Sharp Rise in Myopia and Astigmatism in Bengaluru Over the Last Decade, linked to Increased Screen Time and Reduced Outdoor Activity, Say Doctors

Bengaluru is witnessing a worrying rise in refractive errors such as myopia and astigmatism, particularly among children, young adults, and IT professionals with heavy screen exposure, according to doctors at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital. They attribute this surge to rising digital screen time, reduced outdoor activity, and the pressure of demanding academic and work schedules. In response to this growing concern in Karnataka, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital Launched new machine, Wavelight® EX500 Contoura Excimer Laser in Bengaluru, an advanced topography-guided LASIK system that delivers highly precise, customised treatments to help patients achieve sharper, clearer vision.

 Refractive errors are vision problems that occur when the eye cannot focus light correctly, making objects appear blurred. In Karnataka, myopia and astigmatism have shown a sharp rise in recent years, especially among children aged 8–15 and young adults aged 20–35. Experts emphasise that early screening and timely treatment of refractive errors are vital to preventing long-term complications such as lazy eye in children as well as reducing eye strain in young adults and preserving overall quality of life.

 Dr. Amod Nayak, Head Clinical Services at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, explained, “We are witnessing a rapid rise in refractive errors, particularly myopia and astigmatism, in Bengaluru and across Karnataka. Children and young professionals are most vulnerable due to screen-heavy lifestyles. The Contoura Vision technology allows us to correct not only refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, but also microscopic corneal irregularities that glasses or standard LASIK often miss for anyone above the age of 18 years. This means our patients enjoy sharper, more natural vision.”

 Unlike conventional LASIK, Contoura Vision maps up to 22,000 unique points on the cornea to deliver highly personalized treatment. This advanced approach corrects even subtle irregularities in the eye’s surface, enhancing visual clarity and reducing side effects such as glare and halos, enabling faster recovery and sharper vision.

 Dr. Sanjana Vatsa, Cornea and Refractive Eye Surgeon at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, said, “For many patients, refractive surgery is no longer just a cosmetic choice, it’s about comfort, productivity, and long-term eye health. This machine brings a new standard of precision and safety to Bengaluru, enabling patients to return to work within 48–72 hours of the procedure. We expect this innovation to significantly reduce dependence on glasses and improve quality of life across age groups.”

 Contoura technology maps your eye with the same level of uniqueness as a fingerprint and then customizes the laser reshaping to match that exact pattern. This provides highly precise refractive outcomes for every individual’s cornea, treats 

Higher Order Aberrations (HOAs), reduces chances of glare and holes and thus provides overall excellent quality of vision and improves night vision.

 “With five refractive machines already operational across Karnataka and over 65 across India, and 13 hospital facilities in Bengaluru alone, we are at the forefront of advanced refractive surgery. This expansion is not a trial run but an extension of a well-established practice that has transformed thousands of lives through safe, reliable, and personalised procedures,”

 Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital performs about 2,500–3,000 refractive surgeries every month, reflecting the trust and expertise it brings to advanced vision correction. As part of the launch, the hospital is offering Free Refractive Evaluation and Contoura procedures at the best value across all Karnataka branches throughout August.

Tech Titans Converge as Govt. of Karnataka Announces 28th Edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit Asia’s Largest Tech Event to Be Held at BIEC

Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and RDPR, Government of Karnataka, announced the 28th edition of Asia’s largest Technology Show, Bengaluru Tech Summit, at a Press Conference held in Bengaluru today. Scheduled from 18-20 November 2025, BTS 2025 will once again position Bengaluru at the forefront of global tech innovation & collaboration.

To meet the growing scale and demand of the event, BTS 2025 will, for the first time, be hosted at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), a purpose-built, eco-conscious venue featuring world-class infrastructure, expansive exhibition halls, cutting-edge conference facilities and seamless connectivity via Namma Metro. This new home marks a bold leap in scale and ambition for BTS.

The summit is expected to bring together over 1,00,000 attendees, including 20,000+ startup founders, 1,000+ investors, 15,000+ delegates, 600+ speakers, and 1,200+ exhibitors. The event will host over 100 knowledge sessions, 5,000+ curated meetings and welcome participation from 60+ countries and all 36 States and Union Territories of India.

