Tag: Innovation

Business

Godrej’s Locks & Architectural Solutions Partners with Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 17 as Official Safety Partner

Tanisha Cardozo

Mumbai, August 2025: Locks & Architectural Solutions, a flagship brand under the Godrej Enterprises Group, has reaffirmed its commitment to home safety and technological innovation by partnering once again with India’s most iconic quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), for Season 17. This marks the second consecutive year of the association, strengthening the brand’s mission to redefine home safety for modern Indian households.

The collaboration brings together two trusted household names — Locks & Architectural Solutions and KBC — both known for their legacy, credibility, and continued relevance in the lives of millions. Hosted by the legendary Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and aired on Sony TV, KBC continues to symbolize knowledge, trust, and aspiration. As the Official Safety Partner for the season, Locks & Architectural Solutions will enjoy prominent on-screen presence, including a unique moment in each episode where Mr. Bachchan will hand over the brand’s latest innovation, the GSL D1 digital lock, to the winner. This gesture is more than symbolic — it represents a promise to protect the aspirations and homes of everyday Indians.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, safety goes beyond physical barriers. With rising awareness about digital and connected living, the need for intelligent home security solutions has never been more crucial. Locks & Architectural Solutions is at the forefront of this transformation, offering a diverse range of smart locks equipped with biometric access, RFID technology, mobile app integration, and more. The GSL D1 range represents the brand’s latest breakthrough, showcasing how technology can blend seamlessly with design and functionality.

Mr. Shyam Motwani, Business Head, Locks & Architectural Solutions, commented, “Kaun Banega Crorepati is a show that embodies trust and empowerment — values that align perfectly with our mission. Through this partnership, we aim to inspire Indian families second time to embrace modern safety solutions that combine Godrej’s legacy of trust with the power of technology showcased through our iconic new product range, GSL D1 integration.”

Locks & Architectural Solutions has consistently set benchmarks in the industry. From launching India’s first ‘Made in India’ digital lock to introducing the world’s first lock with patented dual motion technology, the brand has transformed how safety is perceived — evolving from just a functional product to an integral part of modern living. The recent expansion into architectural fittings and systems further highlights Godrej’s commitment to pioneering innovation and elevating everyday spaces.

This partnership with KBC is more than just brand visibility; it is a movement aimed at sparking conversations around future-ready home security. Viewers are encouraged to interact with the brand on digital platforms, visit stores nationwide, and explore how smart safety solutions can integrate into their homes.

As millions tune in to watch lives change on KBC, Locks & Architectural Solutions ensures that those dreams are protected — with trust, with technology, and with the assurance of a safer tomorrow.

EduConnect

Sony Research India and Goa University Launch Advanced AI Lab at GURU Campus

Tanisha Cardozo

In a major boost to India’s academic and technological landscape, Sony Research India and Goa University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 14, 2025, to establish the Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AAI) Laboratory — the first industry-supported AI research lab at Goa University. The lab will be housed at the Goa University Research Park Unit (GURU), a hub for innovation, incubation, and industry-academic collaboration.

The MoU was signed in the presence of representatives from both institutions. Sony Research India was represented by Dr. Pankaj Wasnik (Director – T&D) and Mr. Arithy MV (Manager – Strategy & Partnerships), while Goa University was represented by its top academic leadership, including Prof. Harilal Menon (Vice-Chancellor), Prof. Sundar Dhuri (Registrar), Prof. Ramesh Pai, Prof. Sanjeev Ghadi, Prof. Sandeep Garg, and others. Dr. Narayan Vetrekar and Prof. Rajendra Gad will serve as Principal Investigators leading the initiative.

The AAI Laboratory aims to promote cutting-edge research in Advanced Artificial Intelligence, with a special focus on multimodal data — the integration and interpretation of diverse data types such as text, images, and audio. The lab is designed to support a comprehensive research ecosystem that includes:

  • Fellowship programmes for emerging researchers
  • Joint research projects with Sony scientists
  • Guest lectures and workshops
  • Training programmes to build capacity in AI and related domains

Sony Research India’s participation marks a forward-thinking commitment to nurturing innovation at the university level. The lab will provide infrastructure, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities with Sony’s global AI research teams.

