Category: Hardware

QYOU Media India’s Q Play+ announces global distribution partnership with Coolita

Mumbai: In an endeavor to significantly expand the reach of its curated content offerings in India and across the globe, India’s youngest and multi-platform entertainment network, QYOU Media India forges a global distribution partnership with Coolita, a leading global smart TV+OS brand, captivating viewers with free streaming of FAST channels of Q Play+. This strategic collaboration marks a pivotal moment for both QYOU Media India and Coolita, as they join forces to deliver a diverse range of content to Coolita’s global user base, ensuring a seamless and immersive entertainment journey.

As a part of this alliance, Coolita users in India and across the globe, through their wide range of smart TV sets including Croma, Thomson, Panasonic, LLOYD, Itel, and others along with their operating software Coolita will have the privilege to stream QYOU Media India’s five FAST channels – The Q, The Q Kahaniyan, Q GameX, Sadhguru TV, and BH Live for free. As technology and entertainment continue to evolve, this partnership ensures viewers get access to high-quality, localized content, adding a new dimension to their television viewing experience.

Speaking on strengthening its digital presence in India and across the globe, QYOU Media India COO Krishna Menon said, “Our partnership with Coolita is a significant milestone in our mission to provide top-notch entertainment to viewers in India and worldwide. This collaboration allows us to strengthen our digital presence on connected TVs and offer our curated content to a global audience. We are excited to enhance the viewing experience and take a step closer to our audience with this exciting collaboration.”

Addressing the partnership, Coolita head of partnerships Samuel Lin shared, “In an exciting development, Coolita has partnered with QYOU Media’s Q Play+ to enhance access for Indian viewers. This collaboration grants Indian audiences free access to curated Indian programs, enhancing their viewing experience with a localized touch. Users of TV brands supported by Coolita, such as Panasonic, Croma, and Thomson, can now enjoy Q Play’s five 24-hour channels at no cost. This strategic alliance significantly amplifies the local coverage and accessibility of Q Play’s offerings.”

Coolita, known for its cutting-edge Coolita OS, is a trailblazer in the global smart TV industry. An industry-leading large-screen operating system, Coolita OS, consistently pushes the boundaries of technology to deliver the finest audio-visual content and an exceptional service experience to users worldwide. Operating in over 80 countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, America, and beyond, Coolita’s reach is truly expansive. Notably, the company has successfully shipped over 2 million large-screen devices running the Coolita system in India, making it a household name in the region.

Marking an exciting chapter in the evolution of home entertainment in India and beyond, QYOU Media India’s partnership with Coolita will enable the network to reach a broader global audience, sharing its unique content offerings with Coolita’s rapidly growing user base of smart TV.

October 26, 2023
AVIA & TVB applaud Hong Kong Customs for crackdown on illegal streaming devices

Mumbai: The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) and its anti-piracy arm, the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), congratulate the Hong Kong Customs for their successful enforcement operation against 10 retail shops in Sham Shui Po and Yuen Long that were selling Illicit Streaming Devices (ISDs) that allowed users to watch illegally streamed content.

Acting on information received from Television Broadcasts Ltd (TVB), Hong Kong Customs, supported by TVB throughout the action, raided the shops, seizing more than 1,000 ISDs and related computers and video equipment, with a value in excess of $150,000. In addition to the seizures, three shop owners and three salespersons were arrested. Investigations are ongoing and there may well be further arrests.

The actions were the first in Hong Kong to apply the “communication right” in enforcement actions against ISD sellers since the implementation of the Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2022. Potential penalties for this enforcement include imprisonment of up to four years and fines of USD6,400 for each infringed work.

TVB’s Sr IP enforcement advisor Michael Kwan stated, “TVB works closely with Hong Kong Customs in these enforcement actions, which demonstrate the unwavering commitment of both the Hong Kong Customs and TVB to protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring a fair and sustainable creative industry. We applaud the collaborative efforts in sending a strong message against the sale and distribution of ISDs.”

“CAP’s data shows that Hong Kong has the highest per capita rates of illegal streaming of pirate content in the countries CAP monitors in Asia-Pacific, and consumer usage of ISDs to access pirate content is second only to social media1. Recent studies also show the real risks to consumers from accessing content via pirate sources,” said CAP general manager Matt Cheetham. “It is therefore vital that Hong Kong’s enforcement authorities send a strong message that the sale and distribution of ISDs is illegal in Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Customs are to be congratulated for these actions that act to protect both its creative economy and its consumers.”