The theme of BTS 2025 is Futurise, a powerful call to action to imagine, innovate, and implement technologies that will shape the decades ahead, driving transformation across diverse sectors of the tech ecosystem. The conference will feature 10 tracks including IT & DeepTech, Electro-Semicon, Digital Health & Biotech, the Startup Ecosystem, Global Collaboration and India- USA Tech Conclave, along with bold new tracks viz., AI Universe, Finverse, Defence & Spacetech and My Planet My Future. A major highlight will be the Future Makers Conclave, an immersive programme showcasing a diverse constellation of changemakers, entrepreneurs, adventurers, artists and pioneers to be attended by more than 20,000 startup founders and ecosystem members.

This year’s Exhibition will be bigger than ever, showcasing innovation, collaboration, and commerce across multiple pavilions. With over 1,200 Indian & global exhibitors, it will feature diverse sectors and cutting-edge technologies, making it the business engine of the summit.

BTS 2025 will host Minister-led Country Delegations comprising industry captains, innovative startups, leading researchers and prominent academic representatives. These delegations, brought together under the Global Innovation Alliance, will foster cross-border collaborations, knowledge exchange and opportunities for co-creation across emerging technology domains.

The event will feature a special focus on startups through the Startup Springboard, a curated programme that connects high-potential ventures with investors, mentors, and global networks. Activities will include Investor Pitching sessions led by top VC networks, one-on-one Mentoring clinics with industry experts, a dedicated Startup Pavilion in the exhibition and exclusive investor connect opportunities. Startups will also benefit from focused thematic sessions on scaling, fundraising, and international market access, alongside recognition through the prestigious Startup Awards.

Special programmes like the Rural IT Quiz, Bio Quiz, Bio Posters, IT, Bio and Exhibitor awards and Global Leaders Reception will further enrich the experience.

 ‘Conversation with Hon’ble Chief Minister’ - CEO Breakfast Meet, a Breakfast Meet with with 200 top CEOs was held in the presence of Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka and Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister. The meet was planned to formally announce Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 and engage with the industry captains from diverse sectors to hear their views on key strategies and initiatives for Karnataka to continue its leadership position across technology sectors. Leading industry bodies such as NASSCOM, IESA, TiE Bangalore, ABLE, and ABAI brought together CEOs, founders, and innovators from IT & DeepTech, Biotech & HealthTech, Electronics & Semiconductors, Defence & Space Tech, FinTech, and AVGC to engage in this future-focused dialogue with the Hon’ble Chief Minister.

The questions and observations shared by the industry members were met with insightful responses from Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for IT & BT and RDPR, Government of Karnataka. He highlighted that with its bold new vision, expanded scale, and global outlook, BTS 2025 is set to further strengthen Karnataka’s leadership in shaping the future of technology, innovation, and sustainable development for India and the world.

While addressing the gathering of CEOs against the backdrop of the announcement of BTS 2025 at BIEC, the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah said, “Karnataka has always been more than a participant in India’s growth story, we have been its pioneer. From launching India’s first IT policy in 1997 to unveiling the country’s first state Quantum Technology Roadmap in 2024, we have consistently anticipated and prepared for the future. With 44% of India’s software exports, over 18,300 startups, 875+ Global Capability Centres, and nearly half of the nation’s AI talent, we are not just embracing emerging technologies; we are defining them. Our mission is to make Karnataka the place the world looks to for leadership in innovation, talent, and technology.”

Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the government’s focus on inclusive growth and world-class infrastructure. He said, “We are building a Karnataka rooted in inclusivity, empowerment and shared prosperity. Beyond policies, our focus is on trust, collaboration and real outcomes. From expanding Namma Metro and suburban rail to developing elevated corridors and the Bengaluru Business Corridor, alongside ease-of-doing-business reforms and skill initiatives, our aim is to connect people to purpose and make Bengaluru a city where world-class mobility meets world-class livability,  positioning Karnataka as the global hub for talent, investment and innovation.”

The august gathering was also addressed by the Chairpersons of the four Vision Groups of Government of Karnataka- Shri S. Gopalakrishnan (Kris), Chairperson, Vision Group on IT & Electronics; Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Vision Group on Biotech; Shri Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, Vision Group on Startups; Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairperson, Vision Group on Space; where each offered valuable perspectives on the current sectoral landscape, opportunities and strategic direction within their respective sectors. The occasion was also graced by Shri Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS and Shri BV Naidu, Chairman, KDEM.

Prior to the interaction, Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, Government of Karnataka, presented the ‘Action Taken Report’, a follow-up to the discussions at last year’s CM’s Breakfast Meet. The report reflected the Government of Karnataka’s commitment to transparent, structured, and outcome-driven  collaboration, along with continuous engagement with the industry.

