Standards for success: BIS workshop at IIT-K empowers startups
Lucknow/Kanpur: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT-Kanpur hosted a workshop bringing together innovators, startups and BIS leaders to discuss the crucial role of standards in India's innovation journey.
The workshop-- 'From Innovation to Impact: BIS Standards Serving the Startups'-- aimed at highlighting how Indian standards can accelerate commercialization, enhance quality assurance and support global market access for startups. BIS plays a vital role in developing national standards, with over 400 technical committees and over 25,000 standards across 17 sectors. Standards are essential across all sectors, and BIS supports the Government of India and startups in using them as tools for impactful growth.
The workshop provided actionable insights on managing post-launch quality, meeting Quality Control Orders (QCOs), and addressing sustainability and regulatory challenges.
Dean of research and development at IIT-K Prof Tarun Gupta emphasised the importance of innovation and quality going hand in hand. Professor-in-charge of SIIC IIT-K Prof Deepu Philip highlighted the role of BIS in enabling startups to view standards as launchpads rather than constraints.
"BIS is helping make standards a springboard rather than a speed bump, empowering the innovation ecosystem. We have always emphasized the need for innovative, high-quality, market-ready products that can thrive both nationally and on the global stage," Gupta said.
Deputy director general (standardization-I), BIS, Reena Garg said: "BIS plays a vital role in developing national standards, with over 400 technical committees and 25,000+ standards across 17 sectors. Standards are essential across all sectors, and BIS supports the Government of India and startups in using them as tools for impactful growth." The workshop provided an overview of BIS's key functions, including standard formulation, product certification, and system certification.
BIS reiterated its commitment to co-developing future-ready, inclusive standards by engaging with India's entrepreneurial community.
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Fibre2Fashion
36 minutes ago
- Fibre2Fashion
Dibyanshu Tripathi CEO and Co-founder
Our team understands the nuances of textile classification In a global trade environment where complexity often outweighs clarity, Hexalog is emerging as a transformative force. Founded in February 2024 and headquartered in Gurugram, Hexalog is a digital-first, full-stack EXIM enabler that aims to streamline international logistics through tech-driven services and intelligent supply chain orchestration. Built by co-founders Dibyanshu Tripathi, Utkarsh Tripathi, and Vineet Malik, the company offers a unified platform integrating Customs Clearance as a Service (CaaS) and Freight Forwarding as a Service (FFaaS) alongside warehousing, multimodal freight, and last-mile delivery solutions. Hexalog's AI-led orchestration model is redefining how businesses manage their cross-border operations—offering visibility, compliance, and efficiency at every stage. In this exclusive interaction with Fibre2Fashion, CEO and Co-founder Dibyanshu Tripathi delves into the genesis of Hexalog, the innovation behind its unified logistics experience, its commitment to compliance in the textile sector, and the company's ambitious roadmap across Asia and the Middle East. What are some of the biggest compliance challenges that textile exporters face when entering new international markets? The biggest challenge that Indian textile exporters face when entering new international markets revolves around the hefty and complex set of compliance requirements necessary for market entry. These include country-specific labelling regulations—such as labels in multiple languages, details regarding fabric composition, care instructions, and country of origin. Some countries enforce strict rules concerning the chemicals used in textile production, requiring products to be free from harmful substances and compliant with environmental safety standards. Transparency in manufacturing is critical, particularly regarding child labour, forced labour, or unsafe working conditions. Violations in these areas can damage a brand's reputation and result in trade restrictions. Additionally, accurate paperwork is essential, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and correct tariff codes (HS codes). Some countries also require certificates of approval from specific authorised agencies. There is also a risk of unintentionally infringing on existing trademarks, patterns, or designs in foreign markets. To avoid legal issues, businesses should conduct thorough checks before launching products internationally. Moreover, reports on managing environmental impacts, labour rights, and ethical sourcing are vital for building long-term partnerships. Compliance laws are not static; they continually evolve in response to new trade policies, political shifts, and environmental goals. Continuous monitoring and adaptability are key to remaining compliant and competitive. How