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New IAM Research by Stack Identity Finds Machine Identities Dominate Shadow Access in the Cloud, Revealing Easy Attack Vector for Hackers

  • Identity and Access trend report data highlights different types of Shadow Access; provides best practices on how to reduce cloud breaches and data exfiltration

  • Cloud native, enterprise environments showed only 4% of identities as human, while the remaining are non-human identities

  • 76% of policies used in enterprise cloud environments include write permissions and 28% of policies have some level of permission management

Stack Identity, a Silicon Valley startup automating identity and access management (IAM) governance to identify and eliminate cloud data threat vectors, today announced it has released the industry’s first Shadow Access Impact Report.

Stack Identity Shadow Access Impact Report

The data from Stack Identity pertaining to cloud identities and entitlements highlights the gaps through which organizations can suffer cloud breaches, intellectual property and sensitive data loss. Shadow Access, the invisible and unmonitored identity and access, increases the risk of breaches, malware, ransomware and data theft that current IAM tools are not built to mitigate.

The Identity and Access trend report data highlights different types of Shadow Access; provides best practices on how to reduce cloud breaches and data exfiltration. It further reveals that cloud native, enterprise environments show only 4% of identities as human, while the remaining are non-human identities and 76% of policies used in enterprise cloud environments include write permissions and 28% of policies have some level of permission management.

The industry is increasingly beginning to recognize Shadow Access as a growing threat to cybersecurity. Recently, Jim Reavis of the Cloud Security Alliance wrote, “There are several studies available that indicate cloud microservices and containers tend to have too many unpatched vulnerabilities and unused privileges attached to them…I believe that Shadow Access is something that we want to address by applying Zero Trust principles towards it…Zero Trust encourages us to define a protect surface, minimize access to it and monitor the system continuously.”

As seen with the prolific LastPass data breach, the report shows how Shadow Access and the current, fragmented IAM systems increase permissions to external threat actors.

Our first Shadow Access Impact Report shows the high percentage of non-human identities that are driven by the cloud automation flywheel of more clouds, 3rd party data access and more identities,” says Venkat Raghavan, Founder and CEO at Stack Identity. “The impact of Shadow Access goes beyond the risk of data exfiltration and cloud breaches. The fragmented and static IAM systems today enable Shadow Access to remain undetected, and make cloud compliance and governance static, time-consuming and expensive.”

Stack Identity’s findings are based on the analysis of 60 live cloud instances scattered across Cloud IAM, Cloud IDP, Infrastructure as Code, data stores, HR systems, ticketing systems, emails, spreadsheets and screenshots. For a guide of scale, just one of the cloud environments had thousands of cloud identities, 320 data assets, 400 AWS customer-defined policies and 10GB per day of CloudTrail volume.

Key takeaways from the report include

  • Only 4% of identities are human while the remaining are non-human identities (automatically generated by APIs, cloud workloads, data stores, microservices and other multi-cloud services)

  • 5% of identities in the cloud have admin permissions

  • 28% of policies in the cloud have some level of permission management

  • 75% of policies used in cloud environments include write permissions

The report explains the 10 different types of Shadow Access that DevOps and SecOps teams need to be aware of and provides best practices on how to follow an attacker’s traceable cloud IAM footprints to reduce the risk of cloud data breaches and data exfiltration.

DevOps teams cannot keep up with the vast numbers of policy actions combined with sensitive data assets that multiply the volume of risk combinations,” says Dr. Prakash Shetty, Director of product strategy, cloud security and operations at Stack Identity. “By detecting the IAM footprints created by Shadow Access exploits, DevOps and security teams have the visibility and analytical context needed to prioritize remediation of security risks to cloud identities, data and resources.”

We all know that identities are a source of risk; this research report helps practitioners get visibility to access and entitlement patterns that are inherent in DevOps and CloudOps processes that in turn can lead to Shadow Access Risks and Threats,” said Dr. Heather Hinton, CISO at Pager Duty.

The status quo of overly permissioned cloud accounts with long standing privileges and static entitlements creates an environment where Shadow Access thrives. The Shadow Access research report brings a data driven baseline to identify gaps in IAM governance and how best to rethink the governance process to effectively work in automated cloud native environments,” said Ken Foster, VP of IT Governance, Risk and Compliance at FLEETCOR.

To access the full findings from the Stack Identity Shadow Access Impact Report, register here: stackidentity.com/the-shadow-access-impact-report.