October 18, 2023
Media Ranch partners with Crazy Maverick Films for international format development

Mumbai: Media Ranch’s president and founder Sophie Ferron announced that Media Ranch, and Crazy Maverick Films Private Ltd (CMF) have agreed to develop, co-own and distribute a slate of paper formats for global distribution, with the aim to partner and co-own with high-end talent of the industry. Media Ranch’s director, storytelling and business development Philip Kalin-hajdu will oversee the development for the partnerships.

The first partnership is with Lucky Horseshoe, newly launched ProdCo from Blake Shelton & Lee Metzger for two 2 paper formats – including a bold, fresh high-concept take on dating – with development beginning this Autumn. In May 2023 music superstar and TV personality Blake Shelton and showrunner Lee Metzger (Legendary, The Voice) joined forces to launch Lucky Horseshoe Productions and this partnership is one of their first international deals.

Development and IP ownership for the first format will be with all three parties with a focus on a strategic worldwide launch with each company leaning into their strengths: Lucky Horseshoe will be the producer in North America, CMF will produce in India; and Media Ranch will market and distribute to the rest of world. The aim is to collaborate and co-develop to create exciting new formats that appeal to a global audience, while identifying early on what makes the format feel local, personal, and identifiable. The ability to understand the nuances in each company’s territories helps in the creative approach.

Media Ranch had been working with Abhishek Rege of CMF to partner with brand-name companies and AAA creators such as Lucky Horseshoe to expand their libraries of originals to reach new markets. This is the first project for Rege’s new prodco, CMF after his role as CEO of Endemol Shine India. He was also named to The Economic Times/Spencer Stuart’s India’s ‘hottest 40 under 40 Business Leaders ‘in 2018 and to the Impact 40 under 40 list in 2019. Prior to this, he has held various management roles at Viacom18 and Star India. Bhhaskar De, who comes with a rich international experience, played a key role in getting Media Ranch and Abhishek Rege together for this one-of-a-kind initiative.

Shelton and Metzger stated: “Lucky Horseshoe was launched in May and this partnership is exactly what we are looking for to broaden our reach to other territories. Sophie and Abhishek have the international experience and contacts to help us create something fun and unique.”

Rege added: “Sophie and I are here at MIPCOM to promote our exciting collaboration with Blake and Lee. With all the talent involved, we know that we are bringing something special to the market – the first of many for our format development slate.”

Ferron said: “Media Ranch is so thrilled to announce our development deal with Abhishek Rege here at MIPCOM and also to jointly announce our partnership with the incomparable Blake Shelton and Lee Metzger whose talent and appeal are universally recognized and loved. Media Ranch continues to develop original formats that will make their mark on the world. We are excited to be in partnership with such fantastic format creators from around the world. The world is truly small, business is global, and this pan-world partnership is testament to that.’”

October 16, 2023
GRB Media Ranch announces several deals ahead of MipCom

Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch co-principals, Gary R. Benz and Sophie Ferron announced that several program deals were finalised ahead of the upcoming MipCom market. Deals span the globe from Australia, South Korea, Middle East, and Iberia.

From Australia, Seven Network acquired three seasons (7,8 and 9) of GRB Media Ranch’s popular true-crime docuseries, On The Case. The long-running series explores intriguing murder mysteries through in-depth interviews with those closest to the case and examines the forensic evidence that helped unravel the mystery. First person accounts from witnesses and suspects reveal the raw emotions left behind from personal tragedies and the motives of the perpetrators.

MBC took Showdown of the Unbeatables for the Middle East. This game show is where inventors and entrepreneurs pit their unique products and machines against each other and put their reputations to the test in the ultimate head-to-head invention battle. Learn how the inventions work, meet the engineers who created the products, and see these tools in action. When the dueling competitors meet, the rules are agreed upon, the supporters take their place, and the showdown begins!

South Korea’s JCG acquired three titles:

– Icons Unearthed: Fast & Furious What should have been a one-off popcorn summer flick followed by a straight-to-video sequel became one of the largest film franchises of all time. Worth billions of dollars in ticket sales, it has spawned merchandise, spin-offs, and theme park attractions, and put a series of increasingly amazing stunts on the world’s movie screens. Despite the loss of a beloved lead actor, the franchise is a masterclass in world-building, raising the stakes, and growing a truly dedicated fan base internationally.