Dr. Caur also shared a comprehensive overview of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, outlining the vision for this year’s edition and unveiling several new initiatives aimed at elevating the scale, scope and global engagement of the event.

The Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka also announced the launch of KATALYST, a dedicated Ease of Doing Business cell to support Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Karnataka. This initiative, aligned with the State’s GCC Policy 2024-2029, aims to streamline new investments, fast-track setup processes and deepen collaboration of GCCs with the broader innovation ecosystem.

As we head towards November, Bengaluru is set to welcome the world of technology Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the government’s focus on inclusive growth and world-class infrastructure. He said, “We are building a Karnataka rooted in inclusivity, empowerment and shared prosperity. Beyond policies, our focus is on trust, collaboration and real outcomes. From expanding Namma Metro and suburban rail to developing elevated corridors and the Bengaluru Business Corridor, alongside ease-of-doing-business reforms and skill initiatives, our aim is to connect people to purpose and make Bengaluru a city where world-class mobility meets world-class livability,  positioning Karnataka as the global hub for talent, investment and innovation.”

The august gathering was also addressed by the Chairpersons of the four Vision Groups of Government of Karnataka- Shri S. Gopalakrishnan (Kris), Chairperson, Vision Group on IT & Electronics; Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Vision Group on Biotech; Shri Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, Vision Group on Startups; Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairperson, Vision Group on Space; where each offered valuable perspectives on the current sectoral landscape, opportunities and strategic direction within their respective sectors. The occasion was also graced by Shri Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS and Shri BV Naidu, Chairman, KDEM.

Prior to the interaction, Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, Government of Karnataka, presented the ‘Action Taken Report’, a follow-up to the discussions at last year’s CM’s Breakfast Meet. The report reflected the Government of Karnataka’s commitment to transparent, structured, and outcome-driven  collaboration, along with continuous engagement with the industry.

Dr. Caur also shared a comprehensive overview of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, outlining the vision for this year’s edition and unveiling several new initiatives aimed at elevating the scale, scope and global engagement of the event.

The Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka also announced the launch of KATALYST, a dedicated Ease of Doing Business cell to support Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Karnataka. This initiative, aligned with the State’s GCC Policy 2024-2029, aims to streamline new investments, fast-track setup processes and deepen collaboration of GCCs with the broader innovation ecosystem.

As we head towards November, Bengaluru is set to welcome the world of technology once again, bringing together visionaries, innovators and leaders to Futurise ideas that will shape our tomorrow.

For more information on BTS 2025, visit www.bengalurutechsummit.com 

 

India’s CamCom Technologies Announces Strategic Partnership with ERGO Group AG in landmark Global AI Deployment for Insurance Sector

 In a major milestone for India’s deep-tech ecosystem, CamCom Technologies, an award-winning, industry-agnostic computer vision company headquartered in Bengaluru, has entered into a strategic partnership with ERGO Group AG, one of Europe’s leading insurance groups. Under this collaboration, CamCom will serve as the primary technology partner for ERGO’s AI-powered visual inspection solution, which is now being rolled out across multiple European markets.

The partnership signals CamCom’s growing global footprint and affirms its position as a world-class platform delivering enterprise-ready AI solutions for critical sectors. The solution is already live in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, with phased rollouts planned across other ERGO markets in Europe.

CamCom’s proprietary Large Vision Model (LVM) — the world’s first domain-specific AI engine for defect and damage detection on surfaces — is trained on a dataset of over 450 million customer-validated images. It allows insurance customers to capture and upload images of vehicles or properties via their smartphones, enabling accurate, auditable, and scalable pre-inspection and damage assessments. This reduces subjectivity, improves efficiency, and enhances transparency for both insurers and customers.

“We are proud to be ERGO’s trusted technology partner,” said Geetha Sham, Director and President – Europe, CamCom Technologies. “This partnership marks a milestone in our global journey and reinforces our commitment to delivering scalable, high-performance AI solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of the insurance sector.”

“Good technology is not just innovative — it must be practical, scalable, and intuitive,” said Mark Klein, Chief Digital Officer and Member of the Board of Management, ERGO Group AG. “CamCom’s AI solution meets all these criteria, and we’re excited to expand this collaboration beyond India and into our European markets, where we operate in motor and homeowners’ insurance classes. Together, we aim to simplify and digitize insurance experiences for our customers’ workflows, helping validate the platform’s robustness, accuracy, and scale in real-world applications. The partnership with ERGO Group AG signals the success and maturity of this collaboration”, he added.

