Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, has launched a strategic partnership with Microsoft to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation across the academic ecosystem. The partnership will establish Microsoft Labs across five MAHE constituent units, creating new opportunities for students and faculty to engage with emerging technologies through hands-on learning, innovation, and industry collaboration.

MAHE, Microsoft & Hitachi Systems India leadership at the launch of the AI Lab at TAPMI Manipal

The Microsoft Labs will be established at T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal; T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Bengaluru; Manipal School of Commerce and Economics (MSCE), Manipal; Manipal Institute of Commerce, Finance and Economics (MICFE), Bengaluru; and Manipal Law School (MLS), Bengaluru. The labs will provide students and faculty with access to cutting-edge technologies and hands-on learning experiences, while supporting interdisciplinary research and industry-academia collaboration.

The labs will provide access to AI and other digital technologies, creating dedicated platforms for hands-on learning, experimentation, interdisciplinary research, and innovation. The initiative will also strengthen industry-academia engagement by enabling students and faculty to align academic learning with evolving industry requirements and real-world applications.

The event was attended by Mr Puneet Chandok, President and CEO of Microsoft India and South Asia; Mr Raj Kamal Singhal, CEO of Hitachi Systems India; and Mr Venkat Krishnan, Executive Director at Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd. Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, chaired the event.

The two-day programme included interactions between the leadership of Microsoft and Hitachi Systems India and the MAHE community. The discussions focused on emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital education, research, and the preparation for future skill requirements.

As part of the launch programme, MAHE also hosted a panel discussion titled “Beyond the Hype: How AI Is Reshaping Work, Business, and Society.” The discussion explored AI’s growing impact across workplaces, businesses, education, and society, and highlighted the need for responsible adoption and future-ready capabilities.

Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, “MAHE has always believed in staying ahead of change rather than reacting to it. The launch of these AI Labs, in partnership with Microsoft and Hitachi, is a continuation of that founding vision, building an institution where innovation and ethics advance together.”

Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “The MAHE-Microsoft Partnership marks an important step in our journey towards creating a technology-enabled and future-ready higher education ecosystem. Artificial intelligence and cloud technologies are transforming the way we learn, work, and innovate, and it is essential that our students and faculty engage with these technologies through meaningful, hands-on experiences. The establishment of Microsoft Labs across five of our constituent institutions will strengthen opportunities for experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and innovation.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia, said, “India’s young talent has the potential to shape the next wave of AI-led innovation, and partnerships between academia and industry are critical to unlocking that potential. Our collaboration with MAHE will bring students and faculty closer to the technologies, tools, and skills that are shaping the future of work. The Microsoft Labs across five MAHE institutions will provide a platform for hands-on learning, experimentation, and innovation, helping learners move beyond understanding AI to applying it responsibly to solve real-world challenges.”

Mr Raj Kamal Singhal, CEO, Hitachi Systems India, said, “The convergence of technology, education, and industry is essential to building the workforce and solutions needed for a rapidly evolving digital economy. We are pleased to be part of this initiative with MAHE and Microsoft, which brings together academic expertise and industry capabilities to create meaningful opportunities for learning and innovation. As AI and cloud technologies continue to transform businesses, initiatives such as these can help students develop practical skills, embrace continuous learning, and apply technology to address problems.”

“As AI rapidly moves from experimentation to real-world application, building the right combination of technology capabilities, practical skills and industry understanding will be critical. Our association with MAHE and Microsoft provides an opportunity to bring industry perspectives closer to academia and help students understand how emerging technologies can address real business and societal challenges. At Hitachi Systems India, we believe such collaborations can play an important role in developing future-ready talent while fostering responsible and meaningful technology-led innovation.”              

The MAHE-Microsoft Partnership enhances technology-driven education and innovation, creating an environment where academic knowledge, industry insights, and emerging technologies converge to equip learners for the evolving needs of the global economy.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

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

About Microsoft India

Microsoft India enables individuals and organisations to achieve more through innovative cloud, AI, productivity, and digital transformation solutions. The company works closely with educational institutions, enterprises, startups, and government organisations to drive technology-led growth and innovation.

About Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd.

Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd. is a leading IT services and digital transformation company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Systems, Ltd., leveraging deep domain expertise, advanced technology capabilities, and the strength of the Hitachi Group. The company provides end-to-end services spanning cloud, cybersecurity, data centre, and network services, observability services, managed services, and enterprise technology solutions across India.

• Accelerates faster, transparent, and secure transactions while eliminating physical dependencies.

• Enables buyers to complete registrations seamlessly, even on auspicious days and public holidays.

In a significant step aligned with the Government of Tamil Nadu’s digital transformation agenda, DRA, one of Chennai’s fastest-growing residential developers, has established the required infrastructure at its head office and successfully commenced presence-less property registration and e-sale deed services for its customers from Februrary 18th, 2026. With this, the company is the first developer from CREDAI Tamil Nadu to adopt the state’s digital registration framework, STAR 2.0, marking a shift toward more streamlined, remote property transactions.

DRA Becomes First to Adopt Tamil Nadu’s Presence-Less Property Registration

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director – DRA, said: “We congratulate the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Registration Department on the launch of STAR, a forward-looking reform that will significantly modernize property transactions and improve convenience for homebuyers.”

As part of this initiative, DRA has established an exclusive, dedicated infrastructure enabling customers to complete presence-less registration seamlessly, in alignment with the framework prescribed by the Sub-Registrar Office. The company has also set up the required digital and compliance systems in accordance with government guidelines, working with authorised partners to ensure a secure and streamlined registration process. This significantly simplifies a traditionally complex step in homebuying by enabling faster, transparent and secure transactions while eliminating physical dependencies and the need to visit Sub-Registrar Offices or rely on fixed time slots and token-based appointments. The process also offers greater flexibility for homebuyers, enabling them to complete registrations seamlessly even on auspicious days and public holidays. DRA has also been actively engaging with the office of the IG Registration as well as TCS to help streamline the process based on actual user experiences.

While the purchase of a home remains a deeply significant and high-value decision often associated with personal involvement and physical documentation, this model introduces a new layer of convenience. Buyers can now complete registrations remotely, with the added flexibility to align the process with their schedules, including weekends, government holidays, and personally important or auspicious days.

The initiative strengthens process standardisation and transparency through digitised workflows that improve documentation accuracy and reduce the scope for discrepancies. It also enables more efficient use of resources by reducing dependency on extensive physical infrastructure and manual coordination. While not a primary purchase driver, this serves as a meaningful value addition that enhances the overall homebuying experience.

About DRA

DRA, with an impressive legacy of over 40 years, has become a trusted name in the real estate industry, delivering world-class projects across Chennai. With more than 12,000 satisfied customers, DRA is synonymous with trust, transparency, and timely delivery. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director, DRA goes beyond just building apartments by offering its customers a ‘Home of Pride’ — thoughtfully designed living spaces that cater to evolving lifestyles and embody a sense of accomplishment and belonging.

Driven by a culture of innovation and customer-centricity, DRA has introduced several industry-first initiatives. The company is the first builder in India to conduct 1,357 quality checks before customer handover and the first builder in India to make all its employees co-owners, reinforcing a strong sense of ownership and accountability across the organisation. DRA is also the first builder to introduce a Construction Timeline Meter, enabling customers to track project progress with greater transparency while supporting faster delivery timelines.

Reflecting the trust it has earned among homebuyers, DRA maintains an industry-leading 93% Customer Delight Score. The company’s projects have also delivered up to 60% price appreciation within three years of launch, creating long-term value for homeowners and investors alike.

Innovations like the Timeline Meter for project updates and the Customer Delight Meter reflect DRA’s unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, while its online customer portal ensures hassle-free access to project details and documentation. Signature developments such as DRA Tuxedo, 90 Degrees, Ascot, Skylantis, Infinique, and iHeart exemplify the company’s commitment to blending modernity with value-driven investments.

Recognized with awards such as FICCI’s REISA and the Times Business Awards, DRA holds the distinction of being Chennai’s first developer with CRISIL’s 7-star grading. Beyond real estate, the company actively contributes to society through initiatives such as pond restoration, nurturing young sporting talent, and supporting community development. Upholding its motto, “Timeless Homes, Timely Delivery,” DRA continues to inspire pride and trust in every home it creates, turning dreams into lasting legacies.

Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its ranking of European travel interest to Asia, based on accommodation search data from April to June 2026 for travel during July and August. India emerged as the fastest-growing destination, recording a 14 percent year-on-year increase in searches compared to the same period last year.

Agoda Reveals Europe’s 2026 Summer Travel Interest to Asia: Searches to India climb

The United Kingdom was the largest European market driving travel interest to India, followed by Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Italy, based on accommodation search volumes.

While these markets saw the highest overall travel interest, several emerging European markets recorded notable year-on-year growth in accommodation searches compared to 2025. Slovakia led with a 148 percent increase, followed by Croatia at 128 percent and Ireland at 88 percent.

For Europeans, July and August mark the height of summer and a peak travel period, when schools break and holiday plans come to life. In 2026, Thailand retains its crown as the most-searched Asian destination among European travelers for the second consecutive year, Indonesia shifts to second place, and Japan takes third.

Across the top 20 destinations, India saw the most notable year-on-year growth in European searches at 14percent , followed by South Korea at 13 percent  and Vietnam at 12 percent . These three markets stand out as the region’s fastest rising European summer travel interest, pointing to a growing appetite for diverse itineraries beyond Asia’s traditional hotspots.

Among destinations within India, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa emerged as the most-searched cities among European travelers for summer 2026. As India’s primary international gateways, New Delhi and Mumbai serve as key metropolitan hubs that connect travelers to destinations across the country while also offering rich cultural, culinary, and urban experiences. Complementing these gateway cities, Goa continues to attract European visitors with its beaches, vibrant hospitality scene, and laid-back coastal charm.

New Delhi attracts travelers with its rich history, iconic monuments, and vibrant cultural heritage, while Mumbai continues to draw visitors with its cosmopolitan energy, culinary scene, and entertainment offerings. Goa remains a perennial favourite for its beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and unique mix of Portuguese heritage, nightlife, and coastal experiences, making it one of India’s most sought-after leisure destinations.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, Agoda, said, “India’s growing popularity among European travelers reflects a broader shift in how international visitors are discovering the country. Beyond iconic landmarks, travelers are increasingly seeking authentic cultural experiences, wellness retreats, culinary journeys, and nature-led escapes. The strong year-on-year search growth from both established and emerging European markets highlights India’s expanding appeal as a diverse and value-driven destination. At Agoda, we connect travelers to India with great accommodation, flight and activity deals, helping them explore both renowned destinations and lesser-known gems.”

In Europe, the top five origin markets of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Spain remain consistent from 2025 to 2026, a sign that Europe’s most enthusiastic Asia travelers are as keen as ever. However, other European markets have also seen growing interest: Türkiye leads with a 39 percent increase in Asian destination searches, followed by Hungary (22 percent) and Czech Republic (16 percent). This signals that interest in Asian travel is spreading further across the European continent, with Central and Eastern European travelers increasingly joining the Asia-bound wave.

As European travelers finalize their summer plans, Agoda continues to offer seamless bookings across more than six million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities worldwide. To find the best deals for summer travel to Asia and beyond, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app.

About the Data 
All data is based on accommodation search data on Agoda from 1 April to 30 June 2026, for stays between 1 July and 31 August 2026, compared to the same period in 2025.

About Agoda 
Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of over 6 million hotels and holiday properties, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and supported by 24/7 customer support.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG), employs over 7,500 people globally, and is dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel easy and affordable.

Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS), an Indian deep-tech defence enterprise, today announced the successful development and delivery of its AgniQuell High Expanding Fire Fighting Foam to the Indian Navy’s Material Organisation (MO). The delivery follows a rigorous development procedure funded by an iDex Challenge floated by Indian Navy in association with Defence Innovation Organization (DIO) to provide an indigenous solution to the critical requirement.

Indigenous developed AgniQuell – Fire Fighting Foam demonstration to the Indian Navy by Big Bang Boom Solutions

Engineered for High-Risk Defence and Industrial Applications
Modern naval, defence, and heavy industrial assets demand rapid, zero-compromise emergency response capabilities. Developed entirely through indigenous R&D, AgniQuell addresses critical vulnerabilities in high-risk zones where conventional firefighting methods fall short. Featuring an industry-leading expansion capability of up to 1:1000, AgniQuell transforms a compact volume of foam concentrate into a massive, oxygen-starving blanket of fire-suppression foam within seconds.

