Home Blog Page 726

Amadeus to Build and Foster Travel Tech Start-up Community in Asia Pacific with Amadeus Next

Global travel technology leader, Amadeus, today announces the launch of its Amadeus Next start-up initiative at the Echelon Thailand 2015 conference, the gateway to Asia’s burgeoning tech start-up community.

Amadeus Next leverages Amadeus’ technology, expertise, reach and funding, to evolve new and original ideas in travel, empowering travel start-ups in Asia Pacific to shape the future of travel. It also serves as a driving force to build an ecosystem of likeminded partners and organisations that are excited about travel technology, and looking to challenge the status quo.

To date, there are six travel technology start-ups on board, including Klook, Orahi and Triposo and TopDocs, a platform for medical tourists to book a seamless medical travel experience.

“Amadeus is at the forefront of the travel technology industry and a major player in the travel start-up scene in this region. So partnering with ‘Amadeus Next’ was a no brainer. For our success and to go grow quickly we need access to leading travel technology, expert advisory from a global network with funding opportunities which Amadeus is providing,” said Cassandra Italia, CEO & Founder – TopDocs.

Additionally, JungleVentures, CyberAgent Ventures Techsauce and Hubba, Thailands start-up leader in terms of co-working spaces, technology events, technology media and startup education, have joined Amadeus Next.

Amartit Charoenphan, Founder, CEO Hubba, commented that “It takes a leader to see changes and own the future rather than being reactive to technological disruption, and that is exactly what Amadeus does. We believe that big corporations have a lot to offer to start-ups, but Amadeus Next goes one step further. They truly work and think like a start-up and what they’re doing will be pivotal to the industry and to start-ups in the travel technology space”.

What Amadeus Next offers start-ups:

– Technology: Start-ups gain access to Amadeus’ technology and solutions to build and validate the Minimum Viable Product, as well as leverage decades of experience in travel technology.

– Expertise: Start-ups can work with Amadeus experts to incubate and validate new ideas and businesses. They will also receive mentoring and guidance to navigate their way to success.

– Reach: Start-ups will be able to connect to the right network with Amadeus’ support to test, validate and pilot new business models with Amadeus customers and industry players.

– Funding: Amadeus will help start-ups to connect to investors and venture capital around the world. Globally, Amadeus also has a dedicated Amadeus Venture Fund which offers early stage minority investments in start-ups.

Simon Akeroyd, Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development, said, “Amadeus Next is not a short-term project or a one-off investment, it’s a long-term partnership and commitment to create a collaborative travel tech startup community in Asia Pacific. To truly shape the future of travel, we need to work together, across the industry, and with travel players big and small, to create a collaborative ecosystem with the traveller at the centre. “

Amadeus’ participation in Bangkok Startup Weekend 2015 earlier this year was one of the preliminary activities from Amadeus Next to work with the Asia Pacific startup community.

Note to the editors

About Amadeus

Amadeus is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (e.g. airlines, hotels, rail and ferry operators, etc.), travel sellers (travel agencies and websites), and travel buyers (corporations and travel management companies).

The Amadeus group employs around 13,000 people worldwide, across central sites in Madrid (corporate headquarters), Nice (development) and Erding (operations), as well as 71 local Amadeus Commercial Organisations globally.

The group operates a transaction-based business model.

Amadeus is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange under the symbol “AMS.MC” and is a component of the IBEX 35 index.

To find out more about Amadeus please visit www.amadeus.com, and www.amadeus.com/blog for more on the travel industry.

iCreate Kicks Off 7th Edition of the Startup Accelerator Programme; Invites Applications from Early-Stage Startups

iCreate (International Centre for Technology and Entrepreneurship), India’s leading startup incubator has opened registrations for its prestigious startup accelerator programme, iIA (iCreate Idea Accelerator). The incubator at iCreate provides support throughout your entrepreneurial journey – from idea stage to proof-of-concept, early marketing stage, and scale-up. Their interactive accelerator programmes are designed to equip entrepreneurs with clarity about their basic assumptions, customer needs, product-market fit, technology, business model, among others. This batch of iIA is the 7th edition of the accelerator programme.

Early stage startups across the country can apply to get incubated in this rigorous 21 Day programme. Currently, due to the pandemic, iIA is being offered in a live, online mode and will help evaluate the idea and its business feasibility. The programme is designed to be an intense and informative session where your business idea is discussed in detail to obtain practical insights that can be actioned.

It will also aid in strategizing a potential business plan and covers the spectrum of idea validation, idea refinement, financial assumptions, resource management, team building, market research and idea pivots if required. iIA is designed to provide each participant with extensive mentoring and field work to enable the entrepreneur to create a holistic roadmap including financial as well as strategic mapping.

Commenting on the announcement, Anupam Jalote, CEO, iCreate said, “iIA is a program that has emerged after hundreds of interactions. It gives early stage entrepreneurs CLARITY about the value they bring to their customers, clarity on their market, clarity on their product-market fit and clarity about their own entrepreneurial journey. We believe that these early interventions will help groom a probable disruptor to fully realize their potential, especially through a systemic approach that exposes them to the various enablers in the ecosystem.”

iCreate is India’s leading startup incubator promoted by the Govt of Gujarat and Govt of India. Till date, they have supported over 377 innovations and 30 patents, by connecting them with mentors, markets and money. The programmes provide critical real-life inputs through mentoring, market validation, and help make the startups investor ready. They also provide rapid prototyping facilities, and additional opportunities through various innovation challenges.

