Now Loading

Greatify CEO shares insights on Ethical AI in Education & Balancing Personalization with Privacy: Exclusive Conversation with ObserveNow

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education technology (EdTech), the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) stands as both a beacon of promise and a source of profound ethical considerations. As we harness the power of AI to personalize learning experiences, questions surrounding privacy, bias, and algorithmic transparency loom large. Yet, amidst these challenges lies the transformative potential to revolutionize how we understand and optimize individual learning processes.

Dinesh Kumar PoobalanAccording to a report by Global data, By 2022 the Indian EdTech sector amassed $4.3 billion in revenue, with a notable CAGR of 16.8% from 2017. The pre-K-12 and K-12 education segment dominated, contributing $1.9 billion or 44.3% of the market’s total value. This growth is primarily driven by technological advancements and the increasing digitization of educational processes. By delving into the intersection of AI, neurocognitive research, and personalized learning methodologies, EdTech pioneers embark on a journey to redefine traditional educational paradigms. In this regard Siddharth Mala, Correspondent, ObserveNow interacted with Dinesh Kumar Poobalan, CEO & CTO, Greatify.

Below are a few edited excerpts from the interview:

How does Greatify navigate ethical concerns surrounding AI in education, such as privacy and bias, while leveraging its benefits for personalized learning?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to science fiction; it is increasingly becoming an integral part of our daily lives, and education is no exception. The intersection of AI and education technology ushering in a new era of personalized, efficient, and innovative learning experiences. At Greatify, we prioritize ethical considerations, ensuring that privacy and bias issues are meticulously addressed while optimizing the benefits of personalized learning. We believe in leveraging state-of-the-art technology and rigorous models to mitigate information overload and maintain equity in learning outcomes. As per Digital Personal Data Protection Act, (DPDPA), we at Greatify, also respect data privacy laws that protect the privacy of Indian citizens’ personal data. This law is responsible for striking a balance between the recognized need to process personal data for various purposes, and individuals’ right to control and protect it. We tend to refine our AI solutions to reduce bias and ensure equal student treatment. We also educate stakeholders, such as students, educators, and parents, about responsible AI usage practices and data privacy. With an emphasis on trust, accountability, and academic excellence, we create an ecosystem where AI improves learning experiences while adhering to ethical standards, transforming education in a safer and more inclusive way.

How does Greatify stay at the forefront of educational technology trends and foster innovation within its team to maintain industry leadership?

We at Greatify continue to be at the forefront as one of the technology aggregators, in order to change the dynamic educational landscape. We offer diverse hardware and software solutions, encompassing smart boards, ManageX (an ERP system tailored for schools), and a Learning Management System (LMS), among others. We also believe in fostering innovation within the teams through strategic approaches based on market validation, product validation, extensive customer surveys, and competitor analysis.. Greatify’s solutions effectively address the real-world challenges faced by educational institutions. By leveraging data-driven approaches, Greatify can develop comprehensive, innovative modules like ExamX, PlaceX, ManageX, and LearnX. These modules are designed to meet the specific needs of the target audience.

As an edtech entrepreneur, how do you assess Greatify’s long-term impact beyond short-term metrics? What benchmarks indicate its effectiveness in addressing education’s systemic challenges and driving lasting change?

The success of any edtech company should be measured by its impact on student learning outcomes. We track metrics such as improvements in test scores, grades, and mastery of key concepts over time. Our company aims to establish a paperless atmosphere within both schools and the higher education ecosystem. On the other hand, empowering teachers is what I feel is a key to driving systemic change in education. Our company has a dedicated training division that works closely with educators to elevate their expertise in utilizing technology, automating processes, and ensuring the seamless integration of our solutions into educational institutions.