is digital transformation reshaping global supply chains, especially in the context of export-import (EXIM) trade? Digital transformation is fundamentally redefining global supply chains by bringing much-needed transparency, speed, and resilience—especially in the EXIM trade landscape, which has long been burdened by fragmentation and paperwork-heavy processes. Technologies like AI, API-driven integrations, real-time tracking, digital customs clearance, and compliance automation are reducing manual dependencies and improving decision-making across borders. Businesses now have end-to-end visibility, enabling them to proactively manage risks, reduce transit delays, and respond quickly to market demands. For emerging markets like India, digital platforms are acting as equalisers—allowing even MSMEs to participate in global trade by offering plug-and-play logistics, automated documentation, and cost-effective multi-modal options. The shift is also pushing traditional stakeholders—freight forwarders, customs brokers, and carriers—to modernise and collaborate via digital ecosystems. Digital transformation is not just optimising logistics—it is creating a new standard of trade where efficiency, compliance, and scalability are built into the foundation of every cross-border transaction. How important is multimodal logistics infrastructure in supporting agile and responsive cross-border trade operations? In an era where global supply chains are expected to move faster and with more precision than ever before, the role of multimodal logistics has become foundational to cross-border trade. By combining different modes of transportation—road, rail, air, and sea—under one coordinated network, businesses gain a sharper edge in handling international shipments with greater speed, flexibility, and clarity. One of the core strengths of multimodal logistics lies in its ability to simplify movement across borders. With a single set of documentation covering the entire journey, it minimises delays related to customs and compliance, reducing friction in high-volume trade environments. For businesses, this translates to more predictable delivery timelines and fewer procedural hurdles. From a performance standpoint, multimodal setups have shown a clear ability to enhance service levels. Companies report significant improvements in meeting order deadlines, responding to urgent demand shifts, and maintaining product availability across markets—all key drivers of a positive customer experience. Another critical advantage is the cost optimisation it offers. By enabling goods to move closer to consumption centres via efficient routing, it reduces the need for holding excess stock in distant warehouses. This not only cuts storage costs but also trims lead times, improving overall operational agility. In today's politically and economically volatile climate, supply chain resilience is no longer optional. Trade restrictions, sudden policy shifts, or global disruptions can halt progress in a single corridor. Multimodal logistics helps mitigate these risks by offering alternate transport routes and flexible modal combinations, keeping goods moving even when disruptions occur. How are evolving trade routes—especially in Asia—impacting the strategies of freight forwarders and EXIM service providers? With the growing global appetite for Indian goods and the increasing influence of the Indian diaspora in international trade, the Asian continent is witnessing the emergence of new, high-potential trade corridors. India's economic upswing, backed by strong foreign investment and rising export volumes, is playing a pivotal role in creating and redefining trade routes in the region. This momentum is pushing logistics players to move beyond traditional lanes and explore untapped markets like Vietnam, Thailand, and the broader Middle East-Asia belt. As a response, freight forwarders are reconfiguring their networks to build agile, responsive supply chains that can cater to the dynamic demand patterns of these regions. Strengthening local supplier relationships, establishing regional warehousing hubs, and aligning with country-specific regulatory frameworks have become core to their strategy. For EXIM service providers, this shift also presents an opportunity to offer more integrated and customised solutions—bridging gaps between exporters and emerging markets with greater efficiency and visibility. The focus is now on building ecosystem partnerships that not only enable smoother trade flows but also support India's broader export ambitions across Asia. In essence, the rise of new trade lanes is not just changing where business is done, but also how it is done—demanding more localised, tech-enabled, and partnership-driven approaches across the board. What inspired the launch of Hexalog, and how are you reimagining logistics for EXIM trade through your unified experience framework? Hexalog was not born out of a traditional 'eureka' moment, but rather as a discovery that emerged organically. While my co-founders and I were deep in discussions around a broader business idea in the trade and