SoftBank’s Graphcore Picks Bengaluru for £1bn AI Campus, 500 Jobs Incoming

Graphcore, now a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank Group, is making a major move in India with the launch of a new AI Engineering Campus in Bengaluru. Here's a quick breakdown of the announcement:

Graphcore's £1bn India Expansion

• Location: Bengaluru, India
• Investment: Up to £1 billion over the next 10 years
• Jobs Created: 500 new semiconductor roles
• Immediate Hiring: First 100 roles already open, spanning:
  • Silicon Logical Design
  • Physical Design
  • Verification
  • Characterization
  • Bring-up

This campus will be central to Graphcore’s efforts in building next-generation AI computing infrastructure, aligning with SoftBank’s broader ambition to lead in Artificial Super Intelligence platforms.

Graphcore: AI Chip Innovator

• Founded: 2016 in Bristol, UK by Nigel Toon and Simon Knowles
• Industry: Semiconductors and AI hardware
• Core Product: Intelligence Processing Unit (IPU) — a novel processor architecture designed specifically for machine learning workloads
• Mission: To enable innovators to build next-generation AI applications and democratize access to machine intelligence
• Ownership: Now a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp, continuing to operate under the Graphcore name

Graphcore competes with companies like Nvidia in the AI compute space, and its IPU architecture is known for handling entire ML models inside the processor — a departure from traditional GPU-based systems.

AI Accelerator Comparison (2025) 

Feature / Chip	Graphcore IPU (Bow-200)	Nvidia Blackwell B200 GPU	Google TPU v6e (Trillium)	AMD MI350 GPU
Architecture	Massively parallel IPU tiles	GPU with Transformer Engine	Custom ASIC for ML workloads	GPU with unified memory
Memory	900 MB per IPU tile	180 GB HBM3e per GPU	32 GB HBM per chip	128 GB HBM3e
Bandwidth	~1.5 TB/s (system level)	Up to 8 TB/s	1.6 TB/s per chip	~5.2 TB/s
Compute (FP16)	~350 TFLOPS (system level)	4.5 PFLOPS	918 TFLOPS BF16	~2.5 PFLOPS
Compute (INT8)	Not optimized	9 PFLOPS	1.836 PFLOPS	~5 PFLOPS
Scalability	3D wafer-scale IPU pods	DGX B200 clusters	256-chip TPU pods	MI350 clusters
Target Workloads	Sparse ML, graph networks	Transformer-based LLMs	Large-scale ML training	HPC + AI inference
Power Efficiency	High for sparse workloads	Improved over H100	Optimized for datacenter	Competitive with Nvidia
Deployment	Graphcore IPU systems	Nvidia DGX platforms	Google Cloud TPU pods	Enterprise GPU servers

Anthropic Taps India’s AI Boom: Bengaluru Launch and Reliance Talks Underway

Anthropic is making a major move into India with plans to open its first office in Bengaluru and explore a strategic partnership with Reliance Industries.

Notably, India is already Claude’s second-largest market by traffic and usage. Anthropic is exploring a strategic partnership with Reliance Industries to integrate Claude into the conglomerate’s digital ecosystem.

CEO Dario Amodei is also scheduled to meet senior government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Anthropic's India Expansion

• Bengaluru Office: According to the reports, Anthropic will establish its first India office in Bengaluru, marking its second Asia-Pacific location after Tokyo. The launch is expected to be officially announced this week.
• Focus Areas: The Bengaluru office will target developers, startups, and enterprise clients, supporting AI deployment in sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and IT services.
• India's Role: India is now Claude’s second-largest market by traffic and usage, with over 767,000 app downloads and a 572% year-over-year increase in consumer spending.

Partnership with Reliance Industries

• Strategic Talks: CEO Dario Amodei is in India to meet Mukesh Ambani and senior Reliance executives in Mumbai. The goal is to expand Claude AI’s reach through Reliance’s digital ecosystem, including Jio platforms.
• Reliance Intelligence: In August, Reliance launched a new AI division focused on infrastructure and enterprise solutions, already collaborating with Google and Meta.

Government Engagement

• Policy Outreach: Amodei is also meeting top Indian government officials, including a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signaling long-term ambitions in India’s AI ecosystem.

The news about Anthropic opening its first India office in Bengaluru and exploring a partnership with Reliance Industries was first reported by TechCrunch. Multiple outlets including MSN, India Today, and Livemint cited TechCrunch as the original source of the report.

Airbus Deepens India Ties with $1 Billion Sourcing and New R&D Hub

In a strategic move that underscores India’s growing clout in global aerospace manufacturing, European aviation giant Airbus is now sourcing over $1 billion worth of components annually from more than 100 Indian suppliers, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The announcement followed Vaishnaw’s meeting with Jürgen Westermeier, Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, where the company also revealed plans to establish a Centre of Excellence for Research and Development at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in Vadodara, Gujarat.

“With strong design capabilities, Airbus will soon set up an R&D Centre of Excellence at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya,” — Ashwini Vaishnaw

Bengaluru: Digital Backbone of Airbus

• Airbus’ Digital Centre in Bengaluru is now its second-largest globally, after Toulouse.
• It employs over 1,500 skilled IT professionals supporting digital transformation across divisions.
• Since 2018, Airbus has operated a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India for engineering, maintenance, and IT services.

Academic Collaboration and Talent Development

• Airbus signed an MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in 2023.
• Focus areas include co-developing curricula, industrial training, and international academic partnerships.
• Goal: Build a pipeline of aerospace-ready talent and strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.

Strategic Implications

• Airbus has over 3,600 employees across India.
• Its supplier network reflects India’s strength in cost-effective manufacturing, engineering talent, and digital capabilities.
• This expansion aligns with India’s ambition to become a global aviation hub.

SAP Labs India Commits €194 Million for Second Bengaluru Campus, Eyes AI-Led Innovation

SAP Labs India has announced a major expansion with a €194 million (approximately $224.65 million USD) investment to establish its second campus in Bengaluru, reinforcing its commitment to India as a strategic innovation hub. The new facility, located in Devanahalli near Kempegowda International Airport, spans 41 acres and is set to become one of SAP’s largest global campuses.

Named the SAP Labs India Innovation Park, the campus is designed as a “living lab” to foster co-innovation across SAP’s ecosystem—including customers, partners, academia, and startups. It will host the full spectrum of SAP’s product operations, with a strong focus on AI-driven enterprise solutions ranging from S/4 HANA to sustainability platforms.

Currently housing 3,200 employees, the campus will accommodate 4,500 professionals in its first phase, with full capacity expected to reach 15,000 by Q3 2028. This expansion complements SAP’s existing Whitefield campus and strengthens its position as SAP’s largest R&D center outside Germany, with over 17,000 employees already contributing to global product development.

SAP’s leadership emphasized the strategic importance of India in its global innovation roadmap. Sindhu Gangadharan, Managing Director of SAP Labs India, highlighted the country’s pivotal role in shaping next-generation enterprise technologies. Thomas Saueressig, SAP SE Executive Board Member, described the new campus as a “strategic asset” for delivering enterprise-grade AI and data solutions.

