This thread exclusively for technology related projects for Bangalore.

Bangalore R&D offshoring hub for 50 percent MNCs

Bangalore leads for R&D offshoring by MNCs, both for captive units and outsourced product development. About 50 percent of 780 MNC R&D centers are based in Bangalore, according to the research firm, Zinnov Management Consulting.

more info @ http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Bangalore_RD_offshoring_hub_for_50_percent_MNCs-nid-58075.html

Bangalore-based Karbonn Mobiles is planning to raise $50 Mn (Rs.230 Cr) through private equity and is in talks with two PE funds - Accel Partners and Mount Kellet Capital, for the same.

Karbonn Mobile is a joint venture between Bangalore-based United Telelinks group and Delhi-based Jaina group.

Karbonn Mobiles is in the process of setting up a handset manufacturing facility in Bangalore with a capacity of 400,000 units. It is expected to be operational by April this year. As of now, all of Karbonn’s handsets, like for most domestic players, are imported largely from China and Taiwan while the designing is done in India.

According to market research firm IDC, Karbonn Mobiles had a market share of 2.14% in the July-September 2010 quarter, with Nokia leading with a market share of 31.5%, followed by G'Five – 10.8%, Samsung – 8.2% and Micromax – 7.2%.

Last year in September, Private equity firms Sandstone Capital, Sequoia Capital and Madison India Capital invested around Rs.200 Cr for a minority stake of less than 10% in handset maker, Micromax.

Low cost handset maker Gee Pee Infotech Pvt Ltd is also planning to raise PE of Rs.100 Cr by diluting 20% stake to set up a new assembly unit and expand retail network across India, valuing the company at a valuation of Rs.500 Cr. Delhi-based Olive Telecom is also looking for PE funding.

Accel India’s portfolio includes Flipkart.com, Mitra Biotech, Inbiopro, Perfint among others.

Mount Kellett Capital’s Asia focused fund Mount Kellett Fund I was closed at $2.5 Bn in 2009.

Technicolor is entering the 2D-to-3D business, with the company launching conversion units for feature and TV projects in Los Angeles, London and Bangalore, India.
As to the Los Angeles base, some conversion work has been done in Technicolor's Hollywood facility, but plans are to open a dedicated 2D-to-3D operation next month in Burbank.
Pierre Routhier, Technicolor’s vp for 3D product strategy and business development, told Screen International that MPC, Technicolor’s VFX business, will handle new releases in London and that conversion units in Los Angeles and Bangalore would handle catalog projects.
All final converted material will be passed through Technicolor’s recently launched 3D certification program, Certifi3D.

Bangalore, Jan 20 (IANS) South Asia's largest machine tool exposition got underway Thursday in this tech hub to showcase the latest technological trends and products used by the Indian manufacturing industry.

Organised by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association (IMTMA), the 15th Indian metal-cutting machine tool exhibition (Imtex 2011) at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) on the outskirts of the city has attracted 23 countries, including Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Russia and the US to participate for the first time.

The biennial trade fair, being held with Tooltech 2011 as a concurrent show, has over 800 exhibitors displaying about 750 machines valued at Rs.1,400 crore (Rs.14 billion).

Inaugurating the seven-day event, Planning Commission member Arun Maira said manufacturing and machine tools industry played a vital role in the country's gross domestic product (GDP), which was poised to growth at around nine percent per annum.

'India is fast emerging as a global manufacturing hub and trade fairs like Imtex provide an ideal platform to showcase the latest trends in the machine tool sector and a venue for producers and consumers to interact,' Maira told about 1,000 delegates participating in the event.

Association president M. Lokeswara Rao said the focus of the expo was on high-end technology for growth sectors such as defence, aerospace automobile and medical engineering.

'For the first time in India, digital factories with enterprise resource planning (ERP) packages are being introduced in the machine tool industry. Manufacturers will replicate ideal shop floor conditions at the expo for consumers to experience the various machines in working condition,' Rao said.

State-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K. Radhakrishnan, who was the guest of honour for the inaugural occasion, said with Bangalore emerging as a global aerospace engineering hub, advanced technology and manufacturing was essential to make India globally competitive and customer oriented.

'Aviation is a major tool for economic development and Imtex, with its focus on high-end technology will benefit the aerospace sector in India,' said Radhakrishnan.

Godrej & Boyce chairman and managing director Jamshyd N. Godrej said the machine tool industry supported the growth of several strategic sectors and industries in an economy.

'As growth in the machine tool industry is demand driven, it has a huge potential to become a global player by investing in innovation and research and development (R&D) activities,' Godrej, who is also chairman of the IMTMA's exhibitions, noted.

The association has set a target of compounded annual growth rate of 25 percent for the industry during the next 10 years to achieve a turnover of Rs.23,000 crore by 2020 from the estimated turnover of Rs.3,100 crore this fiscal (2010-11) and Rs.3,870 crore in the ensuing fiscal (2011-12), a growth of 24.8 percent over this fiscal.

Source @ http://www.sify.com/finance/south-asia-s-largest-machine-tool-expo-opens-in-bangalore-news-default-lbut4hifiec.html

Starrag Heckert Machine Tools Pvt Ltd, the Indian subsidiary of Switzerland-based $250 million Starrag Heckert AG, a manufacturer of horizontal machining centers, today announced the setting up of a manufacturing plant in Bangalore, its first outside Europe.

The company will invest Rs50 crore on the new plant, which will produce 60 units per year in the first phase and 120 units in the second phase.

“There is a demand for about 300 horizontal machining centers in India annually and we want to capture about 15 per cent market share in the next two years. We will manufacture 4-axis and 5-axis horizontal machining centres for both Indian and Chinese markets,” A N Chandramouli, managing director, Starrag Heckert Machine Tools Pvt Ltd said.

As a first step towards its Indian operations, the company has set up a technology center at Peenya in Bangalore with an initial investment of Rs 6 crore.

The tech center will demonstrate its heavy duty WMW CWK machining centers. The headcount at the tech center will be doubled from the present 30 in the next one year, he said.

The machines produced in the new factory will be supported by tooled up solutions from the tech center, which will relocate to the new facility, he added.

Walter Borsch, executive vice-president (operations), StarragHeckert said, the company has recently acquired 8 acres land at Aerospace Park near Bangalore international airport from Karnataka

Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) to set up a greenfield facility to build WMW brand of machining centres, which will be operational in 2012.

The Bangalore facility will have 200 technical manpower, which will be trained through the Swiss Vocational Education and Training programme already initiated in collaboration with Swiss-Indian Chamber of Commerce, he said.

Ashok Leyland, BHEL, Hansen, HAL and Ace Designers are its early customers in India, for whom the company is importing machines from Europe, Chandramouli said adding that the company would be able to manufacture at 30 per cent less costs in India compared to Europe.

To begin with the company will achieve 40 per cent localisation in India and scale it up in the second phase, he said.

Globally, Starrag Heckert is known for its SIP Jig Borers, the precision milling machines. In India, it has sold over 100 such machines over the last four decades.

Souce @ http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/starrag-heckert-plans-new-facility-in-city/422320/

Gandhinagar: General Motors India will invest about $500 million over the next two to three years to increase production capacity in it's facilities in Halol, Gujarat and in Talegaon, Maharashtra.

In the next 12 months,GM India will invest $100 million at its Halol plant in Gujarat to increase production capacity from the current annual level of 85,000 units to to 1.05 lakh units a year.

The Halol facility will be converted into a hub for making commercial vehicles (CVs) which will be launched from the stable of GM's Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). Both SAIC and US-based GM have an equal stake (50%) in General Motors India.Currently the Halol plant produces the Aveo, Optra, Cruze and the multi-utility vehicle Tavera.

The second phase of expansion will take place in the company's Talegaon facility where production capacity will be increased from its current 1.4 lakh units per year to 1.6 lakh units per year.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 5th Global Summit of Vibrant Gujarat in Ahemedabad, General Motors India President and Managing Director Karl Slym said that the company has plans to launch six new cars in India in the next two years and to introduce 14 new variants of its existing car models.

According to reports, the six new vehicles to be launched include a pick-up van, multi-seater van, hatchback, sports utility vehicle and multi-purpose vehicle.

GM also plans to launch three models of SAIC light commercial vehicles of around 1 tonne capacity and the first LCV is expected by the end of the this year. With 90% localisation the engines will be sourced from GMI's engine manufacturing unit in Talegaon which was commissioned in November last year.The engine manufacturing facility built at the cost of USD 230 million, has an initial annual production capacity of 160,000 engines, both petrol and diesel, and is designed to accommodate future expansion.

GM will also be increasing its workforce strength in its General Motors Technical Centre at ITPL, Bangalore, which houses the R&D and engineering centre to support GM’s global portfolio.


Source @ http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3018&Itemid=2

BANGALORE: Local machine tool companies are finding themselves underequipped to deal with surging industry demand. This means that 70% of the demand is met by imports from countries such as Germany and China, and the industry acknowledges that unless swift measures are taken this trend could further strengthen.

With India's GDP growing at close to 9%, the demand for machine tools is expected to multiply from a number of industries including auto, general engineering, energy, railways and defence. According to Shailesh Sheth, chairman of the programme committee of the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association (IMTMA), the Indian machine tool industry saw a 25% CAGR growth over the last few years. "This is estimated to grow 50-100% over the next few years. But the capacity of local players is not enough to meet these demands," he said.

The auto sector accounts for 60% of machine tool demand in the country. Auto Component Manufacturers Association ( ACMA) estimates India will sell 2.7 million cars, 12.5 million two wheelers and 0.5 million commercial vehicles (CVs) in 2010-11. This will grow exponentially to 10 million cars, 30 million two wheelers and 2.2 million CVs by 2020. This means that auto component manufacturers will have to invest $2 billion every year, and machine tool operators in the country will have to ramp up capacity by 7-8 times to meet that demand.

The local machine tool players do not have the financial wherewithal to make such levels of investments. Around 60% of the sector consists of small unorganized players. The remaining 40% includes bigger organized players like HMT, Premier and Ace Micromatic. The current size of the machine tool industry stands at Rs 9,000 crore and IMTMA forecasts this to increase to Rs 23,000 crore by 2020.

Indian machine tool firms are also qualitatively unable to match the demands of the industry. "Most of the current local production caters to the lower end of the value chain and mainly to the auto component sector. Progressively we are seeing an increase in demand for more hi-technology products which are being met primarily through imports," said Jamshyd N Godrej, Chairman-Exhibitions of IMTMA, at the metal-cutting and machine tool exhibition IMTEX 2011 currently on in Bangalore.

Arun Maira, member of the Planning Commission, said countries such as Germany, South Korea, Japan, and now China, which have become significant players in the machine tool industry, developed their capabilities through heavy investments in R&D and manpower training. "In India as well we need to invest in these areas as there is a huge shortage of innovation as well as engineering talent," he said.

New capacities emerging

Companies such as Premier have begun increasing manufacturing and R&D capacity. "We have invested around Rs 120 crore over the last couple of years and are currently scouting for additional land to expand our capacity in Pune. We are also setting up a new R&D facility in Bangalore and moving into new product lines," said Maitreya Doshi, CMD of Premier.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has also been flowing in with companies like Germany's StarragHeckert recently announcing the setting up of a factory at Bangalore to build WMW machining centres. Walter Borsch, executive VP-operations, said the greenfield manufacturing facility would entail a Rs 50 crore investment. Products are expected to start rolling out in the next 24 months.

German group Gildemeister and Japanese group Mori Seiki are expanding their presence in India by jointly investing in a new technology centre.

The IMTMA is encouraging joint ventures between Indian and foreign technology majors. It is also lobbying with the government for setting up a Rs 2,000 crore corpus to support the sector as well as for the establishment of regional machine tool clusters in Punjab, Gujarat, Pune, Belgaum and Coimbatore, all of which have a significant machine tool industry presence.


source @ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Machine-tool-industry-sees-surge-in-local-demand/articleshow/7327984.cms

BANGALORE: Over the next few years India will emerge as a global hub for Swedish company Volvo Bus Corporation. The company has laid plans to develop four regions in the world -- India, China, Poland and Mexico as regional hubs for exports and product development. India will cater to the South Asian markets as well as some other developing regions like South Africa.

For this, Volvo will invest Rs 200 crore over the next 2-3 years at its manufacturing unit in Hoskote, on the outskirts of Bangalore. It plans to increase its manufacturing capacity to 5,000 units by 2015. "The company is also expanding its R&D base in the country by setting up a new product development establishment in India," said Hakan Karlsson, president and CEO of Volvo Bus Corporation, who was in Bangalore on Wednesday.

Volvo India is also increasing its component-sourcing footprint in the country. "We plan to make India, the auto component sourcing hub for the rest of our manufacturing centres. The bus body for our Indian products is today totally localized. We plan to make 100% localized buses in the future," said Rune Lundberg, senior VP, Volvo Bus Corporation. For greater localization the company is also setting up a new engine factory in Pithampur, MP.

Volvo Buses India grew by around 15% in volumes in 2010 selling close to 500 buses. It expects a growth of 15-20% overall with soft services to contribute 50% of its revenue by 2013-14.

Source @ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/India-to-become-global-hub-for-Volvo-Buses/articleshow/7284238.cms

Mercedes may follow Tata's footsteps, develop a small car (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Mercedes-may-follow-Tatas-footsteps-develop-a-small-car/articleshow/7379301.cms#ixzz1CKfMBHJn)

Jan 28, 2011, 05.36pm IST

MUMBAI: On the back of a thriving domestic economy fuelled by an increasing appetite for consumption, global auto giant Mercedes-Benz is looking at developing a small car for the Indian market, a senior company executive said.

The company, however, has not arrived at any time-frame to translate the idea into a concrete plan, the executive said.

"We can develop our own (small) car for India in future," Mercedes Benz India's Chief Financial Officer and Management Board Member, Uwe Jarosch, told reporters here.

The car development requires a huge investment and therefore it needs to be backed up by volumes, Jarosch said.

"If we are investing Euro 1-billion on development of the car, then definitely (we) want huge volumes to justify it," he said.

The company's R&D centre in Bangalore, which supports the company's headquarters in Germany is likely to work on the small car project.

Mercedes-Benz also plans to nearly double the headcount at its Bangalore centre from the present 600, by next year, he said.

As a part of its business strategy, the German car-maker also plans to set up brand centres with investment from its existing dealers, which would show-case around 20-odd models.

The first such centre is expected to be set up in Delhi by March this year, Jarosch said, adding Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai centres would come up at a later stage.


TOI

General Motors India introduces locally-developed 1.2L Smart-Tech Engine
(http://www.favstocks.com/general-motors-india-introduces-locally-developed-1-2l-smart-tech-engine/2832017/)
By Green Car Congress on 01/28/2011 – 2:50 am PST

General Motors India has introduced its new Smart-Tech engine. The 1.2-liter Smart-Tech engine was created by the GM Technical Centre-India in Bangalore in cooperation with GM’s new engine plant in Talegaon. It will be produced at the Talegaon facility for a range of new models offered by GM in India.

The Smart-Tech engine features aluminum cylinder heads, deep skirt cylinder block and lightweight pistons with low tension rings, which decreases weight and maximizes fuel economy. The engine also features a DOHC valvetrain with direct acting valve actuation to further improve the efficiency, a long runner plastic intake manifold for good low-end torque and lightweight counterbalanced crank shaft for great NVH.

The engine has a maintenance-free inverted tooth timing chain drive system. The chain links engage at a lower impact speed, which decreases the noise generated for quiet operation.

K'taka set to be a semicon hub

After getting the cabinet nod for the Karnataka Semiconductor Policy 2010, the state IT department is planning to transform the state as the semiconductor hub of the country. The state, a pioneer in the IT revolution of the country, is now exploring options like partnerships with fab manufacturing countries, research and development organisations and also with academic institutions to explore possibilities for the growth of semiconductor companies located in the state.

The state has also offered various fiscal incentives to companies to boost the growth of electronic sector. Global semiconductor design and manufacturing market size is expected to be around $ 200 billion. The semiconductor design market in India was $6.5 billion in 2009 and is estimated to cross $7.5 billion in 2011. Currently, the state has a presence of more than 80 design companies like the AMD, Intel, Texas Instruments, Broadcom, ARM among others and it contributes to over 70 per cent of the overall India market.

Ashok Kumar Manoli Principal Secretary for IT BT and ST Karnataka State said: “We announced semiconductor policy last year focusing on the need of semiconductor sector. We now realized the need for a policy for manufacturing and has come out with Karnataka Electronics Hardware Policy and has earmarked Rs 25 crore as budgetary allocation for implementation of the policy.”

According to a recent report from ISA, by the year 2020 electronics consumption in India will reach $400 billion from its current share of $45 billion. Though India is a big consumer of electronic equipments majority of the semiconductor and electronic equipments are imported from countries like Taiwan, China, Singapore. Industry experts believe that it can act as a barrier for the growth of the sector in India, as it will lead to an import oriented market.

“India has to develop the manufacturing capacity to become a leader in the semiconductor business. Taiwan is one of the biggest fab country in the world and we are exploring various partnership programme with the country. Taiwan is also looking at possibilities of establishing electronic hardware zone in the state,” said Manoli.

Karnataka has recently signed an MoU with Israel’s MATIMOP, the Israeli Industry Center for R&D, for research and development partnership. “Other than these partnerships African country Rwanda is very keen on a MoU to draw benefits from the IT strengths of the state,” he said.

With the semiconductor policy government is also promoting establishment of solar farms and solar Photo voltaic manufacturing. The state government has set up the first solar farm in Bangarpet taluk of Kolar with a capacity to generate 3MW power. Two other plants of 3 Mw capacity are proposed to be set up in Raichur and Belgaum.

Earlier, in order to enable the semiconductor companies to avail the benefits enumerated in the Policy and to create awareness among the industrialists, The Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka organised a half-day event in coordination with ISA and MAIT.

source (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/k%5Ctaka-set-to-besemicon-hub/423476/)

Bangalore, Jan 24 (PTI) Underwriters Laboratories (UL), aglobal leader in product safety testing and certification,today announced the opening of its testing and certificationfacility for photovoltaic (PV) equipment here.

This state-of-the-art lab is UL's fifth global footprintand has been set up with an investment of USD four million,the company said in a statement.

"The lab is equipped with Environmental Chambers, SunSimulators and Instrumentation from global leaders like ESPEC,Spire Corporation and Agilent", it said. It is capable oftesting and certifying 48 families of PV modules in a year.

Apart from testing for certification, this facility canalso support testing for product development, quality controland performance assessment for PV power plants.

source @ http://news.oneindia.in/2011/01/24/ulopens-pv-equipment-testingcertification-facility-inbl-aid0126.html

Responsys, Inc., a leading provider of on-demand email and cross-channel marketing solutions, today announced the opening of a new office in India. As a development hub, the new office in Bangalore provides Responsys with access to local talent in the region.

Helping to expand the company’s presence in the region, Srishti Sofat has taken the role of General Manager of Responsys Business Solutions India Private Limited, reporting to Antonio Casacuberta, Chief Technology Officer. Unti`l recently, Sofat served as General Manager of InfoSpace, a developer of metasearch products, leading that company’s development center in India. Sofat brings over a decade of development experience and a local network of talented engineers to Responsys.

“Responsys is always looking for attractive opportunities to expand globally,” said Dan Springer, Chief Executive Officer of Responsys. “A Bangalore office provides access to some of the top engineers outside of the U.S. We’ll continue to invest in excellent people to help us continue to deliver the innovative products our customers expect from Responsys.”

“The opening of a new R&D center in Bangalore illustrates Responsys’ strong commitment to India,” said Srishti Sofat, General Manager of Responsys Business Solutions India Private Limited. “Through our Bangalore center, we will be able to accelerate the development of solutions for our global customers and help them capitalize on today’s most important marketing channels such as email, mobile, social, and the web to drive higher revenue.”

The Bangalore center is focused on developing enterprise solutions in the areas of distributed computing, high volume transaction processing, and large scale system design. With a strong commitment to India, Responsys plans to further grow its Bangalore center with a recent move to a new office in Bangalore. By selecting exceptional high quality technical talent from premier engineering institutions and companies, Responsys plans to ramp up their Bangalore center head count in the near future.

http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Responsys-opens-development-center-in-Bangalore/5069974063

India and Switzerland will further strengthen the bilateral efforts in health research by setting up a global science and technology outpost in India and launching another round of collaborative research programme in the field of medical sciences and nanotechnology.

Switzerland is establishing a global science and technology centre named Swissnex India in Bangalore to foster cooperation in research. It will serve as an Indian R&D hub and host several scientific and technology institutes. It is also intended as a base for Swiss and Indian organizations to connect, share knowledge and form partnerships in science and technology.

Swissnex is run by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Education and Research together with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. It will be the fifth such global centre after San Francisco, Boston, Shanghai and Singapore. Research areas will include material sciences and nanotechnology, health and medical sciences along with information and communication technologies, sources said.

Besides, the two countries together will launch another round of joint research programme in the field of infectious biology including innovative and safe vaccine development. “The collaborative project looks to encourage further advances in research and knowledge production within the programme's priority research areas. It will aim to create synergies across borders and institutes and to draw benefit from pooled research efforts and expertise,” according to official sources.

Both the governments will extend grants to the select scientists in both the countries to take up research under the collaborative programme that will last for three years. “All grants for the year 2012 are subject to the approval by the Swiss Parliament in 2011. Total Swiss funding budgeted: CHF 2 million. Swiss funding will be awarded to the Swiss main applicants to cover the costs for the Swiss part of the joint projects (maximum of support: CHF 250’000 for 3 years). Grant funds may not be used to cover overhead costs. The over-head charges to the Indian participating Institutes shall be provided by Department of Science and Technology as per prevailing DST norms,” said a notification.

Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme was founded in 2005 by the Swiss State Secretariat of Education and Research (SER) and the Indian Department of Science and Technology (DST) with the goal of furthering cooperation in strategic scientific and technical areas relevant to Switzerland and India.

It is aimed at supporting research partnerships between Swiss and Indian scientists, by promoting faculty and student exchanges between the two countries, and by facilitating access to specialised equipment and resources in the counterpart country.

On the Indian side, ISJRP is directed and coordinated by DST. In Switzerland, ISJRP is implemented and managed by the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the Swiss Leading House for India. Since 2008, EPFL is assisted by the University of Lausanne (UNIL), the Associated Leading House for India.

Since its inception, ISJRP has issued two calls for joint proposals, one in January 2005 and one in December 2007. Both calls aroused strong interest among Swiss and Indian scientists, reflecting the high demand for such an opportunity.

Bangalore Fastly emerging as a global healthcare research hub


source @ http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=61081&sid=1

Carl Zeiss opens R&D centre in City
Bangalore, Feb 5, DHNS:

Carl Zeiss Meditec, medical technology division of €3.8 billion German-based optical and opto-electronic major — Carl Zeiss AG Group, on Saturday, announced the setting up of CARin (Centre for Applications & Research) in Bangalore.

Briefing reporters, Carl Zeiss AG President & CEO Michael Kaschke, said the centre is aimed at strengthening the group’s presence in India and target investments in research and development projects. Carl Zeiss Meditec President & CEO Ludwin Monz said the centre will be engaged in critical areas of ophthalmology — glaucoma, cataracts as also diabetes-led eye deficiencies.

The centre, he said, will collaborate closely with medical research institutes, hospitals and universities in India to jointly develop IP-led product and application development, medical techniques and solutions, besides clinical applications and studies.

The centre, currently scouting for a new location to house itself, will be expanded to 50 staff strength and over years work on entire product spectrum of Carl Zeiss Meditec.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/135134/carl-zeiss-opens-rampd-centre.html)

Microsoft had Proposed 'Microsoft University' in bangalore during HDK period, Any update on this?

http://www.yespiracy.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8432&page=

AkzoNobel targets growth after opening new coatings plant in India

February 7, 2011

AkzoNobel's ambition to accelerate growth and increase revenue in India to EUR1 billion within the next five years has been underlined today by the official opening of a new Industrial Coatings plant near Bangalore.

The facility - which will produce coil and specialty plastic coatings - is located in Hoskote on an existing AkzoNobel site which already manufactures marine and protective coatings, automotive coatings and powder coatings.

"India will develop into one of the world's economic powerhouses and it ranks very highly on our list of priority high growth countries," said Leif Darner, the AkzoNobel Board member responsible for Performance Coatings. "We are already well represented in India, but as the largest global producer of coatings, we are committed to making a significant contribution to the country's continued development."

Added Conrad Keijzer, Managing Director of AkzoNobel Industrial Coatings: "Increasing our capacity in India is important because local demand is growing. This is being driven by a number of factors, particularly the rapid increase in average household incomes and the associated growth of the housing, construction, consumer electronics and automotive sectors."

The technologies most in demand include laser-etch coatings for the automotive industry, soft-touch technology for smart phones and coil coatings for high performance steel and aluminum construction markets.

The new Bangalore facility will be capable of manufacturing up to 18 million liters per year, with scope for further expansion. The additional capacity will also boost the company's ability to meet the growing demand in India and neighboring countries.

AkzoNobel currently employs around 1,500 people in India and operates six production facilities, two research laboratories and around a dozen sales locations, representing activities from across all Coatings and Specialty Chemicals businesses.

Source (http://www.stockhouse.com/News/USReleasesDetail.aspx?n=8044077)

Small car Reva maker Maini Group to make Airbus parts for A380 & A320

7 Feb, 2011, 11.34AM IST, Peerzada Abrar,ET Bureau

BANGALORE: In one of the largest aerospace outsourcing contracts awarded to a mid-tier Indian firm, Bangalore-based Maini Group has bagged a multi-million dollar contract from German engine maker MTU Aero-Engines to make components for Eurofighter Typhoon and Airbus planes.

The engineering group, best known as maker of Reva, the country's first ever electric passenger car, will develop engine components for multi-role combat aircraft Eurofighter Typhoon and next generation A380 and A320 planes of Airbus, the world's largest aircraft maker. The deal will be signed during the Bangalore Air Show (Aero India 2011) which takes off on 9th February.

"With the commercial aero-engine market expected to generate about $740 billion sales over the next 20 years, we are now looking forward to growing the relationship with MTU on a strategic level," said Naresh Palta, chief executive, Maini Aerospace. "The group will invest around $30-40 million in the next 4-5 years to scale up its infrastructure and capacity," said Palta, who was earlier an executive director at public sector major, Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). Last year, the group bagged an outsourcing contract worth up to $10 million from Marshall Aerospace , subcontractors for Boeing , the world's largest aerospace company.

"The timing of Maini's transformation to Aerospace is right. It will take them another five years to actually see the results," says B Mahadevan, professor, production and operations management, at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B).

The contract work will be led by group companies Maini Precision Products (MPP), including its subsidiary company Maini Global Aerospace (MGA). The multi-year contract now positions the Mainis as strategic suppliers to the German major that has total revenues of $ 3.5 billion and partners with aero-engine manufacturers such as GE, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce to source aero-engine components.

"For them this is the India test, to see whether private industry in India can actually deliver as per the German standards," said Gautam Maini, managing director, Maini Precision, who led the aerospace foray for the group even as younger brother Chetan Maini made waves with Reva. "Aerospace is going to be a big market in 5-8 years. The business cycle ranges between 7 and 8 years. It was a quantum shift, something we had to believe for a long-term," says Maini.

Maini Aerospace , which got Snecma, a major French manufacturer of engines, as its first customer, has now developed more than 900 build-to-print parts in the past six years. These involve contracts from global customers such as Safran, BAE Systems , Eaton, Goodrich and Magellan Aerospace . It is also working with state-owned HAL to make components for various projects.


ET (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/small-car-reva-maker-maini-group-to-make-airbus-parts-for-a380-a320/articleshow/7440163.cms)

If anything had been announced in HDK's rule, then rest assured that nothing will happen, cos he is interested only in destrying not in developing Bangalore / Karnataka. :bash::bash:

After waiting almost four years to secure vacant land next to its existing campus in sector 25-A of Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, the Indian arm of US-based software firm Adobe Systems Inc. has given up plans to expand at the site. The company has purchased land instead in sector 132 of Noida where it will build the new facility spread over 7.5 acres.

The company has earmarked around $100 million for expansion in Noida and Bangalore, which together make for Adobe Systems’ largest research and development (R&D) centre outside the US.

Around $50 million will go into the new Noida campus and the rest will be used for expanding the Bangalore facility, Adobe India’s managing director Naresh Gupta said.

“We are building it in phases and the total capacity of the centre will be designed to meet our requirement for the next 3-5 years,” he said.

Gupta did not say whether the existing campus will be shut once the new one comes up around mid-2012. But he said that the company’s objective was to consolidate business operations at one place to make them more efficient.

The $100 million earmarked for infrastructure expansion isn’t part of the $200 million that Adobe had committed to India in 2006.

“We have already spent that $200 million fund on building capabilities and skill sets,” said Gupta.

The company, which undertakes product development out of its campus in Noida and Bangalore, proposed to set up a centre of the same scale next to its three-acre campus in Sector 25-A. But it had to shelve the plan in the wake of delays by the Noida Authority in allotting land.

According to Adobe’s annual report for fiscal 2008-09, India is the only location, apart from San Francisco on Townsend and Waltham, where the company doesn’t lease or sublease its properties and instead owns them.

“The Board of Directors has approved facilities expansion for our operations in India, which may include the purchase of land and buildings,” the report says.

The company has similar plans for expanding its Bangalore centre. Paul Weiskopf, senior vice-president, corporate development, at Adobe, who was recently in India, said the company is increasingly using its research and development (R&D) teams in India not only for the firm’s traditional suite of imaging and document software, but also for integrating content creation and deployment across devices.

“We now have 1,700 people, mostly in Noida and Bangalore,” he said, adding that about 35% of Adobe’s engineering talent worldwide is in India. “We have now close to 20 products that are managed entirely out of India, like Illustrator, Captivate, Photoshop elements, and Framemaker,” he said.

“In terms of innovation, we have generated over 200 patent filings for Adobe out of India, and we have recently opened an Advanced Technology Lab. Plus, there is a lot of work on forward-looking fundamental research and innovation,” said Weiskopf.

While India is yet not a big market for the company in terms of sales, it continues to increase its employee base in the country for R&D.

“Our new Noida campus should be ready by 2012 — land has been purchased and plans for construction are well under way. We have plans to expand in Bangalore as well. India is a large and growing market in its own right and in terms of talent, so it is certainly one of the many markets we are looking at,” said Weiskopf.Adobe’s India research and development centre was started in 1997 and has since grown to be its second largest R&D campus worldwide.

In the last fiscal, the company reported revenues of $2.9 billion globally, out of which Asia contributed $634.4 million, most of which came from Japan. Adobe doesn’t report its India revenue seperately.

Surabhi.a@livemint.com
http://www.livemint.com/2010/10/24221907/Adobe-tweaks-expansion-of-Noid.html?atype=tp

Komli Media has promoted COO Prashant Mehta to the CEO position, with founder Amar Goel becoming Chairman of the online advertising network. Mehta will head the ad network (Komli) and the audience measurement business (Vizisense), across markets. Additionally, Komli has announced the launch of a new technology center in Bangalore, where it plans to hire 50 employees in the first 6 months. This announcement comes close to the heels of the company raising $15 million in a round of funding from Norwest Venture Partners, Nexus Venture Partners and Helion Venture Partners.

As we had reported, Komli didn’t do particularly well in the financial year ending March 31st 2010: according to their filing with India’s Registrar of Companies, for the year ending March 31st 2010, the company earned an income of Rs. 8,61,90,217, and incurred a loss of Rs. 6,81,70,538 (approximately $1.5 million). Since then, the company has expanded internationally, by acquiring PostClick. All these factors might result in better revenues for the company in the coming fiscal, though the increase in headcount and expenses incurred in setting up the training center might impact profitability.

source @ http://www.medianama.com/2011/02/223-komli-appoints-prashant-mehta-as-ceo-new-tech-center-in-bangalore/

Now, Saab R&D centre in India (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Now-Saab-RD-centre-in-India/articleshow/7457628.cms)
TNN, Feb 9, 2011, 07.01am IST
BANGALORE: Swedish major Saab has announced the establishment of a research and development centre in India, with which the company will create a sustainable and long-term relationship, to be able to co-develop critical technologies with India.

This centre is a part of Saab's future offer for the world market. The aim of the research and development centre is to transfer to India continuously, already identified concrete programmes and technologies. The centre will form a bridge between India and Sweden, and together with an initial base of 100-300 skilled Indian engineers, form the backbone of the centre. It will stimulate innovation all around India, said Saab president and CEO Hekan Bushke.

The areas of focus would cover aerospace, defence and urban innovation, including civil security. The centre will be established in cooperation with Indian partners and universities, and will create new innovations, new technology and exporting opportunities for Indian governmental, academic and industry entities.

NEW DELHI: Japanese consumer durables firm Hitachi on Wednesday said it plans to double its turnover to USD 2 billion in India by 2013 and it will set up a new research and development centre in the country by next fiscal.

Besides, the firm is looking to set up a new production facility dedicated to manufacture products, mainly more energy efficient ones for the local as well as the overseas markets.

"We have a turnover of around USD 1 billion in India (at present). Our plan and mission is to double it in the next couple of years. We will keep on looking for business opportunities in the country," Hitachi Asia Chief Executive Yasunori Taga told reporters here.

The company is already in the process to set up its first research and development centre in Bangalore, which will be operational by the end of next fiscal. Besides, the company is also looking at setting up its fifth manufacturing facility in the country in order to meet the growing demands.

"Our vision is to have one R&D centre in India to address the global needs as well as to develop products for the local market... besides we also need to set up a new production site to meet the demands of the country and to have direct access to the market here," he said.

He, however, did not provide how much the company will invest to set up the R&D centre and the new production facility. At present, Hitachi has four plants which makes products like air conditioners and construction equipment.

The company, which announced its participation at the two-days Eco-Products International Fair 2011 starting from tomorrow, said it will focus on promoting its eco-friendly products in India. It has already lined up a range of energy efficient products to be introduced for the Indian market.

"Our contribution to the global turnover is very less, around one per cent. We want to increase it. We are very much working on the kind of energy efficient products that we can bring to India," Taga said

Hitachi worth 100 Billion USD, one of the largest technology company from japan. Can we expect atleast 500cr from this R&D unit.

source @ http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/7460530.cms

US secretary’s tip to IISc: protect your innovations (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/US-secretarys-tip-to-IISc-protect-your-innovations/articleshow/7463786.cms)
TNN, Feb 10, 2011, 05.37am IST
BANGALORE: Innovate, but with a robust system of intellectual property protection. This was US commerce secretary Gary Locke's message to a motley bunch of researchers at one of India's oldest scientific institutes on Wednesday.

Acknowledging the 101-year-old Indian Institute of Science (IISc) as the "heir to a long lineage of scientific discovery", Locke said India's academic institutes should create a system of laws and regulatory infrastructure to encourage freer flow of ideas, people and technologies across its borders.

At a town hall meeting, the US official reminded the 30-odd bunch of young researchers about India's weak innovation ecosystem. " India is still working to establish a robust system of intellectual property protection, which is the cornerstone of an innovation-based economy. Over time, countries that do not have string intellectual property will face two equally unappealing options: either their scientists, engineers and businesses will lose the incentive to innovate, or they will decide to innovate somewhere else."

Referring to IISc as a place where students live and breathe research and innovation, Locke said many of the world's daunting problems like climate change, poverty, terrorism can be solved with the science and math of engineering skills that the institute teaches its budding innovators.

THE CASE STUDY

Locke made a case study out of Indian-American entrepreneur Vinod Khosla to drive home the message on why intellectual property protection is important to innovation.

He said, Khosla, famed venture capitalist and co-founder of Sun Microsystems, may not have found success in the US if not for a legal system that protected his intellectual property and a marketplace that gave innovators of any nationality freedom to shake up the status quo. "What he did in America was also good for the whole world, as millions of people and businesses became more efficient and more productive as a result of technologies he pioneered," he underlined.

This thread will keep track on Biotechnology | Health care Research | Pharma Projects

Health Care Global Enterprises (HCG) and medical equipment major Siemens have collaborated to set up a Centre of Excellence at Bangalore. Under the pact, Siemens will be the exclusive technology provider for radiation oncology.

The partnership under the initiative ‘Fighting Cancer- Fast and Focused’ has a dedicated software IM-RealArt solution which allows for real time diagnosis of the exact location of tumour, its size and help to target radiation effectively. Further, research and training will also help to develop better treatment protocols for cancer treatment.

IM-RealArt is an advanced Adaptive radiation therapy and has a CT vision system, intelligent treatment re-planning software, Artiste Linear Accelerator and 160 Leaf Multi-leaf Coordinator making it an advanced form of radiation therapy taking cancer treatment to a faster level of diagnosis and treatment in India.

The medical technology major already has a Centres of Excellence in the US at John Hopkins and Mayo Clinic and Germany at the University of Heidelberg , but the one at HCG is its first in Asia. “While this may not be specifically a part of our emerging market strategy, the effort will be to offer the growing number of cancer patients from this region faster access to targeted therapies, stated Dr Bernd Montag, CEO, imaging and therapy division, Siemens Healthcare at a press conclave here.

The key intention is to offer patients less invasive procedures and confirm the right treatment. HCG was opted as the Centre Excellence by Siemens going by its technology adoption and team of experts, added Dr Montag.

Growing incidence of cancer and rising interest rates have put immense pressure on hospitals engaged in cancer care. This is where the direct line of credit by Siemens has come along with its agreement to open a Centre of Excellence which has come in as a big relief for us to offer the advanced diagnosis and treatment. From a vendor status, Siemens is now a strategic partner helping us to adopt the latest in medical technology. The end result is to ensure maximum benefit for the patients, said Dr BS Ajai Kumar, chairman HCG.

The Centre of Excellence will also offer training. The earlier trend used to be that clinicians had to travel overseas for training, research and development, which is now available in India. This is an age of reverse brain drain where medical experts are keen to work at modern hospitals in the country which have latest medical technology, stated Dr. Kumar.

According to D Ragavan, country head, healthcare sector, Siemens, the agreement with HCG takes the relationship from a transaction level to a strategic mode.

Source @ http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=61314&sid=2

Hi All

I don't know whether it make sense to create this thread. lets see your's opinion

Overview
Jeevitham is a “state-of-the-art” Pharma Special Economic Zone(SEZ) being developed on a sprawling 325 acres, north of Bangalore, Karnataka which will be operational by 2011. This mega pharma hub is expected to house about 40 to 50 pharmaceutical industries with an investment of Rs.2,000 crores. The development has multiple options of land sizing for manufacturing units as well as ancillary, warehousing and supporting units strategically located amidst fine landscaping with adequate green cover and modern amenities. This SEZ would offer uninterrupted water, telecom, and broadband connectivity, besides effective effluent treatment and proper accessibility for better facilitation of container movement. Other strategic advantage of Jeevitham is its close connectivity to Bangalore International Airport and the road and rail networks. Jeevitham offers pharma companies housed in this SEZ to work in a hassle free environment with world class facilities.
http://www.ozonegroup.com/images/Jeevitham.jpg

Karnataka’s Department of Information Technology, Bio-Technology and Science & Technology, Vision Group on Biotechnology and MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications have announced that the 11th edition of the annual ‘Bangalore India Bio 2011’ will be held from May 4 to May 6, 2011 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) on Tumkur Road, Bangalore. The theme of the event is ‘biotech for improving the quality of life’ in the areas of Biopharmaceuticals, Clinical Research, BioMedical Technology, Bio Business, Bio Collaborations and Industrial BioTechnology.

Making the announcement, Ashok Kumar C Manoli, principal secretary to Karnataka Department of IT, Biotechnology and S&T, said that the three-day event is recognized as one of the largest biotech events in Asia and has a positive impact on the industry.

“The event has positioned India as one of the top destinations for biotech R&D, bio-services and market for end-products. The global biotech industry's response over the years is a proof of its popularity. India is an important destination for the biotech industry worldwide. Bangalore India Bio plays a major role in business development for India in the global biotech arena and has entrenched itself as a hub for innovations & collaborations,” he added.

This year’s show would be a platform for the international biotech companies to connect with leaders in India’s Life Sciences Industry, besides policy makers and regulators and biotech states. ” he added.

The 11th edition will have an International Exhibition, Multi-Track Conference, BioPartnering India, CEO Conclave, Bio-IP Zone, Poster Session, BioQuiz and the Bio- Excellence Awards Function. Over 170 exhibitors, 1000 delegates and over 5000 business visitors from across the world and India are expected to participate in the event. Countries expected to participate are USA, Canada, UK, France, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Germany, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Korea & UAE.

The CEO Conclave is an exclusive gathering of CEOs, R&D Heads, Policy-makers, Venture Capitalists and Investment Bankers. After the success of the Bio-IP Zone initiative last year, this year it will enable leading IP firms to come to address issues like Licensing, Valuation, Patents, Trademarks & Copyright. Bio Excellence Awards, Exhibitor Awards and Poster Awards will be presented during the programme. Poster Session – ‘Walkway of Discovery’ will provide an opportunity to present innovative ideas, which have the potential to make a significant impact in the field of biotechnology. A state-level BioQuiz, introduced last year attracted 128 students from 64 colleges across Karnataka and this year more participants are expected, stated the organizers.

Last year’s event had 366 delegates, 219 companies from 25 countries. Over 800 meetings were facilitated for not only start-ups but established pharma and biotech companies.

source @ http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=61327&sid=1 (http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=61327&sid=1)

it is depend your mind and your nature.

heard Microsoft is opening new office in Manyata tech park. anybody have more info on this?

