• The Airbnb Community Fund will distribute $100 million USD to communities globally through 2030.

• In the Fund’s fifth year, over 130 organizations across 25 countries are receiving nearly $10 million USD in donations. 

• Eight Indian nonprofit organizations will receive donations this year.

• Recipients in India include organizations working across economic empowerment, education, environmental sustainability, and ending abuse and exploitation.

Airbnb today announced the latest recipients of Airbnb Community Fund donations, including eight nonprofit organizations across India that are driving meaningful change across communities.

Photos courtesy of FIDR, Aasman Foundation & ACCESS

Launched in 2020, the Airbnb Community Fund is a $100 million USD initiative designed to support local communities and the people who live there. This year, Airbnb donated nearly $10 million USD to nonprofits globally, supporting organizations working to strengthen communities around the world.

Airbnb hosts are deeply connected to their communities, and each year we proudly partner with the host community to identify important issues and many of the nonprofit organizations that will receive donations. Globally, Host Advisory Board members helped select economic empowerment, sustainable and rural tourism, environmental sustainability, and ending abuse and exploitation as focus areas for this year’s donations. They also reviewed nominations in their regions, bringing host perspective to every decision.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Head, Airbnb India and Southeast Asia, said, “Community is at the heart of everything we do at Airbnb. Through the Airbnb Community Fund, we are proud to support organizations across India that are creating sustainable opportunity and building resilience at the grassroots level. These nonprofits are addressing some of the most critical challenges facing local communities today from livelihoods and education, to sustainability and protection for vulnerable groups, and we are honored to support their work alongside our host community.”

Airbnb Community Fund Recipients in India

The nonprofit organizations receiving donations in India are:

• Goonj, supporting community-led development and empowering livelihoods with dignity across urban and rural India.

• Forum for Integrated Development and Research, empowering rural and marginalized communities in Goa through sustainable livelihood and youth entrepreneurship initiatives.

• Access Development Services, supporting female entrepreneurs’ incomes through community-based tourism programs including homestays and craft enterprises, as well as promoting support for women’s entrepreneurship.

• Keystone Foundation, working with Indigenous and marginalized communities to build sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism and craft-based micro-enterprises .

• Stree Mukti Snaghatana, advancing gender justice for female waste pickers through education, promoting mental health, and supporting women facing violence.

• Aasman Foundation, enabling students from underserved communities to transition successfully into higher education and skill pathways.

• Protsahan India Foundation, supporting adolescent girls impacted by violence and exploitation through trauma-informed care, rehabilitation, and education.

• Navgurukul Foundation for Social Welfare, offering affordable, high-quality education and holistic support to at-risk youth.

Vipin Sharma, CEO, ACCESS Development Services, said, “Airbnb’s support will help expand women’s entrepreneurship and community-based tourism initiatives, helping us mentor women from low-income households to strengthen decision-making, build sustainable livelihoods rooted in their local contexts, and expand their incomes.”

Siddhant Vernekar, Director, Forum for Integrated Development and Research, “With growing interest in Goa’s hinterlands as tourism destinations, we aim to nurture tourism-linked enterprises that can meaningfully contribute to local economic growth, while also protecting their natural surroundings. By acting early and investing in people, not just projects, we envision a new generation of rural leaders — especially women from Goa’s rural and tribal regions — who will lead the holistic development of their villages where livelihood and sustainability thrive together.”

Anshu Gupta, Founder, Goonj, shared, “This support recognises the power of communities to shape their own futures, with dignity and local wisdom at the center. It will go a long way to sustain and strengthen our work building deeper connections and respect between urban and rural communities across India.”

The Airbnb Community Fund in action
To date, more than 640 organizations in nearly 70 countries have benefited from the Airbnb Community Fund, with hosts providing input each year. To learn more about the Airbnb Community Fund and this year’s recipients, please visit the Airbnb Community Fund website.

The 2025-2026 Airbnb Community Fund donations will be distributed from November 2025 through March 2026. Airbnb works with grantmaking partners including Goodstack to support due diligence and facilitate payment to many non-profit recipients.

About Airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

EuroSchool, one of India’s leading K–12 school networks, successfully hosted the 5th edition of TEDxYouth 2026 at their Kharadi campus in Pune, bringing together young changemakers, educators and thought leaders under the powerful theme, “Discover the Strength in Being You: Embrace Your Imperfection.” Anchored in the narrative “Beyond Grades,” the event spotlighted resilience, authenticity, empathy and the courage to embrace one’s unpolished journey in a world often driven by comparison and curated perfection.

EuroSchool students take centre stage at TEDxYOUTH@EuroSchoolKharadi

Designed and conceptualised by EuroSchool Kharadi as a progressive, student-first initiative, TEDxYouth 2026 was more than an event, it is a deliberate platform created to amplify young voices and cultivate future-ready leaders. Moving beyond academic milestones, the school proactively built a space where students could engage in meaningful dialogue, express diverse perspectives and learn alongside seasoned professionals. Rooted in EuroSchool’s philosophy of “Discover Yourself,” such initiatives encourage students to embrace their individuality, find their voice and lead with authenticity. Through its continued commitment to these platforms, EuroSchool Kharadi reinforces its identity as a visionary institution that champions student expression, leadership development and real-world impact – nurturing confident, emotionally intelligent changemakers prepared for life beyond grades.

The event featured 12 speakers aged between 8 and 51 years, reflecting depth, diversity, and perspective. Out of the 12 participants, four are proud EuroSchool students from Kharadi, Bannerghatta, and Wakad ICSE – Meera Gadilkar (Grade 3, EuroSchool Kharadi), Prisha Trivedi (Grade 6, EuroSchool Kharadi), Avyukth Nayar (Grade 8, EuroSchool Bannerghatta) and Ananya Verma (Grade 11, EuroSchool Wakad ICSE) – sharing the stage alongside accomplished professionals. Together, they demonstrated that impactful ideas are shaped not by age or titles, but by lived experiences and authenticity.

Each session was thoughtfully aligned to thematic pillars such as Resilience, Empathy, Mental Barriers, The Unpolished Journey, Authenticity, and Creative Failure. From stories of overcoming setbacks to reflections on breaking internal limitations, the speakers explored how growth is rarely linear and how confidence develops through self-acceptance rather than perfection.

The audience, comprising students, educators, school leaders and parents, engaged deeply with conversations that challenged traditional definitions of success. The strong representation of young voices on stage transformed students into storytellers and advocates, embodying EuroSchool’s philosophy that leadership begins with owning one’s narrative.

Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Afreen Shaikh, Principal, EuroSchool Kharadi, said, “TEDxYouth 2026 was envisioned as a platform where students could explore the strength that comes from embracing their imperfections. In an environment that often prioritises grades and outcomes, we believe it is equally important to nurture resilience, empathy and authenticity. This platform reflects our commitment to holistic education and building confident individuals who are ready to navigate life beyond academics.”

The event stands as a live demonstration of EuroSchool’s belief that mistakes are part of mastery, vulnerability is strength and reflection builds character. By hosting TEDxYouth for the fifth consecutive year, EuroSchool Kharadi continues to provide meaningful platforms that empower students to think deeply, express boldly and grow with confidence.

About EuroSchool

EuroSchool is one of India’s leading K–12 school networks, with campuses across Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Surat.

30,000+ students | 1,800+ educators | 1000+Digital Classes | 480+ GPS Buses | 111,000+ Library Books

Guided by the philosophy of “Discover Yourself”, EuroSchool empowers children to explore their potential and discover their dreams and talents. From Nursery to Grade 12, EuroSchool is dedicated to nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and preparing every child for a rapidly evolving world.

Its Balanced Schooling approach — anchored in the proprietary Learn–Reinforce–Practice–Apply–Experience (LRPAX) methodology — seamlessly blends academic excellence with co-curricular and extracurricular learning. It offers an extensive range of opportunities to develop life skills, creativity and leadership. With a strong focus on child safety – being India’s first school network to earn the global ‘Safe School’ certification, EuroSchool provides secure spaces where children can truly flourish.

