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Butterfly Learnings: Transforming Paediatric Behavioural Health

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Abhishek Sen and Sonam Kothari, CEO Butterfly Learnings

In a world where every child’s unique potential deserves to be nurtured, one startup is spreading its wings to transform paediatric behavioural and developmental health. Imagine a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis – a perfect metaphor for a child’s journey with developmental challenges blossoming into their full potential.  Butterfly Learnings, founded in 2021 by Abhishek Sen and Sonam Kothari, serves as a beacon of hope for families navigating the complex landscape of neurodiversity.

Paediatric behavioural and developmental health encompasses various conditions that affect a child’s growth, learning, and social interactions. From autism spectrum disorders to ADHD, speech delays, and sensory processing issues, these challenges can significantly impact a child’s life trajectory. However, with early intervention and tailored support, these children can achieve remarkable progress, often surpassing expectations and thriving in mainstream environments.

Butterfly Learnings is an innovative startup redefining the approach to pediatric developmental care. By seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with compassionate, evidence-based practices, they’re crafting a new paradigm in personalised therapy. In this exclusive interview, we delve deep into the world of Butterfly Learnings, exploring their mission, methods, and transformative impact on children and families across Maharashtra.

BRL: Can you provide an overview of Butterfly Learnings and its mission in paediatric behavioural and developmental health?

Butterfly Learnings is a renowned centre specialising in paediatric behavioural and developmental health. We focus on using evidence-based practices to nurture each child’s growth. Our mission is to create a warm and inclusive environment where children with developmental disabilities can thrive.

We take a comprehensive approach, offering therapeutic services customised to each child’s unique needs. Our team, including paediatric therapists, behaviour analysts, and developmental specialists, works together to boost communication, social skills, motor abilities, and cognitive development.

Our flagship program, the Butterfly Learnings Inclusive Schooling System (BLISS), helps children with various developmental needs succeed in mainstream classrooms. By working closely with families, educators, and healthcare professionals, we build a thorough support network that promotes the best development and long-term success for every child.

BRL:  How does Butterfly Learnings combine technological innovation with clinical excellence to provide personalised therapy regimens?

At Butterfly Learnings, we integrate cutting-edge technology with our clinical expertise to offer personalised therapy regimens. We use the latest diagnostic tools, data analytics, and machine learning algorithms to create therapy plans tailored to each child’s needs. Our therapists use digital platforms to track real-time progress and modify therapy sessions. This blend of technology and clinical skills ensures that every child receives precise and effective care.

BRL: Can you explain the neurodiversity challenges you address and how your therapy regimens are tailored to meet individual needs?

Butterfly Learnings addresses various neurodiversity challenges, including developmental delays, speech and language disorders, sensory integration issues, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD. We understand that each child has unique needs and abilities. We start with thorough assessments to identify specific challenges to tailor our therapy regimens. We then use evidence-based practices such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and sensory integration to design appropriate interventions.

Each child’s therapy plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted to adapt to changing needs and support optimal development.

BRL: What are some of the unique features of Butterfly Learnings’ approach that set it apart from other paediatric behavioural health providers?

Butterfly Learnings distinguishes itself through a holistic and integrated approach to paediatric behavioural health. We provide comprehensive therapeutic services in one place, ensuring thorough care for our clients. Our multidisciplinary team works closely together to develop cohesive and effective therapy plans. 

Additionally, we emphasise strong family involvement and use cutting-edge technologies to boost therapy outcomes. We also prioritise early intervention and preventative treatments, which ensures long-term success for our children. 

BRL: What role do parents and families play in therapy, and how do you support them alongside their children?

Parents and families play a crucial role in the therapy process at Butterfly Learnings. We believe that successful outcomes depend on strong collaboration with families. Our therapists work closely with parents to explain their child’s needs, train them on therapeutic techniques, and involve them in setting goals and monitoring progress.

