyers want.”

India’s housing market is no longer defined by a single growth centre. As premium demand spreads beyond Delhi-NCR and Tier-2 cities continue to mature, the next phase of residential growth will be driven by stronger fundamentals, evolving aspirations and higher-quality development.

DACE Athletic Club, a first-of-its-kind private multi-sport destination, has officially launched in RK Puram, introducing a contemporary recreational space that blends emerging sports, community-driven fitness, and experience-led wellness under one roof.

DACE Athletic Club Launches in RK Puram

Spread across nearly one acre, the facility features dedicated infrastructure for padel, pickleball, football, yoga, table tennis, and other recreational formats, positioning itself at the intersection of sport, lifestyle, and social engagement. Built within the DTEA campus in Delhi, the club also follows a unique access model where the infrastructure is made available free of cost to thousands of school students during the day, while operating as a private sports facility during early mornings and evenings.

DACE Athletic Club Launches in RK Puram

DACE enters the market with a clear focus on accessibility, community engagement, and experience driven recreation. While sports like pickleball and padel continue to gain popularity among younger audiences and working professionals, Delhi has lacked integrated spaces that bring multiple formats together within a premium yet community-oriented environment.

Conceptualised and privately funded by entrepreneur Puranjay Katara, DACE Athletic Club reflects the growing cultural shift towards social sports and immersive wellness experiences in urban India.

“Across global cities, sports infrastructure is increasingly evolving into community infrastructure,” says Puranjay Katara, Founder & Director, DACE Athletic Club. “India is now entering a similar phase where consumers are looking beyond conventional gyms and transactional fitness formats. The opportunity lies in creating spaces people consistently engage with socially, recreationally, and culturally. DACE was built keeping that long-term behavioural shift in mind.”

Unlike standalone courts or traditional sports clubs, DACE has been structured as a long-format recreational destination with extended operational hours from 5 AM to 8 AM and 2:30 PM to 1 AM for members. Bookings are available exclusively through Huddle.

The facility offers multiple sporting formats across varying group sizes and playing preferences, with off-peak padel court bookings starting at INR 2200 per hour, pickleball at INR 1100 per hour, and football box formats beginning at INR 2400 per hour for 7v7 games.

As Delhi’s wellness landscape continues to evolve beyond routine workouts and conventional fitness spaces, DACE Athletic Club enters the city as a modern sporting destination built around movement, culture, and community.

About DACE Athletic Club
DACE Athletic Club is a next-generation private sports and wellness destination redefining how urban India experiences recreation. Built around the philosophy of community-led movement, the club brings together emerging sports, fitness, and social experiences within a premium, inclusive environment. Located in RK Puram, New Delhi, DACE seamlessly blends world-class sporting infrastructure with a unique community-first model, making movement, connection, and active living more accessible for both members and young students alike. 
 

FACT SHEET | DACE Athletic Club
Address: DACE Athletic Club,DTEA Campus, RK Puram, New Delhi

Operating Timings:

• Private Members Access: 5:00 AM to  8:00 AM & 2:30 PM to 1:00 AM

• DTEA School Student Access: 8:00 AM to  2:30 PM

Pricing Structure:

Padel Courts

• Off-Peak Hours: INR 2200 per hour

• Peak Hours: INR 2400 per hour

Pickleball Courts

• Off-Peak Hours: INR 1100 per hour

• Peak Hours: INR 1300 per hour

Box

7 vs 7

• Off-Peak Hours: INR 2400 per hour

• Peak Hours: INR 2700 per hour

8 vs 8

• Off-Peak Hours: INR 2800 per hour

• Peak Hours: INR 3100 per hour

9 vs 9

• Off-Peak Hours: INR 3200 per hour

• Peak Hours: INR 3500 per hour

10 vs 10

• Off-Peak Hours: INR 3600 per hour

• Peak Hours: INR 4000 per hour

Bookings Available Via:
Huddle

Glimmer Technologies Private Limited (“Glimmer”) and Fikra Ventures, a global AI-native venture studio, today announced a commercial partnership to bring Glimmer’s FinomeAI suite, already live in production across financial services, to banks, lenders and enterprises across the Gulf.

Under the agreement, Fikra Ventures is Glimmer’s exclusive commercialisation, marketing and distribution partner in the Gulf region. Fikra Ventures will use that position to build a new portfolio company to deploy Glimmer’s FinomeAI suite for enterprises across the region.

The new company will develop Arabic-language and regionally compliant solutions on top of Glimmer’s products, reducing the localisation and compliance burden on customers and shortening deployment timelines. Fikra Ventures will provide the venture-building, capital, and commercial infrastructure, with Glimmer providing the underlying technology.