– Icons Unearthed: Star Wars: Travel to a time not very far, far away and witness the creation and filming of George Lucas’s two Star Wars trilogies. Included in the program are revealing interviews with cast and crew, making it the definitive account of the space saga that changed movies forever.

– Icons Unearthed: Marvel The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the most successful franchise of all time, and it has changed the way movies are made. Taking a cue from their comic book source material, these films tell different characters’ stories that all take place in one massive, interwoven universe. Each film would introduce one key protagonist, building toward the release of one giant blockbuster, The Avengers, that would put them all together. If a single one of those films failed at the box office, it could derail what may be the biggest gamble ever taken in the history of cinema. How did Marvel pull it off? Multicanal Iberia also acquired Nacelle title Icons Unearthed: Marvel

Benz stated, “GRB Media Ranch is fully operational at both our sales and acquisitions level, working at full speed since our launch just 6 weeks ago! These deals are an indicator of the reception we’ve gotten to the great programs we offer. We are booked solid with meetings at MIPCOM with our partners to bring them even more content with high levels of audience appeal.”

Ferron added, “We are thrilled with the reaction we’ve gotten to some of our best programs which are also available for other territories. Gary and I are looking forward to having our entire team together for the first time at MIPCOM and, as our motto says, “…we’ve got stories” – over 5,000 hours of them!”

October 10, 2023
GoQuest Media signs exclusive distribution deal with Disney Star for Africa

Mumbai: Global independent content distributor GoQuest Media has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Disney Star. The agreement marked a new chapter in GoQuest Media’s continuing growth as a global independent distributor.

GoQuest Media will be the sole distributor for Disney Star’s content portfolio across Africa. This includes content dubbed in both English and Hindi. The deal sees GoQuest Media wield exclusive TV and OTT rights to Disney Star’s linear programming catalogue. This includes some of India’s most popular and successful shows, with consistently high TRP ratings such as Anupamaa, Imlie, Kasauti Zindagii Kay, Yeh Jaadu Hai Jinn Ka, Chandra Nandini, amongst others. The agreement represents a strategic move to bring popular Indian content to a wider African audience.

Commenting on the deal, Disney Star international business head Sudhir Nagpal said, “We are excited to further extend the reach of our compelling and multi-lingual portfolio to our audiences in Africa, through our collaboration with GoQuest Media. Africa has a strong viewer base for our content, especially for our series across languages. We continuously seek opportunities to connect with our audience and this collaboration with GoQuest Media is another step in that direction.”

GoQuest Media managing director Vivek Lath added, “GoQuest has successfully introduced foreign language titles to Africa over the past ten years. Our track record, strong partnerships and knowledge of the region and local audiences have positioned us as the ideal team to introduce Disney Star’s Indian collection to this market. We fully recognise and appreciate the trust placed in GoQuest and are confident that these titles will achieve equal success in Africa as they have in India. Here’s to sharing the magic across borders!”

October 10, 2023
“Continued success fueled by Hallmark brand’s embrace of inspiration, kindness, and hope”: Hallmark’s Francisco J. González

Mumbai: Hallmark Media markets and distributes Hallmark’s original signature content to every international market around the world.

Their networks in the US include Hallmark Channel, their flagship network; Hallmark Movies & Mysteries; the new linear channel Hallmark Drama; and the SVOD platform Hallmark Movies Now. Apart from media, the brand has forayed into many exciting businesses which allow its fans to touch and feel the brand be it merchandise, wine and even themed cruises! With a legacy spanning over a century, Hallmark Media encompasses a wide range of television programs, movies, and other content produced and aired by networks like Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama.

This platform is synonymous with heartwarming, family-friendly entertainment and is especially known for its seasonal programming, including beloved holiday traditions like Countdown to Christmas. With a vast library of original movies and series, often set in charming small-town settings, Hallmark has cultivated a dedicated fanbase appreciative of its inclusive and emotionally resonant storytelling. As a staple in both holiday and everyday entertainment, Hallmark continues to connect with audiences worldwide.

Hallmark Media is represented by Brandwith, a premier representative and distribution company in the Asia Pacific Region.

