Wednesday, April 22, 2026
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upGrad to acquire Unacademy in 100% share swap deal, Gaurav Munjal to continue as CEO

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Gaurav Munjal, CEO, Unacademy

In a significant development in India’s edtech sector, Ronnie Screwvala-led upGrad has signed an agreement to acquire Unacademy through an all-stock, 100 percent share swap deal. The strategic move highlights the ongoing consolidation within the online education industry as companies seek stronger growth and innovation.

As part of the agreement, Unacademy co-founder Gaurav Munjal will continue to lead the company as CEO, where he will focus on expanding the platform’s online education offerings and global presence.

“Unacademy and upGrad have signed a term sheet for upGrad to acquire Unacademy in a 100 percent share swap deal. Neither side will disclose the valuation until closing, when the papers are filed and the transaction becomes public. I will be staying back as Co-Founder and CEO of Unacademy—with the goal to build great online products for learners in India and globally,” Unacademy CEO Gaurav Munjal said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, upGrad Co-Founder Ronnie Screwvala confirmed that the agreement includes a break fee clause, which would apply if the acquisition does not reach completion.

In addition, Munjal highlighted that Unacademy currently holds cash reserves of more than USD 100 million. He also explained that the company has recently restructured its operations, consolidating company-operated learning centers while partnering with franchise operators to improve efficiency.

Furthermore, Munjal pointed to the growing traction of Airlearn, the company’s global product, which is steadily gaining popularity in international markets such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

“Unacademy helped invent the Modern EdTech Playbook. Along the way we lost some focus and market share, and the sector itself has not seen enough real product innovation in recent years. AI will fundamentally reshape education, and EdTech may become one of its biggest beneficiaries,” Munjal said, adding that the partnership with upGrad will allow the entity to “build great products from K12 to forever learning.”

The proposed acquisition of Unacademy by upGrad marks a major milestone in India’s evolving online education industry. By combining resources, technology, and market reach, the two companies aim to strengthen their position in both domestic and international markets.

The partnership expects to accelerate product innovation, AI-driven learning solutions, and global expansion while enabling the combined entity to build a comprehensive learning ecosystem—from K12 education to lifelong learning opportunities.

Google and Accel back 5 AI startups as ‘Wrapper’ Models dominate applications

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Prayank Swaroop at Accel

India’s rapidly expanding artificial intelligence startups is attracting thousands of founders, but investors are becoming increasingly selective about the ideas they support. As AI technology evolves, venture firms are paying closer attention to startups that build original workflows and deep AI capabilities, rather than simply layering basic features on existing models.

During the evaluation of more than 4,000 applications for the joint AI accelerator for Indian startups run by Google and venture firm Accel, many of the proposals fell into a similar pattern. According to Accel partner Prayank Swaroop, a significant portion of these applications focused on building so-called “wrapper” startups—companies that place simple AI features on top of existing platforms. However, none of those ideas made it into the latest cohort of five selected startups.

The AI-focused Atoms program, announced in November by Google and Accel, aims to support early-stage startups developing AI products connected to India’s ecosystem. The startups chosen for the new cohort will receive up to $2 million in funding from Accel and Google’s AI Futures Fund. In addition, they will gain access to up to $350,000 in cloud and AI compute credits from Google to accelerate development.

Swaroop explained that nearly 70% of the rejected applications were “wrappers.” These startups often added AI-powered features such as chatbots to existing software but lacked deeper innovation.

“Wrapper” startups layered AI features such as chatbots on top of existing software but “were not reimagining new workflows using AI,” Swaroop said.

Meanwhile, many of the remaining rejected applications focused on highly saturated sectors, including marketing automation and AI recruitment tools. According to Swaroop, startups in these segments frequently struggle to differentiate themselves because multiple companies are already competing with similar solutions.

The large number of similar ideas was partly driven by the growing interest in AI entrepreneurship in India. This year’s program received almost four times more applications compared to previous cohorts of Accel’s Atoms initiative. Notably, a significant share of applicants were first-time founders, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding AI-driven businesses.