Read more: Kore.ai Launches XO Platform V11.0 for Enhanced AI Business Interactions

Furthermore, Incorporation of AI has been added to our educational framework to automate tasks performed manually by teachers, such as grading, timetable creation, and exam management. Also, our effectiveness in driving lasting change depends on how well our platform aligns with educational standards and curriculum requirements, in order to regularly review and update our content to ensure alignment and relevance to academic goals. Like any other company, our core goal is to expand our horizons and provide quality education to students by using the latest technological advancements. Fostering an environment and a unique collaboration among students and teachers is essential for driving lasting change in education. We measure the extent to which our platform promotes collaborative learning experiences. Hence, successfully overcoming these challenges demands not just effective market positioning but also a steadfast commitment to delivering top-notch training and services to schools and colleges and we always look forward to receiving feedback and continuous improvement in our services.

How do you envision the future intersection of AI, neurocognitive research, and personalized learning methodologies to revolutionize the way we understand and optimize individual learning processes?

Seeing the future of AI at the intersection of neurocognitive science and personalized learning approaches implies a paradigm shift in how we understand and optimize individual learning experiences. Neurocognitive research offers insights into how the brain processes information, learns, and retains knowledge. For example, adaptive learning algorithms can dynamically adjust the difficulty level of learning materials based on a student’s performance and cognitive state, maximizing engagement and knowledge retention.

Our integration of AI in education illustrates how technology can improve personalized learning experiences by automating administrative tasks and providing personalized support to students and teachers. We focus on innovation within and staying on top of emerging educational technology trends indicates a forward-leaning approach to embrace emerging research and methodology. By using AI, education institutions can transform traditional teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs and enable distinctive quality education in a digital world. Overall, the future intersection of AI, neurocognitive research, and personalized learning methodologies holds promise for revolutionizing education by providing learners with personalized, adaptive, and engaging learning experiences that optimize individual learning processes.

AFMS & IIT Delhi Join Forces for Groundbreaking Medical Research and Training

Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has forged a collaborative partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on April 22, 2024, aims to facilitate joint research endeavors and training initiatives.

The MoU, inked by Lt Gen Daljit Singh, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, and Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, outlines a framework for cooperation in various areas, including the development of innovative medical devices and addressing health concerns specific to military personnel deployed in diverse terrains.

With its robust biomedical research infrastructure, IIT Delhi is poised to offer the technical acumen necessary to tackle the multifaceted medical challenges encountered by the Armed Forces, such as the rehabilitation of amputees.

The agreement encompasses a range of collaborative activities, including faculty exchanges, joint academic programs, and the establishment of joint PhD initiatives. Lt Gen Daljit Singh emphasized AFMS’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch medical care to soldiers, underscoring the partnership with esteemed institutions like IIT as a significant stride in fulfilling this pledge.

Prof Rangan Banerjee hailed the MoU as a gateway to extensive research and training opportunities that hold promise for both the nation and the Armed Forces.

 

APEX Acreages appoints Harleen Kaur as CHRO

APEX Acreages has appointed Harleen Kaur as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). With a robust professional journey spanning over 20 years, Kaur brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Prior to joining APEX Acreages, she held the position of General Manager – Human Resources at Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows, where she honed her skills in managing HR operations effectively.

Before her tenure at Mercedes-Benz, Kaur served as Associate Director – HR at Lovely Professional University, further enriching her experience in the field. Kaur’s educational background includes an MBA in Human Resources from the esteemed National Institute of Management Solutions (NIMS), underscoring her commitment to excellence in the HR domain.

Her appointment signals APEX Acreages’ dedication to bolstering its human capital management strategies for sustained growth and success in the competitive real estate landscape.

 

ObserveNow wraps BFSI Confluence on a successful note!

ObserveNow Media recently wrapped up the inaugural edition of the BFSI Confluence, a groundbreaking summit presented by Iron Mountain and co-presented by Google Cloud. This pioneering gathering brought together an array of thought leaders, industry experts, and key stakeholders for in-depth discussions and strategic collaborations, setting the stage for navigating the intricate and ever-evolving landscape of Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI).