“Securing and executing this order for the Indian Navy validates the maturity and reliability of our indigenous engineering,” said Dr. Shivaraman R, Co-founder & CTO, Big Bang Boom Solutions. “AgniQuell was built from the ground up to protect critical infrastructure while reducing dependency on foreign technology. As we continue to advance defence tech across multiple domains, this milestone reinforces our commitment to bolstering national self-reliance, operational safety, and long-term value creation for our stakeholders and is the first success of our Material Science team.”

Key Performance Pillars:

• Instantaneous Oxygen Deprivation – Rapidly suffocates complex liquid and structural fires, halting thermal runaway.

• Volume-Optimized Coverage – Floods enclosed spaces, machinery rooms, and storage facilities with minimal concentrate requirement.

• Universal Equipment Compatibility – Seamlessly integrates with all standard and specialized foaming equipment, ensuring zero retrofit delay for existing systems.

• All-Terrain & Outdoor Versatility – Engineered to maintain structural integrity and suppress fires effectively across both enclosed facilities and open-air, outdoor environments.

• Resource Preservation – Drastically reduces water consumption, mitigating secondary water damage to sensitive electronic and military hardware.

What This Milestone Means for BBBS’s Growth Trajectory
This Indian Navy delivery is more than a simple contract fulfilled, it is testament to BBBS committed to high quality, R&D and product development. This marks the second product that BBBS has successfully developed, qualified, been contracted for and successfully delivered under the iDex program, making them the flag bearers of this prestigious initiative. With this, BBBS has established a validated, repeatable pathway into a wider set of naval and defence fire-safety programs. The company is in active discussions for follow-on orders and pilot deployments across additional naval installations and defence platforms.

AgniQuell’s design – high expansion ratio, low water and concentrate consumption, and equipment-agnostic deployment – also gives it direct applicability beyond defence, including in industrial sectors such as oil & gas, power generation, aviation, and heavy manufacturing, where fire-suppression infrastructure is a significant and recurring capital spend.

This win adds to BBBS’s growing portfolio of indigenous defence technologies, spanning fire suppression, simulators, anti-drone systems, and specialized autonomous defence platforms – reinforcing the company’s position as a multi-domain deep-tech player in India’s expanding defence manufacturing ecosystem. 

About Big Bang Boom Solutions
Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS) is an Indian deep-tech defence enterprise specializing in the R&D and deployment of advanced technologies for national security and industrial safety. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chennai, India, BBBS has been recognized with over 8 iDex wins, 30+ defence contracts running into 100s of crores from all three services for its work in indigenous defence innovation.

For more information contact Rohit – 9810189253

VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting academic excellence by honouring 4,034 meritorious students with scholarships worth Rs. 3.5 crore during VELS Success Day 2026, held at the university campus on Tuesday.  

VELS Awards Rs. 3.5 Crore in Scholarships to 4,034 Meritorious Students at ‘VELS Success Day 2026’

As part of the scholarship programme, this year, the university honoured 345 University Rank Holders, 849 students who secured positions among the top 10% of their respective programmes, 1,640 students who successfully completed SWAYAM and NPTEL courses, and 1,200 VELS scholarship beneficiaries. Altogether, 4,034 deserving students received scholarships and recognition during the event.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President, VELS Group of Institutions, said that VELS Success Day is a celebration of determination, perseverance, and academic excellence. She stated that scholarships worth Rs. 3.5 crore had been awarded to encourage students who had gone beyond the ordinary in their pursuit of excellence.

She emphasised that “Success is not about being better than others; it is about becoming better than yourself every day.” She urged students to strive for continuous self-improvement, reminding them that excellence is sustained only through consistency and dedication. Congratulating the awardees, she encouraged them to view the recognition as the beginning of greater achievements, advising them to continue learning, remain humble, and uphold the values that define true success.

