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  • Kogo AI wins Accenture Ventures’ Tech Next 2025

    Kogo AI wins Accenture Ventures’ Tech Next 2025

    MUMBAI–Kogo AI, a leader in Private Agentic AI infrastructure, has won the Accenture Ventures Tech Next Challenge 2025, held at the Accenture Innovation Hub in Bengaluru on 7 August. The event, themed “Autonomous AI: The Future is Now,” spotlighted autonomous AI solutions. From over 700 global applications, 300 startups advanced to the shortlist, and 15 made it to the finals.

    Participants were evaluated on solution maturity, originality, market impact, team strength, business plan, and competitive edge. Kogo emerged as a winner with its Private Full Stack Agentic AI Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) designed for regulated sectors. By combining a low-code/no-code interface, transparent pricing, scalability, and native responsible AI, Kogo’s platform directly addressed the event’s focus.

    “Honoured for Kogo AI to be among the winners at the 2025 Accenture Ventures Tech Next Challenge, standing alongside some of the brightest minds in autonomous AI,” said Kogo AI co-founder & CEO Raj K Gopalakrishna. “This recognition validates our mission to bring Private, Responsible, Full-Stack Agentic AI to enterprises globally — solving real-world problems with innovation, scalability, and impact. A big thank you to Accenture Ventures, the jury, and all the ecosystem partners for this platform, and congratulations to my fellow winners!”

  • Godrej Vikhroli Cucina reimagine monsoon cravings with a flavourful twist

    Godrej Vikhroli Cucina reimagine monsoon cravings with a flavourful twist

    MUMBAI: This monsoon, Godrej Yummiez and Godrej Vikhroli Cucina present ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Yummiez’, a campaign that turns classic rainy-day cravings into flavourful surprises. Through a 3-part video series featuring Chefs Anahita Dhondy, Amrita Raichand, and Ajay Chopra, the campaign showcases how Godrej Yummiez products can seamlessly elevate familiar monsoon snacks into crispy, flavourful, convenient delights, right from home kitchens to the city’s most loved street foods.

    Campaign Film Series:

    https://youtube.com/shorts/O9lBBEG7aIk?feature=share

    https://youtube.com/shorts/rXTKvic3S7U?feature=share

    https://youtube.com/shorts/K7gjM8BDyGk?feature=share

    Monsoon in India is incomplete without street-side snacks, from sizzling rolls to spicy chaat’s, it’s a season where cravings peak and food becomes a shared experience. The campaign taps into this deep-rooted connection by collaborating with chefs and iconic street food joints, bringing together familiar flavours and the versatility of Godrej Yummiez to show how a ready-to-cook frozen snack can do so much more than expected.

    The series opens in Delhi, where Chef Anahita Dhondy embraces the rainy-day feels from her home kitchen. With the city soaked and cravings in full swing, she turns to her freezer, and whips up a quick, podi flavoured crispy Chicken Nugget snack at home. Her video sets the tone for the series, nostalgic, experimental, and full of flavour, as she signs off by tagging fellow Chefs Amrita Raichand & Ajay Chopra and passing on the craving to continue the flavour trail.

    Back in Mumbai, the series picks up with Chefs Amrita Raichand and Ajay Chopra in conversation, texting about monsoon snacks and Anahita’s dish. One is in the mood for something nutritious yet crispy, the other inspired by regional flavours. Each steps out with a Yummiez pack in hand and heads to bustling food hotspots in Versova to put their own spin on monsoon favourites; Collaborating with Bhaap Re Bhaap, a Versova-based food truck, owned by Ayesha Khan, which is known for nutritious street food and Rongmit, a kitchen loved for its authentic Northeast flavours. Chef Amrita co-creates a fusion air-fried omelette using Hot & Crispy Chicken Bites, while Chef Ajay explores how Laphing can be elevated by the crunch and convenience of Yummiez Chicken Nuggets.