The investment aligns with SAP’s broader push into generative AI, with 75% of its engineers undergoing AI training and 90% already leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity. The company aims to double client productivity gains from 20% to 40% by the end of the year through AI-led transformation.

This move not only underscores SAP’s long-term commitment to India’s tech ecosystem but also signals a bold step toward redefining enterprise innovation through AI and collaborative development.

Quantum India Bengaluru 2025: Karnataka Launches Visionary Quantum Roadmap in Presence of Top Ministers and Global Experts

• India’s First Global Quantum Event Inaugurated in Bengaluru
• Nobel Laureates honoured at inaugural event
• Pancharatnam Prize Announced for Quantum Breakthroughs
• Karnataka aims for $20B quantum economy by 2035
• Karnataka Launches Strategic Quantum Roadmap
• Quantum Hardware Zone planned near Bengaluru
• Quantum City to unify innovation and industry, Incentives for indigenous quantum tech manufacturing
• State Quantum Mission to steer development with High-level Task Force for sector governance
• Karnataka Launches Strategic Quantum Roadmap

Bengaluru witnessed a historic milestone today with the inauguration of the first edition of Quantum India Bengaluru 2025, India’s first international event dedicated to the fast-evolving world of quantum science and technology. The summit was inaugurated by Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, alongside Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. The event brought together Nobel Laureates, renowned researchers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and quantum startups on a shared platform for the first time. Participants from various countries including Denmark, Australia, UK, USA, France, Germany, Netherlands, Israel and Switzerland were part of the event.

The Karnataka Quantum Roadmap unveiled at the Quantum India Bengaluru (QIB) 2025 in the presence of (from L to R) Prof. Arindam Ghosh, Professor, IISc & QIB 2025 Conference Chair; Dr. Ekroop Caur , IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, Government of Karnataka (GoK); Dr. Shalini Rajneesh , IAS, Chief Secretary, GoK; Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Hon'ble Minister for Higher Education, GoK; Shri Krishna Byregowda, Hon’ble Minister for Revenue, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Byatarayanapura Assembly Constituency, GoK; Shri N.S. Boseraju , Hon’ble Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology, GoK; Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka; M.B. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Large and Medium, Industries and Infrastructure Development, GoK; Shri Priyank Kharge , Hon'ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and IT & Bt, GoK; Shri Sadashiva Prabhu B , IAS Director, Department of Science & Technology, Managing Director, Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), GoK; Ms. Smitha Vishveshwara , Professor, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, US, and Prof. Akshay Naik, Professor, IISc & QIB 2025 Conference Co-Chair, held at Hotel Hilton, Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru on 31st July 2025.

Organized by the Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), Department of Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with IISc Quantum Technology Initiative (IQTI), QIB 2025 aims to position India as a global leader in the Quantum Age.

The distinguished gathering included Shri N.S. Boseraju, Hon’ble Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka; Shri M.B. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Large and Medium, Industries and Infrastructure Development,, Government of Karnataka; Shri Krishna Byregowda, Hon’ble Minister for Revenue, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Byatarayanapura Assembly Constituency, Govt. of Karnataka; Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon'ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and IT & Bt, Government of Karnataka; Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Hon'ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka; Prof. Duncan Haldane, Princeton University, USA, (2016 Nobel Laureate); Prof. David Gross, UCSB, USA, (2004 Nobel Laureate); Ms. Smitha Vishveshwara, Professor, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, US; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, Government of Karnataka; Prof. Arindam Ghosh, Professor, IISc & QIB 2025 Conference Chair; Prof. Akshay Naik, Professor, IISc & QIB 2025 Conference Co-Chair; and Shri Sadashiva Prabhu B, IAS Director, Department of Science & Technology, Managing Director, Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), Government of Karnataka.

Dr. Rajamani Vijayaraghavan, Associate Professor, Dept. of Condensed Matter Physics & Materials Science, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, was felicitated in the presence of (from L to R) Prof. Arindam Ghosh, Professor, IISc & QIB 2025 Conference Chair; Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary, GoK; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary, Dept. of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, GoK; Shri N.S. Boseraju, Hon’ble Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology, GoK; Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Hon'ble Minister for Higher Education, GoK; Shri Krishna Byregowda, Hon’ble Minister for Revenue, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Byatarayanapura Assembly Constituency, GoK; Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka; Sadashiva Prabhu B, IAS Director, Dept. of Science & Technology, Managing Director, Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), GoK; M.B. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Large and Medium, Industries and Infrastructure Development, GoK; and Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon'ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and IT & Bt, GoK at Quantum India Bengaluru (QIB) 2025, held at Hotel Hilton, Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru on 31st July 2025.

A key highlight of the event was the announcement of the ‘Karnataka Quantum Roadmap,’ outlining the State’s strategic vision for quantum leadership. Built on five pillars of Talent, R&D, Infrastructure, Industry Enablement and Global Partnerships, the roadmap adopts a phased, outcome-driven approach and focuses on aligning academia with industry, scaling indigenous hardware capabilities and building a robust startup ecosystem.

The Government of Karnataka announced the prestigious Pancharatnam Prize for Excellence in Quantum Science and Technology, named in honour of the eminent Indian physicist S. Pancharatnam. Renowned for his groundbreaking discovery of the geometric phase, now a cornerstone of modern quantum technologies, Pancharatnam conducted his pioneering research at the University of Mysore and the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru. This prize has instituted to recognize Indian nationals whose work bridges fundamental quantum science and real-world applications, and the award carries a citation and a cash prize of ₹2 lakhs.

A special moment was the felicitation of the two Nobel Laureates, Prof. Duncan Haldane, Princeton University, USA, (2016 Nobel Laureate); Prof. David Gross, UCSB, USA, (2004 Nobel Laureate).

Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka stated in his inaugural address, “Quantum technology represents a strategic frontier with the potential to fundamentally transform how global industries solve their most complex challenges. It is not just the future, it is the force that will redefine Karnataka’s capabilities in healthcare, education, energy, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The Government of Karnataka is fully committed to positioning the state at the forefront of this quantum revolution. Our focus is on the indigenization of quantum technologies and on establishing Karnataka as a global exporter of quantum solutions, unlocking innovations that were once thought to be out of reach.”

Adding to this, Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, expressed, “Quantum India Bengaluru reflects our deep commitment to shaping the future of science and technology. Karnataka is proud to be at the forefront of India’s quantum journey—bringing together global researchers, startups, investors, and institutions. We envision Bengaluru evolving into the world’s first ‘Quantum City,’ where research, talent, and industry converge. Our efforts begin in the classroom, with quantum education entering schools and universities to prepare the next generation. This revolution must be inclusive, and Karnataka is committed to building a robust ecosystem through research parks, startup hubs, and strong policy support.”

