The AI-based global admissions startup, Ambitio, which helps students in pursuing higher education abroad, on Tuesday announced its pre-seed round of Rs 1.55 crore. The funding comes from investors, including First Cheque, a couple of soonicorn founders, and angel investors from the US and India.

Founded by IIT BHU graduates Dirghayu Kaushik, Vikrant Shivalik & Vaibhav Tyagi, Ambitio is building India’s first AI admissions platform, to help applicants secure admissions in top global universities.

Ambitio AI Copilot enables applicants to identify ideal courses and craft stellar essays & SOPs. With access to a database of over 2 million admits, they are developing a low-touch approach to build a comprehensive global admissions platform.

“Our goal is to serve as intelligent digital advisors to students throughout their admissions journey. For years, this information was scattered all over the place and insights were confined to a handful of education counsellors. With the decentralization of information and emergence of LLMs, all this knowledge can now be intelligently used to give personalized admission advice” stated Dirghayu Kaushik, Co-founder and CEO at Ambitio.

Vikrant Shivalik, Co-founder and COO at Ambitio, said, “Our unique AI+Mentor approach coupled with our in-house admission experts, ensures that our applicants get accepted into their dream schools by fostering strong profile building and crafting stellar applications”

Prateek Agarwal, Investments Lead at First Cheque, said, “We believe Ambitio is well positioned to leverage Gen-AI capabilities. Their product-led approach presents a great opportunity to develop a global admissions product”.

Source: Press Release

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[NSE: LTIM, BSE: 540005], a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, announced integration of its subsidiaries; Syncordis and Nielsen+Partner to form a specialized Banking Transformation Practice (BTP). LTIMindtree’s BTP is uniquely positioned to deliver end-to-end Consulting, Digital and IT services, leveraging commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products and platforms serving Banks and Capital Market firms.

LTIMindtree acquired Syncordis in December 2017 and Nielsen+Partner in January 2019. Through this integration, LTIMindtree aims to combine complementary capabilities of two successful companies with a proven track record in delivering industry-leading growth.

Nachiket Deshpande, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, LTIMindtree, said, “We envision the newly formed Banking Transformation Practice to deeply serve our global clients, empower strategic partnerships and deliver productized services. We are confident that by enabling end-to-end transformation for our clients, BTP will help LTIMindtree deliver industry-leading growth.”

Guillaume Desjonqueres, Chief Executive Officer, Syncordis, said, “In LTIMindtree BTP, customers will find a partner, large enough to champion their end-to-end complex transformational aspirations and nimble enough to care deeply for them. We are excited about this integration, the potential of deeply serving our global clients and success it brings for all of us.”

LTIMindtree’s BTP will offer customers significantly enhanced product/platform capabilities, a more diverse set of end-to-end, core-to-consumer offerings further augmented by deeper industry partnerships and a highly skilled talent pool.

Source: Press Release

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One of India’s leading B2B Cloud and digital services providers, has enhanced Smartflo UCaaS (Unified Communication as a Service), a  voice solution integrated with Microsoft Teams, by adding support for the Operator Connect platform for Microsoft Teams Phone. Operator Connect takes Smartflo UCaaS to the next level, empowering customers to seamlessly connect their telephone numbers on Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) with Teams, revolutionizing the unified communication experience for businesses.

Smartflo UCaaS with Operator Connect give users an unparalleled flexibility in connecting their telephone numbers with Teams, delivering a comprehensive communication solution.

Speaking on this announcement, Mr. Vishal Rally, Sr. Vice President – Product and Marketing, Tata Teleservices said, “We are delighted to announce the integration of Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams with our Smartflo UCaaS solution, a major advancement in unified communication within Microsoft Teams. Smartflo UCaaS with Operator Connect bridges the gap between remote employees and the office, delivering an advanced communication experience, fostering stronger connections with employees and customers. This offering is a transformative asset for businesses, providing unparalleled flexibility with work from anywhere functionality, streamlined deployment, enhanced support, and cost optimization.”

Shruti Bhatia, Country Head, Modern Work and Surface, India and South Asia, Microsoft said, “The integration of Operator Connect in TTBS’ Smartflo UCaaS solution is a significant step in empowering businesses with flexible and innovative unified communication within Microsoft Teams. This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering greater efficiencies and productivity through seamless PSTN calling services. Our collaboration with TTBS reinforces our dedication to supporting businesses in their digital transformation journey with secure and cost-optimized solutions.”

Teams Phone provides complete calling capabilities, helping businesses to stay connected effortlessly and in the flow of their work.