To run a 60 minute assessment of Shadow Access vulnerabilities to find the IAM blindspots in your cloud environment, register here: www.stackidentity.com/Shadow-Access-Risk-Assessment.

About Stack Identity

Founded in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stack Identity transforms cloud IAM operations to continuously detect, eliminate and govern unauthorized, unmonitored and invisible Shadow Access. Through its patent-pending algorithm Breach Prediction Index (BPI), applied with deep data and application context, Stack Identity reveals the 2% of toxic access combinations that impacts 90% of data assets and enables cloud security teams to quickly prioritize and automate remediation. Visit us at www.stackidentity.com, and follow us on LinkedIn.

Prune Introduces Comprehensive One-Stop Solution for Mobile Connectivity

Prune, a new age telecom startup, is thrilled to announce its suite of services aimed at simplifying and enhancing user connectivity experiences. Dedicated to convenience and accessibility, Prune provides a diverse range of services, including SIM card sales, bill payments, e-SIM services, travel experiences, and more.

Prune: One Stop Solution for Mobile Connectivity

Prune acknowledges the challenges users encounter in managing their connectivity needs, be it for travel, business, or leisure. Recognizing importance of reliable and hassle-free connectivity, Prune presents an easy solution for all these services in one accessible platform, catering to both local and international connectivity needs.

Highlights of Prunes Offerings:

  1. India’s First Digital Telecom Store: Prune offers SIM cards with extensive coverage all over the globe. These SIM cards plans are suitable for various usage patterns, ensuring users stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges. Prune provides SIM cards for all the network operators.

  2. E-SIM Services: Embracing technological advancements, Prune offers e-SIM services for more than 190 countries, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. Users can seamlessly install and activate their e-SIMs, ensuring a convenient and efficient connectivity experience while traveling abroad.

  3. Compare Prices: Prunes platform allows users to compare prices between different smartphones ensuring they make informed choices based on their specific requirements.

  4. KYC Activation: Prune streamlines the Know Your Customer (KYC) activation process for E-SIMs, offering a quick installation

  5. Bill Payment Services: Recognizing the inconvenience of managing multiple bills, Prune collaborates with Bharat Bill Pay to streamline bill payments. Users can conveniently pay their bills, manage subscriptions, and track usage, all through Prunes platform.

  6. Customer support: Prune takes pride in its user-centric approach, offering dedicated 24/7 customer support to assist with any inquiries, ensuring users receive the support they need whenever they need it.

Prune is not just a service provider; our mission is to simplify the way people connect, ensuring seamless connectivity wherever you go. Whether you are a frequent traveler, a remote worker, or someone who values staying connected, Prune has the solution for you.

Prunes comprehensive offerings mark a significant step forward in the telecommunications industry, providing users with an easy and affordable way to stay connected wherever they go. With laying its main focus on E-sim, Prune is filling the gaps as users don’t need to rely much on international roaming while travelling abroad. With a commitment to innovation, accessibility, and customer satisfaction, Prune is poised to revolutionize the way people experience connectivity.

Founder of Prune, Mr. Vivek Malhotra, said, “Prune’s aim is to make global telecom communication effortless, efficient, and affordable. As India’s first digital telecommunication platform, Prune is shaping the future of the telecommunication industry. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Prune is committed to breaking down barriers and keeping the world connected.”

For more information, please visit: www.prune.co.in.

Marwari Catalysts Takes A Bold Step Towards Becoming the World’s First Carbon-Neutral Accelerator

Marwari Catalysts (MCats), Indias fastest-growing startup accelerator, proudly announces a bold step towards becoming the worlds first carbon-neutral accelerator in 2024-25. This initiative draws inspiration from global efforts towards carbon neutrality, with a vision to set an exemplary standard for all the startups and startup accelerators worldwide.

Marwari Catalysts announces Worlds first Carbon – Neutral Accelerator

Portfolio Commitment

MCats has embarked on a series of eco-friendly practices, solidifying its position as a leader in driving sustainable solutions within the startup ecosystem. Concurrently, 25% of the MCats portfolio startups actively participate in developing cutting-edge solutions for a sustainable future, emphasizing MCats commitment to environmental responsibility.

Additionally, MCats dedication to sustainability is exemplified through its climate change cohort and strategic investments in startups such as UCR, Buy by Scrap, Prakriti, Climekare, and others. Each of these ventures holds the potential to make a positive impact on society and the environment.