The Government of Karnataka announced the ambitious vision for 2035 to create a $20 billion quantum advantage-driven economy, potentially contributing a major share of India’s quantum tech output. As a part of this vision, the Government has undertaken several pioneering initiatives to lead India’s quantum revolution. Karnataka has established India’s first dedicated Quantum Research Park at IISc Bengaluru, with ₹48 crore sanctioned for its Phase-2 expansion. To bolster indigenous capabilities, the state is developing a Quantum Hardware Manufacturing Zone around Bengaluru—providing plug-and-play infrastructure and incentives for companies building critical components such as cryostats and quantum chips.

Further advancing this vision, the government is planning a first-of-its-kind 'Quantum City' near Bengaluru—a world-class innovation cluster integrating research, advanced manufacturing, education, startups, and government initiatives under one roof. To ensure focused governance, a dedicated State Quantum Mission is being instituted, guided by a high-level Quantum Technology Task Force under the Department of Science & Technology. This task force will bring together leading minds from academia, industry, government, and defense to set strategic goals and drive coordinated action across the sector.

Shri N.S. Boseraju, Hon’ble Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka said, “It is indeed a privilege for Karnataka to host Quantum India Bengaluru 2025, in the International Year of Quantum, as declared by the United Nations. Under the guidance of our Hon’ble Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, Karnataka is taking focused steps to build a future-ready quantum ecosystem. Our Quantum Roadmap outlines a clear, phased strategy. We are committed to supporting cutting-edge research, attracting world-class quantum companies and nurturing deep-tech startups through dedicated policies and funding. As India steps into the quantum age, Karnataka is proud to lead from the front.”

The two-day Summit is expected to witness participation of 1000+ Delegates, 70+ Speakers across 25+ Sessions, 20+ Exhibitors, 40 Poster Presenters, and 2000+ attendees from 10+ Countries.

The International Conference under the theme, ‘Building a Quantum Ecosystem: Qubits to Society’, will centre around five key focus areas- Quantum Computing; Finance & AI; Quantum Peripherals & Hardware; Quantum in Healthcare, Security; and in Society & Art.  The Summit will feature an exceptional lineup of sessions and engagements. Highlight of the Conference are the keynote lectures to be delivered by the Nobel Laureates- Prof. Duncan Haldane and Prof. David Gross, as well as Prof. Tommaso Calarco, European Union Quantum Flagship, & Director of the Institute of Quantum Control PGI-8, Germany, Prof. Andrea C Ferrari, University of Cambridge, UK, and Prof. Subir Sachdev of the Harvard University, USA. They will be joined by a host of quantum pioneers as speakers and panelists.

In addition to the insightful sessions, the event will also host Closed-door Roundtable Meetings with Ministers, Policy makers, renowned Researchers & Scientists, Academicians, Students and special invitees. There is a dedicated Exhibition showcasing cutting-edge technologies and solutions from startups, research institution, and quantum hardware companies.

A special highlight of the summit is the Quantum Poster Showcase, where students, PhD scholars and researchers will present their work to a global audience and the best posters will be awarded at the valedictory.

QIB 2025 will also host Startup Pitch Fest powered by TiE Bangalore, a platform for deeptech and quantum startups to connect with VCs and Investors and Compete for exciting prize money and possibly funding opportunities, as well as network with global experts, research institutions. 

About Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS):

Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS) is an initiative of the Government of Karnataka to promote and support science, technology, and innovation in the state. It works closely with academic institutions, industries, and government bodies to drive research, policy formulation, and technology adoption. KSTePS plays a key role in implementing Karnataka’s science and technology policies and fostering collaborations in emerging fields like quantum technologies, AI, and nanotechnology. It also organizes conferences, innovation programs, and funding initiatives to boost the state's R&D ecosystem. As a strategic enabler, KSTePS is instrumental in positioning Karnataka as a global leader in cutting-edge scientific advancements.

The IISc Quantum Technology Initiative (IQTI):

The IISc Quantum Technology Initiative (IQTI) is a dedicated research program at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, focused on advancing quantum science and engineering. It brings together experts in physics, computer science, and electrical engineering to drive innovation in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. IQTI aims to develop indigenous quantum technologies, support startups, and collaborate with industry to accelerate commercialization. The initiative plays a crucial role in India's National Quantum Mission, positioning IISc as a leading hub for quantum research. Through interdisciplinary projects and global partnerships, IQTI is shaping the future of quantum technology in India.

Centre of Excellence Unveiled in Bengaluru, Anchoring AI, 5G, and Quantum Research

Union Minister of Communications and Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on Thursday, inaugurated the VTU-VRIF-TCOE Hub and Spoke Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, a major milestone in India’s mission to accelerate innovation across emerging technologies.

The Centre is the result of a strategic collaboration between Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Visvesvaraya Research and Innovation Foundation (VRIF), and Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCOE) India, forming an academic-industrial powerhouse focused on future-forward domains including 5G/6G communications, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), quantum computing, and healthcare technologies.

“In the last 11 years, PM Modi has fundamentally redefined the role of government—from a regulator to a facilitator,” said Minister Scindia. “This Centre is a direct extension of that transformation.”

A Launchpad for Deep-Tech Innovation

The Bengaluru facility operates under a hub-and-spoke model, connecting 228 affiliated colleges and over 400,000 students through VTU’s academic network. The campus boasts over 1 lakh sq. ft. of infrastructure, equipped with cutting-edge R&D labs, collaborative spaces for startups, video conferencing rooms, and student-friendly amenities including daycare and cafeteria services.

Currently, the ecosystem hosts 20+ startups and engages 30+ academic institutions, supported by industry leaders like Keysight Technologies, QpiAI, and Televerge. Skill development programs are being steered by the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) to align talent with industry needs.

Aligning with Bharat 6G Vision

The Centre’s focus on 6G innovation ties directly into India’s broader ambitions under the Bharat 6G Alliance, which aims to place the country at the forefront of global 6G development by 2030. Areas under active exploration include Indigenous Radio Access Networks (RAN), rural connectivity, and cross-sectoral applications of 6G in agriculture, healthcare, and sustainability.

Connectivity and Impact

Minister Scindia highlighted India's rapid digital transformation:

• Internet users have surged from 250 million to 974 million.
• Broadband subscribers now exceed 940 million.
• India boasts the world’s largest optical fiber network, spanning every village.

CoE Centre represents a paradigm shift in India's tech-driven policy framework, blending academic excellence with industrial agility. By serving as a crucible for deep-tech research, startup incubation, and nationwide skill development, it reinforces the government’s vision of "facilitation over regulation", setting the stage for India’s next decade of innovation.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India inaugurates its First-Ever EV Concept Store in Bengaluru

In a significant step towards electric mobility journey, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) today inaugurated its first-ever EV Concept Store in India, located at Mantri Square Mall, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru. This one-of-a-kind Concept Store is designed to offer customers an immersive & futuristic experience, giving them a glimpse into Honda’s world of mobility, technology, and innovation. HMSI also announced a new BaaS Lite Plan for ACTIVA e: where customers can pay just Rs 678/month, making EV ownership more accessible than ever before.