Glimmer’s products already operate at production scale, processing more than 1,000,000 loan applications each month across live financial services deployments. To date, the suite has delivered:

• Fraud investigation turnaround reduced from one to two days to 20–30 minutes per case at a financial institution, with an audit-ready log trail generated automatically

• An 8% lift in onboarding conversion for a non-bank lender, with customer acquisition spend held flat

• A ~6% improvement in portfolio collection rate at low incremental cost per asset

Glimmer’s enterprise AI platform supports a broad range of complex and regulated workflows, spanning document intelligence, decisioning, conversational journeys, voice automation, personalised video, model development, policy intelligence and enterprise knowledge access. Its products include Data Quotient for explainable, audit-ready decisioning; ConvFlow for guided conversational journeys across customer acquisition, onboarding and servicing; Klaris for end-to-end voice automation across high-volume customer interactions; SynthVid for personalised video at scale; and Meridian for faster model development and deployment.

The new company will run regional go-to-market and customer support, from pilots through production deployment. Early focus areas span collections, customer acquisition, onboarding, servicing, marketing outreach, underwriting, fraud investigation and regulatory workflows.

“Fikra turns proven global technology into regional companies. Glimmer’s platform processes over one million loan applications a month, giving us the foundation to build a significant Gulf business,” said Wael Aburida, Founder & Managing Partner of Fikra Ventures. “Banks, lenders, telecom operators and large enterprises here are actively looking for solutions that improve conversion, reduce costs and deliver better customer outcomes at scale. This partnership gives us the technology, venture-building structure and commercial access to pursue that opportunity.”

The initial commercialisation effort will focus on financial services and lending, where institutions face pressure to modernise collections, customer communication, underwriting and operating workflows without compromising governance or control. Over time, the companies see scope to extend these capabilities to other high-volume enterprise environments facing similar challenges around automation, decision-making and customer engagement.

“Our partnership with Fikra Ventures gives us the regional relationships, market understanding and commercial platform to take our capabilities to enterprises across the Gulf,” said Saurabh Nigam, Chief Executive Officer of Glimmer Technologies. “Enterprise AI creates real value when it moves beyond experimentation and becomes part of the workflows that businesses depend on every day. We have built and proven our technology in complex, high-volume environments where accuracy, governance and measurable outcomes matter. Together, we can help enterprises use AI to make better decisions, automate critical processes and deliver more intelligent customer experiences at scale.”

The companies will begin with Arabic-localised product demonstrations and market-specific pilots for enterprise customers in the Gulf, with plans to extend into the greater MENA region. Initial demonstrations will include Arabic and bilingual use cases across collections, marketing outreach, conversational onboarding, voice automation and document-led decisioning.

The partnership extends Fikra Ventures’ model of turning commercially relevant AI into companies with clear pathways to regional adoption and international scale.

About Glimmer Technologies

Glimmer Technologies is an enterprise AI company building the future of financial intelligence. Operating at the intersection of deep AI capability and real-world enterprise workflows, Glimmer develops intelligent platforms that help businesses interpret complex data, make faster decisions, automate operations, and deliver better customer journeys.

Its ecosystem brings together FinomeAI, a GenAI intelligence platform for document processing, risk insights, compliance, customer journeys, and operational automation; Flo, a configurable lending stack for digital credit operations across LOS, LMS, and modular workflows; and ZestMoney, one of India’s widely known Buy Now, Pay Later platforms.

To know more, please visit: www.glimmertech.in

About Fikra Ventures

Fikra Ventures is a global AI-native venture studio that builds and scales applied AI companies. The studio combines venture ideation, technical execution, strategic partnerships, founder development, and commercialisation support to create ventures with clear market relevance.

Fikra Ventures works with founders, technical leaders, corporates, governments, universities, investors, and strategic partners to turn commercially relevant AI opportunities into scalable companies. Fikra Ventures Holdings Limited is registered in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

For more information, visit www.fikra.ventures and follow us on @fikraventures #fikraventures.

Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide) at its Galaxy Unpacked event in London on 22 July 2026, marking a major shift for the company’s foldable lineup. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra retains the familiar book style design, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide) introduces an all new wider, landscape first form factor, Samsung’s lightest book style foldable yet at 201g. Both premium foldables are now available for preorder in India, with shipping set to begin from 4 August 2026.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is priced from Rs. 1,99,999, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at Rs. 1,79,999. You can explore both foldables at your nearest Bajaj Finance partner store across 4,000+ cities in India.

