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Rajasthan Government Launches Startup Programme iStart

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Rajasthan Government Launches Startup Programme iStart,Startup Stories,Inspiratinal Stories 2017,Government of Rajasthan Launch iStart Program,Applyifi Founder Prajakt Raut,iStart Rajasthan Program,Rajasthan Startup Fest 2017

The Government of Rajasthan launched a dedicated platform for startups, called iStart in a bid to facilitate entrepreneurship and job creation. The platform will provide startups with access to mentoring and funding opportunities by nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.

iStart will be managed by Applyifi, the online investors support services platform that guides startups in creating a comprehensive pitch deck. Applyifi will help the selected startups in increasing their chances of success by providing the startups with a 36 point scorecard and assessment report.

The programs, according to Akhil Arora, the Principal Secretary of the Department of Information Technology and Communication, are structured with very clear and measurable deliverables to ensure that more startups can succeed. The platform is based on an “access improve access” model where startups will undergo customized group skill building and mentoring programmes. The startups will also be provided with a detailed assessment report and Applyifi scorecard to help them strengthen their venture in areas that need improvement.

Speaking about iStart, founder of Appyifi, Prajakt Raut said, “The objective of the program is to assist anyone with an entrepreneurial aspiration to take their concepts and business to the next level – be it at idea/concept stage or MVP or early growth stage startups. Additionally, initiatives like alumni angel networks will help aspiring entrepreneurs raise smaller sums that they may require to develop their MVPs and test their concepts in the market.

iStart, envisioned as a one stop online platform for startups, will include three major components namely QRate, Challenge For Change and Rajasthan Stack. Through the QRate session or the Quality Rating and Curation session, startups will be assessed based on various parameters of business. This component will help the startups get a perspective on how investors might view their venture. The second component, Challenge For Change, will help the Rajasthan Government to give industry contracts to tech enabled businesses. Whereas, the third component, Rajasthan Shack, will be focused on building a digital infrastructure that can be utilized by the government, startups, developers and businesses for solving some of the problems faced by the State.

The startups graduating from the programme will be able to connect with investors and potential customers via the iStart platform and pitch their ideas for grants and investments from the Rajasthan government. Interested entrepreneurs and startups can apply to the programme here – iStart Rajasthan

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Healthy Snacking Is Emerging as India’s Next Consumer Growth Story

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Healthy Snacking - Startup Stories

The healthy snacking category in India is no longer a niche trend it is steadily becoming a mainstream consumer movement. The latest funding momentum around brands like Phab highlights how investors are increasingly backing companies that sit at the intersection of health, convenience, and modern lifestyles. As urban consumers become more conscious of ingredients, nutrition, and long-term wellness, demand is shifting away from traditional packaged snacks toward products that promise both taste and better nutritional value.

What makes this market particularly attractive is its ability to create recurring consumer habits. Unlike many direct-to-consumer categories that rely heavily on one-time purchases, healthy snacks naturally fit into daily routines. This opens opportunities for brands to build stronger customer loyalty while expanding into adjacent categories such as protein-rich foods, functional beverages, and wellness-focused products. The competition is no longer about selling snacks it is about owning a larger share of the consumer’s health journey.

Looking ahead, the biggest winners may not be the brands with the widest product portfolios, but those that can balance nutrition, affordability, and taste at scale. As health-conscious consumption expands beyond metro cities, India’s better-for-you food segment could evolve into one of the country’s most significant consumer categories. The growing flow of capital into this space signals that investors are betting on a long-term behavioral shift rather than a short-lived food trend.

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Why Capital Is Flowing Toward Bharat-Focused Fintechs Again

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Indian

India’s fintech sector is entering a new phase of growth, and the spotlight is increasingly shifting toward underserved consumers in smaller cities and towns. The recent funding secured by WeRize reflects growing investor confidence in platforms that are expanding access to financial products such as credit, insurance, and other services for customers who have traditionally remained outside the reach of formal financial institutions. As digital adoption deepens across the country, fintech companies are finding significant opportunities beyond metro markets.

What makes this trend notable is the industry’s transition from simply enabling digital payments to building broader financial ecosystems. Rather than focusing on a single service, fintech firms are expanding their product portfolios to meet multiple customer needs under one platform. This approach not only strengthens customer relationships but also creates more sustainable business models by increasing engagement and lifetime value.

The larger implication is that India’s next fintech growth story may be driven by financial inclusion rather than convenience alone. Investors are increasingly backing companies that combine technology, data-driven underwriting, and localized distribution to serve emerging consumer segments. As competition intensifies, the ability to build trust, offer relevant products, and address the financial needs of Bharat could become a key differentiator for the next generation of fintech leaders.

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OpenAI’s Trusted Contact Feature Signals a New Direction in AI Safety

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Open AI

OpenAI’s introduction of trusted contact safeguards for potential self-harm cases reflects a major evolution in AI responsibility.

Beyond Moderation

AI safety is shifting from simply blocking harmful content to actively supporting user wellbeing through:

  • early risk detection
  • human-centered intervention
  • stronger emotional safety frameworks

This positions AI as more than an information tool—it becomes part of broader digital support systems.

Key Industry Impact

Trusted contact models could influence future safety standards across:

  • AI assistants
  • mental health platforms
  • social media
  • digital health services

The Bigger Challenge

While promising, success depends on balancing:

  • privacy
  • consent
  • ethical intervention
  • user trust

Final Take

This move signals that the future of AI safety may rely not just on preventing harmful responses, but on building more responsible, human-connected support systems.

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