At the same time, India’s AI startup landscape remains heavily enterprise-focused. Swaroop noted that about 62% of the submissions centered on productivity tools, while another 13% targeted software development and coding solutions. As a result, nearly three-quarters of all applications focused on enterprise software, rather than consumer-facing AI products.

Interestingly, Swaroop also pointed out that he expected to see more ideas related to healthcare and education, sectors where AI could potentially create meaningful social impact.

From Google’s perspective, the final selection reflects areas where the company expects AI adoption to deepen in real-world applications.

Jonathan Silber, co-founder and director of Google’s AI Futures Fund, said the startups chosen for the program closely match industries where AI can drive practical and scalable impact.

Importantly, the program does not require participating startups to rely solely on Google’s AI models. Silber emphasized that many companies use multiple AI models depending on their workflows, which allows them to optimize performance and flexibility.

The initiative also serves a broader strategic purpose for Google. By observing how startups use different AI technologies in real-world scenarios, the company can gather valuable insights that help improve future models.

Participating startups share insights with Google DeepMind teams, enabling engineers to refine AI capabilities based on real product usage.

Silber described this approach as creating a feedback loop between startups and AI developers.

“If a company is using an alternative model, that means Google has work to do to build the best model in the market,” he said.

With growing interest from founders and investors alike, the country’s AI ecosystem is likely to evolve toward more specialized, scalable, and transformative solutions.

Preventive paincare startup Betterhood raises Rs 5-Cr to expand preventive paincare solutions in India

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Neha Zade & Vikram Kadam, co-founders, Betterhood

Preventive paincare startup Betterhood has raised Rs 5 crore in seed funding, led by Kairon Capital, with participation from several prominent angel investors. The investors include Yogesh Kabra of XYXX, Rishubh Satiya of Plix, Rohit Chawla and Sifat Khurana of Innovist, and Shayamal Vallabhjee, a sports scientist and performance coach.

The company will use the newly raised capital to accelerate product development, strengthen its team, and expand its distribution network across both offline and online channels, including e-commerce and quick commerce platforms, founder Vikram Kadam said.

Founded in 2024 by Vikram Kadam and Neha Zade, Betterhood focuses on preventive solutions for pain care and musculoskeletal health. The startup offers products across categories such as posture support, orthotic support, knee and wrist support, and pain relief solutions, aiming to help users manage and prevent physical discomfort more effectively.

“Most consumers in India still respond to pain only after it has become persistent enough to affect everyday life. We believe the real opportunity lies in shifting that behavior earlier—towards prevention, posture correction, recovery, and long-term musculoskeletal care,” Kadam said.

Since its launch, the preventive paincare startup has already served over 60,000 customers. Moreover, the company plans to expand its offline presence in the coming months by partnering with physiotherapy clinics, running communities, and opening wellness stores.

“Musculoskeletal issues today are lifestyle-rooted—shaped by how modern Indians work, commute, move, and rest. This is why Betterhood’s products are designed with the modern user at the centre,” said Zade.

In addition to selling products, Betterhood also provides digital tools on its website that help users identify the root causes of pain in the neck, back, shoulders, and knees. Furthermore, the platform offers a posture analysis tool and has introduced a certification programme for physiotherapists.

Commenting on the investment, Deepankur Malhotra, founder and managing partner at Kairon Capital, said, “Betterhood is addressing a large and highly underserved consumer need at the intersection of health, wellness, and lifestyle. What stood out to us was the founders’ clarity of thought, strong early execution, and the opportunity to build a differentiated, education-led brand in preventive pain care.”

Going forward, the company seeks to encourage consumers to shift from reactive pain treatment to proactive pain prevention, while expanding its reach to a broader base of health-conscious users across the country.

