It’s a wrap: News this week (March 1 — March 7)

There have been multiple developments this week on the tech front. From AI compute platform launched by MeitY to Coforge’s deal with Sabre, here is a list of the most important updates for a quick catch-up:

Tech Mahindra launches new Americas HQ

IT services giant Tech Mahindra has expanded its presence in the United States with the opening of its new Americas headquarters in Plano, Texas.  This facility marks Tech Mahindra’s 19th office in the US.

Further, Tech Mahindra on Monday said it has become the first company to secure a licensing agreement for Cricket Wireless’s Point of Sale (POS) system, "Aktivate". The deal will allow Tech Mahindra to integrate the system into its suite of solutions for wireless service providers worldwide.

Additionally, this week, Tech Mahindra has launched a new large language model (LLM) for telecos. The multi-modal network operations LLM is designed to analyse vast structured data (events, alarms, counters), unstructured data (logs, MOPs, SOPs, images, text, marketing), and all relevant network data.It is developed using NVIDIA AI Enterprise software and AWS Cloud infrastructure. 

CDIL, Infineon partner to build chips

Semiconductor chip and device manufacture CDIL Semiconductors has partnered with Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific, a part of Germany-based Infineon Technologies AG. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in India’s fast-growing semiconductor market.

Under this partnership, Infineon will supply high-performance bare die wafers to CDIL, which will package them into discrete and module semiconductor products tailored for Indian customers. This partnership will facilitate next-generation vehicle electronics, and electrification, deliver high-efficiency solutions for solar, wind, and power management applications, and enhance smart applications.

MeitY unveils AI compute and datasets platforms

The Ministry for Electronics and IT (MeitY) led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw rolled out several initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission. It includes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) compute platform and a dataset platform called AIKosha.

Vaishnaw said that the AI Compute Portal will provide access to 10,000 GPUs, with 8,693 more to be added gradually. The portal will offer AI compute services at a highly subsidised rate to support startups, researchers, and enterprises, he added.

Further, AIKosha, the dataset platform, is expected to streamline access to high-quality datasets. “The platform is equipped with the features like content discoverability, AI readiness scoring of datasets, permission-based access & security mechanisms like data encryption at rest and in motion, secure API, and firewalls for real-time filtering of malicious traffic,” MeitY’s press note said.

Alongside AI Compute Platform and AIKosha, I Competency Framework for Public Sector Officials, iGOT-AI Mission Karmayogi, the IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program with Station F, the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative and IndiaAI FutureSkills all aimed at strengthening AI-driven research, innovation, and skill development.

Bharat Forge arm partners with Taiwan-based firm to manufacture X86 servers in India

Kalyani Powertrain, an arm of Bharat Forge, on Thursday, said it has entered into a technology licensing agreement with Taiwan's Compal Electronics for manufacturing of 'X86 platform' servers in India. The two parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the server business using locally-manufactured solutions in India.

X86 platform is a widely used computer architecture for central processing units (CPUs). It is a dominant architecture for personal computers and servers.

Compal will provide Kalyani Powertrain with technological support related to servers, including overseeing local production, assembly, testing activities and final sales, the company said in an exchange filing.

Coforge signs $1.56bn deal with Sabre

Sabre Corporation, a US-headquartered travel technology company, has entered into a multi-year agreement with Indian IT services provider Coforge to enhance its product development and innovation. The agreement, which extends their partnership to 13 years, is valued at approximately $1.56 billion.

The collaboration aims to accelerate Sabre’s product delivery and introduce AI-enabled solutions, reinforcing the company’s commitment to advancing travel technology, the company said.

TCS partners with Vantage Towers

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with Vantage Towers, Europe's second-largest telecom tower operator, to launch a digital service platform aimed at improving the experience of property owners leasing land for telecom tower installations. The initiative seeks to streamline service processes, enhance landlord retention, and strengthen partnerships across Vantage Towers’ network of 86,000 sites in Europe.

Quess receives NCLT approval for demerger

Quess Corp, a business services provider, has received approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Bengaluru Bench, for its three-way demerger plan. This strategic move aims to create three independent, publicly listed entities, each focusing on distinct business verticals.

The demerger will result in Quess Corp which will continue to lead in workforce management; Digitide Solutions, focused on Business Process Management (BPM) solutions, insurtech, and Human Resource Outsourcing (HRO) services; and Bluspring Enterprises, specialising in infrastructure services.