A Glimpse into the Future: Inside Honda’s EV Concept Store

Honda EV Concept Store

Honda’s new EV Concept Store is designed to offer a fascinating experience of the company’s technological advancements. From electric mobility to personal aviation, it captures the essence of Honda’s global innovation. At the heart of the store is a main LED Display, which serves as a digital focal point to engage visitors through interactive content, brand storytelling, and product highlights. It provides dynamic insights into Honda’s electrification journey. A history wall is also on display, exhibiting the remarkable journey and key milestones of Honda over the years.

The Product Display Zone showcases Honda’s latest electric offerings in India – the ACTIVA e: and QC1. Visitors can get up close with these models, explore their features, and understand the engineering that powers them. For families and younger visitors, the Kids Interaction Zone offers engaging experiences. This section has been specially designed to make the store welcoming to all age groups, reflecting Honda’s inclusive brand philosophy.

The Safe Tech Zone gives a detailed look at the core components behind ACTIVA e: and QC1, including the PMS motor, hub motor, charger, battery and Mobile Power Pack (MPP). Visitors will also witness Honda’s advanced battery swapping technology at the dedicated Honda Power Pack Exchanger e:. This innovative system enables seamless battery replacement for the ACTIVA e:, providing unmatched convenience to users. Live demonstrations of the system will showcase the efficiency and user-friendliness of this technology.

Adding an international flair, the store features a scale model of the Honda Jet, symbolizing the excellence in personal aviation. Honda’s Electric Racing Go-Kart (eGX), showcasing the company’s innovative approach to sustainable performance, is also on display. Powered by Honda Mobile Power Pack e: swappable batteries, the electric Go-Kart delivers impressive acceleration & precision handling. Another exciting highlight is the Honda Moto Compacto, a foldable electric scooter. Weighing just 19 kg, it is ideal for urban commuting with a top speed of 24 kmph and range of 20 km per charge. This display illustrates how Honda blends nostalgia with cutting-edge tech to create modern solutions.

Honda ACTIVA e: New BaaS Lite Plan

Honda EV Concept Store

Marking a pivotal moment in HMSI’s journey towards sustainable mobility, the all-new ACTIVA e: aims to redefine urban transportation in the country. The ACTIVA e: features Honda Mobile Power Pack e: - a swappable battery system developed by Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Japan and managed by Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt. Ltd (HEID). It is equipped with two 1.5 kWh swappable batteries, delivering a range of 102 km* on a full charge.

As part of commitment to make electric mobility convenient for customers, Honda has introduced a new BaaS Lite plan, wherein the customers will have to pay just Rs. 678 per month (for 20kWh energy usage per month), making EV ownership accessible for users. This affordable subscription model is tailored specifically for users with lower daily running, offering them an economical entry into EV ownership. With the BaaS Lite plan, customers can easily swap batteries at Honda’s battery swapping stations, ensuring seamless and hassle-free usage. The new BaaS Lite plan has been launched in addition to the existing Basic and Advance subscription packages.

Vodafone Idea Launches 5G Commercial Service in Bengaluru with Samsung’s Versatile Solutions

Leading telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) today announced the commercial launch of 5G services by partnering with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Samsung) in Bengaluru region, one of the key telecom markets in India and a global IT hub known as the "Silicon Valley of India". Since 2024, the companies have been working together to deploy a new generation, 5G network and modernize Vi's legacy 2G and 4G networks with Samsung's industry-leading solutions in major telecom circles of India including Bihar, Karnataka and Punjab1.

As part of this collaboration, Vi had already launched 5G commercial services in Chandigarh and Patna in April 2025. Vi has successfully deployed Samsung’s small form-factor, energy-efficient and high transmit power radios for enabling a seamless 5G experience across all the three circles. These solutions offer increased cell capacity and energy savings features to deliver better consumer experience with greener and more sustainable approaches for Vi's customers.

For this deployment, Samsung provided its wide range of radios supporting diverse spectrum bands, including 32T32R Massive MIMO radios, along with Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions that encompass baseband and software functions known as the virtualized Central Unit (vCU).

The companies have also implemented the nation's first virtualized Base Station Controller (vBSC), a key network element for 2G services, thereby modernizing its network with cutting-edge software solutions while still ensuring legacy technology and services are supported.

Virtualization of network functionalities enable Vi to streamline network deployment and facilitate easier management, which results in greater efficiency, lower operational costs, better resource allocation control, and increased customer satisfaction. With this virtualization adoption, operators can build software-based and flexible networks more easily, gaining a competitive edge in bringing future networks.

Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea said: “The launch of Vi’s 5G services in Bengaluru as well as Chandigarh and Patna, marks a key step in introducing Samsung as a new partner in our ecosystem and towards delivering seamless, highly reliable next-generation services to our customers. By partnering with Samsung, our endeavor is to offer the best customer experience and provide our customers with enhanced mobile broadband throughputs and high capacity required in today’s digitally connected world.”

Woojune Kim, President and Head of Networks Business at Samsung Electronics said: “India, especially Bengaluru, stands at the forefront of the global digital transformation, and we are proud to accompany Vi’s innovative journey in delivering next-generation connectivity to its customers in one of the world's most dynamic and advanced IT markets. Samsung always thinks a step ahead, anticipating future needs of mobile operators. Through this collaboration, Samsung is fully committed in supporting Vi to satisfy the demands of mobile users and boost enterprise growth with our innovative spirits."

About Vodafone Idea

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India’s leading telecom service providers. The company holds a large spectrum portfolio including mid band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave spectrum in 16 circles. The Company provides Voice and Data services across 2G, 4G and 5G platforms and is expanding 5G services across 17 circles. To support the growing demand for data and voice, the Company is committed to delivering delightful customer experiences and contributing towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company’s equity shares are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE in India.

4baseCare Launches New Genomics Lab in Bengaluru, Unveils Global Cancer Diversity Atlas

4baseCare, a precision oncology company, inaugurated its new genomics laboratory in Mahadevapura, Bengaluru, as a part of its consistent efforts to advance access to precision oncology in India. The highlight of the launch event was the unveiling of Global Cancer Diversity Atlas (GCDA) aimed at addressing the genomics data gap that exists in cancer care.

The launch event was presided over by Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Chairman, Infosys, who also unveiled the Global Cancer Diversity Atlas. In attendance were Ganapathy Subramaniam, Founding Managing Partner at Yali Capital, Rajan Anandan, Managing Director , Peak XV Partners, and founders of 4baseCare, Hitesh Goswami and Kshitij Rishi.

 

4baseCare’s new genomics lab in Bengaluru will offer advanced genomic testing solutions including comprehensive gene panels, whole exome sequencing, and transcriptome analysis. These tools will enable oncologists to delve deeper into the genetic makeup of tumors, offering personalized and more effective cancer treatment options.