Delivering the inaugural address, Mr. Krishna Balagurunathan, Chief Mentor & Associate Vice President – Early Careers, Hexaware Technologies, Chennai, inspired students to express gratitude to those who contributed to their success. He said that every achievement should first be dedicated to parents for their sacrifices, followed by teachers who shape young minds and friends who inspire individuals to become better every day.

Highlighting the qualities required to succeed in today’s competitive world, he encouraged students to aspire to become the best versions of themselves rather than competing with others. He stressed that strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to express differing opinions respectfully are among the most valued attributes in the professional world. He further noted that organisations today increasingly recruit candidates based on their attitude in addition to technical competence and urged students to think big, remain optimistic, spread positivity, and become role models in society.

The programme was presided over by Dr. M. Bhaskaran, Vice-Chancellor (FAC), VISTAS; Dr. M. Chandrasekaran, Registrar, VISTAS, along with faculty members, parents, and students.

About VELS University
VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) continues to be recognised as one of the best deemed university in Chennai, distinguished by its prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation and UGC Category I status. 

Home to over 20,000 students and supported by a dedicated faculty strength of 1,220 members, VISTAS offers more than 150 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a wide spectrum of disciplines. These include Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Management, Law, Mass Communication, Maritime Studies, Aviation, Physiotherapy, and Computing Sciences, among others. With its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development, VISTAS remains a premier destination for quality higher education in India. 

For more information kindly visit: www.vistas.ac.in

Hiranandani Communities has announced a landmark collaboration with The Fern Hotels & Resorts, under the Series by Marriott collaboration, to introduce branded serviced apartments at Hiranandani Sands, its integrated coastal township in Nagaon, Alibaug. Bringing together three trusted names, Hiranandani Communities, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International, the partnership marks a significant step towards integrating premium residential ownership with globally benchmarked, professionally managed hospitality experiences within a single integrated township.
 

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani and Mr. Suhail Puri during the signing ceremony for the collaboration between Hiranandani Communities and The Fern Hotels & Resorts, a Series by Marriott, in Mumbai
 

The collaboration reflects a broader shift already underway in Indian real estate, one where value is increasingly defined not by space alone, but by the standard of living, service, and experience a home delivers. For Alibaug, long known as a weekend escape from Mumbai, the partnership signals a deliberate reimagining: from a seasonal getaway to a year-round lifestyle destination, backed by international hospitality standards and evolving connectivity and infrastructure.
 

For homeowners, the offering goes beyond traditional real estate ownership. Residences are professionally managed under the Fern-Marriott partnership on a “lock-and-leave” model, an asset-light approach in which units can be rented out through the management company when not in personal use, subject to the applicable management and operating terms.
 

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, Hiranandani Communities, said, “India’s homebuyer has evolved. They are no longer just purchasing four walls, they are investing in a way of living, a standard of service, and a lifestyle experience. This collaboration with The Fern Hotels & Resorts and Marriott brings exactly that to Alibaug, globally benchmarked hospitality, integrated seamlessly into a home you own. We’ve always believed real estate should serve the life being lived within it, not just the structure itself. Alibaug is already an established tourism and hospitality destination; with improving connectivity and infrastructure, it is now evolving into a year-round lifestyle and real estate destination, creating a natural bridge between leisure, hospitality and long-term living. This partnership is our commitment to being part of that evolution – for our residents, for guests, and for the local community that will grow alongside it.”
 

Mr. Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International, also joined the occasion virtually, marking Marriott International’s participation in the collaboration.
 

Designed as a hospitality-led residential ecosystem, the offering at Hiranandani Sands is built to reduce the traditional dependence on weekend tourism in Alibaug, with the potential to attract long-stay guests, digital nomads and international travellers throughout the year. This shift aims to support more consistent hospitality-led economic activity in the region, rather than the seasonal peaks and troughs that have historically characterised coastal tourism markets in Maharashtra.
 

Beyond individual ownership, the development is designed with a broader community and sustainability mandate — supporting local artisans and craftsmanship, showcasing coastal cuisine and cultural traditions, and encouraging engagement with nearby heritage sites and natural reserves. Sustainability remains integral to the development philosophy, with initiatives focused on green-certified design, renewable energy adoption, water conservation, biodiversity preservation and responsible coastal development.
 

