October 2024

Samsung India Announces Winners for ‘Solve for Tomorrow 2024’: Team Eco Tech Innovator Wins Community Champion Award & Team METAL Wins Environment Champion Award

deccanwebtv Oct 9, 2024

• The winning teams, Eco Tech Innovator developed an idea around ensuring equitable access to potable water and its sanitation, while METAL created a technology for arsenic removal from ground water

• Eco Tech Innovator, the Community Champion in the School Track received INR 25 lakh and METAL, the Environment Champion in Youth Track received INR 50 lakh

• Two teams from both Youth and School Tracks clinched the ‘Goodwill Award’ with INR 1 lakh cash prize, while two more teams from both tracks received the ‘Social Media Champion Award’ with INR 50,000

Chennai, October 7, 2024 – Samsung India has announced the winning teams, Eco Tech Innovator and METAL for the 3rd edition of ‘Solve for Tomorrow 2024’, the company’s flagship national education and innovation competition. While Eco Tech Innovator from Golaghat, Assam was declared the Community Champion in the School Track, METAL from Udupi, Karnataka was announced as the Environment Champion in the Youth Track, demonstrating the reach of the programme outside major Indian cities.

Eco Tech Innovator, which developed an idea around equitable access to non-contaminated potable drinking water, received a seed grant of INR 25 lakh for prototype advancement. METAL, which developed technology for arsenic removal from ground water, received a grant of INR 50 lakh for incubation at IIT-Delhi. JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia and Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India awarded certificates and trophies to these teams.

In addition, the school of the ‘Community Champion’ will receive Samsung products, including a Smart Display Flip 75”, Freestyle Projector and 10 Galaxy Tab S10+ to help with education and encourage a problem-solving mindset. Similarly, the college of the ‘Environment Champion’ will receive a Smart Display Flip 75”, Freestyle Projector and 10 Galaxy Book 4 Pro laptops to promote social entrepreneurship.

While each of the 10 teams received INR 1 lakh, all members received certificates. In addition, School Track participants received a Galaxy Watch Ultra, while Youth Track participants received Galaxy Z Flip6. The flagship CSR programme, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, aims to empower the youth of the country to solve real life issues and transform the lives of people with their innovative ideas.

“At Samsung, we are incredibly proud of the innovation and creativity showcased by all the participants of this year’s edition of ‘Solve for Tomorrow. Through our flagship CSR initiative, we aim to empower young minds by providing them with the tools, mentorship and opportunities they need to address some of the most pressing challenges in their communities and the environment. Eco Tech Innovator and METAL’s achievements reflect the potential of the next generation to create meaningful impact through technology and innovation. We look forward to seeing the ideas of these young innovators come to life and make a lasting difference,” said JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.

“It has been a great honour to collaborate with Samsung in nurturing these young innovators at a critical stage of their development. Through our partnership, we have provided mentorship, training and access to cutting-edge resources that have instilled confidence and empowered the participants to bring their ideas to fruition. We are proud to see the incredible progress made by team Eco Tech Innovator and METAL and we are confident that their solutions will contribute meaningfully to society and the environment,” said Dr. Nikhil Agarwal, Managing Director, FITT, IIT Delhi.

“World leaders just came together at the UN Summit of the Future in New York to agree on urgent steps to rescue the SDGs and our only planet. The Solve for Tomorrow programme exemplifies just the kind of youth engagement they called for to unlock the solution-oriented innovation and creative thinking we need. The achievements of Team Eco Tech Innovator and METAL show what can be accomplished when young minds are equipped with the right skills, resources, and platforms to innovate. We thank Samsung for fostering this culture of innovation and we congratulate the winners on their remarkable success.” said Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India.

The top 10 teams, represented by 22 students, were selected for the Grand Finale to pitch ideas and showcase prototypes to the Grand Jury comprising Mohan Rao Goli, Chief Technology Officer, Samsung R&D Institute, Bangalore, Dr. Srinivasan Venkataraman, Assistant Professor, Department of Design at IIT- Delhi, Dr. Sapna Poti, Director, Strategic Alliances at the office of Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and Sunita Verma, Scientist ‘G’ and Group Coordinator, R&D at Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY).

The Grand Finale began with the pitch event, which was followed by an awards ceremony. Top executives and employees from Samsung attended the event, along with winners from earlier editions of Solve for Tomorrow, the Grand Jury members and mentors of the 10 teams as well as representatives from FITT, IIT Delhi, MeitY and the United Nations in India.