During the inaugural session, Brijesh Singh, IPS, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra addressed the gathering on the topic Generative AI and Threats to BFSI and said, “Gen AI has revolutionised the realm of cybercrime, bringing about significant advancements. Its impact extends beyond enhancing customer capabilities to facilitating substantial enablement on the criminal front. These sophisticated systems can now proficiently code malware, devise evasion frameworks, and much more. Gen AI has effectively eliminated language barriers, enabling cybercriminals to exploit its capabilities to alarming extents. Particularly concerning is its ability to execute video cloning, a development that has posed significant risks in recent months.”

The summit provided a platform for pivotal conversations addressing crucial themes such as the transformative role of AI in BFSI, the imperative of continuous upskilling in the era of GenAI, workforce empowerment through technology, and the critical need for advanced cybersecurity solutions. Other notable topics included hyper-personalization in customer experience and strategies for future-proofing BFSI operations against technological disruptions and regulatory shifts.

Additionally, the confluence witnessed the keynote address by Sumnesh Joshi, ITS, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Communications, Government of India who expressed his thoughts on ‘The Changing Landscape of BFSI’ and said, “The BFSI landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with UPI emerging as a pioneering platform for online transactions. This groundbreaking system represents a global first, with even local vegetable vendors seamlessly accepting payments as low as Rs 2 through UPI. This evolution traces back to the establishment of the digital foundation provided by Aadhar, which serves as a digital identity. Today, this robust digital ecosystem stands fully prepared to support and facilitate various financial activities.”

In addition to key government officials, the summit welcomed distinguished organisations from the BFSI sector, including Iron Mountain India, Google Cloud, Vunet, Skillsoft, Squadstack, IDBI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, IIFL Finance, Citi Bank, HDFC Bank, and various others.

In a time defined by rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer demands, and regulatory complexities, the BFSI sector finds itself at a crossroads, requiring swift adaptation and innovative solutions. ObserveNow, leveraging its expertise and influence, made an impactful debut into the BFSI industry by spearheading this confluence, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and forward-thinking initiatives.

The culmination of the confluence was marked by an engaging award ceremony, where leading organisations and trailblazers were honoured for their outstanding contributions and achievements in the BFSI domain. This recognition served to underscore the collective efforts and innovative endeavors driving positive change within the industry.

The Awards at BFSI Confluence rewarded the top leaders in the industry for their remarkable achievements and dedication to delivering excellence for the betterment of the evolving landscape. Top Organisations – Iron Mountain, Squadstack, Vunet, Propelld, PW Skills and many more were awarded for their great work in the industry.

As this inaugural edition draws to a close, ObserveNow extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners who contributed to the success of the conference. With anticipation and enthusiasm, ObserveNow looks forward to organising an even more ambitious course for the next edition, poised to push the boundaries of innovation and collaboration in the BFSI ecosystem.

HDFC Bank Greenlights Rs 60,000 Crore Fund Raise Through Debt Instruments

New Delhi: HDFC Bank unveils plans to raise Rs 60,000 crore through diverse debt instruments, as decided in the recent Board of Directors meeting. The board greenlights the annual renewal of issuance for long-term bonds, perpetual debt instruments, and Tier II capital bonds, totaling the specified amount over the next twelve months via private placement.

However, this initiative is contingent upon shareholder and regulatory approvals. Notably, HDFC Bank’s net profit for the January-March quarter of 2023-24 stands at Rs 16,511 crore, marking a 0.84% increase from the previous quarter. The bank’s financial comparison on a year-on-year basis is impeded due to its merger with parent entity HDFC Ltd.

S&P Global Market Intelligence reports an increase in Indian lenders among the top 50 banks by assets in the Asia-Pacific region, with HDFC Bank ranking 33rd after a 51.3% surge in assets to USD 466.35 billion post-merger. This ascent underscores the robust performance of Indian banks, fueled by improved financial metrics and substantial credit growth amid a thriving economic landscape.