Microsoft have 3 Divisions in India.

1)Microsoft India Research Lab (http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/labs/india/default.aspx) ,Bangalore
2)Microsoft India Development center (http://www.microsoft.com/india/msidc/) ,Hyderabad (big unit)
3)Microsoft GTSC (http://www.microsoft.com/india/gtsc/home.mspx) ,Bangalore

Come April and Bangalore will witness India’s first stem cell clinical trial against four common and incurable diseases – diabetes type 2, alcoholic liver cirrhosis, osteoarthritis and gradual destruction of lung tissues – involving close to 200 patients

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given permission to a Bangalore-based company, Stempeutics Research, for carrying out Phase-II clinical trials to find out the efficacy of stem cell therapy. The safety of “Stempeucel” was established in an earlier trial. “The trial will begin in April in Bangalore, Delhi and Kochi in association with hospitals. Patients will be given the stem cell therapy for six months. The results will be analysed subsequently and patients will be under observation for two years,” B N Manohar, chief executive officer of Stempeutics told Deccan Herald.

If successful, stem cell therapy may possibly result in permanent cure for chronic diabetes, killer alcoholic liver cirrhosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD leads to gradual destruction of lung tissues making breathing difficult for a person. The therapy will also take care of crippling osteoarthritis. All of them are at present incurable. Stem cells used in the therapy are called “mesenchymal stem cells”(MSC), derived from the bone marrow of healthy donors using a proprietary technology. In the last decade, stem cells opened up a new therapeutic window as they can produce almost all types of cells in the body. There are two categories of stem cells. The first one can be harvested from embryos and the second one from adult bone marrow and umbilical cord blood. MSC is produced from bone marrow.

The company has roped in M S Ramaiah and Mahaveer Jain hospitals in Bangalore, and Medanta Medicity in Delhi for the clinical trial.

For liver cirrhosis, the therapy would be tried on 60 patients, whereas for diabetes the trial will involve about 45 patients. In case of osteoarthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – the therapy would be tested on 30 patients each. The stem cells kept in a cryo-bank, will be injected into the patients. In case of COPD and diabetes it will be intravenous shots whereas in osteoarthritis, it will be intra-articular injection. Only one shot is given to the patients.

Being the first stem cell trial in the country for as many as four ailments, the DCGI took almost 15 months to review the proposal and grant permissions. Its safety was tested in a smaller trial involving 20 patients each for acute myocardial infarction and critical limb ischemia in March 2009.

“The clinical protocol was referred to an expert panel constituted by the Indian Council of Medical Research. Only after the ICMR panel was satisfied, the DCGI permission came,” said Manohar.

If the trial succeeds, India’s first stem cell product could be expected by 2014-15, said Satish Totey, a researcher, formerly associated with National Institute of Immunology, Delhi.

The R&D driven company – owned by the Manipal Group and Cipla – is even more ambitious. It expects to bring the first Indian stem cell-based drug in the market by 2013. “Our developments are parallel to research activities in the US and Australia from where the first seven-eight commercial stem cell therapies may be launched by next year,” Totey who used to be associated with Stempeutics Research in the past, told Deccan Herald.

source @ http://www.deccanherald.com/content/138163/indias-first-stem-cell-trial.html

I wish all the Inner Ring Road offices move to the ORR :-)

^^ No need. in fact yahoo moved from CBD to inner ring road.

The inner Ring Road ride used to be such a beautiful one...
Introducing an underpass/flyover at 100feet & Ejipura Junctions might get the charm back :-)

Introducing an underpass/flyover at 100feet & Ejipura Junctions might get the charm back :-)
BBMP already proposed Underpass at this jucntion similar to madiwala. but no news on when work starts.

Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Limited (RBEI) will share global responsibility for powertrain electronics development, together with Diesel and Gasoline Systems-Electronic Controls business unit, within the automotive division of Bosch Group.

Briefing reporters, Robert Bosch Engineering & Business Solutions Managing Director Vijay Ratnaparkhe said RBEI will take on complete worldwide responsibility for additional customers, markets and projects in powertrain electronics development. It will rercuit over 800 engineers in powertrain electronics domain between 2011 and 2012 in Bangalore and Coimbatore. RBEI has invested in specialized engineering facilities – electronic control unit reliability testing lab and electromagnetic compatibility,at Bangalore and Coimbatore.

Additional investment of Rs 300 crore is also scheduled.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/138312/boschs-powertrain-initiative.html

Samsung B’lore R&D centre working on futuristic tech

Dilip Maitra, Bangalore, Feb 16, DH News Service:

With the launch of 3G services in various states, India is slowly entering the new era of mobile telephony.

But engineers at the Bangalore centre of Samsung India Software Operations (SISO) Pvt Ltd, subsidiary of Korean giant Samsung, are already working on far advanced technologies like 4G.

Nearly 2,000 engineers in the mobile communication team at Samsung’s R&D centre are working on variety of cutting edge technologies like LTE (Long Term Evolution), HTML5, Bada operating system for mobiles, Android operating system for tablets and Dolfin browser for smartphones. The Bangalore team, for example, has worked along with other Samsung R&D centres to develop a dongle (data card) for 4G mobiles. The 4G modem has already been launched in Norway and is in the process of being rolled out in Sweden, Finland and Denmark by the telecom company TeliaSonera. This Samsung GT-B3730 4G modem, which also supports 3G and 2G bands as well, can achieve peak download speed of 100 mbps as against maximum speed of 21 mbps of 3G and around 1 mbps of 2G network.

Talking to Deccan Herald SISO Vice President (Mobile Communications Team) Dipesh Amritilal Shah said “Our team here has worked on developing 4G smart phone protocol stacks. Soon Samsung will launch two such 4G phones in the US market.” The centre has co-developed Dolfin browser based on Open Source web kit engine which is currently being used in several million Samsung handsets. SISO is driving new technologies in internet browsing on Smartphones by adding features like HTML5, Inline Video, Web-to-Native interaction and to connect high performance graphics engine to enhance the web gaming experience, Shah said.

SISO has also done considerable amount of work in developing Samsung’s own Bada operating system for smart phones used in millions of handsets. Released in 2010, Bada (means Ocean in Korean) is a smartphone platform that powers Samsung’s Wave and Wave2 mobiles, currently available in India. Since the vision of Bada is “Smartphone for Everyone” Samsung expects that it will drive down the price of handsets, make them affordable and will widen the market in a big way. This is already happening as the price of Wave smartphone has already dropped from Rs 18,000 (Wave1) to Rs 12,000 (Wave2) in just about eight months, Shah said. Samsung is also encouraging mobile app developers to develop apps for Bada. Other major technologies the centre is working on are IP multimedia, voice over IP for LTE platform, 3D video capability on mobile devices and full HD (1080p) recording and playback on handsets.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/138319/samsung-blore-rampd-centre-working.html)

EU business & technology centre in City
Bangalore, Feb 17, DHNS:

European Union, on Thursday, announced the setting up of European business and technology centre in Bangalore.

This is fourth such centre by EU in India after Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

Briefing reporters, EU Head of Delegation Ambassador Daniele Smadja said will work towards technology transfer between EU & India for promotion of clean technologies in India as also facilitate entry of EU small and medium businesses explore partnerships with Indian counterparts. The focus will be on envrionment, energy, biotech and transport sectors, she added.

The EU, she said, has apportioned €16 million spread over seven years from October 2008 to February 2017 for the various activities of the four centres in India which will work towards enhancing two-way trade between EU and India as also facilities companies for exploring a base for manufacturing, R&D and potential joint venture partnerships.

Incidentally, the centre also signed a MoU with the Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce for enhancing business and technology cooperation between EU and India.


DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/138657/eu-business-amp-technology-centre.html)

Renesas Electronics Singapore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723), today held an opening ceremony of the branch office located in Bangalore with attendees from the Japanese embassy in India, customers and industrial partners. Renesas Electronics has been strengthening its business in the global market to pursue the growth outside Japan, aiming to increase its overseas sales ratio to 60 percent by FY 2012.

Through the acquisition of Nokia’s wireless modem business, Renesas Mobile Corporation, Renesas Electronics’ subsidiary offering semiconductor solutions for mobile devices, started its operation in December 2010, with R&D facilities in various regions including India. Engaging India’s emerging market is part of Renesas’ overseas business expansion strategy. By strengthening the sales, marketing and technical support in India, Renesas Electronics expects to grow its India business by 20 percent annually. Renesas Electronics is targeting the following segments in India market – Industrial, Consumer and Automotives. Over 100 new products will be developed specifically for this market.

“We are pleased to reach the day we open the first full-scale branch in India”, said Yasushi Akao, President of Renesas Electronics Corporation. “We believe in high-potential growth of the Indian market and are eager to expand our global sales to synchronize their growth. Providing the best semiconductor solutions based on our competitive microcontrollers through the new branch, Renesas aims to double its sales in the Indian market to 100 million dollars by FY2012.”
“The establishment of a branch office in India is a major milestone for Renesas Electronics Singapore. Through this office, we will bring to India the cutting-edge technology that Renesas offers globally. I am confident that our MCU-based solutions, new products dedicated for the Indian market, as well as the expanded sales force, will propel us to a leading position in the Indian Semiconductor arena in the near future.“, commented Hideyuki Jake Shimada, Managing Director of Renesas Electronics Singapore.

The new office in Bangalore is located at 777C 100 Feet Road and is staffed by 16 employees. Renesas Electronics plans to increase its manpower to 45 by FY2015. Along with its authorized distributors, Renesas Electronics will have over 80 engineers providing field and technical support for customers in India, by the same fiscal year.

The office reports to Sunil Dhar, who holds the concurrent appointment of a General Manager in Renesas Electronics Singapore. In his current position Sunil, a semiconductor veteran with over 20 years of experience, carries out his function from his offices in India and Singapore and is tasked to lead the company’s growth strategy in India.

“India has emerged as a knowledge-based economy with a huge domestic appetite. It is inevitable that world’s no-1 microcontroller company sets up a strong base in India in order to satiate the needs of Worlds’ no-1 designers and embedded community and hence plugs itself into an ecosystem that is bound to be a major contributor to an evolving ubiquitously networked society.” says Mr. Dhar.

In addition to the new branch office, Renesas Electronics also has regional offices in Mumbai and New Delhi. Together, they will provide timely support to the growing pool of customers throughout India.

source @ http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/renesas-electronics-inaugurates-its-india-facility/425664/

Foreigners look to city for a quick holiday, and some major surgery

Feb. 18: A few decades ago who would’ve thought surgery could be coupled with international travel, under the label ‘medical tourism. But here we are today, living in a city that saw a 50 per cent growth in this very form of tourism, last year.
Though Bengaluru is no stranger to medical tourism, the question is why the sudden upswing. The answer has its roots in the global recession. During the bleak days of 2008-2009 a number of Indian doctors working abroad sought to ride out the global recession by returning to the country to practice, and in many cases, their patients followed.
City doctors believe that it was this ‘reverse brain drain’ that helped the medical tourism industry burgeon into a viable micro-economy for the industry. “In the field of cancer care we have seen a tremendous increase in the year 2010 as compared to 2009,” said Dr B. S. Ajaikumar, founder and chairman of HCG. It was the realisation that, cost-wise, the city was a favoured destination as opposed to cities in Europe and the US.
“We have started receiving a lot of specialised cases coming to us from as far as the US and UK because here you get all the medical technology, only cheaper. Moreover, a lot of new regions have also started looking at Bengaluru as the preferred destination for standardised super-specialised healthcare at an affordable price,” said Dr. Ajaikumar.
“Reverse brain drain is definitely one of the key factors in the rise of medical tourism. The global recession has also contributed to this as the income of those living in the West, has not increased at the pace with which medical expenses have risen, so they were bound to look for the same standard of treatment at affordable rates,” said Ramesh Krishnan, V.P. Strategy, Fortis Hospitals.
Along with these factors, there’s also Bangalore’s clement climate that provides a lure. “We have the advantage of climate, infrastructure and affordability and those are major medical tourism draws. A lot of new markets are opening up in Africa and West Asia as they are seeing this city as the medical tourism destination, and that would explain the 50 per cent leap in one year,” said Ravindra Pai, General Manager, marketing, Apollo Hospital.
The new airport has also improved the city’s global connectivity. “The fact that direct connectivity has gradually been established with a lot of countries also served as an added advantage, resulting in a major leap in the number of international patients coming to Bengaluru,” said Dr. Vishal Goyal, Chief Operating Officer, BGS Global Hospitals.


DC (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/bengaluru/foreigners-look-city-quick-holiday-and-some-major-surgery-033)


SONOWAND FACILITY AT VIKRAM HOSPITAL-BANGALORE

A boon to patients with brain tumours
http://www.starofmysore.com/image.asp?slno=27496&type=news
Bangalore, Feb. 19-The newly- opened and functional Vikram Hospital on Millers Road, Bangalore, has the distinction of being the first Hospital in Asia to have acquired the new Sonowand— the world’s first real time navi-gatable 3D intra operative imaging system. Sono-wand allows the neuro-surgeon to use the safest path for removal of any brain tumour, as the real-time navigation feature helps to avoid all the important nerve tissue and blood vessels surrounding the tumour to remove the tumor in totality as well.

Studies have shown that in more than 50% of operations, where it was presumed that the tumour was entirely removed, in the final 3D ultrasound scan, remnants of the tumour as found. This implies that the chances of recurrence are high in these cases. This is where Sonowand brings the difference since chances of leaving small portions of tumour are minimal.

Totally removing the tumour is possible because of the 3 dimensional imaging even as the surgeon is operating, a feature hitherto impossible in any other modality, ensures that the patients get a full cure if in Grade 1 stage. Patients with Grade 4 stage tumours get the advantage of having extended their life span by a few months at least.

Many a time, the pre-op MRI position of the tumour is not valid as when the skull is opened, due to atmospheric pressure, gravity and fluid loss, the soft brain tissue ‘shifts’ and this causes the tumour to shift as well, creating a challenge to the operating surgeon. Sonowand solves this problem by being able to visualise the tumour with the skull opened even as surgery is being done.

Sonowand, as a navigational tool, enables marking the tumour location preoperatively, helps to identify the blood vessels in relation to the tumour and perform biopsy of deep seated tumours with accuracy, amongst others. Sonowand is also useful in all forms of skull base and vascular surgery.

Thanks to this advanced technology, many patients who are otherwise thought to be inoperable, can now be treated.

At the recently held press conference in Banga-lore, the Team of Neuro-surgeons of lead by Dr. Chandramouli (formerly HoD Neurosurgery NIMHANS), Dr. Ravi Mohan Rao and Dr. Sudhir Pai demonstrated how the surgery benefited patients who have had previously failed surgery due to difficulty to locate tumours and also the ability to clear the tumour in totality.

While the earlier generation intra-op imaging systems are available in Delhi and Mumbai, the one at Vikram Hospital scores over them as this is the only one which offers Real-Time viewing on demand, meaning, the surgeon can get to see the tumour even as he is operating as and when he needs to see it.

According to the management of the hospital, with the installation of this equipment, the time duration of surgery will reduce, the accuracy increases considerably, and length of patient stay in hospital reduces, enabling them to perform more surgeries in the same time allowing for the cost to be absorbed.

For details call Dr. Sudhir Pai on 45004500/ +919844060946. Patients from Mysore can contact Dr. Maqsood, Neurosurgeon at Vikram Jeev, according to a press release.

SOM

MUMBAI: India has emerged as the most preferred destination for global enterprises to set up their back-end information technology units or captive units in 2010, consultancy firm Everest Group said in a report.

"India witnessed the maximum activity, followed by other regions in Asia and the Philippines," a release issued by the consultancy said.

Unlike the practice of outsourced work wherein an Indian company erects a facility and employs professionals, captive unit involves a multinational corporation setting up its own unit in a country, attracted usually by the talent pool of that country.

Among those who set up facilities in India in 2010 include Microsoft which set up a development centre in Bangalore, audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers' centre in Kolkata and Credit Suisse's facility in Mumbai, a spokesperson for Everest said.

Globally, 2010 observed a positive surge with the number of captive set-ups exceeding the divestures, the report added.

The year also saw India continuing to lead in the offshore market activity, Everest said, adding the country reported the setting-up of 39 delivery centres followed by Phillipines' 25 and China's 16, the release said.

Not sure when this happened.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/india-most-preferred-to-set-up-back-end-it-units-report/articleshow/7447120.cms

Mumbai, Feb 21 (PTI) University of Southern California (USC), one of the world''s leading private research universities, has decided to set up university offices in Bangalore and Mumbai in 2011.
USC''s President C L Max Nikias and university leaders, who are on a visit to India, have sought to strengthen relationships with civic, academic and corporate leaders.
USC has decided to set up university offices in Bangalore and Mumbai in 2011.
The varsity enrols more international students than any other US university, including more than 1,600 from India in the past academic year, USC''s President C L Max Nikias said at a function here.
USC has no plans to set up campus in India but setting up of local offices will benefit it as USC has more Indian students than any other university in the US. Nearly 1,000 USC alumni call India their home, Nikias said.
Industrialist Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons and a trustee of USC since August 2005 also called for greater cooperation.
After Mumbai, the delegation will visit New Delhi on February 24 and Bangalore on February 25.
The visit - the first to India by a USC president leading an official delegation - will highlight the university''s commitment to global cooperation in the pursuit of excellence, celebrate USC''s research strengths with leaders in Indian society, and enhance academic and research ties with select Indian institutions.

http://news.in.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4945917

Enteg to hire over 300; to invest in a new delivery facility in Bangalore


Enteg, a SAP services partner will hire over 300 software professionals to build up its SAP service offerings.
Online PR News – 22-February-2011 –February22, 2011 - Bangalore, Karnataka - Enteg, among India’s leading SAP services partner providing niche technology services and solutions will hire over 300 software professionals to strengthen its SAP service offerings including ERP, Business Analytics among others. The company has increased its headcount from 175 last year to 300 this year in its first phase of expansion and will add 300 more by mid next year taking the total headcount to over 600. The increase in resources along with investments in a new delivery facility in Bangalore will help Enteg consolidate its position as a leading IT services provider.

Enteg provides technology consulting, development and maintenance services to leading companies in India, Singapore and Africa. As a part of the current expansion, Enteg will hire both professionals specializing in SAP consulting and Implementation as well as functional and business consultants in the utilities, retail, professional services areas.
Speaking on the company’s expansion plans, Rajagopalan Babu, CEO, Enteg said, “Enteg has maintained its growth despite the downturn in the market and we are well positioned today as a leading provider of SAP services. The expansion is strategically planned to enhance and sustain this growth further and to support our growth plans in emerging markets such as East Africa and the Middle East, where we are strengthening our presence.”
About Enteg
Enteg is IT Services Company focused on implementing SAP solutions. These enterprise solutions are software applications that allow people to access and manage real time information and transact processes across the entire organization. Enteg’s solutions have a strong domain focus that helps clients in different industries maximize the value of their IT spend.

Source (http://www.onlineprnews.com/news/109382-1298354334-enteg-to-hire-over-300-to-invest-in-a-new-delivery-facility-in-bangalore.html)

Construction Starts on Toyota Parts Plant in India

Engines, Transmissions to Increase Local Content of 'Etios' Compact

Bangalore, Feb 24, 2011 - (ACN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) held a groundbreaking ceremony here today to mark the beginning of construction of a new plant of Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts Pvt Ltd (TKAP), TMC's joint venture auto-parts manufacturing company in India.

At the plant, TKAP plans to produce approximately 100,000 engines per year starting in the autumn of 2012 and approximately 240,000 transmissions per year starting in early 2013, increasing local content of the made-in-India "Etios" compact car. Production represents an investment of approximately 9 billion yen and approximately 500 new jobs.

The production of engines and transmissions for the Etios will enhance the production and supply base position of TKAP, which currently produces manual transmissions for the Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) Project*.

As a part of its sustainable growth strategy, TMC intends to increase local production in line with expansion in emerging markets. TMC, based on its founding philosophy of contributing to society through the manufacture of automobiles, is committed to providing vehicles in India that meet consumer expectations in terms of being both reasonably priced and suited to local conditions. TMC also aims to contribute to the development of the automotive industry in India through the employment of additional personnel in conjunction with the start-up of the new plant.
Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts Pvt Ltd (as of February 1, 2011)

*Aimed at creating an optimal production and supply network on a global scale; consists of three pickup trucks, a minivan and an SUV.

Source (http://en.acnnewswire.com/Article.Asp?Art_ID=6033&lang=EN)

According to a report in daily Sabah, Arcelik will establish a production plant in Bangalore, India with its Indian partner. Details about the investment are not stated in the report.

We welcome the news as the possible investment in India would increase the company's emerging market exposure (currently 73%). Currently, Arcelik has production facilities in Romania, Russia and China as well as in Turkey. We know the company's intention to expand its exposure to high growth markets in order to increase sales volume and profitability


http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=94903

Philips Innovation Campus (PIC) in Bangalore, a division of Philips Electronics India Ltd, is establishing a centre dedicated to creating mobile applications spanning lighting, healthcare and consumer lifestyle products, leading the company’s global efforts.

From applications that would enable mobile phones to double up as remote controls for television sets or to control lighting, to giving crucial diagnostic and patient monitoring data to doctors on the move, Philips wants to ride what PIC chief executive Wido Menhardt calls the “second wave of mobile apps”.

A major hiring and training effort is being initiated, with PIC looking to recruit around 500 people this year. The seven-year-old PIC now employs about 1,700 people.

“We will start with small teams of a dozen or two for application development, but I expect the training to cover batches of hundreds. Overtime, everything will have to be on mobile anyway,” Menhardt said in an interview.

While Philips centres in other global locations will also develop mobile applications, the Bangalore centre will lead the effort, he said. “I have been asked by the board to periodically report on the status of the programme,” said Menhardt, who took over as CEO in April.

Ganesh Ramamoorthy, principal research analyst with technology research firm Gartner Inc., said mobile apps are a huge and growing market, given that product manufacturers are no longer able to differentiate their offerings at the hardware, chip level.

“It is all about software differentiation, with software that talks to the underlying hardware to provide differentiation in terms of features and functionality. I am not surprised by Philips’ initiative in this space.”

PIC’s training programmes for its engineers will cover all the major phone operating systems—Android, Windows Phone 7, BlackBerry OS and Apple’s iOS. “We need them to be trained on all OS platforms,” said Menhardt.

He sees the Nokia-Windows Phone 7 tie-up as a positive development for Philips as many of its products use the Windows system.

“If you look at many apps today, they are replicating what is available on your PC—a calendar or a YouTube. These are not your typical Philips products. Today, we see that everything that we do at Philips, in lighting, entertainment or personal care, has to be for the mobile as well. The mobile becomes an extension of our product lines,” the CEO said.

Menhardt said Philips’ mobile applications would allow users to control lighting in their homes either from a mood and ambience perspective, or remotely for security purposes.

Doctors will be able to access images and vital signs of their patients on the go. “This may be not always for diagnostic purposes, but enough to give inputs for treatment,” he said.

There is an “in-India-for-India” focus to the project, given the high mobile penetration in the country combined with the shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas, Menhardt said.

The Bangalore centre is unique in that it has divisions in lighting, healthcare and consumer lifestyle, throwing up possibilities for effective synergies in both product improvement and new product development, he said. “The shared theme is that of healthcare and well-being. Healthcare is the biggest group. But as an expert advised us, we look at the white spaces between products and markets,” he said. “For example, lighting has an effect on how quickly patients get well.”

source @ http://www.livemint.com/2011/02/18010229/Philips-to-establish-mobile-ap.html?atype=tp

K''taka govt allots land for aeronautical test range project

Bangalore, Feb 27 (PTI) The Karnataka government has alloted 4,290 acres of land to Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) for aeronautical test range project at Chitradurga district, the DRDO said here today.
Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has officially handed over the land documents to ADE yesterday, a DRDO statement said.
The objective of the Rs 1,300 crore project is to build necessary infrastructure for testing and evaluating unmanned and manned aircraft being undertaken by aeronautic cluster labs in DRDO, it said.
The project has been planned and conceived by ADE, Bangalore in collaboration with other DRDO labs.

msn (http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4972471)

New Delhi, March 2:

Seven out of every 10 engineering students in India prefer Bangalore as their ‘first job’ city, ahead of the capital Delhi, reveals a survey.

According to employability measurement and recruitment firm Aspiring Minds Research Cell, about 72 per cent of the engineering students surveyed voted for Bangalore as the most preferred destination to work in.

“In India, Bangalore is the engineers’ Mecca. It offers growth, options and a community of like-minded people.

Bangalore has undoubtedly the largest base in terms of IT companies, opportunities and an existing engineering population,” the Aspiring Minds Founder and Director, Mr Himanshu Aggarwal, said.

Bangalore was followed by Delhi, which was preferred by 32 per cent of the respondents, while Hyderabad was the favourite among 30 per cent of the students surveyed.

At the fourth place is Pune, with 30 per cent of the respondents voting for the city, followed by Chennai, which was favoured by 23 per cent of students. Mumbai was sixth in the list of preferred cities for engineers.

Regional preferences emerge strongly, as students from the South, West and North of the country voted for Bangalore, Pune and Delhi, respectively, as their favourite city. For easterners, Bangalore was the favourable option. Chandigarh and Mysore also emerged as preferred destinations for engineering students in the survey.

The survey took into account the views of 19,000 engineering students across India. It was undertaken to determine the city preferences of students and allowed the respondents to specify up to three cities.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article1503208.ece :banana::banana::banana:

^^ I can guess, what the replies to this post would be like ;)

^^ Hm ?

Interestingly, I feel, if the same survey is carried out in a small sample space, the results will be more or less the same. Most people in my college prefer Bangalore, followed by Hyd, Chennai, Delhi NCR and Pune. Personally my order would be Chennai,Bangalore,Hyderabad,Mumbai (Pune and NCR wouldn't be my options).

I have listed Bangalore and Hyderabad (Noida was the third option which I left blank) for my job preference, when I was placed in January. Maybe I shall come back to Bangalore :)

Bangalore, Mar 2: The computer giant Microsoft may launch the final version of Internet Explorer 9 during the Tech.Ed in Bangalore, which is scheduled for Mar 23-25. The browser market has been engaged in rumors of Internet Explorer 9 launch after a mistaken Tweet by MSDN India.

The official MSDN India Twitter account had Tweet saying that, "Launch of Internet Explorer 9 on 24th March at Tech.Ed India 2011." Later this Tweet has been deleted from the Twitter account.

Interestingly, we can expect the launch of IE9 as Brian Hall, GM of Internet Explorer And Windows Live, will be giving a keynote speech on the 24th at the Tech.Ed event. Earlier in Feb 2011, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said that Internet Explorer is expected to release on Mar 2011.

Microsoft launched the final public release candidate version of IE9 on Feb 10, 2011. The new version of Internet Explorer supports several CSS 3 properties, improved JavaScript performance, and embedded ICC v2 or v4 color profiles support via Windows Color System.

Other features on IE9 include Tracking Protection, hardware-accelerated graphics rendering using Direct2D, ActiveX filter, hardware-accelerated text rendering using DirectWrite, hardware-accelerated video rendering using Media Foundation, imaging support provided by Windows Imaging Component, and high fidelity printing powered by the XPS print pipeline.

Internet Explorer 9 also supports the HTML5 video and audio tags and the Web Open Font Format. This web browser will be available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Microsoft Internet Explorer is the most widely used browser in the world. But in recent times, Microsoft IE has been facing high competition from other browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Safari. With the launch of IE9, Microsoft aims to regain its lost market shares.

Another big pain for web developer unless released with bug-free.

http://news.oneindia.in/2011/03/02/tech-microsoft-internet-explore-9-release-download-aid0102.html

NEW DELHI: IEEE, an association of global technical professionals, today said it will set up an office at Bangalore as it looks to expand its presence in Asia.

"A significant percentage of IEEE's members reside in India, and we have an extremely active volunteer base in this region," IEEE Executive Director E James Prendergast said in a statement.

The association currently has 23,000 member base in the country. The new office will enable IEEE to further support engineering and technical professionals in India through a variety of educational and certification programmes, it said.

The Indian office in Bangalore will be the fourth in Asia after Singapore, China and Japan .

"Having a local presence will enable us to not only expand the various professional development opportunities we offer but also cultivate relationships with local government and industry," Prendergast said.

The India office will enable IEEE to continue its outreach efforts to local representatives from academia, government and the industry and explore additional business opportunities in the region, the association said.

IEEE has around 4 lakh members across the globe and works for advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/indl-goods-/-svs/engineering/ieee-expands-global-operations-by-opening-office-in-india/articleshow/7611554.cms

The Bangalore based electric vehicle manufacturer, Mahindra Reva, is planning on introducing a lithium ion battery version of its REVA EV in Europe by 2011.

http://static.zigwheels.com/media/content/2011/Mar/reva_main_560x420.jpg

It truly looks like India is shining, for in an interesting twist to the tale on going green in Europe is a solution from India! Mahindra Reva is planning on introducing a lithium ion powered Reva EV for the European market. Unlike other rather expensive electric vehicles, the Reva EV for Europe promises to be keenly priced.


In order to capitalize on this, Mahindra Reva is working hard at expanding its distribution channels across Europe. Apart from the Reva EV, Mahindra Reva intends on introducing a slew of new models in the coming years which promise more features, better comfort and also an enhanced driving range. The Lithium ion battery powered Reva EV is basically going to pave the way forward until the new models begin to arrive in 2012.

Currently Mahindra Reva is working on completing the state of the art manufacturing facility in Bangalore. The facility is set to commence production by December this year and vehicles such as the REVA NXR are set to roll out from this plant. The company has also recently taken a loan of USD 11 million from EXIM Bank towards the development and research of new models.

In Europe, Mahindra Reva has already tasted a bit of the EV pie with the REVAi model which sells as the G-Wiz through a UK distributor. It's popularity has been growing and with the new models, Mahindra Reva are sure to make further inroads in the EV market.

http://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/mahindra-reva-planning-reva-ev-for-europe-by-2011/7657/1

The department of Biotechnology has chipped in Rs.200 crore to establish a the ‘iStem’ at the Bangalore campus of National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) which will focus on training and basic research.

The first dedicated institute for stem cell forms a part of the national ‘bio-cluster’ or an industry interaction platform of which NCBS and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) are part. It will work in co-ordination with the NCBS and C-CAMP to form the Bangalore bio cluster where it will develop technology and enable entrepreneurship initiatives. The effort would also be to comprehend the mechanism of stem cells and its potential to treat degenerative diseases.

Stem cell therapy holds considerable promise as an adjuvant if not as an alternate therapy. But the medical fraternity needs to offer therapy backed by scientific data proving its safety and efficacy. Therefore setting up of ‘iStem’ will give a boost to research and training, according to experts

The research and application of therapies using adult bone marrow autologous and allogneic cell transplant has been in vogue for the last five yeaRs.Now the government of India through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) had laid down guidelines for stem cell research and therapy in 2007 but now the guidelines which have been further modified after industry input are in the final phase of approval.

Globally, Osaris Inc. is well on schedule with stem cell products in place to go for Phase II b and phase III trials. In India, it is Stempeutics which is part of the Manipal Group received the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) clearance for its Investigational Medicinal Product “Stempeucel” to conduct phase II clinical trials. The human studies are for patients suffering from osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus – type2, liver cirrhosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In the last few years, there has been considerable growth in the stem cell therapies with leading hospitals using stem cells to adopt treatment adhering to patient consent and highest quality practices. These include International Stemcell Services Limited, Manipal Hospital, Narayana Hrudayalaya, Jain Institute of Vascular Sciences (JIVAS), BGS Global Hospital in Bangalore, Medanta Medicity in Delhi, Sion Hospital in Mumbai PGI Chandigarh among otheRs.There are extensive research efforts on at the CMC Vellore, LV Prasad Eye Institute at Hyderabad National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), at New Delhi and Centre for Cell and Molecular Biology (CCMB) at Hyderabad.

Industry estimates that the global stem cell market in 2010 was around Rs.900 crore ($20 billion). It is the adult stem cell therapy which accounts for over 60 per cent of this market. In India the market is valued at around Rs.500 crore

http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=61713&sid=1

Tulip Telecom to power world’s third largest datacenter in Bengaluru

* The proposed facility to be India’s largest and world’s third largest eco-friendly datacenter – spread across 9 lac sq. ft. With an investment of Rs. 900 crore
* Company’s fifth datacenter (after one each in Delhi and Bengaluru and two in Mumbai) providing a combined space of approximately 10 lac sq. ft. across all data centres
* Telecom Limited has acquired a datacenter facility in Bengaluru by acquiring 100% shares of SADA IT Parks Private Limited (SADA) for Rs. 230 crore. This is the Tulip’s fifth datacenter and will have the total datacenter space of approximately 10 lakh sq. ft. The Bengaluru facility will be owned and operated through a wholly owned subsidiary of Tulip Telecom named ‘Tulip datacenter Private Ltd.

Spread across an area of 9 lakh sq. ft, the tier 4 datacenter will be set up in Bengaluru (Karnataka) with a total investment of Rs 900 crore spread over a period of 3 years.

Commenting on the acquisition, Sanjay Jain, CEO, Tulip Telecom Ltd. said, “Our new datacenter will help meet the rising customer requirements for co-location, managed hosting and data storage and a suite of other complementary services including managed security services and storage requirements of our customers from across the globe. This, we believe will provide further impetus towards strengthening our foothold in the Enterprise Data Services market place.”

According to Lt. Col. HS Bedi, VSM, Chairman and Managing Director, Tulip Telecom Ltd., “This acquisition provides us with the opportunity to garner a higher market share given our end-to-end product and service offerings whilst enabling customer stickiness. It will provide us a platform to roll out numerous other services including Cloud computing, SaaS and managed applications.”

The new eco-friendly datacenter will have state- of-the-art infrastructure and can house up to 16,000 racks, backed by upto 100 MW power supply. This facility will further be able to host 2,000 technical and managerial workforces. The entire building has a floor load bearing capacity of 1500 kgs per sq. meter. The civil structure of this facility is ready and the Company would make phased investments in power equipments, HVAC, fire detection and extinguishing systems, physical and data security systems, network equipment, WAN, LAN and storage, systems and software for datacenter operations depending on the demand. Given the robust demand, the company expects that this facility would be ready to be utilized in less than 6 months.

The Bengaluru datacenter will serve the hosting, co-location, storage and connectivity needs of large enterprises and small and medium businesses in the region, while also serving as a disaster recovery facility for enterprises that are present in other key business centers across India or nearby countries. Further, it allows the Company to expand its market offering by addressing new customer requirements in fast growing industry verticals viz. banking and financial services, manufacturing, IT and ITeS. The datacenter will be carrier neutral facility.

This state-of-the-art datacenter is planned to be ISO 20000-1 & 27001 certified and will be designed as per Seismic Zone 4 specifications with raised floors, precision air-conditioning with accurate temperature and humidity control systems with separate cooling zones. The completed facility will aim to offer the widest range of physical security features, including state-of-the-art smoke detection and fire suppression systems, motion sensors, and 24x7 secured access with biometric & proximity card readers, as well as video camera surveillance and security breach alarms.

The company already has four operational datacenters with two in Mumbai, and one each in Delhi and Bengaluru.

Source (http://www.expresscomputeronline.com/20110307/news06.shtml)

Nuclear Forensics Lab Proposed in India

Monday, March 7, 2011

Indian government scientists have drafted a proposal to construct a national nuclear forensic laboratory as part of international efforts to reduce the threat of nuclear terrorism, DNA India reported on Sunday (see GSN, Nov. 8, 2010).
The Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories proposal still would require approval from the Indian government, which has yet to take up consideration of the issue.
The plan calls for the nuclear forensic center to be built at Karnataka in southwest India no later than 2018 or 2019, and it seeks approximately $4.7 million to support the laboratory's establishment and the acquisition of internationally developed sequencing technology.
The DFSL plan highlights a July 2010 U.S. National Research Council report's conclusion that the U.S. ability to pinpoint the origin of atomic matter was in decline (see GSN, Aug. 10, 2010).
The ability to analyze nuclear materials, atomic detonations and debris from a radiological event could aid efforts to identify and potentially retaliate against any party that provides nuclear substances to terrorists. Nonproliferation specialists hope a robust nuclear forensic capability would deter potential suppliers from selling atomic material to extremists, according to earlier reports.
Karnataka's considerable science and technology growth possibilities make it suitable for hosting nuclear forensic projects, according to India's Home Ministry (M.K. Madhusoodan, DNA India, March 6).

Source (http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20110307_3049.php)

Nuclear enrichment plant in India is in Mysore :) and similar special material enrichment plant is coming up in Challakere,Chitradurga- East Karnataka.

Dynamatic to invest US $110 mn in new Aerospace Manufacturing Facility

Written by James
Tuesday, 08 March 2011
Bangalore: Dynamatic Technologies Limited plans to invest US$110 mn (approx Rs. 495.49 crore) over a period of six years to establish it's new aerospace manufacturing facility in Bangalore.

In the first phase of the project, which is expected to commence soon, a Modern Sheet Metal Shop, a Center of Excellence for Complex Machining and Surface Treatment Facility for large assemblies will be set up. Nearly 25 percent of the US$110 mn will be invested during the first 12 months of project implementation.
With this facility, Dynamatic Technologies Ltd will build capabilities in large aero-structure assemblies, composites and complex engineering. The company aims to emerge as a preferred strategic supplier to global aerospace Tier-Ones & Primes.

The company recently conducted the Ground Breaking Ceremony at its 35 acres site located in KIADB's (Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board) Aerospace Park near the International Airport in Bangalore. Dynamatic Technologies was one of the first few companies to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of Karnataka for the establishment of an Aerospace Facility.

S.V. Ranganath, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, Klaus Richter, Executive Vice President & Head of EADS/Airbus Procurement, V.P Baligar, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Karnataka and Philippe Advani, Vice President, Head of EADS/Airbus Global Sourcing Network were present during the function.

"Bangalore has led the way in India’s Aerospace Industry, being home to leading Indian Aerospace organizations like HAL, DRDO and ISRO. The Government of Karnataka is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Bangalore retains its preeminent position as the preferred business destination during the next decade. As the Indian economy grows and globalises, we are fully supportive of pioneering private sector companies like Dynamatic Technologies that have made Karnataka their home base. Going forward the Government will expand opportunities in the Aerospace Industry to other parts of the State keeping Bangalore as the hub," said S V Ranganath, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka.

"The Aerospace Park in Devanahalli offers us the opportunity to reiterate our commitment to investing in Bangalore, where Dynamatic is headquartered. The unique ecosystem present in Bangalore - educational infrastructure, laboratories, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Indian Space Research Organisation – has contributed greatly to Dynamatic's growth and success in the Aerospace business and we are highly appreciative of the proactive role played by the Government of Karnataka in nurturing this sunrise industry," said Udayant Malhoutra, CEO & Managing Director, Dynamatic Technologies.


Source (http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3131&Itemid=2)

Volvo Buses aims at $1 bn revenues by 2015
BS Reporter / Chennai/ Hyderabad March 10, 2011, 0:31 IST
Volvo Buses India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Swedish vehicle market Volvo Corporation, is aiming to create an opportunity to sell 5,000 buses in India and be a $1-billion company, said managing director Akash Passey.

Speaking to mediapersons at the Bus and Special Vehicles Expo (BSVE) 2011 here on Wednesday, he said, “The dream is to achieve our goals by 2015. Towards this, we will be investing between Rs 200 crore and Rs 300 crore to ramp up our production capacity to 5,000 buses at our Hosakote facility (near Bangalore) from the present 1,000 units per year.”

The Hosakote facility will thus expand almost 100 per cent and will also result in a 30 per cent increase in manpower (currently 1,100) in the coming two years, Passey added.
Stating that the future of Volvo Buses in India was backed by a strong Indian footprint, he said the company today had almost 80 per cent share in the luxury inter-city A-C coach segment and over 50 per cent market share in the A-C diesel low-floor city buses, which are present across 12 cities in the country.

On whether the company would roll out low-cost models for the domestic market, Passey said, “We are not in the volume game. We will go with the segment where we can create value.”

The company sold 560 units in the last calendar and was expecting a 25-30 per cent growth in volumes in 2011, he said. It clocked revenues of Rs 600 crore last year and was hopeful of witnessing a 30 per cent growth this year.

Explaining the features of Volvo’s new I-Shift technology, he said the technology was an automated gear-changing mechanism and driver-friendly. With this new transmission, the best driving practices are secured irrespective of the driver.

BS (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/volvo-buses-aims-at-1-bn-revenues-by-2015/427964/)

BANGALORE, INDIA: Zynga Inc the creators of popular FarmVille game is looking at India to develop new games and features.

On Thursday, the company announced the Zynga Studio-I in Bangalore, its second biggest development centre outside United States and said it is looking to double the India head-count in 2011, from the present 100.

Shan Kadavil, Country Manager, Zynga India said that as the largest Zynga studio outside of the US, Studio-I will focus on innovative game development to create new features that will delight players. Additionally, the studio will be engaged in full life-cycle game development the same as other already existing studios.

The new centre will be focusing on new game titles like Fishville, You Ville and Vampire Wars, Kadavil added

According to the India country manager Zynga has grown as one of the fastest growing gaming companies with about 250 million users. He added that to aid this growth, Zynga India will continue to recruit engineers, product managers, game designers, artists and senior management to strategically grow operations. "These professionals are expected to have an eye for gaming and experience of handling large volume environments, graphics, networking, cloud computing and security among other expertise."

