Even though there is ample support for innovations to become ventures at the School and Higher Education levels, minimal support exists for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, which includes more than 13 lacs students enrolled in ITIs and NSTIs. The majority of the TVET graduates get absorbed in the industry, work as trainers or educators, or get into traditional self-employment trades.

Speaking at the launch, Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, Government of India, said, “At the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, we believe that every skilled individual carries within them the potential to become a job creator. Through this partnership with the Aditya Birla Capital Foundation, we are enabling NSTI students to channel their technical skills into innovation and enterprise. The Navonmesh Protsahan Spardha will empower our young innovators to transform ideas into sustainable ventures, strengthening India’s vision of becoming an Aatmanirbhar and innovation-driven nation.”

The innovation challenge has been launched under the title Navonmesh Protsahan Spardha: Kaushalta se Udyamita, to nurture skill-based innovation in NSTI students. Being a first-of-its-kind innovation challenge, it will cater to 10,000+ NSTI students and will include mentoring, prizes, access to resources, and further incubation for launching the ideas of students in the market. The focus of the program will be students with innovative ideas in IT/ITeS, Automotive, Apparel, Electronics & Hardware, Power, and Capital Goods & Manufacturing sectors. Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), the incubator of BITS Pilani, would be managing this program, and is being supported under the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of the Aditya Birla Capital Foundation.

The post MSDE, ABCF, and BITS Pilani Collaborate to Launch Innovation and Start-up Challenge for NSTI Students appeared first on NRI News.

The key findings of the study are mentioned below:

• Formalization Drive: The MSME sector, especially micro and small enterprises, has seen significant formalization through Udyam Registration and Udyam Assist Portal, with over 6.2 crore registrations by March 2025 (up from 2.5 crore in March 2024).  
• Access to Credit: The survey respondents consider timely and adequate credit access as one of their key challenges despite the comprehensive policy initiatives in that regard. While borrowings from informal sources are minimal for small and medium enterprises at 3% and 2% respectively, it is still relatively significant at 12% for micro enterprises.
• Digital Lending Opportunity: With 18% of MSMEs using digital lending platforms and 90% accepting digital payments, the sector shows promising digital adoption. This trend, supported by platforms like UPI, can enhance credit access going forward.
• Credit Gap: Increased credit supply to MSMEs is in evidence. The study broadly estimates that the sector still has an addressable credit gap of about 24% or ₹30 lakh crore. The gap is higher in the services sector at 27%; it is estimated to be also higher at 35% for women-owned MSMEs, indicating a need for targeted policy actions.
• Women Entrepreneurship: Women entrepreneurship has become a significant aspect in the MSME sector with 26.2% in proprietary enterprises being owned by women as per ASUSE 2023-24, signalling growing inclusivity. 76% of the women led MSME respondents have access to credit, but they continue to face higher challenges vis-à-vis their male counterparts with 41% highlighting credit access and high competition as the largest obstacle to their growth.  
• Market Access Challenges: According to the survey, a majority of the MSMEs have been slow to adopt modern channels to reach customers. Around 70% of the survey respondents continue to use traditional modes of marketing, which hinders their scalability and ability to remain competitive. Effective utilization of e-commerce and digital marketing can provide MSMEs with improved access to new markets and customers.
• Export Potential: MSMEs increased their merchandise export share from 43.6% (FY23) to 45.7% (FY24). Exporting MSMEs show better tech adoption than non-exporters, but cite supply chain issues, credit access, and competition as major hurdles, though they.
• Skilled Labour Shortage: Around a fourth of the surveyed MSMEs cite the lack of skilled manpower as one of their major challenges. Skilled labour shortages are particularly high in defence equipment, readymade garments, the hotel sector, tiles, and sanitarywar,e as reflected in the survey.
• Infrastructure & Technology Gaps: Inadequate infrastructure and technology adoption affect productivity and competitiveness; more prominent in sectors like auto components, iron and steel and transport and logistics. A significant proportion of the respondents cited technology adoption as a major obstacle to their growth.
• Sustainability Efforts: Over one-third of MSMEs have adopted sustainable practices; 31% use energy-efficient systems, and 21% utilize renewable energy. However, 33% cite limited awareness as a key barrier to further adoption.