CARS24 acquires Vehicle Info to expand digital vehicle ownership platform

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Global used-car marketplace CARS24 has acquired automotive utility platform Vehicle Info from Surat-based Vasundhara Infotech LLP for an undisclosed amount, according to an official statement. Through this acquisition, the company aims to strengthen its digital ecosystem for vehicle owners.

Vehicle Info provides users with multiple vehicle-related services through a single digital platform. Consequently, the application allows vehicle owners to access important vehicle information conveniently online.

The app enables users to check vehicle registration details while also allowing them to view and pay traffic challans. In addition, the platform helps users verify insurance validity, track vehicle service history, and access other essential automotive data through one interface.

Meanwhile, the acquisition aligns with CARS24’s broader strategy to expand beyond vehicle transactions. The Gurgaon-based company therefore plans to develop a full-stack digital platform that supports vehicle ownership throughout its lifecycle.

CARS24 co-founder and CEO Vikram Chopra stated that Vehicle Info will continue operating as a standalone application with its existing team. However, he emphasised that both teams will collaborate closely to pursue a shared long-term vision.

He said, “Work together on a shared vision: solving vehicle ownership, not just vehicle transactions.”

Chirag Pipaliya, Co-founder at Vasundhara Infotech, said, “Joining hands with CARS24 gives the platform an opportunity to scale that vision further and integrate it into a larger ecosystem that supports users throughout the lifecycle of vehicle ownership.”

As a result, the partnership aims to enhance the digital experience for vehicle owners by integrating automotive utilities with marketplace services. Furthermore, the collaboration will enable the platform to reach a wider user base while strengthening the connected mobility ecosystem.

CARS24 continues to expand its capabilities beyond buying and selling cars. Through the acquisition of Vehicle Info, the company moves closer to building a comprehensive digital platform that simplifies vehicle ownership, improves access to automotive services, and supports users at every stage of their vehicle journey.

The Fern Hotels expands with 100-room Fern Residency Vrindavan Hotel opening by 2029

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Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of The Fern Residency Vrindavan in Vrindavan, and the company continues to strengthen its presence across North India. As a result, the hospitality group will expand its regional portfolio to 22 operational and upcoming properties.

The proposed hotel will feature 100 well-designed rooms and suites, and the property will cater to both leisure and business travelers visiting the spiritual destination. Moreover, the hotel will include an all-day dining restaurant serving multiple cuisines, while a specialty restaurant will offer additional dining experiences for guests.

The project is being developed in partnership with Appletree Builders & Developers Pvt. Ltd., and the collaboration will bring a branded hospitality experience to the growing tourism hub. Additionally, the hotel will include dedicated meeting and event facilities, including conference rooms and banquet halls designed to host corporate meetings, social gatherings, and celebrations.

Furthermore, the property will feature wellness amenities to enhance the guest experience. These facilities will include a fully equipped gym that will support both short-stay visitors and long-stay guests seeking comfort and convenience.

Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “Vrindavan is an important spiritual and cultural destination that continues to witness growing interest from both domestic and international travellers. This signing reflects our commitment to expanding in high-potential destinations while delivering sustainable and contemporary guest experiences through our collaboration under The Fern, Series by Marriott.”

Arvind Pratapsingh, Partner, Appletree Builders & Developers Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to partner with The Fern Hotels & Resorts to introduce a branded hospitality experience in the spiritual city of Vrindavan. With the city witnessing a steady rise in pilgrimage and leisure travel, we believe this collaboration will bring a high-quality stay option that blends comfort, thoughtful amenities, and warm hospitality. We are confident that The Fern Residency Vrindavan, Series by Marriott will emerge as a preferred destination for travellers and social gatherings in the region.”

The company plans to open the hotel in the first half of 2029, and the development will further strengthen its presence in North India’s rapidly growing hospitality market. At the same time, the project will support the rising demand for quality accommodation in Vrindavan, which continues to attract pilgrims, tourists, and cultural travelers from across India and around the world.

The upcoming Fern Residency Vrindavan project will combine modern amenities, branded hospitality, and strategic partnerships, and it will strengthen the company’s long-term growth strategy in the region while meeting the increasing demand for quality stays in Vrindavan.