Kadavil said that “In only one year, India has made exciting advancements in technology that have truly improved efficiency for the entire company. With the launch of Studio-I, we are expanding our capabilities to leverage the amount of creative talent based in India for new features within Zynga’s popular games. We are looking for more people with an entrepreneurial drive combined with engineering and artistic skills to join our exciting and growing team.”

The expansion of Studio-I comes on the heels of the recent launch of Zynga Game Cards in India, which provide an easy way for players to purchase virtual goods within games. These user-focused initiatives will continue along with activities such as fan and community events.

http://www.ciol.com/Developer/Developer/News-Reports/Zynga-to-develop-games-from-Bangalore-centre/147594/0/

Another big pain for web developer unless released with bug-free.

http://news.oneindia.in/2011/03/02/tech-microsoft-internet-explore-9-release-download-aid0102.html

Internet explorer suck ass for sure......

Is there any google R&D centre in bangalore????

Is there any google R&D centre in bangalore????

Google India HQ based out of Bangalore, working on almost every Products of google. It has 2 R&D center 1 in RMZ infinity and another in Vittal Mallya road.

Further Google India server(including orkut server) installed at Prestige omerga office ,malya Road.
It has other offices in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Gurgoan.

Read more about Google india : http://sawaal.ibibo.com/computers-and-technology/where-googles-main-server-india-464092.html

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared a Rs.1,540 crore proposal from the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the Bangalore-based defence laboratory, to design and develop an advanced version of its Rustom-1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)—which will significantly enhance the capability of the country’s Armed Forces.

ADE director P.S. Krishnan said the lab received the approval around 10 days ago. Of the Rs.1,540 crore, Rs.1,156 crore will be used to develop 15 UAVs, while Rs.384 crore will go towards setting up a dedicated aeronautical test range (ATR) at Chitradurga, 200km from Bangalore.

The first UAV, named Rustom-H, is to take to the skies within three years and users can evaluate it after five-and-a-half years. The Rustom-1 has an operating altitude of 22,000 ft and an endurance of 12-15 hours, while the Rustom-H will have 30,000 ft of operating altitude and endurance of 24 hours. It is a medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV meant for surveillance of hostile areas, tracking targets and will replace the Israeli Heron UAV currently in service with the Indian Army. It can also carry loads of up to 350kg—long range electro-optics, synthetic aperture radar, maritime patrol radar, electronic and communication intelligence payload, radar warning receiver and a traffic collision avoidance system. And it will have the so-called automatic take-off and landing, or ATOL, capability.

“This UAV will bring in the new technology of de-icing to India, for which we are in talks with firms in Germany, Europe and Israel,” Krishnan said. He declined to reveal the name of the firms. De-icing is technology used to melt the ice that settles on the wings of a UAV when flying at high altitude. De-icing distorts the aerodynamics of the flying body and thus makes it unstable.

The laboratory is looking for partners to help it develop the vehicle and six firms including Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, Larsen and Toubro Ltd, Godrej Precision Systems, and the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd-Bharat Electronics Ltd consortium will be asked to submit proposals.

The project has its challenges. The UAV will have to share civilian airspace and will require certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, apart from a certification from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, another defence lab. “The ATOL feature, certification requirements, developing indigenous payload and de-icing are challenges to this project,” Krishnan admitted.

“Making the UAV will help India build indigenous capability and also help the nation to move up the value chain from low-end technology to high-end technology,” said Dhiraj Mathur, executive director of PricewaterhouseCoopers, India.

http://www.livemint.com/2011/03/08231418/Advanced-drone-project-gets-1.html?atype=tp

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore has emerged the only Indian academic institution figuring in the world’s 100 most reputed universities, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings released on Friday. The first-ever reputation-based THE rankings has predictably found Harvard at the top, followed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Cambridge and the University of California Berkeley. Two Chinese universities — Tsinghua University (35) and Peking University (43) — also figure on the list.

The rankings are most significant for India because though the IISc is the country’s only institution in the list, it’s far better than performance-based rankings of Indian institutions in recent years. “This offers us a ray of hope because it suggests while the IISc and other top institutions need to improve performance, marketing that performance may be taken care of already,” a Indian education policy maker said.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/IISc-in-world-list-of-100-most-reputed/H1-Article1-672364.aspx

A look at how Whitefield and Electronics City have developed over the years and the basic differences between the two

The second edition of the IT/ITeS Growth Corridor Series Report by Vestian Global indicates that Whitefield and Electronics City micro-markets is witnessing a lower growth rate due to the emerging alternate IT/ITeS corridors in ORR and Bangalore North

After the IT/ITeS Growth Corridor Series Report, Vestian Global Workplace Services (a subsidiary of the Chicago-headquartered Vestian Group) has released the second edition of the report which focuses on Whitefield and Electronics City.

Bangalore's growth story as the Silicon Valley of India is synonymous with the emergence of Electronics City and Whitefield as IT hubs in Bangalore. Though contemporary, the two micro-markets are well differentiated in development ownership, type of occupiers, development characteristics and social & business infrastructure. Promotion of both the areas was a key initiative undertaken by the Government of Karnataka in transforming Bangalore into an IT hub.

Over the last decade, Whitefield has developed into a self-sustaining area with residential projects, modern retail malls, hotels and other social infrastructure. Development of the International Technology Park Bangalore (ITPB) also placed Whitefield on the global map. Further, growth in Whitefield was enhanced due to its connectivity with the central city through Old Madras Road and Old Airport Road.

Economic hub

In comparison, Electronics City still continues to remain an economic hub. Surrounded by green zone (protected land) and industrial area, this micro-market has limited land availability for development of sustainable support infrastructure. The area has seen good progress on the business infrastructure front, but lacks in social infrastructure. The former has 65 per cent of the space occupied by Indian origin companies and 39 per cent of the companies operating in non-IT/ITeS sector, whereas the latter is dominated by MNCs operating in IT & ITeS sectors. Further, public transportation facility in Whitefield is better than in Electronics City in terms of frequency and connectivity. On the infrastructure front, both can learn from their global counterparts.

Whitefield has almost three times the non-captive IT operational space compared to Electronics City. However, under captive office space category, Electronics City leads with 14 million sq. ft. compared to 7.9 million sq. ft. of Whitefield.

Whitefield has three operational IT/ITeS non-captive SEZs whereas Electronic City has only captive SEZs. In Whitefield, another 2.2 million sq. ft is under construction and 17.1 million sq. ft is planned in SEZ category. However the planned space quantum could drop, subject to re-consideration of developers over the notified SEZ parks, reason being the shift in the occupier's preference to ORR and Bangalore North. In comparison, Electronics City region has only one planned IT/ITeS SEZ.

Overall, growth rates in these micro-markets are slowing down on account of rise of alternative micro-markets (ORR and Bangalore North). Nevertheless, cost benefits, existing tenancy profile and proximity to talent pool are still strong enough to support the annual absorption at current levels at least in the short term.
http://www.hindu.com/pp/2011/03/12/stories/2011031250290200.htm

Allscripts, a global provider of technologies, is increasing its presence in India with the opening of development centres in Pune and Bangalore.

The centres will help Allscripts to meet its growing development and customer service needs. "Allscripts connects the largest network of clients in healthcare more than 180,000 physicians, 1,500 hospitals and 10,000 post acute care organisations across the globe, including a rapidly expanding number of health systems in Asia. The Allscripts open technology platform uniquely enables teams of healthcare providers to collaborate across communities for more coordinated care," said Glen Tullman, chief executive officer (CEO) of Allscripts.

Nitin Deshpande, president of Allscripts India, said that the expanded IT centres will offer round-the-clock professional services, customer support and other allied services to the Allscripts global clientele.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/allscripts-opens-centre-in-city/762445/

NEW DELHI: Tesco - the world's fourth largest retailer - plans to move hundreds of jobs to support its central European operations to India. The jobs will be shifted to its captive unit in Bangalore, Tesco Hindustan Service Centre (THSC), people familiar with the development said. It will help the company save costs and gain competitive edge over rivals.

The THSC carries out a host of technology and business-intensive projects to enhance the operations of the UK-based retail chain's stores worldwide. The centre, which was established in 2004 and has around 4,500 employees at present, provides IT services, finance, accounting, design, research and analytics services and processes the payrolls of thousands of Tesco employees globally.

Read more @ http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/retailing/tesco-plans-to-shift-more-jobs-to-its-bangalore-unit/articleshow/7714939.cms

Staff Reporter

The tribunal is in Delhi and it is difficult for individuals to pursue their case there

BANGALORE: The State Government and IT organisations are making efforts to ensure that the southern regional branch of the IT Appellate Tribunal which is located in Delhi is set up in Bangalore.

This was disclosed by Principal Secretary of IT and BT M.N. Vidya Shankar to presspersons here on Tuesday.

Mr. Vidya Shankar said that in case a person or organisation lost money due to cyber crime, he/it would have to file a case before the cyber crime court.

Apart from this, the individual or organisation could seek return of money lost in the transaction by filing a case before the tribunal.

He said that since the tribunal is located in Delhi, it becomes difficult for individuals to go there and pursue their case.

Efforts are being made to ensure that a branch of the tribunal could be set up in Bangalore.

He said that discussions are in an advanced stage and the branch, if it materialises, would be headed by a retired High Court judge.

Director of Cyber Law College Na. Vijay Shankar said that Principal Secretaries of Information Technology in each stage are designated as first courts of appeal in IT cases.

They have been vested with the powers of a civil judge. Their rulings can be appealed against only in the IT Appellate Tribunal.

He said the tribunal orders can be questioned only in the High Courts.

Cyber laboratory

The State's first cyber laboratory which will help disseminate information on cyber laws, cyber attacks and spread awareness of information technology will come up in Mangalore in a month's time.

Mr. Vidya Shankar said that Mangalore had been chosen for locating the laboratory as it is the third largest IT hub in Karnataka. Besides, it had a large pool of educated people and it had high literacy rate.

The laboratory would be operated by KEONICS and the State has incurred an expenditure of Rs. 25 lakh on it. Among other things, it would have a multi-media presentation kit which would help people educate themselves about advancements in IT and allied fields.

After Mangalore, KEONICS plans to set up two other laboratories. While one would be in north Karnataka, the other would be near Bangalore. The aim of such laboratories would be to increase the awareness of people about IT.
http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/16/stories/2011031664680800.htm

General Electric Co.'s (NYSE:GE) GE Healthcare unit plans to literally redouble its research & development efforts in India, doubling the number of engineers there over the next two years.

CEO John Dineen said the company will add 1,000 engineers to its R&D facility in Bangalore. GE Healthcare plans to invest $50 million in its Indian operations over the next few years, introducing up to 10 new products a year.

Indian sales are expected to reach $400 million for GE Healthcare's fiscal 2010, up from $300 million in 2009, with an average growth rate of 30 percent a year until 2015. Dineen said.

http://massdevice.com/news/topera-medical-hires-former-boston-scientific-vp-opens-beantown-hq

http://www.itnewsonline.com/showbwstory.php?storyid=4990

Rapidsoft Systems Significantly Expands Its Hardware Development Capabilities with a New Offshore Development Facility in Bangalore, India

Read more http://www.pr.com/press-release/308437

Agilent Technologies Inc. expanded its Bangalore, India, chemical analysis and life sciences lab to be the company’s largest research lab in the world.

Read more: Agilent expands India lab | Sacramento Business Journal (http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2011/03/24/agilent-expands-india-lab.html)

NDS, a leading provider of technology solutions for the digital pay television industry, has firmed up plans to invest $ 400 million for research and development work in India.

Jayant Changrani, country head, NDS India said, "India is set to overtake US as the largest direct-to-home (DTH) market in the world this year. Besides, with the government taking initiatives to digitize the analogue cable base over the next few years, the potential for us is huge." According to industry estimates, India will have 40 million DTH subscribers and around five million digital cable subscribers by the end of 2011. This would still leave a base of 80 million analogue households for digital TV service providers to tap into.

Taking the cue, the UK-based firm has hired 1,600 people at the R&D centre in Bangalore. The centre here has been made the R&D headquarters for the company and the team has been mandated to develop software solutions for markets globally. India and China together constitute a quarter of revenues for NDS , Changrani informed. With business in India posting strong double-digit growth numbers NDS expects India to become the revenue grosser by 2015.

With telecom operators rolling out 3G services, the company is also seeing increasing opportunities in offering technology for monetizing content across multiple platforms. "While digital tv would continue to bring in the major proportion of our revenues, there would be an increasing number of connected devices at home, be it laptops, androids, tablets. We are looking at technologies which can deliver content across screens through a secure media gateway", Changrani said. To this end, the company has developed solutions which would enable DTH and digital cable operators to showcase the same content on television as well as tablets.

http://www.sify.com/finance/nds-to-invest-400-mn-in-r-d-in-india-news-technology-ld3bHrejicb.html

B.S. Satish Kumar

Two Planning Commission members visited the university to study it

— FILE PHOTO: K. Gopinathan

What has attracted the Union Government is the minimal overhead charges for the procurement of biofuel seeds under the university's bio-fuel model.

BANGALORE: The Union Government is examining the bio-fuel model developed by the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bangalore for replication at the national level during the 12 {+t} {+h} plan period.

Two members of the Planning Commission of India visited the university as well as the villages where the bio-fuel programmes are being implemented by the university to examine whether it is possible to replicate such a model at the national level. They are expected to soon make a decision on whether to accept this model which has a systematic seed procurement process based on co-operative principles.

What has attracted the Union Government is the minimal overhead charges for the procurement of biofuel seeds under the university's bio-fuel model which is said to be just around 5 per cent as against the 30 per cent charges of models in other parts of the country. In this model, farmers get more as the expenses saved in terms of procurement are being passed on to them.

UAS-B Vice-Chancellor K. Narayana Gowda told The Hindu that under this model, the village-level milk producers' co-operative societies of Karnataka Milk Federation are being asked to procure bio-fuel seeds.

“We have chosen milk societies mainly because they have well established infrastructure such as buildings, manpower and machinery required for weighing seeds at the village-level besides having specialisation in procurement and co-operative activity,” he said.

The societies get remuneration for helping with seed procurement.

This additional activity will not affect the primary work of milk procurement as seed procurement is taken up by the societies after 10 a.m. when they are done with their milk-related work.

Normally, procurement of seeds would be taken up for about three days a week.

“As we are only sharing the society's infrastructure, the cost of procurement of seeds has come down,” Dr. Narayana Gowda said.

The societies will maintain accounts of farmers supplying seeds. The societies will make payments to them once a week.

“Maintaining accounts and making regular payments for bio-fuel seed collection have given some kind of economic security to farmers.

“It will also help put an end to the menace of middlemen procuring seeds at throwaway prices from farmers,” he said.

The university launched its bio-fuel model in Hadonahalli village of Doddaballapur taluk under the bio-resources complex project of the Union Biotechnology Department in 2005.

The university has identified over 100 species of plants naturally growing across the State with oil-yielding potential that could be used for bio-fuel extraction such as Pongamia, Neem, Jatropa, Simaoruba, Hippe , Nagasampige , Surahonne , Amoora and Sagade.
http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/30/images/2011033065140801.jpg
http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/30/stories/2011033065140800.htm

After Karbonn, Lava Mobiles is planning to go big on Android smartphones. Company has recently opened an R&D center in Bangalore to develop Android smartphones.

The Bangalore center currently has a 15 member team dedicated to Android platform and app development. The team is being overseen by Arvind Jha, who joined Lava Mobiles team last year and is currently looking after device, apps and VAS ecosystemdevelopment [according to his LinkedIn profile].

Company wants to expand the team to 100 members. This seems a serious initiative from Lava’s point, and considering Google’s help to these companies to bring budget Android devices, we might see the results soon.

We hope that Lava does not work the Micromax way and bring a repackaged Chinese OEM device in India.

After Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, LG, Ericsson, Kyocera Mobile R&D centers, Now it's indian firms karbonn ,Lava ...

http://androidos.in/2011/03/lava-mobiles-android/

A powerful tsunami has crippled a nuclear plant which is spewing radiation, and a team of scientists and rescue workers have been trying to figure out a way to put an end to it in Japan. It could happen anywhere, anytime.

City-based scientists are developing mini, micro and nano air vehicles to help rescuers effectively plan and carry out contingency measures in case such a situation occur.

Scientists involved in the design and development of these vehicles, part of the Rs100 crore national programme for micro air vehicles (NP-MICAV), said that the vehicles could be deployed for various disaster management missions, including in cases of explosion or toxic gases spewing from a NBC weapon or a nuclear/industrial plant.

“If radiation is spewing from a nuclear plant, these micro and mini air vehicles can be pressed in to service. These vehicles can easily crisscross the inaccessible areas, and capture images or videos and rely them to central control system,” Lt Gen (Retd) VJ Sundaram, advisor, micro and nano systems of the national design and research forum, said.

While the mini air vehicles will be 1500mm, the micro air vehicles and nano air vehicles will be 300 mm and 25 mm in size, respectively. This apart they will be in three categories: fixed, rotary and flapping wing.

Lt Gen (Retd) Sundaram added that a demonstration had already been conducted for the national disaster management authority near Kolar the previous year.

“These vehicles can be used in cases of fire, flood, explosions, earthquakes, crowd monitoring, etc. It is up to the disaster management authorities to procure them,” he added. The air vehicles being developed can also be used by the defence and security forces for surveillance during low intensity conflicts

http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_nano-air-vehicles-for-disaster-management-being-developed-in-bangalore_1526894

Mumbai, Apr 5 (PTI) German auto air-conditioning systems maker, Eberspaecher Suetrak Bus Climate Control Systems today said it has opened its new plant for bus ACs in Bangalore. "Thanks to our highly efficient production facility we can now respond even quicker and more flexibly to demands in the rapidly growing Indian market and further strengthen our position as a leading manufacturer of bus air-conditioning units," Eberspaecher Suetrak Bus Climate Control Systems India Director Kanwal Preet Singh said in a statement. The company will manufacture AC 353, AC 136 and AC 310 roof air-conditioning units at its Bangalore facility for the Indian bus market. In addition, Eberspaecher Suetrak will produce split AC units in the plant, it said. In June 2010, the Eberspaecher Group acquired the Indian bus AC business from Carrier Corp (USA) with its head office at Gurgaon. The move positions Eberspaecher Suetrak as a one-stop shop for heating and cooling in the Indian bus market.

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/eberspaecher-suetrak-opens-new-plant-in-bangalore/638009.html

Infotech Enterprises Limited opened a new engineering center for Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation at Bangalore to provide aircraft systems software and electronics analysis, design and development. Hamilton Sundstrand is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

Hamilton Sundstrand selected Infotech Enterprises as its supplier for the Embedded Systems Software and Electronics (ESSE) center of excellence in December 2009. The ESSE center began operation in 2010 and now employs approximately 100 software and electronics engineers. The center could employ up to 300 people over the next few years.

Mr.B.V.R. Mohan Reddy said, "We are very proud that Hamilton Sundstrand continues to place its trust in us and we are committed to meeting all of their expectations."

http://www.equitybulls.com/admin/news2006/news_det.asp?id=89366

Otis India expands its Bangalore plant



http://www.constructionweekonline.in/pictures/300x200/Otis-Bangalore-Factory.jpg

The Gold-LEED rated factory will be completed by 2012.

Otis Elevator Company (India) Ltd has started expansion of its existing elevator factory in Bangalore, India. Once completed in spring 2012, the expanded facility will be three-times the size of the current factory and will include a test tower. The company said the new 27,500 square-meter manufacturing facility will incorporate leading Otis technologies from all over the world. The factory is being built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards.
“Otis India is pleased to further build upon our 100-year history in India while strengthening our manufacturing presence in Bangalore. Our expanded facility will ensure that Otis India is well-positioned to support India’s exponential growth with quality, locally produced elevators, while conserving the country’s valuable resources,” said Laurent Bruyère, Managing Director, Otis India.
With an expanded factory, the company said, it will be able to serve the India elevator market more effectively which is expected to reach 70,000 units over the next three years. Otis India’s Bangalore factory will also supply the company’s growing portfolio of customers in India.

Source (http://www.constructionweekonline.in/article-7177-otis_india_expands_its_bangalore_plant/)

Swiss firm to set up machine tools plant in Bangalore
April 13, 2011
Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor
Summary
Global turnkey solutions provider StarragHeckert AG will set up a machine tools plant here with an upfront investment of Rs.500 million.This is the first time company is setting up a manufacturing facility outside Europe to roll out high-end machines that are customised to meet the requirements of the burgeoning Indian industry.
It would be located in the upcoming Aeropark near the Bangalore International Airport , the greenfield plant will design, develop and manufacture machining parts under its global brand “WMW.These parts are meant for original equipment manufacturers of heavy duty vehicles, tractors, earthmovers, windmills, compressors, power generation engines, valves, turbine blade root and general engineering.


Analysis

With imported machine tools accounting for about 70 percent of the domestic consumption, the Swiss-German firm plans to introduce subsequently a range of other machine parts to the Indian OEMs across the verticals, especially, transport, power, aerospace and construction equipment.
State-run defence firm Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) are some of the major customers of the global firm sourcing its machines.
In the run-up to setting up the plant, the European firm has established a technology centre in the city’s industrial hub at Peenya with an initial investment of Rs.60 million to support and service Indian customers importing its machines from Switzerland and Germany.
As milling experts, the 150-year-old StarragHeckert also provides productivity enhancing software, engineering solutions, process optimisation, a wide range of special tools and fixtures.

Source (http://www.glgroup.com/News/Swiss-firm-to-set-up-machine-tools-plant-in-Bangalore-53484.html)

BHEL to hike capacity in Bangalore unit

The Bangalore divisions of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd have drawn up plans to augment the annual manufacturing capacity to 20,000 Mw during the present fiscal 2011 to 2012 and increase of 33.3% over the previous year.

Mr G Ganapathiraman executive director BHEL said that “As part of the company’s Strategic Plan 2017 the Bangalore based divisions of the BHEL have embarked on strategic measures to grow further in their existing business areas. They are also diversifying in emerging growth areas like transmission, transportation, solar photovoltaics, steel business, disc insulators for UHVAC transmission lines, porcelains, composite long rod insulators among others. The cost of this capacity addition is estimated to be INR 54 crore. Last year the divisions in Bangalore completed the capacity augmentation to 15,000 Mw. Over the last three years, the BHEL has spent INR 147 crore for capacity expansion.”

Besides this capacity expansion, the Ceramic Business Unit which has manufacturing plants in both Bangalore and Jagadeeshpur in Uttar Pradesh is also setting up a plant to manufacture glass insulators for transmission lines. Mr D Ashok executive director of CBU said that “Presently we have a capacity to produce 100,000 units per annum at Jagadeeshpur. We will increase the capacity to 1.8 million units per annum at an investment of INR 100 crore by setting up a plant.”

Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd is the largest customer of BHEL for glass insulators. BHEL supplies 70% of the production to PGCIL. Its other customers include ABB, Areva and state power utilities.

Mr Ganapathiraman said during 2010 to 2011 the Bangalore divisions of BHEL have recorded the highest ever turnover of INR 3,081 crore, showing a growth of 28% over the previous year. The profit before tax has shown a growth of 35% to touch INR 900 crore during the year. In Bangalore, BHEL has three divisions the electronics division, industrial systems group and ceramic business unit.

(Sourced from BS) (http://www.steelguru.com/indian_news/BHEL_to_hike_capacity_in_Bangalore_unit/200258.html)

M&M to bring acquired Boeing unit to Bangalore

Mahindra & Mahindra has decided to dismandle its recently acquired Boeing plant in Melbourne, Australia, which makes machinery for aircraft, and shift it to Bangalore.

It is also in talks with some of the world’s largest aviation companies to be providers of components and services,according to Mahindra Group’s Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Anand Mahindra.

After launching Mahindra First Choice Wheels 2S Superstore here on Wednesday, he said: “We have asked the Karnataka government to allocate land close to the Bangalore airport.”
The company hopes this would boost orders, as it is likely to help improve the quality of aircraft parts it produces and attract clients that need to fulfill their offset obligations in India. Under Indian law, foreign companies selected for government defence contracts have to source about 30 per cent of the project value from local vendors if the project is worth Rs 300 crore or more.

“We are also in conversation with some of the world’s largest aviation companies to be providers of components and services. These opportunities will increase even further. We will be providing services and goods to aviation companies that sell to Air India,” said Mahindra.

“Manufacturing out of India is inevitable and we are planning to manufacture here and we have designed, along with NAL (National Aeronautics), the NM 5. We will shortly undergo a trial flight and hope to be pioneers in aircraft manufacturing,” said Mahindra.

Last year, Mahindra purchased 75.1 per cent stake in two Australian aerospace companies, Gippsland Aeronautics and Aerostaff Australia, for a total of around Rs 175 crore.

BS (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/mm-to-bring-acquired-boeing-unit-to-bangalore/431298/)

EFI expands its Research and Development Centre in India

Bangalore, Apr 12:
EFI, a world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation, today announced investment of 2.5 million dollar to expand its state-of-the art Research and Development Centre here.
The expansion will allow EFI to accommodate considerable growth over the coming years. As a result of the expansion, EFI expects to hire additional research and development engineers in the near future, according to a release here.
Mr Guy Gecht, Chief Executive Officer of EFI, said ''all our products and functional areas are represented under one roof in the new Bangalore site, giving us a unique opportunity to build the best industry integration into our product portfolio.'' ''There is a surge in global demand for best-in-class products and award winning technologies in the printing industry,'' said Rajeev Warrier, Vice-President, Research and Development of EFI India.

Source (http://www.centralchronicle.com/viewnews.asp?articleID=59278)


Strides Arcolab gets USFDA nod for Bangalore unit's product

PTI, Apr 13, 2011, 02.34pm IST

NEW DELHI: Drug firm Strides Arcolab today said it has received US health regulator's approval to market a product from its new facility in Karnataka.

The approval by the US food and Drug Administration is for commercialising the first liquid injection sterile product from the company's new sterile injectable complex in Bangalore, Strides Arcolab said in a statement.

The company, however, said it was not in a position to disclose the name of the product due to confidentiality.

"The USFDA approval for the product from the new site will go a long way in ameliorating product shortages in the critical therapeutic areas," Agila Specialties CEO Venkat Iyer said.

Agila Specialties is a wholly-owned specialities division of the company.

"Two significant product approvals from the new facility augur well for the launch of a series of products in the USA during 2011," he added.

Strides had earlier announced approval for Vancomycin injection, an antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, from its new facility in Bangalore. It has already started the supplies to the US market from March, 2011.

Shares of Strides Arcolab were today trading at Rs 388.50 in the afternoon trade on the Bombay Stock Exchange, up 1.16 per cent from its previous close.

ET (http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-13/news/29413743_1_strides-arcolab-usfda-nod-product)

BANGALORE: V K Saraswat, Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister, inaugurated the J C Bose Microwave Tube Facility at the Microwave Tube R&D Centre (MTRDC) in the city on Sunday.
In his address to the scientists and technologists of the Centre, Saraswat said the Microwave Power Module (MPM) produced for FLR system was a perfect example of BELDRDO synergy. He stated that DRDO should initiate the work on VMED HighPower Microwave (HPM) DEW to meet the futuristic requirement of services.
Director of BEL, Bangalore, H S Bhadoria, assured all the support to DRDO for the production of the products developed by DRDO.
The centre is established at the premises of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) with the motive of promoting synergistic research and development and production. It is also a constituent laboratory of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and carries out frontline research on microwave tubes for defence applications of radars and electronic warfare systems.
J C Bose Facility is an integrated microwave tube development unit that houses stateofart precision and fabrication machineries, high-voltage test facilities, environment test facilities, HPM generation and diagnostics facilities. One of the latest product of MTRDC, a MPM produced by Bharat Electronics was handed over to the Program Director (Akash). It is significant that the first FLR System is rolling out from BEL with this MPM.
Top brass officials like the Chief Controllers of R D, DRDO, W Selvamurthy and K D Nayak were present.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/drdo-bel-tie-up-for-synergistic-rd/264506.html

Bangalore: A state-of-the-art acoustic test facility for satellites has been set up by National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) campus.

The test facility is located in the space agency's satellite integration and test establishment campus. The nitrogen-based acoustic test facility consists of a reverberation chamber for conducting the tests before a satellite is integrated with the rocket for launch into polar or geo-synchronous orbits from its spaceport at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, about 80 km northeast of Chennai.

A NAL statement said, "The hi-tech facility will be used to perform qualification and acceptance tests of satellites built by the the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for communications and remote sensing applications."


The acoustic field, created during the launch and trans-atmospheric flight of the satellites which are launched by powerful rockets with very high velocity, can damage their structure. Once the spacecraft crosses the atmospheric layer, the satellites do not again experience such noise fields during their lifespan.

"It is essential to test all payload packages prior to the launch for mechanical effects under simulated conditions on the ground. The acoustic tests are designed to induce dynamic responses in the test specimen similar to those experienced in flight to qualify them under flight conditions to ensure trouble-free operation," NAL director A.R. Upadhya said.

The facility can also test the acoustic shielding efficiency of heat shields that are built around the satellite to protect from atmospheric hazards.

http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/NAL_sets_up_acoustic_test_facility_for_ISRO_satellites-nid-81954.html

Global technology major Hitachi has big plans for India. It is set to spend a whopping USD 1 billion for expansion over one to two years. If the plans go through, it will be the largest investment to be made in the Indian market from the Japanese technology space, reports CNBC-TV18’s Kritika Saxena quoting sources.
The investment will be panned out in two years but a large chunk of it will be shelled out by this fiscal-end. Sources say that the company is likely to invest USD 400 million to set up R&D center in Bangalore. Currently the company is scouting for land in Bangalore for the R&D center. The centre is likely to cater to the global operations, so around 2500 to 3000 employees may be hired.
Sources also add the company is likely to invest USD 300 million to set up production facility in India. This facility will cater to developing products for both local and overseas market. Another USD 300 million may be pumped in for acquisition. Hitachi has been hunting for small-mid IT product development companies for acquisition.
When contacted a Hitachi spokesperson said, "We have not disclosed any investment figures so the numbers reported are based on conjecture, and not on facts. We plan to have 10 researchers in the Bangalore R&D Centre."

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/cnbc-tv18-comments/hitachi-betting-bigindia-to-invest-usd-1-bn-sources-_535634.html

Bristol-based company TVS, a supplier of software testing and hardware verification solutions, has opened an office in Bangalore, India.
The office, which is a joint business venture with local company Embitel, aims to bring chip verification and validation services to the Indian market, but also offers TVS’s UK and European customers a safe route to
off-shore development in chip design and in verification.
“A number of companies recognise the benefits that off-shore development brings – mainly access to large numbers of highly educated, professional engineers – but find it difficult to find the right partners and then execute on their projects,” said Mike Bartley, CEO of TVS...

more @ http://www.bristol247.com/2011/04/20/bristol-firm-tvs-opens-office-in-bangalore-to-develop-indian-market/

Lattice Semiconductor has inaugrated a new support office in Bangalore to attend to the customer demands of growing FPGA/PLD market in India. Inaugration was done in presence of its President and Chief Executive Officer Darin G. Billerbeck.

"The programmable logic market, including FPGAs, is growing rapidly in India, and we are fully committed to providing our customers with world-class sales and support," said Darin G. Billerbeck, Lattice President and Chief Executive Officer. "The establishment of Lattice India demonstrates our commitment, and we will be looking at additional opportunities to expand our presence."
http://www.eeherald.com/section/news/nws201104215.html


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lattice_Semiconductor

Biocon to invest up to Rs200 crore in R&D, manufacturing

The company is in the process of setting up a dedicated Research & Development (R&D) facility in Bangalore with an investment of Rs100 crore
PTI

Hyderabad: Biotechnology major Biocon will be investing up to Rs200 crore in the current fiscal for enhancing its Research and Development (R&D) and manufacturing, said its chairperson and managing director, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw here on Thursday.

“I would say roughly Rs150 to Rs200 crore in total we will be investing this year between manufacturing and R&D,” Shaw told reporters on the sidelines of International Patient Safety Congress, which began here on Thursday.

The company is in the process of setting up a dedicated Research & Development (R&D) facility in Bangalore with an investment of Rs100 crore.

“The proposed facility will have the capacity to accommodate about 600 scientists. We don’t have an R&D centre here. Right now we just have whole bunch of labs here and there scattered. We need to bring them all under one umbrella,” she explained.

Biocon will invest Rs50 crore in the API manufacturing facility in Hyderabad over the next two years. It has invested Rs50 crore in the facility so far, she said.

Replying to a question, she said the increase in human insulin prices will start showing positive results on the company’s balance sheet from the first quarter of the current financial year.

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) recently allowed Indian drug producers to increase the price of human insulin by 18.55%. The revision in prices was aimed at providing a level-playing field to the indigenous manufacturers in relation to imports.

Currently, Wockhardt and Biocon are the only two Indian companies marketing insulin which has about Rs250 crore market.

livemint (http://www.livemint.com/2011/04/21195334/Biocon-to-invest-up-to-Rs200-c.html?h=B)

Final bidder for Rs 5,000 cr Biotech park to be named on May 4
Press Trust of India / Bangalore May 02, 2011, 16:33 IST
The final bidder for the Rs 5,000 crore Bangalore Helix, planned as the largest biotech park in Asia, would be announced on May 4, Chairperson of Karnataka Vision Group on Biotechnology Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said.

Out of the six companies which evinced interest in the project to come up in Electronic City, two had been shortlisted, she said.

"We have gone through the proposals... Will announce the final bidder on the inaugural day of the three-day Bangalore India Bio 2011", she told reporters here today.
The park spread over 56 acres will be developed on a PPP (Private Public Partnership) model wherein the developer will develop the entire area and bring in top notch biotech firms across the world.

"It will be a plug and play environment", state Principal Secretary, IT, BT and Science and Technology, M N Vidyashankar said.

It will be developed in three phases with five lakh sq ft being developed in the first phase, he said.

Vidyashankar said the incubation corpus fund for start-ups would also be announced at Bio 2011 the event which for the first time will have a round table on regulatory framework.

Kiran said "Indian industry must give the right signal to invest in innovation and this is possible if we have smooth and streamlined regulatory framework in place".

Stating that long regulatory pathways posed a challenge to bio-pharma companies interested in novel drug development, she said: "We are requesting the government to be sector-specific (as far as regulations are concerned) as one size fits all policy does not hold good here", Kiran said.

She said the Vision Group was keen on creating high-quality Bio Similars and the roundtable would deal with regulatory issues in that sphere also.

Giving the example of Malaysia which has SEZ clusters for biotech firms and simplifed regulations, Kiran said "we must look at developing such SEZ clusters here also because pharma and biotech are highly regulated spheres".

"A five-year tax holiday should begin from the time regulatory approval is given and not the day the company starts functioning", she said.

"Through Bangalore Bio, we are now trying to see whether such bio clusters can be replicated in other states,"she said.

BS (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/final-bidder-for-rs-5000-cr-biotech-park-to-be-namedmay-4/133712/on)

SETsquared member invests in India

Software testing and hardware verification provider TVS opens office in India and takes part in a UK trade mission to the country.

UK company TVS, a supplier of software testing and hardware verification solutions, has opened an office in Bangalore, India. The office, which is a joint business venture with local company Embitel, aims to bring chip verification and validation services to the Indian market, but also offers TVS's UK and European customers a safe route to off-shore development in chip design and in verification.

TVS specialises in providing software testing and hardware verification solutions to customers in the software and electronics industry either by providing highly-qualified and experienced verification engineers for an in-house project, or by organising off-shore chip verification services through a blended delivery model.

"A number of companies recognise the benefits that off-shore development brings - mainly access to large numbers of highly educated, professional engineers - but find it difficult to find the right partners and then execute on their projects," says Mike Bartley, CEO of TVS. "Managing off-shore development can be a challenging process, but at TVS we have many years experience of handling such projects for our clients. Now with our new Indian office we are validating our long-standing relationship with the country and our confidence in the skills and expertise of its engineers. Our blended delivery model provides the local support to companies in Europe along with access to the talent pool in India."

The company is already executing projects in Bangalore and Embitel has a good reputation in bringing embedded software development services to that market.

"This joint venture will benefit the customers of both companies," said Sharad Bairathi, managing partner at Embitel. "Our joint partnership provides a fuller range of expertise and gives us the ability to take on full product testing through use of hardware and software expertise as well as complete product development."

TVS recently identified several major opportunities in the European market and is now recruiting into its Indian office to service those opportunities. TVS has been a member of the SETsquared Business Acceleration Centre in Bristol since 2008 and provides a crucial service to the flourishing microelectronics cluster in the South West. SETsquared Centre Director, Nick Sturge, commented "Partnerships are the key to successful business growth and TVS is a great example of pioneering such partnerships as well as making the most of global expertise and markets".


Source (http://bulletin.sciencebusiness.net/news/75005/SETsquared-member-invests-in-India)

Bangalore, May 2:

Mid-tier IT company MindTree on Monday said it has formed a new data and analytics solutions practice with the integration of its business intelligence, data warehousing and knowledge services practices. The integration creates one of the world's largest information management practices offering customers a one-stop-shop to capture, analyse, enhance, and view their business information in support of their corporate objectives, a press statement from the company said. The new practice combines MindTree's analytics, business intelligence, and information management services with a new research offering. The research arm of the practice helps companies monetise information through data mining and the application of market intelligence and business research. — Our Bureau
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-info-tech/article1986491.ece

Langoor invests $225,000 to set up R& D in Bangalore

By SiliconIndia, Tuesday, 03 May 2011, 14:12 IST
Bangalore: Languor, an Australia based web products and services company, has setup an R&D centre in Bangalore. The company strategies to access the personnel at the Bangalore centre to 20 employees. For this, they will be investing $225,000. They will also provide domains, e-mail, hosting and websites services for SMEs and startups.

Launching Langoor.net in India as a self-service platform for creating websites is also there in their chronicle and is also working on building Langoor.mobi, a website creation and management platform for mobile platforms and Langoor.it, which would look at the technical end-to-end need of the website business. They also plan to support the infrastructure needs of website designers and developers in India.

Established in August 2009, the motive of the company is to provide help to clients reach their full potential in the digital environment. They build manage and empower the clients online setup.

SiliconIndia (http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Langoor_invests_225000_to_set_up_R_D_in_Bangalore-nid-83028.html)

^^ :rofl:

spell check maadappa :)

I think this is in Electronic City

Bangalore: The government on Wednesday announced that Bangalore Helix, the much-awaited biotechnology park, has been awarded to Alexandria Real Estate, the highest bidder.

The government declined to disclose the amount of the highest bid and the identities of others who had bid for the project. Chief minister BS Yeddyurappa handed over the letter of intent (LoI) to Vishal Goel, managing director of Alexandria, on the occasion of the 11th edition of the Bangalore India Bio, 2011.

"The project will be completed in two years and the work is going to start from October. We are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and have a good presence in the US. We hope to leverage this and invite companies there to set up their base here," Goel told.

Bangalore Helix will see an investment of Rs 500 crore where the developer will be responsible for bringing in global companies to set up their offices here. Chief minister said that biotech sector is in a comfortable position both in terms of growth and revenue. Yeddyurappa, who had promised Rs 1-crore fund for 12 biotech schools across Karnataka, gave out cheques for Rs 50 lakh each.

He highlighted the fact that Bangalore is home to five of the top 10 biotech companies in India. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson, Karnataka Vision Group and CMD Biocon, said the world faces food shortages and spiralling healthcare costs, and there is over dependence on fossil fuels. She reiterated that biotechnology is the future and India can deliver product for global benefit. "Partnering and collaboration is the way forward and it is not possible to grow in isolation," she said.

French ambassador to India Jerome Bonnafont said,"India is very important to France as a partner and back home we are giving extensive support to biotechnology firms. For instance, we have given exemption to companies in research as we believe that R&D should be tax free," he said.

Freddy Svane, ambassador of Denmark to India, said Bangalore was clearly the city of innovations. "I want to thank the queen (Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw) and invite her to our small kingdom. You are welcome to our kingdom," he said.Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson, Karnataka Vision Group on Biotechnology, greets chief minister BS Yeddyurappa at the inauguration of Bangalore-India Bio 2011, on Wednesday.





http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/BAN-alexandria-wins-bid-to-build-citys-biotech-park-2078792.html

Alexandria wins bid to build Bangalore’s biotech park


The Karnataka government on Wednesday announced that Bangalore Helix, the much-awaited biotechnology park, has been awarded to Alexandria Real Estate, the highest bidder.

The government declined to disclose the amount of the highest bid and the identities of others who had bid for the project.

Chief minister BS Yeddyurappa handed over the letter of intent (LoI) to Vishal Goel, managing director of Alexandria, on the occasion of the 11th edition of the Bangalore India Bio, 2011.

“The project will be completed in two years and the work is going to start from October. We are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and have a good presence in the US. We hope to leverage this and invite companies there to set up their base here,” Goel told DNA.

Bangalore Helix will see an investment of Rs500 crore where the developer will be responsible for bringing in global companies to set up their offices here.

The chief minister said that biotech sector is in a comfortable position both in terms of growth and revenue. Yeddyurappa, who had promised Rs1-crore fund for 12 biotech schools across Karnataka, gave out cheques for Rs50 lakh each.