Indiantelevision.com in conversation with Hallmark Media senior VP- international distribution Francisco J. González on email on the legacy of Hallmark Media, on what sets them apart and much more……

On Hallmark Media and its mission in the entertainment industry

Hallmark Media is home to top-rated, widely beloved programming that makes people feel good. Our goal is to provide our viewers with a wholesome, positive, and light-hearted viewing experience across our channels and platforms, and we deliver on that mission. Notably, flagship network Hallmark Channel is a top draw year-round and especially during the holiday season with its highly popular programming franchise Countdown to Christmas, which has earned the network the #1 spot among entertainment cable with Women 18+ during the Fourth Quarter for nine consecutive years.

On being well-known for its heartwarming and family-friendly content

Hallmark Media’s brand identity is rooted in the legacy of the iconic Hallmark Card brand, which has been in the business of helping people create meaningful connections that enrich their lives for over 113 years. Our success as an entertainment destination continues to grow in large part due to the guiding principles of the Hallmark brand, which fully embrace stories of inspiration, kindness, and hope.

On the dedicated audience that looks forward to its holiday-themed content

Our priority year-round is to develop a diverse mix of content, characters, and storylines that create an environment where everyone is seen and feels welcome. Further, we establish relationships with talent both in front of and behind the camera that reflect the lives and experiences of all our viewers. For example, we’re proud to put forward programming franchises like Loveuary, which celebrates love – from romantic love, to love between siblings, neighbors, friends, and more – during February, the most heartwarming month of the year and a time when many celebrate Valentine’s Day.

On Hallmark Channel having a unique niche in the market

Hallmark Channel is a unique success story in the cable landscape, continually ranking as a top-rated entertainment cable network and delivering compelling new content that helps them escape from the troubles of the world for a moment. What makes the network stand out year after year is its commitment to providing content that makes people feel good and inspires hope, love, and the celebration of a happy ending.

On the content having a positive and wholesome appeal

We create programming that reflects modern storytelling and allows everyone to share in the Hallmark experience. What’s more, we establish relationships with a wide range of writers, producers, directors and actors to identify and authentically develop stories that reflect the lives of our audiences. What we hear from our viewers is that our efforts allow them to see themselves in our programming in a meaningful way, while spotlighting a broad range of experiences, beliefs, backgrounds, and lifestyles.

On the belief that sets Hallmark Media apart from other entertainment companies, and your vision for the future of the brand

One thing that sets us apart from other entertainment companies is our devoted fanbase. They are an anomaly in this industry – passionate, engaged, loyal, and the reason for all that we do. Looking ahead to the future, we will continue to bring them fresh stories and new opportunities to connect with our brand.

October 10, 2023
Lightstorm announces strategic partnership with Global GTS Tech

Mumbai: Lightstorm, a leading digital infrastructure player with innovative network connectivity solutions, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Global GTS Tech, a renowned managed service provider with a key focus on global connectivity, data center, cloud, IoT and analytics to deliver exceptional value and unparalleled connectivity to customers worldwide.

Through this collaboration, Lightstorm and Global GTS Tech aim to leverage their industry expertise to revolutionise the way businesses connect to the cloud, leveraging their industry insights to bring Polarin by Lightstorm to the market for businesses who require seamless, flexible and scalable networking capabilities to meet the demands of the digital age.

Polarin is a software-defined NaaS network, built on a stable, agile & efficient network, trusted by hyperscalers. It enables businesses to transform their capabilities by providing them with scalable interconnectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructure, internet exchanges, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and various SaaS applications such as Microsoft 365. Polarin houses a pre-connected network to all major cloud players and 55+ data centers and enables point-and-click network provisioning within minutes instead of months taken in a traditional network. Polarin offers unparalleled control and visibility over network design and deployment. With its flexible billing options such as pay-as-you-go, customers can avail lock-in-free services; you pay only for what you use.

Commenting on the partnership, Polarin by Lightstorm general manager & head of business Prasanna C expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with Global GTS Tech. Their reputation as a top-notch managed service provider aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing cutting-edge networking solutions. Together, we are well-positioned to help businesses adapt, grow, and succeed in the digital era. We look forward to a fruitful association.”

