India does not need to be told it is a major sports market. It already is. The bigger question now is how the next phase of growth is going to be built.

According to Nicole Junkermann, founder of Gameday by NJF Holdings, the most significant long-term opportunities may lie beyond individual teams and headline franchise valuations, and instead in the strength of leagues themselves.
 

Nicole Junkermann: The Future of Sport Will Be Built at League Level
 

India’s success in cricket has already demonstrated the power of league-based sport at scale. From franchise models and media rights to sponsorship, digital engagement and fan loyalty, cricket has shown how professionally structured competitions can create enormous enterprise value.

But Nicole Junkermann believes that story is only the beginning.

“What cricket has proven in India is that sport, when organised well, can become a powerful economic platform,” said Nicole Junkermann. “The next opportunity is to apply those lessons across a broader sporting ecosystem.”

As India’s sports economy expands across media, technology, infrastructure and fan engagement, she believes the next wave of value creation will come from stronger league ecosystems built for scale, consistency and modern audiences.

India has already demonstrated what is possible when sport meets ambition, entrepreneurship and digital adoption. Large audiences, strong brand engagement and mobile-first consumption have helped create one of the world’s most dynamic markets for live sport.

But the opportunity now extends beyond cricket alone.

Across football, volleyball, kabaddi, women’s sport and emerging formats, India has the foundations to build multiple high-growth properties over the coming decade.

Nicole Junkermann said markets that invest early in league structures, technology platforms and fan ecosystems are likely to be best placed as the sector matures.

“When leagues invest in common capabilities – media production, scheduling, governance systems, data infrastructure and direct fan relationships – they become stronger commercial platforms,” she said. “That benefits teams, athletes, sponsors, broadcasters and supporters alike.”

The comments come at a time of rising international interest in India’s consumer economy and digital entertainment sector. With a young population, growing disposable income and deep digital habits, India is increasingly viewed as a market where sport can scale rapidly and sustainably.

She also highlighted women’s sport as a major growth area, where professional league models can accelerate participation, visibility and long-term sponsorship demand.

“The future of sport will belong to markets that think beyond the next season,” said Junkermann. “India has the talent, the audience and the ambition to build platforms with global relevance.”

Through Gameday by NJF Holdings, Nicole Junkermann has backed a long-term approach to sport focused on structural growth, digital transformation and league-level value creation across international markets.

As India’s sports ecosystem continues to evolve, attention is increasingly turning to what comes next.

About Gameday by NJF Holdings
Gameday by NJF Holdings is a sports investment and strategic platform founded by Nicole Junkermann, focused on building long-term value across leagues, media and sports technology. Its approach centres on structural growth, digital transformation and scalable fan ecosystems.

The platform is the largest shareholder in Italy’s professional women’s volleyball league, Lega Volley Femminile (LVF), where it is supporting league-level commercial and digital development. Gameday by NJF Holdings is also behind Cayo TV, a next-generation sports media platform designed to expand access, engagement and modern distribution for live sport audiences.

For more information visit: www.njfsportsandmedia.com.

• A diaspora-led initiative, BSI aims to celebrate and strengthen cultural roots, community engagement, and structured collaboration with Bihar in India and Indonesia

• The Investment Forum highlighted six core pillars of Bihar Samaj Indonesia (BSI) that guide its community engagement and development agenda, including Culture, Art & Heritage, Education, Youth & Skill Development, and Business, Trade & Investment, amongst others

• Dr. Prem Kumar, Hon’ble Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, graced the event as Chief Guest, alongside policymakers, industry leaders, and the Bihari diaspora in Indonesia
   

Yayasan Bihar Samaj Indonesia (BSI) successfully hosted the Bihar Diwas & Investment Forum 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia, in partnership with the India Embassy, marking a significant milestone with the formal launch of its Indonesia chapter under the broader framework of Bihar Foundation, the diaspora initiative of the Government of Bihar under the Department of Industries.
 