He highlighted the fact that Bangalore is home to five of the top 10 biotech companies in India.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson, Karnataka Vision Group and CMD Biocon, said the world faces food shortages and spiralling healthcare costs, and there is over dependence on fossil fuels.

She reiterated that biotechnology is the future and India can deliver product for global benefit. “Partnering and collaboration is the way forward and it is not possible to grow in isolation,” she said.

French ambassador to India Jerome Bonnafont said,“India is very important to France as a partner and back home we are giving extensive support to biotechnology firms. For instance, we have given exemption to companies in research as we believe that R&D should be tax free,” he said.

Freddy Svane, ambassador of Denmark to India, said Bangalore was clearly the city of innovations. “I want to thank the queen (Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw) and invite her to our small kingdom. You are welcome to our kingdom,” he said.


DNA (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_alexandria-wins-bid-to-build-bangalores-biotech-park_1539605)

New facility opened at Bangalore's Mazumdar-Shaw Cancer Center
(http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_new-facility-opened-at-bangalore-s-mazumdar-shaw-cancer-center_1540399)
Mazumdar-Shaw Center for Advanced Therapeutics (MS-CAT), a 100,000 sqft state-of-the-art facility for cancer treatment, was inaugurated at Mazumdar-Shaw Cancer Center, Narayana Health City, on Friday.

This centre will bring the most advanced therapy modalities used in the treatment of cancer and other complex diseases under one roof. The centre will have India’s largest bone marrow or stem cell transplant facility, and advanced treatment facilities like immunotherapy, gene therapy and biomodulators.

The centre also has tie-ups with several research institutions in India and abroad , such as GANIT labs, Strand Genomics, Cornell University, University of California, Irvine.

“It is a 14-bed transplant unit, so far the biggest in Karnataka. Haploidentical transplants, gene therapy and cord blood transplants are some of the advanced therapies that will be conducted here,” said Dr Sharad Damodar, head, hematology and bone marrow transplant unit, Mazundar-Shaw Cancer Centre.

At the inauguration, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of the centre, said that the centre would focus translational research. “Stem cell therapy, gene therapy, cancer vaccines are all concepts that need to be turned into a reality. MS-CAT will concentrate on cutting-edge research that will help make cancer treatment much simpler,” she said.

Dr Devi Shetty, chairman, Narayana Health City, said, “India will be the first country to dissociate healthcare from affluence. We have to look at different models of coordination between hospitals and research institutions to make this a successful venture.”

Bangalore turns to gene therapy (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Bangalore-turns-to-gene-therapy/articleshow/8229297.cms)
Jayashree Nandi, TNN | May 11, 2011, 01.20am IST
BANGALORE: Altering genes to cure diseases has moved from sci-fi flicks to a major research investment in India. And Bangalore is also looking at it with hope. The latest in labs here is gene therapy for thalassemia and haemophilia, which affect Indians in large numbers. Doctors and researchers are working to make it a reality.

Though treatment could be a long way off, the gene has been found and so too the vector to introduce it into the body. A team of doctors at the recently launched Mazumdar Shaw Centre for Therapeutics is exploring thalassemia treatment. Gene therapy became popular because of its potential in curing genetic blindness but could be a potential saviour in terminal conditions like cancer.

"Both haemophilia and thalessemia are single gene defects and congenital diseases which unfortunately have no cure. The only option is blood transfusion for life. The beta globin gene that has been identified for thalassemia can be transferred to the body through gene alteration. But when this transfer is being done, the gene doesn't settle permanently but is transient. At our centre, we're collaborating with genomics companies and institutions to study how it can be done permanently and then applied to cure thalassemia," said consultant haemotoglogist Dr Sharat Damodar. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal form of haemoglobin, while haemophilia is a bleeding disorder and blood takes a long time to clot.

Initially, the team will start with animal tests.

Thalassemia was chosen for gene therapy because the number of patients is the highest in India and the Mediterranean but not so much in the West. About 10,000 children are born in India with thalessemia major every year. Almost 3,000 of them can be cured with bone marrow transplant but even if 10% of them were to get transplant, India has to do at least 300 transplants every year.

Medical director and vice-president, Mazumdar Shaw Cancer Center and Narayana Hrudayalaya Multi-Specialty Hospital, Dr Paul C Salins, told TOI: "There is no doubt that the future is in gene therapy. If we can alter the gene itself it'll have far-reaching implications. Through our research, we're trying to find out how we can deal with diseases that affect the common man."

NEXT-GENERATION SEQUENCING

Associated with gene therapy is exploring what in the gene sequence causes cancer. You either inherit or develop cancer as you grow. The incidence of the latter is higher and is caused by various genetic changes. Head of Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied biotechnology and Ganit Labs, Binay Panda, is collaborating with the advanced therapeutics centre to do genetic analysis and next generation sequencing.

"We want to dissect changes associated with cancer in the human genome -- that's the key to finding solutions. The human genome is 3 billion letters long. We have to read the letters and see how the building blocks of DNA change. An entire individual can be decoded in 10-15 days through this technology," he said. Binay is currently focusing on oral cancer genomics in India.

Biomarkers, an associated technology, is becoming popular. It helps in highlighting various markers in an individual for various diseases.

GENE THERAPY

* Experimental treatment involves introducing genetic material into a person's cells to fight or prevent disease

* Genes are biological units of heredity; they determine traits like colour of hair and eye as well as ability of blood to carry oxygen

* Scientists need to identify more efficient ways to deliver genes to the body. To treat cancer and other diseases effectively with gene therapy, researchers must develop vectors that can be injected into patients and focus on target cells in body

* Similarly, genetic engineering is used in various crops to make them pest resistant or drought resistant. In India, there's a major debate about how ethical and safe these technologies are. There's a moratorium on Bt Brinjal, the first genetically manipulated food crop

KEEP IT AT BAY

International Thalassemia Day was observed on May 8. The day highlighted the need to raise public awareness for prevention of thalassemia and the importance of clinical care for thalassemia patients across the world. Pregnant women are advised to take a simple blood test which can prevent more children being born with thalassemia major.

Hyderabad, May 10:

Wind River, a subsidiary of Intel Corporation, will set up an India Design Centre to cater to the local needs of its customers in the area of avionics and Defence.

The company will finalise the initial staff requirement for the proposed centre in the next two months.

“We have hired people to head the centre,” Mr Jim Douglas, Senior Vice-President (Corporate Marketing), of Wind River, told Business Line.

Offerings in India

The Alameda (California, the US) based company, which earned 30 per cent of its global revenues from software services, is planning to replicate its services offerings in India. It offered device development portfolio.

There had been requests from our customers such as DRDL for providing India-specific solutions beyond technology. The India centre would explore opportunities in the services segment and localisation in the areas the company operated.

Mr Jim was here to deliver the keynote address on ‘Advancements for 21st Century Warfare: Safe and Secure Intelligent Systems' at Wind River India Aerospace and Defence Regional Conference held here.

Wind River, which seized to announce standalone results after it was bought by Intel, said Asia-Pacific contributed 17 per cent to its revenues. “We would like to take this to 25-28 per cent in the next five years,” he said.

Mr Venkatesh Kumaran, Country Manager (India) of Wind River, said the company would bring in technologies that cater to medical and mobile phone into India. At present, the company addressed avionics and Defence businesses.

Medical segment

In the medical segment in India, the company would focus on bringing in technologies for MRI, CTI Scan and diagnostic tools in the next one-two years.

The company was also on talks with mobile OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in India to sell its mobile software.

With a lot of Indian brands swarming the market, the company saw a business opportunity.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-info-tech/article2007439.ece

Bangalore, May 10:

Microsoft's decision to buy Internet communications company Skype will give Microsoft access to a huge base of customers in India for its video conferencing solutions, according to Bangalore-based Zinnov Management Consulting.

Though it is still early days, there is also a “fair chance” that the back-end work of the Microsoft-Skype integration process could come to India, depending on mutual consensus, said Mr Praveen Bhadada, Engagement Manager, Zinnov Management Consulting, an advisory firm.

$8.5-b deal

On Tuesday, Microsoft confirmed that it was buying Skype in cash for $8.5 billion. This is expected to have a far-reaching impact globally and in India as well where Skype is becoming an increasingly popular tool, especially among parents connecting with their children abroad.

The acquisition will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, said a statement from Microsoft. “The combination will extend Skype's world-class brand and the reach of its networked platform, while enhancing Microsoft's existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services.”

Says Mr Bhadada of Zinnov: “From a collaboration and communication perspective, with Skype Microsoft can tap a huge base of customers in India for its video conferencing solutions. Also, Skype can help enrich the mobile presence of Microsoft in India wherein it can potentially be shipped with Windows7 series phones. Windows 7 phones are slowly being shipped into India now. Skype will also fit well with the Microsoft - Nokia mobile strategy for video calling etc.”

Will support MS devices

Skype had 170 million connected users and over 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010 globally. Skype will support Microsoft devices such as Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities, said the statement from Microsoft.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-info-tech/article2007437.ece

http://cms.mumbaimirror.com/portalfiles/22/10/201105/Image/bike%20inside(1).jpg

Four city students develop a bike that runs on diesel and gives a mileage of 110km/litre

Sridhar Vivan

Posted On Monday, May 16, 2011 at 01:13:49 AM

The diesel bike developed by the students of M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology

In the last two years, the petrol price in Bangalore has gone up from Rs 46.28 to Rs 71.10 — a whopping 65 per cent increase. While the best brains across the world are working hard to make vehicles more fuel efficient, four engineering students in the city have come up with another alternative: a bike that runs on diesel.

Besides running on diesel, which costs Rs 42.34 per litre, Rs 29 less than petrol, this prototype gives a mileage of 110 km/litre — almost double that of an average petrol bike.

Naveen V V, a mechanical engineering student at M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT), said, “Bikes that run on diesel are rare. So we decided to develop a diesel-run two-wheeler as our final year project. As far as we know, we are the first in the country to come up with a diesel-engined two-wheeler with automatic gears and automatic clutch.”

Their aim was to reduce the running cost as there is a huge difference in the prices of petrol and diesel. “The fuel expense of our bike is just 40 paise per km, while it costs Rs 1.70 on an average petrol bike. So our model will help the middle-class bring down its travel expenses.”

Tony Paul, a part of the team, said they used the chassis of a Kinetic Blaze and a Bullet engine to develop the bike. Nadeem Anwar, another member, said they did all the alterations to the engine and gearbox at workshops in Bangalore and Coimbatore.

Sanjay Bhushan, another team member, said it took them only four months to complete the bike. “The automatic gear and automatic clutch work smoothly, making it easy to ride in the traffic,” he said.

“The engine is capable of producing better torque as compared to other diesel engines and the bike gives a mileage of around 110 kmpl,” said their project guide Dr S V Prakash. Since their exams are beginning on May 25, they are planning to go for patenting later.

How they did it

PLATFORM Chassis: Kinetic Blaze
Engine: Royal Enfield 350 CC Petrol

ALTERATIONS
» The cylinder block and piston were modified to reduce the displacement to 200 CC
» Flywheel weight was reduced to 7 kg
» Engine oil capacity was increased from 2.25 to 2.5 litres
» Nozzle altered and its pressure reduced to 90 bar
» Head valve clearance adjusted to 5.5 mm and inlet and exhaust tappets adjusted to 4.5 mm and 6.5 mm respectively
» Automatic gearbox added

ADVANTAGES
» 110 km/litre
» A smooth ride with automatic gear and automatic clutch
» Less polluting compared with other diesel-engine vehicles
http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/10/2011051620110516011356798de171249/A-2wheel-escape-from-rising-petrol-prices.html

^^ the quality of innovations in india sucks:puke:

^^ the quality of innovations in india sucks:puke:

I feel like puking at your assertions. Get your facts right before making such wild statements.

I feel like puking at your assertions. Get your facts right before making such wild statements.
c'mon yaar........blaze body with bullet engine isn't sounds funny to you:lol:

@Sirfviral... what have you done, in your meager existence for last few decades?? whats your contribution to society other than polluting, consuming resources, and adding population? shame on internet keyboard sultans like you... nonsense.

PTI | 05:05 PM,May 17,2011

Bangalore, May 17 (PTI) AMX, a leading provider of solutions that simplify the implementation, maintenance, and use of technology to create effective environments, today announced the opening of a new facility here. The 4,745 square-foot facility would allow AMX to broaden its operations in India and service the audio-visual needs of emerging markets, the company said in a statement. It would serve as the company's main hub in India and includes a fully equipped training centre and spacious showroom to demonstrate its integrated AV-IT solutions, AMX said.
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/amx-opens-new-facility-in-bangalore-to-make-it-india-main-hub/688059.html

Bangalore, May 17 (PTI) Announcing a 22.8 million euros higher education funding for India, Bosch said today it is setting up a "Robert Bosch Centre for Research in Cyber Physical Systems", at the Indian Institute of Science here. This would be a first-of-its-kind research centre and would promote applied research in the chosen domains of cyber physical systems, mobility solutions and renewable energy, the company said in a statement. The centre would create an ecosystem of research and working environment for future engineers, and support the entire industry through contract research projects, it said.Internationally renowned Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft would support the ten-year development project. Cyber-physical systems would help to save energy in buildings, for instance, Bosch said. "The house of the future will know what current energy prices are and the local weather is like, and optimise its energy consumption according to the needs of its occupants", it said. Bosch is creating a campus for IT design, cyber-physical systems, mobility solutions and renewable energy in collaboration with IISc. "With our funding for higher education in India, we are creating a perfect research and working environment for future IT specialists," said Vijay Ratnaparkhe, managing director of Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions in India. Under the InterCampus programme globally, Bosch is investing a total of USD 50 million euros to provide support for unversities and research projects in Germany, China, India and the US. Of this, 22.8 million euros, and therefore the lion's share of the total budget, is going to India.
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/bosch-announces-228-million-euro-higher-edu-funding-for-india/688058.html

Bangalore, May 17, DHNS:

MeritTrac, a leading testing and skills assessment company owned and backed by Manipal Education, is on an expansion drive to cater to the demands of global customers.

The company has become a leading player in testing, networking and servicing under one roof over the past 11 years.

“We have delivered over 14 million exams till date and registered an annual growth of 50 per cent last financial year. This year too we hope to register more than 25 per cent growth with our main focus on servicing and product development through out the globe,” said MeritTrac Co-founder and Director Madan Padaki.

According Padaki, the challenge of scale and cost opportunity give the company an edge over other players to explore new opportunities in international market. “We hope to reach a target of 50 million to 87 million test by five years of period. For this we are mainly focusing on US and UK and other developing countries in Latin America and Africa,” said Madan.

Backed by solid innovation team, MeritTrac hopes to do better in test validation front through simulation, clicker and other skill testing methods.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/162125/merittrac-expand.html

BANGALORE: IT major Infosys has taken most advantage of the structural shift in client spends away from traditional application development and management ( ADM )) services to higher value enterprise services .

Infosys has built the largest enterprise services practice amongst its peers. According to a March 28th Religare report, in the third quarter of FY 2011, Infosys' enterprise service revenues stood at $415 million.

In contrast the corresponding figure for TCS stood at $255 million, for Wipro at $277 million and for HCL Tech at $184 million. Even in terms of proportion of revenues enterprise services stands at 26% for Infosys, as compared to 12% for TCS and 13% for Wipro and 22% for HCL.

IT clients are increasingly looking towards consulting and system integration around enterprise application software (EAS). EAS software includes packages offered by independent software giants like Oracle and SAP . This includes packages such as customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP).

Analysts state that many clients prefer EAS packages as they are more cost effective and innovative solutions developed after years of R&D efforts. Contrastingly application development involves IT companies developing a completely new application from scratch.

Infosys CFO V Balakrishnan said that consulting led enterprise services enables the company to win large transformational deals. Transformational deals include consultants defining what the corporate needs, followed by designing, building and deploying software.

The shift to enterprise services requires greater degree of consulting skills and domain knowledge, he added. Infosys' share of revenues from application development has fallen around 22% start of FY09, to around 15% now. Industry analysts state that Infosys was the earliest mover in building a sizeable enterprise services team and today employs more than 2,000 consultants.

Enterprise service revenues can be divided into several layers. At the top of the value chain is the front end consulting services. This is followed by functional services, technical services , application maintenance and support etc.

Enterprise services have typically been the forte of global giants like Accenture and IBM who have significant consulting expertise. Over the last 5 years Indian software companies have also begun to shape the whole IT solution.

Ashish Chopra, IT analyst at Motilal Oswal, said Infosys is best positioned to take advantage of structural shift in client demand going ahead as well. Its strategy of having one-third of revenue from each of transformation and innovation, and just one-third of revenue from operations is the right one, he said.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/thumb.cms?msid=8412782&width=300&resizemode=4
An industry source said TCS has been slower at growing enterprise services business as its exposure to auto clients, who cut spends, after the recession is high. As far as Wipro is concerned, a January 14 report by Ambit Capital states that the company lacks a credible EAS strategy and has a high exposure to the slow growing telecom space.

However Ankur Rudra, IT sector analyst at Ambit Capital, believes that though Infosys currently leads the pack in enterprise services, this might change over the longer term as consulting is the key to this practice.

HCL has been the boldest in terms of acquiring front end consulting capability via its Axon acquisition and focusing on moving up the value chain with lateral hires in Europe rather than focusing on the typical IT associate factory model, he said.



http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/software/infosys-fastest-to-seize-industry-shift-towards-high-value-enterprise-services/articleshow/8411211.cms

Scania to start work next year

Europe's largest automobile company Volkswagen's commercial vehicle arm Scania on Wednesday announced its foray into the Indian market with the establishment of a regional product centre in Bangalore that will assemble heavy haulage trucks and premium intercity buses starting June 2012.

Currently, Scania does sell some of its mining vehicles to Larsen & Toubro, which is also its distributor for these vehicles in India since 2007-08.
The firm, however, now wants to function as a full fledged commercial vehicle player with a target of selling 2,000 trucks, 1,000 buses and 1,500 engines per annum by the next 5 years. In the last 3 years, Scania has sold 600 mining trucks through L&T. "We have not firmed up our investment plans and mode of operations in India yet but we do see this market along with China, as our two biggest markets in Asia over the long term," said Henrik Fagrenius, managing director, Scania Commercial Vehicles India Ltd. "We are looking at all possible options as to how we are going to spread our presence in India. The possibility of roping in a strategic local partner is not ruled out either."

Initially, the Bangalore product centre would employ 100 people and would be Scania's second largest such centre after South Africa. It has similar centres in Taiwan, Malaysia, Dubai, South Korea and Russia as well.

With a presence in over 100 countries, Scania is considered as the world's most profitable heavy truck manufacturer. Asia accounted for only 19% of the company's global vehicle deliveries in 2010 with Europe (39%) and Latin America (32%) accounting for the lion's share.

HT (http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/auto/Scania-to-start-work-next-year/Article1-699158.aspx)

Wipro gears up to defence space, to set aviation SEZ

Wipro is all set to announce the setting up of a defence equipment manufacturing plant in Karnataka. Sharing details of the exclusive report, CNBC-TV18’s Sunanda Jayaseelan says Wipro arm Wipro Infra Engineering is set to materialise Wirpo's big plans for aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Wipro infra engineering has been in parent Wipro's shadow for a while now, new man at the helm, Pratik Kumar, president of Wipro infra engineering says the company intends to grow revenues from the aviation vertical to 25% of infra engineering revenues over the next 4-5 years.
It will start with the allotment of 7 acres of land for an aviation SEZ in Bangalore. It is expected to roll by the end of the first quarter, with an investment of 8-10 million dollars. The manufacturing should begin in 12-18 months.
“We are looking at announcing a partnership with leading aviation players soon. Hopefully, we will be able to start quickly to address needs globally,” says Kumar.
An international presence is a big part of its growth strategy. It is already the world's third largest manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders. However, so far, India has accounted for 56% of its total sales volumes. It now has its eyes on North America and Brazil. The company recently took a leap into Brazil with the acquisition of RKM.
Kumar says this acquisition is part of a strategy, since, “Brazil is a huge market and we had been looking for an opportunity for some time and it worked out.”
Wipro infra engineering anticipates it will spend 100 million dollars over the next 2-3 years, primarily to ramp up production at its 3 manufacturing facilities in India. The company is set to shift of focus on capacity expansion in china.

Source (http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/wiprogearsuptodefencespacetosetaviationsez_544646.html)

Bangalore, May 22:

YES Bank plans to have a branch network of 750 branches across the country by 2015, and 15-20 per cent of these would be located in the South.

“The metro centres are likely to have over 30 branches each in the next few years,” Mr R. Ravichander, Group President – Business Development (South), YES Bank, told Business Line. In all, about 150 branches would be located in the South. The bank currently has 214 branches in 164 city locations and over 250 ATMs. By 2015, the plan is to have over 3,000 ATMs across the country, and a staff strength of about 12,000.

The bank, which had a business of about Rs 36,000 crore in the 2009-10 fiscal, targets Rs 1.5 lakh crore by 2015. According to Mr Ravichander, the bank which was more focused on corporate banking till now will now actively look at retail businesses. “We want our retail business to be 40 per cent of our overall business by 2015,” he added. It targets 40 per cent CASA (current account savings account), an important component of the retail banking business, in the next four years. The bank is also working on retail products, he said.

It recently opened its third branch in Bangalore “to further strengthen the financial infrastructure of Karnataka”, according to a bank's press release.
(This article was published in the Business Line print edition dated May 23, 2011)
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-money-banking/article2040744.ece

^^

Wipro, CSEA team up on aerospace, defence manufacturing

PTI | May 25, 2011, 07.15pm IST


NEW DELHI: Wipro Infrastructure Engineering said it has signed an agreement with Spanish firm Compania Espanola De Sistemas Aeronauticos (CESA) for manufacturing of precision engineered components for the aerospace and defence sector.

CESA is a subsidiary of the global Aerospace and Defence Corporation, EADS.

"The agreement involves transfer of technology as well as manufacturing workload for Aerospace actuators and related precision engineered components from CESA to Wipro," the company (WIE) said in a statement.

As an initial investment, the company will invest about $15 million.

"Aerospace and defence (A&D) is a huge opportunity area for us to leverage our core competences... We shall be investing about $15 million in the initial phase in establishing a greenfield venture for the manufacture of these components in the new SEZ for Aerospace being set up at Devanahalli by Karnataka," WIE President Pratik Kumar said.

The plan is to start serial production towards end of 2012, he added.

WIE, a division of Wipro, provides precision engineered hydraulic cylinders and components. It is a supplier to global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of construction and earth moving machinery, material handling equipment, heavy and medium commercial vehicles across Asia and Europe.

"Apart from the advantage of having a strong outsourcing partner for our current programmes, EADS and CESA will also have a reliable and credible partner to meet Offset obligations in India," CESA Managing Director Jose Leal said.

Further, the Wipro-CESA combine will be able to jointly explore new and emerging opportunities in the Asia Pacific and other emerging markets, Leal added.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/enterprise-it/infrastructure/Wipro-CSEA-team-up-on-aerospace-defence-manufacturing/articleshow/8571732.cms)

Renesas Mobile inaugurates R&D center in Bangalore


Renesas Mobile Corporation has inaugurated its research and development (R&D) centre in Bangalore, India. Renesas mobile designs VLSI chips mainly based on ARM processor cores for growing market of 2G, 3G and 4G modem technologies.

The executive team present during the inauguration includes of Heikki Tenhunen, Senior Vice President, Jean-Marie Rolland, Chief Technical Officer and Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, and Shinichi Yoshioka, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Renesas Mobile India is a member of the Software Technology Parks of India, and currently has about 230 employees. Renesas Mobile India expects to invest approximately USD 115 million within five years, which includes personnel and capital costs.

Renesas has recently expanded its sales offices in India. Renesas is expanding in India both to tap development resources as well as emerging semiconductor market of India.
Renesas Mobile started operations on December 1, 2010 with the completion of Renesas Electronics acquisition of the Wireless Modem group of Nokia Corporation.

"Today Renesas Mobile India is a key R&D centre in wireless modem technology, performing leading edge technology development, as exemplified by the demonstrations in today's opening ceremony, where VAMOS calls (2G), HSDPA data transfer (3G) and LTE data transfer, were demonstrated with Renesas Mobile Corporation chipsets" said Heikki Tenhunen, Senior Vice President Renesas Mobile Corporation. "In addition to 2G, 3G, and LTE, Renesas Mobile India is performing core technology development within TD-SCDMA and TD-LTE technologies."


"Renesas Mobile India is contributing in every aspect of product creation from 3GPP standardization, to system design, to implementation and customer support, and is a full-capability R&D centre," said Allan Frederiksen, Managing Director of Renesas Mobile India, Pvt, Ltd. "Coming from Wireless Modem group in Nokia, we are proud to continue the development of our world-class technology in Renesas Mobile here in Bangalore"

Source (http://www.eeherald.com/section/news/nws201105229.html)

Imec India partners with Wipro to bring nanoelectronics solutions to emerging markets



Leuven, Belgium | Posted on May 25th, 2011
Imec today announced the establishment of imec India in Bangalore, Karnataka, making a first step towards the Indian market with the signing of an R&D partnership agreement with Wipro Technologies, the Global Information Technology, Consulting and Outsourcing business of Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT). Imec is a leading independent applied research organization that carries out research activities in semiconductor, nanotechnology and nanoelectronics, delivering industry relevant technology solutions.

Imec and Wipro have created a joint initiative to co-innovate and build next generation intelligent systems, called Applied Research in Intelligent Systems Engineering (ARISE). By bringing together an experienced team of system designers, user designers, process, software and system architects, this initiative aims to develop nanoelectronics and NEMS-(Nano Electro Mechanical Systems) based solutions for emerging markets like India.

The joint initiative will initially focus on developing intelligent systems based on next generation sensors, wireless and energy harvesting technologies for key industry verticals. The core team for the joint center being set up in Bangalore will draw specialist teams from Wipro and imec, with additional hiring from global talent pools across industry and academia, to create a team of highly qualified engineers/scientists.

The solutions will leverage imec's heterogeneous semiconductor process integration platform - CMORE - that offers design, prototyping and low-volume production of systems-on-chip that can combine logic with mechanical, chemical or optical functions.

Emerging markets consisting of 80% of global population offers great opportunities for intelligent products to be designed ground up to address its unique needs. Nanoelectronics is the cornerstone to provide such products, addressing societal challenges like efficient and sustainable healthcare system, sustainable urbanization, and sustainable use of energy. Imec has an excellent track record of pioneering nanoelectronics technologies and providing solutions in global partnerships with leading companies. Wipro is a leader in bringing IT solutions and product design services to market. The partnership will leverage the technology capability of imec and Product Engineering and IT integration expertise of Wipro to build right solutions for emerging market.

"Our partnership with Wipro underlines our commitment towards providing solutions for emerging markets;" said Luc Van den hove, President and CEO imec. "I'm confident that Wipro's product engineering expertise, industry vertical presence and understanding of the emerging markets will augment our research capability to develop cost-efficient products for many new markets including India."

The Wipro-imec partnership is unique in bringing together a leading Research organization in nanotechnology and a system & software engineering leader. The R&D alliance is open to other players to participate and build system prototypes based on concurrent innovations in nanotechnology and system engineering, enabling novel applications for emerging markets. Rajesh Ram Mishra, Vice President, Wipro Technologies will head this joint initiative.

"This Wipro-imec initiative ‘ARISE' will act as a bridge between industry, academia and research labs to bring in a combination of applied research, system & business design and product engineering capabilities under one roof to deliver highly affordable and sustainable solutions for emerging markets", said T K Kurien, CEO, IT Business & Executive Director, Wipro Limited. "This further underlines our commitment towards solving emerging market challenges through future ready technologies. ARISE will also be a key enabler in reverse innovation of successful emerging market solutions to address the global need."

Source (http://www.nanotech-now.com/news.cgi?story_id=42550)

Karnataka Vocational Training & Skill Development Corporation’s employment drive
IT firms eye rural students to beat attrition
Subrahmanyan Viswanath, Bangalore, May 25, DHNS:

Go rural for longevity of your recruits stay in the company seems to be the new credo among IT companies faced with the bugbear of high attrition among upwardly mobile urban recruitees.

With urban students more skewed towards fancy salaries, brand and designations, besides several leaving mid-stream to pursue higher studies rendering investments into training futile, IT companies now see ray of sunshine with rural graduates who they believe will not only stick with the company for longer duration as also are not that overtly fussy on salary and perks front besides relocation to the City.

It is no wonder that Wipro, Tech Mahindra and TCS, have taken to first of its kind initiative launched by State government’s — Central Placement Cell (CPC) of Karnataka Vocational Training & Skill Development Corporation Limited’s employment initiative.
The CPC, which recently conducted placement drive for fresh BSc & BCA graduates in five districts besides Bangalore saw as many as 137 of 736 rural graduates who registered for the fair being given on spot job offers. Speaking to Deccan Herald, CPC Head (Operations) Raghav said surprisingly the drive for urban candidates in Bangalore saw only 55 offered jobs even though total walk-ins was 737.

Provide exposure
The placement drive, aimed at giving exposure to rural students to attend interviews, assess their individual worth & what they can expect from their career, has been taken up, Raghav said, to provide equal opportunity to students irrespective of being from urban or rural colleges and talent. The main objective, though of CPC, he said, was to take IT employers to the rural youth.

The drive, he said, was conducted in Davangere, Mysore, Tumkur, Chikamagalur, and Brahmavara in Udupi, for Wipro, with few rural students registering in for Bangalore walk-ins. While in Davangere out of 146 walk-ins and among the 108 shortlisted 38 were given offers. In Mysore, of the 78 walk-ins 14 were offered jobs. In Tumkur, which saw the largest of 180 walk-ins 30 received offers.

In Chikmagalur, out of the 56, six received offers. In Udupi, of the 120, job offers were given to 16. The walk-ins of rural students in Bangalore saw 156 of which 33 given offers.
The only criterion, he said, was irrespective of streams of study, compulsory subject was mathematics.

Most were taken in as junior technical associate, who, when confirmed would be drawing salary between Rs 2-2.5 lakh annually. Raghav further said similar walk-ins are being organised for Tech Mahindra and Wipro in Hubli and Mangalore in June and July, while for TCS a couple of locations have been identified and dates to be confirmed.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/164036/it-firms-eye-rural-students.html

http://images.bhaskar.com/web2images/www.dailybhaskar.com/2011/05/26/images/bman_f.jpg
Bangalore: Here's an idea that could come to the rescue of water-starved cities. Collect fresh water from rivers before it flows into the sea and pump it into supply channels. That is interlinking of rivers over the sea, a new technology evolved by city-based inventor-founder Revankar Krishna Prasad.

Interlinking of rivers over land is cost-intensive and cumbersome.

The National Council of Applied Economic Research has estimated it at Rs 4.44 lakh crore in a 2007 report. But linking rivers over sea using this method would be 100 times cheaper, says Prasad who has applied for a patent.

The World Intellectual Property Organisation, under Patent Co-operation Treaty, has certified all his 10 claims. The technology is under examination by the patent office in Chennai.

The entrepreneur, who has been working on various solutions through his company Carbonda Global, has applied for eight patents in all.

Sea water no good

Water that flows into the sea is of no use. If harnessed before it mixes with sea water, it would help ease the pressure on water boards all over the state. At least 2,000tmc of water flows into the sea from west-flowing rivers of Karnataka. The dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is just for 100 tmc, he says.

The idea is to create a channel using waste plastic. This channel would float on the sea and collect water from the point were the river meets the sea. The water would then flow through the channel to the next point where it could be used.

"It's like a dynamic river on the sea. There would be a thin barrier separating the fresh water from the salt water," Prasad explains.

What if there is a leak in the plastic sheet? Prasad has thought of that too. The electrodes would alert maintenance staff the moment salt water enters the channel and even point to the exact spot of the leakage. At the heart of the technology is the isolator connector that would make the channel flexible.

The channel can be towed around on the sea. Its exact position can be communicated to the boat's antennae from coast-based transmitters.

"Even the GPS system can be used if it is cost-effective. We are using antennae to receive signals from transmitters on the coast as it is cheaper," he says.

The channel will also be provided with disconnectors to allow huge ships to pass. There are U-shaped connector chambers with swirl joints which will allow parts of the channel to go underwater so huge ships can move over without damaging it. The same method can be used to harvest rain water. In fact, it was with this thought that it all began.

"When I read that Singapore consumes treated water, I wondered why they don't harvest rain water. The volume falling on sea is several times higher than that falling on land, as per the United National Environment Programme's World's Water Cycle," he says.

Using the same concept, lakes that grow vegetation can be formed on sea. Floating aquatic plants like Azolla that fix carbon dioxide can be cultivated on these, he says. Prasad has also applied for a patent for a similar technology that can be used to manage oil spills.

More room in the sea

"There is plenty of space on the sea which is available at low cost. Storage on sea is cheaper. So sewage can be treated on the sea, cities can be kept clean and the water can be used by industries," says Prasad, who is looking for investors to fund his first project.
http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/BAN-heres-a-bangalorean-who-has-solution-for-worlds-water-woes-2135981.html

Wipro to make aerospace components
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Wipro’s infrastructure engineering division is getting into aerospace and defence components manufacturing. The first order has come from Spanish firm Compania Espanola De Sistemas Aeronauticos (CESA) for the manufacture of precision-engineered components. CESA is a subsidiary of the global aerospace and defence corporation EADS.

Pratik Kumar, president of the Wipro division, said the company would be investing about $15 million in the initial phase in establishing a greenfield venture for the manufacture of these components in the new SEZ for aerospace being set up at Devanahalli near Bangalore. “Aerospace and defence is a huge opportunity to leverage on Wipro’s core competences,” he said.

The Wipro division now provides precision-engineered hydraulic cylinders and components. The agreement with the Spanish firm involves transfer of technology as well as manufacturing workload for aerospace actuators and related precision engineered components.

The plan is to start serial production towards the end of 2012, Kumar said.


Source:
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQkcvMjAxMS8wNS8yNiNBcjAxOTA4&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom

Wipro to make aerospace components
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Wipro’s infrastructure engineering division is getting into aerospace and defence components manufacturing. The first order has come from Spanish firm Compania Espanola De Sistemas Aeronauticos (CESA) for the manufacture of precision-engineered components. CESA is a subsidiary of the global aerospace and defence corporation EADS.

Pratik Kumar, president of the Wipro division, said the company would be investing about $15 million in the initial phase in establishing a greenfield venture for the manufacture of these components in the new SEZ for aerospace being set up at Devanahalli near Bangalore. “Aerospace and defence is a huge opportunity to leverage on Wipro’s core competences,” he said.

The Wipro division now provides precision-engineered hydraulic cylinders and components. The agreement with the Spanish firm involves transfer of technology as well as manufacturing workload for aerospace actuators and related precision engineered components.

The plan is to start serial production towards the end of 2012, Kumar said.


Source:
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQkcvMjAxMS8wNS8yNiNBcjAxOTA4&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom

Mods .. please delete this post. Just found its already been shared earlier

Thu 26, Vikas,India Editor TNW:
Here is some exciting news for all Indians! Google India has just announced that it will soon be rolling out Google Street View to India.

For those who are not familiar with the service, Google Street View is a feature of Google Maps which offers 360° panoramic street-level imagery of a region. The service was kick started in the US in May 2007 and is currently available in 27 countries.

Google said it will start image collection from tomorrow in Bengaluru and this will carried out by Street View cars as well as a special vehicle called “Trike”, a tricycle-mounted camera specifically designed to photograph and add previously inaccessible destinations.

Google will start gathering images from select locations in Bengaluru starting from the Nrityagram Dance Village over the next few weeks and then move to other parts of India. However to some maintain privacy, Google India will blurring out all the faces and license plates in their imagery.

Once Google finishes its image collection process, users from all over the world can access street-level imagery of various regions in Bengaluru.

TNW (http://goo.gl/kCXFn) :cheers:

Semi-conductor lab for IT City (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Semi-conductor-lab-for-IT-City/articleshow/8592607.cms)
TNN | May 27, 2011, 12.22am IST
Bangalore will get a semi-conductor lab and finishing school at a cost of Rs 27 crore. The school will be run by the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT). The project, an initiative by the central and state governments, will also be funded by industries.

"The finishing school will improve conceptual knowledge and problem-solving skills of engineering students which will eventually increase their employability," higher education minister V S Acharya said.

The cabinet also cleared a biotech lab and incubation facilities on five acres of land at Electronics City under the Bangalore Helix project. It okayed a proposal to allot 100 acres of land near Thipsandra village in Ramanagaram district to set up a Sanskrit university.

GOOD NEWS FOR AYUSH TEACHERS

Acharya said cabinet also approved implementation of 6th Pay Commission recommendations for the teaching staff of six Ayush colleges. He said the new pay scales would be paid with effect from April 1, 2011, as per the AICTE guidelines. This would result in a burden of Rs 11 crore per year on the exchequer.

The minister said all law colleges in the state will, henceforth, be affiliated to Karnataka State Law university in Hubli following a nod from the cabinet.

Gandhi City - India's first R&D based SEZ to raise US $25 million through PEs

Gandhi City for Advanced Research & Development Ltd, which has received approvals to set up the country's first R&D based Special Economic Zone (SEZ), will shortly raise US $25 million, as the first phase of investment for the project. Two top Private Equity (PE) firms have already evinced interest in investing in Gandhi City, which is in the process of creating an ecosystem to foster collaboration between the industry, institutes and research organizations near Ramanagara, 30 kilometers from the technology hub of Bangalore.

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, May 27, 2011 /India PRwire/ -- Gandhi City for Advanced Research & Development Ltd, which has received approvals to set up the country's first R&D based Special Economic Zone (SEZ), will shortly raise US $25 million, as the first phase of investment for the project.

Two top Private Equity (PE) firms have already evinced interest in investing in Gandhi City, which is in the process of creating an ecosystem to foster collaboration between the industry, institutes and research organizations near Ramanagara, 30 kilometers from the technology hub of Bangalore.

The SEZ project will have four phases of investment, spread across 10 years, to raise US $600 million through various routes. "The total project outlay is Rs 2,620 crore. Our plan is to replace minor investors by bringing in PE funds. It will be equivalent to 9 per cent of the total share-holding of Gandhi City," says Giri Devanur, Promoter, Gandhi City SEZ.

The process of acquiring 350 acres of land for the project is on. The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), the nodal agency for land acquisition in Karnataka, will complete the process shortly. The SEZ will be spread over 1,000 acres, housing research labs, incubation centers, and high-end technology testing facilities.

Gandhi City will focus on multiple disciplines, such as, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences; Automotive and Aviation; Technology and Communications, and Agricultural sciences, in association with educational institutions. It is the first of its kind SEZ modeled on the lines of Stanford Research Park, US. Gandhi City SEZ has entered into a technological understanding with Research Triangle Park, US.

Gandhi City, a premier R&D SEZ, the only such project in India. Spread across 1,000 acres near the technology hub Bangalore, India, Gandhi City SEZ aims to create an ecosystem to foster the right collaboration between the industry, institutions, and research organizations. The total investment set to flow into the project is Rs 2,620 crore in association with major technology partners.

Gandhi City is promoted by Mr. Giri Devanur, a serial technology entrepreneur and innovator. He is a computer engineering graduate from the University of Mysore, India. He also studied at the premier Massachusetts Institute Technology (MIT), Cambridge.

He has over 21 years of experience as an Entrepreneur CEO in the technology industry. He floated several companies; successfully contributed to mergers and acquisitions; and infused capital from VCs and PE firms.

Giri Devanur is the founder of Ivega, a specialist IT services provider. He successful expanded the company, in terms of growth and revenue, and sold it to TCG.

Source (http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/other/2011052787651.htm)

It will come up in Ramnagara.

ABB plans Rs 115 cr unit in Karnataka


BS Reporter (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/abb-plans-rs-115-cr-unit-in-karnataka/436999/) / Chennai/ Bangalore May 28, 2011, 0:19 IST

Plant will manufacture miniature circuit breakers.

ABB, the global power and automation technology group, announced on Friday that it will invest approximately $24 million (Rs 115 crore) in a new facility in India to manufacture a new range of Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB), Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCB) and Surge Protection Devices (SPD).

The new manufacturing facility will be set up in Nelamangala campus at Bangalore and employ around 300 people.

“This is our biggest investment worldwide in 2011, with the motive to support the market growth in India with the availability of high quality products and state-of-the-art training centers and facilities,” said Tarak Mehta, head of ABB’s Low Voltage Products division.

Tommy Andreasson, manager of the Low Voltage Products division in India added, “With focus now on India, this investment is targeted to meet the customer requirements of the local market.”

ABB’s low voltage products division in India has delivered 25 million poles to the domestic market through wholesalers and a network of channel partners.

This investment will increase the production capacity to serve both domestic and export markets.

The plant will manufacture a new range of protection devices used in residential and commercial buildings, industrial and renewable energy applications, data centers and telecommunications industries to protect installations against over current, short circuits and leakage current.

ABB has posted a more than nine times rise its net profit to Rs 59.54 crore in the first quarter of CY11 as compared with Rs 6.63 crore reported in the corresponding period last year.

Total income has increased by 21.89 per cent to Rs 1800.5 crore during this period.

Bangalore: For many who see Infosys as conservative, this may come as a surprise. The company's new management under K V Kamath and S D Shibulal is planning to set up a separate company focused on IT products, platforms and intellectual property-driven solutions.

