Moreover, the introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has significantly expanded market access through fractional ownership. As a result, the segment has unlocked a potential monetisation opportunity of ₹670–710 billion. At the same time, Indian REITs have delivered nearly 9% five-year price returns, outperforming several Asian peers while maintaining stable distribution yields of 5–6%.

In addition, operational performance remains robust, with portfolio occupancy levels consistently exceeding 90%. Global tenants across sectors such as technology, BFSI, and consulting drive this strong demand. Furthermore, REITs accounted for over 20% of office leasing in Q2 FY26, supported by healthy re-leasing spreads and steady rental growth.

Since listing, REITs have delivered returns ranging from 12% to over 60%, alongside consistent income distributions. Consequently, tax efficiency continues to enhance their appeal among investors. Regulations mandate the distribution of at least 90% of net cash flows, while more than 65% of these distributions remain tax-exempt, thereby improving post-tax returns.

Looking ahead, the sector holds significant growth potential, with only 32% of REIT-worthy assets currently listed. Additionally, expansion into emerging segments such as logistics, data centres, healthcare, and residential real estate expects to further strengthen the investment landscape.

Notably, the Securities and Exchange Board of India introduced REITs in 2014 to formalise real estate investments by improving liquidity and enabling portfolio diversification. Currently, India has five listed REITs managing over 176 million sq. ft. of space, reflecting steady expansion supported by institutional capital and policy reforms.

Meanwhile, EXCELERATE 2026 brought together global and domestic stakeholders to discuss investment strategies, emerging asset classes, and the future of real estate financing in India. As a result, the event reinforced the sector’s growing role as a global investment destination.

India’s REIT market is entering a high-growth phase, with regulatory clarity, strong asset performance, and increasing investor participation driving this momentum. As new segments open up and accessibility improves, REITs will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of real estate investment in India.

Firstly, Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited has partnered with Hyatt to develop Grand Hyatt Chennai ECR, a premium beachfront property along the scenic southeastern coastline in Chennai. Scheduled to open in 2029, the hotel will feature approximately 200 guest rooms and offer an immersive luxury experience. In addition, the property will include five dining venues—comprising a signature restaurant, specialty outlets, a pool bar, and a lobby lounge—along with wellness facilities and multiple sophisticated event spaces. Consequently, the hotel aims to cater to both leisure and business travellers while positioning itself as a preferred destination for weddings, staycations, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).

Meanwhile, BCV Developers Private Limited has signed a separate agreement with Hyatt to launch Hyatt House Bengaluru Devanahalli, a greenfield development in Bengaluru. Expected to open in 2027, the project will feature 135 serviced apartments tailored for extended stays and short-term visits. Moreover, the property is strategically located just 20 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport and will serve the rapidly growing Devanahalli tech corridor, which includes upcoming IT parks, the Aerospace Science Park, and the planned Financial City. Amenities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, meeting spaces, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre.

“We are happy to announce our plans for Grand Hyatt Chennai ECR, a world-class hotel that will redefine the hospitality landscape in Chennai,” said Nirupa Shankar. “This will be our first hotel with Hyatt, and we are confident in Hyatt’s global expertise in managing large-format MICE hotels. Strategically located on East Coast Road, the property is poised to become a premier destination, appealing to business travellers, wedding guests, and leisure seekers alike. Brigade is committed to building landmark hospitality assets, and Grand Hyatt Chennai ECR is a significant step in that journey.”

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Hyatt on this new project,” said Amar Mysore. “The Hyatt House brand is a perfect fit for the Devanahalli locality, offering a blend of comfort and convenience that meets the needs of today’s business and leisure travelers. Its proximity to the airport and upcoming tech parks makes it a prime location, and we are confident this hotel will set a new standard for extended-stay hospitality in the region.”