All EuroSchool campuses are affiliated with either the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), ensuring globally benchmarked academic standards with the flexibility and care that today’s learners need.

For more information, visit: www.euroschoolindia.com

About Lighthouse Learning Group

Lighthouse Learning Group, formerly known as EuroKids International, is India’s leading Early Childhood & K-12 Education group, backed by global investment firm KKR. Driven by its purpose to unlock human potential by igniting the love for learning through its institutions, which includes leading brands like EuroKids Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, Mother’s Pet Kindergarten, EuroSchool, Billabong High International, Centre Point School, Heritage International Xperiential School, Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Finland International School Maldives and Phoenix Greens School of Learning. Nurturing over 200,000 students every day, Lighthouse Learning emphasizes a ‘Child First’ philosophy, innovative pedagogy, and child safety. With 1,850 Preschools and 60 K-12 Schools, it empowers 1,650 women entrepreneurs and employs a direct and indirect workforce of over 25,000 people.

Billroth Hospitals, one of the city’s leading multispecialty centres and a pioneer in advanced laparoscopic and laser procedures, marked a significant milestone with the launch announcement of its comprehensive Cardiac & Pulmonary Specialty Services, with a new Heart Dysfunction Clinic and Pulmonary Embolism Referral Center recently at Hotel The Leela Palace, Chennai.

Dr. Rajesh Jeganathan, Chairman, Billroth Hospitals, presented a cheque of Rs. 20,00,000 to a successful Heart Transplant patient

The newly introduced specialty programmes — including the Cardiac Transplant Programme, Cardiac Dysfunction Clinic & Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic, and Pulmonary Embolism Referral Centre — strengthen integrated heart–lung care, delivering seamless, high-precision, and patient-centric services under one roof. By integrating advanced technology, multidisciplinary clinical expertise, and coordinated treatment pathways, the hospital reinforces its commitment to comprehensive, compassionate and holistic healthcare.

The highlight of the event was a deeply moving moment when Dr. Rajesh Jeganathan, Chairman, Billroth Hospitals, presented a cheque of Rs. 20,00,000/- (Rupees Twenty Lakhs Only) to a successful Heart Transplant patient. The heartfelt gesture symbolized not only the life-saving impact of advanced cardiac care but also the institution’s unwavering commitment to supporting patients well beyond the surgery.

Cardiac Centre of Excellence, Emergency & Advanced Care Capabilities
The Cardiac Department, which commenced operations in 2003, has since evolved into a centre of excellence, consistently adopting advanced techniques and cutting-edge technologies to manage complex cardiac conditions. Building on a legacy of over 50,000+ Cath Lab procedures and 10,000+ CTVS surgeries, the hospital continues to set new standards in cardiac excellence. It further strengthens its emergency preparedness with 24×7 Advanced Cardiac Emergency Services at its Shenoy Nagar and R.A. Puram units, ensuring immediate expert intervention and round-the-clock critical care when every second counts.

The cardiac division houses three state-of-the-art Cath Labs equipped with advanced technologies such as IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound), FFR (physiological lesion assessment), Rotablator (rotational atherectomy), and advanced EP study facilities, supported by comprehensive CTVS surgery capabilities for complex cardiac and vascular procedures. These cutting-edge systems enhance clinical precision, optimise patient outcomes, and enable the confident management of high-risk and complex cases.

For more details, please visit: www.billrothhospitals.com.

About Billroth Hospital
Billroth Hospital was founded by the late Dr. V. Jeganathan on November 30, 1990, beginning as a modest 30-bed facility. Within six years, it expanded with an additional 70 beds, eventually growing into a 650-bed multi-specialty hospital. Guided by Dr. Jeganathan’s vision, the hospital remains committed to delivering quality, affordable healthcare to people from all walks of life. This mission is upheld by a dedicated team of skilled doctors, advanced medical technology and well-trained paramedical staff, all working together to ensure comprehensive care and support for every patient. Committed to innovation, precision, and compassionate healthcare, Billroth Hospitals continues to set new benchmarks in delivering world-class cardiac and pulmonary care to the community.