 

Deependra Kumar Jha appointed as VC at Manav Rachna University

Manav Rachna University, Delhi NCR welcomes Deependra Kumar Jha as its newly appointed Vice Chancellor. Renowned for his groundbreaking leadership in educational advancement, Jha has spearheaded the seamless integration of technology into the educational framework through strategic innovations. His commitment to narrowing the gap between industry and academia, fostering collaborative partnerships, and leveraging data-driven decision-making processes underscores his dedication to driving growth.

With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, Jha brings a global perspective garnered through extensive travel, fostering adaptability and diversity within the institution. His proficiency in outcome-based education and accreditation reflects his dedication to academic excellence.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jha is a passionate lifelong learner and researcher, advocating for inclusive and disruptive growth to nurture future leaders. Outside of academia, he finds solace in capturing moments through photography and expressing his creativity through poetry.

Prior to his appointment at Manav Rachna University, Jha served as the Chief Academic Officer at Larsen & Toubro and held the position of Vice Chancellor at both Adamas University and the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies. His diverse background underscores his readiness to lead Manav Rachna University into a new era of educational excellence.

 

Revolutionizing Telesales Through Innovation and Customer-Centricity says Co-Founder & CBO, Squadstack in conversation with ObserveNow Media

The advent of technology has paved the way for a new era of innovation, offering businesses unprecedented opportunities to streamline operations and elevate customer experiences. Technology has catalyzed a paradigm shift from Voice Assistants to tailored user interfaces, enabling businesses to automate processes and harness the benefits of operating on autopilot. According to a recent survey by Accenture, it found that in the last two years alone, one in two companies (49%) adopted new technology and transformed their business faster than ever, with 40% transforming multiple parts of their business at the same time. Introducing new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA) are now part of a solid business strategy. Some of the advantages of these technologies include increased productivity, higher rates of production, better quality service, and the efficient use of materials.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, telesales remain a cornerstone of customer acquisition and engagement strategies. SquadStack, a leader in telesales outsourcing, is at the forefront of this industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology and a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction to drive exceptional results for businesses across sectors.

In this exclusive interview, Sheeba Chauhan from ObserveNow interacted with Rishabh Ladha, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer of SquadStack, and explored SquadStack’s innovative approach to telecalling, exploring their proprietary Agent Interface and how it’s reshaping the telesales experience. Additionally, we uncover the diverse suite of services they offer beyond trained telecallers, delving into their AI-powered solutions for lead management, omnichannel outreach, and call quality monitoring.

Here is the edited excerpt: 

What are the technologies that Squadstack uses for the efficiency of telecallers and an unmatched telesales experience?

At SquadStack, our in-house Agent Interface is revolutionizing telecalling by addressing industry challenges through intuitive design and AI integration.

Complex interfaces traditionally hindered tech adoption, leading to gaps in data management and lead outreach. Our Agent Interface streamlines the entire telesales journey into a seamless mobile and web application experience, enhancing telecaller efficiency and user experience.

We meticulously select top-tier telecallers through system-driven screening and speech assessments, with only ~2% becoming certified callers. Once onboard, telecallers undergo comprehensive training within the app, refining objection handling, language skills, and brand representation.

Our app isn’t just about streamlining processes but driving productivity. With guided scripts, system-driven outreach, and features like auto-dialing and screen sharing, our agents navigate leads effortlessly, ensuring swift responses and enhanced connectivity.

Our AI-powered enhancements, driven by human expertise and AI algorithms, ensure every call meets and exceeds industry standards. Personalized feedback and training further empower our telecallers to excel, significantly reducing attrition-related challenges.

In essence, SquadStack’s Agent Interface isn’t just a tool—it’s a game-changer in driving telesales efficiency and effectiveness.

What are the other services that Squadstack provides apart from trained telecallers for businesses? 

