StartupTalky

Blog

  • Navratri: The Festival Giving New Dimensions to Food Business Operators

    Over the course of nine nights, Hindus celebrate Navratri, a festival honoring Goddess Durga, which represents the victory of virtue over evil. During this period, people all over India observe fasts and celebrate with great fervor. Many individuals fast on Navratri and eat vegetarian specialties that don’t include onions, garlic, or specific grains. Traditional fasting foods such as Aloo Ki Tikki, Paneer Makhani, and Sama kheer are part of the delicious Navratri Thali. By sharing these items, people can enjoy the traditional Navratri food with one another and get into the holiday mood. This year, the festival began on 10th April and will be observed till 17th April 2024.

    ‘No Garlic, No Onion’ – McAloo Tikki Meal
    FSSAI Putting a Magnifying Glass
    Delightful Navratri Feast Menu Revealed by Haldiram’s

    ‘No Garlic, No Onion’ – McAloo Tikki Meal

    It is clear that the festive season has taken over businesses and brands in every industry and in every way. McDonald’s India – North and East announced the introduction of a ‘no onion, no garlic’ McAloo Tikki Meal for a short time during the Navratri period. This announcement was made in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment. The announcement was made in response to a widespread demand from McDonald’s customers who are looking for different culinary options throughout the Navratri week, according to the statement. The McAloo Tikki Value Meal with ‘no onion, no garlic’ was made available at selected restaurants. This meal consisted of a McAloo Tikki burger, regular fries, and a regular beverage.

    McDonald’s has been actively participating in local religious and cultural activities all over the world, and it has been adjusting its offers to accommodate the preferences and sensitivities of the local community. On the new track, Tarakote Marg and Ardhkuwari, McDonald’s India-North, and East opened restaurants that offered a menu that was entirely vegetarian. These restaurants were located in close proximity to the holy temple of Vaishno Devi. Not a single onion or garlic was used in the preparation of the food.

    FSSAI Putting a Magnifying Glass

    During the current Navratri festival season, senior officials of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have been instructed to strictly monitor the production and distribution of certain foods, including “kuttu atta, singhada atta, bhagar/samak ke chawal (barnyard millet)” within their respective regions.

    To guarantee the items are safe to eat and meet all food product requirements, they have been requested to increase the frequency of their inspections and sampling drives.

    During the festival season, many people choose to fast, which means that there is a higher demand for certain foods. These include samvat rice, buckwheat flour (kuttu atta), chestnut flour (singhara atta), fruits, vegetables, dry fruits and nuts (makhana), milk and dairy products, and ready-to-eat savory snacks like potato chips and sabudana namkeen mix.

    Some dishonest food business operators (FBOs), motivated by greed, take advantage of the increase in demand by selling expired or low-quality goods, claims the regulator.

    Additional cases have emerged where the aforementioned food items become contaminated as a result of improper storage and handling. According to a letter sent by FSSAI to their various state and UT units, this activity is both immoral and harmful to consumers’ health, as it desecrates the celebration.

    Based on their analysis of historical data, the food safety regulator has concluded that kuttu atta is a common culprit in food poisoning during festivals like Navratri. This is likely due to the sale of outdated stock, which is stale and infested with fungus, which can introduce mycotoxins and other dangerous secondary metabolites into the food.

    Delightful Navratri Feast Menu Revealed by Haldiram’s

    Navratri Business Trends India
    Navratri Fasting Menu – Haldiram’s

    Last year, during Navratri, Haldiram’s launched a unique feast menu to satisfy all of their customers’ cravings for fasting food. The firm was quite happy to unveil this campaign, which showcases mouthwatering foods that capture the essence of the event. Haldiram’s stands out for its innovative approach to preparing Navratri dishes with the highest level of cleanliness.

    The Haldiram menu for fasting comprises a diverse array of dishes that are made available to satisfy a variety of tastes, from traditional favorites like Kurkuri Sabudana Tikki to more modern takes like the Tandoori Platter, Sabudana Papdi Chaat, and Purani Dilli Ki Tawa Aloo Chaat.

    The brand has also introduced a similar concept this year, with a few minor adjustments. The brand is hoping to repeat its success from last year and is riding high on its momentum.

    Once again, the outlook and sentiment among food industry operators are exceptionally bright this year. Due to the increased number of fasting individuals, FBOs anticipate a significant increase in their profit-sharing ratio during the current Navratri festival.