Eco-friendly Practices

MCats encourages its employees to adopt eco-friendly commuting practices. The accelerator plans to provide cycles to employees willing to commute via this sustainable mode of transportation. These cycles will be sourced from MCats portfolio company, Bikecart, fostering sustainability while supporting a startup within the MCats ecosystem.

Carbon Credits for Carbon-Neutral Startups

In its unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality, MCats has acquired carbon credits from a portfolio company specializing in carbon audits. These credits will be instrumental in aiding MCats startups in their journey towards achieving carbon neutrality.

Corporate Partnerships for Broader Impact

MCats actively seeks corporate partnerships to champion carbon-neutral activities. The accelerator is in the process of engaging with two or three corporations to launch a multiple carbon-neutral acceleration program, extending its impact on sustainability.

Inviting CleanTech Startups

MCats opens its doors to startups in the CleanTech sector, inviting them to apply to its Thrive program. The goal is to curate a diverse portfolio that addresses the challenges of achieving net-zero carbon footprints.

Founders Perspective

Sushil Sharma, Founder of Marwari Catalysts, states, “Im thrilled to share that our initiative towards becoming the worlds first carbon-neutral accelerator speaks volumes about our belief in startups potential for positive change. Moreover, our strategic investment in impactful and sustainable startups mirrors our unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility.”

Shareholders Perspective

Shankar Ram, Chair TiE Global, states, “The commitment to sustainability at Marwari Catalysts is not just a strategic choice but a fundamental belief in the potential of startups to drive meaningful change. Its inspiring to see the accelerator pave the way as the worlds first carbon-neutral accelerator.

He further adds, “Being part of MCats is an exciting journey, and Im enthusiastic about the positive change we can collectively drive in the startup ecosystem.

Community Impact and Future Initiatives

MCats actively contributes to community development in Tier II and Tier III cities, creating a positive economic and social impact. Looking ahead, MCats plans to launch additional initiatives focused on empowering startups that align with the accelerators mission of sustainability and innovation.

MCats runs a startup acceleration program, Thrive, to help startups grow and succeed in this dynamic business landscape. To learn more about the program, please visit www.marwaricatalysts.com.

About MCats

Marwari Catalysts is the fastest-growing startup accelerator founded in 2019. We uplift people and economies by facilitating and fostering startup ecosystems, primarily in the untapped markets of Tier II and Tier III cities.

Marwari Catalysts Reveals, New Batch Thrive 7.0, 16 Startups from FinTech, ConsumerTech, Climate Change, & Impact

Marwari Catalysts (MCats), Indias startup accelerator, has selected 16 startups from a pool of 500+ applications through its Thrive 7.0 acceleration program. These startups represent various sectors like FinTech, ConsumerTech, HealthTech, Insurance Tech, Climate Change/Sustainability, and Social Impact, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to revolutionizing industries and creating global impact.

Marwari Catalysts: New Batch Thrive 7.0

Heres a Quick Look at Our Standout Startups:

  1. Mad Over Buildings (Supply Chain): An on-demand marketplace streamlining construction and interior material procurement for efficient project management.

  2. Insurance Padosi (FinTech): Explore our innovative Insurance Health Report, your gateway to personalize insurance solutions

  3. RevoQuant (Consultancy): Enables businesses to enhance collaborative thinking using Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning.

  4. Accelerate India (Global platform): An initiative dedicated to propelling Indian startups onto the global stage. Cross border innovation and collaboration deals for startups and MSMEs.

  5. Dogzkart (Pet-Care E-Commerce): Where AI meets pet parenting perfection provides personalized pet care shopping experiences.

  6. Drinkkup (Ad-Tech): A hyperlocal alcohol discovery platform connecting consumers, liquor shops, and brands.

  7. BuyByScrap (CleanTech): An e-commerce platform that enables users to exchange household scraps, such as paper, plastic, metal, and glass, for Eco coins, which can be redeemed for everyday essentials and sustainable products crafted from recycled materials.

  8. Renoswift (Renovation): A technology-backed, hassle-free solution for bathroom & kitchen renovation.

  9. Mobirapid (ReCommerce): A ReCommerce platform to procure and present the leading global tech e-consumer goods like mobiles, tablets, and laptops post extensive quality checks in the hands of common people.