Parthanil Ghosh, Executive Director, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, commented “Our long-standing partnership with CamCom has brought measurable improvements to our automotive claims and underwriting operations. Their AI-driven inspection solutions have enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience — we are pleased to see this proven technology now supporting ERGO Group’s global initiatives.”

Ajith Nayar, CEO of CamCom Technologies said “CamCom as an industry-agnostic computer vision platform, we have built world-class solutions that are not only accurate and scalable, but also trusted by global enterprises and Governments. With the onboarding of an esteemed brand like ERGO Group AG, we are expanding our global footprint and reaffirming our commitment to delivering AI innovation that drives real-world impact from India.”

CamCom’s platform is currently deployed by over 15 insurance companies across globally. The platform complies with region-specific regulations, including GDPR in Europe and IRDAI guidelines in India — enabling secure, compliant, and efficient integration across geographies.

This partnership is also aligned with ERGO’s broader ambition to be the digital leader in insurance by 2025 and reflects the group’s continued investment in innovative technologies through platforms like the ERGO ScaleHub in Düsseldorf.

*Subject to IRDAI approvals

About CamCom

CamCom, an award-winning, industry-agnostic Computer Vision (CV) platform, is revolutionising defect and damage assessment on all surfaces. They are pioneers in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and associated technologies in the visual inspection process. CamCom’s expertise lies in assessing micro-defects during production and macro-damages in the aftermarket, which is often subjective and inconsistent. The impactful CamCom AI solutions increase efficiency, prevent defective product seepage, and offer non-linear scalability. Their track record includes successful implementations in various industries across the globe, demonstrating their capabilities and reliability.

For more information, please visit: www.camcom.ai.

 

About ERGO Group AG

ERGO is one of the largest insurance groups in Germany and Europe.

The Group is represented in over 20 countries worldwide, with a focus on Europe and Asia. ERGO offers an extensive product portfolio for private and corporate clients in every key insurance category, as well as end-to-end support and services. Three separate units operating under the umbrella of ERGO Group AG – ERGO Deutschland AG, ERGO International AG, and ERGO Technology & Services Management AG – manage the ERGO Group’s businesses and activities. The German and international businesses as well as global management of IT and technology services are organised in these units. Around 37,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or as full-time, independent agents. In the 2024 financial year, ERGO generated insurance revenue of €20.8bn and a result of €810m. ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurers and risk carriers. You can find more information at www.ergo.com.

About HDFC ERGO:

HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, one of the leading private sector general insurance companies of India, whose promoters are HDFC Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private sector banks, and ERGO International AG, the primary insurance entity of Munich Re Group. A digital-first company, transforming into an AI-first company, HDFC ERGO is a leader in implementing technology to offer customers the best-in-class service experience.

HDFC ERGO offers a complete range of General Insurance products including Health, Motor, Home, Agriculture, Travel, Credit, Cyber and Personal Accident in the retail space along with Property, Marine, Engineering, Marine Cargo, Group Health and Liability Insurance in the corporate space.

Be it unique insurance products, integrated customer service models, top-in-class claim processes or a host of technologically innovative solutions, HDFC ERGO has been able to delight its customers at every touchpoint and milestone.

The Company has created a stream of innovative & new products as well as services using technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Processing Language (NLP), and Robotics. HDFC ERGO offers a range of general insurance products and has a completely digital sales process with 299 branches and 600+ digital offices across India. HDFC ERGO’s technology platform has empowered the customers to avail services digitally on a 24x7 basis, with 70%+ claims for retail products intimated digitally and over 80% of service interactions are catered digitally of which 10% are AI led. The Company issued ~3.4 crore policies in FY25 and has one of the best claims payout ratios in the General Insurance industry.

Please log on to www.hdfcergo.com or stay connected on the following social media handles to get more information on HDFC ERGO and the products and services offered by the company.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hdfcergo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hdfcergogic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hdfcergo
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/hdfcergo

 

 

Mahindra Launches XUV 3XO ‘REVX’ Series Starting at ₹ 8.94 Lakh Feature-packed, style-forward, and revved for performance

• Striking new exteriors with new body colored grille, black alloy wheels, dual-tone roof, and distinctive badging.
• Premium interiors offering exceptional value for customers in C-SUV segment under 10 Lakh with leatherette seats and sunroof. 