“We are excited to work with Brigade Group through the signings of Grand Hyatt Chennai ECR and Hyatt House Bengaluru Devanahalli,” said Dhruva Rathore. “Chennai and Bengaluru are dynamic markets with strong demand for hospitality, and these landmark developments align with Hyatt’s strategic vision of expanding our brand presence in key leisure and business destinations across India.” He added, “We are confident our guests will savor memorable moments whether they are traveling for business, with family, or gathering with colleagues to enrich connections.”

Furthermore, Hyatt continues to strengthen its footprint in India, aligning with its broader global expansion strategy. Headquartered in Chicago, the company operates over 1,500 hotels and all-inclusive properties across 83 countries as of December 31, 2025. Its diverse portfolio spans luxury, lifestyle, inclusive, and essentials segments, reinforcing its leadership in the global hospitality industry.

At the same time, Brigade Group, established in 1986, has built a strong presence across residential, office, retail, and hospitality segments in cities such as Hyderabad, Mysuru, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and GIFT City.

The dual signing marks a significant milestone in Hyatt’s India growth strategy while reinforcing Brigade Group’s ambition to develop landmark hospitality assets. As demand for premium leisure and extended-stay accommodations continues to rise, these projects can effectively capitalise on evolving travel and business trends across key Indian metros.

Moreover, incubated by the Kanoria Foundation, Aarus is targeting what it describes as the “adherence gap” in preventive healthcare. While many consumers purchase supplements, they often fail to maintain consistent usage. Therefore, Aarus embeds clinically formulated compounds into familiar daily formats, eliminating the need for users to build entirely new habits.

In line with this strategy, the company has introduced its first product, Drift, a nighttime cocoa blend designed to support sleep. The formulation combines botanical extracts, amino acids, and essential minerals, thereby aligning with existing post-dinner routines. As a result, Drift reframes supplementation as a habit-linked ritual rather than a clinical intervention. Additionally, the company revealed that early closed-cohort testing demonstrated improvements in sleep onset and overall sleep quality, with some users even replacing late-night snacking with the drink.

Initially, Drift will launch through a waitlist model before expanding into broader online distribution channels. This phased rollout allows the company to refine its product based on real user feedback.

“We are building products that people can adopt effortlessly by embedding them into their existing routines, rather than asking them to create new ones,” said Yagyesh Kanoria, Founder of Aarus.

“At a broader level, the challenge in preventive healthcare is not just access but consistency—people start with intent but often don’t sustain usage. Our focus is on improving adherence by designing formats that fit naturally into daily life. This approach aligns with a broader global shift, where markets such as the US and Europe are moving away from traditional pill-based supplementation toward products embedded within everyday consumption. We combine scientific rigour with familiar formats, while continuously learning from user behaviour to refine both formulation and delivery.”

Looking ahead, Aarus is building a diversified product pipeline. It includes a focus-enhancing low-calorie sweetener, a mineral-rich salt alternative aimed at reducing sodium intake, and a collagen-support chewing gum. Furthermore, Kanoria, who brings expertise in biochemistry and pharmaceuticals, emphasised that launch timelines will depend on ongoing consumer feedback. Over time, the company plans to expand across multiple wellness categories while strengthening its product-market fit.

Aarus is aligning itself with a growing global shift toward functional, habit-integrated wellness solutions. By combining scientific formulation with everyday consumption formats, the startup is well-positioned to address the critical challenge of consistency in preventive healthcare while tapping into the rapidly evolving D2C wellness market.

Furthermore, the company plans to utilise the fresh capital to accelerate its thermal satellite mission while simultaneously scaling its AI-powered platform for thermal intelligence applications.

Founded by Shravan Bhati, SatLeo Labs develops satellite-based systems capable of capturing both thermal and visible data from low Earth orbit. Consequently, its platform enables a wide range of applications, including defence, agriculture, urban planning, and climate monitoring.

In addition, the startup has already developed its first thermal payload, TAPAS-1, and is currently preparing it for satellite integration. At the same time, it has initiated pilot deployments, including urban heat and air pollution monitoring projects in cities such as Ahmedabad and Tumakuru.