    Marketing Strategies For Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs)
    Marketing Strategies For Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) | Grow Your Quick Service Restaurant Using These Marketing Strategies
    StartupTalkyYash Taneja

  • Hyundai’s New Wage Agreement: INR 31,000 Monthly Pay Hike in Landmark 3-Year Deal

    Good news for Hyundai India employees. The company has signed a 3-year deal (effective from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2027) with the workers’ union to give a big salary hike of INR 31,000 per month. The deal also continued health and wellness benefits. The agreement applies to about 2,000 employees. Notably, this is one of the best deals in terms of pay in India’s auto industry. Here’s a full breakdown of the salary details. Learn more.

    Salary Increase

    The employees will get a total salary hike of INR 31,000 per month over these 3 years. However, the salary hike will not be all at once. It will be in three ratios:

    • 55% in the first year
    • 25% in the second year
    • 20% in the third year

    Here, the employee would get a big chunk of the hike in the first year only. Hyundai itself is calling this move the “industry-best” hike and that it is setting a new benchmark in the auto industry. 

    Employee Welfare

    The salary hike isn’t the only aspect in the deal; Hyundai has also promised to continue giving:

    • Top-class health insurance for its employees.
    • Advanced wellness programs (which include health, fitness, and well-being). 
    United Union of Hyundai Employees (UUHE) image credits @hdhyundaiceindia
    United Union of Hyundai Employees (UUHE) image credits @hdhyundaiceindia

    About the Union (UUHE)

    Since 2011, the United Union of Hyundai Employees (UUHE) has been the official union of Hyundai India’s workforce.

    The union comprises 1,981 employees, and about 90% of them are technicians and workmen at Hyundai’s Indian operations.

    Mr Youngmyung Park, Function Head (People Strategy) at HMIL image credits @hdhyundaiceindia
    Mr Youngmyung Park, Function Head (People Strategy) at HMIL image credits @hdhyundaiceindia

    According to Hyundai, It Believes That:

    • Its employees are a very crucial part of Hyundai’s success.
    • The deal is signed with trust, respect, and dialogue.
    • It represents Hyundai’s efforts to create a progressive workplace culture for its employees.
    • The more it cares, the better the company will grow in the long term. 

    “Our people are the cornerstone of our success. This agreement, built on mutual trust, respect, and constructive dialogue, reflects our shared commitment to fostering a progressive workplace culture that prioritises employee welfare and supports long-term organisational growth,” said Mr Youngmyung Park, Function Head (People Strategy) at HMIL.

    Effects of the Deal on Hyundai Motor Stock

    Just after the deal hit the news, the Hyundai Motor India shares rose 2% to INR 2,659.90. It’s a new 52-week high for the company. 

  • Rivals to Partners: Nvidia Pumps $5B Investment Into Intel. Teaming Up?

    Nvidia was once rejected by Intel (the company declined to acquire Nvidia for $20 billion in 2000). After two decades of that, in September 2025, Nvidia gave a lifeline to Intel by buying its shares worth $5 billion. The king of chips, Intel, back then didn’t believe in the idea of the GPU (graphics processing unit). Right now, Nvidia is the biggest AI chipmaker and has come to Intel’s rescue, owning 4% of the company. So, why did the tables turn? Does AI have any role in this shift? Why are rivals partnering together now? Learn more. 

    Why Is This a Big Deal?

    For decades, Nvidia and Intel have been rivals in the chip-making industry. Ironically, Nvidia was rejected by Intel in 2000, but since 2025, both have been partnering for AI and PC development.

    This move has come after:

    • In August, the U.S. government acquired a 10% stake in Intel.
    • And SoftBank (Japan) invested about $2 billion in Intel.
    • So, in short, Intel is becoming a global AI and chip hub with tech giants investing in it.

    What Intel And Nvidia Are Planning Together?

    For AI Data Centers:

    • In this deal, Intel will make CPUs (computer processors) that are specially customized for Nvidia.
    • These customized CPUs will directly work with Nvidia’s AI platforms.
    • These CPUs will use NVLink, Nvidia’s powerful tech that enables fast communication between chips.
    • The goal is to build super-efficient AI data centers that combine Intel’s CPUs + Nvidia’s GPUs.

    For Personal Computers (PCs):

    • In the case of PCs, Intel is planning to build new x86 system-on-chips (SoCs).
    • These SoCs, powered by Intel, will have Nvidia RTX GPU chiplets (meaning these are small, powerful graphics parts).
    • Currently, the PCs come with these two separate chips, but this is no longer the case. PCs will come with Intel CPUs + Nvidia RTX graphics combined in one chip.
    • So, the PCs will be more powerful for AI, gaming, and heavy computing.

