Category: Business

Gurugram, Feb 12: Gurugram-based Startup Stairs Private Limited, AITMC Ventures Limited (AVPL) and Victory Electric Vehicles International Limited today announced a strategic partnership to build a nationwide, franchise-led ecosystem focused on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, skilling, manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

The collaboration establishes a structured and exploratory framework to evaluate large-scale EV skilling, infrastructure deployment and employment-linked entrepreneurship initiatives across India. The partnership brings together Startup Stairs’ incubation and ecosystem-building platform, AVPL’s skilling and infrastructure footprint, and Victory International’s EV technology and manufacturing expertise.

Strengthening EV Skilling Through ITIs and Centres of Excellence

As part of the initiative, the partners will evaluate the establishment of EV-focused training centres across approximately 70 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and allied facilities nationwide. The objective is to equip youth and technicians with industry-aligned EV service, maintenance and charging infrastructure skills.

AVPL will provide access to its existing and upcoming Centres of Excellence across states to support large-scale skilling delivery, while aligning training programmes with practical industry requirements. Pilot and proof-of-concept programmes will be rolled out in phases to assess scalability and regional demand.

Skill-to-Income Pathways Through Franchise Enablement

A core pillar of the partnership is to ensure that skilling translates into tangible livelihood outcomes. Upon successful completion of EV training programmes, candidates will be evaluated for participation in a structured franchise-led ecosystem designed to promote self-employment and first-generation entrepreneurship.

The proposed franchise formats are being evaluated at ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh investment levels, enabling trained individuals to establish:

●       EV charging centres

●       EV dealer service centres

●       EV dealerships

This integrated model is aimed at creating a clear pathway from training to income generation, addressing workforce readiness and unemployment within the rapidly expanding EV sector.

Domestic Manufacturing at AVPL Future Tech Park

Manufacturing of EV AC/DC chargers, batteries and allied components will be undertaken in phases at AVPL’s Future Tech Park in Sisai, Hisar. The facility will anchor domestic production capabilities aligned with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision while supporting the deployment of franchise-led EV infrastructure across multiple regions.

Victory International will lead the technical design, manufacturing setup, quality systems and franchise operations in line with applicable regulatory norms. Startup Stairs will support ecosystem structuring, institutional coordination and entrepreneur onboarding.

Dr Preet Sandhu, Founder and Managing Director, AITMC Ventures Limited (AVPL), reflecting on this partnership, said “At AVPL, we believe skilling must translate directly into employment and entrepreneurship aligned with real industry demand. Having built strong capabilities in drone skilling and infrastructure, we are now expanding this vision into the EV and battery sectors. Through Startup Stairs, we aim to create structured skill-to-income pathways that enable youth and innovators to build sustainable ventures in EV charging and allied infrastructure. This partnership strengthens our commitment to developing future-ready talent while supporting India’s clean energy and Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals.”

Phased Rollout and Implementation Framework

The collaboration will be implemented in phases, beginning with pilot programmes, institutional alignment and franchise onboarding in selected regions. All infrastructure deployment, commercial arrangements and operational activities will be subject to separate definitive agreements and regulatory approvals, in line with the structured MoU framework

Mr. Sanjay Poply, Managing Director, Victory Electric Vehicles International Limited, also added

“Skill development must lead to tangible economic outcomes. Through this collaboration, we are focused on building a job-ready EV workforce trained in service, maintenance and charging infrastructure, while also enabling entrepreneurship through structured franchise models. By integrating ITI-based training with real business opportunities, we aim to accelerate India’s electric mobility transition and create sustainable livelihood pathways at scale.” The collaboration will be rolled out in phases, with pilot programmes, franchise onboarding and manufacturing activities expected to commence in the coming months, subject to definitive agreements and regulatory approvals.

Feb 12: BASF advances the transformation of its Global Business Services organization, aiming to take the next step to secure long-term cost competitiveness, resilience, and consistent service delivery for its businesses worldwide.