The report is available at https://www.sidbi.in/uploads/Understanding_Indian_MSME_sector_Progress_and_Challenges_13_05_25_Final.pdf

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 As part of its ongoing initiative to promote the Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, is hosting the inaugural edition of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Delhi from 5th -9th February 2025.  The objective of the WAVES roadshow is to foster collaboration and engagement among stakeholders in the AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Immersive Realities) sectors, discuss the challenges faced by the industry along with growth initiatives, and raise awareness about the “Create in India” Challenge, a key feature of WAVES. The WAVES will also involve some interesting competition in the form of challenges that will engage young creators and techies. 

Neerja Sekhar, Hon’ble Special Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, highlighted the diversity within the media and entertainment sector, noting that it encompasses many different segments that need to connect and collaborate. She emphasized the industry’s need for a marketplace to support the growth, promotion, and distribution of content. “Any entertainment content produced in India—be it podcasts, reels, VFX, or comics—should have a viable market,” she stated. In response to this need, the ministry has organized the inaugural Indian Global Summit, ‘WAVES,’ set to take place next year in Delhi. WAVES will provide a platform for the entire industry to showcase its best work and foster interaction across segments. Neerja Sekhar also mentioned the importance of cross-segment dialogue as each area progresses, and announced that leading companies from around the world have been invited to participate in WAVES.

Rajan Navani, President, IDGS, Chairman & MD Jetline Group and JetSynthesys said that how we consume content today is drastically different from what was a few years ago. All stakeholders including the Government, private sectors, responsible stakeholders, industry bodies, and associations like CII and IDGS have come together to create an environment that is not only responsible but also increasingly valuable for India as well as the entire world. WAVES is a brilliant innovative idea that is going to shape the media and entertainment industry. This is a very important starting point of a generational change in the way media, and entertainment out of India is going to shape the rest of the world. The ecosystem approach is the only way to build any Industry Sector in a country like ours. In terms of consumption, and shaping it for others, India stands at a very big opportunity.

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Malaria, a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, continues to be a significant public health challenge in many parts of the world. Despite concerted efforts to eradicate it, malaria persists in certain countries, posing a threat to millions of lives. Understanding the reasons behind its persistence, the measures taken by countries that have successfully eradicated it, the symptoms of the disease, the risk factors, and its relationship with other health issues like COVID-19 are crucial for advancing global health agendas.

Why Malaria Persists

The persistence of malaria in some countries can be attributed to several factors:

Complexity of the Malaria Parasite: The Plasmodium parasite exists in various species and strains, some of which are more resistant to treatment and eradication efforts than others.

Drug Resistance: Over time, the malaria parasite has developed resistance to several antimalarial drugs, diminishing the effectiveness of treatment in certain regions.

Vector Control Challenges: Ensuring effective vector control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying is difficult in some regions due to limited resources, infrastructure, and climate conditions.

Climate and Environment: Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and rainfall play a significant role in the prevalence of malaria. Climate change can impact the distribution and transmission of the disease, making eradication efforts more challenging.

Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, lack of education, and poor sanitation contribute to the persistence of malaria by hindering effective control and prevention programs.

Political Instability: Political instability, conflicts, and lack of governance can disrupt healthcare systems, hinder prevention efforts, and create favorable conditions for the spread of the disease.

Challenges in Surveillance and Diagnosis: Inadequate surveillance systems and diagnostic capabilities lead to underreporting of malaria cases, allowing the disease to persist and spread unchecked.

Global Health Priorities: Competing health priorities and limited resources may divert attention and funding away from malaria eradication efforts, slowing progress in eliminating the disease.

Addressing these challenges requires sustained commitment, collaboration among stakeholders, research, innovation, and investment in health systems.

Success Stories in Malaria Eradication

Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made, with 44 countries and territories certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). These countries have implemented comprehensive measures including:

Absence of Local Transmission: Demonstrating no indigenous transmission of malaria within their borders for several consecutive years.

Robust Surveillance and Response: Implementing effective surveillance systems to detect potential malaria cases promptly and respond rapidly to prevent re-establishment of transmission.

Sustainable Control Measures: Maintaining vector control programs, access to high-quality diagnostics and treatment, and comprehensive prevention strategies.

Verification and Certification Process: Undergoing rigorous evaluation by an independent expert panel convened by the WHO to determine eligibility for malaria-free certification.

Countries employ a range of strategies including vector control, case management, surveillance and response, preventive chemotherapy, community engagement, and cross-sectoral collaboration to combat malaria and achieve malaria-free status.

Symptoms and Prevention

Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, jaundice, seizures, and coma. Preventive measures include using insect repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets, wearing protective clothing, taking anti-malarial medications, removing standing water, indoor residual spraying, seeking medical advice promptly, and staying informed about malaria risks.