    What Did Nvidia’s CEO Say?

    Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s CEO, calls this partnership “historic.”

    He affirmed that AI is the start of a new industrial revolution. According to him, everything in computing would change, from chips to software.

    According to Jensen, combining Nvidia’s AI stack (CUDA, GPUs, accelerated computing) with Intel’s CPUs and x86 ecosystem (the standard for most PCs) will:

    • Boost for companies’ ecosystems.
    • Set a solid foundation for next-gen computing.
    • And strengthening both of their dominance in the chip-making industry. 

    He said, “AI is powering a new industrial revolution and reinventing every layer of the computing stack — from silicon to systems to software. At the heart of this reinvention is Nvidia’s CUDA architecture.” 

  • SEBI Rejects Hindenburg Allegations, Clears Adani Group Companies of Wrongdoing

    The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which oversees the Indian market, has rejected claims made by US short seller Hindenburg Research against Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group, and the group’s businesses, Adani Enterprises, Adani Ports, and Adani Power.

    The organisation was accused by Hindenburg Research in January 2023 of using three businesses—Adicorp Enterprises, Milestone Tradelinks, and Rehvar Infrastructure—to transfer funds between Adani group enterprises. In two judgements outlining its findings, SEBI stated that there were no infractions and pointed out that the transactions occurred during a period when dealings with unrelated parties did not count as related party dealings. Later, the definition was modified.

    According to a report by news agency PTI, SEBI halted all of its actions against the Adani Group, stating that all loans were paid back, the money was used for the authorised purposes, and there was no evidence of fraud or unfair trade practices.

    Gautam Adani Responds to the Development

    Gautam Adani stated in a post on September 18 that the SEBI’s conclusions confirmed the short seller’s unfounded allegations. In a post on X, he stated that following a thorough examination, SEBI has confirmed what the organisation had consistently said: that the Hindenburg allegations were unfounded.

    The Adani Group has always been known for its honesty and openness.The company is extremely sorry for the investors who lost money as a result of this dishonest and self-serving report. The country deserves an apology from those who propagate incorrect information.The Adani Group is steadfast in its dedication to nation-building, Indian institutions, and Indian citizens. Jayate Satyamev! JAI HIND!

    Former SEBI’s Executive Director Backs Adani Group

    Former SEBI executive director JN Gupta told NDTV that nearly everyone had progressively come to the conclusion that “the Adanis were not on the wrong side” in the years since the Hindenburg report was made public. According to Gupta, this order definitively establishes that the Hindenburg Report was untrue.

    This reveals two things: first, that SEBI’s system has to be improved because it has taken more than two years to reach this judgement, and second, that it believes a lot of things without supporting evidence. The report caused panic among retail investors, who liquidated their holdings and suffered losses.

    The short seller’s claims have been repeatedly denied by the Adani Group, whose founder, Nate Anderson, declared in January that it will be shut down. Gautam Adani has stressed the significance of “rising stronger after every fall” in his remarks regarding Hindenburg’s later impacted jobs.

    Quick
    Shots

    •SEBI says all loans were repaid,
    funds used legally, and no fraud or unfair trade practices occurred.

    •Hindenburg had accused Adani of fund
    transfers via Adicorp Enterprises, Milestone Tradelinks, and Rehvar
    Infrastructure.

    •SEBI noted transactions occurred
    before rules on related-party dealings were revised.

    •Adani says verdict proves allegations
    were baseless and seeks apology for investor losses.

  • IndiaAI Mission Selects Fractal, Tech Mahindra and 6 Others to Develop Indigenous LLMs

    Under the IndiaAI Mission, the Centre has chosen eight new organisations to create indigenous fundamental large language models (LLMs). At today’s AI Impact Summit 2026 kickoff event, IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the eight companies that have been chosen: Tech Mahindra, Fractal Analytics, Avataar AI, Zeinteiq Aitech Innovations, Genloop Intelligence, NeuroDX (Intellihealth), Shodh AI, and IIT Bombay’s BharatGen consortium.

    With INR 988.6 Cr in funding from the Mission, IIT Bombay is reportedly developing a trillion-parameter model. Sarvam AI, Gnani.ai, and Gan AI were the three startups chosen in the initial phase of the IndiaAI Mission to develop AI models.