The $6-billion company has so far built its global reputation on providing IT services to international firms. The move to establish this new company represents a focused shift to a higher value business. Products are riskier to do, given that they can fail even after substantial investments . But the payoffs from successful products can be huge, as the likes of Microsoft , IBM and SAP have shown.

"We are discussing several options to set up this new company to house innovations ," Subhash Dhar, the head of business innovation at Infosys told TOI. One of these is to make an acquisition of an existing company that is involved in areas where Infosys is looking to innovate . These areas include fast growing practices such as cloud computing, mobility and sustainability.

The other option is to create a new company. Employees at Infosys who are already involved on the innovation side, which includes products and platforms, would move to this new firm.

Dhar said the new company would provide a start-up kind of environment. Product-driven companies require a culture and DNA that nurtures out-of-the-box thinking, the way start-ups do. This culture is very different from what prevails in large firms, which tend to get tied down by processes and bureaucratic procedures, and in IT servicefocused firms, which does not involve much risk-taking .

Siddharth Pai, MD of global sourcing advisory services firm TPI India , said Indian service providers had shown with core banking solutions that they can compete with the best product companies in the world (Infosys has a successful banking product called Finacle, and TCS has a successful one called Bancs). He said it is a natural progression for IT services companies to move to products. "The lines are blurring between product and services players. To remain competitive , it is essential to become a full services provider. It can help win long-term and stickier deals." Pai echoed Dhar's view that the two businesses are fundamentally different, and therefore a separate entity for products and platforms makes sense. Nasscom president Som Mittal said that clients are now demanding high-end solutions such as platforms and products from Indian IT service providers to drive greater value and efficiencies.

The Indian IT sector , he said, had moved up the value chain from providing basic application support to become domain experts. Mittal said that from the IT companies' perspective, such initiatives are also driven by the need for them to become more non-linear (do more with fewer employees) and become end-to-end service providers.

Dhar said that traditional IT services are getting commoditized , with pricing and margin pressures. "In order to bring in non-linearity and differentiation in a competitive environment, innovative products and platforms become vital."

The firm has begun the process of setting up a separate unit. Seven new positions at VP and AVP levels have just been created for products and platforms, four of which will be for innovations coming out of the banking & finance, manufacturing , retail, and energy and utilities segments. The other three will build product engineering , product management and commercialization teams for new innovations.

"We have not fully utilized several of our products and IP-led platform solutions. The plan is to monetize some of these opportunities as well as build future products and solutions under this new unit," said Dhar. This includes existing products like mobile application platform Flypp and healthcare product I Transform , as well as solutions built for areas like supply chain visibility. The banking product Finacle however will not be part of this unit since it is already well established.

The products and platforms effort is part of the 'Infosys 3.0' strategy under which it intends to transform from a technology solutions company to a business solutions firm. It recently structured the company under three service lines. The first is transformation , which includes 'Change-the-business' initiatives like package implementation and consulting. The second is business operations, which includes 'run-the-business ' initiatives like application development & maintenance, testing and BPO. And the third is innovation, including products and platforms.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/software/infosys-to-set-up-separate-company-to-create-it-products/articleshow/8615762.cms

Manjushree Technopack FY11 net profit up 40%
(http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Manjushree-Technopack-FY11-net-profit-up-40-percent/5165421184)
India Infoline News Service / 10:33 , May 28, 2011

The company crossed Rs. 200 crore mark this year
Bangalore based Manjushree Technopack Ltd, the leaders in rigid plastic packaging in the country, have announced their annual results for the year ending March 31, 2011. The company crossed Rs. 200 crore mark this year and has once again shown impressive growth of 40 to 50 percent across all key performance indicators like sales turnover, PBT and PAT.

Announcing the results, Vimal Kedia, Managing Director, Manjushree Technopack Ltd, said “This is a landmark year for us with our turnover crossing the Rs. 200 crore mark. Our strong focus on providing superior packaging solutions on-time to key FMCG and beverage customers has enabled us to keep the momentum going. To satisfy the huge demand, we have also expanded out capacity by 10,500 MTPA during the year. In the coming year, our focus will be on serving the growing demand from our customers like Coca Cola and Pepsi, adding new verticals and presenting new innovations in the market, such as beer in PET. With rigid packaging expanding its presence across verticals, our customers can expect even more from us in the year to come.”
Manjushree Technopack’s current capacity stands at 40,000 MTPA (largest in the country) with the commissioning of one Husky and four ASB blow moulding machines in 2010-2011. As per their expansion plans, the company has also committed investments of Rs. 150 crores for two new facilities at Bidadi and Harohalli Industrial Areas in Bangalore, that are expected to be operational by mid 2012. Land has been procured and work has commenced on the new manufacturing facilities.

IP Infusion opens engineering development center in India (http://www.eeherald.com/section/news/nws201105275.html)

IP Infusion, Inc has opened an Engineering Development Center of Excellence in Bangalore, India. IP Infusion plans to make India a hub for the design, development and innovation of next-generation networking technologies.The India Engineering Development Center of Excellence will provide R&D support, technical support and business development.

"Part of our core value proposition is to extend our customers' development teams and provide our expertise in IP communications to their existing development efforts," said Koichi Narasaki, president and CEO of IP Infusion. "The expansion of our global development team in India, one of the richest development regions in the world, supports this mission."

"The IP Infusion India team has already played a pivotal role in the development of products based on advanced technologies such as data center virtualization, GMPLS, MPLS-TP and software-defined networking," said Ravi Mittal, managing director, IP Infusion Software India Pvt. Ltd. "Additionally, the team will develop innovative and advanced networking solutions for our customers, reducing their product development effort and time."

Bangalore, May 31 (PTI):
EMC Corporation and Cisco today launched their 'Cloud Experience Centres' in the City.

This is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between two information technology (IT) industry leaders with the twin facilities located at the EMC Centre of Excellence and at the Cisco Globalization Centre East, creating a lab that provides Indian customers with an opportunity to experience the benefits and reliability of cloud-based IT infrastructure.

The twin Centres aim to accelerate customers’ transition to an agile cloud-based infrastructure by enabling proof-of-concepts and helping them experience innovative solutions to some of their critical business challenges, a statement here said.

Manoj Chugh, President, EMC India and SAARC, said: "While Cloud Computing is a huge buzzword in technology, adoption is taking its time as CIOs are seeking the reassurance that cloud computing infrastructures are reliable, scalable, and secure.

"The labs established in Bangalore by EMC and Cisco is a live test bed for customers to come in and validate their business cases in a live environment", he said.

Elaborating on the joint initiative, Naresh Wadhwa, President and Country Manager, Cisco India & SAARC said, "Our approach to cloud computing is to maximize customer choice and industry innovation, so our partnership with EMC reinforces our commitment to help customers accelerate adoption of this phenomenal trend in IT."
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/165407/emc-cisco-launch-cloud-computing.html

Bangalore, June 2 (DHNS)

The Bosch Group will be launching the ''Bosch InterCampus programme'' with an investment of Rs 300 crore and will expand its support to higher education funding, as part of its Global Anniversary CSR initiative.

Over the next 10 years, the initiative will support universities and research projects in India, China, Germany and the US. It aims to enhance the research environment for university undergraduate students and scientists, thereby, accelerating progress in the fields of energy, environment and mobility.

The intercampus programme in India will receive Rs 140 crore which represents the lion’s share of the budget. As part of the 10-year development project, an independent “Robert Bosch IISc Centre for Research in Cyber Physical Systems” will be set up at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

Professor K Chattopadhyay, Chairman, Department of Mechanical Sciences, IISc, said the InterCampus programme was a significant initiative from the corporate world, contributing to the urgent need of funding research for a greener, cleaner and efficient way of life.

He further said that this was the second biggest philanthropic investment at the IISc after JRD Tata’s initial investment.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/165883/bosch-fund-rs-140-crore.html

Bangalore scientists sweep DRDO awards (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Bangalore-scientists-sweep-DRDO-awards/articleshow/8717541.cms)
TNN | Jun 3, 2011, 11.59pm IST
BANGALORE: Bangalore has done it again in defence. A good number of scientists from top DRDO labs in the city has bagged the national DRDO awards (2010) for outstanding contribution.

The awards were given away by defence minister AK Antony on Friday in New Delhi.

THE AWARDEES

Agni awards for excellence in self-reliance were bagged by A K Singh (LRDE) and M Z Siddique (GTRE); Performance excellence awards for performance and contribution was given to P S Krishnan and team, ADE; DRDO scientist of the year awards were bagged by Dipti Deodhare (CAIR), Maheshwara Reddy (DARE), Padmavathi (ADA), P Sivakumar (CVRDE, Chennai), K S Premavalli (DFRL Mysore) and M S Easwaran (CABS Bangalore).

Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore, has bagged the defence technology spin-off award for developing physiologically active food, aloe vera juice, aloe vera-based fruit spread, seabuckthorn-based herbal tea and baked food, rhodiola-based coffee for combating diabetes, colon cancer and other stress-related disorders and diseases.

The best popular science communication award was given to R Raveendran, CVRDE, Avadi and his team.

Rs 120-cr advanced nano technology lab soon in Bangalore


BANGALORE, JUNE 3:
The Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) to facilitate industry focused research and development (R&D) and technology development is constructing Rs 120 crore Advanced Nano Technology Laboratory (NMTC) in Bangalore.

Also CMTI to build human resources for advanced manufacturing technologies it is setting up a Rs 20-crore Academy of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AEAMT).

CENTRAL AID

The foundation for both the buildings was laid by the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Mr Anand Sharma, at CMTI premises.

The NMTC lab and AEAMT are funded under the 11th Five Year Plan by the Union Government's Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

MACHINE TOOL FACILITY

The minister also inaugurated the Advanced Machine Tool Testing Facility (AMTTF) at CMTI at a cost of Rs 10 crore.

“This project is public-private partnership initiative between DIPP, CMTI, Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association and with equity participation from the stake holders,” said Mr B.R. Satyan, Director, CMTI.

On the occasion, the Union Commerce Minister dedicated two advanced technology systems at NMTC laboratory – a Rs-6 crore direct metal deposition (DMD) system and Femto laser machining centre procured at a cost of Rs 3.8 crore. According to Mr Satyan, the two equipment will be used for industry focused research and development and technology development.

HR INITIATIVE

Talking about AEAMT, Mr Satyan said this is a focussed human resources initiative with the objective of generating qualified human resources in advanced manufacturing technologies to meet the requirement of ‘job ready engineers' in the machine tool sector.

Source (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/article2074414.ece?homepage=true)

Yaskawa, L&T reaffirm commitment to serve Indian industry

Announcement / Corporate June 03, 2011, 18:46 IST

Buoyed by the success of its AC drives which are being promoted by Electrical & Automation (E&A) business of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in the Indian market, Yaskawa Electric Corporation of Japan has commenced manufacturing these drives and servo products in Bangalore. The facility, set up under the supervision of Japanese technical experts, will produce 40,000 units of new generation AC Drives a year. The 55,000 sq. ft. facility with four manufacturing lines will offer employment to local talent and have a workforce of 100 employees by March 2012.

At a function held at L&T's Automation Campus, Navi Mumbai to commemorate the commencement of production in India, Mr. Michihiko Zenke, Associate Director, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Japan handed over the first India-manufactured unit of AC drive to Mr. P. K. Bajaj, Vice President and Mr. V.K. Arora, General Manager of E&A.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Zenke said, "L&T and Yaskawa are partners for nearly three decades for providing automation solutions to Indian customers. Indian market is important for Yaskawa, however, our association with L&T is even more important." He further added, "Yaskawa's manufacturing unit in Bangalore will help customers with shortened delivery cycles and meet diversified user demands with product features suited for the Indian environment."
L&T provides motion control solutions using Yaskawa products to process plants, manufacturing plants, buildings and various industrial machinery sectors. The success of their strong association has resulted in the setting up a manufacturing unit in Bangalore for meeting the increased demand for motion control products in India which is a step towards staying closer to customers and reinforcing Yaskawa-L&T's long term commitment to serve the Indian market.

Yaskawa drives will continue to be supplied to customers through L&T's systems integration facility at Navi Mumbai as well as its wide network of more than 600 channel partners across the country.

Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Japan incorporated in 1915 is a global leader in manufacturing and supply of motion control products worldwide.

Business Standard (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/yaskawa-lt-reaffirm-commitment-to-serve-indian-industry/437752/)

3M India to ramp up R&D, double headcount


American multinational conglomerate 3M Co, formerly Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, will step up its research & development efforts in India as part of its strategy to develop new products for the Indian market, according to Ajay Nanavati, managing director, 3M India.

3M, best known as the maker of Scotch Tape and Post-it, produces a wide range of products from adhesives to optical films.

“We plan to more than double our headcount in R&D to 200 in two years,” Nanavati said. The company has a R&D centre each in Bangalore, where the company is headquartered, and Gurgaon. 3M India is expanding its operations at the Bangalore centre aimed at creating new products. “So far the stress has been on technical service, which includes listening to customers on shop floors and taking their feedback, but now we’ll significantly scale up our efforts on product development,” he said.

3M India filed 14 global patents and had 23 product innovations in 2010. Nanavati refrained from saying how many more patents the company hopes to file in the next two years.

3M India has over the last three years spent Rs200 crore on R&D. “As a thumb rule, we spend about 2.5% of our revenues annually on R&D and that will continue,” he said.

For the year ended March 31, 3M India’s topline rose 31% from the previous year to Rs1,176 crore and net profit stood at ¤99 crore, a 23.3% increase. About 30% of the revenues come from products developed in the last five years.

Nanavati said research efforts will be geared towards developing products for the Indian market rather than for exports, which form just 2% of 3M India’s business.

Parent company 3M, which turned over $26.7 billion in 2010, has over 60,000 products in its portfolio worldwide and is present in over 60 countries and opened shop in India in 1988. 3M India has about 7,000 products.

Industrial & transportation is the company’s biggest segment, accounting for nearly half its overall business, followed by safety & security and display & graphics at 15% each, healthcare at 14%, consumer & office at 8% and others at 2%.

“We see our consumer business gathering momentum this year,” Nanavati said, adding that 3M India is also venturing to new segments like adhesives and tapes for solar cells.

In an interview to DNA in 2009, he said 3M India hopes to be a billion dollar company in five years.

3M India has lined up a spend of Rs100 crore this fiscal, most of which will be for capacity expansion at its plants at Ranjangaon near Pune.

DNA (http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_3m-india-to-ramp-up-r-and-d-double-headcount_1550916)

http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/TOIBG/2011/06/09/9/Img/Ad0090809.png

Bangalore: Infosys Technologies has acquired the software solutions business of New Zealand-based Gen-i for NZ$5 million (Rs 44 crore).Gen-i is part of the Telecom New Zealand Group.
The partnership is expected to add revenue of NZ$12 million for the current financial year.We expect the deal to close by July 1,2011, V Balakrishnan,CFO of Infosys said.
Infosys has offered positions to Gen-i's more than 110 employees and contractors.These employees will continue to be based in Auckland,Wellington and Christchurch.The employee base includes senior developers,technical architects and consultants.This will take Infosys' New Zealand team to over 150 people.The company also plans to immediately hire an additional 15-30 people.
Infosys also announced that its current software solutions management team will lead the New Zealand delivery for Infosys,with Patrick Kouwenhoven appointed to run the New Zealand operations under the leadership of Ashok Mysore,associate VP,Infosys.
The companies will offer IT services like IT consulting,business transformation and cloud-based offerings to companies in Australia,New Zealand,the island of New Guinea and neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean.
There has been a lot of consolidation in the IT services market recently,leaving an opportunity for a strong local partnership which can deliver world class capabilities in hosted and integrated ICT solutions, Gen-i Australasia CEO Chris Quin said.
http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=17&edlabel=TOIBG&mydateHid=09-06-2011&pubname=&edname=&articleid=Ar01707&format=&publabel=TOI

Bangalore, June 14,DHNS:

MindTree Limited announced the launch of Automatic Traffic Counting & Classification (ATCC) system to conduct an around-the-clock traffic pattern study for single/intermediate/2 lane roads.

The system is designed to address key challenges faced in deployment of traditional sensor-based counting and classification systems like portability, accuracy and availability of evidence for audit.

ATCC is video-based solution that provides high accuracy in real time vehicle counting and classification. Data collected is tamper proof ensuring that reports cannot be deleted, modified or altered by any use
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/168725/automatic-traffic-counting-system-mindtree.html

Huawei to invest $150 mn on Bangalore R&D unit (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/huawei-to-invest-150-mnbangalore-rd-unit/439165/)

This will be the first company-owned research facility outside China.

Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei Technologies will invest $120-$150 million to set up its own R&D campus in Whitefield, Bangalore — the first company-owned research facility outside China. Work at the proposed site will start mid-July and the campus is expected to be ready by early 2013.

“Even though, we have R&D centres in countries like Sweden, UK, Italy, Turkey and the US, but we operate out of leased or rented premises. India will be the first country outside China, where we will be having our own campus accommodating the largest number of R&D engineers outside China,” said a company official.
According to highly-placed sources in the company, Huawei has already acquired about 20 acres in the Whitefield area of the city and has also obtained no objection certificates (NOCs) from several government departments including environment, aviation, water supply, electricity, pollution control and fire safety. “Work is in full swing for the laying of the foundation next month,” the sources said.

The campus will have one million square feet of built-up area that would accommodate 3,500-4,000 people. Huawei India has around 6,000 employees, of which 2,200 are engaged in R&D. The company’s R&D operations in India are located across three centres in Bangalore. Once complete, the company intends to consolidate its R&D operations in India out of its Whitefield campus. Globally, Huawei employs around 110,000 staff, 46 per cent of whom are R&D professionals. China has the biggest population of Huawei’s R&D engineers, around 40,000.

The R&D centre in India is engaged in developing platforms and middleware that cover applications and functionalities of most of its products. The centre also develops software for networking and enterprise solutions for its other businesses, like set-top boxes and mobile handsets. India is also a huge market for Huawei and the company continues to be the number one player in the telecom network equipment space. The company has reported revenues of $1.6 billion in 2010.

Recently, India’s second largest IT services company, Infosys had announced investing $125-150 million in setting up its own campus in Shanghai, China. Once complete, the Shanghai campus will be Infosys’ first company-owned campus outside India.

Tata Technologies opens a global engineering centre in Bangalore (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/ites/tata-technologies-opens-a-global-engineering-centre-in-bangalore/articleshow/8962451.cms)

BANGALORE: Tata Technologies, a global leader in engineering services outsourcing and manufacturing enterprise IT , today announced the opening of its new global engineering centre here.

The new centre has been envisioned to cater to the company's growing global portfolio of clients in the automotive, aerospace and construction/heavy engineering verticals, engaging high-end engineering talent available here, the company said in a statement.

"While we have been active here for the last few years, we want to significantly ramp-up in Bangalore, keeping in mind the large pool of qualified engineering and IT professionals who prefer living and working in Bangalore", Tata Technologies President (Global Delivery) Gopinath Jayaraj said.

BEML and Alenia Aeronautica sign MoU to develop Basic Trainer aircraft (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/beml-and-alenia-aeronautica-sign-mou-to-develop-basic-trainer-aircraft/articleshow/8965086.cms)

Karnataka extends tax concessions to Toyota's second car plant

BANGALORE: The Karnataka government on Thursday extended tax concessions to the Japanese auto joint venture Toyota-Kirloskar Motor Ltd ( TKML )) for its second car plant at Bidadi in the state.

"The cabinet has decided to give Rs 9 crore tax relief to the Toyota joint venture on import of tools and machinery valued at Rs 450 crore. With this, cumulative tax concessions extended to the company during the last two years will be Rs 89 crore," state cabinet minister V.S. Acharya told reporters here.

The state government granted Rs 80 crore tax concession in 2009 when Toyota started constructing its second plant to roll out luxury cars for the Indian market.

"Toyota has committed to invest Rs.4,043 crore in its second plant to manufacture Etios car in hatchback and sedan versions, with an installed capacity of 70,000 units per annum," Acharya said.

The company, which rolled out Etios sedan in December 2010, is scheduled to launch its hatchback version Etios Liva June 27 in New Delhi.

In the first plant that was set up in 1998 with an installed capacity of 80,000 units per annum, the world's largest automaker manufactures the multi-utility vehicle Innova, sports utility vehicle Fortuner and sedan Corolla Altis.

Toyota's Indian subsidiary also imports Camry, Prado, Prius and Land Cruiser in the form of completely built units.

ET (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/karnataka-extends-tax-concessions-to-toyotas-second-car-plant/articleshow/8967251.cms)

Bangalore develops next-gen tech for us: Momentive CEO

BANGALORE: The US-based specialty chemicals and materials major Momentive Performance Materials has just invested $4 million to move into a new state-of-art R&D facility in Bangalore. The $7.5-billion revenue company, which globally competes with the likes of DuPont and Dow Chemicals, also sees India as a huge market opportunity. The company offers a range of products such as silicones, ceramics, adhesives and resins used across sectors like aviation, construction and automobiles.

In an interview with TOI, Craig Morrison, CEO of Momentive, discusses his plans for India and plays soothsayer in predicting what lays ahead for the company.

Can you elaborate on your new investment in India?

Located in Electronics City, this new 200-seater facility will initially house 125 scientists. The R&D efforts are not just to cater to the Indian markets, but we also plan to take these products to the world. Bangalore is now the regional headquarters for our operations in south Asia as well as the Middle East and Africa.

Globally Momentive has seven global R&D centres. How strategic is the Indian unit?

We have development centres across the world including US, China, Germany and India. However, what is unique in Bangalore is that this is the only centre developing next generation technologies. For example, we have been working on nanotechnology here that is incorporated in some of our downstream products, and we are also developing modified silicones etc. Bangalore specializes in the area of exploration of newer spaces to enter and works in the product conceptualization stage. The other centres take on new technology that either comes internally from Bangalore or externally from universities and build those into specific functionalities. Thus they are product focused, for example, making rubber products for engines etc.

Bangalore thus plays the role of building base platforms of capabilities that the other technology centres take and develop into very specific applications.

Is there sufficient talent in India?

Bangalore is not about cost arbitrage as we have the finest set of global talent pool in India. A lot of the scientists come from premier institutes in India and abroad and are world class in their intellectual capabilities. Bangalore also leads in patent filings in advanced technology.

How do you view the market opportunity in India?

India is an ideal market as our offerings are broad-based and India's rapid economic growth means that the opportunities are also huge. For instance, there are very few markets where the auto sector is growing at 25%. Moreover healthcare, energy, personal care items, construction etc, all of them are huge markets for us. India is an integral part of our strategy to boost revenues from emerging geographies to 40% (of total revenues) in the next few years from the current 30%. India is currently a $100-million market for us that will grow to $250 million over the next 4-5 years. However, most of the offerings are today imported and therefore we are looking to boost our manufacturing capability here.

Can you elaborate on your manufacturing initiatives in India?

We sell a lot of products in India, 60% of which are silicone materials. We have invested $20 million in our manufacturing plant in Chennai. This plant is now in its second phase of expansion and will boost our local production of silicone materials. You would probably touch the products that use our technology about 100-200 times a day. Cushions, beddings, mobile phones, electronics, keyboards, skin care formulations, textiles etc use silicon material. However, now we are looking to locally manufacture other technologies like epoxy (used for infusing mechanical strength, heat resistance) and phenolic (used for binding, laminating) in India through joint ventures and acquisitions.

(With inputs from Punya Poonacha)

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Bangalore-develops-next-gen-tech-for-us-Momentive-CEO/articleshow/9044385.cms)


Lava to invest INR 1 bln in R&D this year
Thursday 30 June 2011 | 12:53 CET

Indian mobile phone maker Lava International plans to invest about INR 1 billion this year to ramp up its R&D capacities, reports the PTI. Co-founder and director S N Rai said that this expansion would be funded through internal accruals, but declined to give further details. The company has R&D facilities in Bangalore and China. Lava plans to add another 7-8 handsets in the next few months. The company is eyeing revenues of INR 15 billion this fiscal.

Isro is creating an artificial moonscape in Bengaluru to test its Chandrayaan rover. The Moon surface, being laid out at the new facility of the Isro Satellite Centre, will be complete with lunar ambience, including a terrain with the same mineralogical character.

Sources said rocks with mineralogical characteristics similar to those on Moon surface were found in Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh and Salem in Tamil Nadu. The search was done with the help of Geological Survey of India (GSI).

Sources told Deccan Chronicle that Isro scientists preferred Salem rocks to those found on Andhra geography. “They will be pulverised and spread inside the lab”, said the source. “The indigenous rover, a first of its kind attempt, will be run on this terrain to carry out a series of tests”. “We are using special type of balloons inside the test bed to create an effect of the lunar gravity on the rover”, said source. “These balloons will ensure that the pull experienced on rover will be 1/5th of earth’s gravity.’’

The artificial moonscape will be a 15 sq mt facility complete with temperature vagaries experienced on Moon’s surface. “We will be mainly testing command and control systems as well as sample collection manouevres here”, sources said. Isro is planning a dual command system to control the rover, a 15-kg machine with its own intelligence, on lunar surface. “There will be three components to Chandrayaan-II viz., an orbiter, a lander and rover,” said the source. “The lander with the rover will separate from the orbiter and once it lands on the lunarscape, the rover will roll out. We will be able to control it from earth by beaming instructions from the orbiter as well as the lander.”

The lander is being developed by Russia. Isro will transport the rover to Russia to be integrated with the lander once the trial run is over. The unit will be then brought back to India and integrated with the Chandrayaan-II. Isro is now looking at a launch date in 2013-14.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/bengaluru/isro-develop-moon-terrain-bengaluru-soon-947

Two Nanotech firms to set up manufacturing units in Bangalore

Focusing on nanotechnology, two companies — one from Noida and the other from US — will set up its manufacturing units in Bangalore. On Tuesday, MN Vidyashankar, principal secretary to Karnataka government (department of information technology, biotechnology and science and technology), said that about two million nanotechnology-related jobs will be created globally by 2015.

“Bangalore Nano is a platform to tap the talent in this emerging field and explore new opportunities," he said.

The Nano industry is globally valued at $1.6 trillion with a 50% cumulative average growth between 2009 and 2013. Asia recorded the highest growth at 32%, followed by Europe with 28% and North America with 25%.

Professor CNR Rao, scientific advisor to the prime minister, said the magnitude of what nanotechnology can do has not yet been acknowledged in India.

“President Obama recently gave a grant of $120 million for research on hydrogen energy using nanotechnology. Countries like US and China are investing heavily in this technology. India too needs to take a cue from them on this front,” he said, adding that there is a tremendous opportunity in the field, particularly in the areas of water purification and energy. The state government, in partnership with Vision Group, plans to build a Nano institute in the city outskirts. A Nano Park adjacent to the institute will contain an incubation centre.

The government will organise the fourth edition of Bangalore Nano on December 8 and 9. The event aims to bridge the gap between industry and research and offer more opportunities to young scientists and researchers in nanotechnology.

DNA (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_two-nanotech-firms-to-set-up-manufacturing-units-in-bangalore_1562865)

NEW DELHI: IT firm Tech Mahindra on Thursday said it has bagged a contract from technological giant Microsoft to setup a Lab for video encoders used in deployment of IPTV solutions on latter's mediaroom.

"Tech Mahindra has been selected by Microsoft to setup an authorised Encoder Conformance Testing Lab ( ECT Lab )) for video encoders used in deployment of IPTV solutions on Microsoft Mediaroom based platforms," IT firm said in a statement.

However, the company did not disclose the financial details of the deal.

The Microsoft Mediaroom platform ecosystem includes real-time encoders, transcoders, user client and other integrated software components that enables delivery of multimedia content over an IP network.

Tech Mahindra has set up a test lab in collaboration with Microsoft at its Bangalore facility for this activity. Encoders from OEMs across the globe will be tested and qualified against the conformance parameters set by Microsoft for the Mediaroom platform.
"This initiative will drive Microsoft Mediaroom ecosystem partners to offer feature rich products and service," Tech Mahindra IT Services President L Ravichandran said.

Bangalore To Become Hub With 5 Projects

Prashanth G N | TNN

Bangalore: The IT City will also be nano city sometime soon.And you may even be driving in cars running on nano sensors.The car will tell you when to apply brakes.
While work has begun on the Rs 100-crore Institute of Nano Science and Technology,plans are ready to unveil a nano park at Devanahalli.This apart,the city will boast of three other nano labs,one of which has come up,and two in the process.
The institute is being built at Shivapura on Bangalore-Tumkur Road on 15 acres.This will be one among three institutes planned in the country the two others being at Kolkata and Mohali.A sum of Rs 100 crore has been allotted to the institute as part of a Rs 1,000-crore nano science and technology initiative announced by the department of science and technology last year.
The institute will be industry-driven with focus on applications.It will have an R&D structure that is translatable into products that can be commercialized.While basic research in nano science will also be taken up,the centre will basically be oriented towards industry, IT/BT secretary M N Vidyashankar told TOI.
Research work at the centre has begun at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR ) under scientist C N R Raos guidance.Faculty of 12,a few researchers and engineers will be hired in the first phase.
A nano park is also coming up at Devanahalli itll have nano companies,fabrication facilities,conferencing and exhibition area.Fourteen acres have been allotted.We have given Rs 30 crore for nano park development, Vidyashankar said.
Apart from these two major projects,three nano labs are being set up in the city two at JNCASR and one at IISc which takes the number of nano centres to five.While one nano lab has already taken off at JNCASR,another one is getting ready on one acre just around the campus.
At IISc,the largest nano fabrication facility is coming up covering an area of 14,000 sq feet.A centre for excellence in nano science has been set up and scientists from mechanical engineering,electronics and electrical and physics are involved in different aspects of basic and applied nano research at IISc.

What is nano

Nano generally means tiny relating to molecules,atoms anything that is smaller than a micrometre

What is nanotechnology

Nanotechnology refers broadly to a field of applied science and technology whose unifying theme is the control of matter on the molecular level in scales smaller than 1 micrometre,normally 1 to 100 nanometres,and the fabrication of devices within that size range.

How will it help society

Help in clean water supply through detection of foreign material Atomically engineered food and crops may result in greater agricultural productivity Enhance nutrition of smart foods Cheap and powerful energy generation Clean and highly efficient manufacturing Improved formulation of drugs,diagnostics and organ replacement Greater information storage and communication

http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/TOIBG/2011/07/08/5/Img/Pc0051200.jpg
LEARNING WITH TECH: Bangalore can soon boast of another sobriquet,nano hub,thanks to an institute of nano technology,a nano park and three laboratories
http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=5&edlabel=TOIBG&mydateHid=08-07-2011&pubname=&edname=&articleid=Ar00501&format=&publabel=TOI

City to get first BioTech Park

BANGALORE: After a spate of Information Technology Parks, Namma Bengaluru is now all set to get a BioTech Park Bangalore Helix soon. American based Alexandria Real Estate Equities, will initiate the project on July 11, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa announced on Wednesday.

Pipped to be one of the biggest such parks in the country, Principal Secretary, Department of IT/BT, Vidyashankar said that the company had been given a 60year lease on the land. Speaking after an award presentation by The Vision Group on Science and Technology (VGST) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Yeddyurappa shared that the park, which would be developed in two phases, would take 18 months to complete and `500 crores would be invested initially. The park which is expected to cover a total of 109 acres (both phases), would initially cover nearly 1.5 million square feet on 59 acres of land and later another 3 million square feet will be covered, taking the total to 4.5 million square feet.

His announcement comes after the Chairman of Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister Prof C N R Rao's words seeking more importance for infrastructure in science institutions. Yeddyurappa, in a rather jovial fashion said, "The government treasury is full and should be utilised efficiently." Expecting misinterpretation, he clarified that the treasury was not overflowing, but funds and support for science was readily available.
The CM also agreed to take cognizance of the recommendations submitted by Prof Rao and VGST, he said that the government would implement the same. "One acre of land, currently held by Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Energy, would be given to JNCASR on lease for the purpose of setting up a Nano laboratory", he said. 76 researchers, teachers and institutions were given awards for their contribution towards the promotion of science and related activities.
BT ‘knowledge park' on the horizon

A proposed ‘knowledge park' dedicated to biotechnology and related industries is closer to execution with the foundation stone laying ceremony scheduled for July 11 in Chitradurga.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Wednesday said real estate developer Alexandria Equities had invested Rs. 500 crore in the project. In the first phase of construction, 59 acres will be developed on the vast 4,250-acre land granted to several science institutions, including the DRDO, in Chitradurga.

Mr. Yeddyurappa was speaking at the awards ceremony of the Vision Group on Science and Technology (VGST), where he conferred grants and awards on scientists and science institutions for 2010-11.

Grants

The awards, with prize money or grants, ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 20 lakh, aim to catalyse quality research and to reward outstanding researchers and science communicators.

The awards were given in six categories: seed money to young scientists for research; awards for research publication by science faculty; awards for science teachers and science communicators; institutional grants for centres of excellence in science, engineering and medicine; and grants for centres of innovative science education.

The final category comprises the Karnataka Fund for Infrastructural Strengthening in Science and Technology (K-FIST), which aims to aid institutes of higher education to develop infrastructure.

Eight young scientists were awarded a grant of Rs. 10 lakh each and five individuals were awarded for innovative teaching (Rs. 50,000 each). Awards for research publication (Rs. 25,000) were presented to eight science faculty.

Five centres of excellence in science, engineering and medicine were awarded research grants of Rs. 20 lakh each; and a grant of Rs. 10 lakh each awarded to 10 centres of innovative science education.

Awards

The K-FIST grant was awarded in two categories: Level I comprising a grant of Rs. 10 lakh each was given to 30 colleges and Level II comprising a grant of Rs. 20 lakh each was conferred on 10 colleges.

VGST, instituted by the Karnataka Government, recommends policy for the advancement of science and technology in the State.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2202621.ece)

^^Chitradurga Second Science hub of the state :cheers:

Chitradurga or Bangalore where is it coming up?

Nano cloud hovers round IT City

Prashanth G N, TNN Jul 8, 2011, 07.17am IST

BANGALORE: The IT City will also be nano city sometime soon. And you may even be driving in cars running on nano sensors. The car will tell you when to apply brakes. While work has begun on the Rs 100-crore Institute of Nano Science and Technology, plans are ready to unveil a nano park at Devanahalli. This apart, the city will boast of three other nano labs, one of which has come up, and two in the process. The institute is being built at Shivapura on Bangalore-Tumkur Road on 15 acres. This will be one among three institutes planned in the country — the two others being at Kolkata and Mohali.

A sum of Rs 100 crore has been allotted to the institute as part of a Rs 1,000-crore nano science and technology initiative announced by the department of science and technology last year. "The institute will be industry-driven with focus on applications. It will have an R&D structure that is translatable into products that can be commercialized . While basic research in nano science will also be taken up, the centre will basically be oriented towards industry," IT/BT secretary M N Vidyashankar told TOI.

Research work at the centre has begun at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR ) under scientist C N R Rao's guidance. Faculty of 12, a few researchers and engineers will be hired in the first phase. A nano park is also coming up at Devanahalli — it'll have nano companies , fabrication facilities, conferencing and exhibition area. "Fourteen acres have been allotted. We have given Rs 30 crore for nano park development ," Vidyashankar said.

Apart from these two major projects , three nano labs are being set up in the city — two at JNCASR and one at IISc — which takes the number of nano centres to five. While one nano lab has already taken off at JNCASR, another one is getting ready on one acre just around the campus. At IISc, the largest nano fabrication facility is coming up covering an area of 14,000 sq feet. A centre for excellence in nano science has been set up and scientists from mechanical engineering , electronics and electrical and physics are involved in different aspects of basic and applied nano research at IISc.

What is nano?

Nano generally means tiny relating to molecules, atoms — anything that is smaller than a micrometre

What is nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology refers broadly to a field of applied science and technology whose unifying theme is the control of matter on the molecular level in scales smaller than 1 micrometre, normally 1 to 100 nanometres, and the fabrication of devices within that size range.

How will it help society?

Help in clean water supply through detection of foreign material Atomically engineered food and crops may result in greater agricultural productivity Enhance nutrition of smart foods Cheap and powerful energy generation Clean and highly efficient manufacturing Improved formulation of drugs, diagnostics and organ replacement Greater information storage and communication.

TOI (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-08/bangalore/29751187_1_nano-city-nano-science-nano-park)

Government must prepare the local population to take advantage of the opportunities which will be thrown up by investments and R & D projects.

Life Technologies invests $3 million in distribution hub in Bangalore

BANGALORE: Biotechnology firm Life Technologies has invested around $3 million to open a distribution hub in Bangalore, which they expect would propel their business in India by 40% this year.

"South Asia is one of the fastest growing regions in the world. Opening the India Distribution Center here is a clear demonstration of Life Technologies' commitment to the scientific community, who increasingly conduct high-level research and development in South Asia," said Mark Smedley , president of Asia Pacific & Japan for Life Technologies.

The center will distribute products across the country cutting the time taken for delivery from 45 days to two days, Devashish Ohri , managing director, Life Technologies South Asia . This will also increase the cost efficiency for the company.

The US-based firm operates as Invitrogen Bioservices India and acquired Labindia in 2010 as a distributor. It clocked in sales of $3.6 billion in 2010 globally.

ET (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/healthcare/biotech/life-technologies-invests-3-million-in-distribution-hub-in-bangalore/articleshow/9184209.cms)

http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/TOIBG/2011/07/11/2/Img/Ad0020507.png

Karnataka to have five new bio-tech parks


Bangalore, July 11 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa Monday said five bio-tech parks will be set up in the state, including one worth Rs.500 crore in capital Bangalore.

Similar facilities will be set up at Mysore, Mangalore, Bidar and Dharwad, he said laying the foundation stone for the Bangalore bio-tech park.

The park is coming up on a 56-acre plot in Electronic City in east Bangalore. It is being built by Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.

Yeddyurappa promised to continue giving priority to development of bio-technology sector in the state to promote research and development in life sciences.

He noted that top 10 bio-tech companies in India are located in Karnataka.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, head of the leading bio-pharmaceutical firm Biocon, noted that Bangalore was emerging as biotech city and setting up of the park would go a long way in promoting research and development in the sector.

©Indo-Asian News Service

Alexandria to invest Rs 500 cr on BT park

BS Reporter / Chennai/ Bangalore July 12, 2011, 0:19 IST

US-based real estate developer Alexandria’s Indian arm — Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc is planning to invest around Rs 500 crore to develop a biotechnology park in Bangalore.

This proposed park, which will come up at Electronics City, will be developed in two phases. While about Rs 500 crore will be invested in the first phase of development of the park, further investment will depend on the demand for space by biotechnology companies in the biocluster.

“We have formed a special purpose vehicle, Alexandria Labspace-Electronics City Private Ltd to set up the biotechnology knowledge park in Bangalore. The purpose of setting up the park is to provide good lab space to biotechnology companies, both from pharma and agri-biotech side,” Vishal Goel, country-manager-India of Alexandria said on the sidelines of laying the foundation stone for the project here.
He also said the project will be completely funded from company’s internal accruals.

Alexandria has won the bid in May to set up this biotechnology park from Karnataka government, which has been leased to it for 60 years. The mandate of the park is to give state-of-the-art lab space to start-ups along with big companies in biotechnology sector to facilitate cutting-edge research and development.

“We have not started discussions yet with biotech companies. However, we are hopeful of getting a sound response from pharma and agribiotech companies for setting up R&D units in this biocluster,” Goel added.

Indian biotechnology sector is expected to touch $10 billion by 2015 on the back of emerging opportunities in the various verticals, namely biopharma, agri-biotechnology, industrial biotechnology among others.

As per a recent survey by BioSpectrum and Association of Biotechnology-led Enterprises, the biotech industry has posted a 21.5 per cent rise in revenue to reach Rs 18,399.34 crore ($4 billion) in 2010-11 on the back of sound growth in biopharmaceuticals and agribiotech sector.

While biotech industry contributed Rs 17, 249.34 crore, around 94 per cent of the total revenue; life science education contributes the rest Rs 1,150 crore during this period.

As per the survey, biopharma sector saw revenues of Rs 10,465 crore (about 57 per cent) and bioservices sector contributed Rs 3,246 crore. Meanwhile, the share of agri-biotech stood at Rs 2,480 crore, bioindustrials at Rs 626 crore and bioinformatics at Rs 252 crore in this period.

“BioPharma vertical contributed almost two-fifth to the industry revenue, followed by bioservices with 18.82 per cent and bioagri with 14.38 per cent during this period.

Bioindustrials and bioinformatics made up the rest of the industry revenue,” the survey said.

It also said that bioagri has increased its market share to over 14 per cent from five per cent in the last five years with five bioagri companies now being part of BioSpectrum-ABLE top 20 list.

The survey also pointed out that the industry derived 51 per cent of the overall revenue from exports in the last financial year.

It is to be noted that biotechnology industry,which is pegged at $4 billion; around 40 per cent is contributed from Karnataka.

“Bangalore hosts 52per cent of core biotechnology companies in the country and around five top biotech companies are in the city. It shows the favourable ecosystem for biotechnology industry in the state. This park will add to our efforts to boost growth of this industry in the state,” B S Yeddyruppa, chief minister of Karnataka said at the launch ceremony.

He also said that the state was about to open four biotechnology parks in various parts of the state.

Presently, the state is promoting biotech finishing schools in order to create skilled work force for the industry.

“Around 12 finishing schools are currently imparting required skill to the students for creating pool of employable professionals in the state,” he said.