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today unveiled the exciting new XUV 3XO REVX series, starting at an attractive price of ₹ 8.94 Lakh.

The XUV 3XO recently achieved an impressive milestone of over 1 lakh sales in under a year, making it Mahindra’s fastest SUV to reach this milestone. The REVX series will further enhance the XUV 3XO portfolio with a compelling value offering of premium features, distinctive styling and best in segment performance, resonating with customer aspirations.

Catering to individuals who seek vehicles that reflect their unique personality, the REVX series celebrates the spirit of personal expression—because for those who dare to stand out, "Different is in."

REVX Series key highlights:

REVX M (Ex-Showroom Price: ₹ 8.94 Lakh) – This variant is powered by a 1.2L mStallion TCMPFi engine delivering a power of 82 kW and torque of 200 Nm. Its bold exterior features a sleek front with a body-colored grille, full-width LED DRLs, R16 Black Wheel covers, and a sporty dual-tone roof, exuding confidence and style. Inside, it offers plush black leatherette seats, a 26.03 cm infotainment system with steering-mounted controls, and a 4-speaker audio setup for an immersive cabin experience. Safety is prioritized with 35 standard features, including six airbags, ESC with Hill Hold Control (HHC), and All 4 Disc Brakes.

• REVX M(O) (Ex-Showroom Price: ₹ 9.44 Lakh) – This variant enhances sophistication with the addition of a single-pane sunroof, elevating the cabin experience and overall design appeal over REVX M.

• REVX A (Ex-Showroom Price starting at ₹ 11.79 Lakh) – This variant is powered by the advanced 1.2L mStallion TGDi 

engine, delivering best-in-class power of 96 kW and torque of 230 Nm paired with both manual and automatic transmissions. It introduces premium features that enhance the in-cabin experience, including a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats, dual-tone interiors, auto-dimming IRVM, etc. On the outside, it has signature REVX design elements—body-colored front grille, distinctive badging, R16 Painted Black Alloys, and a dual-tone roof. The REVX A is equipped with twin HD screens: one 26.03 cm infotainment and the other 26.03 cm full digital cluster. Additionally, it integrates Adrenox Connect, featuring built-in Alexa, online navigation, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity and convenience for the modern driver.

All three variants of the REVX series are available in five eye-catching colors—Galaxy Grey, Tango Red, Nebula Blue, Everest White, and Stealth Black.

 

Karnataka Hosts Global Collaboration Meet to Drive Global Tech Partnerships in BTS 2025 to be held at BIEC

 The Department of E, IT, Bt, Government of Karnataka, under its Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) initiative, hosted the Global Collaboration Meet today at Hotel Four Seasons, to promote the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 (BTS 2025) to its partner countries & international trade mission representatives. The Meet held in Bengaluru, was graced by Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Govt. of Karnataka, Shri Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, IAS, Managing Director, KITS, Govt. of Karnataka and Shri Daljeet Kumar, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka. Global Collaboration partners from United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, USA, France, Netherlands, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, South Korea, Morocco, Vietnam, Czech Republic and other International Agencies were also present on this occasion.

The Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), an initiative of the Department of Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, fosters partnerships with leading tech and innovation nations. Launched in 2017 under the Karnataka Unit for International Co-operation (KUIC), the GIA network has expanded from 10 countries in 2018 to over 35 nations by 2025. 

The Global Collaboration Meet was convened to further strengthen cross-border collaboration in the lead-up to the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, scheduled to take place from 18–20 November at BIEC, Bengaluru. Dr. Ekroop Caur shared an insightful overview of the Summit, highlighting the unique opportunities it offers for partner countries to showcase their cutting-edge technologies, government initiatives, leading industry players and academic excellence on a global stage through participation in the international exhibition, conference and country delegations. Dr. Caur also presented the various outreach activities under the GIA Initiative. 

Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, IT & BT, and S&T, Government of Karnataka expressed, “Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 will be a powerful reflection of the global engagement by the Government under the GIA Initiative, particularly in the areas of innovation, skilling and emerging technologies. Bengaluru Tech Summit has grown into one of Asia’s leading platforms for innovation and global technology exchange. This year we host the 28th edition of BTS, for the first time at the world-class Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. I warmly encourage all our GIA partner countries to make the most of this opportunity by bringing strong participation of country delegations, hosting national pavilions in the exhibition and curating country-focused sessions in the Global Convergence conference track. This is a powerful platform to showcase your country’s innovation ecosystem, connect with Indian industry leaders and startups and explore collaboration across research, technology, and policy.”  