    The first batch of models is “progressing well”, according to the IT minister, who also voiced optimism that India will have operational LLMs by the time of the AI Impact Summit in February of the next year. In the next ten days, the government also intends to publish an AI framework to direct the creation and application of models.

    “India finally wants to play in the big leagues of AI. The government is throwing its weight behind IIT Bombay, Fractal, Tech Mahindra, and a few others to build indigenous LLMs. On paper, it’s bold. In practice, it’s an uphill climb. Now, with AI, we don’t have the luxury of missing the bus. AI isn’t just another industry. It’s the foundation of every future industry: health, defense, finance, education, governance. If India is only an “AI service center,” we’ll be permanently dependent, permanently behind,” opined Kapil Gupta, Founder, Solh Wellness.

    IndiaAI Mission Also Scaling Computing Infrastructure

    The IndiaAI Mission has been expanding its computing infrastructure in tandem with model development. Abhishek Singh, CEO of the IndiaAI Mission, recently stated that in order to promote research and innovation, the government is attempting to install 38,000 GPUs at reasonable prices throughout the nation.

    Additionally, 600 data laboratories will be established nationwide as part of the initiative. With the assistance of cloud and data service providers like Yotta Data Services and NxtGen Cloud Technologies, India had already deployed over 17,300 GPUs as of June 2025.

    IndiaAI Mission Also Offering Cost Effective Options

    Nearly 3,850 additional GPUs, including NVIDIA H100 units and Google’s sixth-generation Trillium TPUs, have now been added through a third round of tenders. Additionally, the government has been lowering prices; compute power is now available for as little as INR 65 per hour.

    The IndiaAI Mission, which was approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2024 and would cost INR 10,372 Cr over five years, aims to strengthen the nation’s AI ecosystem by providing universities, research institutes, and businesses with access to state-of-the-art computing capacity.

    AI Governance Framework by 28 September

    Additionally, according to Vaishnaw, by September 28, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) will publish an AI governance framework that would describe checks and balances and safety restrictions to protect civilians from AI harm. He stated that the Ministry was collaborating with the Ministry of External Affairs to determine the list of invitees for the AI Impact Summit, including whether to invite nations like China that did not attend previous summits in the UK, South Korea, and France.

    The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which outlaws all online money games, will go into effect on October 1st, the Minister further stated.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Tech Mahindra, Fractal Analytics,
    Avataar AI, Zeinteiq Aitech, Genloop, NeuroDX, Shodh AI, and IIT Bombay’s
    BharatGen Selected for IndiaAI Mission.

    •IIT Bombay developing a
    trillion-parameter model with INR 988.6 Cr funding.

    •Sarvam AI, Gnani.ai, and Gan AI
    chosen earlier; models reportedly progressing well.

    •Govt targets 38,000 GPUs for
    research, already deployed 17,300 as of June 2025.

  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 18th September 2025: Wow! Momo Raises $8.5 Mn, Groq Secures $750 Mn, Meta’s Neural Band Launch & More

    India’s startup and business ecosystem on 18th September 2025 saw a mix of significant funding rounds and key developments. From Wow! Momo’s $8.5 million Series D raise and Infra.Market’s INR 731.5 crore flat-valuation round to Groq’s massive $750 million funding, the day highlighted strong investor interest across F&B, construction tech, venture debt, mobility, and AI hardware. Alongside funding, major corporate news included Gameskraft’s layoffs amid regulatory troubles, Meta’s unveiling of new wearable tech, and the Indian Navy’s INR 66 crore deal with Coratia Technologies for indigenous underwater robotics.

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup – 18th September 2025

    Company Amount Round Lead investor(s) Sector
    Wow! Momo $8.5 Mn Series D 360 ONE; Kyrush Investments Quick-service restaurant / F&B tech-enabled chain
    Infra.Market INR 731.5 Cr Series G Silverline Homes (founders); Tiger Global; NK Squared; Accel India; Nexus Ventures; Evolvence India Building materials / Construction / Full-stack supply platform
    Trifecta Capital (Fund IV) $25 Mn Venture debt fund investment International Finance Corporation (IFC) Venture debt fund focused on EVs, fintech, climate tech, AI infra, etc.
    Blue Energy Motors $30 Mn Fresh funding round Nikhil Kamath; Omnitex Industries Heavy-duty electric & LNG trucks / Clean mobility & manufacturing

    Wow! Momo raises $8.5 million in Series D led by 360 ONE

    Quick-service restaurant chain Wow! Momo is raising $8.5 million in its ongoing Series D round, led by 360 ONE with participation from Kyrush Investments. The funds will be used for capital expansion, working capital, and scaling its outlet network, FMCG business, and HORECA operations.