To better meet the evolving needs of BASF’s businesses and significantly improve cost efficiency, Global Business Services intends to bundle Finance and HR services in a new global Hub in India. Supply Chain-related services are intended to be consolidated at the established Hub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Activities that must remain close to operations will continue to be delivered regionally or locally. This initiative is part of a broader transformation aimed at creating a consolidated service portfolio, driving standardization and automation more effectively, and leveraging cost-efficient locations.

“With this step, we plan to systematically strengthen Global Business Services to support BASF’s strategy with the most competitive services structures,” says Dr. Dirk Elvermann, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Digital Officer, BASF SE. “Bundling services into scalable global Hubs is targeting to be a cornerstone for reliable internal service delivery while ensuring long term cost competitiveness.”

The existing regional Hubs in Berlin (Germany), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Montevideo (Uruguay) will continue to deliver services where bundled on a regional level. “Global Business Services has always thrived on an entrepreneurial spirit – finding smart solutions, adapting quickly, and supporting BASF with a strong service mindset. As we take this next step, early and transparent communication is essential to us,” says Tobias Dratt, President of Global Business Services, and adds: “The upcoming project gives us the opportunity to build a more agile, fit-for-purpose organization that continues to unlock value for BASF’s businesses.” Further details are being developed. The involvement of the respective employee representatives will be ensured timely in accordance with local laws and regulations.

BASF’s Global Business Services consists of around 8,500 employees and delivers services out of various legal entities and three regional Hubs (Berlin/Germany, Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia and Montevideo/Uruguay) to BASF’s businesses worldwide, including Finance, Logistics, Human Resources, Communication, Regulatory and Intellectual Property as well as EHSQ.

New Delhi, Feb 12: Synergy Marine Group has assumed technical management of YM WILLPOWER and YM WORTHINESS, two newly delivered 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels owned by Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation. Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, the sister vessels form part of Yang Ming’s fleet modernisation programme and reinforce the liner’s long-term operational and environmental objectives.

Under Synergy’s technical management, the vessels are supported by experienced global shore teams and seafarers trained in LNG-fuelled operations. The scope of management includes crewing, maintenance, safety management systems and performance monitoring, with a clear focus on safe fuel handling and regulatory compliance.

YM WILLPOWER commenced her inaugural voyage on 8 February, joining Yang Ming’s MD2 service connecting Asia and the Mediterranean. Both vessels are managed in accordance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code under a Document of Compliance held by Synergy Onyx in Pune. Operational oversight is provided from India on a 24/7 basis, supported by Indian shore teams and Indian seafarers trained for LNG dual-fuel operations, aligning with Yang Ming’s strategy to lower emissions while maintaining high service reliability across its global network.

Ajay Chaudhry, Co-CEO – Ship Management, Synergy Marine Group, said,

“Managing LNG dual-fuel container vessels requires preparation, technical competence and sound judgement. India is strengthening its capabilities across training, systems and oversight to support modern fleets. As the sector looks ahead over the coming decades, including India’s broader Amrit Kaal horizon, these strengths across people and infrastructure will remain important to global shipping.”

Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO, Synergy Marine Group, added,

“India’s role in global shipping today extends well beyond crewing. The combination of skilled seafarers, strong shore-based oversight and growing technical infrastructure is supporting some of the most advanced vessels in service. For us, this reflects how India’s maritime capability has evolved and why it will continue to play a meaningful role in global ship management.”

Each vessel is equipped with high-pressure LNG dual-fuel main engines, enabling operation on liquefied natural gas as well as conventional marine fuel. In addition to dual-fuel propulsion, the vessels feature energy-efficient hull forms and advanced automation and monitoring systems, supporting Yang Ming’s focus on operational efficiency and environmental performance.

Headquartered in Singapore, Synergy Marine Group has a significant operational presence in India, with offices across seven cities. More than 70% of its 28,000 seagoing workforce and nearly 85% of its 3,000 shore-based employees are Indian nationals. The Group is also the largest third-party manager of Indian-flagged vessels. Its maritime training infrastructure includes Centres of Excellence in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, supporting technical development and operational readiness across sea and shore roles.

The addition of YM WILLPOWER and YM WORTHINESS further strengthens Synergy’s presence in alternative-fuel vessel management, while aligning with Yang Ming’s measured approach to modernising its global container fleet.