Global GTS Tech managing director Sibi Rajan shared, “We are excited to announce our partnership with Lightstorm, a global entity backed by I-Squared Capital. This partnership marks a significant milestone in disrupting digital technology with an innovative and future-ready NaaS platform, Polarin.

The Lightstorm-GTS synergy will enable us to tap the Global network-as-a-service market, which is projected to grow from $11.64 billion in 2022 to $80.73 billion in 2029 at a CAGR of 31.9 per cent during the 2022-2029 period. Factors such as increased adoption of cloud technology from BFSI and IT & telecommunication along with an increasing portfolio of services will boost the growth of the market during the forecasted period. Additionally, increased adoption of technology by SMEs and large-scale organizations will increase the footprint of the market.”

Polarin by Lightstorm displays a range of pre-configured and tested service offerings on a consumption-based subscription model designed to drive network consumption infrastructure on demand, such a unique offering has hit the market for the first time in India which by itself, is a game changer.

September 8, 2023
Wynk Studio wins music distribution rights to Kay Kay Menon’s starrer “Love All”

Mumbai: Wynk Music, India’s number one music streaming app by downloads and daily active users, has announced that Wynk Studio, India’s largest music distribution ecosystem, has won the distribution rights to Kay Kay Menon’s starrer “Love All”, a movie based on the life of badminton superstar, P Gopichand.

“Love All” is produced by Mahesh Bhatt and P Gopichand along with Anand Pandit. It will be released by M Ramesh’s Laxmi Ganpathy Film Studios on 1 September. Directed by Sudhanshu Sharma, the movie also features Swastika Mukherjee, Robin Das, Shrishwara, Atul Srivastava and Raja Bundela. The movie has five memorable tracks, which are already available on Wynk.

1. Baton Baton Mein, Singer – Jubin Nautiyal

2. Gilli Si Subah, Singer – Papon

3. Chal Uth Jhat Path, Singer – Sonu Nigam

4. Love All Bol De, Singer – Kay Kay Menon

5. Sahas Do Sahas, Singer – Anjali Gayakwad

Speaking about the distribution arrangement, Airtel digital CEO and Airtel chief product officer Adarsh Nair said, “Wynk Studio was established with the vision of offering independent artists a creative outlet which would also help them with any monetisation and discovery issues they might face. We have had great success with independent artists and have 1000 artists on our roster at present. This distribution partnership will open new vistas for producers looking to explore digital distribution and wanting to capitalise on Airtel’s inherent strengths of reach and connectivity.”

Wynk Studio has gone from strength to strength since it was established. It has recently distributed independent singles such as “Love Token” from Manj Music and Anusha Dandekar, “Billo” from Vishal Dadlani and Nikhita Gandhi’s single “Pyaar mein Pagal”, a simultaneously romantic and groovy number, about a girl madly in love.

Wynk offers music in 15 Indian languages and regional songs now account for over 30 per cent of the overall streams on the app. Songs in Oriya, Gujarati, Assamese, Marathi, Telugu and Bhojpuri have seen a growth of over 150 per cent and are popular outside their home states as well.

September 6, 2023
Planetcast promotes seamless content management, distribution and monetisation at IBC2023

Mumbai: Planetcast Media Services, a leading global broadcast technology and media services provider, has announced that it is promoting its full portfolio of cloud first media suite including the unified service orchestrator for content processing, distribution and monetisation services and technologies at IBC2023 (15-18 September, RAI, Amsterdam, Hall 5, stand H78). Planetcast’s single-window, seamless content supply chain management will show how media companies can utilize an integrated suite of services that enable frictionless workflows and a hyper-connected approach to content creation and distribution.

“We are excited to be promoting at IBC2023 our unified service layer that puts the customer at the centre of the content processing, distribution and monetization journey,” said Planetcast’s chief executive officer Sanjay Duda. “As operators seek new opportunities, there is a growing number of components and service providers in the value chain that can make the process of creating, distributing, and monetising content more complex and costly. At IBC we will be promoting our single window offering that brings together all our existing modules – including content management, post-production and localisation, cloud playout, IP distribution, OTT and FAST channel services – as a seamless, yet modular, fully integrated solution.”