Experience their design, displays, and performance in person, then purchase them on Easy EMIs from Bajaj Finance for a more convenient buying experience.

A Quick Breakdown

Samsung’s 2026 flagship foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide), share core DNA but target entirely different audiences.

The Shape: Tall Book vs. Passport Style

The Ultra keeps the classic book style form with an 8.0 inch main display and a 6.5 inch cover screen. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 breaks the mold with a shorter, passport like 7.6 inch inner screen (4:3 aspect ratio) and a compact 5.5 inch cover screen (10:16 aspect ratio), designed for media consumption and side by side multitasking.

Performance: Two Configurations, One Chipset

Both devices pack the identical Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, ensuring top tier speed. Both also now scale up to the same top configuration — 16GB of RAM with 1TB of storage — with the Ultra additionally offered at 12GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB tiers, and the Fold 8 offered at matching 12GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB tiers below its top variant.

Cameras: Pro Grade vs. Sleek Dual Setup

For photography enthusiasts, the Ultra stands out with a triple lens system featuring a 200MP main sensor, 50MP ultra wide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom (up to 30x Space Zoom). The design forward Fold 8 cuts the zoom lens entirely, relying on a leaner dual 50MP main and 50MP ultra wide setup, along with 10MP cameras on both its inner and outer displays.

Battery, Build, and Software

Keeping these giant screens lit takes plenty of juice, with the Ultra housing a larger 5,000 mAh battery compared to the Fold 8’s 4,800 mAh cell. Both support 45W wired fast charging plus 20W wireless charging. On the software front, the two are identical twins, launching with Android 17, One UI 9, and full Galaxy AI support, including new features like Now Nudge.

Physically, the Ultra relies on Samsung’s traditional aluminum and glass armor, while the Fold 8 debuts a fresh design language and Flex Titanium Alloy screen tailored to its landscape layout. Both models carry an IP48 dust and water resistance rating.

Which Samsung foldable should you pick in 2026?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 have now launched in India and are available for preorder. While both foldables share Samsung’s premium foldable engineering, they target different users through their shape, cameras, and pricing. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra focuses on delivering a refined, camera first flagship experience for power users, whereas the Galaxy Z Fold 8 brings an entirely new widescreen form factor for users who want something different from the traditional book style foldable.

Prices in India

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra:

• 12GB + 256GB: Rs. 1,99,999

• 12GB + 512GB: Rs. 2,19,999

• 16GB + 1TB: Rs. 2,59,999

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide):

• 12GB + 256GB: Rs. 1,79,999

• 12GB + 512GB: Rs. 1,99,999

• 16GB + 1TB: Rs. 2,39,999

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is well suited for users who want the most advanced cameras, largest storage options, and a familiar tall foldable design for productivity and content creation. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide), on the other hand, appeals to users who want a fresh, landscape first foldable experience better suited for video, gaming, and widescreen multitasking.

Both devices offer a premium foldable experience, with the final choice depending on your budget and the shape of foldable that suits your lifestyle.

Shop for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Series on Easy EMIs from Bajaj Finance

Buying a premium foldable smartphone becomes more convenient when you do not have to pay the full amount upfront. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide) are now available in India on Easy EMIs from Bajaj Finance. Whether you prefer the flagship focused Fold 8 Ultra or the all new Fold 8, flexible payment options can help make your purchase more affordable. You can also check the latest offers available on eligible smartphones at the time of purchase.

Steps to shop on Easy EMIs

1. Visit a nearby Bajaj Finance partner store.

2. Enquire about Easy EMI options for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide).

3. Check the available offers and benefits.

4. Choose a repayment tenure that suits your budget.

5. Complete the purchase and take home your new foldable smartphone with convenient monthly payments.

MRG Group, a diversified business conglomerate, has announced its strategic collaboration with Arica Pharmaceutical, reinforcing its commitment to supporting India’s rapidly growing healthcare sector while fostering innovation, quality, and community well-being.

MRG Group Announces Strategic Collaboration with Arica Pharmaceutical, Marking Its Expansion into the Healthcare Ecosystem

The partnership brings together MRG Group’s vision for diversified growth and Arica Pharmaceutical’s expertise in delivering quality healthcare solutions. Established in 2023, Arica Pharmaceutical has built its presence in the pharmaceutical industry with a focus on anti-diabetic, neurosciences, and cardiovascular therapies and is now gearing up to expand into multiple therapeutic categories as part of its long-term growth strategy.