The Group 108 Half Marathon 2026 was successfully conducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at One FNG, Sector 142, Noida. Following the success of its previous 10K run, the event marked another significant chapter in Group 108’s community-focused initiatives.
 

Over 1,500 runners participate in Group 108’s “Run for a Cause” Half Marathon 2026 at ONE FNG, Noida, promoting inclusive sports in association with IBSA
 

Organized as a Run for a Cause and dedicated to athletes redefining vision beyond sight in association with IBSA (Indian Blind Sports Association), the marathon brought together participants across diverse age groups and fitness levels. The early morning atmosphere reflected enthusiasm, discipline, and collective commitment. The event witnessed the participation of over 1500 runners from across the NCR.
 

The marathon featured multiple race categories, including the 21.10K Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, an open Walkathon/Fun Run with no age limit, and a dedicated 1 km Kids Run for children aged 7-12 years. The event brought together seasoned runners, families, corporate teams, and first-time participants under a shared commitment to purpose-driven action. Each registered runner received a good quality T-shirt, medal, and online certificate, while winners were presented with trophies and awards.
 

Commenting on the successful execution, Dr. Amish Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, stated, “As developers, our responsibility extends beyond constructing landmark projects – we are dedicated to nurturing the community by actively fostering connection, support and shared values to create a sense of belonging and collective growth. Hosting this marathon at ONE FNG and witnessing support for athletes redefining vision beyond sight strengthens our conviction that real estate must serve a larger social purpose. Growth is meaningful only when it uplifts the society around us.”
 

The Group 108 Half Marathon 2026 witnessed enthusiastic participation and strong community engagement. More than a race, the event reinforced ONE FNG’s position not only as a commercial landmark but as a space that actively champions collective engagement, wellbeing, and inclusive progress.
 

From the first step to the finish line, the commitment to running with purpose continues!

The Council of Architecture (COA) International Conference, SHAPE 2026: Sustainable Habitats and Architecture for the People and the Earth, successfully concluded at Chitkara University, Punjab, bringing together global leaders in architecture, urban planning, and sustainability for three days of academic exchange and policy dialogue on climate-responsive and people-centred built environments.
 

Members of the Council of Architecture with dignitaries at the International Conference SHAPE 2026 held at Chitkara University
 

Organised by the Council of Architecture, India, in collaboration with the Chitkara School of Planning and Architecture, Chitkara University, the international architecture conference was held from February 26 to February 28, 2026. The event convened leading architects, urbanists, policymakers, academicians, researchers, and students from across India and internationally, reinforcing India’s growing role in advancing sustainable architecture and urban futures.
 

SHAPE 2026 featured three keynote speakers and ten plenary speakers, along with specialised thematic sessions addressing critical global priorities, including climate-responsive architecture, sustainable urbanism, ecological design strategies, low-impact material innovation, community-centred development, and policy-driven architectural practice. Delegates and experts from South Africa, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States underscored the conference’s global significance and interdisciplinary scope.
 

Among the distinguished speakers, Prof. Ali A. Alraouf, Professor of Architecture and Urbanism at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, shared scholarly perspectives on contemporary urban transformation, contributing to deeper academic and professional discourse on sustainable habitats and resilient cities.
 

Delivering the Presidential Address, Dr. Abhay Purohit, President, Council of Architecture, emphasised the urgent need to integrate sustainability into architectural education and professional practice. He called for future architects and institutions to prioritise ecological responsibility, climate adaptation, and socially responsive design as central pillars of the profession.
 

The conference was also graced by Ar. Jayashree Deshpande, Director, COA–TRC, Pune, who highlighted the importance of research-driven architectural education in addressing complex environmental and societal challenges. As Convenor of SHAPE 2026, she outlined the conference’s academic vision and its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). R. K. Oberoi, Registrar, Council of Architecture, was also present.
 