Housed within GURU, the Goa University Research Park Unit, the AAI Lab represents the university’s growing emphasis on research, industrial engagement, and innovation. GURU, created with support from the Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa, aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, offering platforms for intellectual and entrepreneurial development.

For Goa University, this partnership with Sony Research India isn’t just about a physical laboratory — it’s about creating a long-term ecosystem of innovation that nurtures talent, drives impactful research, and puts Goa on the map as a hub for AI-driven academic excellence.

As the first-of-its-kind collaboration at the university, the AAI Lab is a blueprint for future university-industry partnerships in India, offering scalable models for joint research, knowledge exchange, and global skill development in the age of artificial intelligence.

EduConnect

Dempo College Signs MoU with Gogte Institute of Technology for Academic & Research Collaboration

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant step towards strengthening inter-institutional ties in higher education, DCT’s Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce and Economics (Autonomous), Goa, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KLS Gogte Institute of Technology (GIT), Belagavi. The formal signing took place during a special function hosted in Belgaum, bringing together key academic leaders and faculty members from both institutions.

The objective of this collaboration is to enhance academic exchange, research collaborations, and promote knowledge-sharing practices that benefit students and faculty alike. This MoU marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that leverages the strengths of both institutions to co-create innovative educational and research opportunities.

Dempo College was represented by Prof. (Dr.) Manoj S. Kamat, Principal; Prof. Sangeeta Chakrabarty, Vice Principal and Head of I.T. Department; and Prof. Deepali Churi, Head of Economics Department. On behalf of KLS GIT, the delegation was led by Dr. M. S. Patil, Principal, along with Dr. H. N. Shivaprasad, Dean; Dr. Sanjay Deshpande, Associate Professor; Dr. Vanishri Hundekar; and Dr. Rekha Birje, Assistant Professor.One of the key initiatives discussed as part of the collaboration is the planning of an International Conference to be hosted in Goa. Themed ‘Driving the Future: Innovation, Technology & Sustainability in a Changing Business Landscape’, the conference will

International

Dubai’s Smart Palms: Blending Technology, Sustainability & Comfort

allycaralgoa

Dubai, a city renowned for its futuristic vision, has once again redefined urban innovation with the introduction of Smart Palms—solar-powered trees designed to merge comfort, connectivity, and sustainability. 🌤️🌴

These high-tech structures harvest solar energy during the day and store it, enabling 24/7 functionality. Each Smart Palm offers a wide range of services:

  • Free high-speed Wi-Fi for residents and tourists
  • Multiple charging ports for phones, tablets, and devices
  • Eco-friendly LED lighting that reduces carbon footprint
  • Interactive digital information screens for navigation and city updates
  • Shaded resting spots to beat the desert heat

Strategically located across Dubai’s beaches, parks, and public spaces, Smart Palms serve not just as a utility but also as a symbol of the city’s commitment to green energy and smart infrastructure.

By integrating renewable energy into daily life, Dubai demonstrates how cities can adopt eco-friendly solutions while offering world-class amenities. The Smart Palm stands tall as both a technological marvel and a sustainability icon.

International

Gillbert the Robot Fish: A Student’s Bold Move Against Microplastics

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In the ongoing fight against plastic pollution, a new hero has emerged from an unlikely place — a university classroom. Meet Gillbert, a salmon-sized, 3D-printed robotic fish that swims like its biological cousins but with a futuristic twist: it filters out microplastics from the water.

Created by Eleanor Mackintosh, a student at the University of Surrey, Gillbert is designed with a mesh filtration system that traps even the smallest plastic particles. Built with affordability, sustainability, and education in mind, the robot is also open-source and free to replicate — making it accessible to communities, schools, and researchers worldwide.

Gillbert’s mission is more than academic. The robot has already undergone real-world testing in UK lakes, proving its ability to collect microplastics efficiently while maintaining the elegant, natural movements of a fish — thanks to biomimetic engineering.

This project underscores a growing trend of student-led climate tech and shows how innovation doesn’t have to come from massive R&D budgets or large corporations. Sometimes, it starts with a student, a printer, and a purpose.

With more interest growing around Gillbert’s design, there’s hope that this humble robot fish could spark a wave of similar solutions worldwide.