We also provide regular family counselling sessions, workshops, and support groups. These resources empower parents with the knowledge and skills to support their child’s development at home. This approach ensures that therapy continues to benefit the child beyond our centre and into their daily life.

BRL: Can you discuss the importance of early intervention in developmental and behavioural health and how Butterfly Learnings addresses this?

Early intervention is essential in developmental and behavioural health because it can significantly enhance long-term outcomes for children with neurodiverse conditions. At Butterfly Learnings, we emphasise the importance of early assessment and intervention to promptly address developmental delays and behavioural challenges. 

Our team performs comprehensive developmental screenings and offers targeted therapies to support early milestones. By addressing issues early on, we help children develop foundational skills that benefit them throughout their lives, potentially reducing the need for more intensive treatments later. 

BRL: How does Butterfly Learnings ensure the privacy and confidentiality of its clients?

At Butterfly Learnings, we take privacy and confidentiality very seriously. We follow strict data protection policies and comply with legal and ethical standards. Our digital systems use advanced encryption to safeguard sensitive information. Additionally, our staff receives training in confidentiality protocols, ensuring that client information is managed with the highest level of care. We are committed to maintaining a secure and trusting environment where families can be confident that their privacy is protected.

BRL: What upcoming initiatives or expansions can we expect from Butterfly Learnings?

We are excited to announce that our inclusive school program, BLISS, will expand to eight new locations across Maharashtra. We have opened two new centres in Thane and Dombivli, with more to extend our reach and support.

BRL: How do you educate the community about neurodiversity and the importance of behavioural and developmental health?

Education is a vital part of Butterfly Learnings’ mission. We engage with the community through social media, workshops, seminars, and outreach programs to raise awareness about neurodiversity and the importance of behavioural and developmental health. We also partner with schools, paediatricians, and other organisations to provide training and resources. We aim to build an inclusive and supportive community where neurodiverse individuals are understood and valued. By promoting education and awareness, we strive to create a more accepting and informed environment for all children and their families.

DevRev raises over $100M in Series A, joins AI unicorn Club 

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Dheeraj Pandey and Manoj Agarwal, Co-founders, DevRev

DevRev, a customer relationship software firm, has raised $100.8 million in Series A funding. Khosla Ventures, among others, led the round. This investment surge reflects the growing interest in AI-powered companies.

With this latest round, DevRev’s valuation has hit $1.15 billion, making it a unicorn. The recent AI boom has driven venture capitalists to invest heavily in AI startups, anticipating significant returns from widespread adoption.

Investments in AI startups soared to $24 billion between April and June, more than doubling from the previous quarter, according to Crunchbase data.

As of 2024, 38 startups have surpassed a $1 billion valuation, with Elon Musk’s xAi leading at $24 billion, TechCrunch reports.

Founded in October 2020 by former Nutanix CEO Dheeraj Pandey, DevRev provides AI-driven customer relationship software. The platform connects end users, sellers, support teams, product managers, and developers.

“Design will play a key role in building trust with end users, who have inevitably begun to witness the AI hype cycle of broken prototypes and bespoke one-off GPT wrappers that are inherently unmaintainable and not secure”, said Dheeraj Pandey, CEO of DevRev. “Trust is built by delivering fast, accurate, and personalized AI solutions. In under four years we’ve built an amazing multi-region platform to deliver enterprise-level security, combined with an experience that is consumer-grade.”

Khosla Ventures, which has supported DevRev since 2021, has also invested in notable companies like Instacart, DoorDash, and Stripe.

“AI will transform enterprise customer support and product teams, changing the way companies do business globally,” said Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures. “Having backed Dheeraj at Nutanix, and now at DevRev, he is one of the few people in the industry who can leverage foundation models and weave them together with enterprise architectures, customer collaboration, and monetization.”