Referring to the development of biotechnology sector in the state, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairman of Biotechnology Vision group of

Karnataka said that the knowledge park would be beneficial for promoting research work by start-ups.

She also said that the momentum should be maintained as far as biotech ecosystem is concerned in the state.

BS (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/alexandria-to-invest-rs-500-crbt-park/442325/)

Sensex slides on Infy results, high inflation

Between Infosys Fact sheet says they took 6 acres in Bangalore this quarter can anyone throw some light on this?

QSI Healthcare Opens Innovation Centre in India (http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=27555)

Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Thursday, July 14, 2011 -- (Business Wire India)

Quality Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: QSII), a U.S.-based leading provider of high quality clinical, financial and connectivity solutions to medical practitioners and hospitals, has made a foray into the Indian market with the launch of QSI Healthcare in Bangalore, India. The new business unit is geared up to take the company to the next level and will help enhance performance of its Technology Services, Business Services and Program Management.

QSI Healthcare India will extend existing teams within Quality Systems to help deliver next-generation solutions by supporting product development and implementation for various projects. The company recently launched a world-class innovation centre equipped with a state-of-the-art technology infrastructure. The company plans to spend over Rs. 100 crores and help create more than 1,000 jobs in the next three years to support the expansion of its Indian operations.

Commenting on the launch of QSI Healthcare, Chief Executive Officer of Quality Systems, Inc., Steven T. Plochocki said: “We are experiencing rapid growth, as practices and hospitals take action to digitize health records, secure government incentives and participate in patient-centered, collaborative care programs. QSI Healthcare is a part of our expansion plans that will help us extend our services beyond U.S. borders and transform the quality of healthcare delivered every day”.

Ashish Shah, Managing Director, QSI Healthcare India added: “Quality Systems, Inc. has serviced the healthcare industry for 35 years successfully, and we are extremely pleased to inaugurate the Indian facility. We are in a unique position to provide the best healthcare solutions and offer a great opportunity for the Indian talent pool to join one of the world’s fastest growing companies.”

The India innovation center was launched by Mr. Steven T. Plochocki, Chief Executive Officer, Quality Systems, Inc. Leaders from several Quality Systems, Inc. business units visited India this week to greet new Bangalore employees and commemorate the expansion.

Britannia plans R&D centre in City

BS Reporter / Chennai/ Bangalore July 15, 2011, 0:08 IST
Bangalore-headquartered biscuit marker Britannia Industries has received approval from the Karnataka government on Thursday to set up a greenfield biscuits and bakery manufacturing unit on the outskirts of Bangalore.

The company will invest around Rs 100 crore to set up this unit according to the Karnataka government.

Earlier, Britannia had said that it would invest around Rs 200 crore in two to three years to set up greenfield units in various parts of the country to meet the growing demand for its products.
According to sources, the company is looking for setting up new units in Bihar and Odisha to ramp up its production base in the country.

As per government sources, Britannia will also set up a global research and development centre in this upcoming unit.

However, company officials were not available for comments on this issue. Presently, Britannia is facing tough challenge in various biscuit categories from ITC and Parle and is slowly diversifying into other food segments to further business growth. Recently, the company has entered into snacks category along with ready-to-eat breakfast mixes to increase its profitability.

Also, it is also slowly increasing its capacity utilisation to increase the productivity of the company.

However, the focus of the company on premium categories yielded results last financial year.

“All our new product launches in premium category has received encouraging response from consumers. On the contribution side, our new categories have already started supporting the balance sheet during last fiscal,” a company official said.

The biscuit company has also said that exports of its products have witnessed double digit growth last fiscal and there is a sound momentum being seen in this front.

Britannia Industries has posted a 30 per cent rise in its net profit to Rs 134.3 crore on a consolidated basis in the last financial year on the back of sound growth in sales volume.

The total sales of the company increased 22 per cent to Rs 4,605 crore during this period.

Meantime, the company has posted a 62 per cent rise in its operating profit to Rs 185.36 crore compared with Rs 114.47 crore reported a year earlier.

BS (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/britannia-plans-rd-centre-in-city/442723/)

Some of Prominent bio tech parks are
Biocon

Alexandria
Gopalna Bio-Polis

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00009/biocon_9085f.jpg
http://www.electronic-city.in/companies/profile/biocon/biocon-campus.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5945151641_20e1820382_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5945151547_e7f88449d6_b.jpg

http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/TOIBG/2011/07/11/2/Img/Ad0020507.png

Alexandria to invest Rs 500 cr on BT park
BS Reporter / Chennai/ Bangalore July 12, 2011, 0:19 IST
US-based real estate developer Alexandria’s Indian arm — Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc is planning to invest around Rs 500 crore to develop a biotechnology park in Bangalore.

This proposed park, which will come up at Electronics City, will be developed in two phases. While about Rs 500 crore will be invested in the first phase of development of the park, further investment will depend on the demand for space by biotechnology companies in the biocluster.


“We have formed a special purpose vehicle, Alexandria Labspace-Electronics City Private Ltd to set up the biotechnology knowledge park in Bangalore. The purpose of setting up the park is to provide good lab space to biotechnology companies, both from pharma and agri-biotech side,” Vishal Goel, country-manager-India of Alexandria said on the sidelines of laying the foundation stone for the project here.
He also said the project will be completely funded from company’s internal accruals.

Alexandria has won the bid in May to set up this biotechnology park from Karnataka government, which has been leased to it for 60 years. The mandate of the park is to give state-of-the-art lab space to start-ups along with big companies in biotechnology sector to facilitate cutting-edge research and development.

“We have not started discussions yet with biotech companies. However, we are hopeful of getting a sound response from pharma and agribiotech companies for setting up R&D units in this biocluster,” Goel added.

Indian biotechnology sector is expected to touch $10 billion by 2015 on the back of emerging opportunities in the various verticals, namely biopharma, agri-biotechnology, industrial biotechnology among others.

As per a recent survey by BioSpectrum and Association of Biotechnology-led Enterprises, the biotech industry has posted a 21.5 per cent rise in revenue to reach Rs 18,399.34 crore ($4 billion) in 2010-11 on the back of sound growth in biopharmaceuticals and agribiotech sector.

While biotech industry contributed Rs 17, 249.34 crore, around 94 per cent of the total revenue; life science education contributes the rest Rs 1,150 crore during this period.

As per the survey, biopharma sector saw revenues of Rs 10,465 crore (about 57 per cent) and bioservices sector contributed Rs 3,246 crore. Meanwhile, the share of agri-biotech stood at Rs 2,480 crore, bioindustrials at Rs 626 crore and bioinformatics at Rs 252 crore in this period.

“BioPharma vertical contributed almost two-fifth to the industry revenue, followed by bioservices with 18.82 per cent and bioagri with 14.38 per cent during this period.

Bioindustrials and bioinformatics made up the rest of the industry revenue,” the survey said.

It also said that bioagri has increased its market share to over 14 per cent from five per cent in the last five years with five bioagri companies now being part of BioSpectrum-ABLE top 20 list.

The survey also pointed out that the industry derived 51 per cent of the overall revenue from exports in the last financial year.

It is to be noted that biotechnology industry,which is pegged at $4 billion; around 40 per cent is contributed from Karnataka.

“Bangalore hosts 52per cent of core biotechnology companies in the country and around five top biotech companies are in the city. It shows the favourable ecosystem for biotechnology industry in the state. This park will add to our efforts to boost growth of this industry in the state,” B S Yeddyruppa, chief minister of Karnataka said at the launch ceremony.

He also said that the state was about to open four biotechnology parks in various parts of the state.

Presently, the state is promoting biotech finishing schools in order to create skilled work force for the industry.

“Around 12 finishing schools are currently imparting required skill to the students for creating pool of employable professionals in the state,” he said.

Referring to the development of biotechnology sector in the state, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairman of Biotechnology Vision group of

Karnataka said that the knowledge park would be beneficial for promoting research work by start-ups.

She also said that the momentum should be maintained as far as biotech ecosystem is concerned in the state.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/alexandria-to-invest-rs-500-crbt-park/442325/

ABB inaugurates new production line for miniature circuit breakers (http://www.steelguru.com/indian_news/ABB_inaugurates_new_production_line_for_miniature_circuit_breakers/215018.html)

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has inaugurated a new line of miniature circuit breakers at its Nelamangala campus at Bangalore. The semi automated line will produce various breaking capacity MCBs such as 6kA, 10kA and 25kA MCBs with an annual production capacity of 12 million poles.

ABB’s Low Voltage Products division in India has delivered 25 million poles to the domestic market through wholesalers and a network of channel partners.

The new line would double the existing manufacturing capacity of MCBs in India. The line will produce two new ranges of MCBs System Pro M Compact and Compact Home. These protection devices will be used in residential and commercial buildings, industrial and renewable energy applications.

Speaking on the inauguration of this line Mr Bernhard Schmeing head of ABB’s enclosures and DIN rail products said that "The investment in the new MCB production line will enable us to grow faster in India and other markets in the Middle East and Africa."

Mr Bazmi Husain MD of ABB in India said that “Being the inventor of the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) technology, ABB has combined its global technology with effective local presence. Our strong engineering teams in all local facilities form an indispensable part of ABB's global technology pool as we address the huge residential market.”

Mr Anand Kulkarni manager of enclosures and DIN rail products in India said that “The new range of MCBs will cater to various segments of the markets including mid segment. Our focus is to enter the electrical retail distribution market with the home range.”

StarragHeckert breaks ground for factory at Devanahalli Aeropark, Bangalore (http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3518&Itemid=2)


Monday, 18 July 2011
Bangalore: StarragHeckert Machine Tools Pvt Ltd, India, a whole-time subsidiary of StarragHeckert AG, held the groundbreaking ceremony for its new greenfield manufacturing facility in the Devanahalli Aeropark, Bangalore on Thursday, July 14.

StarragHeckert is one of the first companies to start construction at KIADB, Devanahalli Aeropark, Bangalore, after it received approval from Karnataka Udyog Mitra during the Global Investor Meet in June 2010. With a total capital investment of Rs. 65 crore, Starragheckert's new facility aims to meet the growing demands of the Indian and Asian markets.
The company is targeting 10 to 15% of the 4 axis HMC market from sectors such as Trucks, Tractors, Earth Movers, Valves, Machinery. 30% of the production will be exported to meet the needs of the Asian market.

The new factory, coming up in 8 acres of land, will be built in 2 phases and the first phase with a built up area of one lakh sq.ft. is scheduled to be completed in 12 months and the roll out of 4 axis horizontal machining centers will begin in 24 months. An additional one lakh sq. ft. of built up area would be added during the second phase over a three-year period.

The new facility will initially manufacture 60 units a year and the manufacturing program will be scaled up to 120 units a year during the second phase. StarragHeckert will manufacture Horizontal Machining Centers-WMW CWK with 400mm to 800mm pallet sizes in the new facility. The group also has long term plans to produce 5-axis machining centers from the new facility.
The machines produced in the new factory will be supported by tooled up solutions from the Tech-center which will relocate to the new facility.

The ceremony, which also included the formal unveiling of the foundation stone, was conducted in the presence of a host of dignitaries including Mr.Rolf Frei, Consul General of Switzerland in Bangalore, Mr.S Gopal, CEO, L&T Komatsu, Mr.Walter Borsch, Executive Vice President, Starrag Group and many CEOs of allied industries.

Dr Frank Brinken, President and CEO, StarragHeckert Group ,Switzerland, initiated the ground breaking ceremony and unveiled the foundation stone. Dr.Brinken said, " We are happy with this selection of location to open our first manufacturing facility out side Europe. Considering the demands from the rapidly growing Aerospace, Energy, Engineering and Automotive manufacturing sectors in India, we are at the right place, at the right time with the right products"

"We will target 40% localized inputs in value terms for the WMW 4axis horizontal machining centers.Very soon we may be contributing to the production of fixtures for the global market from here," said N.Chandramouli, Managing Director of StarragHeckert Machine Tools Pvt Ltd, India.

The factory will provide employment for 200 people who will be trained through the Swiss Vocational Education and Training Initiative already initiated in collaboration with Swiss-Indian Chamber of Commerce.

StarragHeckert has production plants in Rorschacherberg/Switzerland (Starrag), Chemnitz/Germany (Heckert), Geneva/Switzerland (SIP) and Haddenham/UK (TTL), as well as sales and service companies in China (Beijing and Shanghai), the USA (Cincinnati, Dallas and Los Angeles) Canada, France, India, the UK, Russia and Turkey. The Indian facility is the company's first manufacturing plant outside Europe.

Microsoft today announced its new state-of-the-art R&D facility here.

This 1,54,000 sq ft building would house the Bangalore Microsoft India Development Centre (MSIDC) team that contributes to Microsoft Corp’s adCenter technologies, as well as the researchers from Microsoft Research India.

Microsoft’s first R&D centre was set up in Hyderabad in 1998, while Microsoft Research India was established here in 2005.

Inaugurating the building, Qi Lu, President, Online Services Division, Microsoft Corp,said for the last one decade, India has been a key player in Microsoft’s strategy of global shared development.

"The availability of world class talent, advanced infrastructure and proximity to the booming emerging markets of the world are key reasons behind this. The decision to set up our second R&D centre in Bangalore reinforces Microsoft’s commitment towards India," Qi said.
Last April, Microsoft announced the extension of its engineering efforts to Bangalore as part of the Search alliance between it and Yahoo Inc.

"The process of transition is now complete.With the combined strength of Yahoo and Microsoft Corp’s Search marketplace, we are ready to deliver greater and improved innovation for consumers, better volume and efficiency for advertisers and better monetisation opportunities for web publishers," Qi said.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/179183/microsoft-opens-rampd-facility-bangalore.html

India's first pvt plane nears test, may cost Rs 1.8 cr
(http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-s-first-pvt-plane-nears-test-may-cost-Rs-1-8-cr/Article1-732287.aspx)

Sachin Dave, Hindustan Times
Mumbai, August 11, 2011

India's first indigenously designed civil aircraft made outside of the public sector is nearing its finish line and the first one could be tested by Diwali this year. Developed jointly by the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) and Mahindra Aerospace, the NM5 - as the aircraft is called -


could cost anywhere between $350,000 and $400,000 (Rs 1.6-1.8 cr) - roughly the price of luxury car Ferrari. A prototype of the five-seater plane is in the final stage of testing.

"We are very close to launching and flying NM5 and if everything goes well that could happen in less than six weeks. At this time we have handed it (plane) over to engineers and flight-testing," said Hemant Luthra, director, Mahindra Group.

"Now its beyond us managers and it now depends on the confidence of the test pilot."

Mahindra Aerospace is a 50-50 venture between Mahindras and NAL, and production is expected at its Bangalore facility after the plane is tested.

The NAL has already developed India's first civil aircraft, Saras, which had its first flight in 2004. The Indian Air Force is keen to use the aircraft which has been bogged down by delays.

The cost of development of NM5 is around $10 to $15 million (Rs 45-68 crore), which is considered low by industry standards. The joint venture expects to sell anywhere around 75 to 100 planes per annum five years after the start of commercial production.

Mahindra Aerospace, which recently acquired two Australian firms, is also looking to manufacture eight and ten seater aircraft- dubbed GA8 and GA10-in its Bangalore facility expected to be operational by 2012.

However, the manufacturing is expected to start in Bangalore plant only by 2014 as some approvals remain to be taken.
Also the company is looking to export the eight and ten seater planes to China.

MMA Creates a Global Analytics Center of Excellence in Bangalore, India (http://your-story.org/mma-creates-a-global-analytics-center-of-excellence-in-bangalore-india-260975/)

Wilton, Conn., Aug. 17, 2011– Marketing Management Analytics (MMA), a leader in helping companies optimize their marketing investments across countries, categories and brands, announced today it is launching a Global Center of Excellence in Bangalore, India.

The center will develop expertise and capabilities in advanced predictive and optimization techniques that draw on behavioral and attitudinal data for solving complex business planning, product innovation, pricing, traditional and digital media measurement and forecasting issues for top brands around the world. It will also support MMA’s aggressive expansion into the Asia-Pacific region in 2011 and 2012.

The foundation of the center will be a cutting-edge technology platform developed by SCAnalytics, which was acquired earlier this year by MMA. The platform integrates and harmonizes large and varied data sets to support a variety of analytic modeling and capability areas within the automotive, CPG, durable goods, media & entertainment, financial services, pharmaceutical, retail and telecom sectors.

SCAnalytics has developed a suite of successful, advanced analytic tools that include MarketMax, Optima, Teleport, i-Schedule, Human.ET, PERCEPT and EmPowR, which were showcased in the Confederation of Indian Industries workshops last year.

Earlier this month, MMA and Synovate Management Analytics (SMA) were merged into a single business unit operating under the MMA banner. This positioned MMA to integrate traditional and emerging analytics with “mind of the consumer” attitudinal and behavioral data. The company supports client projects in 22 countries.

“We are very excited about the potential to leverage our innovative analytic approaches and technologies in order to develop marketing solutions that set our global clients apart,” said Susmita Chaudhury, one of the two founders of SCAnalytics, along with Samrat Chanda. “Our work in merging consumer attitudinal data with behavioral data, advanced analytics and technology is a seamless fit with MMA’s commitment to providing actionable insights, predictive analysis and market relevance.”

“The merger of SMA and MMA positioned the companies to produce the highest quality predictive insights to help our clients address the latest business challenges,” said Pat Cummings, CEO of MMA. “Now the integration of SCAnalytics has led to the creation of a sophisticated innovation center for testing and rapidly deploying new ideas, while serving some of our largest clients across the Asia-Pacific region.”

“The center will also support a number of global delivery needs that will enable MMA to produce high-quality, cost-effective solutions for our clients,” Cummings added. “Importantly, our ability to create automation and process improvements via the center means we can continue our investment strategy of driving quality and efficient delivery while hiring the best business and analytic talent available in every local market where our clients operate. This will help us better support their success initiatives.”

BANGALORE, India, August 17, 2011 — Informatica Corporation (NASDAQ: INFA), the world’s number one independent leader in data integration software, today announced the inauguration of a new 150,000 sq/ft research & development (R&D) facility in Bangalore, India. The new site will contribute to the design, development, release maintenance of Informatica’s market leading products technology. The company is also extending its commitment to Indiaits local talent to develop the next generation of data integration solutions with the new center focused on innovation.

R&D is of strategic importance at Informatica, which invests around 16 per cent of annual revenues in researchdevelopment. Informatica’s international development increases development productivitydelivers innovative product capabilities. Engineers at the India R&D facility contribute to mainline, cutting-edge products across all components of the Informatica Platform, catering to the requirements of leading customers around the world.

Informatica’s Indian team has played a strategic role in Informatica’s global operations since 2003. The expansion of the Bangalore facility is a testimony to its leading contributions to Informatica’s entire family of software products. The facility will be the biggest of Informatica’s development centers in ten countries around the world.

“The opening of the new facility is an exciting event for all of us at Informatica,is aimed at not only leveraging the software development capabilities of Indian talent, but also addressing the demand for Informatica products in the Indian sub-continentbeyond,” said Sanjeev Kumar, managing director, Informatica, India. “India is a growingcritical market for Informaticathe expanded facility will help us provide customers with access to high-quality software-development resources no matter where they are located.”

“In today’s information economy, the availability of timely, relevanttrustworthy data is a business imperative for leading organizations around the world. As Indian enterprises rapidly expand into global markets, high-quality data becomes a key requirement,” said Suganthi Shivkumar, managing director, Asia South, Informatica. “We have successfully leveraged the world-class talent in India to cater to the needs of global customersthe expansion of Informatica’s India operations advances our commitment to this booming market.”

The new facility will support a wide variety of functions including researchdevelopment, customer support, professional services, IT, salesmarketing, partner allianceshuman resources.


http://www.4-traders.com/INFORMATICA-9679/news/INFORMATICA-Inaugurates-New-Research-And-Development-Facility-In-Bangalore-13758368/

India-Russia accelerate Multi Role Transport Aircraft Project

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation(UAC)will soon set up a technical competence center to develop critical technologies for the Indo-Russian Multi Role Transport Aircraft (MTA) project while India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has established a new company, the Multi Role Transport Aircraft Limited (MTAL), as an Indo-Russian joint venture.


Speaking at the Moscow Air show (MAKS) 2011 here yesterday, UAC President Mikhail Pogosyan said the technical competence was part of UAC’s initiative to speed up technology development for new aircraft projects such as the SSJ100 and MC-21 civilian jets and the MTA tactical military transport.

These projects need new materials and composites to make them light and fuel efficient.

HAL, meanwhile has established the MTAL in Bangalore as a 50:50 joint venture between itself and UAC. The new company is yet to commence operations but has started recruitment of staff. Its CEO will be an Indian national. The aircraft’s designing and prototyping will happen in Russia while production will take place in India. MATL will be in charge of marketing the aircraft in the two countries as well as for export. The total project cost is estimated at US$600 million shared between the two countries.

The project envisages production of a 20 tonne cargo plane for both military and civilian applications with low gross take off weight and capable of landing/take off from poorly surfaced runways. It is intended to replace the AN-32s in the Indian Air Force and equip the Russian Air Force as well.

MTA would be capable of ferrying 80 troops together with infantry fighting vehicles or light tanks, artillery guns and ammunition. It will have an 800km cruising speed, similar to that of an airliner.

The first aircraft are expected to roll off the assembly line by 2016-17.

Link (http://www.defenseworld.net/go/defensenews.jsp?id=5945&h=India-Russia%20accelerate%20Multi%20Role%20Transport%20Aircraft%20Project)

Karnataka State government will be the first state in the country to announce a policy for the growing Animation and Gaming industry. The Department of IT, BT and S&T, of the Karnataka State Government currently is in the process of collecting inputs from the Animation Industry and in particular from the Association of Bangalore Animation Industries (ABAI) for the same. Based on the inputs, a Policy is being worked out and would be submitted to the Government for clearance. The Government is working towards announcing the Policy during the State‘s flagship event, Bangalore IT.biz 2011 scheduled from 18th to 20th, October 2011

Talking to AnimationXpress.com M. N. Vidyashankar, Principal Secretary, e-Governance Department & Principal Secretary (I/c.), IT, BT and S&T Dept. said, "The State Government realizes the growing importance of Animation and Gaming all over. The Indian Animation Industry is growing at a CAGR of about 22% compared to the global Animation market growing at 10%. Bangalore is the Tech-Capital and is the largest hub for Animation and Gaming. It is necessary to further promote the Tech-based industry. A separate Policy for the Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects Industry is under consideration of the Karnataka State Government".

The Policy would generally aim at promoting the growth and development of the Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects industry. Capacity building would be the focus as the industry depends to a large extent on artistic talent. Besides, certain fiscal incentives and concessions would be offered in the upcoming policy.

"Karnataka has a rich and diverse heritage of art and culture. The State has talented artists but not well equipped with technology. The Animation industry requires technologically trained artists in order to meet the growing animation market. A Policy focusing on capacity building is the need of the hour", M. N. Vidyashankar added.

State Government organizes flagship event on ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) every year. 14th edition of the event- Bangalore IT.biz – is scheduled from 18th to 20th October 2011. This is the only event of the country which evinces a lot of interest from the global and domestic ICT industry. The event has been instrumental to a large extent in showcasing the ICT strengths and opportunities of the State.

Currently, the Department of IT, BT and S & T, is in constant interaction with the Animation industry and is sharing inputs. The draft policy is in the final stages.
http://www.animationxpress.com/index.php?file=story&id=39371

HP data centre in Bangalore by end-2011

BS Reporter / Chennai August 26, 2011, 0:49 IST

Hewlett-Packard Ltd (HP) is planning to launch a data centre, a cloud computing infrastructure to host and manage its cloud computing customers, in Bangalore by the end of 2011.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a conference on cloud computing, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), HP country sales head Sanjay Gupta said that construction of the data centre was on track and it would go on stream by the end of this year.


The data centre would be the first of its kind from HP in India and would host and manage systems for its customers in cloud computing services. It would deliver services including public and private cloud computing. However, he refused to provide more details about the project.
Meanwhile, the company is also planning to offer cloud computing services to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) clusters. It plans to enter into agreement with SMEs in various industries like textiles and automobile, to offer cloud computing services based on their specific needs.

“We are in talks with some of the industry clusters in different parts of the country, but things are yet to be finalised. We see huge potential in offering cloud computing services for SMEs,” said Gupta.

The businesses in India are adopting cloud faster than expected and there was a huge opportunity for the companies in the segment in the country.

BS (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/hp-data-centre-in-bangalore-by-end-2011/447036/)

Volvo to launch excavators


Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), part of Volvo India Private Ltd, is to launch excavators manufactured in India by November this year. The company plans to manufacture excavators up to a 30-tonne capacity for the first time in India at its manufacturing unit at Peenya, near Bangalore in Karnataka. The Peenya unit currently produces the entire range of road-making machinery. Volvo will invest Rs 90 crore to manufacture basic range of excavators. Cureently, Volvo imports different capacity excavators from its unit in Korea. The company is also eyeing to double the capacity of road-making machinery plant at Peenya, which at present has an annual capacity of 4,000 units.

Source (http://www.projectsmonitor.com/ROADWAY/volvo-to-launch-excavators-made-in-india)

Toyota to invest R3,800 cr in India

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), the Indian subsidiary of Japanese auto giant Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), said it would invest around R3,800 crore to expand its manufacturing facility in Bidadi near Bangalore. In a meeting with Karnataka chief minister Sadananda Gowda on Thursday,TKM managing director Hiroshi Nakagawa said the new investment will be made by 2013.The company has told the state government that around 5,300 persons will get jobs on account of the investment.

Source (http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Quick-view/837275/)

Tokai begins AVS production in India

Bangalore, India -- Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd. has begun trial production of antivibration components for the automotive industry in India.It is located 40 km southwest of Bangalore in India's Karnataka State. The factory building is 8000 m 2 , on a site of 40 000 m 2 .Employment is expected to reach 210 by the time full capacity is reached in 2015.

Bangalore: Hewlett-Packard (HP) has added four new facilities in India,three in Bangalore and one in Chennai,a reflection of its increasing focus on enterprise services.The worlds largest IT company had announced last month that it would spinoff its PC business,a move that showed that HP,like IBM,wanted to concentrate on software and services that come with higher margins.
Ludger Rohlmann,vice-president for Best Shore ITO (infrastructure technology outsourcing ) in HP,who was in Bangalore recently,said the company is expanding rapidly in India.The new facilities will enable HP to add about 5,000 people, he said.HP does not provide a break-up of its employee strength by geography,but it is estimated that it has about 30,000 people in India.
The enterprise services business unit was recently elevated to report directly to the CEO,an indication of its growing strategic importance.Earlier it was part of a larger unit that included hardware.
Last year in June,HP had announced a $1 billion investment to transform and grow its enterprise services business.Later the same year it said the investment would go into expanding its global services delivery model,what it calls Best Shore,and it designated six countries as global delivery hubs.This included India,China,Bulgaria,Costa Rica,Malaysia and the Philippines.Best Shore hubs are designed to improve the client experience by offering access to deep industry and technical expertise that can tailor sophisticated solutions.
Theres a very large talent pool in India.We are able to design the most complex networks from here.We are moving a lot of design and engineering of infrastructure,including cloud infrastructure here, Rohlmann said,and added,India is the largest entity outside of the US (for HP).Lot of R&D and product related stuff will also happen in India happen this year.
Prakash M S,director for Best Shore ITO in HP India,said India already supports almost a fifth of HPs infrastructure services customers.Helping customers move to the cloud is a big focus for HP.
The company is building a data centre in India to offer infrastructure as a service.
http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=17&edlabel=TOIBG&mydateHid=01-09-2011&pubname=&edname=&articleid=Ar01705&format=&publabel=TOI

Hitachi to open new IT R&D

In the Information & Telecommunication System business field, the company said it is expanding its bases in India, by establishing new companies and acquiring existing firms, to strengthen offshore functions in the IT consulting business.

In January 2011, an office of the Hitachi Research Institute, named 'Economy and Industry Center', was opened in Delhi, and a new R&D base for the Information and Telecommunication Systems business field is scheduled to open in Bangalore by March 2012.

BS (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/hitachi-eyes-rs-12k-cr-revenueindia-in-3-yrs/145919/on)

HP opens two sprawling outsourcing centres in Bangalore, expansion on track


HP, arguably the World's largest IT company, has opened two out of the four new IT outsourcing facilities it plans to add in India this year.

The two facilities, part of its plan to make India one of its six global hubs for services, will provide Infrastructure (technology) Outsourcing services for HP's global clientbase, it said.

In all, it is set to inaugurate 4 new buildings in 2011 to house its burgeoning Indian IT workforce -- three in Bangalore and one in Chennai -- totalling a whopping 500,000 square feet.

It said it remained committed to meeting its expansion target for India.

HP, which was primarily a computer maker seven or eight years ago, burst on to the services market after it found its main competitor IBM make the transition profitably even as the hardware market became commoditized.

Despite acquiring the IT services firm EDS, HP 'Best Shore' Services is still estimated to have only around 200,000 services employees, or about half of what IBM has. The latter is estimated to have 25-30% of its workforce in India.

HP's announcement of making India a "Best Shore Hub" -- its market term for a services hub -- was seen as an effort to similarly take advantage of the mature, cheap and abundant IT services talent base in the country.

Its other former-hardware-turned hybrid competitor, such as Dell too had announced an aggressive plan to make India its hub for services.

The annoucement has come barely two months after Microsoft unveiled a sprawling 154,000 square feet facility in Bangalore.

UTC Fire & Security opens factory in Bangalore

Bangalore, Sep 8 (PTI) Fire safety and electronic security solutions company UTC Fire & Security India Ltd, a unit of New York Stock Exchange-listed United Technologies Corp, today announced opening of a new fire suppression systems factory here.

Located in the Bommasandra Industrial Area, the new facility has been developed according to the Green Building Council''s Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) principles, the company said in a statement.

"This factory represents yet another major step towards expanding our presence in India," UTC Fire & Security President Scott Buckhout said.

Last September, UTC Fire & Security India opened the Hyderabad-based India Innovation & Engineering Centre, to design, develop and integrate fire and security products for customers in India and to support global product development for the company''s worldwide operations, it said.

Link (http://news.in.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5422856)

TD Power to expand its facility in Bangalore


Power equipment maker TD Power Systems listed on the bourses today and was trading up over 15 per cent on its debut. The Bangalore-based company raised Rs 227 crore from its maiden offering, but 40 per cent of the issue had been subscribed by private equity firms

The funds raised from the IPO will be used by TD Power for expansion of its manufacturing plant (Rs 94.6 crore), construction of project office in Bangalore (Rs 28.9 crore), debt repayment (Rs 30.2 crore), meeting working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes.

Source (http://www.vccircle.com/500/news/sequoia-india-value-fund-baring-india-back-td-power-ipo)

Volvo to enter medium bus segment

NEW DELHI, SEPT 7: Volvo Buses is looking at a larger share in the city bus segment and is planning to invest Rs 200 crore over the next two years on both new products and add capacity at its Bangalore plant.
The company, which has a 75 per cent share in the inter-city AC bus segment (priced Rs 75 lakh-1 crore), is looking to launch medium-segment buses and compete with Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland. Meanwhile, capacity is also being increased by next year to 1,200 units per annum from the current 800 units.

“Next year we will launch more than two models. We're in talks with several state transport corporations for new orders … we are also looking at a larger role in city buses.

However, the JNNURM scheme-based orders going away has led to a dip in demand,” Mr Akash Passey, MD and CEO, Volvo Buses India, said at the sidelines of the SIAM annual summit on Wednesday.

The company expects to grow 35 per cent in 2011-12 at sales of around 800 units. It had supplied 600 out of the 1,100 order for low-floor AC buses under the Government's JNNURM scheme which provided funding for purchase of new and more fuel-efficient city buses across most cities.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2432397.ece)

Mahindra Aerospace Facility in Bangalore

The Mahindra Group on Wednesday said it has completed successfully the test-flight of its maiden aircraft NM5, which was developed in collaboration with the Government-run National Aeronautical Laboratories (NAL).
The five-seater all-metal aircraft, powered by a Lycoming IO-540 engine, completed a 45-minute flight on September 1, Mahindra Aerospace said in a release here.

With an investment commitment in excess of $100 million, Mahindra Aerospace has started work on a major aero-structures manufacturing facility in Bangalore.


Read more at: http://profit.ndtv.com/news/show/mahindra-s-maiden-aircraft-makes-successful-test-flight-177963?cp

Bosch Power Tools opens new training centre in Bangalore

Written by Achamma
Friday, 16 September 2011
Bangalore: Bosch Power Tools has launched a new training center in Bangalore to provide training to over 5,000 people annually.

Set up with an investment of Rs. 50 million and spread across 700 sq. meters, the training center houses a wide range of power tools for construction, woodworking and metalworking industries, in addition to cordless tools and tools for DIY (Do-It-Yourself) enthusiasts as well.
The training center will reach out to dealers, end consumers, artisans, craftsmen, engineering students, etc. This initiative is intended to empower 15 million unskilled and semi-skilled people in India.

The center was inaugurated by Dr. Rudolf Colm, Member, Board of Management, Robert Bosch GmbH.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Rudolf Colm said that the new training center is expected to double Bosch's reach in 2-3 years with its training initiatives. He said that Bosch’s training and community development initiatives are dedicated to creating a pool of highly skilled manpower and proactively improving the quality of life in rural India.

Speaking of the global power tool market, Dr. Colm said that Bosch is the market leader for portable power tools and each year 100 new power tools are introduced in the market. While the average growth rate in the power tool market is 8%-9%, the power tool market in India had registered a growth rate of 25% in 2010.

When asked about Bosch’s strategies to succeed in the price-sensitive Indian market, Dr. Colm said that Bosch is able to reduce cost by 30-40% through de-specification, localization of components and localization of R&D.

Vijay Pandey, Vice President, Bosch Power Tools, India, said that Bosch commands one third of the power tool market in India. The training initiatives undertaken by the power tool division have shown that 25 to 30% of the people trained by them have converted to using power tools. In addition to the training center, Bosch also uses 4 mobile training vans equipped with power tools and accessories to conduct field training as part of its Bosch Vahan project. He said that 10% of the revenue is ploughed back into the training and development initiatives undertaken by Bosch. When asked about expansion plans, Pandey said that Bosch has plans to expand facility, capacity and augment manpower.

"Training and development is an important part of our culture at Bosch Power Tools, we believe that through good training we can create groups of highly trained efficient workers who can use the world class tools not only for their own personal benefits but also in turn benefit the society. The launch of the training centre and other community development initiatives will help us not only to increase our customer base in India but also create a pool of highly trained skilled workers," said Dr. Rudolf Colm.

UTC to double Otis capacity at B'lore plant

United Technologies Corporation (UTC), a US-based $54.3-billion heating and cooling systems, elevators, automation and fire and security systems major, is in the process of ramping up its Otis elevator and escalator capacity at its Bangalore plant.

“The expansion is already on. The capacity here was 5,000 units in 2010. We will be doubling it in the next two years,” Zubin Irani, senior managing director (India region, commercial companies), told mediapersons.

The new 27,500-square metre manufacturing facility is being built conforming to the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Gold standards. The expanded factory will enable Otis India to more effectively serve the domestic elevator market. The domestic elevator and escalator market was 31,000 units last year and is expected to grow to about 70,000 units in the next three to four years.
“With almost 300 million population expected to move to cities in the next three-four years that is going to drive significant demand for homes, building and office spaces and retail malls. We are looking at introducing new products, specifically designed for the Indian markets, announcements pertaining to which will be made shortly,” he said.

On the company’s merger and acquisition strategy, Irani said UTC, which spends around $3.5 billion on research and development every year globally, was already active in scouting for target companies. “We have done at last five acquisitions in India in the last couple of years. This year too, we have a good pipeline and are optimistic that we will have a good progress there. Capital is not a constraint but the question is more about getting a strategic fit and the right price point,” he said.

Irani said UTC was expecting revenues from India to touch $2.5 billion by 2015, from the present $500 million.

BS (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/utc-to-double-otis-capacity-at-blore-plant/449130/)

31 cos sign up for aerospace park: Official

Bangalore, Sep 19 (PTI) The response for setting up Aerospace Park at Devanahalli near here has been encouraging with as many as 31 companies signing up for the project, Karnataka Chief Secretary S V Ranganath said today.

Karnataka has earmarked nearly 1,000 acres for the Devanahalli Aerospace Industrial Park, which included a special economic zone spread over 252 acres, Ranganath said while addressing the Regional celebrations of Civil Aviation Centenary here.

In the last global investors meet, the state signed MoUs worth Rs 3.8 lakh crore and next year it expects to sign MoUs worth Rs 5 lakh crore, Ranganath said.
The state has also offered several incentives and tax concessions. Infrastructure works such as laying roads, drains and drawing power lines were under way, Ranganath said.

He said that as 65 per cent of India''s aerospace industry was in Bangalore, the state was expecting an investment of USD 110 billion by 2020.
"As much as USD 80 billion will be invested for manufacture of aircraft and another USD 30 billion for creating aviation infrastructure," he said.

Ranganath also said the state government was contemplating a separate aerospace policy.

msn (http://news.in.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5452241)

Aerospace SEZ attracts heavy traffic

A Rs 11,700-crore investment proposal from European Aerospace and Defence Systems (EADS) is among the many aerospace projects received and approved by the State Government for its aerospace SEZ in Bangalore.

The aerospace investment plans on the 250-acre SEZ at Devanahalli, north of the city, are around Rs 14,500 crore, according to Ms Manjula Geetha, Deputy Secretary, Infrastructure Development Department.

Defence PSU HAL plans to invest Rs 2,095 crore in an aero engines facility; BEML has earmarked 400 crore.

Private companies such as Dynamatic Technologies — with plans for Rs 466-crore investment — are also keen on expanding into the SEZ, she said at a seminar held to mark a century of civil aviation in the country.

The event was organised by Society of Indian Aerospace Technologists and Industries on Monday.

Karnataka Government is promoting the aviation and air infrastructure sector. A policy on minor airport development is in the offing to encourage local connectivity and rope-in private investors as airport developers.

About half a dozen minor airports in tourism hubs and tier-2 cities have been assigned for private development and land had been earmarked for these projects.

There is a huge growth in Karnataka, which is the preferred investment destination in this sector for components and MRO projects, she said. Karnataka accounts for 75 per cent of the country's aerospace business.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/tp-states/article2468658.ece

Actuate Corporation (NASDAQ: BIRT), The people behind BIRT® and the leader in open source Business Intelligence (BI), today announced that the company has hosted its biggest BIRT Roadshow to date, attracting almost 700 people and generating interest from thousands more, in Bangalore, India.

BIRT developers congregated at the Vivanta by Taj in Bangalore on August 26th to receive training material, evaluation software licenses and demos. The event was hosted by CEO Pete Cittadini and a team of BIRT experts to serve as an orientation to BIRT, the Eclipse Foundation Business Intelligence and Reporting Tools open source project sponsored by Actuate.

“It was a thrill to see the excitement and commitment to BIRT at the Roadshow in Bangalore,” said Pete Cittadini, President and CEO of Actuate Corporation. “The momentum continues around our BIRT strategy in general, exemplified by our recent, highly successful India launch.”

According to Evans Data Corporation, India has emerged as a model market for BIRT, with almost 40% of the country’s developer population currently using or planning to use the technology in the next 12 months for their BI, reporting and data visualisation requirements.

The silicon city will soon have India’s first academy to generate manpower for aviation and aerospace industries. “The Indian Institute of Aerospace Engineering and Management will start its first academic programme — an MBA specialising in aeronautics management — from September 25,” former chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Krishnadas Nair told reporters here today.

The academy would offer both undergraduate and post-graduate courses in various branches of aeronautics, aerospace and civil aviation with the intention of bridging the skilled manpower gap, he said. “The centre will be first of its kind in the country. China has six dedicated universities for aerospace and India has none,” Nair said.

He said IIAEM is being launched by collaborative efforts of all leading aerospace organisations, airports and airlines in the city. “The centre will meet human resources requirements,” he added. “The centre will be inaugurated by former ISRO chairman and Planning Commission member K Kasturirangan on September 25,” Nair said.

Fiserv Opens Research and Development Center in Bangalore

Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV), the leading global provider of financial services technology solutions, today announced the establishment of a new research and development center in Bangalore, India.

Karnataka, Bangalore, September 22, 2011 /India PRwire/ -- Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV), the leading global provider of financial services technology solutions, today announced the establishment of a new research and development center in Bangalore, India. Fiserv has an existing presence in Bangalore, established through the 2010 acquisition of AdviceAmerica, as well as operations in Pune and the National Capital Region. In India, Fiserv has a talented team of more than 2,600 associates who provide product development, infrastructure support and managed services in IT and business-process outsourcing (BPO) for the company and its global client base.

Declaring the new Bangalore center open, Shrihari Gokhale, president, Global Services at Fiserv said, "Fiserv continues to grow its global talent and capabilities to provide best-in-class technology products and professional services to our clients. The Bangalore facility is critical to delivering leading R&D services in digital channels, business analytics and remote infrastructure management for financial institutions."


Fiserv has invested considerably in the development of IT and BPO capability in India. The present facility seats 200 highly skilled associates. As Fiserv expands its offerings in areas such as advanced analytics, the Company will benefit from the experienced resource pool of IT talent in Bangalore, part of Fiserv's global workforce of more than 19,000 associates.