    Infra.Market secures INR 731.5 crore in Series G at flat valuation

    Building materials platform Infra.Market has raised INR 731.5 crore in a Series G round led by Silverline Homes (founders), with investments from Tiger Global, NK Squared, Accel India, Nexus, Evolvence, etc. The round is at a flat valuation (same as previous round). Funds will support its supply of structural and finishing construction products.

    IFC to invest $25 million in Trifecta Capital’s Fund IV

    The International Finance Corporation is set to invest $25 million in Trifecta Capital’s fourth venture debt fund. The fund offers debt financing for Series A and beyond, targeting EVs, financial services, climate tech, AI infrastructure, and expanding into consumer, education, and healthcare.

    Blue Energy Motors raises $30 million from Nikhil Kamath & others

    Heavy-duty truck manufacturer Blue Energy Motors raised US$30 million from Nikhil Kamath and Omnitex Industries. The capital will be used to expand manufacturing capacity and accelerate production of LNG and electric heavy-duty trucks.

    Key Business News for 18th September 2025

    Gameskraft lays off 120 employees amid ban and fraud probe

    Gaming startup Gameskraft has laid off around 120 employees following the Karnataka government’s ban on online betting and the Central Forensic Process’s investigation into a fraud scandal. The layoffs affect staff across departments as the company faces legal and regulatory challenges, aiming to streamline operations during ongoing scrutiny.

    Meta unveils Ray-Ban smart glasses and Neural Band

    Meta has launched the latest version of its Ray-Ban smart glasses along with a new wearable called the Neural Band. The smart glasses are designed to integrate AI-driven features such as live streaming and real-time information access, while the Neural Band aims to enable hands-free device control through neural signals, reflecting Meta’s push into next-gen wearable tech.

    Indian Navy signs INR 66 crore deal with Coratia Technologies

    The Indian Navy has signed a INR 66 crore contract with Odisha-based Coratia Technologies to deploy indigenous underwater robotics. The partnership will strengthen naval capabilities with advanced robotic systems for underwater surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational support, marking a step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense technology.

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 17th September 2025
    India’s startup and business ecosystem on 17th September 2025 witnessed notable funding activity across AI, fintech, consumer brands, and gaming, alongside major corporate developments.
    StartupTalkyStartupTalky News

  • Gameskraft Lays off 120 Employees Amid Ban and Cfp Fraud Scandal

    Gameskraft is one of the biggest real-money gaming companies in India. The company’s name has been in the news a lot, with the real money game ban, financial fraud, and now layoffs. All impacting its business numbers. According to ScanX, Gameskraft suffered a 25% loss in its net profit (from ₹947 crore in FY24 to ₹706 crore in FY25). Sure, tough time calls for tough decisions, and now the burden is on 120 employees who got fired. That brings us to some important questions. How is the company dealing with the layoffs? And what does the future of Gameskraft look like with financial loss and a ban? Learn more.

    Gameskraft webite view right now
    Gameskraft webite view right now

    What’s Happening at Gameskraft?

    The company laid off 120 employees on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Gameskraft had to because:

    Government rules – Online Gaming Bill 2025 (came into effect on August 22, 2025) is the primary reason. Gaming companies right now struggle to make any money, and so does Gameskraft.

    • Two of its major platforms (that made huge money for Gameskraft) were shut down:
    1. Rummyculture
    2. Pocket52

    Tax pressure – The government imposed a 28% GST, plus the one-time accounting changes hit the company right in its pocket. 

    Major Financial fraud by its CFO – The former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Gameskraft, Ramesh Prabhu, stole a whopping ₹270 crore.

    • He allegedly faked financial documents to divert the money to his personal account for 5 years. The issue came out when the company was facing major heat from the ban.
    • Gameskraft reported the fraud as a loss in their account books.
    • And filed an FIR at Marathahalli police station in Bengaluru. 

    What About the Employees Who Lost Jobs?

    The company is offering:

    • Severance pay (it’s a payment that is given when an employee loses their job).
    • Leave encashment (means pay for all the used leaves).
    • An extended group health insurance till March 2026.

    Additionally, if the employees want, they can convert the company health plan to an individual policy.