SquadStack isn’t just about providing trained telecallers; we offer a fully managed telesales outsourcing platform that integrates the best of AI, technology, and sales expertise. Our services extend beyond telecalling to include:

  • System-Driven Lead Management & Omnichannel Outreach: We optimize lead handling and engage customers across multiple channels, ensuring a seamless interaction experience.
  • AI-Powered Call Quality Monitoring: Our technology ensures consistent call quality, enhancing customer interactions through monitoring and adjustments.
  • Knowledge Management & Sufficiency: Using AI call monitoring, we maintain a robust knowledge base that empowers our telecallers with up-to-date information, ensuring they are well-prepared for every customer interaction. This also ensures floor knowledge is retained even if agents aren’t.  
  • In-House Proprietary Dialer with Strategic Dialing: Our custom dialer technology is designed to maximize efficiency, adapting dialing strategies to specific campaign needs.

These services are tailored for industries including BFSI, E-commerce, Logistics, and Healthcare, helping businesses enhance conversions, reduce customer acquisition costs, and improve overall customer experience. Companies choose SquadStack to gain a partner committed to driving their telesales success.

How do you ensure that Squadstack remains customer-centric in its approach to product development and innovation?

At SquadStack, putting customers at the center isn’t just a goal; it’s the core of how we innovate and develop products. We recognize the immense responsibility as keepers of a brand’s trust and sales experience, especially in an era where sales interactions are increasingly virtual.

Guiding Principles and Practices

Our commitment to customer-centricity drives us to continuously innovate and adapt our solutions to meet the dynamic needs of our clients. This dedication ensures that the customer’s perspective remains central to our product development process.

Transforming Traditional Models

Unlike typical contact centers, which  may not fully align with customer expectations, SquadStack has redefined the model by prioritizing operational efficiency, excellence, and customer satisfaction. Our approach involves a holistic view of each interaction, monitored through precise key performance indicators.

Integration of Technology and Expertise

We leverage the deep expertise of our well-trained agents alongside state-of-the-art technology. This integration significantly elevates the customer experience, moving beyond the traditional BPO and call center framework to a more refined, effective, and customer-focused solution.

By prioritizing customer needs and expectations, SquadStack ensures that every product enhancement and innovation directly contributes to delivering superior customer experiences, solidifying our position as a leader in the evolving landscape of sales interactions.

What mechanisms do you have in place for gathering feedback from customers, and how do you incorporate that feedback into your decision-making processes?

At SquadStack, we recognize that true innovation is rooted in a deep understanding of our customers and sales agents. We’ve established a robust feedback mechanism that keeps us aligned with their challenges and aspirations, ensuring our solutions continuously evolve to meet their needs.

Our approach to gathering feedback is comprehensive and holistic. It ensures that we have a 360-degree view of the needs and expectations of our customers, sales agents, and internal team members. This comprehensive strategy helps us capture a wide array of insights crucial for shaping our solutions.

We prioritize regular, open communication with our clients to understand their specific pain points and goals. Frequent feedback calls and strategic discussions allow us to gather direct insights, while detailed business reports provide actionable data that informs our decision-making process. This ongoing dialogue ensures that our solutions remain relevant and highly effective.

Recognizing the invaluable insights our sales agents offer, we foster a dedicated community for them to voice their feedback and ideas. This community is supported by in-person surveys and structured interviews, enabling us to incorporate their on-the-ground experiences into our strategic decisions.

Our feedback loop is designed not just for incremental adjustments but for significant organizational changes. By assessing the impact of the feedback systematically, collaborating across departments, and maintaining alignment with our broader goals, we ensure that every piece of feedback contributes to meaningful innovation.

This strategic approach to feedback integration enhances our services and solidifies our commitment to leading the telesales industry through continuous improvement and customer-centric innovation.

 

Grand View Research Forecasts Hyper Growth for RUNO in Global CRM Market: CAGR Estimated at 13.9% from 2024 to 2030

Mumbai: RUNO,A modern Mobile SIM-based Outbound Call Management CRM, has secured $1.5 million in a Pre Series A funding round led by Unicorn India Ventures and Callapina Capital.

The investment is earmarked primarily for hiring a senior management team in Product and Development. RUNO aims to utilize this capital to expand its operations into the MENA region, as well as the United States and Canada, establishing a global presence in the sales and outbound calling productivity sector.