“We take a people-first approach to investing and we’re particularly proud to back DevRev because Dheeraj and Manoj understand that company building is a team sport. It’s also a strong example of the cognition-as-a-service (CaaS) era of technology Mayfield is bullish on,” said Navin Chaddha, managing partner at Mayfield Fund. “DevRev is creating a high-speed highway between the customer and the developer. The layering of an AI teammate experience is an exciting next step that will allow developers, product managers, and customer support engineers to collaborate in real-time with end users.”

Kurious, an edtech start-up in association with ICICI Bank, empowers eleven schools in Sunam

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Minister of Punjab Aman Arora Inaugurates Advanced Robotics Lab in his constituency Sunam

Punjab, 09 August 2024: In a continuation of the groundbreaking educational initiative, 11 more Government Schools in the Sunam Assembly constituency have been equipped with state-of-the-art robotics labs. Funded by ICICI Bank and executed in partnership with Kurious Learning Labs, Gurgaon. This project builds on last year’s success, bringing the total to 29 schools with access to state-of-the-art robotics and AI facilities.

“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to providing quality education and equipping our students with the skills they need to thrive in the modern world,” said Minister Shri Aman Arora. “Regular training will be imparted at all these schools by trainers specially deployed at Sunam by Kurious Labs Gurgaon. We are confident that our students will benefit immensely from these advanced robotics labs.”

This year, students will benefit from enhanced lab facilities and resources, including kits and components for increased focus on emerging technologies of AI and IoT, a Tablet provided for controlling these IoT systems and AI projects, and to enable state-of-the-art technology-based hands-on projects. 

To further support academic success, Kurious has deployed specialized trainers from Delhi NCR to provide regular, hands-on training throughout the year, ensuring students and teachers stay up-to-date with the latest robotics and AI innovations.

“The successful take-off of this initiative reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved,” said Sarang Gangan, Founder & CEO of Kurious Learning Labs. “We’re proud to be part of this groundbreaking and one of its kind initiative, which is equipping students with the skills and innovation-mindset to thrive in a rapidly changing tech landscape and be future-ready.”

Establishing these state-of-the-art Futuristic Robotic Labs marks a significant milestone in Sunam’s educational journey, offering students hands-on experiences in robotics and technology, sparking their interest in STEM careers and equipping them with essential skills for a digital future.

About Kurious Learning Labs

“Kurious Learning Labs is a pioneering AI and Robotics Education company dedicated to empowering schools and colleges with innovative solutions for 21st-century technical skills development. Our comprehensive offerings include:

– Level-wise DIY Kits for hands-on learning

– Graded curriculum aligned with industry standards

– Teacher training modules for effective implementation

– Comprehensive teaching and learning resources for enhanced understanding

By providing an end-to-end solution, we aim to bridge the skills gap and prepare students for a technology-driven future.”

Stone Wood Hotels and Resorts launches new property in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan 

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Stone Wood Hotels and Resorts, known for its affordable boutique hotels, proudly announces the opening of its latest property in Kumbhalgarh. This new hotel is Stone Wood’s second venture in Rajasthan, a state rich in culture.

Located just 100 km from Udaipur Airport, the Stone Wood Hotel Kumbhalgarh is a convenient 2-hour drive via well-connected roads. The hotel is near the famous Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical and architectural splendour. Guests will also have easy access to attractions like the Ranakpur Jain Temple and the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

The hotel features 21 uniquely themed rooms, including deluxe, super deluxe, and suite options. Themes like Fort, Moon, and Botanical provide every guest with a luxurious and comfortable stay.

Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes at the multi-cuisine restaurant, where expert chefs prepare fresh and flavorful meals. The rooftop café offers a distinctive dining experience with stunning views of the Kumbhalgarh valley and lush surroundings.

Stone Wood Hotel Kumbhalgarh also includes a large swimming pool with a separate kids’ pool, perfect for relaxation in the sun or a cool evening breeze. The hotel features a Games and Activity room with numerous indoor and outdoor games for all ages.