At IBC2023, Planetcast will show how it enables broadcasters and other media and entertainment companies to employ cloud solutions more efficiently – together or as separate components. Innovative services and solutions Planetcast is demonstrating live on its booth include:

● CLOUD.X, its cloud playout platform, which enables FAST workflows and rapid ad insertion in partnership with Wurl, a world leader in dynamic ad insertion for streaming TV services;

● Contido, a leading-edge, cloud-native content supply chain management solution designed to handle video processing and publishing across multiple platforms.

● Switch Media will showcase Its versatile suite of OTT solutions – whose customers include Foxtel (Australia), Antenna (Greece), Media Prima (Malaysia), and Freeview (New Zealand).

Planetcast has developed one of the industry’s most comprehensive cloud offerings, trusted by the world’s most demanding global media companies, including Disney, Star TV, Viacom, and Doordarshan, the premier public broadcaster in India. Other world-class clients include Amazon Prime Video, Discovery, Indian Premier League (IPL), and Sony.

As the global media landscape continues to evolve rapidly, throwing up new challenges for media companies trying to meet the changing needs of consumers, Planetcast has looked for ways to help its customers meet new demands on their businesses.

In addition to providing demos of the company’s innovative and proven cloud playout and MAM solutions at IBC2023, the Planetcast team will discuss other elements of its comprehensive media services portfolio, including:

● Recaster – a dynamic and robust IP transport solution, which delivers a secure internet stream from anywhere to anywhere, be it a linear channel or a live sports stream;

● Managed Post-Production Services – a software and cloud-curated ecosystem of post-production services with a high degree of process automation, plus AI-enabled capabilities;

● Playout Disaster Recovery – cloud-based DR solution that provides incredibly cost-effective protection against broadcast service disruption;

● OTT solutions, which it is offering internationally in partnership with Australia-based Switch Media, whose customers include Foxtel (Australia), Antenna (Greece), Media Prima (Malaysia), and Freeview (New Zealand).

August 30, 2023
BT Tech Today Congress: Empowering change through technology innovation and collaboration

Mumbai: The Business Today’s inaugural Tech Today Congress, a highly anticipated gathering of technology professionals, entrepreneurs, and esteemed business leaders committed to harnessing the power of technology for transformative change, took place on 2 June in Bengaluru. The event served as an immersive platform for engaging discussions, thought-provoking panels, and invaluable networking opportunities, featuring an impressive line-up of distinguished speakers from various sectors.

With a primary focus on cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and the future of work, the Tech Today Congress aimed to explore the vast potential of technology in revolutionising industries and society as a whole. With over 200 delegates in attendance, the event fostered a dynamic environment conducive to knowledge sharing and collaborative ideation.

The Tech Today Congress showcased an unparalleled roster of speakers, featuring globally recognised figures such as DK Shivakumar, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Sindhu Gangadharan, Irina Ghose, Dr Manish Gupta, and many more. These luminaries brought their wealth of expertise and insights to the forefront, providing invaluable perspectives on the role of technology in shaping the future.

Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy shared inspiring anecdotes from his entrepreneurial journey during a session titled “India’s Techade: The Skills. The People. Vision for the Next Decade”. Murthy’s speech resonated with the audience as he highlighted the challenges he faced while taking Infosys public in the early 80s, demonstrating the tenacity required to build a successful company.

The enthralling session titled “AI: Super Intelligent. Super Trouble” included esteemed speakers like Jaideep Kewalramani (Head of Employability Business & COO, TeamLease Edtech), Kanishk Gaur (Founder & CEO, India Future Foundation), and Vinayak Godse (CEO, Data Security Council of India), with the session moderated by Aayush Ailawadi.

India Future Foundation founder & CEO Kanish Kaur said, ”Every new start-up getting funded has AI and ML enabled. We want AI that can safeguard user privacy, AI that does not have biases, and AI that can prevent misuse- aspects like informational warfare.”

Kewalramani said that every digital job is at risk because of AI. Talking about India’s part in the AI revolution, Kewalramani said, “We are the tech hub of the world and India recognised the power of AI early on.”

Godse said, “We are putting a lot of corporate workloads on AI systems which is creating a lot of problems with privacy and ethics.“

Continuing the exploration of artificial intelligence, the subsequent session titled “Keeping an ‘AI’ for Transforming Industries & Society” featured Romesh Wadhwani (Chairman & Founder, SAIGroup) and was moderated by Aayush Ailawadi.