Risk Factors and Relapse

Behavioral aspects and individual characteristics influence the risk of contracting malaria. Factors such as travel to endemic areas, outdoor activities, failure to use protective measures, immune status, genetic factors, previous exposure, climate change, and drug resistance contribute to malaria risk. After recovery, individuals may experience relapse, especially with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale infections. Completing full treatment courses, taking radical cure medications, regular follow-ups, lifestyle modifications, and consulting healthcare providers is essential to prevent relapse.

Malaria and COVID-19

While there is no direct causal relationship between malaria and COVID-19, individuals with compromised immunity may be more susceptible to infections. Co-infection with malaria and COVID-19 could lead to more severe illness and complications. Overlapping symptoms, strain on healthcare systems, public health strategies, research, and surveillance are crucial for addressing the burden of both diseases.

To sum it up, the fight against malaria requires a multi-faceted approach involving political commitment, international collaboration, innovation, and investment in health systems. By addressing the challenges, learning from success stories, understanding symptoms, risk factors, and relationships with other health issues like COVID-19, we can work towards achieving the ultimate goal of malaria eradication globally.

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NEW YORK: Last fall, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a significant move by appointing five women to his cabinet, notably including the first female foreign minister in over two decades. Demonstrating a commitment to gender diversity, Kishida has also set an ambitious target of achieving a 30% representation of women in executive positions within prime-listed companies by 2030. While these initiatives are welcome, persistent challenges and untapped opportunities remain for Japanese women in the workplace. They continue to face issues such as unequal pay, being hired for “temporary” jobs with fewer benefits, and enduring long hours, which make child-rearing more difficult, among other obstacles.

How can Japan effectively address these challenges, maximize the role of women, and harness their crucial contributions to the nation’s economic revitalization? Additionally, what insights and lessons can the U.S. or other societies offer Japan in this pursuit? What further steps could be taken by the government or in the workplace to promote gender diversity? To explore these critical questions, the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) invites you to join an engaging discussion featuring distinguished speakers, including Wendy Cutler, ASPI Vice President; Joshua Walker, President and CEO at the Japan Society; and Akiko Yamahara, General Counsel at Citi Private Bank. The discussion will be moderated by Rorry Daniels, ASPI Managing Director.

SPEAKERS

Wendy Cutler is Vice President at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) and the managing director of the Washington, D.C. office. She joined ASPI following an illustrious career of nearly three decades as a diplomat and negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), where she also served as Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative. During her USTR career, she worked on a range of bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade negotiations and initiatives, including the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, U.S.-China negotiations, and the WTO Financial Services negotiations.

Joshua Walker serves as the President and CEO of the Japan Society. He brings more than two decades of international business diplomacy to this role, most recently serving as Global Head of Strategic Initiatives and Japan in the Office of the President at Eurasia Group the world’s leading political risk consultancy. Previous to that role, he was CEO and president of the USA Pavilion of the 2017 World Expo in Astana, Kazakhstan; founding dean of the APCO Institute; senior vice president of global programs at APCO Worldwide, and Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. Before joining the private sector, he worked in numerous roles at various US government agencies, including the State Department and the Defense Department.

Akiko Yamahara is the Global General Counsel for Citi Global Wealth and Citi Private Bank, and a member of the Legal Management Committee. With over two decades of legal expertise, she initially joined Citigroup in 2003, focusing on investment banking. During her eight years in Tokyo, she expanded her role to become the General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, overseeing Citi’s entire Japan franchise. She is a Steering Committee member for the Asian Heritage Network and represents Citi at the National Women’s Law Center. Additionally, she has served on the Board of Overseers at Temple University Japan since 2023.

Rorry Daniels (moderator) is the Managing Director of the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), where she leads and oversees strategy and operations for ASPI’s projects on security, climate change, and trade throughout Asia. She is also a Senior Fellow with ASPI’s Center for China Analysis. She was previously with the National Committee on American Foreign Policy where she managed the organization’s Track II and research portfolio on Asia security issues, with a particular focus on cross-Taiwan Strait relations, U.S.-China relations, and the North Korean nuclear program. Her most recent research project audited the U.S.-China Strategic & Economic Dialogue to evaluate its process and outcomes.

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Some of the skippers on the ARKEA ULTIM CHALLENGE-Brest have already seen their first albatross, indeed the extraordinary shots of race leader Charles Caudrelier on Maxi Edmond de Rothschild near the Kerguelens, taken yesterday by a French fishing vessel, show he is in good company in more ways than one. But today, as he descends into the Indian Ocean some 1400 miles to the west of Caudrelier, second-placed Thomas Coville was given to reflect on his love of the albatross and their comforting presence. 