Bihar Foundation Hosts the Inaugural Bihar Diwas and Investment Forum 2026 in Jakarta, HE Ambassador of India to Indonesia Sr Sandeep Chakravorty graced the occasion
 

Held at the Wayang auditorium, Embassy of India, Jakarta, on April 18, the event brought together over 120 participants including BSI members, distinguished members of the larger Indian diaspora, policymakers, and industry leaders from India and Indonesia. The forum focused on strengthening cultural ties and exploring investment opportunities in Bihar.
 

The Chief Guest, Dr. Prem Kumar, Hon’ble Speaker, Bihar Legislative Assembly, joined the event remotely. The event also featured a lively cultural program including a Jhijhiya dance performance by women from Bihar.
 

The launch of BSI marks a significant step in building a structured platform for the Bihari diaspora outside the country to reconnect with its roots while contributing meaningfully towards the state’s growth and development. Anchored in the Foundation’s core philosophy of Bonding, Branding, and Business, BSI aims to move beyond cultural celebrations to enable long-term collaboration, visibility, and impact.
 

Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and National Working President of the Janata Dal (United), congratulated the Bihar Foundation on organizing Bihar Diwas and Investment Forum 2026 and establishing its Indonesia Chapter in Jakarta. He praised its efforts to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and the Bihari diaspora outside India and put spotlight on the potential of skill development, urban growth, and investment opportunities the Indian state has. He emphasized the pivotal role BSI can play in strengthening India–Indonesia ties while showcasing Bihar’s cultural heritage and as a global investment destination.
 

Cultural Performance
 

Praising Bihar Foundation’s concentrated efforts in spreading Bihar’s rich and vast cultural heritage beyond India, Shri Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Indonesia, said, “The Indonesia Chapter offers a wide platform for the Bihar community here to preserve and celebrate its rich legacy of art and culture, while also witnessing the region’s rapid progress in infrastructure, education, and beyond.” He added, “We are delighted to host this event at the Embassy of India, which serves as a vital bridge—bringing our communities, ideas, and investments closer together for a shared and prosperous future, reinforcing our longstanding ties between India and Indonesia.”
 

Dr. Naveen Chandra Lal, President, BSI, said, “Bihar and Indonesia share deep historical and cultural ties. The launch of the Bihar Foundation’s Indonesia Chapter—Bihar Samaj Indonesia (BSI)—strengthens this bond and paves the way for the diaspora to contribute to Bihar’s development.”
 

The event also acted as an investment forum and highlighted emerging opportunities in Bihar across key sectors such as food processing, agriculture, tourism, and education. The initiative is expected to act as a promotional and engagement bridge, encouraging diaspora members to explore participation and contribute to Bihar’s growth journey.
 

Shri Kundan Kumar, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Bihar Foundation, in a special video message to the guests at the launch event, said, “Our guiding principle at Bihar Foundation is Bonding, Branding, and Business. Bonding connects our people to their roots. Branding showcases Bihar’s rich cultural heritage across the globe, and business opens pathways for growth, collaboration, and shared prosperity.” He added, “Bihar is not just about opportunities, it is about legacy. From the land of Nalanda and Bodh Gaya to a state rich in agriculture, culture, and human capital, Bihar offers immense potential across sectors such as tourism, food processing, textiles, and manufacturing. I firmly believe that our diaspora can play a transformative role in this journey.”
 

Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Member of Parliament, Saran, Bihar, also shared a congratulatory message for Bihar Foundation on the inauguration of its Indonesia Chapter as part of the Bihar Diwas and Investment Forum 2026 celebrations and extended his best wishes to the organizers of the forum.
 

Through insightful panel discussions, cultural performances and networking sessions, the event reinforced the critical role of diaspora communities in strengthening India–Indonesia ties while contributing to Bihar’s development.
 