Founded in 2019 by Rajsekhar Pattnaik and Venkata Sai Vamsi Penupothu, RUNO offers a user-friendly interface, customizable features, and action-driven analytics to streamline outbound sales operations. Its integration with popular CRMs and lead sources centralizes lead management, enhancing productivity in sales and outbound calling.

Anil Joshi, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, says, “With a proven success track record of RUNO, we decided to invest in the company due to its product that is enabling companies to achieve a higher conversion rate. The increasing use of advanced technologies, cloud based CRM is gaining traction. In the coming years the penetration of CRM is going to be AI driven and RUNO is already working on pioneering solutions on that front. We believe the fresh funds will not only help RUNO in its expansion plan but also create a path for new products to come in the market that will target MSMEs”

Vinod Jose, Co founder CEO, Callapina Capital, adds, “As remote work and distributed workforces have become the norm in the post-pandemic world, there is a clear need for innovative tools and infrastructure to support these changes. Runo’s mobile-first solution is expertly designed to manage distributed workforces and enhance productivity in a variety of call-based operations, from outbound and inbound call centres to sales and hiring initiatives. Their groundbreaking approach, which integrates CRM functionality directly at the SIM level, not only simplifies communication but also drastically improves operational efficiencies and contact ratios, as evidenced by the transformative results seen by their clients. We are excited to back Raj and Vamsi as they bring this solution to the world from India and take the lead in revolutionizing business communications.”

RUNO has experienced significant expansion, with a consistent 30% increase in growth each quarter over the past two years. Building on this momentum, the company is striving to achieve an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $2.5 million within the coming 12 to 18 months.

Commenting on the recent funding round, Rajsekhar Pattnaik, Founder and CEO, says, “Backed by a Rockstar Team over the last 2 years and recent funding, Runo is aiming for 7X revenue growth in next 8 Quarters. Our client roster boasts over 800 businesses, ranging from small businesses to large enterprises like Reliance Nippon, and most of these businesses have come as organic leads. Leveraging organic growth and client referrals, the company’s focus for the next two quarters is clear: doubling down on distribution, go-to-market strategies And as we set our sights on the Middle East and Africa, Runo, is poised to redefine industry standards and serve a global clientele.”

Venkata Sai Vamsi Penupothu, Co-Founder & CTO, adds, “The recent capital infusion will further boost Call Management CRM, merging sim-based call tracking with CRM, empowering businesses with deep customer insights. Our focus on AI integration in the product roadmap promises smarter call analytics, predictive customer behaviour insights, and streamlined CRM operations.”

According to Grand View Research Report the global customer relationship management market size was valued at USD 65.59 billion in 2023 and is estimated to touch the CAGR of 13.9% from 2024 to 2030, giving hyper growth opportunity to RUNO.

Ministry of Tourism names Suman Billa IAS as Additional Secretary

Suman Billa (IAS) has assumed the role of Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, succeeding Rakesh Kumar Verma (IAS), who has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation. This appointment continues the temporary upgradation of the Joint Secretary level position held by Verma.

Billa, a member of the 1996-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS), hails from the Kerala cadre.

New Directors Appointed at Six Indian Institutes of Technology

In a significant development for higher education in India, six Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) have announced the appointment of new directors. According to sources within the Education Ministry, the appointments were finalized on Thursday, April 18.

Manindra Agrawal, professor from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Kanpur, has been named as the new Director of IIT Kanpur. Meanwhile, Devendra Jalihal, known for his contributions at IIT Madras, will now serve as the Director of IIT Guwahati.

The prestigious IIT Jodhpur will now be led by Avinash Kumar Agarwal, who previously held the position of professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur. Similarly, Sukumar Mishra has been appointed as the Director of IIT Dhanbad, and DS Katti will take charge as the head of IIT Goa.

Amit Patra, another distinguished academician, has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading IIT BHU.

These appointments reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring the continued excellence and leadership of India’s premier technical institutes.

 

Upcoming Conferences