Benefits of TTBS Smartflo UCaaS with Operator Connect:

• Leverage TTBS’ existing telephony services: Operator Connect enables businesses to retain their existing TTBS telephony services, providing a seamless experience with a single Smartflo UCaaS interface integrated with Teams.
• TTBS-managed infrastructure: TTBS manages the PSTN calling services and Session Border Controllers (SBCs), relieving customers of hardware procurement and management, resulting in substantial cost savings.
• Faster, easier deployment: Smartflo UCaaS with Operator Connect enables seamless assignment of phone numbers to users, all managed conveniently from the Microsoft Teams admin centre.
• Enhanced support and reliability: TTBS’s direct peering with the Microsoft cloud establishes a seamless, contiguous single network connection, ensuring enhanced reliability and call quality. TTBS offers technical support and SLAs enhancing the overall support experience.
• Roaming Capability: Users gain the added flexibility to carry their TTBS configured Teams number while roaming within India, ensuring uninterrupted communication, even on the move.

Key Features of TTBS Smartflo UCaaS with Operator Connect:

• Call any telephone number: Smartflo UCaaS with Operator Connect users can effortlessly place calls to any telephone number, fostering seamless communication with Teams Phone.
• Direct and assisted call transfer: Smartflo UCaaS with Operator Connect empowers users with both direct and assisted call transfer capabilities, streamlining call management.
• Smart call forwarding: Users can set up smart call forwarding, ensuring they stay connected regardless of their location.
• Parallel ringing across group: Improve responsiveness by setting up parallel ringing across a group of devices.
• Voicemail services: Smartflo UCaaS with Operator Connect includes reliable voicemail services, ensuring users never miss an important message.
• Advanced call capabilities: Conduct ad-hoc and scheduled call conferences with ease through Teams.
• Save on voice infrastructure: Smartflo UCaaS with Operator Connect eliminates the need for significant voice infrastructure investments, optimizing cost efficiency.
• Self-care management portal: Smartflo UCaaS with Operator Connect users can enjoy the convenience of a self-care management portal, allowing easy customization of communication preferences.

The integration of Operator Connect with Smartflo UCaaS demonstrates TTBS commitment to democratising technology and empowering businesses with cutting-edge solutions. Smartflo UCaaS with Operator Connect service significantly enhances unified communication capabilities in Teams, enabling businesses to smoothly embrace the shift towards a more connected and digitally empowered future.

TTBS has taken several initiatives in recent times to empower businesses with innovative and reliable solutions that help them build digital maturity and continue seamless operations in a flexible, scalable, and secure manner. The company’s Smart Business Solutions portfolio comprises of Smartflo CCaaS suite, an advanced cloud communication suite integrated with omni-channel capabilities, SmartOffice– a one-box start-up kit with voice, data, apps, storage and  much more, Smart Internet Leased Line with built-in cloud security, SD-WAN iFLX an intelligently flexible solution for network optimization, and a comprehensive suite of cyber security solutions.

Source: Press Release

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Sony India today announced a new model of wireless sports headphones designed with runners in mind. Sony Float Run WI-OE610, a novel headphone style that positions the speaker near, but without touching the ear canal, leaving the ear safely uncovered while still delivering a rich sound experience. The Float Run headphones focus on the runner’s form, for a comfortable and stable experience without having to compromise sound quality.

Float Run offers important features to runners or athletes, including a light-weight design with a flexible neckband that does not slip when in motion and a pressure-free design that sits off the ears, so runners no longer need to worry about sweat or chafing getting in the way of their workout. This product was well received by crowdfunding, which led to its official launch. With a special off-ear design, runners won’t have to worry about pressure or stuffiness on their ears. For extended comfort, these wireless sports headphones sit on the ears of the wearer, so they can enjoy comfort for longer without disruption. Additionally, Float Run headphones only weigh approximately 33 grams, so runners can focus on their surroundings.

Designed to be stable and secure, Float Run headphones to stay in place no matter how the runner moves. Tested on a wide range of head shapes and hairstyles, the headphones will stay with the runner, due to the flexible neckband design. Additionally, Float Run headphones were tested with accessories including hats and sunglasses. Whatever is worn, the stabilising neckband will keep them secure. The 16mm drivers and precise tuning combine with the off-ear style offers a more natural and wider sound so there is no compromise on sound quality. The Float Run headphones has an open-type design that eliminates echo of the sounds your body makes, like footsteps, chewing or heavy breathing and allows in ambient sound.