Today’s image of Maxi Edmond de Rothschild in the Indian Ocean is exceptional. It was taken by Niels Gins, a scientist and controller of the TAAF (Ed note Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises) who is a controller aboard a fishing boat from the French seafood company Sapmer. Gins looks after the regulatory measures and collects essential data for the scientific monitoring of deep ocean fishing down in these low latitudes. He is also responsible for capturing images of marine wildlife, observing vessels, including possible illegal fishing vessels “pirate fishing” and he occasionally captures the odd passing, ULTIM doing more than 30kts.

Coville is back in his element
“He’s up there. He revolves around me, and he is what I’ve been looking for. I see it as a first reunion. And probably it is less poetic for him.” Coville is in a contemplative and intimate mood as took the time to record an audio message, to detail his first encounter with an albatross on this new passage into the big south on this, his ninth circuit of the globe. The Cape of Good Hope is well behind him now and his Sodebo Ultim 3 is already carving its way into the Indian Ocean, still pretty much pacing the leader Caudrelier – indeed in the 24hrs to 1700hrs this evening Coville sailed 16 miles further.

Coville: “When you pass the Cape of Good Hope, you enter the world of albatrosses. This is their world, not ours. It’s rather like entering a ring-fenced area. It’s a very special moment. I would like to offer this moment to everyone involved in the project and in particular, the team members that have been supporting me. Just like the albatrosses, they are there without being seen. Somewhere in the background circling me, watching what’s going on, looking for an idea, a kind word, someone to show them some attention. In our work, there is a lot to overcome, but also a lot of being with others and feeling that human warmth. The albatross flies in that spirit. It may sound a bit odd, but that is what is going on for me and it is very emotional.”

In the fourth and fifth Armel Le Cléac’h (Banque Populaire XI) and Anthony Marchand (Actual Ultim) are getting closer to the south after a long, circuitous detour around the west of the Saint Helena High. Marchand skipper on Actual Ultim 3 told us earlier today, “We are in a small strip of wind with the ice exclusion zone not that far away and with Armel just ahead. We are finally heading East with the Cape of Good Hope coming up ahead soon, and it will be nice to get that left behind us. It’s starting to get colder and colder. The nights are very short, which is great.”

In the sixth Eric Péron told us about his situation on Sunday evening. “It’s been a busy week with lots of things to do aboard the boat. Lots of odds and ends, and plenty of work to do, and that all takes time. My route crossing the South Atlantic means that we can be faster on our trajectory towards the Cape of Good Hope, but there isn’t much wind. The boat is doing well and I have managed to get some rest. It’s good that there are times when we can ease off. This is a long race and we need to keep at it.”

Arriving off Cape Town very early this morning, Tom Laperche was met by a wall of winds gusting to 50 to 60 knots along the coast. It was impossible to consider any kind of access to the port. So SVR-Lazartigue had to stay on standby, hove too into the wind, waiting for better conditions. The wind eventually died down, and four members of the team boarded the giant ULTIM later in the morning. Securing the boat and analyzing the damage are their two missions at the moment. Laperche was sent ashore so that he could rest and recover with some good sleep. With the wind still blowing heavily, the technical team has not yet been able to dock the giant multi in the port of Cape Town.

Text Credits: ARKEA Ultim Challenge
Video Credits: NEFSEA Productions/PolaRYSE

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PUNE: Winners of the 2023 Brillio National STEM Challenge were announced in Pune on September 9, 2023. The competition, organized by Brillio, a leading digital transformation services and solutions provider, in collaboration with STEM Learning, a social enterprise focused on driving STEM education among school children, saw participation from more than 2,500 students from 20 states across India.

The National STEM Challenge is a year-long, one-of-its-kind national competition that provides a unique STEM learning platform to underserved students of government and government-aided schools across India as part of Brillio’s ongoing focus on skills development. The competition is designed to foster curiosity, innovation, and design thinking skills among students from grades 6 through 10, regardless of their background.

In the run-up to the finale, more than 2,500 students were trained in new-age technologies by volunteers from Brillio and STEM Learning. These students competed in over 70 clusters, zonal, and state-level rounds. The top 50 teams comprising more than 100 students from 13 states – Maharashtra, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Assam, Delhi, UP, Haryana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, MP, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu – made it to the national finale.