    Gameskraft on Layoffs

    “This has been one of the most difficult decisions in Gameskraft’s journey. Every single Krafter has played a meaningful role in shaping who we are, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions, passion, and belief in our mission,” said, Gameskraft founder Prithvi Singh.

    How Is the Company Doing Financially?

    • Net profit of the company stands at ₹706 crore. The numbers dropped to 25% in FY25 (compared to ₹947 crore in FY24).
    • However, the company’s revenue grew 12% to ₹3,896 crore in FY25 (from ₹3,475 crore in FY24). Then, why lay off people, one might think.
    • Well, this growth is not enough to compensate for the 28% GST and the ban on its two major platforms.

    Industry-Wide Impact

    The real money gaming industry in the country is cutting jobs. And the ban is to blame for:

    • A23 Rummy (Head Digital Works) has cut 500 jobs.
    • Zupee has cut 170 jobs.
    • MPL (Mobile Premier League) is cutting 60% of its workforce.
    • Baazi Games cut 200 people.
    • Games24x7 is reportedly cutting 70% of its employees.

  • Nvidia Invests $5 Bn in Intel, Seals Chip Partnership to Strengthen AI and Semiconductor Edge

    Just weeks after the White House negotiated an unprecedented agreement for the U.S. government to acquire a significant share in the company, Nvidia announced on September 18 that it will invest $5 billion in Intel (INTC.O) and create a new tab, lending its weight to the faltering U.S. chipmaker. Once fresh shares are issued to finalise the deal, the investment will immediately make Nvidia one of Intel’s major shareholders, holding at least 4% of the business.

    After years of unsuccessful turnaround attempts at the renowned American manufacturer, Nvidia’s assistance opened up a new avenue for Intel and caused a 30% increase in the struggling chipmaker’s shares in premarket trading. In March, the business, which was formerly the leader of the semiconductor industry and was said to have placed the “silicon” in Silicon Valley, named Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO.

     American elected officials, including President Trump, criticised him and demanded his resignation because of his ties to China. After a hastily scheduled meeting in Washington, Intel made the unprecedented decision to grant the US a 10% share in the business.

    What Nvidia and Intel Partnership will Offer?

    Although the agreement calls for Intel and Nvidia to work together to build PC and data centre chips, it is important to note that Intel’s contract manufacturing company—referred to as a “foundry” in the chip industry—will not be producing chips for Nvidia.

    According to the majority of analysts, Intel’s foundry would eventually need to acquire a major client like Nvidia, Apple, Qualcomm, or Broadcom in order to survive. In a statement, Nvidia, whose essential processors are driving a global surge in artificial intelligence, said it would buy Intel common stock for $23.28 a share, which is marginally less than the $24.90 closing price of Intel shares on 17 September.

    That is more expensive than the $20.47 per share price that the US government paid last month for an unprecedented 10% interest in Intel. Taiwan’s TSMC may be at risk as a result of the agreement. Currently, TSMC produces the flagship CPUs for Nvidia, a business that the most valuable corporation in the world may eventually expand to Intel. With Nvidia’s support, AMD, which rivals Intel for data centre chip supply, also stands to lose.

    What this Deal Means to Intel?

    After announcing a $2 billion investment from Softbank and receiving $5.7 billion from the U.S. government, Intel has a rising capital reserve that this deal adds to. At a Deutsche Bank conference last month, Intel’s chief financial officer, David Zinsner, assured investors that the company was in a “good cash position” and would not need much more funding until it saw substantial demand for 14A, a next-generation manufacturing process that it anticipates investing heavily in developing.

    CEO Tan has promised to keep Intel’s operations minimal and only increase production capacity when demand requires it. As part of the planned agreement, Nvidia would package its AI chips, or GPUs, with specialised data centre central processors designed by Intel. The Intel and Nvidia CPUs will be able to communicate more quickly thanks to a proprietary Nvidia technique. Since numerous chips must be connected in order for them to function as a single unit in order to process enormous volumes of data, fast connectivity is a crucial differentiation in the AI business.

    Since Nvidia’s top-selling AI servers with those fast links are currently only available with Nvidia’s own CPUs, the agreement would place Intel on an even playing field and allow it to profit from each Nvidia server.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Intel shares jumped 30% in premarket
    trading following the announcement.

    •Nvidia and Intel to co-develop PC and
    data centre chips but not use Intel’s foundry for Nvidia GPUs.

    •Deal strengthens Intel’s AI
    positioning and challenges Taiwan’s TSMC dominance.