Students submitted their ideas under two overarching themes: ‘Community and Inclusion’ and ‘Environment and Sustainability’. The Youth Track submitted ideas under these broad themes, however, most of the ideas focused on tackling key issues such as education and resource access for less privileged communities, challenges in experiential learning, digital literacy, water conservation and arsenic pollution.

Apart from the main prizes at the event, two special awards were also presented during the ceremony, the ‘Social Media Champion Award’ and the ‘Goodwill Award’. Preator VR from School Track and BioD from Youth Track were awarded the Goodwill Awards that honoured audience choice winners. Both teams received INR 1 lakh as cash reward. In addition, You from School Track and EnvTech from Youth Track won the ‘Social Media Champion Award’ that granted INR 50,000 each, in recognition of the teams’ social media contribution.

This year, Shankar Srinivas, the 2022 ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ winner recognized for his innovative ‘Sputnik Brain’ and recently appointed as a ‘Together for Tomorrow’ Ambassador, shared his inspiring journey and experience during the award ceremony. His story demonstrates the power of innovation and passion, encouraging young minds to tackle real-world problems with creativity and determination.

Samsung remains committed to nurturing young innovators, equipping them with the tools and resources to transform their visions into reality. Over the past few weeks, experts from Samsung, FITT and IIT-Delhi worked closely with the top 10 teams, mentoring them as they developed innovative and groundbreaking solutions for real-world challenges. This mentorship helped the teams refine their ideas and guided them through developing functional prototypes. These prototypes were then presented to the jury during the Grand Finale.

This year, participants from both schools and colleges participated from Tier 2 and 3 cities and remote regions across India, from Imphal in Manipur to East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya and Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh. With innovative ideas aimed at addressing local challenges, they sought to transform not only their communities but also contribute to solving broader national issues, driving positive change across the country using technology.

First launched in the US in 2010, the “Solve for Tomorrow” programme is now active in 63 countries across the world and has engaged over 2.3 million young innovators globally. Aligned with Samsung Electronics’ global CSR vision – “Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People” – the initiative is dedicated to equipping young people with the education and skills needed to become the leaders of the future. To learn more about Samsung Electronics’ CSR initiatives, visit our CSR webpage at http://csr.samsung.com

Strengthening Regional Ecosystem: How the Samsung Chennai Plant Powers Local Economy and Innovation

deccanwebtv Oct 7, 2024

Samsung was not there, Rikun wouldn’t exist – Pradeep Jagalan, VP, Business Development, Rikun, a leading manufacturing partner in the region

We’ve been able to expand our production capacity many folds and the consistent demand from Samsung has given us the confidence to invest in new equipment and talent – Shakthi Vel, Plant Head, CJ Plolytech, a leading supplier in the region

Samsung India’s Chennai factory has long been recognized not only for its innovation and cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities but also for the strong relationships it fosters with its local suppliers. These partnerships have been key to the plant’s success, driving growth and innovation across the supply chain. As Samsung continues to grow, it ensures that its suppliers grow alongside, creating a network of beneficiaries that also contribute to the economic development of the region.

Building Long-Term Relationships

Samsung’s commitment to fostering long-term relationships with its suppliers has been pivotal in ensuring high-quality products and services. Many of these partnerships date back several years, founded on the principles of trust and collaboration.

Rikun Manufacturing and CJ Polytechnic are two major suppliers in the area which have been Samsung’s trusted suppliers for many years. Rikun is a Sriperumbudur-based manufacturing company that specializes in consumer electronics product design and manufacturing. Similarly, CJ Polytech is a manufacturing company based in Tamil Nadu that operates in producing metallic and non-metallic products.

“We started our manufacturing journey in 2018 and Samsung was our first customer. Samsung has always treated us as a partner rather than just a supplier. This has made all the difference. The regular feedback and opportunities for collaboration have helped us improve not only the quality of our products but also our operational efficiency,” said Pradeep Jagalan, Vice President, Business Development, Rikun Manufacturing.

Sriperumbudur has grown in scale since the early 2000s. “In 2008, around 2000 workers used to flock in for work in Sriperumbudur from other local areas but today more than 70000 workers here have jobs,” Pradeep recalled.

“We have learnt from Samsung, how to uplift our people with the right kind of upskilling. Samsung capitalizes on our strength as they understand us well. If Samsung was not there, Rikunwouldn’t exist,” he added.

Samsung’s approach emphasizes open communication, encouraging suppliers to innovate, improve, and provide feedback. By treating its suppliers as partners, Samsung ensures that both entities can focus on mutual growth and development.

Driving Innovation through Collaboration

At the heart of Samsung’s partnerships with suppliers is a shared commitment to innovation. The Chennai factory, one of Samsung’s key manufacturing hubs, has worked closely with local businesses to introduce new technologies and processes that raise the bar for quality and efficiency.