The Global Cancer Diversity Atlas (GCDA) is a pioneering initiative by 4baseCare designed to address a critical gap in global cancer research: the lack of genomic data from diverse populations. While most cancer genomic datasets are dominated by Western populations, GCDA is built on real-world data from India and the Global South, including South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central Europe, and Latin America. GCDA is the world’s most inclusive cancer genomics dataset, transforming how we develop diagnostics, conduct research, and deliver cancer care so that every patient, everywhere, is truly seen and understood.

Commenting on the new lab and the unveiling of GCDA, Hitesh Goswami, CEO and Co-Founder, 4baseCare, said, “Our new genomics lab and the unveiling of the GCDA are driven by a single goal of creating better access to precision oncology. One of the key challenges in cancer care today is the lack of genomic data from Indian and Asian populations. This data gap has a significant impact on the effectiveness of cancer diagnostics and treatment strategies for under-represented communities.”

“At 4baseCare, we have firsthand seen the kind of real-world impact our genetic tests have had on cancer patients because of the right genomic data sets. Through our lab, we are creating an infrastructure to build population-specific genomic data at scale. And with GCDA, our aim is to close the diversity gap in cancer research that can change how cancer diagnosis and treatment is approached worldwide”, Hitesh added.

About 4baseCare

Founded in 2018 by Hitesh Goswami and Kshitij Rishi, 4baseCare has been a pioneer in launching unique solutions in cancer care to support oncologists match patients with the right targeted therapy based on biomarker identification. 4baseCare’s best-in-class genomic-based tests include #IndiaKaGenePanel, Indiegene which is the world's first Indian population specific cancer gene panel for biomarker testing.

4baseCare is an Illumina accelerator company, backed by Infosys Innovation fund. 4baseCare also secured 6 million in series A funding round from Yali Capital, is the first Asia/Pacific company to be selected for Illumina’s accelerator program in 2019. 4baseCare has also been awarded a 5 Million INR Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG), a flagship scheme of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public Sector Undertaking the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Very recently,

4baseCare has expanded its global footprint by launching operations in Dubai by establishing a state-of-the-art genomics laboratory at Dubai Science Park, in collaboration with Innovate Life Sciences. The facility has recently earned CAP Accreditation. Strengthening its international presence, the company inaugurated a new lab in the Philippines in May 2025, in partnership with LINCs Philippines.

For more details, visit, https://4basecare.com/

Germany's TÜV SÜD Inaugurates E-Mobility Training Laboratory in Bengaluru

TÜV SÜD, a global leader in safety, quality, compliance, security, and sustainability solutions, hosted an exclusive preview of its state-of-the-art E-Mobility Training Mobile Lab at its Bengaluru Campus. This groundbreaking initiative is poised to transform the EV ecosystem by addressing the growing demand for hands-on, high-voltage (HV) safety training and upskilling in the electric mobility sector.

The TÜV SÜD E-Mobility Training Mobile Lab is a first-of-its-kind, expert-led, mobile training facility that brings practical, real-world education directly to the doors of automotive businesses, manufacturing units, and training institutes. By eliminating logistical barriers and reducing downtime, the lab ensures compliance with international safety standards, while accelerating EV adoption across industries.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Live, hands-on training using real EV components and high-voltage systems.
• On-demand, on-site demos for convenient, customer-specific training.
• Cutting-edge safety and testing equipment for accurate, industry-standard learning.
• Modular and customizable training tailored for various industries and personnel.
• Compliance and certification support, equipping professionals to meet global safety regulations.

Scalable and adaptable to different markets and geographies.

The lab is purpose-built to serve a broad range of stakeholders including automotive technicians and engineers, first responders and emergency personnel, manufacturing and assembly line workers, and institutional sales teams.

This mobile lab is a game-changer for the EV industry, fostering skill development and industry-readiness among professionals. With a flexible and immersive approach to EV training, the lab is designed to empower the workforce, enhance operational safety, and set new benchmarks for industry excellence.

Mr. Simon Lemin CEO TUV SUD South East Asia said, "The launch of our E-Mobility Training Laboratory represents a significant step forward in advancing the skills and safety standards of professionals in the e-mobility sector. We are proud to empower organisations and individuals through practical training solutions that deliver real-world, hands-on experience with high-voltage systems, fostering both knowledge and skill development.”

Mr. Vishal Nerurkar , Senior Vice President , Business Assurance TUV SUD South East Asia said, "As the world moves toward sustainable mobility, TÜV SÜD remains committed to safety, quality, and technical excellence in e-mobility. With the launch of the TÜV SÜD E-Mobility Mobile Training Lab, we take a significant step in delivering cutting-edge training directly to you.This state-of-the-art facility on wheels is empowers OEMs, component manufacturers, automotive professionals, and students with hands-on training in EV technology and industry best practices. By bridging the skills gap, TÜV SÜD is enabling a safe and sustainable transition to e-mobility, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, safety, and knowledge-sharing across the automotive ecosystem."

TÜV SÜD continues to be at the forefront of e-mobility innovation, and this latest initiative reinforces its commitment to future-ready training and safer EV ecosystems worldwide.

Rapido Partners With Bangalore Electronics Dealer Association (BEDA) Enabling Its 3,000 Members Utilize Rapido Parcel for Intra-City Shipping

Rapido, India’s leading urban mobility platform, today announced its partnership with the Bangalore Electronics Dealer Association (BEDA). This collaboration will enable over 3,000 BEDA member businesses to utilize Rapido Parcel for their intra-city shipping needs, providing a more affordable and secure delivery solution.

This partnership addresses the critical logistics challenges faced by local electronics dealers, offering a cost-effective and reliable alternative for transporting goods within Bangalore. Rapido Parcel provides a significant cost advantage, with rates up to 25% lower than other delivery providers. Furthermore, all products shipped through Rapido Parcel are insured, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind for businesses. A dedicated relationship manager is also available 24/7 to address any queries and ensure seamless operations.

“This partnership with Rapido is a game-changer for our members,” stated Mr. Vishal Varandani (President, Bangalore Electronic Dealers Association, BEDA ) and Mr Lalit Dakliya (V P). “Rapido Parcel offers a much-needed solution to the logistical challenges faced by electronics dealers in Bangalore. The combination of affordability, insurance, and dedicated support is invaluable. We are confident that this collaboration will significantly enhance the efficiency and profitability of our member businesses.”

Rapido continues to expand its offerings beyond passenger transportation, leveraging its technology and network to provide innovative logistics solutions. This partnership with BEDA underscores Rapido's commitment to empowering local businesses and contributing to the growth of the urban economy.

Rapido is India’s leading commute app, offering seamless auto, bike taxi, and cab services across 100+ cities. Founded in 2015, Rapido has transformed shared mobility, expanding its offerings from bike taxis to include auto-rickshaws and cabs. The company is committed to generating employment opportunities for gig workers nationwide. With a focus on women empowerment, Rapido creates secure livelihood opportunities for women in shared mobility. By extending services beyond metro areas to tier 2 and 3 cities, Rapido connects communities across India.