    •Partnership could pressure AMD and
    TSMC while boosting Intel’s relevance in AI servers.

  • Meta Launches Ray-Ban Smart Glasses and Neural Band to Redefine Wearable Tech

    At its Connect event on September 17, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the company’s newest wearable technology: the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and the matching Meta Neural Band. Meta’s first AI glasses with a full-colour, high-resolution in-lens display are the Ray-Ban Display.

    Users can preview images, check messages, and respond to AI prompts without glancing down at their phones thanks to the glasses. The display, in contrast to conventional smart glasses, is made for quick, glanceable interactions and is discrete when not in use.

    What is Meta’s New Neural Band?

    Each pair comes with the Meta Neural Band, a wrist-worn gadget that uses minor hand gestures to control the spectacles by deciphering electrical impulses from the wearer’s muscles. In addition to allowing hands-free navigation, this electromyography (EMG) technology may eventually enable users to discreetly “write” messages using finger motions, as Mark Zuckerberg demonstrated during the presentation. The spectacles, which weigh only 69 g and are modelled after Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer design, integrate microphones, speakers, cameras, and the revolutionary display.

    According to Meta, the display reaches over 42 pixels per degree, which is a leading industry standard for a device of this size. With a battery life of up to six hours for mixed use and 30 hours with the portable charging case, the glasses also come with photochromatic Transitions lenses. Additionally, they have a peak brightness of 5,000 nits.

    The Neural Band is IPX7 water-resistant, comes in three sizes, and has a battery life of up to eighteen hours. Meta highlights that only command events are sent to the glasses; all raw EMG data is processed on-device.

    Pricing of Meta’s New Products

    The Meta Ray-Ban Display will go on sale in the US on September 30 at a few shops, including Best Buy, LensCrafters, Ray-Ban Stores, and Verizon. The price of the sunglasses and band is $799. Early 2026 is when it will be available internationally in Canada, France, Italy, and the UK.

    Zuckerberg presented the launch as a component of Meta’s larger initiative to position wearables with AI as the next computing platform. He said at the launch event that today is the beginning of the next phase for wearable technology in general and AI glasses in particular.

    Quick
    Shots

    •First Ray-Ban smart glasses with
    in-lens, full-color, high-resolution display.

    •Users can preview messages, images,
    and AI prompts without checking phones.

    •Wrist-worn device uses EMG signals to
    navigate glasses with subtle hand gestures.

    •42 pixels per degree display, 5,000
    nits brightness, 6-hour battery, and 30-hour charging case.

    •Lightweight 69 g Wayfarer-style frame
    with microphones, speakers, and cameras.

    •IPX7 water-resistant, up to 18-hour
    battery, on-device EMG processing.

  • The Rise of Sports Infrastructure Sector in India and Its Future Opportunities

    This article has been contributed by Nasir Ali, Founder and CEO, Gallant Sports & Infra

    India today stands at a unique inflection point. While our IT, digital, and manufacturing sectors have attracted attention as engines of growth, there is one sector that has remained a 3AM industry awake, restless, and waiting for its dawn. That sector is sports infrastructure.

    From playgrounds in schools to multi-sport stadiums in cities, from grassroots training centers to elite performance facilities, India’s sports infrastructure has historically lagged behind our ambitions. But the tide is turning. A combination of demographic energy, health awareness, educational reforms, and global aspirations is positioning this sector as a powerful growth driver for the country’s future. The opportunity is massive but only if we act now.

    A Sleeping Giant Ready to Awaken

    Sports infrastructure in India has long suffered from fragmented investment, uneven quality, and limited access. For decades, sports were viewed as extracurricular rather than mainstream, and infrastructure spending reflected that mindset.

    But consider the scale of the opportunity:

    • India has over 1.5 million schools, yet only a fraction have proper playgrounds or structured sports programs.
    • The fitness industry in India is valued at $12 billion (2024 estimates) and growing at over 20% annually. This directly feeds into the demand for community sports facilities.
    • India has a median age of just 28 years, one of the youngest populations in the world, with an appetite for both fitness and competitive sport.

    When viewed in this context, sports infrastructure is not merely a sectoral need—it is a national priority with economic, social, and health implications.

    The Rise of Sportstech in India: Trends, Growth & Future Opportunities
    Explore how sportstech is transforming India’s sports industry. From fan engagement to data analytics and fitness tech, discover key trends, growth drivers, and future opportunities in the Indian sportstech market.
    StartupTalkySanvi Barjatya

    Health and Education: The Twin Catalysts

    Two parallel shifts are driving the urgency around sports infrastructure.