These headphones are designed to fill the user’s ears, but not cover them, so they can be aware of their surroundings. The Float Run design allows music to naturally mix with ambient sound and be formed by the user’s ear shape. Float Run off-ear headphones keep ears unobstructed, to achieve peak performance in whatever activity they are performing. The result is a more spatial and natural listening experience.

With an IPX4 splashproof rating, consumers do not have to worry about damage from sweat or from getting caught out in the rain. With long battery life and up to 10 hours playtime when fully charged, the Float Run headphones will power long runs. In a hurry? A quick charge of 10 minutes will give an hour of play. With a variety of controls built in, users can control playback and access their smartphone’s voice assistant without having to take it out of their pocket or bag. When their run is over and it’s time to get to work, these headphones have a high-quality built-in microphone to make them just as ideal for productivity tasks. Float Run headphones conveniently charge using USB-C. Additionally, the headphones include a carrying pouch to keep the supplied charging cable and headphones together and protected.

The Float Run will be available across Sony retail stores (Sony Center and Sony Exclusive), the www.ShopatSC.com portal, major electronic stores, and other e-commerce websites in India from 4^th January 2023 onwards.

[i]  Excluding the driver unit. Do not wash the unit with liquid. Wipe with a soft dry cloth to clean.

[ii]  Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, storage, and usage.

[iii]  Availability of function depends on the smartphone or app version.

Source: Press Release

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Gurugram-based renowned startup community-builder and accelerator PedalStart has announced the second edition of its flagship PedalStars Fellowship, aimed to empower the nation’s startup enthusiasts who want to build a career in the startup ecosystem as core team members. Through this dedicated in-person, experience-based learning program designed for the country’s startup enthusiasts named ‘PedalStars 2.0’, PedalStart would be selecting, training and supporting a group of 20 hustlers who are passionate about Indian startup ecosystem, enabling them to become future startup leaders over the next six months.

While undergoing the program, each of the selected program participants aka Fellows will be offered a monthly stipend of INR 15k. Once the program is over (by May 2024), placement assistance will be provided to the Fellows in a bid to help them secure a position as an early team member/core team member, either in one of the 20+ portfolio startups under PedalStart or into the PedalStart itself. Apart from the stipend and placement support, the program also offers the young Fellows a fantastic opportunity to build and skyrocket their own startup careers while working under the shadow of experienced founders and mentors associated with PedalStart.

By being a part of this program – which has been built upon the cornerstone of a practical and experiential training approach – the Fellows shall get valuable exposure vis-à-vis working for and within the startup ecosystem. Not only will they get complimentary access to intensive learnings via courses, workshops and other resources, but also, the Fellows will be able to learn and experience practically how to build and grow a startup from zero to one stage with hands-on groundwork and execution. Furthermore, throughout the program, under the guidance of seasoned experts, the Fellows get the chance to ideate, build, launch, monitor, monetize, and iterate/experiment with multiple aspects in terms of upscaling a startup and running its day-to-day operations.

Speaking about the Fellowship, Manas Pal, Co-Founder, PedalStart said, “We are super-excited to kickstart the second edition of PedalStarts Fellowship – which presents a one-of-its-kind opportunity for startup enthusiasts to learn, execute and experience the hustling startup culture environment, by working dedicatedly within the ecosystem for a few months and thereby gaining practical exposure on how things actually work. At PedalStars, the journey of our Fellows will begin with doing tasks at the micro-level, building a strong understanding of how the zero-to-one startup journey works, and then executing broader projects end-to-end and working across different verticals. In the process, these young hustlers will be able to quickly develop and enhance hard and soft skills necessary for becoming industry-ready and job-ready within a short period of time, which in turn would enable them to grow themselves into the perfect core team member in budding startups by the end of the program”.

Notably, prior to this, in the first edition of PedalStars Fellowship, PedalStart had selected and trained 7 such hustlers out of 1000+ applications received from pan India. After the culmination of the program in November this year, PedalStart has helped these fellows who graduated from it to secure placements.

Speaking about the PedalStars experience, Shreyansh Kataria, a Fellow from PedalStars’ first cohort, said, “Being a part of the PedalStars Fellowship allowed me to obtain excellent insights into realizing how the startup ecosystem works. There, I got real experience of running a startup’s operations through various projects, and also got a chance to work on and solve various problem statements. The program not just improved my confidence and problem-solving skills, but shifted my perspective about the startup ecosystem altogether. I am truly grateful to the PedalStart team for the opportunities provided, and I strongly believe that the PedalStars Fellowship can be the perfect platform for anyone who’s willing to learn, execute and build a memorable career in the startup ecosystem”.