Highlighting the university’s commitment to sustainability and global academic engagement, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University, said, “At Chitkara University, we believe that sustainable habitats are not merely architectural outcomes but collective commitments to future generations. Hosting SHAPE 2026 reflects our commitment to advancing sustainable architectural education, fostering international academic collaboration, and enabling design innovation that serves both people and the planet.”
 

The conference hosted research paper presentations across five thematic tracks, with participation from 41 universities and academic institutions, strengthening interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange in sustainable architecture and urban design. Best Paper Awards were presented in each thematic category, along with Certificates of Excellence recognising pre-conference academic contributions.
 

Held under the aegis of the Council of Architecture and hosted at Chitkara University’s Punjab campus, SHAPE 2026 concluded as a landmark international architecture conference in India, advancing dialogue on sustainable habitats, climate-responsive design, and the future of architectural education. The conference reaffirmed Chitkara University’s role as a global academic platform supporting research, innovation, and collaborative solutions for sustainable built environments.
 

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 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 visit www.chitkara.edu.in.

JK Cement Ltd., one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, today marked a significant milestone with the Bhavya Lokarpan of its state-of-the-art Grey Cement Grinding Unit in Buxar, Bihar. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Samrat Choudhary, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar under the guidance of Shri Nitish Kumar, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar and in the august presence of Dr. Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, Hon’ble Minister of Industries & Road Construction, Bihar and Dr. Nidhipati Singhania, Vice Chairman, JK Cement.
 

JK Cement facility inaugurated by Shri Samrat Choudhary, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and other key dignitaries 

The inauguration of the Buxar plant reflects JK Cement’s continued commitment to strengthening regional manufacturing capabilities and supporting Bihar’s growing infrastructure ambitions. Strategically located on the Patna–Buxar highway, the facility spans 100 acres and has a production capacity of 3 MTPA, enabling efficient and timely access to high-quality cement across Bihar and neighbouring regions.

On the occasion, Shri Samrat Choudhary, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar said, “The inauguration of JK Cement’s Buxar plant is an important milestone for Bihar’s development. Such industrial investments create employment opportunities for local people and support the state’s infrastructure growth. I congratulate JK Cement for its vision and commitment to Bihar. Together, industry and the government can play a meaningful role in strengthening the state’s progress.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “The inauguration of our Buxar plant is a proud moment for JK Cement and a meaningful step towards supporting Bihar’s infrastructure and industrial growth. We are honoured that the Bhavya Lokarpan of this facility has been carried out by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Samrat Choudhary. This facility reflects our long-term commitment to being a trusted partner in the state’s development journey. We are confident that the Buxar unit will play an important role in enabling the next phase of growth for both Bihar and JK Cement.”
 

JK Cement’s Buxar Plant Inaugurated in a Bhavya Lokarpan Ceremony
 

The Buxar unit is expected to enhance cement availability for infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects while also contributing to local economic development through direct and indirect employment generation and by fostering ancillary industries in the region. JK Cement had previously entered the Bihar market through supplies from its Prayagraj facility. With the commissioning of the Buxar plant, the company will now be able to serve the state through localized manufacturing, enabling faster delivery timelines and improved service responsiveness.

Sharing his views, Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, added, “Bihar is a high-potential market with strong infrastructure momentum, and the Buxar facility brings us closer to the evolving needs of the region. Local manufacturing will allow us to serve customers more effectively while supporting infrastructure projects that are critical to the state’s development. We see this as a long-term investment in Bihar’s progress and a step towards creating sustainable value for the communities we operate in.”

Developed with an investment of approximately Rs. 500 crore, the project commenced construction in March 2025 and represents a significant step towards strengthening the industrial ecosystem in Bihar.

About JK Cement Ltd.

JK Cement Ltd. is among India’s top manufacturers of Grey and White Cement, and home-building solutions globally. For over five decades, JKCement has contributed to India’s infrastructure through product quality, customer focus, and technology leadership, beginning with its flagship grey cement unit in Nimbahera, Rajasthan, in May 1975. 