BTS 2025 will be held for the first time at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), a purpose-built, eco-conscious venue with world-class infrastructure, expansive exhibition halls and cutting-edge conference facilities. This new home for BTS marks a major leap in scale and ambition. The summit is expected to bring together over 1,00,000 attendees, including 20,000+ startup founders, 1,000+ investors, 15,000+ delegates, 600+ speakers, and 1,200+ exhibitors. The event will host over 100 knowledge sessions, 5,000+ curated meetings and welcome participation from 60+ countries and all 36 States and Union Territories of India. 

Aligned with the theme ‘Futurise’, the BTS 2025 conference will feature 10 tracks including IT & DeepTech, Electro-Semicon, Digital Health & Biotech, the Startup Ecosystem, Global Collaboration and India- USA Tech Conclave, along with bold new tracks viz., AI Universe, Finverse, Defence & Spacetech and My Planet My Future, which focuses on sustainability and climate tech. A major highlight will be the Future Makers Conclave, an immersive programme showcasing a diverse constellation of changemakers, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, adventurers, artists and pioneers to be attended by more than 2000 startup founders. The multi-pavilion Exhibition will spotlight breakthrough innovations across sectors, with a significant scale-up in international participation and industry presence.

The event will feature a special focus on startups through the Startup Springboard, a curated programme that connects high-potential ventures with investors, mentors, and global networks. Activities will include Investor Pitching sessions led by top VC networks, one-on-one Mentoring clinics with industry experts, a dedicated Startup Pavilion in the exhibition and exclusive investor connect opportunities. Startups will also benefit from focused thematic sessions on scaling, fundraising, and international market access, alongside recognition through the prestigious Startup Awards. 

Special programmes like the Rural IT Quiz, Bio Quiz, Bio Posters, IT, Bio and Exhibitor awards, and Global Leaders Reception will further enrich the experience.

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Superstar Kichcha Sudeepa Acquires Bengaluru Racing Team the Indian Racing Festival — Launches ‘Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru’ to Unite Cinema, Speed, and City Pride India’s marquee motorsport league returns this August with 5 high-octane rounds

 The Indian Racing Festival (IRF), India’s premier city-based motorsport league, has just entered a thrilling new chapter as Kannada megastar Kichcha Sudeepa officially acquires the Bengaluru franchise and launches his racing team: Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru (KKB).

This landmark move is more than a business decision — it’s a defining cultural crossover between the silver screen and the speed track, bringing with it the energy and influence of one of South India’s most celebrated stars into the high-stakes world of motorsport. A commanding presence on screen, Sudeep now shifts gears to make his mark as an owner, visionary, and sporting ambassador, driving a new era of racing from Karnataka to the national stage.

The Indian Racing Festival 2025 kicks off this August, with franchise teams from Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Goa and more battling it out across thrilling street circuits and world-class tracks. Blending fierce competition with high-impact entertainment, the league positions itself as India’s first true sports-entertainment spectacle. This season is poised to be the boldest yet — with an emphasis on regional fanbases, celebrity involvement, and platform-building for homegrown talent.

Known for his charismatic performances, iconic dialogues, and a massive pan-India fanbase, Kichcha Sudeepa has long been one of Indian cinema’s most respected and influential figures. With films that have broken records and transcended languages, he is not just a movie star — he is a symbol of Karnataka’s cultural strength and storytelling legacy.

His entry infuses the Indian Racing Festival with star power, emotional depth, and a cultural identity that resonates far beyond the track.

“This is not just another team,” said Sudeep. “It’s an emotion. Racing, like cinema, is pure adrenaline. It’s about timing, control, instinct — and above all, heart. Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru is my tribute to the spirit of this city, its talent, its grit, and its youth.Motorsport is ready for its mainstream moment in India — and I’m here to fuel that fire from the South.”KKB: A Movement Born in Bengaluru, Driven by Stardom, Built for Speed The synergy is undeniable: cinema creates stars; racing builds heroes. And with KKB, the two worlds collide to inspire a new generation of fans.Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & MD of RPPL, said: “The entry of a superstar like Sudeep into IRF is a game-changer. His name carries legacy, pride, and influence that few can match. With KKB, we now have a team that represents the soul of the South — grounded, ambitious, and unapologetically passionate. This is what motorsport in India needs.”