  10. Astrokun (Astro-Tech): Poised to lead in the global AstroTech market, it is dedicated to making astrology and wellness accessible to everyone through technology.

  11. Not That High (D2C): A brand specializing in distinctive party products.

  12. DOCO (Supply Chain): Empowers MSME and D2C brands to reach 1 Billion Consumers in Bharat through offline retail using ML/AI.

  13. Near Ambulance (HealthTech): An online GPS-based ambulance aggregator that connects ambulance drivers and patients.

  14. Jhumo Radio (Media & Entertainment): An app-based radio station focusing on regional languages and underserved regions.

  15. Happy Karma (Food/D2C): Offers a diverse range of consumer-packaged food products with a focus on superfoods.

  16. The Ambition Collective (E-Commerce): A marketplace for professional womens workwear curating sustainable attire.

Reflecting on the selection of startups, Sushil Sharma, Founder & CEO of MCats, says, “Our startup acceleration program is more than just a support system; its a community of 100+ Co-founders, and were here to provide not only the necessary financial support but also invaluable mentorship and guidance. Its a good beginning for year 2024 looking forward to adding 100+ startups this year with our belief in the Indian Startup Ecosystem and more power to tier 2-3 cities startup ecosystem.

Nikhil Gupta, Director – Strategy & Alliances at MCats, says, “In an era where technology and sustainability are at the forefront of global conversations, these startups are leading the charge. And together, were set to redefine the startup landscape and address global challenges head-on.”

Apply to our exclusive ReligionTech acceleration program, Aarohan, now. aarohan.marwaricatalysts.com.

For more information please visit Marwari Catalysts or email thrive@marwaricatalysts.com.

About Marwari Catalysts

Established in 2019, Marwari Catalysts has emerged as one of the leading early-stage investors in 2023, earning recognition from Inc42. We pride ourselves on being the fastest-growing startup accelerator with a mission dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems. Our focus is to uplift communities and economies in the untapped markets of Tier II and Tier III cities.

build3 impact Accelerator Invests Rs. 1.5 Crore in 5 Impact Startups, Invites 55 Founders for Second Iteration

Strengthening its commitment to the impact startup ecosystem, build3, a community-empowered startup studio in Goa, announces the success of its inaugural impact Accelerator cohort, with 5 selected startups receiving funding for their impact ideas. In parallel, with a commitment to nurturing impact ideas into startups, it also announced opening applications and doubling the number of founders and startups it is seeking for the second version of the Accelerator.

Cohort 1 Training Sessions

build3 has successfully invested INR 1.5 crore across five innovative startups in its inaugural cohort. Ranging from idea to pre-pmf stages, the investments were made in Ziti, a gig workforce platform powered by lead generation; Citraverse, an elderly-care platform; 18startup, which empowers college students with entrepreneurial skills; Neokul, an AI-assisted platform for future-first skills and employability; and GoodLives, an AI-enabled mental health wellness platform

Supporting Founders from impact idea to starting up

build3 aids founders in transforming their impact ideas into scalable startups. Offering a blend of mentorship, training, and capital, alongside a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs, build3’s accelerator program acts as a catalyst for entrepreneurial success. The studio has cultivated an ecosystem that supports early-stage founders from idea inception to scaling, focusing on creating a tangible impact on the world.

build3 impact Accelerator – the structured journey of creating a startup

The build3 impact Accelerator (biA), the flagship program, is specifically designed to propel startups from the ideation stage to scalable ventures. Offering comprehensive support through training, mentorship, and community building, biA is a beacon for startups at any stage of their journey. The programs unique setting in Goa provides an ideal backdrop for innovation, collaboration, and growth.

Celebrating cohort 1s success

The first cohort of the build3 Impact Accelerator marked a significant milestone, with investments of INR 25 Lakhs each in five startups. These startups, including Ziti, Citraverse, 18startup, Neokul, and GoodLives, represent a wide range of sectors, all having a common thread – impact. They range from AI-enabled mental wellness platforms to gig workforce solutions. The first cohort facilitated a collaborative environment where 30 founders could refine their ideas, gain essential startup skills, and secure funding through a pitch event, demonstrating build3s commitment to creating impact.

Opening doors to cohort 2

With the success of its first cohort, build3 is now inviting 55 founders for Cohort 2 of the build3 Impact Accelerator. This next phase promises to expand its reach, supporting even more startups to achieve their impact goals.