IDFC FIRST Bank Launches FIRST Wings Start-Up Lounge to Empower Indian Start-ups

IDFC FIRST Bank, today announced the launch of startup lounge an exclusive space designed to support entrepreneurs and empower early-stage startups in India. Located in Koramangala, Bengaluru, this unique space aims to provide essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.

On the occasion Mr. Bhavesh Jatania, Head Start-up Banking, IDFC FIRST Bank said “We are excited to announce the IDFC FIRST Bank Start-up Lounge, a first of its kind initiative by a bank in India. The Start-up Lounge will serve as meeting and collaboration point, providing entrepreneurs a conducive environment to innovate and grow. IDFC FIRST Bank will also partner with leading incubators, accelerators, venture capitalists and angel investors, creating synergies that will help startups gain competitive edge in a fast- evolving business environment.”

The FIRST Wings Start-up Lounge is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including meeting rooms and advanced video conferencing solutions, creating an ideal environment for entrepreneurs, and investors to connect, collaborate and grow.

To provide additional support to the entrepreneurs the Start-up Lounge will also host events:

• Knowledge Sessions: Access to a curated knowledge resources and mentorship sessions conducted by industry experts.
• Networking Events: Events that connect startups with investors and industry experts.
• Pitch Presentations: Present business ideas to potential investors and receive valuable feedback.

Key features of the First Wings Startup Banking Program by IDFC FIRST Bank:

• FIRST Start-up Current Account: Zero fee current account with free banking services with no minimum balance requirement for initial three years for early-stage startups.
• FIRST Bravo Feature: A smart sweep facility that allows startups to earn returns up to 7.25% on idle funds by automatically transferring excess amounts over Rs 2 lakhs into fixed deposits.
• FIRST Business Corporate Credit Card: Designed to help start-ups manage their business expenses with a flexible step-up credit feature.
• Founder Success Program: “LeapToUnicorn” one of its kind initiatives that provides access to mentorship, networking and fundraising opportunities through a meticulously planned journey.

Conclusion

With the support of various ecosystem partners, including investors, government bodies, and accelerators, the FIRST Wings Start-up Lounge aims to act as a catalyst for start-up growth. By bringing together key players in one space, IDFC FIRST Bank is helping startups navigate the complexities of growth and innovation.

About IDFC FIRST Bank

IDFC FIRST Bank is a new age Universal Bank in India built on the foundations of Ethical Banking, Digital Banking, and Social Good Banking. We are building a world class bank in India.

As part of the Bank’s ethical banking approach, it applies a "Near and Dear" Test to its products, so that the employees of the Bank serve only such products they'd want for their own loved ones. It believes income earned unethically is not worth earning.

Therefore, the Bank avoids complicated descriptions, calculations, and legalese that customers don’t understand. It abolished all charges on Savings Accounts including for Debit Cards, IMPS, RTGS, NEFT, Cash Deposit, “Non-Home branch” access, Cash withdrawals at ATMs and at branches, 3rd party transaction charges at branches, SMS Alert, Cheque book, Demand Drafts, Pay-order, duplicate statement, and all such services that are usually charged in the market. It follows the principle that it won’t touch its customers’ bank account for one reason or other. It is the first and only bank in India till date to do so.

IDFC FIRST Bank is the first bank in India to offer monthly credit on savings accounts. The credit cards have no hidden charges. It offers Lifetime Free without minimum spend conditions, never-expiring rewards points, zero interest on cash withdrawal at ATMs, dynamic low APR and much more. Fees if any are transparent and described neatly in a manner a common person can understand. Every product offered by the bank is highly customer friendly, most often the best in the industry.

As part of technology led banking, the Bank has built a modern technology stack and has built an advanced mobile app with 250+ features such as Goal based investing, MF investment assistance, electric-speed payments, Account Aggregator, MF Aggregator, Personal Finance Manager, Auto categorisation of spends, single app for personal and business banking, UPI on Credit Cards, travel and shop, bill and recharges, deals and reward redemptions, which offer great convenience to the customers. For business customers the Bank offers on-the-go bulk payments, ability to pay income tax, GST, customs duty, and connected banking with ERP solutions.

As part of the Social Banking theme, the Bank’s business model is naturally geared to social banking. It has developed unique capabilities for financing bottom of pyramid customers with consistently high asset quality. The Bank has financed over 40 million customers including 0.3 million SMEs, 0.9 million livelihood (cattle loans), 16 million lifestyle improvement loans (for laptops, washing machine, etc.), 1 million sanitation loans (toilets, water fittings), 6.5 million mobility loans (2-wheelers and cars), and home financing (over 100,000 homes), and 15 million loans to 4.3 million women-entrepreneurs. It also offers other retail and rural loans such as Kisan Credit Cards, harvest financing, gold loans etc.

IDFC FIRST Bank is a Universal Bank, and offers end to end Corporate Banking, Trade Finance such as issuance of LCs & BGs, SBLC, Packing Credit, Pre-shipment and Post-shipment Finance, Treasury products including risk hedging solutions like Forwards, Swaps, Options, and other Forex Solutions, SME Banking, Wealth Management, NRI banking, Cash Management, Nostro & Vostro account operations, Escrow facilities, Correspondent Banking, Fastag, Toll-acquiring, Dealer Finance and Purchase/Sales Invoice discounting.

ESG Goals: The Bank is incorporating ESG in every aspect of working and has high ESG scores. The Bank believes that to get an opportunity to create a new age, ethical and world class Bank for India is a great privilege for its employees.

IBM Relocates R&D to India After Shutting Down China Operations

Recently, IBM has made significant changes to its research and development (R&D) operations. The company is closing its R&D team in China, which will impact less than 1,000 employees. The affected team, which focuses on server and storage technology, will see its job functions transferred to other countries, notably India.

Specifically, Bengaluru in India will be a primary destination for this shift. This move comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and it reflects a broader trend of companies reassessing their presence in the region.

IBM's strategy adjustment aligns with the diminishing importance of the region for US tech firms, as local clients increasingly opt for home-grown providers.

With a 19.6% drop in revenue last year, IBM has struggled to maintain its foothold in the Chinese market once seen as a key growth area.

The sensitivity of hardware in the context of US-China technological competition is heightened, given both nations' pursuit of dominance in sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

With IBM’s increased presence in India, there will likely be a boost in the local talent pool. The company’s focus on server and storage technology could attract skilled professionals, leading to knowledge exchange and skill development.

L&T Semiconductor to Acquire Bengaluru-based SiliConch Systems for ₹183 Crore

L&T Semiconductor Technologies (LTSCT), a fully owned subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), recently announced its plan to acquire Bengaluru-based SiliConch Systems for ₹183 crore. This strategic move aims to enhance L&T's fabless semiconductor business.