The property is an excellent choice for corporate and social events, with versatile banqueting spaces, including a banquet hall and a spacious open lawn, ideal for MICE and weddings.

For guests interested in exploring Kumbhalgarh’s heritage, the hotel provides curated experiences to the Kumbhalgarh Fort and other local attractions like the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Lord Shiva Temple, Vedi Temple, and Hammeripal Lake.

Stone Wood Hotels and Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality with its mix of affordable luxury and boutique charm. Focused on personalized service and value-for-money stays, Stone Wood continues to expand across India, offering memorable experiences in scenic locations.

Novamax Appliances expands its presence with new manufacturing plant in Gorakhpur

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August 09, 2024 || Novamax Appliances, a pioneering home appliance brand, is set to establish its new manufacturing facility in Gorakhpur. This strategic move will cater to the growing demands in Nepal, Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar, further solidifying Novamax’s presence in these key markets. The brand has invested 35 crores to set up the new factory, with the facility spread over 26,000 square feet. It is set to become operational within the next year, promising to bring 250 new jobs to the region. This expansion showcases Novamax’s commitment to contributing to local economies and supporting community development. 

Speaking about the new venture, Harshit Aggarwal, the CEO and Founder of Novamax Appliances, says, “Setting up the new factory in Gorakhpur showcases our dedication to meeting the growing demand for high-quality home appliances in the region. With this facility, we aim to enhance our production capabilities and ensure timely delivery to our customers. Our goal is not only to expand our market reach but also to create substantial employment opportunities and encourage economic growth in the local community.”

With an initial investment of ₹5.25 crores, Novamax Appliances has experienced significant growth. In the sales segment, their commitment to quality control and customer satisfaction has increased by 25%, highlighting the trust and loyalty of the brand’s expanding customer base. In FY24, the brand targeted a financial closure of ₹160 crores with the aim for new financial milestones and diversification of its products.

About Novamax Appliances

Founded in 2019, Novamax Appliances is one of India’s top air cooler manufacturing brands. With a dedicated team strength of approximately 250 professionals, Novamax aims to meet the demands of today’s consumers by ensuring world-class manufacturing and innovation.

LIC looks to acquire health insurance companies 

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LIC plans to take the acquisition route to get into the health insurance business said MD & CEO, Siddhartha Mohanty. 

During the announcement of the financial results for the first quarter, Mohanty stated that the company aims to complete an acquisition this financial year.

“Rather than set up a vertical for insurance, we felt that we can acquire a company which will allow us to start selling health insurance across the country,” said Mohanty.

LIC boasts over 14.1 lakh agents, making it one of the most significant agency forces globally. Many of these agents are already selling health insurance for other private firms, as regulations allow agents to work for both life and non-life insurance companies. These agents are likely to shift to LIC’s health insurance products.

Industry sources highlight that health insurance is increasingly popular, especially among young buyers seeking coverage. This trend creates a chance for agents to connect with potential customers. Consequently, health insurance availability could also boost the life insurance sector.

Five major standalone health insurance companies operate: Star Health & Allied Insurance, Niva Bupa, Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Care Health Insurance, and ManipalCigna Health Insurance. Two additional health insurers, Galaxy Health and Narayana Health, recently received regulatory approval.

LIC reported a 9.6% increase in net profit for the June quarter, totalling Rs 10,461 crore compared to Rs 9,544 crore last year.

The company’s first-year premium income market share rose to 64%, up from 61.4% year-over-year. LIC held a 39.3% share in the individual business segment and dominated the group business with a 76.6% share.

Total premium income for the quarter increased by 15.7% to Rs 1,13,770 crore, up from Rs 98,363 crore last year. Individual business premiums grew by 7.04% to Rs 67,192 crore, while group business premiums rose by 30.9% to Rs 46,578 crore.