Giving the Vote of Thanks, Shri Mukesh Kumar, Vice President, BSI, shared, “It is encouraging to receive such strong support from the community, policymakers, and industry leaders. Through BSI, we aim to foster active engagement and participation of the Bihari diaspora in the state’s progress.”
 

The Indonesia Chapter brings together a growing community of over 120 members and aims to emerge as one of the most active global chapters of Bihar Foundation with plans to facilitate cross-border collaborations, promote knowledge exchange, and support Bihar’s aspiration of emerging as a key growth engine within India.
 

About Bihar Foundation

Bihar Foundation is the diaspora cell of the Govt. of Bihar. It was set up vide resolution no 4433, dated – 24th November 2006 of the Department of Industries, Govt. of Bihar. Later on, after suggestions of eminent persons in the ‘Global Meet for a Resurgent Bihar’ (19-21 January, 2007), it was decided to reshape Bihar Foundation as a non-profit Society and it got registered as a society under Department of Industry, Government of Bihar on 27th July 2007.
 

About Bihar Samaj Indonesia (BSI) Foundation

Established by Bihar Foundation in Jakarta, Bihar Samaj Indonesia is a community-driven platform dedicated to bringing together individuals of Bihar origin in Indonesia. Built on shared values of culture, unity, and service, the organization works to preserve heritage, support its members, and contribute meaningfully to society. The vision of BSI stands on six core program pillars: Culture, Art & Heritage focused on preserving roots, celebrating cultural identity, and connecting generations through heritage; Festival & Events focused on designing vibrant community events and bringing people together through celebrations; Education, Youth & Skill Development focused on empowering youth through education and skills and building future-ready leaders; Business, Trade & Investment focused on driving business growth, promoting India–Indonesia trade, and enabling investment opportunities; Social Welfare, CSR, Women Empowerment & Environment focused on social impact, inclusion, and sustainability; and Media, Communication & Digital focused on strengthening outreach, engagement, and digital presence.

As India accelerates across artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and innovation-led growth, new questions are emerging around trust, ethics and long-term value creation. Addressing that challenge, The Human Code, outlined by international investor Nicole Junkermann, offers a framework for responsible AI and human-centred progress.

The Human Code: NJF Holdings’ Investment Philosophy

As India accelerates across AI, digital public infrastructure, healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship and advanced manufacturing, The Human Code offers a framework for ensuring that progress remains human at its core.

The Human Code sits beneath Nicole Junkermann’s work across NJF Holdings, including NJF Capital and Gameday by NJF Holdings. It is built on a central belief: the most valuable progress is progress that strengthens people, trust and long-term prosperity.

“India is one of the most exciting countries in the world right now,” said Nicole Junkermann. “The scale of ambition, entrepreneurial energy and digital transformation is extraordinary. But the strongest growth is always growth guided by purpose, trust and long-term thinking.”

AI Regulation Is Not Enough. We Need AI Morals

Nicole Junkermann has previously argued that while regulation is necessary, it is not sufficient for the AI age.

Governments around the world are developing new rules for artificial intelligence. India is building its own approach while balancing innovation, inclusion and economic growth. Across markets, industry leaders speak of guardrails, alignment and safety.

But The Human Code argues that rules alone cannot answer the deeper question of what kind of future societies want to build.

Regulation can reduce harm and create accountability. It can define standards and responsibilities. But it rarely answers why technology should exist, what values it should protect or how human dignity should be preserved.

For Nicole Junkermann, the next phase of AI leadership will require not only technical excellence, but moral imagination.

“We don’t just need smarter systems. We need wiser choices about how those systems are built, funded and used,” she said.

Why This Matters for India

India has become a global leader in technology adoption, startup creation and digital systems built at scale. From payments innovation and digital identity to health technology and AI capability, the country is demonstrating how digital infrastructure can reach hundreds of millions of people.

That creates significant opportunity for founders, investors, institutions and global partners.

But growth at scale also raises important questions:

• How is trust built across large populations?

• How should AI be deployed responsibly?

• How can innovation remain inclusive?