The collaboration is expected to create opportunities for innovation, business expansion, and initiatives aimed at improving healthcare accessibility while strengthening the pharmaceutical ecosystem in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajjath Goel, Managing Director, MRG Group, said, “At MRG Group, we believe meaningful growth is driven by partnerships that create lasting value for society. Our collaboration with Arica Pharmaceutical reflects our commitment to supporting sectors that have a direct impact on people’s lives. We look forward to working together to drive innovation, encourage responsible growth, and contribute towards building a healthier future for India.”

The leadership of Arica Pharmaceutical expressed confidence that the collaboration with MRG Group will further strengthen the company’s expansion plans and accelerate its vision of becoming a trusted healthcare partner through quality products, innovation, and patient-centric solutions.

The partnership reflects the shared vision of both organizations to promote healthier lifestyles, strengthen communities, and contribute to India’s evolving healthcare landscape.

As India’s pharmaceutical sector continues to witness robust growth, the collaboration between MRG Group and Arica Pharmaceutical is expected to lay the foundation for future strategic initiatives focused on healthcare innovation, expansion, and sustainable value creation.

About MRG Group
MRG Group is a diversified business conglomerate with interests across multiple sectors. The Group is committed to delivering excellence through innovation, integrity, and sustainable growth while creating long-term value for customers, partners, and communities.

About Arica Pharmaceutical
Established in 2023, Arica Pharmaceutical is an emerging pharmaceutical company focused on anti-diabetic, neurosciences, and cardiovascular therapies. The company is expanding its portfolio across multiple healthcare categories with a vision to deliver innovative, high-quality, and accessible healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, hosted the 4^th Edition of the UK-India HealthTech Accelerator Programme (2026-2028) in Manipal. Organised in partnership with the UK Government and supported by the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC) as the Knowledge Partner, the three-day programme (July 22-24) convened Indian HealthTech startups, UK mentors, healthcare specialists, investors, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to boost innovation and enhance India-UK collaboration in healthcare technology.

Dr. H S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, presents a memento to Mr. Chandru Iyer, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka, during the programme’s inauguration

Twenty-five innovative HealthTech startups across India, along with policymakers, healthcare experts, researchers, investors, and industry leaders from India and the United Kingdom. Designed to accelerate innovation and promote cross-border partnerships, the accelerator supports Indian startups developing solutions to address key challenges faced by the global health ecosystem and the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS). At the conclusion of the programme, six startups will be selected for a fully funded immersion visit to the United Kingdom, where they will engage with the UK’s healthcare ecosystem, investors, and NHS stakeholders.

The Programme was inaugurated in the presence of Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE; Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE; Mr Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and British Deputy Trade Commissioner for Investment, South Asia; and Dr Mrutyunjay Suar, Chairman, Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC) on Wednesday.

Reflecting on the success of the programme, Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka, said: “The MAHE accelerator has been three days of innovation in action, connecting Indian innovators with the UK’s healthcare, research, investment and innovation ecosystem to build international partnerships and expand their global footprint. With the recently implemented UK-India Free Trade Agreement and Double Contribution Convention creating new opportunities for innovation-led enterprises, cross-border investments, professional mobility and deeper collaboration, this programme reflects the growing momentum in UK-India economic and innovation partnerships.”

Mr Iyer also acknowledged MAHE’s continued promotion of innovation, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration, while recognising the contribution of the programme’s Knowledge Partner, the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC), in strengthening the accelerator’s innovation ecosystem.

Since its inception, the UK-India HealthTech Accelerator Programme has emerged as a leading platform for bilateral healthcare innovation. Across four editions, the initiative has attracted nearly 1,000 applications, supported more than 75 HealthTech companies, facilitated tailored UK market immersion programmes for 23 companies and enabled seven startups to establish operations in the United Kingdom. The programme has also generated approximately Pound 32 million in investment activity, while creating employment opportunities and promoting sustained international collaboration to address global healthcare challenges.

Speaking on the significance of hosting the programme, Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “The UK-India HealthTech Accelerator reflects MAHE’s commitment to building an innovation ecosystem where academia, healthcare, industry, government, and entrepreneurs work together to address real-world healthcare challenges. Over the past three days, we have witnessed outstanding innovation, meaningful collaborations, and valuable knowledge exchange that will help Indian startups develop globally relevant healthcare solutions. We are proud to partner with the British High Commission and BCKIC in creating opportunities that strengthen India-UK collaboration while advancing healthcare innovation for global impact.”

As the Host Institution for the UK-India HealthTech Accelerator Programme (2026-2028), MAHE continues to strengthen its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, translational research, and international collaborations.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3^rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.