With this collaboration, Hiranandani Communities reinforces a positioning it has held for decades — not merely as a real estate developer, but as an enabler of how India lives, experiences and engages with places. The partnership sets a precedent for integrating global hospitality standards into Indian townships without compromising community impact or environmental responsibility.
 

About Hiranandani Communities

It is one of India’s most respected real estate development companies, known for pioneering integrated township developments across residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, education and healthcare. With over four decades of experience, the company has developed more than 34 million sq. ft. of residential space and 14.74 million sq. ft. of commercial space, with landmark developments in Powai (Mumbai), Thane, Panvel, and Chennai. The Group has consistently set benchmarks in urban planning, sustainable design and community-centric development for over four decades.
 

About Hiranandani Sands, Alibaug

Spread across 225 acres at Nagaon, Alibaug, Hiranandani Sands is a hospitality-centric coastal township initiative by Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, offering an integrated ecosystem of premium residences, branded hospitality and lifestyle amenities designed for coastal living. Envisioned as a year-round coastal lifestyle destination, Hiranandani Sands integrates residential living, hospitality, wellness, leisure and community experiences within a thoughtfully planned ecosystem.

TimbuckDo, India’s #1 Student Gig Hub, has partnered with IdeaBaaz Startup Fest as its Workforce Partner, creating Rs. 25 lakh worth of earning opportunities for more than 100 students over the five-day startup festival being held from August 26-30, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
 

TimbuckDo Partners with IdeaBaaz Startup Fest to Create Rs. 25 Lakh Worth of Earning Opportunities for 100+ Students
 

The partnership marks a significant milestone in TimbuckDo’s journey with IdeaBaaz. From appearing on the show as a startup seeking funding to now becoming a partner supporting one of its next major initiatives, TimbuckDo’s evolution reflects its growing role in India’s startup and youth employment ecosystem.
 

As the Workforce Partner, TimbuckDo will facilitate gig opportunities for 100+ students across various roles during the festival, enabling them to earn while gaining first-hand exposure to the startup ecosystem. Through the partnership, TimbuckDo has created Rs. 25 lakh worth of earning opportunities for students in just five days, demonstrating the potential of gig work to connect young talent with large-scale business and ecosystem opportunities.
 

Through the initiative, students will work alongside startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and other ecosystem stakeholders, gaining a close view of what it takes to build, operate and execute within a large-scale startup environment. The experience will help students develop practical skills while creating a bridge between education and the professional world.
 

For TimbuckDo, the partnership extends its larger mission to champion student gig work and bring students into the mainstream economy through meaningful real-world opportunities. By enabling students to actively contribute to startup events and ecosystem initiatives, TimbuckDo aims to create a pathway where young talent can learn, earn, and participate in the growth of businesses and entrepreneurial communities.
 

The association also highlights the evolution of TimbuckDo’s relationship with IdeaBaaz. Having previously appeared on IdeaBaaz as a startup seeking funding, TimbuckDo is now contributing to the ecosystem as a partner creating opportunities for the next generation of talent through the same platform that was once part of its own entrepreneurial journey.
 

Commenting on the partnership, Mythri Kumar, Co-founder and CEO, TimbuckDo, said, “IdeaBaaz has been an important part of TimbuckDo’s journey. From appearing on the show as a startup seeking funding to now partnering on one of its next big initiatives is a very meaningful milestone for us. Through the IdeaBaaz Startup Fest, we are creating Rs. 25 lakh worth of earning opportunities for more than 100 students in just five days, allowing them to earn, work, and experience the startup ecosystem from the inside. We believe student gig work can play a powerful role in bringing young talent into the mainstream economy and entrepreneurship ecosystem. When students get the opportunity to work alongside startups and entrepreneurs, they get a close view of what it really takes to build and grow a business. This partnership is about creating meaningful value for students by giving them the opportunity to earn, gain practical experience, build confidence and understand the startup ecosystem from within. We see this as a strong reflection of what TimbuckDo stands for creating opportunities that enable students to learn, earn and grow. We see this as a great value proposition for student onboarding in September.”
 