Interestingly, with an outcome-driven philosophy at its core, the PedalStars Fellowship does not charge any upfront fee to its applicants and selected participants. However, any Fellow who gets ‘placed’ via PedalStart after completing the Fellowship would be required to pay a pre-specified program fee over the next three years’ period.

The PedalStars 2.0 Fellowship is currently open for accepting applications; youngsters with a strong inclination towards the startup ecosystem, including those who have up to 3 years of entrepreneurial or startup job experience, are encouraged to apply. The selection of Fellows is based on a 5-step process to thoroughly screen and filter out the best applicants, wherein the first and foremost step is to fill up an application form.

Source: Press Release

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Indian Institute of Management Ranchi, in collaboration with Rekhi Foundation, USA, announces the hosting of its First International Conference on Happiness: Science & Practice (ICHSP) on the 5th and 6th of January 2024 in the permanent campus of the institute. The conference is among the very first on happiness and well-being in the country.

Ms. Saraswati Kasturirangan, Chief Happiness Officer of Deloitte India, will grace the Inauguration function as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker. Additionally, Dr. Satinder Singh Rekhi, Founder of the Rekhi Foundation USA, will also grace the event.

The upcoming conference on happiness promises to be a revolutionary event, combining scientific rigour with practical perspectives to explore the complex and multifaceted dimensions of happiness. Bringing together elite professionals from around the world, including researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, the conference aims to facilitate the exchange of insights and discuss the latest research findings on happiness and well-being. The conference will convene with 5 concurrent tracks on the Science of Happiness, Happiness at the Workplace, Lifestyle & Happiness, Consumer Happiness, and Technology & Happiness.

Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Director, IIM Ranchi says, “IIM Ranchi is going to host the First International Conference on Happiness: Science & Practice. We have received confirmation from speakers from different countries. More than hundred research papers have been received. I am confident that the outcome of the conference will be significant contribution to the literature on happiness”.

Dr. Satinder Singh Rekhi, Founder, Rekhi Foundation says, “Happiness is the ultimate currency, sought by all but proves elusive to many. Join us on this journey to explore happiness together. Let’s share ideas, insights, and research findings, creating ripples in our understanding of happiness”.

Prof. Tanusree Dutta, the Conference Chair says, “It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the International Conference on Happiness: Science and Practices 2024. As we gather on the 5th and 6th of January, let us embark on a journey of exploration and collaboration, delving into the diverse dimensions of happiness”.

This exclusive platform offers attendees the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of happiness, with the ultimate goal of developing strategies to enhance both individual and societal happiness. By fostering a collaborative environment, the conference seeks to transcend disciplinary boundaries and spark impactful discussions on happiness research and its real-world applications.

With its distinguished roster of participants, the conference is poised to become a nexus for global thought leaders in the field of happiness studies. As the world’s attention turns to this eminent gathering, it holds the potential to deepen our understanding of happiness and pave the way for transformative strategies that resonate on a global scale.

Source: Press Release

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Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, has once again secured its position among India’s top 15 Best Workplaces in the Pharmaceutical, Healthcare and Biotech industry, as announced by the prestigious Great Place to Work® organization in India. This marks the third consecutive year that Thermo Fisher has been honored with this distinguished recognition.

This achievement underscores Thermo Fisher’s unwavering commitment to fostering an unparalleled work environment that nurtures talent, empowers individuals, and drives extraordinary outcomes.

The healthcare and life sciences industries in India have showcased tremendous resilience and are well positioned to be an economic growth engine, offering the potential for strong career prospects and breakthrough advancements.

“To be acknowledged as one of India’s Top 15 Best Workplaces in Pharmaceutical, Healthcare and Biotech for three consecutive years is a tremendous honor for Thermo Fisher Scientific. This recognition reflects the deep sense of purpose, passion and collective efforts of our dedicated team,” said Amit Chopra, Managing Director, India & South Asia, Thermo Fisher Scientific.  “Our colleagues are our greatest assets, and we firmly believe that fostering an inclusive and engaging work environment is fundamental to driving excellence and innovation and ultimately delivering value to our customers.”

As the industry leader, Thermo Fisher continues to prioritize a positive work culture that embraces diversity, cultivates strong collaborations and empowers individuals to reach their full potential. This recognition reaffirms the company’s commitment to its Mission, to enable its customers to make the world, healthier and safer and its capability to attract, nurture, and retain top talent in the industry.

As a global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® has been studying employee experience and people practices across organizations for over three decades. The top 15 organizations in India have been shortlisted based on a rigorous evaluation methodology. These organizations have excelled in structuring and implementing people-centric practices to foster a High Trust Culture.

Source: Press Release

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