Cinema x Racing: A New Era of Sporting Entertainment The Indian Racing Festival 2025 will feature city-based teams from Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Goa, and more — competing on thrilling street circuits and world-class tracks. With gender-balanced driver lineups, celebrity ownership, and national broadcast reach, IRF is redefining what motorsport can mean in India.

A Look at IRF’s Twin Engines:•Indian Racing League (IRL) – India’s first city-based, gender-neutral motorsport championship.•FIA Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC) – A globally sanctioned series offering Indian drivers a path to international racing careers.

Kichcha Sudeepa joins an elite lineup of celebrity owners, including John Abraham (Goa) and Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata) — each contributing their unique influence to turn IRF into a dynamic blend of competition, entertainment, and cultural identity.

  

 

TCS World 10K Bengaluru Ignites the Spirit of Giving: NGOs, Citizens, and Corporates raise INR 3.83 Crores for Social Good

  South India’s largest sporting platform for philanthropy has raised INR 59.20 crore since 2008 ~

Bengaluru, 3 July 2025: The TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2025 continues to break barriers as South India’s largest sporting platform for philanthropy. Led by aidbees, the event’s philanthropy partner, NGOs, individual fundraisers, runners and corporates embraced the spirit of #EndendiguBengaluru…Forever Bengaluru, raising INR 3.83 crores for social causes in this year’s edition. Since 2008, the World Athletics Gold Label Race’ philanthropic kitty has risen to over INR 59.20 crore, in support of a multitude of CSO’s.

This year, more than 250 individual fundraisers and over 35 corporates came together to champion the efforts of over 75 NGOs engaged in diverse areas including healthcare, education, animal welfare and environment, women’s empowerment, livelihood generation and community and civic development.

Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, graced the occasion with his presence and stated, “Karnataka is steadily building a strong identity in sports, beyond its prominence in IT and heritage. Events like the TCS World 10K Bengaluru not only promote fitness and a sporting spirit but also align with national movements such as Fit India and Khelo India. They highlight the power of collective philanthropy and community engagement. The funds raised will touch and transform many lives, and it is especially heartening to see the younger generation embracing the spirit of giving. The TCS World 10K Bengaluru is a shining example of how corporate participation can amplify social impact. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the organisers and all the participants.” 

Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, Tata Consultancy Services, Bengaluru, said, “The TCS World 10K Bengaluru has long stood as a beacon of social change, demonstrating the powerful impact of collective effort. This event is more than a race, it’s a platform that brings together community, purpose-led innovation,and the spirit of giving. As one of the largest philanthropic sporting events in South India, the TCS World 10K reflects our commitment to creating a lasting impact, both in business and in society. Today’s awards are a celebration of those intentions and actions that go far beyond the finish line. Congratulations to all the recipients whose contributions continue to make the world a better place.”

Reflecting on the diverse and meaningful contributions made through this year’s endeavours, Zamrooda Khanday, CEO of aidbees, who have facilitated fundraising of over INR 9.96 crore across the last three editions said, "Coming from the world of philanthropy, I deeply appreciate the dedication required to meet fundraising goals. It was truly inspiring to witness the diverse projects supported this year, making the Run even more impactful. From an NGO raising funds for India's first Blind T-20 World Cup to first-time fundraisers who were themselves beneficiaries of their chosen organisations, the range of appeals touched us all. The commitment of NGOs supporting women entrepreneurs and tribal communities through skill-building workshops was particularly moving.

Our young individual fundraisers under the age of 18 also achieved a remarkable milestone, setting a 17-year record with a total of 15 participants, the youngest being just 7 years old. Together, these young leaders raised more than INR 28 lakhs, with the top young fundraiser securing an impressive INR 5 lakh.”

Shreepad Shende, Head, Business Excellence, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “Over time, marathons have grown in popularity across India. The TCS World 10K Bengaluru is one such event that celebrates the spirit of a city coming together. At IDFC FIRST Bank, our mission is to serve communities for the greater social good, and our association with the TCSW10K 2024 aligns with this commitment. Participative events like these offer a powerful platform for individuals and NGOs to unite and drive social change—creating greater possibilities for the people we serve. Moreover, our association with a community-driven sporting event like the 10K reflects the Bank’s deep commitment to inclusion and accessibility at all levels.”

Key milestones in 2025

·       13 NGOs crossed the INR 10 lakh fundraising mark, highlighting the strength and reach of this year’s philanthropic efforts.