The Company’s Grey Cement capacity is 31.26 MTPA, making it a leading manufacturer with a strong presence across 15 states, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. With a total White Cement and Wall Putty Capacity of 3.05 MTPA, JK White Cement is sold in 36 countries around the globe. 

The Company has a strong international presence with two subsidiaries, JK Cement Works Fujairah FZC and JK White Cement (Africa) Ltd. In 2023, JKCement launched JKMaxx Paints, offering wall, wood, and metal finishes. In the same year, JKCement expanded into construction chemicals with JK Profix, a waterproofing line, and also entered the Ready-Mix Concrete segment with JK Super Concrete, serving Delhi NCR and set for nationwide growth.

For more information, please visit JK Cement: www.jkcement.com.

The IESA Technovation Awards, the most prestigious recognition in India’s Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) and semiconductor industry, once again took centre stage at the IESA Vision Summit 2026 at The Leela Bhartiya City Convention Centre, Bengaluru on 25^th – 26^th February, 2026. Bringing together the brightest minds from industry, government, Start Up’s and academia, the two-day summit — themed “Design to Manufacturing: Synergy of Product, Production and Skill” — signalled a decisive shift in India’s ambition to becoming a Product Nation.
 

Technovation Awards 2026 at the IESA Vision Summit celebrated innovation across Start-Ups, MSME, Enterprise, and Skilling categories
 

Congratulating to this year’s Technovation Award winners for their exceptional contributions to strengthening India’s semiconductor and electronics ecosystem, Mr. Ashok Chandak, President, IESA said, “The winners achievements represent the innovation depth, entrepreneurial spirit, and execution excellence that are shaping India’s technology future. By spotlighting excellence across the semiconductor and ESDM value chain, these awards continue to set new benchmarks for technology leadership and ecosystem impact in India.”
 

“Over the years, the Technovation Awards have evolved in step with the rapid transformation of India’s electronics and semiconductor landscape. The categories now span Startups, MSMEs, Enterprise & Services, Techno-Visionary Leaders, and Skilling & Academia — reflecting the full spectrum of innovation, manufacturing strength, global delivery capability, and talent development that defines our ecosystem,” he added.
 

The 2026 edition of the awards was supported by Applied Materials and Infineon which underscored strong industry backing for innovation and ecosystem development.
 

At the IESA Vision Summit 2026, the prestigious Technovation Awards recognised outstanding leaders and innovators :

• Dr. Sarabhai Award presented to Mr. B. V. Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), in recognition of his distinguished contributions spanning over three decades to the advancement of innovation, skill development, policy formulation, and industry growth — and his instrumental role in building a robust ESDM ecosystem that has firmly established Brand India on the global stage.

• Distinguished category the TechnoVisionary Awards, honoured Shri Amitesh Kumar Sinha, CEO, India Semiconductor Mission and Additional Secretary MeitY (TechnoVisionary – Public Service); Mr. Swapnil Jain, Co-Founder, Ather Energy (TechnoVisionary – Industry); and Dr. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT Bangalore (Techno Mentor).

• Technovation Awards, chosen through nominations and evaluated by a jury panel recognised Mr. Rajesh N. Gupta, CEO, MOSart Semiconductors (Start-up – Electronics); Mr. Dipanjan Gope, CEO, SimYog Technology (Start-up – Semiconductor); Mr. Sairanjan Mishra, CEO, H2LOOP AI Pvt. Ltd. (Start-up – IP); Mr. Ashutosh Shrikant Bhabhe, Director & CEO, IN14Silicon Solutions (Start-up – Services); Mr. Basavaraj Nagaraju, CEO, RV-SKILLS Center for Emerging Technologies (Skilling – Finishing School); Prof. Sanket Goel, Birla Chair Professor & Head, CREST, BITS Pilani (Skilling – University); Mr. Abhra Bagchi, CMO, FermionIC Design Pvt. Ltd. (MSME/SME – Semiconductor Products & IP Development); Mr. Taninder Sijher, VP Engineering, Sandisk India Device Design Centre (Enterprise – Multinational); and Dr. G. Sivakumar, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NAL (Enterprise – India);
   

“As the country’s semiconductor market is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030, the Technovation Awards play a critical role in recognising those translating policy vision into a tangible industry impact. We are so much prouder in celebrating innovation, design excellence, ecosystem leadership, and talent development, the awards reinforce India’s journey toward becoming a globally competitive semiconductor and electronics powerhouse,” Mr. Ashok Chandak further added.
 