This batch will start from the 5th of July 2021. The accelerator programme consists of 3 Modules. The 1st module will comprise Idea Validation, Resource Planning, market visualization, and size estimation, defining customer target groups and creation of financial plan. The 2nd module will largely cover Market Validation, customer engagement and getting real insights from customers to help build a market ready product. The final module will be on utilizing the market feedback to build a scalable product/service, building idea pivots into the financial plans (if required) and training for a pitch.

The programme will also include pitching sessions for incubation and applying for various government schemes for additional support. It also opens up an opportunity to get support & prototype development grants of up to Rs. 10 lakh for young entrepreneurs and aspiring startup founders.

Participants can apply for the programme through iCreate’s website portal or apply online through this link.

For more details and registration, please visit icreate.org.in or contact +91 99135 69975.

Last date to register is 25th June 2021.

About iCreate

iCreate (International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology) is an autonomous centre of excellence of the Government of Gujarat and is India’s largest institution for transforming startups based on tech innovation into successful businesses. Located in a state-of-the-art 40-acre campus at Dev Dholera in Ahmedabad, till date it has supported over 377 innovations and 30 patents with a ‘high-touch, entrepreneur-first‘ model, connecting them with mentors, markets and money. Embedded systems and IoT are a focus area for iCreate, in domains like electric vehicles, agritech, smart cities, healthtech, industrial automation, renewable energy, among others. It is home to Ciscos largest Innovation Lab in India, and has partnerships with leading institutions in the US, Israel and other countries.

Marwari Catalysts Invites Supply Chain Tech Startups For Its Accelerator Programme – Thrive

  • Category Specific: Supply Chain Tech

  • Early Revenue Early Traction Startups, No Ideation Stage.

  • Sharpen your growth strategy with our Supply Chain experts.

  • Engage with industry experts for industry connect, technology support, branding, funding, mentorship & for boosting entrepreneurship journey.

  • Join a network of like-minded individuals and discuss business challenges in peer to peer circles.

  • What not to expect: Marwari Catalysts is an accelerator and not a fund/ not an incubator/ not an Angel Network.

  • No of startups shortlisting is 6-8.

  • 12 weeks program followed by a Demo Day.

Continuing its bid to invest in India’s startup ecosystem, Marwari Catalysts is now accepting applications from Supply Chain Tech startups for its 12 weeks accelerator cohort program, Thrive, from across the country. The program is supported by supply chain experts and as part of the cohort, the shortlisted startups will get an opportunity to receive an investment upto Rs. 50 lakhs.

Supply Chain Tech Accelerator Program by MCats

With a track record of 5 successful exits of portfolio startups (fully/partial) till date, Marwari Catalysts will help startups achieve what is important in their early days – growth, access and capital.

The accelerator has already conducted successful cohorts in EdTech, FinTech, D2C, CleanTech segments and is backed up by some of India’s leading AIFs, VCs and Angel Networks that will participate during the Demo Day process.

Commenting on the accelerator program, Sushil Sharma, Founder & CEO, Marwari Catalysts says, “Building a business is hard. Scaling it is even harder. Which is why we have built this platform to help the next set of founders to scale faster. We do this with content, domain specific programs, & access to a curated community that can help during this journey.

‍

We believe that Marwari Catalysts’ success lies entirely with the founders who have used it, learned from it, and also given back to the community.”

MCats is driven by a culture of innovation and has been a frontrunner in building entrepreneurial culture in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities of India. With Thrive, MCats looks to strengthen its ties with the startup ecosystem as well as build futuristic technologies.

Sharing their rationale on the program, Sharad Bansal (Founder, Tinkerly) & Rajendra Lora (Founder, FreshoKartz) says, “The Supply ChainTech community is at the forefront of building an ecosystem where everyone wins, especially after Covid-19; and we are excited that with this cohort, we hope to catalyse movement towards reaching such a goal and enable opportunities for India’s innovative Supply ChainTech start-up ecosystem to take secure, scalable solutions to market faster. We, along with Marwari Catalysts, look forward to playing our part as the Startup Ecosystem Advisor and leverage our expertise on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India to find the next-generation of startups that have the potential to bring large-scale disruptions.”

Why register

  • The program provides focused support for entrepreneurs by category experts, offering a conducive startup environment, which helps them focus on their products and expand market outreach.

  • Sharpen your growth strategy: The accelerator supports acquisition of business knowledge through mentor support.

  • Scale aggressively: The program facilitates raising necessary finance, introduces the entrepreneurs to business networks, all of which substantially reduce the level of failure.

How to apply

Interested startups can apply here for the accelerator program.

marwaricatalysts.com/supplychaintech

The deadline for applying is 31st March, 2023.

The fresh applications will be evaluated and shortlisted applicants will be invited for a face-to-face virtual pitch session with Marwari Catalysts’ leadership team. The final selection will be based on the strength of the business idea/plan, team capabilities, and relevance to the focus areas.

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