Aditya Khandekar, head of Bangalore facility, said, "Bangalore is home to some of the country's most highly skilled technology and analytics talent. Fiserv is excited to contribute to the culture of innovation in this city. We also want to engage deeply with Bangalore's universities and local communities to increase our presence in this fantastic city."

Fiserv was recently recognized for its contribution to the R&D ecosystem by Zinnov, a global consulting firm, which hosts the Multinational Company R&D Industry in India Awards.

Source: http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/financial-services/2011092298591.htm

Maiya's plans expansion with Rs 60 crore production plant, world forays

Thursday, September 22, 2011 08:00 IST
Nandita Vijay, Bangalore

Maiya's, a new initiative by Dr Sadananda Maiya, a leading food technocrat, has chalked out an aggressive growth plan for its restaurant and processed food business divisions. The plan includes a greenfield project for a state-of-the-art production plant at an investment of Rs 60 crore and a distribution network to foray into the national and international markets. The products are manufactured using innovative technologies like vacuum frying and oil removal after frying. There is also infusion of nanotechnology which will provide the much-needed taste and health to consumers.

While Maiya’s Beverages and Foods Private Limited will focus on processed foods, its restaurant operates under the brand name Maiya’s.

Currently, the processed food arm is engaged in the production of traditional savories and sweets. There are 50 products and 65 stock keeping units. The range comprises traditional snacks from each state covering the delicacies from the northern, eastern and western parts of the country. A large variety of these are represented from Karnataka.

“We are working to offer another 35 products taking the range to 100 products. These are manufactured at a facility in Bangalore with a current capacity of 65 tonnes for savouries and 30 tonnes of sweets per month. As part of its international foray, the company will enter Japan, Australia, Africa, the US, the Middle-East and the Southeast Asian region. To begin with, product samples have been cleared by Japan and the Singapore teams have inspected the premises,” explained Dr Maiya to FnB News.

The market size for snacks covering savouries and sweets is estimated at Rs 1,500 crore with organised players like Haldiram’s, Frito Lay India, SM Foods, PepsiCo, Parle, Prakash Foods, and Balaji Wafers. “What will set us apart is the technology, adherence to stringent quality, from procurement to production, standard measures of contents like cashew, almond and groundnut in the savouries and pricing which is on par with the competitors,” he added.

The company is gearing up to set up its modern plant located on the Kanakapura Road, Bangalore, for which the construction commences in November and commissioning in April. The fully automated facility with no human intervention at any stage would provide a ten-fold increase in capacity. It will be HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), ISO 22000 and British Retail Consortium-compliant.

“We need to revive the tradition of the authenticity of recipes by leveraging food technology, consistency in food quality and taste. There is a major research component going into each of the products. Our gameplan is to build a strong presence not just in India but abroad over the next five years where we have set a target of generating revenues to the tune of around Rs 400 crore,” said Dr Maiya.

In his capacity as a food technocrat, Dr Maiya‘s interest in food technology led him to start a Centre for Food Science and Research recognised by the Tumkur University. The centre offers doctorate programme in food science and technology. “The need of the hour is to meet the growing shortfall of food science experts. Our new plant will also help the doctorate students to have hands-on training to gain industrial experience,” he said.

The restaurant business covering a snacks counter and coffee outlet - Maiya’s - located in south Bangalore will expand to 6 locations in Bangalore, according to him.

3M launches new R&D facility

http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article2479879.ece


American multinational conglomerate 3M, which was earlier known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, announced on Friday the launch of its second research and development facility in the country, in Bangalore, by its Indian subsidiary 3M India.

Ajay Nanavati, Managing Director, 3M India, said, “We plan to increase our sales in India from Rs.1,175 crore to Rs.5,000 crore within the next five years”. He said the R&D centre, established with an investment of Rs.100 crore, would help the company reach its target of earning 40 per cent of its revenues in the country from “In India, for India” products within the next five years.

Fred Palensky, Executive Vice-President, R&D, and Chief Technology Officer, 3M, said the company worked on the principle of a networked R&D, using a worldwide group of 85 centres. “The network is a system of connected research portals, which provide a technology outlook for the company,” he said. The research teams work on 46 core technology platforms and collaborate with each other, Mr. Palensky said. “India important for 3M, as is illustrated by the fact that more than 100 senior scientists in the company are India-born,” he said.

Jay Ihlenfeld, Senior Vice-President, Asia-Pacific, 3M, said although the company had a bigger presence in China, revenues in India were growing faster

Apple India Private Limited
19 Floor, Concorde Tower C,
UB City No 24 Vittal Mallya Road
Bangalore 560-001

http://www.apple.com/in/contact/

Eurofins opens central laboratory in Bangalore

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/tp-states/article2518923.ece

Eurofins, The Netherland based life science services provider, has opened its central laboratory in Bangalore.

“Initially, the lab will focus on safety testing as well as biomarker testing for both global and Indian clinical trials,” said Dr Raghavendra Karanth, Laboratory Director - Eurofins-India, without disclosing the investment made by the company.

The facility is expected to complement the Eurofins' current global footprint of its wholly-owned laboratory facilities in the US, Europe, Singapore and China.

accreditations

The facility certified with the National Glycohemoglobin Standardisation Program (NGSP) Level 1 accreditation, is expected to get NABL and CAP accreditations within its first year of operation.

“The Bangalore facility is to operate like an extension of its other central labs and support trials with similar laboratory equipment, methods, operating procedures and quality standards,” said Dr Karanth.

“The facility's location gives it easy access to the transportation infrastructure and enables control over transportation and maintenance of specimen integrity,” he added.

Mr René van Erp, Managing Director Eurofins Global Central Laboratory while inaugurating the facility explained: “Solely dedicated to providing laboratory testing in clinical trials, the central laboratory is uniquely positioned since only few contract research organisations (CROs) offer a similar global footprint. This expansion of our global footprint allows us to bring more value to our customers, and makes central laboratory a world-wide source for laboratory testing in clinical trials.

AES to unveil power electronics factory in India

Bangalore, Oct 12, (PTI) :

AES Power Solutions, manufacturer of power electronic systems and solutions for industrial power supplies and renewable energies, will unveil its power electronic factory here tomorrow.

The 80,000 sq ft factory, its first in India and located on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, will produce the company's two successful solar inverter series PV 250 and PV 500. The facility has a capacity to manufacture products generating 400 MW per year.

"With the new plant in which about Rs 100 crore has been invested, we forsee production of uninterrupted power supplies (UPSs)," S L Sridhar Murthy, Managing Director, AES Power Solutions (India) Private Limited, told the reporters here.

"India invests high amounts of money in solar energy and is one of the most important markets for AEG PS. With a local production, we are strengthening our customer relationship in focusing the specific demands," Horst J Kayser, Chief Executive Officer of AEG Power Solutions said.

AEG PS, which began its India operations in 2006, has been awarded total solutions equipment for 39 MW and Monitoring Systems for 45 MW from major OEM's and solar farm developers.

"We are focusing on our two complementary operating business units Renewable Energy Solutions (RES) and Energy Efficiency Solutions (EES) which are serving customers worldwide," Murthy said.

From a turnover of 1.5 million euros in 2010, the firm is looking at 15 million euros this year, Murthy said, adding the firm already has a 13 per cent share of the solar power inverter market in India and is "expecting to go beyond 1 gigawatt next year, from the present 300 MW".

Apart from its OEM customers like Tata BP Solar, M V Solar and Vikram Solar, the firm is also looking EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) players like L&T and Wipro, he said.

BANGALORE: New York Stock Exchange-listed IT firm CIBER Inc on Thursday announced the opening of its new SEZ (Special Economic Zone) global delivery centre here with a seating capacity of 750.

Prior to this, the company had two global delivery centres in India -- one in Chennai and the other in Bangalore -- catering to the company's global clients.

"Since we started operating in India, our operations have grown exponentially, adding both employees and key skillsets," the US-headquartered company's CEO, Dave Peterschmidt, told a press conference here.

"We are strategically expanding our facility in India, particularly Bangalore, as the talent pool is very large here. We will also continue to ramp up operations at the Chennai centre," he said.

From a modest workforce of 100 employees in 2005, the company's staff count has increased to 1,300 in India in six years, CIBER India head Vir Bhanu said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/CIBER-Inc-opens-new-SEZ-global-delivery-centre-in-Bangalore/articleshow/10340322.cms

http://www.technologicvehicles.com/en/green-transportation-news/1271/electric-city-car-the-reva-nxr-on-sale-within


Electric city car: the REVA NXR on sale within six months
13 October 2011
Here is a welcome confirmation after months of silence.
Rajan Wadhera Director of R&D and electric vehicles has announced last week that Mahindra Reva will officially launch the NXR within 6 months.


"We are at the final stages of development. The car would be ready for launch within six months,"


He then explained that the NXR would welcome 4 people, as originally planned.
"It's gonna be a four seater car. We have developed it be like a proper car with space, power and other features."






While the technology would have presumably evolved from the concept presented in 2009 its look should significantly remain the same. The NXR will replace the Reva-i which has been in service for a (too) long time.


The price of the car has not been officially revealed and Mr. Wadhera has not stated whether the launch would be national or global.

^^ Finally.. Squarish glass and body are gone..

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/media/ALeqM5gGld5x9WXrqhWeu82PHXkk_NcXYw?size=l
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/slideshow/ALeqM5haWXiSzap-uzVEHKGpJcw3qc9X_A?docId=CNG.b39ee00ebb58defa6e6e3750cff66980.141&index=1

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/indian-car-scene/386650d1278954160t-scoop-pics-maini-reva-nxr-caught-testing-bangalore-reva.jpg
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-scene/76025-scoop-pics-maini-reva-nxr-caught-testing-bangalore-2.html

Nice looking. after taken over by Mahindra, REVA has become stylish.

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/11/03/20111103a_007100004.jpg

^^ Finally.. Squarish glass and body are gone..

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/media/ALeqM5gGld5x9WXrqhWeu82PHXkk_NcXYw?size=l
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/slideshow/ALeqM5haWXiSzap-uzVEHKGpJcw3qc9X_A?docId=CNG.b39ee00ebb58defa6e6e3750cff66980.141&index=1

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/indian-car-scene/386650d1278954160t-scoop-pics-maini-reva-nxr-caught-testing-bangalore-reva.jpg
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-scene/76025-scoop-pics-maini-reva-nxr-caught-testing-bangalore-2.html

Great! I am a firm believer in alternate energy cars and electric Reva by Mahindra is welcome news. Currently, India's import of oil is around 80%. Only a few years back the import percentage was 66%. Demand for oil has gone up whilst the discovery has gone down. The picture is quite dire for India. When you have a huge chunk of money leaving the nation, there is a danger of eventual collapse. The hope is that India creates a higher percentage of energy via renewable sources (solar, wind) quickly and use thorium resources for nuclear energy. Electric vehicles are part of the equation.

Just an aside, I hope KN Govt boots out the Autorickshaw and replaces it with REVAs.

Great! I am a firm believer in alternate energy cars and electric Reva by Mahindra is welcome news. Currently, India's import of oil is around 80%. Only a few years back the import percentage was 66%. Demand for oil has gone up whilst the discovery has gone down. The picture is quite dire for India. When you have a huge chunk of money leaving the nation, there is a danger of eventual collapse. The hope is that India creates a higher percentage of energy via renewable sources (solar, wind) quickly and use thorium resources for nuclear energy. Electric vehicles are part of the equation.

Just an aside, I hope KN Govt boots out the Autorickshaw and replaces it with REVAs.

And where do you get Electricity from ? Coal & Coal is a fossil fuel which is also imported and available locally

^^ Coal will be replaced by nuclear/renewable in the long term.

^^ Coal will be replaced by nuclear/renewable in the long term.

If Nuclear was a clean option then why is Germany closing all its Nuclear Power Stations? As of now it means money for the developed nations

^^ You tell me, why is nuclear not a clean option?

Most people have no answer to this question. It is just all FUD.

^^ You tell me, why is nuclear not a clean option?

Most people have no answer to this question. It is just all FUD.

Ask Germany/Japan

^^ I'm asking you, why should I ask "Germany"/"Japan"? Do you have an opinion? Sure looks like it! :dunno:

Anyway, proves my point, maybe a millionth time. The anti-nuke guys just don't have an answer. :ohno:

Reducing pollution is a multi-prong approach. We can't exclude any feasible technology in reducing pollution. Electricity generation has traditionally been done via coal, hydro plants, nuclear in advanced nations, geothermal and natural/petroleum gas fired plants. BTW the US and China are the worlds largest consumers of coal based power. India has a significant portion of energy via coal fired plants.

Renewable energy sources are late comers. Biogas, Wind Tech has grown in recent times. The more promising source for renewable energy is solar for which India has been naturally endowed with sunlight through most parts through most of the year. The cost for these newer tech is coming down drastically. Germany has mandated that 20-30% of its energy will be from renewable sources. They are slowly phasing out nuclear. For India, solar energy is a great viable future. It may not be able to produce 100% energy, however a significant portion could be from solar. These percentages matter in reducing pollution. Stamping out pollution from cars/trucks reduces the number of sources of pollution. We can then concentrate on coal plant pollution with tech like carbon sequestration. The number of sources is significantly less, carbon pollution still exists, however with tech evolution perhaps one day they can be tamed.

Countries like the US can potentially eliminate coal fired plants and replace them with Wind Energy. Their wind map potential is so huge that they can produce 3x their current production with Wind turbines. China is aggressively promoting solar, they have driven the costs down 10 fold. Another interesting development is that the US can eliminate import of oil/gas from the Middle East if they want to. Canada and recent shale discoveries in the US have projected that the shortfall for the US consumption would be 0.5 million barrels per day ( the US consumes 20 million barrels per day!) which can be eliminated if the country switches to electric/hybrids/gas fired vehicles. Clearly this is a strategic advantage. India needs to think along the lines of total elimination of oil import.

Stamping out pollution from cars/trucks reduces the number of sources of pollution. We can then concentrate on coal plant pollution with tech like carbon sequestration.

More than cars,buildings pollute the most!!Indirectly though.:)

^^ And if 'pollution' refers to global warming, then cows and buffaloes farting contribute the most! :D

Seriously.

Reducing pollution is a multi-prong approach. We can't exclude any feasible technology in reducing pollution. Electricity generation has traditionally been done via coal, hydro plants, nuclear in advanced nations, geothermal and natural/petroleum gas fired plants. BTW the US and China are the worlds largest consumers of coal based power. India has a significant portion of energy via coal fired plants.

Renewable energy sources are late comers. Biogas, Wind Tech has grown in recent times. The more promising source for renewable energy is solar for which India has been naturally endowed with sunlight through most parts through most of the year. The cost for these newer tech is coming down drastically. Germany has mandated that 20-30% of its energy will be from renewable sources. They are slowly phasing out nuclear. For India, solar energy is a great viable future. It may not be able to produce 100% energy, however a significant portion could be from solar. These percentages matter in reducing pollution. Stamping out pollution from cars/trucks reduces the number of sources of pollution. We can then concentrate on coal plant pollution with tech like carbon sequestration. The number of sources is significantly less, carbon pollution still exists, however with tech evolution perhaps one day they can be tamed.

Countries like the US can potentially eliminate coal fired plants and replace them with Wind Energy. Their wind map potential is so huge that they can produce 3x their current production with Wind turbines. China is aggressively promoting solar, they have driven the costs down 10 fold. Another interesting development is that the US can eliminate import of oil/gas from the Middle East if they want to. Canada and recent shale discoveries in the US have projected that the shortfall for the US consumption would be 0.5 million barrels per day ( the US consumes 20 million barrels per day!) which can be eliminated if the country switches to electric/hybrids/gas fired vehicles. Clearly this is a strategic advantage. India needs to think along the lines of total elimination of oil import.

Well Said, between US - The worlds R&D Hub doesnt seem to bother much about energy & Pollution they can if they want to phase out of renewable energy sources

Germany, in Reversal, Will Close Nuclear Plants by 2022 (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/31/world/europe/31germany.html)
The announcement, which still faces legislative approval, was applauded by environmentalists and expected to be popular among voters. But it was greeted skeptically around Europe and within German industry. Some predicted it could harm economic growth, force Germany to import nuclear power from France, or even inflate the cost of energy across the continent.

@naveen_blr you can talk crap only after germany really close reactors.

@rmvdweller there are few disadvantages: 1 efficiency maybe around 50%, so hotter water is let out to the river/sea which causes global warming etc. 2 disposing off the nuclear waste.

untill we start using hydrogen instead of uranium..

Germany, in Reversal, Will Close Nuclear Plants by 2022 (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/31/world/europe/31germany.html)


@naveen_blr you can talk crap only after germany really close reactors.

@rmvdweller there are few disadvantages: 1 efficiency maybe around 50%, so hotter water is let out to the river/sea which causes global warming etc. 2 disposing off the nuclear waste.

untill we start using hydrogen instead of uranium..

Not sure if hot water being let out into oceans is a cause of Global warming!! NO matter how much you pump in, I think it is insignificant in terms of the massive volumes we are looking at...

Waste disposal is a problem, yes. We can go for nuclear waste reprocessing, but even that is not infinite efficiency. We need to identify a location for waste.

Using hydrogen (i.e. nuclear fusion reactors) is the stuff of science fiction so far. :)

Walmart to start innovation lab in India; likely to woo talent from Amazon, Google and Yahoo

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/retailing/walmart-to-start-innovation-lab-in-india-likely-to-woo-talent-from-amazon-google-and-yahoo/articleshow/10665308.cms

The world's largest retailer Walmart which is playing catchup with online retailer Amazon in trying to improve how its customers buy on the Internet, will start its innovation lab in India to drive its next generation of innovations that impact shopping behavior.

The $ 422 bn company, has already started hiring for this in India and the 100-person lab will be up and running the end of this year, a top company executive told ET on Wednesday.

Walmart labs which employs about 70- 80 people in United States will be located in Bangalore and is likely to woo talent from companies like Amazon, Google and Yahoo which have large presence in Bangalore.

"It is not very big, we belive in talent density rather than talent volume. We don't need too many people but we need very very talented people. Our goal is to get a 100 people but the really top talented people," said Anand Rajaraman, senior vice-president, global e-commerce, Walmart.

"There are two fundamentally huge, disruptive changes that are happening. Smart phones and social media and those are the two areas we are addressing. The India team will be significant part of the team, the Walmart Labs mission is global and India team will developed for the this global market. The India team should have ownership of some really key pieces of the technology we are developing," he added. Rajaraman said that the India head has been appointed but did not share details.

The company started Walmart labs only a few months back after it acquired Rajaraman's earlier company Kosmix. Walmart labs will focuses on intersection of social, mobile and retail.

BANGALORE: Months after its hugely successful public listing, LinkedIn is ready to expand its operations in India, home to the professional networking company's second-largest user base after the United States.

On Tuesday, LinkedIn, which has 135 million members worldwide and over 12 million in India, set up a technology centre in the southern Indian city of Bangalore -- the first such centre outside its headquarters in Mountain View, California.

The company, which stepped into India in late 2009, now has about 100 employees in three Indian cities -- Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore -- and 1,797 employees worldwide, according to its quarterly report.

The Bangalore R&D centre, which will employ about 35 engineers by the end of this year, will help build and operate the company's core products and applications.

LinkedIn -- started in the living room of ex-PayPal executive Reid Hoffman in 2002 -- makes money by selling premium subscriptions to its members and helping companies with hiring and marketing.

Companies like HCL Technologies Ltd and ING Vysya Bank Ltd use LinkedIn's hiring products, while companies like Jet Airways Ltd and Volkswagen AG use its marketing products in India.

LinkedIn is betting big on India, which boasts about 100 million Internet subscribers, hoping the increasing use of the Internet by businesses for recruitment and the rapid rollout of 3G services will attract more users and help boost growth.

"Mobile is a key part of the LinkedIn strategy and our products are available on every conceivable mobile device. It is our fastest growing segment," said Deep Nishar, senior vice president of products.

Nishar, an ex-Google employee, said more than 12 percent of the company's new weekly members in India join through mobile Internet.

LinkedIn is among a clutch of closely watched Internet social media companies, including Zynga, Twitter and Facebook, that have stoked investor interest and seen their valuations balloon.

LinkedIn's shares more than doubled in their debut in May, and analysts feared that investors, frantic to buy into the first major U.S. social networking IPO, would overlook risks that could sour growth in the future.

But the company, whose performance is closely watched as a sign of how other Internet companies will do, is unperturbed and recently raised its outlook for the year.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/linkedin-spruces-up-india-profile-opens-rd-center/articleshow/10742217.cms

Bangalore: LinkedIn,the worlds largest professional network,on Tuesday opened a research and development centre in Bangalore,the first such facility outside of the US.
Located at the Bagmane Tech Park,the LinkedIn Technology Centre will be the companys fourth office in the country after its India headquarters in Mumbai and sales offices in Gurgaon and Bangalore.
Out of over 135 million subscribers of LinkedIn,over 12 million are from India.Deep Nishar,senior vice president of products & user experience,said the companys priority would be to build a local team to develop applications relevant for professionals.The company plans to hire engineers in the areas of software,operations,data warehouse and network,as also data base administrators.Currently LinkedIn has 70 people in India.The plan now is to recruit 25 to 30 technical persons.
The engineering operations will he headed by Ganesh Krishnan,who was previously in LinkedIn,US,and Yahoo,US,has more than 13 years of experience in building security infrastructure,product,web and information security.
LinkedIn,which was founded in 2003,has a diversified business model with revenue coming from member subscriptions,marketing solutions and hiring solutions.
The company had a spectacular IPO earlier this year.The company raised $352.8 million by selling an 8% stake.
The share price closed on the first day of trading at $94.25 on the New York Stock Exchange,up 109% from its IPO price of $45,valuing the company at $8.9 billion
http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=19&edlabel=TOIBG&mydateHid=16-11-2011&pubname=&edname=&articleid=Ar01905&format=&publabel=TOI

Tokyo-headquartered IT company Fujitsu Ltd will expand its presence in India by opening a new service delivery center in Bangalore. The move will help the company grow its business in the country and offer its IT services to key Indian companies. The company has already set up delivery centres in Pune, Noida and Hyderabad. The Bangalore centre will cater to several verticals including consumer packaged goods, retail, life sciences & healthcare, logistics, energy & utilities, infrastructure, agriculture, automotive and financial services.

“The creation of new services and businesses in Bangalore will accelerate the company’s vision for globalisation. Fujitsu has a strong Japanese heritage of customer-centricity, long-term relationships and quality of service. We will continue this tradition from our Bangalore facility as well,” said Rajeev Gupta, president of Fujitsu Consulting India.

Fujitsu is the third largest IT company in Japan with nearly 170,000 employees supporting customers in more than 100 countries. The company has consolidated revenues of $55 billion in FY2011.

http://techcircle.vccircle.com/500/japanese-it-firm-fujitsu-to-set-up-delivery-centre-in-bangalore/

^^ Enappa idu . 3 back-to-back R&D units in a single week. First Wallmart-Labs followed by LinkedIn and now Fujitsu.

^^ Enappa idu . 3 back-to-back R&D units in a single week. First Wallmart-Labs followed by LinkedIn and now Fujitsu.

idu bengalooru :cheers:

idu bengalooru :cheers:

An emerging Architecture hub of India. :okay: That is Bangaluru.

Bangalore is the design archi hub of India!!

^^

Bangalore, the hub of architecture



http://static.dnaindia.com/images/cache/1567979.jpg

Nita and Indrajit Kembhavi (inset); a project they designed

Modern architecture is a fast developing field and has been quite in demand, of late. With going green being the norm, several architecture firms in the country are focusing on eco-friendly ideas and designs. After Hrs puts together a list of trends that seem to be taking over the city. And who best to ask than an entire family full of architects. The firm, Kembhavi Architects, was set up in the year 1972 by Sharad and Nalini Kembhavi. Today, they are joined by their children Indrajit and his wife Nita, and Parth and his wife Sowmya — all architects. Here’s a glimpse into this creative set up...

Family ties

A family of six architects! Indrajit Kembhavi reveals, “Even though my parents set up Kembhavi Architects, my brother and I were under no pressure to take up architecture as a career. But our parents did inspire us to make it a part of our lives. I met my wife at the BVB college of architecture at Hubli. Both of us worked as trainees in the firm before branching out in Bangalore a couple of years back,” he reminisces.

Living ideas in Bangalore

Moving to Bangalore meant expansion on various levels. Indrajit says, “It did not make sense for all six of us to operate out of just one city. Which is why some of us set up a branch in Bangalore. As far as the architectural growth in India is concerned, Ahmedabad was the most sought-after destination until some years back. But today, Bangalore is the centre of architecture in India. We have seen path-breaking work in the city and the people here are open to new ideologies too, which is a great sign.”

Earth matters

Going green is the mantra today. There is a need for reducing our carbon footprint and going eco-friendly. Keeping that in mind, Indrajit and his wife Nita work on solar passive architecture.

“Having a block of stone in your house doesn’t make your home eco-friendly. There are several factors like thermal conditions, pollution control, and power saving factors that makes it an eco-friendly building. When we started in Hubli, we worked on projects that give a rather cooler atmosphere. Later, we started solar passive architecture that is into promoting eco-friendly atmosphere. We make sure that the cost is economical too,” says Indrajit.

The trends

With several industries witnessing great innovations in their sector, what does architecture have in store? Says Indrajit, “There has been a marvellous growth in the field of architecture. It is great to see several foreign firms setting up base here. Though there is room for competition, we have the advantage of sharing expertise and experiment with varied thinking.” So, what are some of the trends that we can look forward too? “When modern architecture came into the country, there was confluence in bringing together western architecture along with Indian. But now, it’s great to witness several firms adopting the south-Asian tropical designs for their homes. I find this to be a major trend in terms of design value,” he informs.

Woman power

Earlier, accepting women as architects was a rather tough task. But today, we have several popular woman architects that clients prefer to work with. Has it been a tough journey for Nita, we probe.

“Since my mother-in-law is also an architect, I haven’t really come across any such bias or challenge. Today, several clients find it easier to convey their requirements to a woman architect rather than a male one,” says Nita. But does the fact that several woman architects branch out into interior designing change the way they are perceived? “Sometimes, even I wonder why women branch out into interior designing. However, it is an individual’s perspective. Some of the greatest architects in the world have been women. Branching out may be a personal choice,” says Nita.


http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_bangalore-the-hub-of-architecture_1567976

Hubli based architects :cheers:

We need fashion too :)

Robert F. McDonnell visits QuEST Global’s Bangalore Centre

India Infoline News Service / 19:12 , Nov 18, 2011
During his visit the two leaders exchanged notes on several points including growth and providing employment opportunities to local talent within the state.
Robert F. McDonnell the Governor of the state of Virginia today visited Bangalore in an effort to gain insights into industries in Karnataka and to evaluate growth prospects with the state of Virginia.

His first halt was a visit to the QuEST Bangalore Centre where he was received by Dr. Ajay Prabhu, COO, QuEST Global.

During his visit the two leaders exchanged notes on several points including growth and providing employment opportunities to local talent within the state.
The Governor, Robert F. McDonnell said “We are excited by the partnering potential with QuEST. We have multiple synergies that can be leveraged by the companies and colleges in Virginia by teaming with QuEST”.

Dr. Ajay Prabhu adds, “Many of QuEST’s strategic customers are doing business in the State of Virginia, which is home to many Aerospace & Defense companies. QuEST’s growing competence in this vertical coupled with our unique ability to serve US customers at lower costs while creating American jobs opens up opportunities for us to serve customers in Virginia. We are encouraged by the visit of the Honorable Governor to the QuEST facility in Bangalore which is testimony to the growing interest in the comprehensive high technologyengineering services we provide.”

http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Robert-F.-McDonnell-visits-QuEST-Globals-Bangalore-Centre/5292551803

Arjun Prabhu Interviewd by Samaya news,watch it :) (Kannada) He is the person who has made Bangaluru proud in aviation industry (private investments)Another Narayan murthy of Aerospace industry :cheers:

Quest was started by two of them Arjun Prabhu and Mallegiri, hubli engineers.


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Manjushree setting up two PET container plants
(http://www.plasticsnews.com/headlines2.html?id=23714&channel=342)
BANGALORE, INDIA (Nov. 16, 1:15 p.m. ET) -- Manjushree Tehnopack Ltd. is setting up two new manufacturing facilities in Bidadi and Harohalli industrial area on the outskirts of Bangalore, India, with an investment of US$38 million.

The new facilities will concentrate on the food and beverages customers, plus the liquor and pharmaceutical sectors.

The company’s two existing factories have no room for additional space, said Managing Director Vimal Kedia.

The proposed Bidadi unit will be near a major beverage customer. The move will cut logistics costs.

“It is only natural for us to shift the manufacture of preforms from the existing unit to the new one and also maintain all future PET perform-related business along with further projects to this new facility,” Kedia said.

The company has both its existing facilities in the Bommasandra industrial area on the outskirts of Bangalore.

Manjushree will explore both domestic and international markets.

“While a large portion of the chunk of our business is focused on domestic markets, 8 percent of total turnover is contributed by exports to countries like USA, Australia, Africa, Gulf, Malaysia, Maldives, etc,” Kedia said.

Manjushree clientele include Cadbury, Kraft, Nestle, Unilever, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Bisleri, Britannia, Heinz, Del Monte, MTR, Tata Tea, ITC, Godrej, Lotte and Rhodes Food Group.

In the pharmaceutical sector, it works with GSK, Micro Labs, the Himalayan Drug Co., TTK for Woodwords Gripe Water, AstraZeneca and Anglo-French Drugs.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6227/6360750863_3bb5909605_z.jpg

Log on to research at IISc, laugh all the way to bank (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Log-on-to-research-at-IISc-laugh-all-the-way-to-bank/articleshow/10810127.cms)
Prashanth G N, TNN | Nov 21, 2011, 03.21AM IST
BANGALORE: Research in computer science has never been as glamourous and lucrative as it is now. With companies like Google, IBM and Microsoft now preferring to have a research lab in Bangalore, there is a spurt in the number of students doing PhD in computer science at the city's flagship Indian Institute of Science.

IISc now generates the highest number of PhDs in computer science in the country. In 2011, 91 people enrolled for a PhD in computer science at the Computer Science and Automation (CSA) department in IISc, up from 35 five years back. The number of students doing masters in computer science leading to PhD too is increasing at IISc: from 35 five years ago to an average class of 60 in 2011. Y Narahari, chairman, CSA, points out:

''IISc is No. 1 in the country in computer science PhD enrolment. IIT-Madras has 55 PhD students, while IIT-Mumbai has 25.''

He says IISc is particularly attractive for PhD as Bangalore is the tech hub of the country.

''Name any big IT research lab and you have it in Bangalore. Most of these labs want hardcore researchers who can understand and develop algorithms for next generation computing and are willing to pay them well.''

Jindal Aluminium to spend Rs 800cr for two plants in Karnataka

Jindal Aluminium will invest Rs 800 crore to set up two plants to make aluminium sheets and foils, and produce powder coated and anodised materials.

"We are setting both the plants in Karnataka. Work on the first plant, near Bangalore, for manufacturing of aluminium sheet and foils has already started. We are investing Rs 500 crore outlay," Jindal Aluminium CMD Sitaram Jindal told PTI.

The second plant would also come up near Bangalore for production of powder coated and anodised materials with an investment of Rs 300 crore. However, the ground work on the plant would start only after the first plant gets operational in April next year.

While aluminium sheet and foils are used for packaging applications, including food and beverage containers; powder coating is a durable method of providing a decorative finish to metals. Anodising is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts.

Jindal Aluminium claims to be the largest manufacturer of aluminium extrusion profiles in India commanding around 25% market share. It has 70,000 tonnes per annum installed capacity at its lone plant in Bangalore. However, due to poor demand, the company could only produce 55,000 tonnes aluminium extrusion profiles last fiscal.

Jindal said that the aluminium sheet and foil plant would have the capacity to produce 50,000 tonnes a year and provide direct jobs to 700 people. Jindal Aluminium would spend Rs 300 crore from internal accruals and the remaining from a foreign bank to fund the project.

It would not require any funding requirement from outside for the plant to produce powder coated and anodised materials, he said, adding that cash generated from its existing business would take care of that.

"We have land in possession for the second plant. It will likely to go on stream by June-July, 2013," he said, adding that there was a huge demand for such products overseas.

Jindal said the company had clocked Rs 800 crore turnover last fiscal and after the operationalisation of these plants, its topline would likely to go past Rs 2,000 crore by the end of 2013-14 fiscal.

BS (http://business-standard.com/india/news/jindal-aluminium-to-spend-rs-800cr-for-two-plants-in-karnataka/151634/on)

Belgaum has a better ecosystem for Aluminium plants with HINDALCO already established there with Aluminium resources available in the vicinity.No idea why Jindals chose Bangaluru.

Bosch eyes 40% pie of Indian power tools mart (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/bosch-eyes-40-pieindian-power-tools-mart/457645/)


Bosch Power Tools is aiming at selling 900,000 units in India this year, as against 600,000 units last year. Around 30 per cent of the tools are manufactured at its Bangalore plant, while the rest are imported from Bosch's factories abroad.

“We are scaling up production at our Bangalore plant,” Pandey said, while refusing to disclose any absolute numbers in terms of capacity and investments. “It’s Bosch’s philosophy to invest back 8-10 per cent of its revenues into research and development and manufacturing,” he said.

Infinera expands R&D center & sales office in India


Infinera, the provider of digital optical networking systems,announced its expansion plans in India. It has set up a new sales office in Bangalore. It has expanded its R&D center, which was launched in 2004 and the second largest following the U.S. headquarters in Sunnyvale.

Infinera's CEO, Tom Fallon said, “We are expanding the Bangalore R&D center and sales office because of the market opportunity and expertise available here. Innovation is at the core of our business and R&D is a priority.”

“The Bangalore center has made significant contributions to the award-winning Infinera DTN platform since its launch in 2004,” said Utkarash Rai, vice president, Infinera India.

http://voicendata.ciol.com/content/news1/111120508.asp

Karnataka govt to spend more on nanotechnology

Bangalore: The Karnataka government will provide enhanced budgetary support to promote nanotechnology for the benefit of masses, Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda said on Thursday. "The state government will certainly provide enhanced budgetary support for nano initiatives and activities of the vision group on science and technology in the budget for ensuing fiscal (2012-13)," Gowda said at the inauguration of the two-day 'Bangalore Nano' conference-cum-expo.
Calling upon scientists to find tangible solutions for food security, energy security, water purification, medicine and healthcare, he told about 500 delegates that nanotechnology had the potential to address key challenges in diverse sectors such as energy, water, agriculture, health and environment.
"To encourage research and develop nanotechnologies and products, the state government will set up Nano Park near the airport at Devanahalli on the city's outskirts with a incubation centre for start-ups, an industrial cluster and centres of excellence for nanotech education to develop domain expertise," the chief minister said.

HAL and Rolls-Royce begin facility for engines (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2696769.ece)

HAL and Rolls-Royce on Wednesday commenced construction of a new manufacturing facility in Bangalore.

This state-of-the-art facility is owned by International Aerospace Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd. a joint venture between HAL and Rolls-Royce, formed in 2010. This 7,200 sq m, purpose-built production facility will produce components for the technologically advanced Trent family of civil aero engines, as well as for a number of marine and energy gas turbines.

Located near the HAL Airport, it will start production in 2012. IAMPL will incorporate the latest Rolls-Royce manufacturing techniques and will create job opportunities for highly skilled technicians and engineers in India.

Officiating Chairperson P.V. Deshmukh said in a statement Rolls-Royce and HAL have been strategic partners since 1956 when HAL started producing the Orpheus engine under licence. “As a result of our strong collaboration we have contributed to the development of Indian aerospace industry.”

Anil Shrikhande, Rolls-Royce, President-India, said: “We plan to develop IAMPL as a centre of excellence with the latest manufacturing techniques and training programmes.

Believed to be a force multiplier when becomes operational

Indigenous AWACS radome developed in Bangalore

Kalyan Ray, New Delhi, Dec 7, DHNS:
http://www.deccanherald.com/images/editor_images1/2011/12/08/AWAC300.jpg
India has taken a big step forward with the first flight of an indigenous airborne radar, which when ready for operation would become a force multiplier for the armed forces with potential to change the strategic dynamics in the subcontinent.

The first fully modified Brazilian Embraer aircraft fitted with indigenous Airborne Warning and Control System (AEW&C) took to skies on December 6 at Sao Jose campus of Embraer in Brazil with about 1000 mission system components developed by Indian defence scientists.

The most crucial component in AEW&C was the active electronic scanning antenna (AESA) radar, which has better reach and capability. Bangalore-based Centre for Airborne Studies developed the Indian AESA radar.

“The flight is a major milestone towards realising the dream of an indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control System, which will put India into a select club of countries,” said V K Saraswat, scientific adviser to the defence minister and DRDO chief.

While the first indigenous aircraft will undergo full certification process over the next two years, India will receive two aircraft by the middle of 2012, which will be equipped with various systems and electronic components, currently being tested at CABS.

India currently operates three Israeli Phalcon AWACS – fitted on Russian made IL-76 – and likely to offer three more. The first three were purchased in a $ 1.1 billion deal, which was supported by the USA, notwithstanding objections from Pakistan.

Defence minister A K Antony acknowledged in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that a proposal for procurement of additional IL-76 based AWACS from ELTA Systems Limited, Israel, under option clause of previous contract signed in March, 2004 is under the consideration of the government.

Detailed test
Two indigenous systems would be delivered to IAF after detailed test and evaluation by 2013, said a DRDO official. The Indian AWACS programme originally began in the 1990s but came to a screeching halt after an Avro aircraft carrying the Indian instrument crashed in Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu in 1999.

Microsoft Opens New Global Delivery Centre in Bangalore (http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Microsoft_Opens_New_Global_Delivery_Centre_in_Bangalore-nid-99974-cid-2.html)

By SiliconIndia, Thursday, 08 December 2011, 02:13 Hrs

Bangalore: Microsoft announced the expansion of its global consulting and enterprise services operations out of India: a new state-of-the-art Global Delivery centre, situated in the heart of Bangalore's business district. The Bangalore team will, in addition to the team in Hyderabad, support Microsoft Services in powering business-critical and mission-critical applications for some of the world's largest corporations in over 65 countries. Microsoft's Global Delivery has had a presence in India since 2005, when the first team began its operations in Hyderabad.

Kristin Johnsen, General Manager, Microsoft Consulting Services Business and Amit Sircar, General Manager, Microsoft Services Global Delivery, were present for the inauguration of the new centre. Kristin, commenting on the expansion of Microsoft's presence in India, said, "Microsoft Services brings the deepest expertise on Microsoft technologies to help customers plan, deploy and run their IT landscapes. It was with this in mind that Microsoft invested in the centre at Hyderabad six years ago, and today, with a clear idea of growing our presence in India, we are happy to be in Bangalore."

Amit Sircar added, "Very simply, we deploy future-ready Microsoft solutions and help businesses realize their full potential through the productive use of Microsoft software and services. In six short years, Global Delivery (Hyderabad) has been assessed at SEI CMMI Level 5, and we hope to maintain and improve this reputation for excellence with a group of highly motivated people in Bangalore."

Microsoft Services Global Delivery has a highly mature delivery process for global deployments.Teams here work on leading edge Microsoft products and technologies including Office 365, Windows 7 deployment, Azure and Data Center Services (DCS), among others.

Praxair to invest Rs 1,200 cr in India; make Bangalore hub for global pharma industry

BANGALORE, DEC. 7:
US-based industrial gas company Praxair plans to invest about Rs 1,200 crore over the next two years in its Indian operations. It has also set up a new research and development lab here.

Mr Raymond P. Roberge, Senior Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer, Praxair, Inc, told Business Line that the new lab has been set up to for various customer industries, such as metal fabrication, steel and water treatment. The new lab will also act as a global hub for offerings for the pharma industry.

Praxair has about six labs across countries. It invests about $90 million in its labs, of which about 15 per cent goes to Asian labs.

The $10-billion company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and speciality gases, and high-performance surface coatings.

Mr Roberge said he believes water-treatment plants as well as healthcare have long-term potential for the company. “Healthcare is growing globally and is about 10 per cent of total business, though in India it is much less. But we expect it to grow [in the] long term,” he said. He pointed out that business from the Asian region outperformed that from rest of the world, while India too has performed extremely well.

Praxair is also investing about Rs 1,200 crore during the next two years on its existing and new projects, which include an ongoing facility to supply gaseous hydrogen and nitrogen to Indian Oil Corporation in Orissa and two major air-separation plants for Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) at Bhilai.

Praxair has already invested over Rs 2,900 crore in India for its projects in India, including air-separation plants for Tata Steel, JSW Steel, SAIL and Saint-Gobain Glass.

Mr Roberge said Praxair also works with companies developing fuel-cell technology and converting biomass into fuels.

The company gets a large percentage of its revenues from on-site projects — the contracts are usually long-term. The next big revenue earner is the merchant market (excess gas generated by a plant are liquefied and transported to customers' sites), followed by packaged gas for small-scale industries.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2695406.ece?ref=wl_opinion)

Wipro and Kawasaki to Jointly Produce Hydraulic Pumps in India

Wipro Infrastructure Engineering, the global hydraulics business of Wipro Limited announced that it has signed a joint venture contract with Kawasaki Heavy Industries in India to set up a manufacturing facility in Bangalore to make hydraulic pumps for excavators. The joint venture will be called Wipro Kawasaki Precision Machinery Pvl. Ltd.