Through the build3 Impact Accelerator program, we’re pushing progress on the UNSDGs. The structure of the program helps turn these impact ideas into functional startups within 12 weeks, and enables them to scale further from there,” said Varun Chawla, Founder at build3 and Co-founder at 91Springboard.

Abhimanyu Rathi, Co-founder at build3 and the Program Lead of biA added, “Building on the first cohort’s success, we have increased the total participant seats to 55 for Cohort 2. Applications for Cohort 2 are currently open, and the program kicks off in mid-April.

How to apply to cohort 2

Startups interested in joining the next cohort can apply through a streamlined process designed to assess eligibility, passion, and commitment to building impact-driven ventures. The program welcomes startups at any stage, from ideas to early-stage businesses, especially those aiming to make progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Interested applicants can visit build3’s website to learn more before applying. To apply directly, they can use this link (build3.org/accelerator)

About build3

build3 is a startup studio dedicated to helping founders build impact ideas into startups. With a focus on capability, community, and capital, build3 supports the growth of startups through its community, mentorship, and funding. Its impact accelerator program is at the forefront of driving sustainable, meaningful change, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals for a better future.

For more information about build3 and how to apply to Cohort 2 of the build3 Impact Accelerator, visit this link (build3.org/accelerator)

Wellness Startup, Habuild, Celebrates International Yoga Day by Setting a World Record for Performing Yoga with 5,99,162 People

As the nation celebrated the 10th International Yoga Day, Nagpur-based startup, Habuild, celebrated and created a new World Record on Friday, 21st June, 2024. The habit-building wellness platform that focuses on consistency, set a World Record by making 5,99,162 people perform yoga asanas with them. To generate excitement and encourage maximum number of people to be a part of this eventful celebration, the brand conducted a 21-Day Free Yoga Challenge ahead of the International Yoga Day to add to the spirit of the day.

Saurabh Bothra, CEO, Habuild performing yoga on International Yoga Day

The aim of the habit building and holistic wellness brand, Habuild, is to inspire people from different walks of life to come together in maximum numbers and make yoga a habit. The free yoga option is to encourage people to be motivated to work out and decide to go in for a subscription only once they are sure about being regular. Not just this, the brand intends to plant 25,000 trees owing to the number of referrals received. The team promised to plant 1 tree for every 5 referrals received prior to the day of creating the Yoga Day World Record.

Voicing his happiness, Saurabh Bothra, CEO & Certified Yoga Instructor, Habuild said, “This time, my expectations were surpassed. Nearly six lakh people joined the challenge, with around two lakh participants showing up for the morning batch alone at 6:30 am! I am immensely grateful to everyone who participated in the challenge shared the challenge details with their loved ones, and continue to trust us. It is because of you that we could make this world record possible. Yoga is creating a significant global impact, and now is the time to make it a habit. Our ultimate goal is to make yoga a household staple in the world of exercise. The theme for Habuilds 21-day free yoga challenge is #HarGharYoga, a reflection of our mission to make yoga accessible to everyone. This is just the beginning!”

The ongoing 21-Day Free Yoga Challenge is getting a lot of traction from across the world with Yoga enthusiasts enrolling from diverse realms of life. Additionally, the wellness brand has grown exponentially in the last 1 year with an increased interest from regions such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Delhi along with many Tier 2 and 3 cities. The participants in the historic event came from 92 different countries across the globe, especially North America, Singapore, Middle East to name a few. This ongoing yoga challenge commenced on June 10, 2024 and it remains open to all participants, free of cost, until June 30, 2024.

The official team of World Records Union invigilated the prestigious event. The officials declared that 5,99,162 participants were part of the event and celebrated the importance of Yoga and well-being on a global scale.

Making India an IT Superpower: Looking Back at the Three Decades Long Journey of STPI in Nurturing IT Industry and Tech Startup Ecosystem

When the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) began its journey in 1991, India was a country in need of a significant transformation in the IT sector. The nation’s tech landscape was nascent, with software exporters facing numerous challenges, including a lack of necessary computing infrastructure, internet connectivity, and regulatory support. To bolster the growth of software exports and provide the essential services needed by budding IT firms, STPI was established under the Department of Electronics, Government of India.

