ICAI to hold 2nd Edition of Startup Sphere Event from June 27-29 in Bengaluru; Aims to facilitate over USD 200 mn funding to startups from Investors

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·         More than 10,000 people from the startup ecosystem expected to Participate in the 3-day Event

Bangalore, May 23rd 2024: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) hosted a curtain-raiser press conference in Bangalore for the upcoming Startup Sphere 2024 event, scheduled from June 27th-29th, 2024, in Bengaluru, the “the tech city of India.” The event aims to bring together the dynamic startup community, including partners, unicorns, leading influencers, founders, investors, leaders, and entrepreneurs, to discuss a broad range of topics related to the startup ecosystem. The goal is to raise awareness, foster idea generation, facilitate capacity building, and offer support for the growth of India’s startup ecosystem.



Building on the resounding success of last year’s inaugural Startup Sphere event in Mumbai, which saw an estimated USD 100 million commitment of funding from 60 pitches presented to 75 investors, this year’s event is poised for even greater achievements.

Sharing insights about the Startup Sphere 2024 event, CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, President, ICAI said, “I am proud to highlight the remarkable growth of India’s startup ecosystem, now the third largest globally. After the success of the inaugural Startup Sphere event in Mumbai last year, we have decided to hold the event in the tech and startup hub of the country, Bengaluru. The Startup Sphere 2024 is scheduled from 27th to 29th June, 2024. We are expecting to arrange more than USD 200 million funding this year. More than 10,000 people are expected to participate in this three-day event that aims to connect entrepreneurs and investors, wherein startups can share their ideas and get investments. The stakeholders can reach out to ICAI for regulatory compliance, advisory on financial management.”



President further added, “We have over 4 lakh members of which around 1.6 lakh Chartered Accountants are in practice. Rest 2.4 lakh members are working in every facet of the financial ecosystem, be it venture capital, investment finance and private equity, their expertise extends throughout contributing significantly to India’s startup success story.”



Sharing more details on the upcoming mega event, CA. Dheeraj Kumar Khandelwal, Chairman, Committee on MSME & Startup of ICAI, said, “The Startup Sphere 2024 event is set to feature 100 exhibitors and 200 startups pitching their innovative ideas to an estimated 100 investors from Bangalore alone. Representatives from over 100 ICAI branches across India will also attend along with eminent Ministers, unicorns, entrepreneurs, government officials. Notably, more than 15 unicorns are expected to participate, adding to the event’s prestige and networking opportunities.”





The ICAI Startup Gateway is a testament to ICAI’s dedication to promoting entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and empowering startups as key contributors to India’s economic progress. The key focal point of Startup Sphere 2024 includes Emerging Trends in Startup Ventures, AI & Machine Learning for Startups, the Intersection of Technology and Entrepreneurship, Digital Transformation & Marketing for Startups, Block Chain and Data Mining etc.



ICAI stands as a steadfast supporter of startups, providing them with crucial resources, mentorship, and a nurturing environment for sustainable development. With a strong connection to the MSME sector, ICAI offers financial advisory services, project financing, and expertise in working capital management, among other valuable services. As a pivotal player in India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, ICAI is committed to fostering the growth of startups and acknowledging their indispensable role in driving economic prosperity and fostering innovation.



The Startup Sphere 2024 event is supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) through the Startup India, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS). This collaborative effort underscores the shared commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in India. Through knowledge-sharing, networking opportunities, and strategic partnerships forged at this event, we aim to catalyze the development of startups and contribute significantly to India’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.

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Portl Secures $3 Million in Funding to Revolutionize Fitness Technology

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Funding Round Led by Bharat Innovation Fund with Participation from Existing Investor Kalaari Capital and New Investor T-Hub Foundation


India, May 23, 2024– Portl, a pioneering Digital Fitness & Wellness Technology startup, has successfully closed a $3 million funding round led by Bharat Innovation Fund. This round also saw participation from existing investor Kalaari Capital and new investor T-Hub Foundation. The new infusion of capital is set to accelerate Portl’s product development, market expansion, and enhancement of its cutting-edge AI systems.


Founded in March 2021 by Indraneel Gupta, Vishal Chandapeta and Armaan Kandhari, Portl has quickly established itself as a disruptor in the fitness technology sector. The company’s flagship offering, the Portl Studio, along with its robust digital platform, integrates cutting-edge artificial intelligence to provide personalized fitness and wellness experiences directly in users’ homes, luxury hotels and gyms. The Smart Mirror boasts a 43-inch 4K screen, embedded bio-sensors, HD cameras, and edge-AI processing with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, offering real-time form feedback, health monitoring, and seamless telemedicine integrations as well.