Jeet Wagh & Mudit Kumar, Co-founders, IdeaBaaz, said, “Seeing TimbuckDo, one of the startups from Season 1, now come on board as the Workforce Partner for the IdeaBaaz Startup Fest is a full-circle moment for us. It reflects what we have always believed at IdeaBaaz our relationship with founders should not end when the show does. As we take IdeaBaaz from the screen to a live startup ecosystem in Delhi, it is exciting to have founders from our first season become partners in building what comes next. This partnership with TimbuckDo echoes our commitment to staying invested in the startup ecosystem and creating opportunities for founders beyond the show.”
 

The partnership makes students active participants in the IdeaBaaz Startup Fest rather than passive attendees. By contributing to the execution of the festival, students will gain exposure to the people, processes, and opportunities that shape the startup ecosystem.
 

For TimbuckDo, the partnership represents a broader vision for how student gig work can become an entry point into the professional world helping students build practical experience, understand entrepreneurship up close and develop the skills and networks needed to navigate the world of work.
 

The partnership brings together students, startups, entrepreneurs and the wider startup ecosystem, creating a model where young talent can earn, learn and contribute while businesses and ecosystem platforms gain access to a new generation of talent.
 

About TimbuckDo
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Bengaluru, TimbuckDo Innovations Pvt Ltd is a student gig and growth platform that empowers India’s youth to earn, learn, and grow. Co-founded by Mythri Kumar and Apoorv Sharma Prasad, the company connects students with verified part-time gigs, internships, and project-based opportunities while also offering financial literacy tools, lifestyle benefits, and upskilling resources. TimbuckDo’s mission is to bridge the gap between education and employability by creating a trusted ecosystem where students gain practical exposure, financial independence, and career readiness during their academic journey.

Chitkara University and Paramotor Digital Technology Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Sonia Asher Centre of Excellence in Future Technologies and Innovation, aimed at preparing students for the rapidly evolving technology and fintech ecosystem.

Chitkara University signs MOU with Paramotor Digital Technology Limited to establish the Sonia Asher Centre of Excellence in Future Technologies and Innovation

The Centre will bring together students and faculty across engineering, business, design, mass communication and law, providing exposure to emerging technologies, industry practices, real-world applications and interdisciplinary learning.

Through this initiative, Paramotor will bring its industry experience into the learning environment via mentorship, workshops, hackathons, practitioner interactions and industry projects. Students will gain practical exposure to areas such as digital payments, fintech platforms, AI, data science and technology-enabled financial services, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and industry applications.

Expressing her opinion at the inauguration, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co- Founder of Chitkara University, said, “Technology is reshaping the financial landscape at an unprecedented pace, and preparing students for this transformation requires more than academic knowledge; it demands meaningful engagement with industry, real-world problem-solving and an interdisciplinary perspective. The Sonia Asher Centre of Excellence in Future Technologies and Innovation reflects our commitment to creating learning ecosystems where students can engage with emerging technologies, understand their applications and develop the confidence to innovate. Through this collaboration with Paramotor Digital Technology Limited, we aim to equip our students with the skills, adaptability and future-oriented mindset needed to contribute meaningfully to the evolving fintech and technology ecosystem.”

Sonia Asher, Executive Chairperson and Whole-Time Director, Paramotor Digital Technology Limited, said, “Fintech needs talent that can connect technology with real-world problems. Through this Centre, we hope to help students build the skills and perspective needed to shape what comes next.”

The initiative will also support faculty development, student projects, innovation programmes and industry interaction. Internship and employment opportunities, where applicable, will remain subject to defined selection and performance criteria.

The Centre aims to bring academia and industry closer, giving students practical perspectives and exposure that can help prepare them for opportunities across the evolving fintech and technology landscape.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited private university in North India, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, offering career-oriented undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality and emerging technology fields. For Class 11 and 12 students planning higher education, the University provides industry-aligned programs designed to combine academic excellence with practical exposure.

The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects, research opportunities and global collaborations, supported by modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, industry mentorship and skill-based training that strengthens student employability. Backed by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry collaborations, students gain strong placement support, international exposure, academic exchange and collaborative research opportunities.

Consistently ranked among leading institutions by national and global frameworks such as NIRF, QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, the University maintains high academic rigour and industry relevance. With strong corporate partnerships and a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary learning, it prepares students for emerging career opportunities in India and abroad.

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