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/29230_STPI.jpeg

Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, Software Technology Parks of India


In its early days, STPI focused on providing infrastructure and statutory services crucial for the fledgling industry. STPI setup its centres with the provision of ready-to-use office spaces, data communication services, and access to mainframes, which were rare and expensive resources at the time. These centres became hubs for IT activities, offering companies the facilities they needed to develop and export software without the burden of heavy initial investments. By acting as a single-window service provider, STPI streamlined the administrative processes, offering incentives and simplifying the regulatory framework, thus creating a conducive environment for growth.


As the 1990s progressed, the demand for robust data communication services grew. STPI responded by establishing high-speed data communication links through satellite and later, terrestrial fiber optic networks. This development was a game-changer, enabling Indian tech firms to seamlessly connect with clients across the globe. STPI’s efforts in providing reliable and high-speed internet facilities were instrumental at a time when such resources were scarcely available in India, positioning the country as a viable destination for software outsourcing and offshoring.


Through the late 1990s and early 2000s, the IT industry in India began to flourish. The Y2K bug and the dot-com boom presented unprecedented opportunities for Indian software companies. STPI played a pivotal role during this period, providing the necessary support and infrastructure to help Indian firms capitalize on these global opportunities. STPI’s centres in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai became the epicentres of IT development, nurturing companies that had the potential to become global leaders.


STPI’s strong Pan-India presence of 65 centres, ensured that support for the Indian IT Industry was not confined to metropolitan cities. By setting up 57 incubation centres in Tier II and Tier III cities, STPI democratized access to resources and opportunities, enabling talent from across the country to contribute to India’s tech growth. These efforts were crucial in fostering a more inclusive growth of the country, where innovations could emerge from any part of the country. Due to these concerted efforts by STPI, today the IT-ITES Industry has reached to $254 Billion and also employs 5.43 Million youth in the country.


As India moves up the value chain in the global tech industry, STPI’s role continues to evolve. The organization is not just a provider of infrastructure but a catalyst for innovation and growth. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, promoting research and development, and facilitating collaborations with various stakeholders, STPI is ensuring that Indian tech firms remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.


In recent years, STPI has intensified its efforts to position India as a leader in the tech startup ecosystem. With this aim STPI has evolved a collaborative model through which 24 Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) have been established in emerging technologies across the country, each dedicated to specific technological domains. These CoEs provide startups with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, industry mentorship, and networking opportunities, and access to funding, thus driving innovation and entrepreneurship. This is further augmented by Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS), a future-ready initiative, which was geared towards unleashing the vast untapped potential present in India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The initiative focused on providing opportunities in these cities by building tailored support for high-potential tech startups, and ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to succeed. Today, NGIS has provided stellar results operating across 12 Tier-2 locations in India, which include Agartala, Bhilai, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Dehradun, Guwahati, Jaipur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Mohali, Patna and Vijayawada. Through their holistic ecosystem, STPI has supported over 1000 startups in cutting-edge tech domains, which have created over 1714 new innovations and products, as well as over 500 intellectual property rights filings.


Looking ahead, STPI aims to build on its three-decade-long legacy of nurturing the IT industry. The organization’s future impact and goals are aligned with the vision of making India a leader in technology and innovation. STPI plans to expand its network of CoEs, focusing on emerging technologies and dispersal of the IT/ITeS Industry to Tier-II/III cities of the country for all-inclusive growth. By staying ahead of technological trends and anticipating the needs of the industry, STPI will continue to support the growth and development of Indian tech firms. STPI’s commitment to fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem remains unwavering. The organization will continue to provide mentorship, funding, skilling and market access to startups, ensuring they have the support needed to scale and succeed globally.


STPI’s efforts will be instrumental in driving the next wave of tech innovation in India, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to the country’s economic growth. The journey of the Software Technology Parks of India over the past three decades is a testament to its pivotal role in transforming India into an IT superpower. From providing basic infrastructure and connectivity in its early days to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of tech startups, STPI has been at the forefront of India’s tech revolution. As the organization continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the industry, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology in India, ensuring the country remains a global leader in the digital age.

Shri Arvind Kumar

Director General

Software Technology Parks of India

SFA Championships 2023-2024 Begins India’s Grassroots Sporting Revolution

  • SFA Championships conclude the first 6 cities of the calendar year with more than 18,000 matches

  • Over 80,000 athletes competed in 6 cities from more than 3,000 schools

  • Each city saw more than 3500 matches being scheduled for athletes

Sports For All (SFA), Indias largest tech-enabled multi-sport school competition platform, has set a new benchmark in discovering and empowering young sporting talent, through SFA Championships. With a commitment to host Championships in 10 cities this year, SFA has successfully concluded 6 SFA Championships in 60 days in cities namely Indore, Dehradun, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. In just about two months, the SFA Championships inspired more than 80,000 athletes from over 3,000 schools, fueling their sporting ambitions and contributing to Indias untapped sporting potential.