SiliConch Systems specializes in developing semiconductor Intellectual Property (IP) and Integrated Circuits (IC). Their expertise will strengthen L&T's engineering capabilities in this domain. The acquisition includes an upfront payment of ₹133 crore and a deferred ₹50 crore over four years, contingent on specific targets. By September, pending customary conditions, the deal is expected to be finalized.

Interestingly, this is second Indian semiconductor-based company to get acquired by the global firm within a couple of days, and both the companies are based out of Bengaluru. To recall, yesterday Accenture announced the acquisition of Excelmax Technologies, a semiconductor design services provider based in Bengaluru. This strategic acquisition enhances Accenture's growing silicon design and engineering capabilities.

Incorporated in April 2016, SiliConch Systems has a team of engineers focuses on transformative work in pre-silicon products, specializing in delivering mixed-signal solutions in power management and high-speed input/output (I/O) applications.

The founders of SiliConch Systems — Vishnu Pusuluri, Jaswanth Ammineni, Rakesh Kumar, Kaustubh Kumar, Vinay Patel, Abhishek Sardeshpande, and Shubham Paliwal —embarked on their journey in April 2016. Their motivation was to specialize in the development and design of semiconductor Intellectual Property (IP) and Integrated Circuits (IC). As a fabless semiconductor design company, SiliConch focuses on system-on-chip IP, contributing to power management systems for smartphones, automotive devices, and accessories.

SiliConch actively contributes to the USB Implementers' Forum (USB-IF) standards, ensuring that their products adhere to the latest industry specifications and innovations. The company offers cutting-edge solutions for the USB Type-C ecosystem, which is a reversible connector supporting various protocols and delivering power, data, and video signals through a single cable.

SiliConch Systems provides the industry's first Multi-port USB Type-C Power Delivery IP solution to system-on-chip (SoC) vendors. This IP enables efficient power delivery and data transfer in devices like smartphones, PCs, automotive systems, IoT devices, and accessories.

SiliConch generates revenue primarily through non-recurring engineering (NRE) revenue and license fees. The company's IPs find application in OEMs and fabless IC companies, primarily in the U.S., for power management systems.

With 30 granted Patents across geographies, SiliConch Systems has been making significant strides. In the fiscal year 2023-24, their turnover stood at ₹27.68 crore, while in FY21-22 and FY22-23, it was ₹11.02 crore and ₹19.97 crore, respectively

L&T's recent acquisition of SiliConch Systems aims to strengthen their presence in the fabless semiconductor business by adding IP, engineering skillsets, and design expertise.

Besides the recent acquisition of SiliConch Systems, L&T has been active in the acquisition space. In April 2019, L&T acquired Mindtree, a leading IT services company, to strengthen its presence in the technology sector. In May 2022, L&T announced the merger of its two software companies, L&T Infotech (LTI) and Mindtree, creating a formidable player in the IT services industry.

Back in October 2014, L&T acquired L&T Ramboll Consulting Engineers, enhancing its capabilities in real estate and infrastructure development.

Accenture Acquires Bengaluru-based Semiconductor Design Company Excelmax Technologies

Accenture has acquired Excelmax Technologies, a semiconductor design services provider based in Bengaluru, India. This strategic move enhances Accenture's growing silicon design and engineering capabilities. Excelmax specializes in custom silicon solutions used in consumer devices, data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), and computational platforms for edge AI deployments. Their expertise serves clients in the automotive, telecommunications, and high-tech industries.

The acquisition aligns with the surge in demand for silicon design engineering, driven by data centers, AI, and edge computing. It also complements Accenture's previous acquisition of XtremeEDA, a Canada-based silicon design services company.

Founded in 2019, by Shekhar Patil, Excelmax Technologies is a semiconductor design services provider with specialization in custom silicon solutions used in consumer devices, data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), and computational platforms for edge AI deployments. Their expertise serves clients in the automotive, telecommunications, and high-tech industries.

“Our focus has always been on developing the best talent to deliver tailor-made solutions for our global clients that help them build and maintain competitive advantage,” said Shekhar Patil, founder & CEO, Excelmax Technologies. “Joining Accenture enables us to remain at the forefront of innovation, providing new and exciting opportunities for both our clients and our people.”

Shekhar Patil, the founder and CEO of Excelmax Technologies, brings a wealth of experience to the company. Before founding Excelmax, he held roles at SkandySys Technologies Pvt Ltd, Texas Instruments, Synopsys Inc, and D'GIPRO SYSTEMS PRIVATE LIMITED. His expertise spans various cutting-edge technologies, ranging from mobile devices to cloud servers. At Excelmax, Shekhar Patil has been instrumental in providing comprehensive semiconductor solutions, covering high-level design to detailed physical layout ready for manufacturing. The company's focus is on delivering tailor-made solutions for global clients, helping them build and maintain competitive advantage in the dynamic tech industry.

This acquisition by Accenture aligns with the surge in demand for silicon design engineering, driven by data centers, AI, and edge computing.

GitHub and Infosys Together Launch CoE in Bengaluru

GitHub has partnered with Infosys to launch a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. This collaboration is aimed at accelerating the software production process by partnering with Global System Integrators (GSIs). The CoE was inaugurated by GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke, and it represents a significant step in leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the speed of software development globally.

The partnership also highlights the importance of GitHub Copilot, which is being enabled organization-wide at Infosys to assist developers throughout the software development lifecycle. This move is expected to bring about a globalized step change in the speed of software production.

This initiative is part of a broader trend where Indian developers are becoming increasingly significant contributors to AI projects on GitHub's platform. It's projected that by 2027, India will surpass the United States in terms of the total developer population on GitHub. This partnership between GitHub and Infosys is a testament to the growing influence of Indian developers in the global software development landscape.

The primary goal is to accelerate the software development process by leveraging artificial intelligence and GitHub's tools, including GitHub Copilot. By integrating GitHub Copilot across Infosys organization-wide, developers are expected to experience a significant boost in productivity and efficiency.

How GitHub and @Infosys—the renowned IT consulting firm—work together to help developers across India and the world 🌏🚀 pic.twitter.com/o4QoZrADcM

— GitHub (@github) June 9, 2024

The partnership underscores the growing influence of Indian developers in the global software economy. It's projected that by 2027, India will have the largest developer population on GitHub, surpassing the United States.

The establishment of the CoE is a strategic move to harness the potential of AI in software development and to create a new wave of business value in the global economy. It marks the beginning of what GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke refers to as the "Age of Copilot," signifying a new era for GSIs and software development at large.

Deloitte Opens First Phygital Innovation Center in Bangalore

The largest professional services network, Deloitte, has recently inaugurated a groundbreaking 'phygital' innovation centre in Bengaluru. This innovative center, known as the Deloitte Centre of Innovation and Technology (DCIT), is a fusion of the physical and digital realms, offering domain-specific solutions to help businesses reduce costs and increase efficiency.

The DCIT aims to assist customers in finding new and sustainable ways to grow their businesses while fostering a culture of innovation. It serves as a hub for exploring cutting-edge technologies and envisioning novel business models.