    Together, they fuse local favourites with the crispness of Chicken nuggets, high in protein and zero preservatives, elevating the dish with a satisfying crunch thus blending cultures and cuisines in a way that feels both inventive and deeply comforting.

    Speaking on the campaign, Godrej Foods Ltd. Head – Marketing & Innovation, Anushree Dewen said: “Speaking on the campaign, Anushree Dewen, Head of Marketing & Innovation, Godrej Foods Ltd. said: “We aim to empower consumers with snackable solutions that fit their dynamic lifestyles. This campaign showcases not just the versatility of our portfolio, but how it resonates across Indian culinary styles and spaces. Our collaborations with celebrity chefs and popular food spots help build rich, authentic narratives that place Godrej Yummiez at the heart of modern food conversations.”

    Sharing her experience, Chef Amrita Raichand mentioned: “The joy of cooking in the monsoon hits differently, especially when you’re working with something that’s already flavourful, and ready to go. I loved stepping out of the kitchen and onto the street to experiment in a setting that feels so real and relatable. Godrej Yummiez made it easy to turn a simple omelette into something memorable.”

    The campaign culminates in a UGC contest inviting audiences to remix their own monsoon snack using any Godrej Yummiez product. By sharing their creations and tagging the brand, participants stand a chance to win exclusive hampers and be featured across brand platforms.

  • JioHotstar unites nation with ‘Operation Tiranga: Tiranga Ek, Kahaniyaan Anek’

    JioHotstar unites nation with ‘Operation Tiranga: Tiranga Ek, Kahaniyaan Anek’

    MUMBAI: In celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day, JioHotstar unveils ‘Operation Tiranga’, a platform-wide initiative to honour the nation’s spirit of freedom. Through Tiranga Ek, Kahaniyaan Anek – a thoughtfully curated line-up of powerful narratives, the initiative reflects the many identities, emotions, and ideals embodied by the Indian Tricolour. As part of the campaign, the platform will be extending full-day free access to its entire content library on August 15, emphasising its commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible brand across all parts of India.

    Beyond unlocking the content library, JioHotstar turns storytelling into a salute by welcoming viewers with a splash screen that reflects the colours and spirit of India. The reimagined interface sets the stage for a curated collection of powerful narratives that honour India’s courage and character. Leading this showcase is a collection of stories that explore the complexities of valour, sacrifice, and national identity. Drawing from the symbolism of the flag, the line-up evokes Saffron through accounts of courage and covert heroism in titles like Take Off, Madras Cafe, and IB71; White through emotionally resonant stories of sacrifice and resilience such as Salakaar, Neerja, Mangal Pandey: The Rising, and Chandrashekar; and Green through narratives rooted in cultural legacy and pride, including Sarzameen, Kesari 2, and Airlift. Together, these stories form a cohesive and evocative tribute to the nation — all and more available to stream for free on Independence Day as part of the campaign.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by JioHotstar (@jiohotstar)

    Speaking about the campaign, JioStar head – brand & creative Minakshi Achan said, “JioHotstar has always believed in unlocking infinite possibilities through storytelling by giving viewers the freedom to choose what they watch, when they watch, and how they engage with it. Operation Tiranga is an extension of that philosophy. It is a campaign that celebrates the spirit of Independence Day and removes all barriers to access, allowing every viewer to discover stories that reflect the courage, resilience, and identity of the nation.”

    Operation Tiranga comes to life across key consumer touchpoints – from in-app takeovers and primetime TV spots to high-visibility outdoor, digital, social media and brand collaborations. The campaign also features a partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India to drive flag etiquette awareness, making it a powerful blend of entertainment, education, and national pride.

     

  • Content India 2026 confirms dates and opens registrations

    Content India 2026 confirms dates and opens registrations

    MUMBAI: Following the success of the Content India Summit in April 2025, registrations are now open for its first three-day edition, set to take place from 16-18 March, 2026, at Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

    Content India 2026 aims to connect India’s domestic market with international partners to unlock billions in untapped value. Building on the momentum from earlier this year, Content India 2026 is set to be a dynamic platform for cross-border partnerships in the content space. The three-day event will feature panel discussions, a marketplace for domestic and international content, special screenings, curated networking sessions, and more. It aligns with insights from The Future of the Indian Entertainment Business report, which highlights major growth potential in content sales, acquisitions, co-productions, and services in this new era of collaboration.