The Congress also delved into the 5G revolution and its impact on technology, connectivity, and collateral benefits in a session titled “The 5G Revolution: The Tech. The Connect. Collateral Benefits.” Distinguished speakers for this session included Mohan Rao Goli (CTO, Samsung R&D Institute India), Muralikrishnan B (President, Xiaomi India), Manoj Gurnani (Head Strategy & Technology, India, Nokia), Harmanpreet Dhillon (CTO, Airtel, Karnataka Circle), and the session was moderated by Siddharth Zarabi.

A compelling session titled “Catching a Cold: Tech Winter. Weathering the Storm.” shed light on the challenges posed by the ever-evolving technology landscape. The esteemed panel for this session comprised Siddarth Pai (Founding Partner, 3one4 Capital), Mahankali Srinivas Rao (Chief Executive Officer, T-Hub), Anas Rahman Junaid (Founder & MD, Hurun India), with Sourav Majumdar serving as the moderator.

Exploring the digital landscape, a session titled “Digital Bharat & The New Internet” featured Barnik Chitran Maitra, managing partner, head of Arthur D. Little India & South Asia, offering invaluable insights into India’s digital transformation.

A highlight of the Tech Today Congress was the session titled “World on a Chip: Wafer Wars. Tech Dominance. Supply Crimp.” Esteemed speakers for this session included David Reed (CEO, Vedanta Foxconn Semiconductor), Neil Shah (Vice President – Research, Counterpoint Research), Hitesh Garg (India Country Manager, NXP Semiconductors), Santhosh Kumar (President & MD, Texas Instruments India), and Dr Satya Gupta (President, VLSI Society of India). This session was moderated by Siddharth Zarabi. The speakers emphasised India’s potential to become a supply hub of semiconductor chips amid increasing global demands.

“When we were raising money just before our IPO, we had to take our kitty to Rs 1.2 crores. We had to go to a lot of friends and relatives. Almost everybody who was well-to-do asked hundreds of questions and they didn’t put money in. The only people who put money were my sisters, brothers who had very little savings,” Murthy said.

“I have said this many times. As long as we use any technology in an assistive manner then we all become better and better. How can I use AI in an assistive manner? You can build expert systems, you can improve in a corporation, you can improve your own work productivity, and you can help diagnose diseases. In India, I would like to use AI in food and agriculture and if AI can help us in growing food with minimal agriculture,” Murthy added.

The Tech Today Congress also focused on the critical issue of gender disparity in the tech industry in a session titled “Women in Tech. Leaking Pipeline. Missing Talent.” Esteemed speakers Sindhu Gangadharan (Managing Director & SVP, SAP Labs India) and Irina Ghose (Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft India) shed light on the underrepresentation of women and discussed strategies to bridge the gender gap. The session was moderated by Aayush Ailawadi.

Exploring the expansive realm of gaming, the session “New Gaming Frontier: Leveraging Cutting-Edge Technologies. Gaming” featured Rajan Navani (Founder & CEO, JetSynthesys), Sai Srinivas Kiran G (Co-Founder & CEO, Mobile Premier League), and Sean Hyunil Sohn (India CEO, KRAFTON, Inc. India), with Aayush Ailawadi serving as the moderator.

Additionally, the Tech Today Congress placed significant emphasis on the development of inclusive artificial intelligence in India in a session titled “AI for India: Inclusive AI. Developing an AI-ready culture. R&D and Innovation,” with Dr Manish Gupta (Director, Google Research India) providing valuable insights. The session was moderated by Aayush Ailawadi.

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar was also part of a session which mainly focused on the recent Karnataka win for Congress as well as the state’s development. “Today the world is looking at Bengaluru. The world leaders are travelling first to Bengaluru and then to Delhi,” Shivakumar said as he assured that the newly formed Congress govt is dedicated to improving Bengaluru’s infra.

The congress concluded with a highly anticipated session led by Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In his talk on “Communicate India: The Big Picture. 5G Foundation. Industry 4.0. Digital Nation,” Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of robust digital infrastructure, 5G technology, and Industry 4.0 in accelerating India’s journey towards becoming a digital nation.

The Business Today’s Tech Today Congress left attendees inspired and equipped with new knowledge and ideas to drive technological advancements in their respective fields. The event’s resounding success reflects the growing enthusiasm and unwavering commitment within the technology community to leverage innovation for positive change.

June 6, 2023