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels signs deal to develop 100-room THE Park Siliguri Hotel

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Priya Paul, Chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited has signed a hotel management agreement with Luxmi Tea Co. Private Limited to develop THE Park Siliguri, a 100-room hotel that will come up within the Chandmani Tea Estate in Siliguri. Through this partnership, the companies aim to create a unique hospitality destination in North Bengal.

The developers will build the project under the Tea Tourism Policy of the Government of West Bengal. They will spread the development across approximately 3.25 acres within the tea estate landscape. Moreover, the project timeline targets completion by March 2031.

The upcoming hotel will stand about 12.7 kilometres from Bagdogra Airport, which will improve accessibility for travellers visiting the region. Furthermore, the property will cater to tourists exploring the eastern Himalayan belt. Siliguri plays a crucial role as the gateway to Sikkim and the Eastern Himalayas, and therefore it serves as a key hub for tourism, trade, and regional connectivity.

In addition, the signing strengthens Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited’s growing presence in the Himalayan corridor. The company already operates hospitality properties in the region, including Zone by The Park Darjeeling and Zone Connect by The Park Gangtok. Consequently, the new project will further expand the group’s strategic footprint in this important tourism belt.

Priya Paul, Chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited, said, “We are delighted to sign THE Park Siliguri. The city is one of the most dynamic links to the Eastern Himalayas, and we see tremendous opportunity to create a destination that is both rooted in the tea estate legacy while introducing a bold, contemporary perspective on hospitality—creating experiences that are vibrant, design-forward, and Anything But Ordinary™. This project will strengthen the region’s MICE ecosystem while creating meaningful employment and skill development opportunities for young people across Siliguri and the hills. We are confident this collaboration will set a new benchmark for the region.”

Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director, Luxmi Tea Company Private Limited, said, “We are delighted to partner with THE Park Hotel in Siliguri, as it reflects our strong commitment to Siliguri and the wider North Bengal region as an emerging tourism and business destination. We are equally committed to skill development initiatives that empower talented young individuals from Siliguri, the hills, and across North Bengal.”

Meanwhile, the partnership reflects a broader effort to promote tourism-driven development in the region. The project will also contribute to local employment opportunities while supporting skill development initiatives for young professionals.

With this new signing, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited continues to expand its hospitality portfolio across Eastern India. At the same time, the company strengthens its strategic presence in West Bengal while tapping into the tourism and business potential of the eastern Himalayan gateway.

Scottish startup SeaDyes raises £200K to develop sustainable seaweed textile dyes

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SeaDyes, a startup focused on developing seaweed-based fabric dyes, has entered the company creation phase of Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Spinout Programme and secured £200,000 in funding. The investment will help the company accelerate its development and commercialisation efforts in the sustainable textile sector.

Marine scientist and biotech innovator Jessica Giannotti founded the company in July 2023. Later, the startup joined the James Hutton Institute at the beginning of 2025 as a spin-in. Since then, the company has operated from the institute’s Invergowrie campus while advancing its proprietary seaweed-derived textile dye technology.

The startup continues to develop natural dyes created from seaweed, which provide a sustainable and non-toxic alternative to conventional petroleum-based dyes. Traditional textile dyes contribute nearly 280,000 tonnes of pollution to the environment each year. Moreover, the textile dyeing and finishing industry remains a major global polluter because it generates around 20% of industrial wastewater pollution and approximately 3% of global CO₂ emissions. Experts also project that these emissions could increase to 10% by 2050 if the industry does not adopt sustainable alternatives.

Meanwhile, SeaDyes has accelerated its innovation with the support of Scottish Enterprise and the James Hutton Institute. Both organisations have provided access to laboratory workspaces, advanced equipment, and commercial guidance through Hutton Scientific Services. As a result, the company has successfully developed viable prototype dyes and engaged with more than 100 potential customers across the textile ecosystem.