The value of new business for the quarter grew by 23.7% to Rs 1,610 crore, and the VNB margin improved by 20 basis points to 13.9%. LIC’s assets under management increased by 16.2% year-over-year, reaching Rs 54 lakh crore. The solvency ratio improved to 2 from 1.9, and the overall expense ratio decreased by 98 basis points to 11.9%, indicating better operational efficiency.

Specialty chemical startup Scimplify raises $9.5M in Series A funding

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(L-R), Salil Srivastava and Sachin Santhosh, founders, Scimplify

Scimplify, a startup specializing in specialty chemical manufacturing, has raised $9.5 million in a Series A funding round. Investors include Omnivore, Bertelsmann India Investments, and existing backers 3one4 Capital and Beenext.

Scimplify plans to use the new funds to boost its research and development capabilities. The company also aims to expand into new markets.

Salil Srivastava and Sachin Santhosh founded Scimplify in 2023. The company provides a comprehensive platform for sourcing and manufacturing specialty chemicals. Scimplify supports the entire product lifecycle, from initial research to final production. The company serves various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and personal care.

“The backbone of Indian specialty chemical manufacturing are mid-sized factories that have built in-depth, chemistry specific expertise over decades. However, there is significant available capacity to double the national output in the next 5 years with the given infrastructure,” said Srivastava, in a statement on Thursday.

“Scimplify brings together unique products to these factories using cutting edge R&D along with consistent demand from global customers to utilize these capacities and provide a tech-enabled, full-stack offering to the modern agile customer,” he added. 

Before starting Scimplify, Salil Srivastava headed the chemicals division at Zetwerk, a manufacturing unicorn. Sachin Santhosh previously worked at Bizongo, a B2B vendor management startup. He began his career at OfBusiness, a B2B e-commerce platform.

The global specialty chemicals market is substantial, exceeding $800 billion in 2023. Agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals dominate this market, accounting for over 60% of the total value. India plays a significant role as the world’s second-largest exporter of agrochemicals. The Indian chemical industry is poised for substantial growth, aiming to double its output by 2027.

“Scimplify’s science-driven platform delivers affordable, sustainable agrochemicals and green chemistry intermediaries. By streamlining R&D and manufacturing of sustainable formulations, they’re meeting global demands and positioning India as a leader in sustainable manufacturing of chemical intermediaries,” said Mark Kahn, managing partner at Omnivore. 

Novo Nordisk Global Business Services Signs MoU with BITS Pilani

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Novo Nordisk Global Business Services has formed a new partnership with BITS Pilani. The two organizations signed a two-year agreement to collaborate on healthcare initiatives. BITS Pilani is known for its focus on innovation. This partnership marks the third academic collaboration for Novo Nordisk in the past year. Earlier, the company partnered with Manipal Academy of Higher Education and IIIT Bangalore.

Novo Nordisk and BITS Pilani will work together on various projects. These include hackathons, case competitions, and student internships. Both organizations will also share knowledge through guest lectures and educational programs. Additionally, they will collaborate on branding, innovation, research, and social responsibility initiatives. BITS Pilani will support Novo Nordisk’s campus activities and provide relevant information.

Speaking on the collaboration, John Dawber, Corporate Vice President & Managing Director, Novo Nordisk Global Business Services, said, “This collaboration with BITS Pilani is a strategic learning partnership that empowers our healthcare workforce and drives innovationNovo and progress in the industry. It reflects our dedication to enhancing knowledge, nurturing talent, and creating a healthier tomorrow.”   

Commenting on the collaboration, Professor Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani said, “The MoU marks a significant step in bridging the gap between academia and industry. By collaborating with Novo Nordisk, we’re providing our students with invaluable, real-world skills development opportunities, directly enhancing their employability in the pharma and healthcare sector. This will also provide opportunities for Novo Nordisk employees to upgrade their skills through our academic programs. Together, we commit ourselves to building a collaborative environment for the betterment of both our students and our industry in our shared goal of academic and professional excellence.”   