Meanwhile, SatLeo Labs has expanded its team to nearly 30 members and continues to strengthen its commercial pipeline. Importantly, the company has secured letters of intent exceeding $42 million, reflecting strong market interest in its offerings.

Looking ahead, the firm will focus on achieving satellite launch readiness, expanding its commercial footprint, and scaling its thermal data capabilities over the coming year.

SatLeo Labs’ latest funding round underscores growing investor confidence in India’s spacetech ecosystem. As demand for satellite-driven intelligence rises across sectors, the startup appears well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities while advancing its technological roadmap.

“The potential deal hinges on Nykaa’s market leadership position, cumulative beauty customer base of 42 million, and ability to build on repeat orders and scale, to help turn around the flagging 82°E,” one of the executives said.

Notably, Nykaa and Padukone already share a strategic relationship. The platform appointed the actress as its global brand ambassador in September last year, where she led marquee campaigns such as Pink Friday Sale and Nykaaland. However, both Nykaa and 82°E did not respond to queries regarding the ongoing discussions.

Meanwhile, 82°E is expected to retain a minority stake if the deal materializes. However, the brand has struggled to meet growth expectations. Its premium pricing strategy, with products averaging ₹2,500 for 50-ml jars, coupled with unclear positioning and rising competition from digital-first skincare brands, has weighed on performance. Consequently, the direct-to-consumer venture, launched in late 2022, reported a 30% decline in revenue to ₹14.7 crore in FY25, while losses stood at ₹12.26 crore, according to regulatory filings.

On the other hand, Nykaa continues to aggressively expand its footprint and portfolio. The company competes with players such as Reliance Retail’s Tira, Sephora, and Shoppers’ Stop Beauty. In line with its House of Nykaa strategy, the retailer has strengthened its offerings through acquisitions of brands like Nudge Wellness, Dot & Key, and Earth Rhythm.

Furthermore, the company has delivered strong financial performance. It reported a 156% year-on-year jump in net profit to ₹68 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. At the same time, consolidated revenue rose 27% to ₹2,873 crore, driven by robust demand and improved margins. Additionally, Nykaa expanded its offline presence by adding 11 new stores and entering four new cities during the quarter, taking its total store count to 276.

At an industry level, a joint report by Nykaa and Redseer highlighted that India is the world’s fastest-growing beauty and personal care market. The report projected the sector to reach $34 billion by 2028, up from $20 billion last year. Moreover, e-commerce continues to lead growth within the segment, supported by increased access to global premium brands, rising discretionary spending, and strong demand from tier 2 and tier 3 cities, alongside a younger consumer base.

Nykaa’s potential investment in 82°E signals a strategic push to consolidate its leadership in India’s rapidly expanding beauty market. While the deal could provide 82°E with the scale and distribution it needs to revive growth, it also reinforces Nykaa’s long-term vision of building a diversified and competitive in-house brand ecosystem.

Sharing details at a press conference, R S Bali confirmed that the board of directors approved the decision during a recent meeting.

He said, “This hotel will feature the state’s first musical fountain and will be constructed as a five-star property at the foothills of the scenic Dhauladhar range. The tender for this project, which is the largest in the state, will be finalised on April 6.”

Moreover, the corporation is also investing significantly in upgrading existing hospitality assets. In Shimla, it will spend Rs 45 crore on renovating the Hotel Holiday Home, for which it has already received approval from the central government.

In addition, renovation work is currently underway for three hotels in Manali. Furthermore, the corporation has allocated around Rs 20 crore for Hotel Hamir and Rs 35 crore for Jwalaji in Jwalamukhi, thereby strengthening its overall hospitality portfolio across key tourist destinations.

Alongside infrastructure upgrades, the corporation has also approved the establishment of a 24×7 call centre to enhance customer service and improve tourist engagement.

These developments reflect a comprehensive strategy by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation to modernise infrastructure, elevate visitor experiences, and position the state as a premier tourism destination in India.