The finale marked the culmination of year-long STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) activities, including science and mathematics model competitions, technology quizzes, and engineering tinkering. The finale was attended by more than 130 students and 40 teachers from 20 schools across 13 states.

The contestants were judged and the winners were felicitated by eminent personalities from the worlds of science, education, and technology. They included Mr. Anant Vishwanath Patki, former Deputy Director of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Mr. M. C. Uttam, former Deputy Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Pravin Chordia, Scientist at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Dr. Parag Kalkar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Mr. Anil Rao Paila, Pro Vice Chancellor, Vijaybhoomi University, and Dr. Jitendra Sangwai, Professor, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras.

Anant Vishwanath Patki, former Deputy Director of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), congratulated the winners, stating: “It’s inspiring to witness the outstanding achievements of these young minds. Their ingenious solutions showcase the potential of STEM education in India.“

Launched by Brillio and STEM Learning in 2019, the National STEM Challenge encompasses year-long activities, culminating with a national competition, where students tackle on-the-spot challenges, showcasing their problem-solving abilities within a limited timeframe. Outstanding projects are recognized in various categories. The competition aims to ignite a passion for STEM fields among young minds, providing dynamic learning experiences, nurturing critical skills, exposing students to STEM careers, and inspiring further education and innovation in these fields.

Brillio and STEM Learning have set up science labs and provided science kits for experiments and model-making in the schools that participated in the competition. The engagement activities over the year consist of weekly interaction sessions, where STEM ambassadors share their passion for STEM subjects, give practical tips and ideas, and demonstrate their value to make a difference. Experts from a vast range of STEM-related disciplines and careers are invited to these sessions. This year’s speakers included Prof. Abhishek Mani, Director, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Simmi Anderson, STEM Ambassador, UK, Abha Dogra, Chief Information Officer at Schneider Electric, and Dr. Anupama Kulkarni, senior scientist at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

In addition, more than 100 Brillio volunteers engaged with the participants weekly through online sessions on tech-related news, stories, and quizzes, while guiding students to build STEM models. The students also made science models such as laser security alarms, vacuum cleaners, and hydraulic bridges using Brillio Science DIY kits. The challenge has led to improved school attendance, active classroom and co-curricular participation, enhanced learning outcomes, digital literacy, and conceptual clarity in grade-specific subjects.

Brillio is one of the fastest-growing digital technology service providers and the partner of choice for many Fortune 1000 companies seeking to turn disruption into a competitive advantage through innovative digital adoption. With 17 locations across the U.S., the UK, Romania, Canada, Mexico, and India, Brillio’s growing global workforce of nearly 6,000 Brilliant applies its expertise in customer experience solutions, data analytics and AI, digital infrastructure and security, and platform and product engineering to help clients quickly innovate for growth, create digital products, build service platforms, and drive smarter, data-driven performance.

Winners: 

National Science Model Making Awards: 

1^st: Pratik Narhari Jagdhane (Smt. S. D. Ganage Prashala Triveni Nagar, Pune) and Ashrivada Apppuni Patil, GMHPS Navage, Pune

2^nd: Narayan Manjrekar (Malgaon English School, Mumbai) and Rudra Gurav (Kalsuli English School, Mumbai)

National Tinkering and Engineering Awards: 

1^st: Tanishq Sachin Chavan (Navonmesh Vidyamandir, Chakan) and Ganesh Babu Kamathe (Punarutthan Samarsata Gurukulam, Pune)

2^nd: Amrutha (Rani Sarala Devi High School, Bangalore) and Chetan D (Rani Sarala Devi High School, Bangalore)

National Math & Tech Quiz Awards 

1^st: Kanishk Tandel (Gurukul English Medium School, Walkhad, Mumbai) and Hardika Patil (S.E Rave, Mumbai )

2^nd: Manohar Mukund (Navonmesh Vidyamandir, Chakan, Pune) and Anup Mahadev Waghire 

National STEM Master Maker 2023 Award

1^st: Narayan Manjrekar (Malgaon English School, Mumbai)

2^nd: Tanishk Chavan (Navonmesh Vidyamandir, Chakan, Pune)

The following teachers were awarded 

• C Padmavathi, GHS Konnappa Agrahara, Bangalore (Karnataka)
• Mr. Ananta Sarkar, Jyangra Adarsha Vidyalaya, Kolkata (West Bengal)
• Md. Yasin Ansari, Netaji Hindi Vidyapeeth, Bongaingaon (Assam)
• Mr. Rameet Singh, Om Foundation School, Delhi
• Anil Kumar Panika, Government Middle School, Kanai (Madhya Pradesh)

The post Winners of the 2023 Brillio National STEM Challenge Announced in Pune appeared first on NRI News.