• How do organisations balance speed with resilience?

• What creates durable value rather than short-term hype?

• How can technology strengthen dignity rather than reduce people to data points?

The Human Code is designed to help answer those questions.

A Framework for Responsible AI and Long-Term Value

Rather than focusing only on short-term returns or market noise, The Human Code prioritises enduring value creation through trust, discipline, resilience, responsibility and patience.

It asks a different set of questions from traditional growth models:

• Does this strengthen trust or weaken it?

• Does technology extend human agency or reduce it?

• Is growth durable or cosmetic?

• Does leadership combine ambition with character?

• What happens when success arrives at scale?

• Does this make humanity stronger?

For Nicole Junkermann, those principles are increasingly relevant in fast-growing markets where AI and automation can reshape daily life quickly.

Artificial intelligence can improve productivity, widen access to expertise, accelerate research and support better services across healthcare, finance, education, logistics and manufacturing.

But if organisations pursue scale without stewardship, efficiency without ethics or growth without trust, they risk building faster without building better.

Trust, she argues, may become one of the scarcest and most valuable assets of the AI century.

Capital Has a Critical Role

The Human Code also highlights the responsibility of capital.

What gets funded gets built. Investment decisions influence which technologies scale, which behaviours are incentivised and which institutions gain power.

For Nicole Junkermann, ethical due diligence should increasingly sit alongside financial due diligence. Before asking how large a company may become, investors should also ask what dependencies it creates, what behaviour it rewards and who may be left behind.

That is not idealism, but pragmatic foresight in a world where trust can be difficult to rebuild once lost.

Long-Term Opportunity in India

India’s growth story, with its combination of talent, scale, rising ambition and digital capability, creates fertile ground for long-term investment thinking.

Some of the strongest opportunities emerge in sectors where patience is required before consensus forms. Areas such as life sciences, frontier technology, women’s sport, climate solutions and foundational infrastructure can demand conviction before markets fully recognise their value.

While short-term markets often chase attention, long-term builders create compounding advantage.

About Nicole Junkermann

Nicole Junkermann is an international investor and entrepreneur focused on technology, artificial intelligence and life sciences. She is the founder of NJF Holdings, leading its venture arm NJF Capital and Gameday by NJF Holdings.

Through NJF Capital, she has built a portfolio of more than 40 companies, with a focus on early-stage investments in artificial intelligence, deep tech and life sciences. Notable investments include SpaceX, Rippling and Revolut, as well as Groq, where Nicole was an early and major investor prior to its recent acquisition by Nvidia.

For more information about Nicole Junkermann, The Human Code and NJF Holdings, visit NJFHoldings.com.

• Powered by a Derma Action Formula with AHA and BHA actives, the range delivers up to 48 hours of odour protection while helping reduce pigmentation and is suitable for all skin types.

• Free from alcohol and aluminum, the Pro+ roll-on combines clinically tested actives and skin-soothing ingredients, designed for daily use with a focus on both care and performance.

Vanesa, a premium women’s fragrance and body care brand, has forayed into the derma-care category with the launch of its new range, Vanesa Pro+, with Kareena Kapoor Khan leading the introduction as the face for Underarm Roll-on category. This expansion marks a significant step in Vanesa’s evolution, building on its presence in personal care while moving into a more ingredient-driven, skin-focused space.

Vanesa x Kareena Roll on

The launch is supported by a campaign film featuring brand ambassador Kareena Kapoor Khan for Vanesa Pro+ Underarm Roll-on, which brings a confident and more open lens to underarm care, shifting it from a concern often kept hidden to a natural part of everyday self-care. This comes at a time when women/Indian consumers are seeking solutions for pigmentation and odour concerns without the use of harsh or aggressive ingredients as the purchasing power of young Indian consumers have also increased. With Pro+, Vanesa responds to this shift with an approach that balances visible underarm benefits with reliable odour protection, moving beyond the limitations of only fragrance-led solutions.