Prof Suman Kundu, Director, BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa Campus further added, “Our partnership with Novo Nordisk will enable us to overcome the industry standards and requisite skills mismatch. This is a milestone collaboration in our endeavour to enable comprehensive learning for the student community along with providing them with rewarding placements. We look forward to helping students grow academically and pave the way for better opportunities in healthcare and pharma.”

NatWest Group leases 3.7 lakh sq ft office space in Bengaluru 

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UK-based NatWest Group plans to increase its workforce in Bengaluru significantly. The company will hire about 4,000 employees over the next two years. This hiring spree follows the recent expansion of its Bengaluru operations.

To accommodate its growing team, NatWest Group has leased a new office space in Bengaluru’s Bagmane Constellation Business Park. This new office spans 370,000 square feet across eleven floors. The company aims to establish a robust engineering and innovation hub in the city.

“The new site follows our announcement last year that NatWest Group was looking to recruit 3,000 new software engineers in India by 2026. The seating capacity in the new office will be three times that of the current office, with the opportunity to increase this further,” NatWest group said in a statement on Wednesday.

With this expansion, NatWest Group expects to have 6,000 employees in Bengaluru by 2026. Currently, the company employs around 2,000 people in Bengaluru and 17,000 across India, including offices in Gurugram and Chennai. India is the second-largest employment hub for NatWest Group outside of the UK.

The UK banking group said it wants to build deep engineering and data capabilities and hire niche domain specialists at the new Bengaluru facility, which will serve as a hub for pioneering technology solutions and cutting-edge developments to help the bank “work in simpler and smarter ways to better serve our customers,” it added. 

“Our new Bengaluru office is not just an expansion of physical space but a strategic investment in our future. With a modern office design to enhance productivity and create an inspiring environment for our employees it reflects our commitment to the vast potential of India’s talent and technology ecosystem,” said Punit Sood, head of India, NatWest Group.  

Scott Marcar, group chief information officer at the group, said, “Bengaluru is known for its vibrant technology sector and skilled talent pool, so this new office marks a significant chapter in our growth journey across India. Strengthening our global operations further positions us at the forefront of innovation as we continue to prioritize improving the customer and colleague experience.”

SUNDAY Hotel to open 25 premium hotels in India in 2024 

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Oravel Stays plans to open 25 new SUNDAY Hotels across India by March 2025. The company will launch its first three new SUNDAY Hotels in Gurugram, Manesar, and Corbett within the next two months. This expansion shows the company’s commitment to growing in key areas.

SUNDAY Hotels, a premium brand, was originally launched in May 2023 as a partnership between Softbank Group and Oravel Stays, the parent company of OYO. Jaipur, Vadodara, and Chandigarh were the first cities to get SUNDAY Hotels. Initially focused on non-metro cities, they aims to expand into major cities.

SUNDAY Hotels offer a perfect escape to relax, rejuvenate, and explore a city. Each hotel employs a dedicated team of highly trained hospitality professionals to provide personalized service to every guest. From the moment you arrive, the staff ensures a smooth check-in process and is available around the clock to assist with your needs.

Luxury and comfort define the SUNDAY hotel experience. Spacious, elegantly furnished rooms feature modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, premium bedding, and stylish bathrooms. Many SUNDAY Hotels offer additional luxuries such as in-room dining, mini-bars, and upscale toiletries. The hotel’s concierge service goes above and beyond, providing travel assistance, local recommendations, and fulfilling special requests to create a memorable stay for all guests.

Commenting on the development, Aditya Sharma, Business Head, Oravel Stays Private Limited, said, “This strategic move underscores OYO’s commitment to strengthening its portfolio of high-quality, upscale properties, catering to discerning travelers seeking superior accommodation experiences. The addition of new properties in key markets, each carefully selected to ensure the highest standards of quality and service.”  

SUNDAY Hotels stands out from traditional hotels by offering a unique blend of modern luxury and carefully curated experiences. The brand focuses on allowing guests to relax and unwind at their own pace.