This year, the student teams of two were tasked with creating a market entry strategy for a product to address sustainable delivery solutions with Poland being the target market. With growing discourse among consumers on how products affect the environment and the role corporations should play in shaping a sustainable future, the challenge was particularly relevant.

The winning team TAVI, comprised of Nguyen Ngoc Linh from Vietnam, and Napat Worrasangasilp from Thailand, was awarded for their bio-degradable corn starch packing product BUFFERPUFF, which helps companies reduce plastic wastes in their delivery process. Team SUSTAINOVATE including Tsaqif Ammar Sakti from Indonesia, and Jeongwoo Lee from South Korea, were named first runners-up for their eco-friendly packaging material – Flexiwrap made of upcycled memory foam to protect ceramic products during delivery. Lastly, Team CRESCO comprised of Itsuki Son from Japan and Elyshia Alodia Binarto from Indonesia were named second runners-up. Their idea EcoFlow – a durable and versatile bio-styrofoam made from locally sourced rick husks, helps companies reduce plastic usage and meet local regulatory requirements.

Kawal Preet, president of the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA) region, FedEx Express, said, “We are operating in a vastly different environment today. Businesses are balancing new opportunities brought by rapidly advancing technologies like AI with challenges posed not only by economic uncertainties but also by climate change. These fresh young minds bring disruptive and innovative solutions to real-world problems. Nurturing entrepreneurs has long been a key focus for us at FedEx. By providing the next generation entrepreneurs with the right platform and tools, we are providing experiences that will fuel the pipeline of creators, innovators, and future leaders for what’s next.“

The FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge program is jointly organized by FedEx and JA Asia Pacific, a member of JA Worldwide. Nearly 45,000 students across AMEA have benefitted from this program in the last 17 years. This year, over 150 FedEx volunteers from 16 AMEA markets mentored the students. In addition to supporting young entrepreneurs through JA ITC, FedEx has been organizing the Small Business Grant Contest (SBGC) to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across AMEA.

The event was a meaningful platform for raising consciousness, and awareness on sustainability, and building deep beautiful human connections. The next generation definitely has a lot to offer and make a huge impact on our society.

Judges of the competition, comprised of entrepreneurs and business leaders, were impressed by the organization of the virtual competition and the efforts made by the students.

“It was very rewarding to be a judge for this event. The student presenters were very inspiring, and we all learned a lot from them.” – Asha Murphy, CEO, Edu-fy (Australia)

“I feel very positive about the future and truly inspired by all of the youth that presented at the event.” – Antoinette Jackson, Founder and Creative Director, SuperBee (Thailand)

“Very much enjoyed learning from each presentation – the passion was palpable! Well done all.” – Bobak Tavangar, CEO, Brilliant Labs (Singapore)

“It is lovely to see young spirits coming up with a sustainable approach to day-to-day problems, showing that the future is bright and better.” – Biswadeep Ghosh, Founder, Mon Exports (India)

“The ITC is a fantastic platform that facilitates the fostering of aspiring young leaders, refining their business acumen, and enhancing intuition to adeptly tackle future challenges. Guiding them in presentations brought immense joy and learning from these impressive young leaders!” – Calvin Ray, Consultant, Strategy & Business Design, Monitor Deloitte South-east Asia (Indonesia)

“Just look at this year’s ridiculously hot weather! Unfortunately, even though the younger generation is the least responsible for putting CO2 in the air or plastics in our oceans, we will have the most incentive to solve the environmental problems caused by the older generation. Let us weave eco-conscious choices into our lives and nurture nature’s gifts. Let’s protect the planet, embrace renewable energy, reduce waste, and foster harmony. Let us share a commitment to a greener, brighter tomorrow.”- Calvin Lai, Director of Otaku House (Singapore)

“Truly honored to take part as a judging panel and in the development of the students from the 10 participating markets as they develop the plans, strategies, & innovative delivery solutions for the topics given. The process walkthrough is step by step and I was able to have a very smooth experience from the orientation to the judging proper. Congratulations FedEx Express & JA International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific Team!” – Christopher P. Cañadella, MBA-TEP, Chief Marketing Officer, LUNA Academy (Philippines)

“It is refreshing to see how great the presentations were given the time pressure and the collaboration needed for this competition. I love their ideas, how they used technologies sizing the opportunities available, and creating a full plan to support their ideas. I feel more confident of our future knowing our young achievers are going to lead it.” – Dr. Donald Patrick Lim, COO – DITO CME Holdings Inc. (Philippines)