·       In a bid to deepen the Run’s social footprint, participants were encouraged to contribute through Top-Up Donations and Charity Bibs. This initiative garnered over INR 5.45 lakhs in Top-Up contributions, while the highest-selling charity bib fetched INR 30,000.

·       Gubbachi Learning Community led the charity bib initiative, raising funds to further educational initiatives and inspire collective action for social change.

·       Over 35 companies fielded more than 1,500 employees, contributing upwards of INR 1.86 crore towards various social causes.

·       Usha Baliga emerged as the highest individual fundraiser, successfully raising over INR 17 lakhs for the Bangalore Kidney Foundation.

·       15 young fundraisers (under 18) collectively raised more than INR 28 lakhs.

·       NGOs like The Association of People with Disabilities, Adventures Beyond Barriers, and ProVision Asia brought over a dozen of their beneficiaries to participate in the Champions with Disability category on Race Day, providing an experience of inclusivity and the spirit of sport.

·       Youth for Seva participated for the first time and emerged as one of the top five NGOs with the highest number of corporate participants.

IMPACT 2024

Over 1.05 lakh lives were touched through the funds raised in the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2025 across various sectors.

·       Health – Focused on improving healthcare access for rural and marginalised communities by addressing critical health needs through targeted interventions.

·       Animal Welfare – Committed to ending animal cruelty and ensuring ethical treatment across sectors, with a strong focus on advocating for animal rights and promoting welfare across India.

·       Arts, Culture and Sports – Supporting Indian athletes in their pursuits while promoting cultural and artistic initiatives.

·       Education – Through initiatives like the New Home and Lighthouse Academy, efforts are focused on delivering quality education, healthcare and nutritious meals.  Programs also aim to bridge the digital divide by providing smart classrooms, interactive boards and computer labs.

·       Children – Supporting projects that provide shelter, education and vocational training to underprivileged children, helping them build secure and self-reliant futures.

·       Women Empowerment – Helping women turn everyday ideas into sustainable, livelihood-generating businesses, encouraging long-term economic independence.

·       Disability – Providing mobility aids and access to sustainable employment, while promoting inclusion through sports and adventure activities.

Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said, "The TCS World 10K Bengaluru has once again shown that it is more than just a race. It is a celebration of community, compassion and collective effort. Many of the major races around the world raise money for a cause, but I can confidently say that no one celebrates the people behind the fundraising, the NGOs, the individuals, and the corporates quite like we do. With the incredible support of our participants, NGOs, Corporates, Government of Karnataka, Indian Army, and the guidance of our philanthropy partner aidbees, we have been able to make a real difference. From education and healthcare to sport, inclusion, and the environment, the causes supported this year are heartwarming. Congratulations to everyone who helped raise over INR 3.83 crores. 

WINNERS ACROSS DIFFERENT CATEGORIES IN 2025

Highest Fundraising NGOs

1.     Reaching Hand – INR 39,68,750

2.     Right To Live (Kote Foundation) – INR 35,29,162

3.     GoSports Foundation – INR 32,60,280

Corporate Contributions

1.     ASM Technologies – INR 26,70,000

2.     W S Atkins – INR 24,00,000

Corporate Fundraising

1.     Actualize Consulting Engineers India Pvt Ltd – INR 3,01,834

Individual – Kindness Fundraisers

·       Highest Fundraising Kindness Champion (Individuals committed to raising a minimum of INR 10 lakhs):

 Usha Baliga for Bangalore Kidney Foundation – INR 17,69,966

·       Highest Fundraising Kindness Influencer (Minimum INR 7.5 lakhs):

 Luke Ninan for Reaching Hand – INR 9,20,194

·       Highest Fundraising Kindness Ambassador (Minimum INR 5 lakhs):

 Sudhir Shetty for Veer Ratna Foundation – INR 6,75,073

·       Highest Fundraising Kindness Leader (Minimum INR 3 lakhs):

 Patrick Pitchappa for Reaching Hand – INR 4,42,244

·       Highest Fundraising Kindness Advocator (Minimum INR 1.5 lakhs):

 Roopa Thirumalai for Gubbachi Learning Community – INR 2,36,697

Young Leaders (Individuals below the age of 18 years)

1.     Tia Bali, aged 16 years, raised INR 5,00,929 for the Neonates Foundation of India

2.     Abigail Joshua Lisa, aged 6 years, raised INR 3,27,255 for Reaching Hand