In addition, the startup has established multi-year research and development collaborations as well as commercial partnerships with leading industry players. At the same time, the company has strengthened its leadership team by bringing in new experts to support its growth strategy.

SeaDyes recently appointed Isla Fowler as its Textile Innovation Technician. She holds a master’s degree in fashion and textile design from Heriot-Watt University and will contribute to advancing the startup’s textile innovation capabilities. Furthermore, the company has appointed Ian Laird as its Commercial Champion to guide its business expansion and market strategy.

Ian brings more than 30 years of experience in building and scaling companies across multiple industries, including the textiles sector. He has extensive expertise in securing investment, licensing complex industrial processes, and driving innovation through strategic partnerships.

He said, “I’m excited to support the inspirational Jessica Giannotti in her vision to develop bio-based dyes for use in textiles, using seaweed as a sustainable and renewable feedstock.”

Hutton CEO Professor Colin Campbell added, “SeaDyes is a very exciting prospect and an inspiring nature-based approach that aims to solve a historically difficult and intractable problem for the dye industry. We are delighted they are at the James Hutton Institute and tapping into our expertise in natural products.”

Leah Pape, Head of High Growth Services at Scottish Enterprise, added, “This company creation funding marks a pivotal step for SeaDyes, providing the capital and structured support needed to accelerate the journey to spin-out. It will enable the team to build a robust commercial proposition, position the business for investment, and establish SeaDyes as a high-growth company capable of driving more sustainable practices across the textile industry while strengthening Scotland’s industrial biotechnology ecosystem.”

With fresh funding, strong institutional backing, and growing industry partnerships, the startup aims to transform the dyeing process with eco-friendly seaweed-based alternatives while contributing to a more sustainable global textile industry.

IHCL signs 250-key Taj Hotel in Guwahati, marking brand’s debut in Assam’s capital

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Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new Taj hotel in Guwahati, thereby marking the debut of the luxury hospitality brand in Assam’s capital city. The agreement took place in the presence of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, highlighting the importance of the project for the region’s hospitality and tourism sector.

The upcoming development will introduce a 250-key Taj hotel through a combination of renovation and expansion. As part of the plan, the project will comprehensively renovate and reposition an existing property with 150 keys while also adding 100 new rooms to enhance the overall inventory.

Puneet Chhatwal, managing director & chief executive officer, IHCL, said, “The development of the Taj hotel in Guwahati reflects our confidence in Assam’s economic momentum and Guwahati’s position as the commercial and cultural gateway to the Northeast. As demand in the region continues to evolve, the introduction of Taj will play a pivotal role in strengthening the city’s hospitality ecosystem while supporting its growth as a centre for business and tourism.”

Meanwhile, developers will construct the hotel on an expanded land parcel of more than nine acres in the heart of Guwahati. The urban retreat will deliver a hospitality experience inspired by the culture and spirit of Assam. Moreover, the property will feature several specialty restaurants along with expansive banqueting and meeting spaces designed to host both social gatherings and corporate events.

In addition, the hotel will house the brand’s signature J Wellness Circle, offering wellness and rejuvenation experiences for guests. As a result, the property will cater to both business and leisure travellers visiting the city.

The signing of the Taj Hotel in Guwahati reflects IHCL’s continued expansion strategy across emerging markets in India. Furthermore, the project will boost the region’s hospitality infrastructure while supporting Guwahati’s growing role as a key gateway for business, culture, and tourism in Northeast India.

Most Trusted Brands of India 2026 to Spotlight Trust, Perception, and Brand Leadership in India’s Evolving Consumer Economy

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As India moves toward becoming the world’s third-largest consumer market by 2027, the rules of brand leadership are rapidly evolving. In today’s hyper-connected marketplace, perception has become one of the most powerful drivers of brand performance, shaping how consumers discover, evaluate, and ultimately choose the brands they trust.