“Being involved in this event, I’ve marveled at students crafting incredible plans. Their ingenuity and dedication reaffirm the limitless potential of young minds when given the opportunity.” – Ms Joanna Cantwell, Chief Development Officer, SolarBuddy (Australia)

“Nurturing and investing both time and resources, in our youth today builds endless capacities that in turn can benefit all. Their vigor and enthusiasm along with a sense of altruism if allowed the space to explore have far-reaching effects. FedEx’s commitment to this year’s theme, focusing on sustainable Delivery Solutions, is truly commendable. It is an honor for me to witness the dynamic synergy of these young minds in action within this remarkable arena.” – Lani Choo, Director, LAANi & U Pte Ltd (Singapore)

“The event was very insightful as a judge for me as I learned about the different ideas that these participants have. Everyone gave a good presentation worth pondering as we aim to steer the world towards a sustainable future. Honored to be part of the judging rounds.” – Lim Yuet Kim, CEO and co-founder of PichaEats (Malaysia)

“It was an absolute privilege to witness the exceptional talent and passion of these future leaders and change-makers. It served as a powerful reminder of the boundless potential that resides within every individual.” – Lyanne Park, CEO. TYKE Co. Ltd (Korea)

“It was eye-opening, to see the Innovative ideas, passion, and commitment in the presentations. The next generation definitely has a lot to offer and make a huge impact on our society.” – Nikhil Rai, Senior Manager, Providence Healthcare (India)

“This event is beyond competition… it is a meaningful platform for raising, consciousness, awareness on sustainability and building deep beautiful human connections.” – Dr Tan Po Li, Global Leadership Coach (Malaysia)

“These students were amazing. They were able to grasp a complex challenge, collaborate, and create an innovative solution. Looking forward to seeing them grow into future leaders and innovators.” – Reno Rafly, CEO, Catalyst Global Consulting (Indonesia)

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The finalists will be admitted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship Programme, and the overall winner of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge will receive a cash prize of US$50,000. The finalists went through a rigorous process, and we look forward to the pitches of the eight competitors vying for the top prize and ultimately partnering with the Ecobank Group.

The Ecobank Fintech Challenge is an international competition that seeks to identify and support innovative fintech solutions that can address the financial needs of Africans. The competition is open to fintechs from all over the world, and it provides a platform for them to showcase their solutions to a panel of judges made up of industry experts, investors, and other stakeholders.

Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Awori, who will be hosting the Fintech Challenge final for the first time said: “We are encouraged by the very high number of applications received for the sixth edition of our Ecobank Fintech Challenge. The significant increase in the number of participants reflects the growing impact of our investments in the fintech space, and on our operations and fintech initiatives across Africa. The finalists went through a rigorous process, and we look forward to the pitches of the eight competitors vying for the top prize and ultimately partnering with the Ecobank Group.”

The competition is organized by Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, a pan-African bank that operates in 33 African countries. The bank is committed to promoting financial inclusion and supporting the growth of the fintech industry in Africa.

The Ecobank Fintech Challenge has become a major event in the fintech industry in Africa, and it has helped to promote innovation and collaboration in the sector. The competition has also provided a platform for fintechs to showcase their solutions to potential investors and partners.

Dr. Tomisin Fashina, Ecobank Group Executive, Operations and Technology, congratulated the eight finalists of the 2023 Ecobank Fintech Challenge and said, “We are proud to support the development of fintechs to drive digital banking transformation across Africa and beyond. The ever-increasing level of participation – from just 412 applications in 2018 to 1,490 submissions this year – reflects the richness of the untapped innovation and talent that exists across our continent.”

The eight finalists for the 2023 edition of the competition have demonstrated their ability to develop innovative solutions that can address the financial needs of Africans. The Grand Finale promises to be an exciting event, and the organizers are looking forward to seeing the finalists showcase their solutions to the world.