With its latest funding, Portl plans to broaden its product range, introducing connected strength systems designed for users of all fitness levels, and expand its customer base across India and overseas markets. These systems will feature adjustable digital weight technology and multiple training modes, enhancing home-based strength training. Furthermore, the company aims to launch its next generation of products for the digital health and wellness sector combining its technology, content and hardware expertise.


“At Portl, we are dedicated to reimagining personalized fitness through state-of-the-art technology,” said Indraneel Gupta, Founder and CEO of Portl. “We are dedicated to revolutionizing personalized fitness with cutting-edge technology. This latest funding round validates our vision and commitment to making health and fitness accessible to everyone, no matter where they are. By integrating advanced AI and innovative hardware, we aim to empower individuals to achieve their wellness goals seamlessly and effectively, delivering personalized experiences at scale and afford people the opportunity to adopt healthier lifestyles with ease..”

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7 lakh women diagnosed with cancer each year in India

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Cancer is less amenable to preventive measures in women compared to men


BENGALURU / May 23, 2024: India sees 7 lakh new women patients of cancer each year, with more than one fourth of all cases involving breast cancer (28.8%), followed by cancer of cervix (10.6%), ovary (6.2%), uterus (3.7%) and lung (3.7%). Cancer ranks among top three causes of premature death among women worldwide, but the disease is less amenable to preventive measures in them compared to men. This was said by cancer specialists of Sammprada Hospital, Bengaluru ahead of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health.

Said Dr. Radheshyam Naik, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Hematologist & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician, Sammprada Hospital, Bengaluru: “India contributes about around 1.23 lakh cervical cancer and 1.44 lakh breast cancer cases every year. It accounts for nearly one-third of all global cervical cancer deaths. In recent years, breast cancer has surpassed cervical cancer in-terms of incidence and cause of death in the country.”

He added: “The state at which cancer is diagnosed is a crucial indicator of how effective early diagnosis and screening interventions would be. Unfortunately, majority of cases of breast cancer (57%), ovary (40.6%), and Cervix (60%) are diagnosed at a stage where the cancer has already spread to nearby lymph nodes, tissues, or organs.”

Dr. Vinod K Ramani, Preventive Oncologist  & Dr. Radheshyam Naik, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Hematologist & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician.

Talking about the importance of preventive measures against cancer for women, Dr. Vinod K Ramani, Preventive Oncologist, Sammprada Hospital, Bengaluru: “We recommend all women get themselves screened annually for six types of cancers, including that of breast, cervix, oral cavity, stomach, lung, and colorectal regions. It is important for women in the age group 9 to 15 years to undergo HPV vaccination and adult women to get themselves vaccinated against Hepatitis B virus. In addition, women should be screened for cancer biomarkers which enable early diagnosis, as well as for infections such as Helicobacter pylori, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Women are also advised against using skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone and cosmetic products containing parabens, as these can also lead to cancer.”

In India, 60% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at stage III or IV of the disease. The survival rate of patients with breast cancer is poor in India compared to Western countries. India alone accounts for one-quarter of the worldwide burden of cervical cancers. It is estimated that cervical cancer will occur in approximately 1 in 53 Indian women during their lifetime, compared with 1 in 100 women in more developed regions of the world. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15-44 years in India, with more than 3/4th cases diagnosed at advanced clinical stage with poor prospects of survival.

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‘Progress for Humanity’ह्युंडई मोटर इंडिया ने ‘समर्थ’ पहल के तहत दिव्यांगजनों को असिस्टिव डिवाइस प्रदान किए

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* समावेश और असिस्टिव टेक्नोलॉजी को बढ़ावा देने के लिए ह्युंडई मोटर इंडिया ने अपना पहला ‘समर्थ असिस्टिव डिवाइसेज कॉन्क्लेव’ आयोजित किया

* कॉन्क्लेव के दौरान एचएमआईएफ ने दिव्यांगजनों को तकनीकी रूप से उन्नत 72 असिस्टिव डिवाइस प्रदान किए

* अगले तीन साल में कंपनी ने 684 असिस्टिव डिवाइस प्रदान करने की प्रतिबद्धता व्यक्त की

* कॉन्क्लेव का उद्देश्य जागरूकता बढ़ाना और असिस्टिव डिवाइस की मदद से जीवन सुगम बनाते हुए सशक्त करना है

* कॉन्क्लेव के दौरान वक्ताओं ने असिस्टिव डिवाइस के प्रयोग, इनसे जुड़ी चुनौतियों, टेक्नोलॉजी को बढ़ावा देने और पैरा स्पोर्ट्स में एआई के प्रयोग जैसे मसलों पर अपने विचार साझा किए

* अपनी ‘समर्थ’ पहल के माध्यम से ह्युंडई मोटर इंडिया का उद्देश्य दिव्यांगजनों के लिए अधिक समतापूर्ण एवं संवेदनशील समाज बनाना तथा उन्हें उनकी क्षमताओं का प्रयोग करने में सक्षम बनाना है