    The announcement coincides with a major geopolitical milestone: the signing of a landmark trade agreement between India and the UK, expected to boost bilateral trade by an additional £25.5 billion annually by 2040. This lends even greater relevance to Content India 2026’s broader ambition of strengthening India’s position as a global content hub through strategic international collaboration.

    Content India 2026 is anchored around twelve strategic goals designed to transform India’s entertainment economy. These include creating globally resonant hybrid content, attracting international productions, and showcasing India’s capabilities in AI and post-production. The event will connect the creator economy with legacy media and explore new funding models such as venture capital. It also aims to enable co-productions through a trusted partner network, boost format exports and imports, drive brand partnerships, and highlight global content trends.

    By placing a strategic lens on international collaboration and creative synergy, Content India 2026 positions itself as a marquee industry event for stakeholders looking to be part of the next wave of growth and innovation in India’s content economy.

    Announcing the dates, C21’s editor-in-chief & managing director David Jenkinson said, “The Content India Summit in April 2025 consolidated the fact that there is real opportunity for the Indian and international market to create new partnerships in a fresh way. Content India 2026 will focus on how to build successful content partnerships which benefit all, and lead to new formats of content that can work locally, but also be a hit on the world stage. Now is the time.”

    Dish TV India CEO & executive director Manoj Dobhal added, “India is entering a pivotal phase where content goes beyond entertainment—it represents influence, identity, and economic strength. Content India Summit 2025 offered deep insight into the industry’s evolving aspirations and reaffirmed India’s readiness to lead the next wave of global content innovation. With Content India 2026, we aim to build a purpose-driven platform that champions bold storytelling, connects emerging talent with real opportunity, and turns ambition into impact. Our goal is to foster an inclusive, globally competitive eco-system that empowers both seasoned professionals and the next generation of creators. The potential is immense, and this platform will help unlock it through meaningful collaboration. We welcome all who share this vision for India’s entertainment future to join us.”
     

  • Accedo gives streaming identity a One stop upgrade ahead of IBC 2025

    Accedo gives streaming identity a One stop upgrade ahead of IBC 2025

    MUMBAI: When it comes to streaming, knowing your audience just got a whole new meaning. Accedo, the global provider of video streaming software and services, is rolling out a native identity management feature for its award-winning SaaS platform, Accedo One, set to debut at IBC 2025 in Amsterdam. Until now, user registration and authentication on Accedo One were only possible through third-party plug-ins. The new upgrade bakes these capabilities directly into the platform, allowing video service providers to handle subscriber sign-ups, logins, and account security without ever leaving the ecosystem.

    “Identity management is a critical building block for any video service,” said Accedo One CEO Markus Hejdenberg. “By bringing it natively into Accedo One, we’re making it easier than ever for our customers to manage their subscribers, helping them build, scale, and evolve their video services.”

    The move is part of Accedo’s upcoming subscription management suite, which will cover the entire subscriber lifecycle from sign-up and billing to retention and churn control. While this native option streamlines operations, Accedo One will continue supporting integrations with major external identity and subscription platforms, giving media companies the flexibility to align with their strategic needs.

    Accedo will showcase the upgrade at IBC 2025 from 12–15 September at booth 5.F80, where the company is expected to highlight how unified subscriber management can help broadcasters, OTT players, and niche streamers deliver slicker user experiences and drive long-term loyalty.

    Because in the streaming game, it’s not just about who’s watching, it’s about knowing exactly who they are.
     

