C-CAMP announces date for bio entrepreneurship competition finaleC-CAMP, with support from the Government of Karnataka, will host the grand finale of the National Bio Entrepreneurship Competition (NBEC 2025) on August 23 at Hotel LaLit Ashok, Bengaluru. The event will see participation by IT Minister Priyank Kharge and Biocon Chairperson Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw.This is the eighth season of the NBEC. This year, winners stand to gain nearly Rs. 40 crore in prizes and investments, chosen from 3100+ applications across 34 states and UTs.

BEL, Centum team up on advanced indigenous defence electronicsBharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Centum Electronics have inked an MoU to jointly develop and manufacture advanced electronic modules and systems for defence applications including electronic warfare, radar, and secure military communications.The collaboration aims to strengthen indigenous technology capability in critical domains, supporting national defence and strategic electronics.

Ather Energy launches 2025 Ather 450X electric scooter in Sri LankaAther Energy, one of India’s leading electric two-wheeler makers, has launched the new 2025 Ather 450X model in Sri Lanka, expanding to 19 showrooms nationwide, the company said in a press release. The scooter features multi-mode traction control and advanced tyres for enhanced performance and range.Ather’s international growth now includes Nepal and Sri Lanka, with expanded EV infrastructure and a focus on building a reliable ownership ecosystem, the company says.

ideaForge unveils Q6V2 GEO UAV for all-terrain, high-precision mappingideaForge Technology has announced the global launch of its Q6V2 GEO UAV, debuting a versatile mapping platform designed for extreme environments and diverse use cases, the company said in a press release. Offering more than 50 minutes of LiDAR-enabled flight and modular payloads — including AI-powered imaging and hyperspectral sensors—the Q6V2 GEO empowers industries, governments, and researchers with advanced geospatial intelligence and seamless cloud integration for actionable insights and 3D mapping.

Setco Auto Systems and VNIT Nagpur sign MoU for automotive researchSetco Auto Systems, a subsidiary of Setco Automotive Ltd, has joined forces with VNIT Nagpur to drive joint research and innovation in automotive technology, according to a press release. The partnership will focus on developing next-generation clutch systems, electric mobility, and sustainable vehicle solutions, including establishing a Clutch Research Laboratory at VNIT.VNIT students will gain industry exposure through live projects and mentorship from Setco's R&D experts.

mRNA cancer vaccine shows tumor-eliminating promise in miceUniversity of Florida researchers developed an experimental mRNA vaccine that, when paired with immunotherapy drugs in mice, eliminated resistant tumors, Science Daily reports. The vaccine stimulates the immune system broadly, rather than targeting a specific protein, showing potential as a universal cancer vaccine.The results build on previous clinical work and indicate this approach could sensitize immune responses across many cancer types, with human trials planned.

Waterloo researchers create robots to dissolve kidney stones quicklyUniversity of Waterloo researchers have developed soft, flexible robots that use magnets and an enzyme to dissolve kidney stones directly in the urinary tract, according to The Robot Report. Tested in 3D-printed models, the strips deliver urease to reduce urine acidity, shrinking stones within days. This minimally invasive method could help patients who cannot tolerate drugs or surgery. Next steps include animal studies and refining the robotic system for precise, doctor-controlled targeting of stones.

Hades Mining raises €5.5 million to launch ultra-deep drilling techMunich’s Hades Mining has raised €5.5 million in pre-seed funding led by Project A to develop cutting-edge drilling systems for ultra-deep geothermal energy and critical mineral deposits, EU Startups reports.Founded earlier this year, the startup aims to reduce Europe’s reliance on imports by unlocking extreme underground resources through proprietary, sustainable in-situ recovery technology. Funds will accelerate tech development and site preparation for mineral and energy extraction.

growX back’s PeelON’s green packaging vision in $1 million fundingPeelON, a bio-tech startup in Vishakapatnam, has raised $1 million in seed funding led by growX Ventures, with participation from Boston Venture Group and Climate Angels, the company said in a press release.PeelON develops plant-based, compostable packaging that extends the shelf life of fruits and vegetables and is already commercially used in India and the US. The capital will fund expanded R&D and production, hiring, and certifications across markets.