बेंगलुरु, 23 मई, 2024: समाज के प्रति अपनी अथक प्रतिबद्धता पर आगे बढ़ते हुए ह्युंडई मोटर इंडिया लिमिटेड (एचएमआईएल) ने आज अपने पहले ‘समर्थ असिस्टिव डिवाइसेज कॉन्क्लेव’ का आयोजन किया। ह्युंडई मोटर इंडिया की सामाजिक पहल ‘समर्थ’ के तहत आयोजित कार्यक्रम में सशक्तीकरण के लिए टेक्नोलॉजी के प्रयोग को लेकर कंपनी की प्रतिबद्धता सामने आई। अपने एनजीओ पार्टनर समर्थनम ट्रस्ट फॉर द डिसेबल्ड के साथ मिलकर ह्युंडई मोटर इंडिया ने अपने समर्थ असिस्टिव डिवाइसेज प्रोग्राम के तहत दिव्यांगजनों को तकनीकी रूप से उन्नत 72 असिस्टिव डिवाइस प्रदान किए। इस प्रोग्राम को ह्युंडई मोटर इंडिया फाउंडेशन और समर्थनम ट्रस्ट फॉर द डिसेबल्ड द्वारा संचालित किया जाता है। असिस्टिव डिवाइस प्रदान करने की यह पहल दिव्यांगजनों के लिए ज्यादा समावेशी समाज बनाने की दिशा में महत्वपूर्ण पड़ाव है।

अपनी ‘समर्थ’ पहल के अंतर्गत एचएमआईएफ ने अगले तीन साल में 684 असिस्टिव डिवाइस प्रदान करने का लक्ष्य रखा है। इनमें हियरिंग एड, व्हील चेयर, दृष्टिहीनों के लिए डिजिटल किट से लेकर बायोनिक लिम्ब्स व अन्य डिवाइस शामिल हैं। तकनीकी रूप से उन्नत इन डिवाइस का उद्देश्य इनके प्राप्तकर्ताओं के लिए मोबिलिटी, विजन, हियरिंग और कम्युनिकेशन को बेहतर करना है।

दिन भर चले इस कॉन्क्लेव ने ‘पैरा स्पोर्ट्स के लिए असिस्टिव टेक्नोलॉजी में निवेश’ के साथ- साथ भारत में असिस्टिव डिवाइस और इनसे जुड़ी चुनौतियों को दूर करते हुए समावेश को बढ़ावा देने जैसे विषयों पर महत्वपूर्ण संवाद के लिए मंच के रूप में कार्य किया। कार्यक्रम के दौरान प्रतिष्ठित पैनलिस्ट के रूप में श्री विनीत सरायवाला, संस्थापक एवं सीईओ, एटिपिकल एडवांटेज, श्री अरमान अली, कार्यकारी निदेशक, नेशनल सेंटर फॉर प्रमोशन ऑफ एम्प्लॉयमेंट फॉर डिसेबल्ड पीपल (एनसीपीईडीपी), श्री आदित्य मेहता, संस्थापक, आदित्य मेहता फाउंडेशन, इंशाह बशीर, व्हीलचेयर बास्केटबॉल प्लेयर व अन्य गणमान्य शामिल रहे। इन गणमान्य लोगों ने सच्चे अर्थों में समावेशी समाज को बढ़ावा देने के लिए जागरूकता एवं असिस्टिव डिवाइस तक पहुंच की तत्काल आवश्यकता को रेखांकित करते हुए अपने विविध दृष्टिकोण साझा किए।

कार्यक्रम में ह्युंडई मोटर इंडिया लिमिटेड (एचएमआईएल) के सीओओ श्री तरुण गर्ग ने कहा, “ह्युंडई मोटर इंडिया को ‘समर्थ’ पहल का नेतृत्व करने पर गर्व है। यह दिव्यांगजनों के सशक्तीकरण के लिए प्रौ‌द्योगिकी का लाभ उठाने की हमारी प्रतिबद्धता को दर्शाता है। ह्युंडई में हम न केवल कारें बनाते हैं, बल्कि समाज को सशक्त बनाने में भी विश्वास करते हैं। समाज को सशक्त बनाने के लिए हम अर्थ (पृथ्वी), मोबिलिटी (गतिशीलता) और होप (आशा) के स्तंभों के तहत सामाजिक पहल करते हैं। यह ह्युंडई के ग्लोबल विजन ‘कॉन्टिन्यू’ के अनुरूप है और ह्युंडई मोटर कंपनी के दृष्टिकोण ‘प्रोग्रेस फॉर ह्यूमैनिटी’ को बढ़ावा देता है। समर्थ इसी विश्वास की अभिव्यक्ति है। ‘समर्थ’ के माध्यम से हमारा लक्ष्य एक अधिक समावेशी समाज बनाना और भारत में दिव्यांगों के लिए जीवन जीने के तरीके को आसान बनाना है। असिस्टिव डिवाइस प्रदान करना राष्ट्र के व्यापक विकास के लिए हमारी प्रतिबद्धता को मजबूत करने की दिशा में एक कदम है। रणनीतिक साझेदारियों और नवीन समाधानों के माध्यम से हम दिव्यांगजनों की क्षमता को सामने लाने और अधिक सहानुभूतिपूर्ण एवं समावेशी समाज का मार्ग प्रशस्त करने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध हैं।”