  • Pogo powers up for Little Singham’s birthday bash with action, dance and dhamaka

    Pogo powers up for Little Singham’s birthday bash with action, dance and dhamaka

    MUMBAI: This August, Pogo is all set to celebrate the birthday of India’s beloved young supercop, Little Singham, with grand celebrations blending action, emotion, and excitement. As one of the most iconic characters on POGO, India’s homegrown kids’ entertainment channel, Little Singham will be at the heart of a high-voltage, multi-platform campaign designed to delight kids and families across the country.

    Kickstarting the celebrations, POGO has released a new promo featuring dynamic visuals and energy-packed moments, showcasing the essence of Little Singham, his courage, loyalty, and never-give-up spirit. The promo with a specially choreographed ‘hook step’ is also introduced to encourage fans to join in the celebrations and showcase their love for Little Singham across social media platforms.

    Warner Bros. Discovery Head of Factual Entertainment, Lifestyle & Kids, South Asia, Sai Abishek said, “Little Singham is more than just an icon; he stands for courage, confidence, and positivity, making him a true role model for millions of children across India. In the last eight years, Little Singham, its universe, and stories have uniquely and deeply touched kids and families, becoming a milestone for POGO and Warner Bros. Discovery. We remain committed to further building the beloved Little Singham universe that continues to resonate with kids and families.”

    Warner Bros. Discovery, head of marketing, South Asia, Janhavi Vyas added, “This campaign has been designed to be an exciting, multi-touchpoint experience that resonates with kids both on and beyond the screen. From high-energy content to immersive on-ground activations, we are thrilled to bring fans closer to Little Singham in fun and meaningful ways.” 

  • Bright lights up Navi Mumbai Metro with 85,000 sq ft of ad space

    Bright lights up Navi Mumbai Metro with 85,000 sq ft of ad space

    MUMBAI: The Navi Mumbai Metro just got a glow-up and it’s not just the trains making tracks. Bright Outdoor Media Limited, India’s first listed Out-of-Home (OOH) media company, has switched on every single display board across Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1, marking the corridor’s grand entry into the big league of commuter advertising.

    Awarded by the City & Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO), the project hands Bright the exclusive rights to 85,000 sq. ft. of premium advertising space for 10 years. The spread covers 11 stations, metro pillars, and viaducts along the 11 km stretch from Belapur Terminal to Pendhar, a high-traffic route set to become even busier once the Navi Mumbai International Airport opens its doors.

    Stations under the Bright banner include Belapur Terminal, RBI Colony, Belpada, Utsav Chowk, Kendriya Vihar, Kharghar Village, Central Park, Pethpada, Amandoot, Pethali-Taloja and Pendhar. All sites are now installed, illuminated, and open for brand bookings, offering advertisers unmissable exposure to thousands of daily commuters and travellers.

    “We are thrilled to see Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 glowing with Bright & Ronak Advertising boards,” said Bright Outdoor Media Limited chairman & MD Yogesh Lakhani. “With the upcoming airport expected to boost metro traffic, this is the perfect moment for brands to secure prime visibility.”

    For brands looking to own the commute, Navi Mumbai’s newest ad corridor is already on the fast track.

     

  • NDTV hires Aajtak veteran Sameer Anand

    NDTV hires Aajtak veteran Sameer Anand

    MUMBAI: NDTV has recruited  a senior advertising executive from rival broadcaster TV Today, as India’s news channels scramble for talent in an increasingly competitive market.

    Sameer Anand, who spent four and a half years climbing the ranks at TV Today’s Hindi news channel Aajtak, has joined NDTV as assistant vice president. The move comes as broadcasters battle for advertising revenues in a market where every rupee counts.

    Anand’s hire is a coup for NDTV Arena, the broadcaster’s sports arm. At Aajtak, he rose from assistant general manager to deputy general manager of ad sales, handling key corporate accounts that included blue-chip clients such as Maruti Suzuki, LG, Samsung and Panasonic during his earlier stint at Red FM.

    The executive’s career spans nearly two decades across India’s media landscape, including stints at Zee Entertainment Enterprises and radio broadcaster Red FM, where he cut his teeth managing corporate sales for 13 years.