Instituted in 2008 by the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association, the awards have grown into one of the most respected honours celebrating excellence, innovation, and transformative contributions across India’s semiconductor and electronics ecosystem.
 

About IESA
IESA is India’s premier industry body for ESDM & Intelligent Electronics. Our main objective is to establish India as a leading global hub for electronics manufacturing and design. We work with government ministries, industry players, and academic institutions to facilitate the comprehensive implementation of the Program for Development of Semiconductor and Display Ecosystem. Our team of renowned experts in semiconductor and display technologies is committed to promoting technology solutions that positively impact the lives of 1.3 billion Indians.
 

For more information, visit: www.iesaonline.org | www.iesa-visionsummit.com.

In a grand celebration attended by Delhi’s elite, leading fashion connoisseurs, and members of the city’s luxury community, the much-anticipated premium leather footwear brand, The Italian Shoes Co., officially unveiled its brand new store in South Extension II, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in its strategic expansion into the Indian luxury retail market.
 

Commanding presence, Suave Energy, Refined Style, Pushpit, Varun and Gaurav
 

Rooted in a rich Italian heritage, the brand is globally recognised for its handcrafted premium leather and meticulous craftsmanship. More than just a footwear label, The Italian Shoes Company represents a complete luxury leather experience under one roof. Showcasing premium leather of the highest quality across categories, the brand brings together Italian craftsmanship, refined European design sensibilities, and precision manufacturing crafted in India.

From impeccably designed men’s and women’s footwear to bags, wallets, belts, trolleys, and luxury accessories, the collection showcases an exceptional range of footwear and accessories that blend timeless European elegance with contemporary sophistication, With over 7,000+ exclusive designs across categories, every creation reflects a deep commitment to detail, from precision stitching and expertly engineered sole construction to refined finishing techniques. ensuring each piece stands as a testament to class, durability, comfort, and style.

Talking about the brand, Mohit Sharma, Co-Founder and well known Indian cricketer, said, “Excellence has always been close to my heart, whether on the field or in business. With The Italian Shoes Company, our vision is to bring world-class Italian craftsmanship and uncompromising quality to India. India has not witnessed this level of comprehensive luxury leather craftsmanship under a single roof before. The Italian Shoes Company is here to set a new benchmark, delivering global standards of premiumness, class, and design sophistication to India’s luxury market.”

Having established a strong online presence, the brand has garnered a loyal global following and is a celebrity-favourite, worn by notable personalities across fashion and entertainment circles. With its entry into the retail space, the label aims to bring authentic European luxury closer to discerning Indian consumers.

The Delhi launch signals the beginning of an ambitious growth journey in India. Following the successful launches in Mohali and now New Delhi, the brand is set to open additional stores in Gurugram and Amritsar next month, further strengthening its footprint across North India.

Sharing his vision for the Indian market, Co-Founder Gaurav Bhatia stated, “We are thrilled to bring this rich Italian legacy to India. With plans to open 8 stores in 2026 and expand to 40 stores by 2027, this expansion is a testament to our confidence in India’s rapidly growing luxury market. Our vision is to elevate India’s luxury footwear experience with craftsmanship that stands the test of time.”

Located in the heart of South Extension II, the new store offers an immersive retail experience that reflects the brand’s European aesthetic- elegant, refined, and unmistakably premium. The launch evening was marked by style, sophistication, and a strong statement of intent: redefining luxury leather goods for the Indian market.

With its uncompromising dedication to quality, design, innovation and heritage, the brand is poised to redefine India’s luxury leather footwear & accessories segment.