पहल पर टिप्पणी करते हुए समर्थनम ट्रस्ट फॉर द डिसेबल्ड के संस्थापक एवं मैनेजिंग ट्रस्टी डॉ. महंतेश जी किवदसन्नावर ने कहा, “प्रोग्रेस फॉर ह्यूमैनिटी का अर्थ है प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को अपनी पूरी क्षमता तक पहुंचने के लिए सशक्त बनाना। ‘समर्थ’ पहल के तहत ह्युंडई मोटर इंडिया के साथ हमारा सहयोग एक समावेशी समाज बनाने की दिशा में महत्वपूर्ण कदम है, जहां दिव्यांग लोगों के जीवन को बेहतर बनाने के लिए तकनीक और करुणा को साथ लाया जाता है। हम एक ऐसी दुनिया को बढ़ावा देने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध हैं जहां हर कोई अपना सार्थक योगदान दे सके और यह साझेदारी हमें इस दृष्टिकोण के करीब लाती है।”

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‘Progress for Humanity’Hyundai Motor India, Under ‘Samarth’ Initiative provides assistive devices to people with disabilities

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Hyundai Motor India hosts its first ‘Samarth Assistive Devices Conclave’ promoting inclusion and assistive technology.

HMIF provides 72 technologically advanced assistive devices to people with disabilities at the conclave.

The company has committed 684 assistive devices over the next three years.

The conclave aims to drive awareness and empowering through assistive technology for the ease of living.

Speakers at the conclave shared diverse perspectives on subjects like enabling use of assistive devices, challenges, promoting technology, and Al tech inclusion in Para Sports.

Hyundai Motor India through its ‘Samarth’ initiative aims to cultivate a more equitable and sensitized society for the differently abled and want them to see their true capabilities.

Bangalore, 23 May, 2024: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), in its unwavering commitment to society, hosted its first ‘Samarth Assistive Devices Conclave’ today. Designed under Hyundai Motor India’s ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ social initiative, the event showcased company’s commitment to harnessing technology for empowerment. In collaboration with its NGO partner- Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, Hyundai Motor India distributed 72 technologically advanced assistive devices under its Samarth Assistive Devices Programme by Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) and Samarthanam Trust for the disabled, marking a profound milestone in its journey towards a more inclusive society for people with disabilities.

Under its ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative, HMIF has pledged to distribute a total of 684 assistive devices over the next three years, encompassing a wide range of innovations from hearing aids, wheel chairs, digital kits for the visually impaired to bionic limbs and other devices. These technologically advanced assistive devices aim to enhance mobility, vision, hearing, and communication capabilities for the recipients.

The day-long conclave served as a platform for crucial dialogues revolving around topics such as- enabling inclusion through assistive devices, challenges surrounding disability in India, along with investment in assistive technologies for para sports. Distinguished panelists, including Mr. Vineet Saraiwala, Founder & CEO of Atypical Advantage, Mr. Arman Ali, Executive Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), Mr. Aditya Mehta, Founder of the Aditya Mehta Foundation, Inshah Bashir, Wheelchair Basketball player and many more, shared their diverse perspectives, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, and accessibility of assistive devices to foster a truly inclusive society.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Tarun Garg, COO, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “Hyundai Motor India is proud to spearhead ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative, which reflects our commitment to leveraging technology for empowerment of individuals with disabilities. At Hyundai Motor India, we don’t just make cars but also believe in empowering society, and to empower society, we undertake social initiatives under the pillars of- Earth, Mobility and Hope. These are aligned with Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Continue’ and propagate Hyundai Motor Company’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ is a manifestation of this belief. Through ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, we aim to create a more inclusive society and ease the way of living for people with disabilities in India. Providing assistive devices is a step towards strengthening our commitment for the nation’s comprehensive development. Through innovative solutions, we are determined to unlock the potential of individuals with disabilities and pave the way for a more empathetic and inclusive society.”

Commenting on the initiative, Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Founder, Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, said, “Progress for humanity means empowering every individual to reach their full potential. Our collaboration with Hyundai Motor India under the ‘Samarth’ initiative is a significant step towards creating an inclusive society where technology and compassion converge to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. We are committed to fostering a world where everyone can contribute meaningfully, and this partnership brings us closer to that vision.”

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