    His appointment signals NDTV’s intent to bolster its commercial operations as Indian news channels face pressure from digital platforms and changing viewer habits. The broadcaster, which has weathered regulatory storms and ownership changes, is keen to strengthen its advertising revenues through experienced hands.

    The hire also reflects the musical chairs nature of India’s media industry, where seasoned sales executives command premium salaries as channels vie for market share in a fragmented landscape.

  • ADC India dials up Q1 profit to Rs 497 lakh on stronger sales and margins

    ADC India dials up Q1 profit to Rs 497 lakh on stronger sales and margins

    MUMBAI: When the lines are this clear, even static can’t hide the signal ADC India Communications Limited has rung in a strong start to FY26, reporting a net profit of Rs 497.15 lakh for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, up from Rs 294.94 lakh in Q4 FY25. The BSE-listed telecom and IT networking solutions provider saw revenue from operations touch Rs 4,510.87 lakh, only marginally lower than the previous quarter’s Rs 4,574.56 lakh, but backed by tighter cost control and better margins. Profit before tax surged 64 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs 665.93 lakh, as expenses dropped to Rs 3,923.91 lakh from Rs 4,279.54 lakh.

    The tax outgo for the quarter stood at Rs 168.78 lakh, leaving earnings per share at Rs 10.81, up from Rs 6.41 in the March quarter.

    Segment-wise, telecommunication revenue came in at Rs 285.70 lakh, while IT networking the bigger business contributed Rs 4,225.17 lakh. Together, these verticals generated Rs 599.40 lakh in segment profit, sharply higher than Rs 378.48 lakh in the preceding quarter.

    On the balance sheet, total assets were at Rs 10,707.76 lakh, with capital employed rising to Rs 7,493.58 lakh. The company ended the quarter with liabilities of Rs 3,214.18 lakh.

    The results, reviewed by the audit committee and approved by the board on 12 August 2025, show a company leaning on its operational discipline as much as its top line. If Q1 is any indication, ADC India is tuning in to a year of stronger reception.

  • Truecaller Ads appoints Archana Roche as global head of measurement & analytics

    Truecaller Ads appoints Archana Roche as global head of measurement & analytics

    MUMBAI: Truecaller has announced the appointment of Archana Roche as global head of measurement & analytics for its rapidly growing Ad Solutions business. This strategic hire reflects Truecaller’s deepening focus on building a world-class advertising ecosystem powered by data-driven insights, transparent metrics, and business impact.

    With the advertising landscape becoming increasingly performance-oriented, Truecaller Ad Solutions is positioning itself as a trusted partner for brands seeking measurable and meaningful outcomes. Archana’s appointment marks a critical step in embedding measurement as a strategic cornerstone of the platform designed to enable advertisers to unlock greater return on investment through rigorous, full-funnel analytics and evidence-based attribution.

    Bringing over 18 years of experience in digital measurement, ad effectiveness, and data strategy, Archana joins Truecaller from Aleph, where she served as Global Lead for Meta Measurement. In her previous role, she led marketing effectiveness initiatives across Europe, Africa, and APAC, driving adoption of advanced methodologies such as incrementality testing, lift studies, and Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM). Her career spans strategic roles at Tata Motors, Pidilite, and Future Group—anchoring her expertise in both digital-first and traditional marketing environments.

    “Measurement will be a defining factor in the next phase of growth for Truecaller Ad Solutions,” said Archana Roche. “We’re building a measurement framework rooted in trust, precision, and accountability—ensuring every ad dollar delivers clarity and real business results. Our mission is to create an ecosystem where advertisers not only measure what matters, but also act on it with confidence.”

    Speaking on her appointment, Truecaller VP global ads business, Hemant Arora said, “I’m delighted to welcome Archana on board. Under her leadership, Truecaller Ad Solutions will continue to evolve its analytics capabilities—integrating performance metrics across the customer journey, from awareness to conversion. This move reinforces Truecaller’s ambition to offer a comprehensive, insight-led advertising platform that delivers both scale and precision”