    • The Health Revolution: India is simultaneously fighting two battles: undernutrition among children and rising lifestyle diseases among youth and adults. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are now widespread even among younger populations. Physical activity is no longer a lifestyle choice; it is a survival necessity.

    Sports infrastructure playgrounds, open gyms, running tracks, community centers represent the backbone of a national health movement. Without accessible infrastructure, the call for fitness will remain aspirational rhetoric rather than actionable reality.

    • The School Orientation: Education in India is undergoing a reimagination. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has placed a strong emphasis on holistic development, with sports and arts seen as integral, not peripheral. Yet for schools, the missing link remains infrastructure.

    Imagine if every child in India had daily access to structured sports facilities. The result would not just be fitter children but also improved focus, teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills qualities that are invaluable in every sphere of life.

    How Technology is Shaping the Sports Industry and Business Growth
    Explore how AI technologies are shaping the sports industry and business growth from insights shared by Anubhav Srivastava, Head of AI at Stupa Sports Analytics.
    StartupTalkyMuskaan Kapoor

    Sports as a Growth Driver

    The Multifaceted Impact of Sports Infrastructure
    The Multifaceted Impact of Sports Infrastructure

    Beyond health and education, sports infrastructure must be recognized as a core economic growth driver.

    • Employment Generation: Every playground or stadium creates jobs, not only for construction but also for coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, event managers and even entrepreneurship opportunities.
    • Tourism and Events: International-standard stadiums and sports complexes can attract global tournaments, fueling tourism and allied industries.
    • Urban Development: Integrated sports townships and community hubs enhance quality of life, boost real estate value, and create vibrant city ecosystems.
    • Sports Technology Integration: Facilities embedded with analytics, AI-based training tools, and smart access systems are opening new avenues for startups and investors.

    In short, the multiplier effect of sports infrastructure is far greater than generally recognized.

    Opportunities Waiting to Be Unlocked

    Sports Infrastructure Investment Ranges from Grassroots to High-Tech
    Sports Infrastructure Investment Ranges from Grassroots to High-Tech
    • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Governments alone cannot build the scale of infrastructure India requires. Collaborative models, where private players build and manage facilities while ensuring community access, are critical.
    • School and Community Grounds: The greatest impact can be made at the grassroots. Playgrounds in schools and shared community spaces ensure both children and adults have daily access to fitness.
    • Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities: The next wave of demand will not be in metros but in smaller towns where aspirations are high and access is limited. Affordable infrastructure here can create India’s next generation of champions.
    • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Sports is increasingly seen as a legitimate avenue for CSR spending. Companies that invest in playgrounds, training centers, or sports programs are not only fulfilling compliance but also creating lasting social impact.
    • Integration of Technology: From booking systems and wearable analytics to AI-driven training, the sports infrastructure of tomorrow will be smarter and more efficient. This opens the door to both domestic innovation and global partnerships.

    The Urgency of Now

    The question is not whether the sports infrastructure sector in India will grow, it inevitably will. The question is whether we will capture the opportunity in time.

    If investments are delayed, we risk missing out on:

    • Producing athletes who can compete globally.
    • Preventing a surge in lifestyle diseases.
    • Creating millions of new jobs in sports, wellness, and allied industries.
    • Building community cohesion in rapidly urbanizing cities.

    Countries that dominate global sports- be it the U.S., China, or even smaller nations like Australia, invested heavily in infrastructure decades ago. India cannot afford to lose another generation to inadequate facilities. India’s ambition of becoming a sporting superpower, a fitter nation, and a healthier economy rests on one critical foundation: infrastructure.

    This is the 3AM industry, alive, buzzing, restless, waiting for its dawn. The government, private sector, educational institutions, and civil society must come together to create an ecosystem where sports is not an afterthought but a way of life. The time to act is now. Because if we miss this moment, we risk not only our Olympic dreams but also the chance to create a healthier, more dynamic, and globally competitive India. The rise of sports infrastructure in India is inevitable. The choice before us is whether we lead its dawn or wait endlessly for the sun to rise on its own.

    Why Do Companies Invest So Much in Sports Advertisements?
    Sports marketing is using the content of sports for marketing. One of the main reasons for brands to invest in it is to take advantage of the athletes’ popularity.
    StartupTalkyKinnary Nensee