Athlete in action at the SFA Championships

The SFA Championships are enabling school sporting competition at a scale never witnessed in the country, especially for multi-sports and backed by technology. This city-based model celebrated the indomitable spirit of sportsmanship, discovering talent that will contribute to the future of the sporting ecosystem. The initial 6 cities of the SFA Championships have discovered the “number one school in sports” across the cities of Indore, Dehradun, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. Delhi Public School (Nipania) in Indore, Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun, Cambridge Court World School in Jaipur, Vignan Bo Tree School (Nizampet) in Hyderabad, Vidya Valley School (Sus) in Pune, and Don Bosco International School (Matunga) in Mumbai bagged the prestigious title of “number one school in sports“, in the respective cities.

True to the endeavor of giving youth inspiring and joyful sporting experiences, SFA Championships transformed iconic sporting venues in each city for school athletes to play. Stadiums like the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex (in Balewadi) Pune, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, the Gachibowli Sports Complex in Hyderabad, Abhay Prashal Sports Club and Basketball Complex, Indore, and Shahaji Raje Krida Sankul (Sports Complex) in Andheri fostered a conducive environment for sporting excellence.

Bolstering the athlete’s spirit to play in a professional environment, needs immense support of the local machinery to work seamlessly. Through this sporting platform the local economies have witnessed growth with SFA Championships, thus creating value for every stakeholder and leading towards capacity building for the cities and states to host reputable large-scale multi-sport events. Fostering collaboration with local coaches, academies, vendors, and other businesses, boosting the travel and hospitality industries, providing employment for residents, and opportunities for students, SFA Championships are on their way to strengthen the city’s economic health, through sports. Its noteworthy to recall that on a single day in October, three cities hosted school sports competitions across eight venues, engaging 1242 workforce members, volunteers, and officials across 12 sporting disciplines.

Inching closer to the milestone for 2023-2024, Rajas Joshi, COO & Championships Director, SFA, added, “Reflecting upon how SFA Championships has bought alive a revolution, it becomes apparent that sports transcend beyond a physical activity and is indeed an emotion. The unparalleled enthusiasm at the Championships reaffirms our belief that these young athletes only required a platform, to come play. With 80,000 school athletes playing within a span of 60 days, the “Ab Jeetega India” movement, through the SFA Championships, is a historic beginning for the nation to build a formidable grassroots sporting ecosystem. And a sustainable one that is now available on the screens of Viacom18.

SFA Championships and Viacom18 have partnered to make school sports accessible to millions of sports fans, across the country. The Championships can now be viewed on JioCinema (app), Sports18-2, and Sports18 Khel (tv channels). This further deepens with visibility of the Championships on DD Sports.

Giving exposure to multi-sports, SFA Championships recognizes the Golden Boy and Golden Girl, where athletes with achievements in multi-sports are awarded. With the remarkable times for female athletes to build their sporting careers, SFA Championships celebrates the initiative She is Gold, where a day across all Championships is dedicated to empowering and encouraging female athletes to play (since inception, in 2015). More than 5000 female athletes, across 6 cities, joined in with their commitment to building a career in sports.

Building an environment for every school athlete to play, irrespective of the geography or socio-economic backgrounds, SFA Championships has witnessed impressive diversity in participation, with 33% female athletes and 67% male athletes competing on an equitable platform. At the Championships, the top sports opted by girls were athletics, basketball, football, swimming, and skating, while boys preferred to compete in football, athletics, basketball, chess and swimming.

As the SFA Championships concluded, parents, coaches and athletes celebrated a transformative event that went beyond traditional sports competitions. Each childs dream echoed aspirations of winning at the Olympics and representing the nation at the highest level. SFAs organizational prowess was evident in bringing together a myriad of sports on such a grand scale, creating a unique platform where several national and international-level players competed across diverse sporting disciplines. SFA Championships is poised to make sports accessible for young athletes across the country, thereby empowering today’s talent to become the Champions of tomorrow.