Since its early ventures in 2013, marked by the launch of the Planet Hollywood Beach Resort, the group has evolved into a dynamic hospitality player. Over the years, it has expanded its presence across high-growth destinations such as Thane, Powai, and Manali, thereby building a diversified portfolio across leisure and urban markets.

Moreover, flagship properties, including Planet Hollywood Thane City and The Beatle Hotel, anchor the brand’s urban portfolio and reflect its focus on design-led and experience-driven hospitality. In addition, the company strengthened its boutique segment in 2025 with the successful debut of its Manali property under The Beatle brand, catering to travellers seeking elevated mountain experiences.

Further advancing its premium positioning, the group announced the launch of Kings Mansion in early 2026. Located in North Goa, this exclusive property is designed as a refined retreat for ultra-premium travellers, combining privacy, bespoke experiences, and distinctive design elements.

Looking ahead, Planet Hotels & Resorts has outlined an ambitious expansion roadmap. The company plans to develop new properties across key destinations such as New Delhi, Tirupati, Udaipur, and Hyderabad, while also evaluating additional high-potential markets. Consequently, these developments align with the brand’s vision to establish a strong presence across India’s leading leisure, spiritual, and urban hubs.

Commenting on the company’s growth trajectory, Anand Chatterjee said, “Our expansion strategy is deeply rooted in identifying emerging lifestyle destinations and curating experiences that resonate with the evolving expectations of today’s traveller. As we scale across diverse markets, our focus remains on delivering design-forward environments, intuitive service, and immersive stays that define modern premium hospitality. This journey is not just about growth in numbers but about creating meaningful, differentiated experiences across every touchpoint.”

Planet Hotels & Resorts continues to scale its operations through a strategic mix of flagship, boutique, and ultra-premium developments. By focusing on experiential hospitality and expanding into high-demand destinations, the company aims to capitalise on India’s growing travel and tourism sector while setting new benchmarks in premium lifestyle hospitality.

Spanning 28.6 acres, Prestige Golden Grove stands out as one of the largest residential developments in Hyderabad. The project offers a massive total saleable area of approximately 10.36 million square feet and carries an estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) exceeding Rs 9,500 crore. Moreover, the development features 5,120 residential units, thereby catering to strong and diverse housing demand in the region.

The project offers a wide range of configurations, including 2, 3, 3.5, and 4-bedroom homes, along with premium 4-bedroom residences that include staff accommodation. Additionally, the residences range in size from 1,169 sq. ft. to 3,013 sq. ft., while ticket sizes are expected to fall between approximately Rs 1 crore and Rs 3 crore, making the project accessible to a broad spectrum of homebuyers, from mid-segment buyers to premium investors.

Furthermore, the strategic location of Tellapur enhances the project’s appeal, as the area continues to witness rapid infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and increasing demand for quality housing. As a result, Prestige Golden Grove looks forward to attract both end-users and investors looking for long-term value in Hyderabad’s expanding residential landscape.

In addition, the scale and configuration diversity of the project reflect Prestige Estates’ focus on delivering integrated communities that combine modern living with convenience and accessibility. Consequently, the development aligns with the evolving preferences of urban homebuyers seeking spacious, well-designed homes in high-growth corridors.

The launch of Prestige Golden Grove underscores Prestige Estates Projects’ commitment to expanding its footprint in key metropolitan markets. By offering a large-scale, thoughtfully planned residential community in Tellapur, the company aims to capitalise on Hyderabad’s real estate momentum while delivering long-term value to homeowners and investors alike.

The Ideathon witnessed participation from 38 fintechs, techfins, and technology innovators who submitted solutions aligned with real-world business use cases identified by HDB Financial Services. Moreover, the program aimed to uncover scalable, technology-driven approaches capable of enhancing accessibility, improving service delivery, and boosting operational agility across India’s financial ecosystem.