According to the Edelman Trust Barometer 2024, nearly 81% of purchase decisions in India are influenced by perception, while digital platforms now impact close to 90% of urban consumer purchase journeys. Research from Kantar BrandZ further highlights that brands strong in meaning, difference, and salience deliver three times stronger brand power and greater pricing advantage, reinforcing the growing importance of trust-led brand building.

Against this backdrop, Team Marksmen Network will host the 6th Annual Edition of Most Trusted Brands of India 2026 on 13 March 2026 at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai. The platform will bring together senior brand leaders, marketing strategists, and industry thinkers to explore how organisations can build credibility, shape perception, and sustain consumer trust in an increasingly dynamic environment.

The evening will open with a Power Keynote by Dr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, who will speak on “The Perception Advantage: Turning Meaning Into Market Leadership,” offering insights on how brands can translate emotional connection, cultural relevance, and consumer understanding into competitive advantage.

The event will also feature a panel discussion titled “Reputation, Relevance & Reinvention – The New Rules of Consumer Perception,” bringing together leading marketing leaders including Kapil Grover, CMO, Restaurant Brands Asia; Abhishek Kumar Srivastava, Vice President Marketing (CMO), Piramal Consumer Health; Deepak Oram, SVP – Growth Marketing & Martech, HDFC Bank; and Gaurangi Desai Mehra, Director – Marketing & Communications, APAR Industries. The discussion will be moderated by Amiya Swarup, Partner – Marketing Consulting, EY, and will explore how brands can navigate culture, community influence, and rising consumer expectations while maintaining authenticity.

A special address will be delivered by Shri Kripashankar Singh, Former Minister of State for Home Affairs, Maharashtra and Vice President of BJP, who will share perspectives on leadership, trust, and the evolving relationship between organisations and society.

A key highlight of the evening will be the felicitation of organisations recognised as the Most Trusted Brands of India 2026, celebrating companies that have demonstrated sustained commitment to credibility, consumer trust, and responsible brand leadership.

The platform is supported by Business Standard as the Media Partner and India Today as the Telecast Partner, ensuring strong national visibility and industry reach.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve and trust becomes the defining currency of brand success, Most Trusted Brands of India 2026 aims to bring together leaders who are shaping perception with clarity, credibility, and purpose, reinforcing trust as the ultimate measure of brand excellence in India’s rapidly expanding consumer economy.

Radisson Hotel Group expands India footprint with four new Park Inn & Suites Hotels

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Radisson Hotel Group has signed agreements for four new Park Inn & Suites by Radisson hotels in Roorkee; Meerut; Asansol in West Bengal; and Airoli in Navi Mumbai, and the company continues to expand its midscale presence across India’s emerging growth corridors. At the same time, the expansion highlights the group’s strategy to strengthen its presence in developing markets that are witnessing rising economic and tourism activity.

The company is responding to growing demand from education hubs, industrial clusters, and developing business districts; therefore, the latest signings highlight its expansion into cities that still have limited access to branded hospitality options. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson serves as the company’s India-focused midscale brand, and it specifically targets fast-growing cities that require reliable and internationally recognized hotel services.

Roorkee in Uttarakhand continues to attract steady visitor demand because the city hosts prominent institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and maintains a strong manufacturing base. Consequently, the city sees consistent travel activity from academic visitors, industrial professionals, weddings, and social events. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Roorkee, will open in Q2 2027 on NH-344, and the property will include multiple dining options, a rooftop specialty restaurant, and versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces that will serve business travelers as well as leisure and social gatherings.

Meerut in Uttar Pradesh plays a significant role as an industrial and commercial hub in western Uttar Pradesh, and the city also forms part of the National Capital Region. The region continues to experience strong growth across manufacturing, handicrafts, and defense-related industries, and this economic expansion has increased demand for hospitality services. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Meerut, will open in Q1 2029 on National Highway-58, and the hotel will feature contemporary guest rooms, dining outlets, meeting facilities, and an outdoor lawn designed for business events, weddings, and social gatherings.