The centre spans across an impressive 12,500 square feet and comprises five distinct zones:

• Retail: Focused on reimagining customer interfaces and experiences within the retail sector.
• Manufacturing: A space for creating diverse prototypes related to supply chains and product development.
• Digital Studio: Where innovative ideas come to life through technology, including 5G connectivity and AI.
• Immersive: Utilizing mixed reality, immersive reality, and augmented reality to provide hands-on, real-time experiences.
• Advanced Connectivity: Bridging visionary concepts with the delivery of high-quality products and services.

Deloitte emphasizes the importance of collaboration. The big-four company aims to bring together the entire ecosystem, including clients and alliance partners, on a co-creation journey. This collective effort ensures that diverse perspectives contribute to the success of the centre.

DCIT boasts over 60 use cases across various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. These use cases will be refreshed every 90 days, ensuring relevance and adaptability.

Through mixed reality and other technologies, DCIT provides hands-on experiences, allowing businesses to test scenarios before deployment. Understanding expected results is crucial for novel business ideas.

Deloitte collaborates with academia, including institutions like IIT Delhi and IIT Madras, to stimulate innovation and drive meaningful change.

Businesses can actively engage with Deloitte's DCIT to explore innovative solutions, reimagine customer experiences, and leverage cutting-edge technology for growth and efficiency. Moreover, the DCIT can act as an accelerator for startups, providing them with the tools, expertise, and ecosystem to turn their innovative ideas into viable, market-ready solutions.

Startups often have innovative ideas but may lack the resources to access advanced technologies. The DCIT provides access to technologies like 5G connectivity and Al, which can help startups bridge visionary ideas with the delivery of high- quality products and services. The DCIT can offer prototyping & product development for startups with facilities to create diverse prototypes, allowing startups to develop and test their products in a supportive environment. This can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with product development.

In essence, the Deloitte 'phygital' innovation centre represents a powerful convergence of physical and digital realms, where visionary ideas meet practical execution, ultimately benefiting both businesses and startups across industries.

L&T Technology Services Opens Simulation CoE for Airbus in Bengaluru

L&T Technology Services (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS) announced the inauguration of the Simulation Centre of Excellence for Airbus, strategically located at the LTTS state-of-the-art campus in Bangalore. This Centre of Excellence is designed to bolster engineering support for Airbus aircraft structural simulation activities across its diverse business units in Europe spanning France, Germany, the UK, and Spain.

Equipped with the5 latest simulation software, hardware, and high-performance computational machinery, the Simulation CoE aims to unify and standardize processes across all Airbus European business units and aircraft programs. The ultimate objective is to streamline efficiency and enhance productivity, facilitating the timely achievement of program milestones.

Initiated approximately 18 months ago with a specialized core team, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) has demonstrated significant growth and development. The strategic plan includes a substantial scaling up of the centre over the next two years. This expansion reflects the deep commitment of LTTS to fostering innovation and excellence in aerospace engineering, highlighting the dedication to advancing the industry through sustained development and expertise.

Speaking on this significant development, Alind Saxena, President - Sales and Executive Director, L&T Technology Services stated, "The establishment of the Simulation CoE for Airbus reflects our deep-seated commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation alongside Airbus. This Centre is not just about technology; it's about creating a standardized, efficient framework that propels Airbus’ industry-leading aircraft into the future Together, we are not just navigating the present landscape but also shaping the future of aviation, ensuring that our collaboration remains a key driver of our success in India and the world."

The establishment of the Simulation CoE for Airbus marks a decade of fruitful collaboration between LTTS and Airbus India, highlighting a shared dedication to innovation and excellence in the global aerospace industry. It serves as a foundation for both companies to continue their dominance in important markets like Europe and India, driving forward with a common process that enhances operational efficiency and productivity.

Honda Opens New R&D Facility in Bengaluru to Accelerate Electrification in India

From L to R (Sitting): Mr. Koichiro Honda - Director & OH (SRC) (HRID), Mr. Tomoyuki Maruyama - GM (HM), Mr. Tsutsumu Otani - MD, President & CEO (HMSI), Mr. Hiroshi Tokutake - EVP (ASH), Mr. Mikio Uchiyama President & CEO (HRID), Mr. Masayuki Hamamatsu - GM (HM)

Honda has taken a significant step towards electrification in India by opening a new Research & Development (R&D) facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This move aligns with Honda's global target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and aims to make all its motorcycle products carbon-neutral during the 2040s. 

The new Solution R&D Center will focus on incorporating advanced mobility technologies into the development of electrified vehicles. It will also explore software solutions and connected services, emphasizing open innovation through collaboration with local tech companies and startups. This initiative is part of Honda's broader vision to address environmental challenges and contribute to a sustainable future. 

By leveraging Bengaluru's vibrant ecosystem of technology and innovation, Honda's new R&D facility is expected to play a pivotal role in developing new services and businesses that extend beyond the scope of existing products. It's a strategic move that underscores Honda's commitment to advancing e-mobility technologies and addressing social issues like energy efficiency and traffic safety.

Furthermore, Honda will actively work to solve social issues, such as the effective use of energy through Honda's Triple Action to ZERO² initiative (carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation), and the prevention of traffic accidents to realize a society with zero traffic collision fatalities.

Boeing Opens India Engg. and Tech Center (BIETC) in Bengaluru As Its Largest Investment Outside US

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Boeing India Engineering and Technology Center (BIETC) in Bengaluru, marking Boeing’s largest investment outside the United States.

The new BIETC facility is 43-acre in size and built with an investment of Rs 1,600 crores, it is positioned as a key hub for collaboration within India’s startup, private, and government sectors.

#MakeInIndia A moment of pride for the Indian aviation community as PM Sh @narendramodi Ji inaugurated Boeing's state-of-the-art Engineering and Technology Centre in Bengaluru. The Rs 16000 crore-worth facility is Boeing's second largest in the world!

This will certainly infuse… pic.twitter.com/rZB2lU8MCR

— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) January 19, 2024

This comes within a week after the manufacturer of commercial jetliner had inaugurated the 36,000-square-foot Boeing India Distribution Center in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh.

BIETC, in Bengaluru, is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering partnerships with India’s vibrant aerospace and defense ecosystem.

Notably, Boeing is continuously in controversy since 2019 as there have been a series of unfortunate incidents involving Boeing's aircrafts, including two fatal crashes of the 737 Max.

Recently, a Boeing 747 cargo plane made an emergency landing on Thursday night after it was seen spewing flames in the night sky over Miami, United States. Interestingly, on the same day, Boeing announced that Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline co-founded by Late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, had nearly tripled 737 order book to meet rising demand by confirming 150 more Boeing 737 MAX family jet airplanes.

To recall, there is an incident involving the 737 Max 9, in which a hole blew open in the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines flight in midair. This was the latest in a string of safety lapses in Boeing’s workhorse aircraft — including two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 — that are indirectly helping propel the fortunes of Airbus, the European aerospace giant.