Built around a Unique Derma Action Formula which works on underarm skin health with AHA and BHA actives like Lactic, Mandelic, Salicylic Acid + Enriched with Booster actives like Niacinamide, Kojic acid, Hyaluronic & Allantoin acid + Infused with botanical extracts licorice, Aloe-vera, Green tea, Witch Hazel. The range is designed to support dead skin cell removal, gentle exfoliation, hydration, Skin Soothing and help improve the appearance of underarm skin while fitting seamlessly into everyday routines. It combines skin-focused ingredients with soothing actives for balanced daily care. The formulation offers up to 48 hours of odour protection with its clinically tested deo active complex, is dermatologically tested, suitable for all skin types, and free from alcohol, aluminum, parabens, phthalates, SLS, and triclosan, ensuring a clean and uncomplicated experience. Available in two variants, 4% AHA BHA Pearl and 6% AHA BHA Fresh, it is designed to offer simple choice based on individual underarm needs and everyday comfort.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Saurabh Gupta, Managing Director and Chairman, HSPL said, “When we looked closely at underarm care, it felt like a category that had remained narrowly defined despite being part of everyday routines. That prompted us to think more deliberately about how we wanted to participate in it, not as a short-term extension, but as a more considered addition to our portfolio. Pro+ reflects that direction, and also shapes how we will approach expansion into adjacent personal care spaces going forward.”

With this launch, Vanesa lays the groundwork for a broader derma personal care portfolio, with a continued focus on everyday care needs. Vanesa Pro+ is available on Vanesastore.com, as well as leading e-commerce platforms with plans to explore quick commerce platforms in near future.

Link:- youtu.be/l0wlESXroNc?si=eoSAVFAprQ0a2F66

About Vanesa

Vanesa isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement following a tagline of “Love Yourself, Love Vanesa”. Bold, unapologetic, and effortlessly chic, Vanesa speaks to the woman who knows exactly what she wants—and isn’t afraid to go after it. With contemporary, edgy styling at its core, the brand resonates with today’s confident woman: stylish, self-assured, and always ahead of the curve. Vanesa creates a space for women who are not just living life, but owning it—glamorous, outspoken, vibrant, and ready to take on the world on their own terms.

Chitkara University hosted the second edition of Supercharge ’26, powered by Apple, a two-day flagship event designed to immerse students in the tools, technologies, and ideas shaping the future of digital innovation.

Students at Supercharge ’26, Powered by Apple, held at Chitkara University

Building on the success of previous editions, Supercharge ’26 brought together students from Computer Science & Engineering programmes in a dynamic learning environment focused on exploration, creation, and hands-on application. The event enabled participants to engage directly with Apple technologies, interact with industry experts, and translate ideas into real-world solutions.

The experience was anchored in three core pillars: “Develop the Future” plenary sessions, hands-on workshops to create app prototypes, and spotlight sessions exploring the capabilities of Mac. Industry experts and keynote speakers from Apple and the technology ecosystem shared insights on iOS innovation, emerging digital skills, and the evolving global tech landscape.

Workshops offered immersive exposure to macOS and iOS development, encouraging participants to build functional prototypes and transform concepts into working applications. Spotlight sessions highlighted the role of Mac in enhancing creativity, productivity, and innovation for learners in modern digital environments.

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Madhu Chitkara stated, “Supercharge ’26 exemplified our commitment to bridging classroom learning with industry expectations. By integrating students with experts and advanced tools, we created a platform where ideas transform into impactful solutions for real-world challenges.”

Supercharge ’26 continues to strengthen the collaboration between academia and industry, empowering learners with practical skills, creative confidence, and the ability to innovate for the future of technology.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recognised among India’s leading institutions by NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning.

The University’s academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into core curricula, supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry partners. Global Pathway programs, developed in partnership with leading universities in the United States, Australia and Canada, allow students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University, prepares graduates for careers in India and internationally.

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