Subsequently, the Ideathon shortlisted 10 high-potential teams, who worked closely with mentors from HDB Financial Services and AWS over several weeks. During this phase, participants leveraged AWS’s cloud infrastructure, data capabilities, and generative AI tools to design solutions tailored to real operational challenges within HDB’s business environment.

The final stage featured Shark Tank-style presentations, where innovators showcased how emerging technologies can address long-standing inefficiencies and unlock new opportunities in financial services. Following a rigorous evaluation process, Noventiq emerged as the winner for its Agentic AI solution. Meanwhile, Nugget by Zomato and Ganit Business Solutions Pvt Ltd secured the runner-up positions with their scalable, technology-driven offerings.

Commenting on the successful conclusion, G Ramesh said, “Through this Ideathon, we have seen how startups can build enterprise-scale solutions that improve operational efficiency while also supporting financial inclusion across India. The collaboration demonstrates the potential of combining innovation with the scale and reach of established financial institutions.”

Looking ahead, the selected winners will enter a pilot phase with HDB Financial Services, opening pathways for potential long-term commercial partnerships. These pilots will focus on integrating the solutions into HDB’s extensive pan-India network of over 1,700 branches. As a result, customers can expect faster, more seamless, and highly personalised financial services, including improved access to affordable credit, reduced turnaround times, and enhanced overall service experience.

As part of its broader expansion strategy, Atmosphere Core continues to focus on delivering premium experiences in emerging hill station destinations, particularly across Northeast India. The Shillong project reflects this vision, aiming to cater to a diverse mix of travellers, including leisure tourists, corporate guests, and curated social events.

Commenting on the development, Salil Panigrahi stated, “As part of our dynamic expansion across India, a key focus is our approach towards developing premium experiences in hill station destinations, particularly in the beautiful northeastern region. This upcoming boutique property in Shillong, Meghalaya, is being thoughtfully designed to cater to a diverse range of travellers—from leisure seekers and corporate guests to curated events and social get-togethers.”

Operating under the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand, the property will feature 75 keys, including deluxe rooms, suites, and presidential suites. Moreover, the hotel will offer panoramic views of the golf course, mountain valleys, lush greenery, and the cityscape, thereby creating a serene and immersive guest experience.

In addition, the hotel will deliver a well-rounded dining and wellness offering. Guests will have access to an all-day dining restaurant with outdoor seating, a sports pub, and a rooftop bar serving both local and multi-cuisine dishes. Wellness amenities will include the ELE|NA Ayur spa with dedicated therapy rooms, along with a swimming pool, golf simulation pavilion, kids’ play area, and an indoor games room.

Situated at an elevation of 1,496 metres, Shillong continues to attract travellers with its blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Popular attractions such as Ward’s Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Umiam Lake, and the Don Bosco Museum continue to draw visitors year-round. Furthermore, the city’s vibrant live music scene and events like the Shillong Autumn Festival enhance its appeal as a tourism hotspot.

Expanding on the company’s vision, Souvagya Mohapatra said, “The Northeastern state’s hill stations have always been central to our vision of creating iconic luxury experiences. Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, with its awe-inspiring cultural heritage backdrop and timeless appeal, is a natural choice for our expansion. As plans to enter this extraordinary destination unfold, I am confident that this collaboration will redefine hospitality in the region.”

From the ownership perspective, Rocky Dhar added, “Atmosphere Core’s distinguished legacy of excellence aligns perfectly with our vision to unveil a transcendent world-class hotel in Shillong. With our vision and focused approach, we are committed to manifesting inspiring, bespoke hotels and resorts that embody the pinnacle of sophistication. This illustrious partnership will not only elevate Shillong’s hospitality landscape but will also set an unrivaled benchmark for elegance and impeccable service in this breathtaking and scenic Northeastern state of India.”

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Atmosphere Core as it expands into Northeast India’s growing hospitality market. The upcoming Shillong property combines luxury design, a strategic location, and curated guest experiences to set new standards in boutique hospitality while contributing to the region’s tourism growth.