The manufacturing facility will produce hydraulic pumps for excavators ranging from 7 to 20 tons. The plant will start operation in July 2012.

Source (http://rermag.com/trends_analysis/internationalnews/wipro-kawasaki-jointly-produce-hydraulic-pumps-india-120711/)

AMADA setting up strategic base in Bangalore

Bangalore: Amada India Pvt. Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of Amada Co. Ltd. Japan, has begun the process of setting up its strategic base in 8 acres of land at the Devanhalli Aerospace Tech Park in Bangalore. The company will initially set up a tech/service center, a vocational training center for engineers and operators, a guest house and back office before going ahead with its plans to begin the manufacture of metalworking machinery in India by the end of 2013 or the beginning of 2014. Amada India plans to increase its employee strength from 105 to 130 over the next 2 years.

Mr. Kuniya Matsumoto, President & CEO of Amada India Pvt. Ltd, has been in India since the establishment of the company's Indian arm. He is committed to creating an efficient and skilled workforce providing the highest quality service in accordance with the Japanese work culture and systems.

He spearheaded the set up of a model sheet metal working facility in the company's temporary tech center in Bangalore where Indian engineers can take apart and put together two machines dedicated for the purpose by AMADA. In addition to receiving hands-on technical training, the customer engineers receive exposure to Japanese work culture and systems and training in shop-floor discipline.

"Successfully establishing a product in India is a process of give and take. We spend time with the customer and understand his constraints and suggest feasible and innovative solutions. In the tech center, AMADA machines are set up for working in Indian conditions with voltage stabilizers, UPS, Generator sets, etc. AMADA engineers prove out customers parts on state-of-the-art AMADA machines. Proving out of components in India is a challenging task because of the variation in the composition of sheet metal from various suppliers and also the variation between the batches supplied" said Mr. Matsumoto.

AMADA has a wide range of machines offering excellent solutions for manufacture of low-volume, large-variety product mix. The machines range from Turret Punch Presses and LASER sheet metal working machines that handle medium thickness [6 mm to 18 mm and up to 28 mm for mild steel) to high speed/high end Laser machining solutions with Linear Drive and peripheral loading and unloading automation systems. AMADA also provides total solution services that range from computer software and peripheral devices for controlling metalworking machines to tooling and maintenance.

In addition to a web based e-Commerce System for Spares and Tools, AMADA is equipped with an IT driven Parts Centre located in its Japan headquarters to ensure timely delivery of spare parts. The company will stock a considerable amount of fast moving spares and tools at their Bangalore Technical Center and 8 other Service Centers across India to cater to customer needs and to provide prompt service.

According to the IMTMA report, the market for sheet metal machinery in India is around 500 million USD. The requirement for high quality sheet metal products is growing in India. Product display stands, hospital equipment, lift cars, consumer durables, etc. are some of the new customer segments for AMADA machines.

Currently, the Power Sector in India accounts for about 30% of Amada's sales in India, with the Silent Gen Set Market taking primary importance. The Communication Industry, where control panels and transmission towers/rooms are manufactured, accounts for about 20% of Amada's sales. The Infrastructure Sector, where sheet metal components are used in earth moving equipment and construction equipment for railways and aircraft, accounts for about 20% of Amada's sales. The Agriculture and Food Sector and the Machine Tool/Manufacturing Industries account for about 10% each, while Medical Equipment and Lifestyle items account for about 5% each.

“A large number of companies involved in sheet metal work in some form or other are the potential customers to AMADA. With the growing quality demand from the market AMADA expects the companies working on low end sheet metal parts to move up the quality level and turn to modern sheet metal machines.” said Mr.Matumoto.

As a long term strategy, the AMADA group invested Rs. 52 million in a software development and research center, AMADA SOFT INDIA (ASI), set up in Chennai Research Park in 1996 with full support from IIT Madras.

ASI, the core competence center of Amada Group, develops software solutions in the areas of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM).

In addition to developing sheet metal specific 3D and 2D CAD software for Design and manufacturing applications, the facility develops CAM software for laser processing machines, punching machines, punch-laser combination, bending processing in manual DNC bending machine and automated robot bending machines, welding processing in manual CNC welding machines and automated robot welding machines as well as PLM or the core Data Management Software. Frequent and regular interactions between the machine and controller development teams in the Group's Japan Head Quarters and the ASI engineers in Chennai result in the parallel development of CAM software for all new sheet metal products.

Praxair to invest Rs 1,200 cr in India; make Bangalore hub for global pharma industry

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2695406.ece

US-based industrial gas company Praxair plans to invest about Rs 1,200 crore over the next two years in its Indian operations. It has also set up a new research and development lab here.

Mr Raymond P. Roberge, Senior Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer, Praxair, Inc, told Business Line that the new lab has been set up to for various customer industries, such as metal fabrication, steel and water treatment. The new lab will also act as a global hub for offerings for the pharma industry.

Praxair has about six labs across countries. It invests about $90 million in its labs, of which about 15 per cent goes to Asian labs.

The $10-billion company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and speciality gases, and high-performance surface coatings.

Mr Roberge said he believes water-treatment plants as well as healthcare have long-term potential for the company. “Healthcare is growing globally and is about 10 per cent of total business, though in India it is much less. But we expect it to grow [in the] long term,” he said. He pointed out that business from the Asian region outperformed that from rest of the world, while India too has performed extremely well.

Praxair is also investing about Rs 1,200 crore during the next two years on its existing and new projects, which include an ongoing facility to supply gaseous hydrogen and nitrogen to Indian Oil Corporation in Orissa and two major air-separation plants for Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) at Bhilai.

Praxair has already invested over Rs 2,900 crore in India for its projects in India, including air-separation plants for Tata Steel, JSW Steel, SAIL and Saint-Gobain Glass.

Mr Roberge said Praxair also works with companies developing fuel-cell technology and converting biomass into fuels.

The company gets a large percentage of its revenues from on-site projects — the contracts are usually long-term. The next big revenue earner is the merchant market (excess gas generated by a plant are liquefied and transported to customers' sites), followed by packaged gas for small-scale industries.

Bangalore to house India’s first Nano Park (http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-blogs/other/4231222/Bangalore-to-house-India-s-first-Nano-Park)

Bangalore -- Four years ago when I attended the first Bangalore Nanotechnology event, there were a handful of startups led by fresh engineering graduates from India. Most of them were from Bangalore and almost all of them had no clear way forward. Neither was there any policy framework in place. It was a nascent event heralding the even more nascent nanotech movement that could be the next big thing to come. Sure, the Indian government had announced $250 million investment but concrete ideas and business plans were not forthcoming.

Today, at the fourth edition of Bangalore Nano 2011, not only was the stage set for a R&D centre ( the Indian Institute of Nanoscience and Technology) which is being set up here in Bangalore with funding support from the Central Government, but the Karnataka government has gone one step ahead and announced the setting up of a Nano Park in Bangalore. According to the Karnataka Chief Minister, a state-of –the-art Nano Park would be set up near the Bangalore International Airport which will house a Nano Incubation Center with world class facilities to develop this sector on similar lines as IT services/products and biotechnology.

When I spoke with M.N. Vidyashankar, Principal Secretary, IT, who is spearheading the whole show, he said that the entire framework for the Nano Park has been put in place and the global tender for the setting up of the Nano Park -- the first of its kind in India -- would be announced on the 16th of January 2012.

“We have finalized the location where 25 acres has been allocated for this venture. Since we had no idea about the requirements by nanotech startups, we had in-depth discussions not only with the Indian Institutes of Technology ( IITs) and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore but also from the US and EU which have a host of nanotech parks,” Vidyashankar said.

There are about 55 nanotech companies India, spread across a huge spectrum, right from textiles to electronics to waste management and even nano tubes manufacturing. “A majority of them are based in Bangalore while a few are in Mumbai. And, almost every CEO (of nanotech companies) I met today, was eager to get more details about the Nano Park which was announced today by the Chief Minister. You see, merely setting up an R&D center is not really going to help this industry go forward. We needed to have a setup which would help these companies to commercialise their products and technologies and the Nano Park is the first baby step in this direction,” Vidyashankar explained.

More interesting than the Nano Park announcement was the caliber of the nanotech startups. Unlike four years back when the nanotech startups could only talk big ( none of those companies figured in today’s Indian nanotech scenario), the current startups were in areas such as functional and structural nanomaterials, waste management, and a couple of them were in manufacturing of carbon nanotubes.

NoPo, a Bangalore based startup was working on scaling up the HipCO Process for
production of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes. (HipCO stands for high pressure carbon
monoxide and is one of the only gas phase processes that can produce Single Walled
Nanotubes of over 98% purity). It was invented by Robert Kelley Bradley under the guidance of Nobel laureate Richard Smalley as part of his PhD thesis. Kelley now works for NoPo Nanotechnologies India, as a director of technology and research. Says Gadhadar Reddy, CEO, NoPo, “This is a game changer and is bound to change a lot of things in the nanotech space.” According to Reddy, the HipCO process makes use of carbon monoxide at a high pressure and temperature and uses Nickel and Iron Carbonyl as catalysts. “The original HipCO at RICE University could only produce a few grams of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes whereas we are planning production in kilograms,” he added.

Similarly, there was another startup, Global Nanotech which also supplies carbon-based nanomaterials to China and the US. Founded by 25-year-old Jinesh Shah, who graduated from Louisiana University his company has collaborations with, leading organizations to produce the highest quality of functional and structural nanomaterials.

Another startup i2n Technologies provides scanning probe microscopy solutions which feature several technological innovations at affordable prices.

A research team under V. Ramgopal Rao, professor from Department of Microelectronics at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, has developed an explosive detection device called E-Nose out of its startup, Nanosniff Technologies. The E-Nose is cost-effective, reliable, small, light, quick, and portable — just about everything that a large and densely populated country needs in today’s terrorism ridden environment materials and related analytical services with required technical support. “We are planning to set up a manufacturing unit, either in Bangalore or Himachal Pradesh to develop these handheld explosive detectors,” said Kapil Bardeja, co-founder and CEO, Nanosniff Technologies.

Nanotech startups in India have indeed come a long way from the small step taken about four years ago where just about 7-8 startups had showcased premature ideas and technologies and none had taken off,

But today, about 27 startups had showcased their products, technologies and services at the Bangalore Nano 2011 and each seemed to have a unique solution in areas such as energy, chemicals and textiles as well as high-end structural nanomaterials and several seemed to have commercialized their products and are in expansion mode. “The setting up of the Nano Park will surely help us propel our expansion plans and Bangalore is a great place to expand since the skill sets available here are unparalleled compared to other cities,”
added Nanosniff’s Bardeja.

:banana:

Volvo Construction Equipment to triple excavator production in India by 2012 (http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4021&Itemid=2)

Wednesday, 30 November 2011

Bangalore: Volvo Construction Equipment, part of the SEK 265 billion Volvo Group, rolled out the first excavators from its new Indian assembly line in September - an EC210B Prime and an EC290BLC Prime (21-ton and 30-ton crawler excavators). Plans are in place to ramp up excavator production significantly next year, and this new development will see factory total capacity tripled in 2012.

"With demand for excavators set to rise by 30% in 2011 the time is now ripe for Volvo CE to introduce production of these products to our Bangalore plant," says Muralidharan, managing director of Volvo India Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore.
"These machines are intended for Indian customers, as today the construction equipment market is healthy – particularly for excavators. With this investment, Volvo CE has shown its dedication to India, one of the world’s fastest rising economies, and we in turn are ready to take on the challenge of delivering quality machines that are ideally suited to the local Indian market," he said.

"Our factory in Bangalore plays a significant role in our global industrial system to better serve the Indian market – which has a high strategic priority for us," says Executive Vice President Operations Jean-Marc des Courieres. "By investing in new facilities and deploying our Volvo Production system and core values, we are introducing the latest international production techniques, ensuring we offer customers in India the high level of quality and performance that they expect of Volvo CE."

The locally produced EC210B Prime and an EC290BLC Prime subsequently underwent an extensive testing and validation regime, ahead of a full-scale production launch of the machines. The expansion also benefits the existing road machinery range of products, with production doubling of the company’s soil and asphalt compactors, pavers and pneumatic tire rollers. It is envisaged that this investment will also have a positive impact on employment at the facility.

The new excavator line is part of an SEK 144 million (Rs 90 crores) upgrade and refurbishment of Volvo CE’s Bangalore plant. The local production of excavators will mean greater machine availability for Indian customers, as well as shorten delivery lead times and respond to customer requirements more quickly. Begun in June 2010, the upgrade includes a complete overhaul of the existing assembly area, as well as new assembly lines, warehouses and paint shop. Much of the 33-year-old plant was demolished or modified to make way for the new addition. All new areas of the factory have been built with Volvo Group’s site safety and security guidelines, waste reduction and environmental care in mind. This last point extends to a reduction in energy consumption, waste reduction and – by harvesting rain water and employing recycling techniques – the facility’s water requirements have been reduced by some 20%.

The company has introduced six new products to the Indian market. These include the locally produced EC210B Prime and EC290BLC Prime excavators, the 70 tonne EC700C crawler excavator, the DD100 and SD110 compactors, the award-winning L220G wheel loader and the P6820 asphalt paver.

"With demand up 20% in 2011 alone, the Indian market is both expanding rapidly and maturing rapidly," Regional President, Vincent Tan said.

"Customers are not just demanding quality products that are tailored to their needs; they also want rapid parts and servicing support – and are becoming more confident in new technologies, such as CareTrack remote telematics. The country has a tremendous need for infrastructure development, and there has never been a better or more optimistic time to focus on India for those companies willing to invest in products and distribution. Volvo CE has a product range that is ideally suited to the infrastructure needs of the country, it understands the demands of its customers and remains utterly committed to India," said Vincent Tan.

According to data from 'Off Highway Research', the Indian CE market set to double by 2015 from an annual average of 32,868 units in 2006-2010 to 66,900 units in 2011-2015.

Jacobs, Shell form partnership for project design work in India (http://www.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/Article/2945876/Latest-News/Jacobs-Shell-form-partnership-for-project-design-work-in-India.html)

Jacobs Engineering Group says it received a contract from Shell in India to build an integrated organization with Shell’s project design office in Bangalore, India. The new organization aims to blend the strong technical and engineering design capability held by Shell and Jacobs, while

Jacobs Engineering Group says it received a contract from Shell in India to build an integrated organization with Shell’s project design office in Bangalore, India.

Officials did not disclose the contract value. They noted that the contract duration is five years with provision for further extension.

The integrated project design organization expects to deliver a full range of engineering and design services for onshore upstream (oil and gas) and downstream major capital projects, mainly in the Middle Eastern and Far Eastern regions, the companies said.

The new organization aims to blend the strong technical and engineering design capability held by Shell and Jacobs, while optimizing the best work processes and tools of both companies, they said.

Jacobs vice president Allyn Taylor said: "This assignment further advances the long and successful relationship between our two companies. We are committed to delivering a high level of service and value to help Shell continue to excel in the marketplace."

Shell's projects and technology organization provides technical services and technology capability in upstream and downstream activities and manages the delivery of major projects for Shell around the world, as well as supporting Shell's interests in India, it said.

Bangalore now a chemical R&D hub as well? BASF R&D office went to Mangalore.

Praxair India Inaugurates state-of-the-art R&D facility in Bangalore (http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/chemical/20111208105880.htm)


Praxair India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX), has set up a new state-of-the-art Research and Technology center at Hoskote, Bangalore.

Bengaluru, Karnataka, December 8, 2011 /India PRwire/ -- Praxair India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX), has set up a new state-of-the-art Research and Technology center at Hoskote, Bangalore. The facility provides a full range of research and development (R&D) capabilities for various customer industries such as metal fabrication, pharmaceutical, steel and water treatment.

"Praxair supplies more than gases to our customers; we provide them advanced applications technologies that enhance productivity, improve quality, reduce costs and implement environmentally friendly options." said Ray Roberge, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Praxair Inc. "In India we have a growing team of engineers and scientists with expertise in understanding and meeting the requirements of our customers' processes. This center will significantly boost our capabilities in India and also be a key part of our global technology organization." Roberge added.

"Praxair India is experiencing strong growth, thanks to our customer base across various industries. The new R&D center shall strengthen our customer focus and develop indigenous technology specific to the challenges and needs of our customers in India," said Asit Gangopadhyay, Managing Director, Praxair India.

Airbus Engineering Centre relocates to new integrated facility in Bangalore
(http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4060&Itemid=2)
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Bangalore: The Airbus Engineering Centre India (AECI) has relocated to a larger building in Bangalore, allowing for a consolidation of its teams into a single integrated facility and providing the necessary space for long-term growth over the next decade.

The centre originally opened during April 2007, and its workforce has grown steadily since – with the total employee count now exceeding 250. The company is expected to increase its total number of engineers to 400 by 2012.

The centre will work with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in Mumbai, Kanpur and Delhi and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore to design next generation simulators and develop software for noise reduction in aero engines.

Jean Botti, chief technology officer (CTO), EADS said that the company was also looking at forging a partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on supersonic and hypersonic aeroplane technology. He said that India is very strategic as a supplier and partner in high-end aerospace products and services.

This is the third branch of EADS Innovation Works (the technology arm of EADS) outside Europe. It is part of the company's global research and technology strategy. The centre works on numerical simulation of complex physical systems, multi-disciplinary optimisation, high-performance computing and radar technology.

The new building is certified for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and is located in an established area for international business.


Iron Mountain Opens New Facility in India (http://www.sdbmagazine.com/iron-mountain-facility-india.aspx)

SRL launches new centre in Bangalore (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/210591/srl-launches-centre-bangalore.html)

Bangalore, Dec 9, DHNS:

Super Religare Laboratories (SRL), a pathology and diagnostics network owned by Fortis Healthcare, on Friday, inaugurated its new regional centre on Bannergatta road in Bangalore, built with an investment of Rs 15 crore.

At the event SRL CEO Sanjeev Chaudhary claimed that the largest stand alone diagnostics set up in the city is expected to bring out more accurate and on-time health check up for Bangaloreans, saying, “SRL labs in India can undertake 4,000 tests out of the 5,000 prevailing in the world. The facility can currently undertake 1,500 test and will scale it up to 3000 soon.”

As a part of reaching out to the tech-savvy, SRL also inaugurated its E-Pathology, an online pathology test booking service which offers free home sample collection facility to provide convenience to its customers. “SRL, with its 200 network of laboratories and 1,250 collection centres spread across the country, helps our customers in collecting the samples. The report is either mailed or couriered to the customer,” the company said. SRL has invested Rs 15 crore at its new centre.

S3V launches India's first Bioabsorbable Endovascular Drug Coated Stent "Avatar"
(http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=66462&sid=1)

Bangalore based S3V Vascular Technologies announced the launch of India's first Bioabsorbable Endovascular Drug Coated Stent “Avatar”. Initially the drug coated stent is at testing stage for animals. The company has already earmarked Rs.140 crore for setting up a state-of-art integrated manufacturing facility in Bangalore.

Disclosing the launch in Hyderabad, N G Badari Narayan, managing director, S3V Vascular technologies said, “It is our first step towards achieving this mission. Initially we launched India’s first Bioabsorbable Endovascular Drug Coated Stent “Avatar” for animal trials. Metal stents are widely used and have been the standard of care for coronary heart disease; however, they have their limitations. Stents made of polymeric bioabsorbable materials (such as our “Avatar”) can achieve the same results in a highly patient friendly manner and at an affordable cost.”

Explaining how it works, Badari added that the “Avatar” not only restores blood flow by opening a blocked vessel, but most importantly it releases a pro-healing drug during its entire life span (about 18 months) and dissolves away after fulfilling its life-saving vessel support role. Once the stent is dissolved, the vessel can then resume its natural function of vasomotion (constriction and dilation). Unlike metal stents, there is no danger of late stent thrombosis (clotting) and generally no need for long term anti-platelet therapy. Patients with “Avatar” will be able to undergo CT and MRI scans and will also be able to undergo further surgical interventions if necessary.

Once installed, this unique product releases anti-proliferative drugs for the first 90 days and pro-healing drugs during its dissolving phase. During the dissolving phase, the vessel wall continues to heal and remodel due to vasomotion. This leads to natural healing and normal vasomotion once the stent is dissolved, he informed.

Already the company had earmarked Rs.140 crore for setting up a state of art facility at Bangalore which is expected to come up with in next 15 months. Out of the total outlay of Rs.140 crore, promoters brought in the Rs.20 crore. Another Rs.30 crore are to be raised from strategic investors and rest through loan from banks. The pilot plant will be ready by April 2012 and will be capable of manufacturing the current generation bare stents and drug eluting stents. The integrated facility will be ready in next 18 months and will have facilities to produce the bioabsorbable scaffholds. The location for the integrated plant will be decided in a few weeks from now, said N G Badari Narayan.

Ajit Rangnekar, Dean of Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad said, “It is a matter of pride for us at ISB that the very first batch has produced a business plan to build a highly-efficient world-class plant which will enable the manufacturing of hi-tech globally competitive medical devices at affordable costs.”

Speaking on business plans, Dr Chava Satyanarayan, director, S3V technologies, added that the company aims to develop next-gen products in intervention cardiology, neurology, peripheral and endovascular treatments. The future expected product line of the company includes catheters, disposables and other devices used in various angiographic procedures in radiology and cardiology.

QuEST Global Inaugurates Offshore Design Centre for Siemens in Bangalore (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/quest-global-inaugurates-offshore-design-centre-for-siemens-in-bangalore-2011-12-15)


New engineering centre established to cater to Siemens AG globally

BANGALORE, India, Dec 15, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- QuEST Global Engineering, a leading global engineering services provider with headquarters in Singapore, today inaugurated the Siemens Offshore Design Centre at its Bangalore facility. This center is the result of a multiyear agreement signed by QuEST with Siemens AG to provide engineering services to all of its divisions worldwide. The Siemens Offshore Design Centre at QuEST was inaugurated by Mr. Eckhard Sander, Head of Global Commodity Management Technical Services Siemens along with Dr. Ajay Prabhu, Chief Operating Officer, QuEST Global.

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Siemens is one of the world's largest engineering and electronics companies operating in the industry, energy, healthcare and infrastructure sectors. For over 160 years, Siemens has stood for technological excellence, innovation, quality and reliability worldwide. The company is the world's largest provider of environmental technologies; more than one-third of its total revenue stems from green products and solutions.

As a Worldwide Engineering Partner of Siemens AG in Europe, US & Asia, QuEST Global will be offering innovative and cost effective solutions ranging from concept design, detailed performance assessment & manufacturing engineering. QuEST expects the offshore design center to scale to over 300 engineers over the period of the next three years. QuEST has been selected as a preferred supplier by Siemens via a rigorous selection process based on parameters ranging from engineering capability, customer satisfaction, cost effectiveness and a proven track record of value creation to customers.

"Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Ajit Prabhu, CEO, QuEST Global Engineering, said: "QuEST is pleased to have been chosen by Siemens as a preferred engineering solutions partner. Through our delivery centres in India, Europe and US, QuEST is uniquely positioned to optimize, capability, capacity and cost. I am confident that we will be able to effectively support Siemens engineering requirements globally."

About QuEST Global Engineering QuEST Global Engineering is a diversified Engineering Services company, employing 3200 professionals across 18 global delivery centers. The company helps customers in aero engines, aerospace & defense, power generation, oil & gas, industrial machines, consumer goods and other verticals to cut product development and project costs, shorten lead times, extend capacity and maximize engineering resources availability by providing support across the complete product life cycle. We leverage our local presence and global reach to support engineering cost reduction initiatives for our customers. For more information, visit http://engineering.quest-global.com .

SKF inaugurates its Global Technical Centre in India at Bangalore (http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4077&Itemid=2)


Thursday, 15 December 2011

Bangalore: SKF inaugurated its Global Technical Centre in India (GTCI), in Bangalore, set up with an initial investment of Rs. 50 crores. The company will increase its headcount at the centre to 400 engineers by 2015 from the current 115 engineers (125 by the end of this year).

Engineers at the centre will work in the areas of product engineering, development and testing. It houses laboratories for metallurgy, chemistry and bearing performance analysis.
As a part of its expansion plans SKF is setting up a seals facility in Mysore which is expected to be operational by the first half of 2012. Lubrication systems provider Lincoln Holdings Enterprises, which SKF acquired in 2010, is setting up a new manufacturing facility at Bangalore near Devanahalli. The land acquisition process is over and the facility is expected to be ready by the second half of 2013.

"Western Europe accounts for 41 percent of SKF's revenue. 27 percent of the revenue comes from the Asia Pacific region. Revenue from the APAC region has doubled over the last 10 years," said Tom Johnstone, SKF President and CEO. "India currently contributes around 20 percent of our revenue from the Asia Pacific region."

"SKF currently has a solution factory in Pune. One more in the not too distant future will enable better access SKF products," said Tom Johnstone.

Ozonegroup to develop pharma, biotech cluster

BANGALORE, DEC. 16:
Ozonegroup has launched a 300-acre pharma and biotech industrial cluster at Chikaballapur near Bangalore.

PROJECT COST

The cluster is being developed with the help of Karnataka Pharmaceutical Association and the cost of the project is around Rs 2,000 crore and Ozonegroup plans to invest about Rs 500 crore in the project, said Mr. N. Mohan, Executive Vice-President, Ozonegroup.

Apart from pharma companies, the cluster would also house allied industries such as printing and packaging industry, analytical labs and R&D facilities.


For More (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2721166.ece)

For SKF, slowdown has no bearing on expansion

SKF, a global leader in ball bearings, is building capacity in India, betting against a slowdown in industrial activity and automobiles sales.

The company is investing over `150 crore in developing two manufacturing units — at Mysore and Bengaluru. The Mysore unit will commence operation in mid next year.

The company also plans to build four new factories in the next few years.

High growth in the automotive segment in India had prompted the company to build the two units, Tom Johnstone, president and chief executive officer, AB SKF, said.

The company, which has six factories in the country, had set a growth target of 15% in operating margin, 8% in annual sales and 27% in return on capital in the next few fiscals. “Through our acquisition of Lincoln and the new production lines coming up, SKF will achieve this long-term target very soon,” said Johnstone.
SKF opened its Global Technical Centre in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The centre, set up at a cost of `50 crore, will have over 400 engineers working in the areas of product engineering, development and testing, as well as a global laboratory for metallurgy, chemistry and bearing performance analysis.

SKF is bullish on vehicle sales in the country. “We have doubled our sale and trebled our assets in India in the last eight years and SKF hopes to maintain its growth trajectory in India,” said Johnstone.

The company had global revenues of €6.7 billion last fiscal, of which €1.8 billion came from the Asia-Pacific region.
India contributed 20% of Asia-Pacific sales.

“SKF had invested $175 million in developing technical centres across the globe for R&D and the company’s products had saved $425 million for clients by increasing energy efficiency of products,” said Johnstone.

Going by him, SKF’s R&D investment during 2011 would be nearly 27% more than the previous year and most of the research work is focused on manufacturing products which help in reducing carbon emission.

Johnstone was optimistic the acquisition of Lincoln would enhance the company’s market share globally. Specifically, Lincoln’s huge presence in the heavy earth moving machines segment would immensely benefit SKF in strengthening its footprint in India.

Asked if the company was looking at acquisitions in India, Johnstone replied in the negative. “We have no specific acquisition plan in India at this moment but if there is any opportunity to adopt in Indian market then we would definitely look up.”

SKF had made 21 acquisitions since 2003, 19 of them in the industrial segment.

DNA (http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_for-skf-slowdown-has-no-bearing-on-expansion_1626395)

Volvo betting big with CONCORs Whitefield ICD

(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Volvo-betting-big-with-CONCORs-Whitefield-ICD/articleshow/11182501.cms)

MANGALORE: Swedish automobile manufacturing giant Volvo is warming up to the potential of Inland Container Depot (ICD) of Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) at Whitefield, Bangalore in a big way. Volvo India, one of biggest automobile manufacturer in India has entered into an agreement with CONCOR for their export import logistics in India and has taken over a space of 1.5 lakh square feet of area at Whitefield ICD.

Under this green cargo agreement between the two parties, Volvo India is setting up a hub for their accumulation and distribution of their cargo from this place to their factories at Peenya and Hoskote in Bangalore and to their new factory at Pithampur in Indore. The imports meant for Volvo is railed out from Chennai Harbour and unloaded at ICD/WFD, Bangalore, Raveen Kumar Reddy, chief general manager, CONCOR told TOI here on Tuesday.

The importer, M/s Volvo India will then file the bill of entry for home consumption (customs clearance) at the ICD. After clearance this cargo is shifted to the warehouse taken over by them. The cargo is unpacked, segregated and is re-consolidated. The packing is done according to the requirements of each factory of Volvo India. The material is then sent either by road or rail to the respective destinations of Volvo India, Raveen pointed.

M/s Volvo India is planning to import the completely knock down kits of the bus equipment for assembling at the ICD. It is a well known fact that all buses for inter-district and JNNURM are purchased from Volvo India only, he said. They are now planning to take extra space for closed and open bonding for this purpose. Raveen opined that these sort of developments would help in generating lot of jobs for the people of Karnataka.

IFCI Financial City, a project of IFCI Infrastructure Development Ltd. (IIDL), will come up near the Bengaluru International Airport here. Union Minister for Finance Pranab Mukherjee will lay the foundation stone for the project on Sunday.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, IIDL Managing Director P.V. Srinivas said that the Rs. 1,000-crore project is expected to be completed in three years and will house over 20 banks and financial institutions. “IIDL, in association with participating banks and institutions, is developing first-rate urban infrastructure at the proposed site and expects to complete the project in three years,” he said.

Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda and Union Minister for Corporate Affairs M. Veerappa Moily will take part in the event.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/article2723126.ece

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SMtRYM1MniE/TwnVfoOOMNI/AAAAAAAAGAI/antcwibI87w/s1600/n2.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQtHl5kw7SA/TwnVervqnlI/AAAAAAAAGAA/CaPtMHa8cXU/s1600/n1.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGqbEKQIcVk/TwnVzPGlTvI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/yLnSbEJzm_M/s1600/n3.jpg
http://www.bangaloreitbt.in/pdf/Tendernotification-nano-park-english.pdf

Announcing several measures to give a boost to the nanotechnology sector in Karnataka, Science and Technology Minister Anand V Asnotikar on Thursday said the government is mulling a policy for promotion of this rapidly developing field in the state.

The government is also on the verge of introducing a policy on animation and gaming to give a boost to the promising sector, he said, reading out from Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda's speech copy at the Fourth Bangalore Nano Conference.

The government proposes to set up a state-of-the-art Nano Park near the Bangalore International Airport and an Expression of Interest has already been invited for development of the park on a public-private partnership basis, the minister said.

"This initiative will give a major fillip to the nanotechnology sector in the state," Asnotikar said. The government is also providing an acre of land for the establishment of a nanotechnology lab under the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research on the neighbouring premises of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Energy and Development at Jakkur.

Moreover, the government has taken up civil works for the Indian Institute of Nano Science and Technology coming up on Tumkur Road, Asnotikar said. "We have already alloted 14 acres on Tumkur Road for setting up the Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion) institute," he said.

The state government is committed to providing enhanced budgetary support for nano initiatives, such as those of the Vision Group on Science and Technology, in the coming 2012-13 Budget session, he said.
http://www.rediff.com/business/report/karnataka-takes-steps-to-boost-nanotechnology-sector/20111208.htm

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zRL-q5p9i3w/TwnYcDP9VTI/AAAAAAAAGAY/vbGqjhAVaHg/s1600/Untitled.jpg

^^ avinash if you can map this financial city, nano park and convention center if possible? convention center at beggars colony, magadi road looks small compared to hyd :ohno:

^^ avinash if you can map this financial city, nano park and convention center if possible? convention center at beggars colony, magadi road looks small compared to hyd :ohno:

no exact map as such but they are all part of business park @ Devanahalli on right side of NH-7 in between Ozone Urbana and Century Istana

^^ avinash if you can map this financial city, nano park and convention center if possible? convention center at beggars colony, magadi road looks small compared to hyd :ohno:

this convention center is small conferences which take place close to city .While A bigger one is coming up near Devanahalli part of business part awarded to soma constructions .GOK should also build two more conventions centers @ Ecity and Whitefield

KTPO at whitefield could have been built better.

SKF's Indian R&D outfit develops new products for 2-wheeler industry (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2778178.ece)

SKF's Indian R&D outfit is not only helping cut costs but the company is also developing new products for the global two-wheeler industry needs.

“The R&D facility in India, which started as India-centric one, has now begun to offer a lot of solutions to the global needs, besides helping the market it has been developing products for the global two-wheelers,” said Mr Rakesh Makhija, President Asia, SKF Group.

“The products developed is not only India centric, they find use in Indonesia, they go into the Brazil, they go into Thailand, they even go into Vietnam, where there is a high level of two-wheeler activity,” he added.

The company's two-wheeler R&D centre called ‘The Application Development Centre' is located in Bangalore. This centre works on motorcycles and scooters. So far the centre has developed 30 new products in the last 4-5 years.

For the group, Asia contributes 27 per cent of the global sales and 25 per cent of the global workforce, and represents roughly 25 per cent of global assets. China and India roughly contribute 70 per cent of the total sales in Asia.

According to Mr Makhija, “India's contribution is 20 per cent out of Asia. So when you cross check that, we are talking about India being roughly about, in the global perspective, roughly about 5 per cent or so or the group sales and China is about 12.5-13 per cent.”

SKF has its main R&D centre in Netherlands called Engineering Research Centre (ERC) and has conceptualised two R&D centres in Asia. Mr Makhija said “The first one is in Bangalore and the second one will soon come up in China sometime in 2012 with similar level aims and ambition with about 400 people.”

The centre in Bangalore is going to be an important part of the company's overall development process. We started with two-wheelers and it has become a pocket of excellence now. The centre in Bangalore brings the entire organization under one roof be it our industrial business, our automotive business,” said Mr Makhija.

“The Global Centre in Bangalore will in the first few years might look towards the development side on the product development, product engineering, stimulation and so on, but ultimately it will become a full fledged group R&D centre,” he explained.

The centre in India has about 400 engineers and is expected to add 100 more.

http://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/quarterly-results/2011-2012/Q3/Documents/fact-sheet.pdf

Built-up area(Sq. Ft.)No. of seats Built-up area(Sq. Ft.)No. of seats Land acqrd
Bangalore 42,94,728 28,905 1,02,605 1,050 4.58 4.58

stock down 7%

^^ infy beats forecast with profit up 33% due to weak rupee, but outlook is lower :ohno:

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/8831/infy.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/685/infy.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/quarterly-results/2011-2012/Q3/Documents/fact-sheet.pdf

they are expanding big in hyd and pune.. hyd was long due.. but no kolkata yet :ohno:

compare previous quarter:
^^
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/2012/infosyssoftwarecenters.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/403/infosyssoftwarecenters.jpg/)

Pune and hyd they are expanding :banana2: pune is our sis city, not a rival, bangalore's northy friends will migrate to pune.. Buvaneshwar, jaipur etc are odd places chosen by mohandas pai, for which infy growth has slowed down.. Poor gurgaon only 1k employees :lol: Northies even prefer hyd and pune over bangalore

bangalore they started something new :banana:

They have occupied some space in Bagmane center.No new construction.Chennai stats surprising. By looking at Chennai IT growth of 12%.It may beat Bangalore in 7years. Tamilnadu guys choosing Chennai instead of Bangalore these days.talent retaining is the biggest concern for Bangalore.

They have occupied some space in Bagmane center.No new construction.Chennai stats surprising. By looking at Chennai IT growth of 12%.It may beat Bangalore in 7years. Tamilnadu guys choosing Chennai instead of Bangalore these days.talent retaining is the biggest concern for Bangalore.

I have seen for years people choosing Bangalore to settle down - may be some local lads from TN would want to go back but majority want to stay back in Bangalore - CBE/Chennai/Salem/Nellore/Erode/Krishnagiri - all are pretty near to Blr -Apart from it all North Indians and AP guys prefer to be in Blr/Hyd than in Chennai.
North Indians do not have much choice , they have to choose between Blr/Hyd & Pune -- NE would get a boost by Kolkota opening up to IT
MP -Indore/Nagpur has opened up for TCS/Infy
NCR is rocking with all the infrastracture in place IT will surely catch up there.

2012: India gets set to adopt IPv6 (http://informationweek.in/Internet/12-01-13/2012_India_gets_set_to_adopt_IPv6.aspx)

HP partners with Government of Karnataka and IIIT-B to help enterprises adopt the new Internet address standard

With the reservoir of available IP addresses fast depleting, governments around the world are putting the finishing touches to their plans to migrate their country’s Internet infrastructure to the new Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) protocol, that offers billions of new addresses. The Government of India has set a deadline of March 31, 2012 for all service providers to transition to IPv6. The Government of Karnataka (GoK) has taken a major initiative to help enterprises make the transition, through a public-private project. It today signed a partnership agreement with the International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore (IIIT-B) and technology vendor HP to conduct a pilot project that will help organizations in Karnataka through a smooth transition to IPv6.

The current IPv4 protocol is a 32-bit addressing system and has a theoretical limit of four billion IP addresses -- the last of which have just been distributed to the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). Migrating to the 128-bit IPv6 means billions of new IP addresses will become available. The new Internet Protocol is also more secure and offers the promise of speed; it is 10 times faster. This makes it ideal for high-bandwidth applications like multi-casting.

The demand for IP addresses is fast increasing as more consumer devices such as smartphones, tablets and now, Internet-enabled TVs, connect directly to the Internet. Users are also bringing their mobile devices into the enterprise and connecting these to corporate networks.

For enterprises in India, transitioning to IPv6 is essential to keep up with the current Internet growth, as well to develop new Internet applications, new markets and to serve citizens in new ways. But the transition to IPv6 has been slow, because the fundamental Internet infrastructure has not adapted to the new Internet protocol, even though it was introduced in 1999. The migration to IPv6 is also a mammoth task as it involves multiple stakeholders like service providers, system integrators, organizations, and numerous departments and authorities at the central and state level.

However, the IPv6 Task Force, which officially oversees the country's transition from the old IPv4 protocol to the new one, said almost all major ISPs are now providing enterprise IPv6 services.

This three way partnership will set off a pilot project through an innovation lab set up by HP at IIIT-B. The lab is called HP Network University and the objectives of the pilot project are to:

Identify major the challenges for organizations in adopting IPv6
Develop solutions for these challenges through education, technology and process improvements
Provide advice and resource for enterprises and government bodies in Karnataka
Actively promote the adoption of IPv6 in other Indian states

Avinash lab is in your institute IIITB :cheers: Good going GOK :cheers:

2012: India gets set to adopt IPv6 (http://informationweek.in/Internet/12-01-13/2012_India_gets_set_to_adopt_IPv6.aspx)

HP partners with Government of Karnataka and IIIT-B to help enterprises adopt the new Internet address standard



Avinash lab is in your institute IIITB :cheers: Good going GOK :cheers:
yup IPV-6 is the future IPV4 had loads of drawbacks as tracking IPV4 is not very easy as it's distribution was done geographically and IPV-4 will be exhausted or is almost close to that .With Next Decade Driving Internet to almost every household it's good India is taking step forward

2012: India gets set to adopt IPv6 (http://informationweek.in/Internet/12-01-13/2012_India_gets_set_to_adopt_IPv6.aspx)

HP partners with Government of Karnataka and IIIT-B to help enterprises adopt the new Internet address standard



Avinash lab is in your institute IIITB :cheers: Good going GOK :cheers:

this also raises need to set up IIT's in industrial clusters not in isolated places like kanpur .As Funding is an critical aspect of research .Bangalore needs an IIT badly.Chennai does nothing in IT most of product companies are in Bangalore .

this also raises need to set up IIT's in industrial clusters not in isolated places like kanpur .As Funding is an critical aspect of research .Bangalore needs an IIT badly.Chennai does nothing in IT most of product companies are in Bangalore .

You have a point,though IIT Kanpur is doing fantastic in research but due to its isolation from tech hubs it is missing something huge.

You have a point,though IIT Kanpur is doing fantastic in research but due to its isolation from tech hubs it is missing something huge.

Bangalore may be called Silicon Valley of Asia.But this is no where near California which is the silicon valley of World.Work happening in India in defense and corporate world is isolated from academic world .While most of military projects are passed on to universities with huge grants .No Other Country in the world has an ecosystem conducive to research.From the types when Internet was invented in United States that's why all the best brains from the world flock US

Exedy Corporation, Japan receives approval for new project in Kolar (http://www.equitybulls.com/admin/news2006/news_det.asp?id=99761)

Exedy Corporation, Japan one of the promoter of Exedy India Ltd has announced that one of its wholly owned subsidiary, Exedy Clutch India Private Limite, in India which is in similar line of business as that of Exedy India Limited has received Government Order according in-principle approval to a project proposal for establishing a manufacturing unit for multi-pate clutch, continuance variable transmission (CVT), clutch disc and clutch cover assembly and its components for both 2 and 4 wheelers at Narasapur Industrial Area, Kolar District, Karnataka and has extended infrastructure facilities (like land, supply of water and power) and other incentives and concessions as per industrial policy of the State of Karnataka. The above mentioned Government order is valid for a period of 2 years from the date of issue.

The Exedy India Limited stock closed the day at Rs.215, down by Rs.1.70 or 0.78%. The stock hit an intraday high of Rs.223.70 and low of Rs.211.

The total traded quantity was 175 compared to 2 week average of 215.