Suppliers have benefited from Samsung’s resources, including access to cutting-edge technologies, training programmes, and a culture of continuous improvement. By sharing its expertise and resources, Samsung enables suppliers to enhance their capabilities, making the entire supply chain more agile and efficient.

Shakthi Vel, Plant Head, CJ Plolytechnic, puts it in perspective. “CJ Polytechnic started working with Samsung in 2010. The relationship since then has been flawless. Samsung’s focus on innovation challenges us to push the boundaries,” he said.

“They are always looking for new ways to improve, and they encourage us to do the same. These innovations not only help suppliers meet Samsung’s high standards but also enable them to compete more effectively in the wider market,” he added.

Growth and Expansion for Suppliers

Samsung’s suppliers have seen tangible growth as a result of their partnerships with the Chennai factory. Many local businesses have expanded their operations, invested in new technologies, and increased their workforce to meet the growing demand from Samsung.

“Working with Samsung has not just helped us grow enormously but also opened up new markets. We’ve been able to expand our production capacity many folds and the consistent demand from Samsung has given us the confidence to invest in new equipment and talent. We started with 20 employees and we have more than 350, all thanks to Samsung,” Shakthi said.

This growth is not limited to revenue; suppliers are also seeing improvements in operational efficiency, employee training, and product quality. These advances position Samsung’s partners as leaders in their respective industries, capable of competing on a global scale.

Empowering Local Economies

Samsung’s commitment to working with local suppliers in Chennai has had a ripple effect that goes beyond the factory gates. By supporting local businesses, Samsung is helping to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and drive innovation in the region. This approach strengthens not only Samsung’s supply chain but also the local community, contributing to India’s overall economic development and ecosystem growth.

Through these partnerships, Samsung continues to set the benchmark for collaboration and innovation in the manufacturing sector, empowering its suppliers to grow alongside the company and cementing its position as a leader in the industry.

2,500 Cyclists Race for ₹33.6 Lakhs at HCL Cyclothon Chennai

deccanwebtv Oct 7, 2024

. This was second edition of HCL Cyclothon Chennai; First edition was concluded.

in October 2023

. HCL Cyclothon theme is #ChangeYourGear and #GearPoduChennai
. The winning prize purse of Rs 33.6 lakhs is the highest for any cycling race in

India

 
Chennai, Oct 06, 2024:  HCL Group, a leading global conglomerate, successfully concluded the second
edition of the HCL Cyclothon Chennai 2024 today, with an impressive turnout of over 2,500 participants.
The event was organized by HCL in association with the Government of Tamil Nadu and under the aegis
of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), celebrated cycling enthusiasts from all walks of life and saw
professional and amateur cyclists compete across various categories for a total prize pool of Rs 33.6
lakhs, the highest in any cycling race in India.
The event was graced by Atulya Misra, Chief Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Tamil
Nadu, and V N Singh, Assistant Secretary, Cycling Federation of India (CFI), who served as the chief
guests.
Commenting on the event’s success, Shikhar Malhotra, Director, HCL Corporation said, “As an
organisation, we are committed to fostering community engagement, we believe that mass events like
these can unite people from all walks of life. This event not only mobilizes large groups but also kindles a
collective spirit towards something truly great. Through HCL Cyclothon, we aim to inspire people to
embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle while contributing to a greener planet. HCL is proud to
make this an annual event in Chennai, because coming together is the beginning, but cycling together is
the success.”
Atulya Misra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, remarked, “The HCL
Cyclothon has firmly established itself as a key event in Chennai’s sporting calendar, and I am pleased to
see such widespread and enthusiastic participation. These events not only promote fitness but also foster
a sense of community well-being, which aligns with our goals for a healthier Tamil Nadu. I look forward
to supporting future editions and seeing this initiative grow.”
V N Singh, Assistant Secretary, Cycling Federation of India (CFI), added, “HCL’s continued dedication to
promoting cycling is truly admirable. By organizing events like this, they are not only creating a platform
for cyclists to showcase their talent but also inspiring countless others to take up the sport. This initiative
plays a crucial role in building a strong cycling culture in India, contributing to the development of future
champions while promoting health, fitness, and sustainability across the country.”
The race began and ended at Mayajaal Multiplex and followed a scenic route through Kovalam and
Mahabalipuram, providing both professional cyclists and amateurs with a competitive and rewarding
experience. The HCL Cyclothon Chennai 2024 embraced the
theme #ChangeYourGear and #GearPoduChennai, promoting the transformative power of cycling on
both personal health and the environment.

HCL Cyclothon Winners Details