Asansol in West Bengal serves as one of the state’s major industrial centers, and the city relies heavily on coal mining and steel production while also hosting operations linked to Eastern Coalfields Limited. Moreover, the city benefits from wedding tourism and religious travel associated with the Kalyaneshwari Temple and the Ghagar Buri Chandi Temple. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asansol will open in Q1 2029 along the Delhi–Kolkata Highway, and the 75-key property will include modern rooms, all-day dining, a rooftop bar, meeting spaces, a gym, and a swimming pool designed for business travelers, leisure guests, and social events.

Meanwhile, Airoli in Navi Mumbai is rapidly evolving as a commercial extension of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and the district continues to attract corporate offices, multinational companies, and premium commercial developments. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Navi Mumbai (Airoli), will open in Q3 2028 on Airoli Road near Digha railway station, and the property will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, and meeting facilities designed for corporate travelers, MICE events, leisure visitors, and short-stay guests.

“India’s travel growth is increasingly being driven by emerging cities that bring together education ecosystems, industrial development, social infrastructure, and expanding corporate activity. Many of these markets, however, remain underserved by quality branded hospitality despite strong and sustainable demand fundamentals. Our latest Park Inn & Suites by Radisson signings reflect a deliberate and long-term strategy to address this gap by introducing a trusted, internationally recognised midscale brand to cities where demand spans business, leisure, and large social events. Together, these developments strengthen our presence across India’s next generation of growth corridors while reinforcing our commitment to delivering consistency, value, and reliability across diverse travel needs,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director, Development, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, also emphasized the strategic value of the new developments. “Roorkee, Meerut, Asansol, and Navi Mumbai each represent distinct demand profiles, yet share a common theme of strong fundamentals combined with limited branded supply. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson is ideally suited for such markets, offering a flexible development model and the right balance of rooms, dining, and event infrastructure. These signings reinforce our focus on early entry, first-mover advantage, and long-term value creation. The four signings are aligned to our strategy of expanding across market tiers through suitable brand offerings from midscale to luxury with respect to opportunity profile and demand-supply dynamics.”

Owners associated with the projects also expressed strong confidence in the developments and the cities’ hospitality potential.

“Roorkee has seen sustained growth driven by its academic institutions, industrial base, and high-volume social and religious events, creating consistent demand for quality accommodation. Partnering with Radisson Hotel Group enables us to bring a globally recognised brand to the city that matches its evolving profile and rising expectations. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson will introduce international service standards and purpose-built facilities that cater effectively to business travelers, families, and large social gatherings,” said Yudhveer Singh.

“Meerut is an economically vibrant city with strong industrial activity and a well-established social events market, yet access to branded hospitality has remained limited. The introduction of Park Inn & Suites by Radisson represents a significant step forward in addressing this gap. The hotel is well positioned to redefine the city’s midscale offering while catering to a broad mix of business travel, weddings, and leisure demand,” said Siddharth Goel.

“Asansol’s strong industrial base, strategic connectivity and growing social events market have created sustained demand for quality branded hospitality, yet the city has remained largely underserved. Partnering with Radisson Hotel Group allows us to introduce the first internationally recognised midscale hotel to the market, bringing global service standards and purpose-built facilities to the region. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asansol, is designed to cater to business travelers, families, and large social gatherings while supporting the city’s long-term economic and social growth,” said Sanjay Singh.

“Navi Mumbai’s rapid evolution as a corporate and commercial hub has created sustained demand for reliable, well-located branded hotels. Airoli, in particular, has emerged as a key business district attracting large multinational occupiers. This development, in collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group, is designed to meet the needs of today’s business and MICE travellers while complementing the area’s expanding office ecosystem and long-term growth trajectory,” said Sandarsh Shetty.

The new hotel signings in Roorkee, Meerut, Asansol, and Navi Mumbai demonstrate the company’s commitment to bridging the gap in branded midscale hospitality while supporting business travel, tourism growth, and large social events in rapidly developing regions.