The 2023 Ecobank Fintech Challenge finalists in alphabetical order:

• Flexpay Technologies (Kenya) – FlexPay offers customers a merchant-embedded saving-based purchase experience called Save Now, Buy Later.
• IPOXCap AI (South Africa) – FinanceGPT is a financial analysis platform for frontier markets. It processes structured and unstructured financial data to generate actionable insights, using advanced algorithms for financial forecasting, health monitoring, and valuation.
• Kastelo (South Africa) – Provides a democratized solution through diversified products, focusing on transaction, savings, and forex offerings, aimed at banking the underbanked in emerging markets through client-centric solutions.
• Koree (Cameroon) – Koree is a card wallet application that addresses sub-Saharan Francophone Africa spare change scarcity by digitizing cash merchant payments while empowering millions of African consumers through an incentive reward system.
• Kori Tech (Senegal) – Koripass is an E-wallet linked to physical payment accessories such as
  bracelets, stickers, and keychains. It enables quick and easy merchant payments
  using NFC and QR Code technology. No internet or smartphone is required.
• Smart Teller Technologies Limited (Nigeria) – Empowering cooperative digital banking, IT services, and online bill payments for seamless services.
• Rubyx (Belgium and Senegal) – Rubyx enables digital lending solutions for service providers in emerging markets to bridge the financing gap that faces informal entrepreneurs and small businesses to fund their activities.
• Wolf Technologies (Democratic Republic of Congo) – Makuta is a state-of-the-art application that provides a simple, convenient, and secure electronic money transfer and payment experience.

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MUMBAI: Medix Global, a pioneering healthcare management company, today announced the launch of the Digital Health Innovation Challenge 2023. The challenge invites health tech start-ups and innovators to create cutting-edge digital health solutions to address healthcare issues linked to women’s health and mental health.

The challenge is aimed at identifying start-ups that are working on solutions aimed at enhancing accessibility, improving the quality of healthcare, and promoting the long-term viability of the healthcare ecosystem in India. The deadline to submit entries for the challenge is July 21^st.

India’s economy has been witnessing remarkable growth. However, the participation of women in the workforce has declined over the years highlighting the need for providing better care for women’s physical and mental health.

Mental health is also a significant concern that directly impacts productivity and economic growth. Indian employers bear a staggering cost of approximately USD 14 billion each year due to mental health issues. According to the most recent survey conducted by India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), nearly 150 million Indians require mental health care services, yet only around 30 million individuals are actively seeking such care. Research also indicates that 40% of individuals who confront mental health challenges refrain from seeking assistance due to the stigma attached to it.

Medix’s Digital Health Innovation Challenge 2023 seeks to encourage entrepreneurs to present their ground-breaking ideas, products, or services that leverage digital platforms, mobile applications, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies. By fostering collaboration and ingenuity, the challenge aims to propel the development of innovative solutions that will revolutionize women’s and mental healthcare outcomes in India.

Speaking about the Digital Health Innovation Challenge 2023, Mrs. Sigal Atzmon, Chief Executive Officer, Medix Group said, “The national statistics and decreased workforce participation highlight the need state for addressing women and mental health in India. While significant steps have been taken in this area, it is our collective responsibility to work towards addressing these issues as well. Our Digital Health Innovation Challenge 2023 will create a platform for start-ups and innovators who are working to address these issues and help them scale their offerings.” 

To participate in the Digital Health Innovation Challenge 2023, start-ups are invited to submit their applications through the official competition website at www.medix-startups.com. The submission deadline for entries is July 21, 2023.

A panel of distinguished judges, consisting of healthcare experts, investors, technology leaders, and influential figures in women’s health, will evaluate the submissions based on innovation, feasibility, scalability, and potential impact. The judges include Mrs. Sigal Atzmon, Chief Executive Officer, Medix Group; Prof. David Zeltser, Global Medical Director, Medix Group; Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder & Chairperson at Aditya Birla Education Trust, Founder & Chairperson, mPowerMinds; Mr. Gordon Watson, Chief Executive Officer Asia & Africa, AXA Group; Mr. Sanjay Kedia, Country Head & Chief Executive Officer, Marsh India; Mr. Naveen Tehilyani, Chief Executive Officer, Tata AIA; Mr. Ajay Nanavati, Chairman, Quantum Advisors; Mr. Yaron Daniely, General Partner, aMoon Fund, Ms. Padmaja Ruparel, Co-founder, Indian Angel Network, Ms. Bala Deshpande, Founder Partner, MegaDelta Capital/Senior Managing Director-New Enterprise Associates (NEA INDIA), Ms. Seema Chaturvedi, Managing Partner & Founder, Achieving Women Equity Funds (AWE), Ms. Sudha Shivkumar, President FICCIflo, and Ms. Anat Bernstein Reich, Chief Executive Officer BDO  India-Israel Investment Banking.

The two-month challenge will conclude in August 2023. Medix Global will actively support the winners in providing access to potential funding, validating product-market fit, and mentorship, and driving the implementation and adoption of their solutions to address the pressing healthcare challenges in India.

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