Parimatch Sports Hosts Exclusive Meet & Greet with Pro Kabaddi Superstars

Parimatch Sports, a sportswear brand inspired by the worlds top athletes and an Official Partner of the Pro Kabaddi League since 2021, once again brought the audience closer to the champions. The Pro Kabaddi League is celebrating its landmark 10th season and this season has been a rousing success with breathtaking action.

Parimatch Sports Hosts Exclusive Meet & Greet With Pro Kabaddi Superstars

On 24 February, 20 lucky winners, who were shortlisted through activities on Parimatch Sports social media, attended an exclusive meet and greet session with top players of the League, including Ashu Malik (Dabang Delhi), Aditya Shinde (Puneri Paltan), Sourav Gulia, and Sonu (Gujarat Giants), among others.

Fans had a thrilling opportunity not only to personally meet with their idols at a secret location but also to take a photo with them. Each fan also received a T-shirt from Parimatch Sports, all signed by the mentioned Pro Kabaddi stars.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashu Malik said, “We always believe in keeping the spirit of sports high and want our fans to enjoy sports in a more immersive manner. ‘Fan moments’ such as this face-to-face meeting are a great opportunity for us to keep our fans entertained and the spirit of sports and Kabaddi high. Thanks to the Parimatch Sports brand, all players and attendees had a great time together.”

This event is a good example of how a dream can turn into reality. The photo report of the Meet and Greet with Kabaddi superstars will be available on Parimatch Sports social media. Follow them to feel the spirit of this exclusive event and get a chance to participate in the upcoming meet and greets with sports stars organized by Parimatch Sports.

The Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 started in December 2023 in Ahmedabad, and the final will be played on 1 March 2024 in Hyderabad.

About Parimatch Sports

Parimatch Sports is a high-quality sportswear brand inspired by the world’s top athletes and designed to equip every brave soul on their winning track. With passion at its heart, Parimatch Sports creates pro-on-field kits for football and cricket teams and a comprehensive range of everyday workout clothes for fans. The main feature that makes this brand stand out from the crowd is its exclusive design, inspired by the worlds top athletes and their victories on the pitch. Outstanding cricket stars Dinesh Karthik, Shivam Dube, and Arshdeep Singh are among their brand ambassadors. Parimatch Sports appearance on the market pursues an ambitious goal-expanding the horizons of Indias love for sports, bringing it to a brand new level.

Delhi Cricket Hub Beat Delhi Capitals to become Champions

Match 31 of the Bodycare presents 2nd NC Bakshi Memorial T20 Cup was played at Essex Farms Cricket Club & Academy at Chhawla on 25th February 2024, between Delhi Cricket Hub and Delhi Capitals. Delhi Cricket Hub won the toss and elected to field in the final match of the tournament.

Champions Delhi Cricket Hub with Mr. Sanjay Dawar, Founder and Managing Director, Bodycare Creations Limited, and other DDCA officials

Batting first, Delhi Capitals scored 197 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs. Kshitiz Sharma top scored with 57 runs off 42 balls. He was supported by Hrithik Shokeen who was not out at 46 run off 22 balls. For Delhi Cricket Hub, Mayank Arora took 3 wickets each for 35 runs in 4 overs.

In reply, Sombeer Sheokhand (72 runs off 31 balls), Rishab Drall (47 runs off 26 balls) and Aditya Kumar (42 runs off 26 balls), ensured that Delhi Cricket Hub reached 202/5 in just 18.4 overs and took home the winners trophy. Hrithik Shokeen took 3 wickets for 34 runs in 4 overs for Delhi Capitals.

Sombeer Sheokhand was adjudged as the Kimati Player of the Match. Harish Dagar was the Zee News Delhi NCR Haryana Most Active Player of the Match while Kshitij Sharma was the ABSS Sports Fighter of the Match. Yugal Saini was adjudged the best batsman of the tournament while Ankit Pratap Singh was the Player of the Tournament. Dhruv Singh was adjudged the Best Wicketkeeper and Mayank Arora was the Best Bowler.

2nd NC Bakshi Memorial T20 Cup was being organised by NC Bakshi Academy for Cricket Excellence (NCB ACE) to take forward the principles and learnings of its mentor and guide Prof. NC Bakshi. Bodycare Creations is the Title Sponsor for the second year in row. Zee News Delhi NCR Haryana is the Media Partner. Kimati Sports, ABSS Sports, Bonzo Peter’s, Tatvam Resort Lansdowne are supporting the 2nd NC Bakshi Memorial T20 Cup.