logistics domain, we began drafting a white paper to validate our hypothesis. That is when we uncovered a significant and persistent gap in the cross-border supply chain landscape—particularly in EXIM logistics, which remains highly fragmented and digitally underpenetrated. This realisation shifted our direction entirely. As we dug deeper, it became clear that the inefficiencies and lack of unified experiences in this space were not only real but also presented a massive opportunity to build something meaningful. That is how Hexalog was born—out of an intent to solve a genuine problem rather than force-fit an idea. At Hexalog, we are building a unified experience framework that blends digital-first tools with deep logistics expertise—offering seamless, end-to-end solutions for global trade. From digital customs clearance to multimodal freight aggregation, we are creating a platform where transparency, efficiency, and simplicity are at the core—empowering businesses of all sizes to move goods across borders without the usual friction. Could you explain the Hexa-Service Model and how it is helping brands streamline logistics by offering an entire spectrum of services under one digital platform? The Hexa-Service Model is Hexalog's AI-led 4PL orchestration framework designed to simplify cross-border logistics by offering a full-stack solution through a single digital platform. It enables end-to-end management of the supply chain—including first mile and last mile integration, customs clearance, freight forwarding, workflow automation, compliance management, and value-added services at both origin and destination. Using our Origin × Destination Dynamic Routing (OXD Framework), we intelligently assign service providers based on the specific lane and cargo type, making our solution truly plug-and-play across any global trade route connected by sea or air. This unified approach helps brands eliminate fragmentation, improve visibility, and scale efficiently—whether they are navigating exports, imports, or global e-commerce fulfilment—all while managing everything through one seamless platform. How does Hexalog ensure smart compliance in international textile trade, especially when it comes to documentation accuracy and risk mitigation? At Hexalog, ensuring compliance in international textile trade starts with deep domain expertise and a hands-on, detail-oriented approach. We rely on our highly trained and experienced team members who understand the nuances of textile classification, export-import documentation, and the regulatory frameworks of multiple countries. Textile shipments often come with layered requirements—such as fibre composition disclosures, country-of-origin declarations, trade agreement qualifications, and restricted material screenings. Our team meticulously reviews all documentation, ensuring accuracy in tariff codes, valuations, and product descriptions before customs submission. To mitigate compliance-related risks, we conduct pre-shipment audits and maintain close coordination with suppliers and buyers, eliminating potential discrepancies that could lead to shipment holds or penalties. Our proactive communication with port authorities and regulatory agencies further helps in addressing issues before they escalate. We also keep a constant eye on evolving trade regulations and documentation standards in key textile markets. This allows us to quickly adapt our practices and advise our clients accordingly, ensuring they stay compliant and confident in every shipment. By combining regulatory knowledge with operational diligence, Hexalog provides a trusted compliance backbone that supports seamless textile trade across borders. How is predictive analytics used within your platform to manage seasonal demand patterns, especially in fast fashion and home furnishings? In the world of EXIM trade, shipment predictability is fundamental—not just for operational planning, but for sustaining customer satisfaction. Seasonal surges such as Black Friday, Diwali, or end-of-year clearance periods often expose vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Common disruptions include surging freight rates, overbooked vessels, port congestion, and delayed customs clearances—all of which can result in stockouts, SLA breaches, and customer dissatisfaction, especially in time-sensitive sectors like apparel and furniture. As a 4PL logistics partner, Hexalog plays a critical role in helping clients navigate these peaks. We are developing a model which will leverage predictive analytics and early warning systems, to provide actionable insights into potential disruptions well in advance. This includes forecasting freight rate trends, alerting clients to space constraints, and tracking congestion at key global ports. These insights will empower businesses to plan procurement cycles, inventory allocation, and shipment scheduling with greater precision. Take the example of the Black Friday sale, where demand spikes drastically in Western markets. Retailers depending on delayed bookings or ad-hoc freight planning often face delivery delays, missed sales windows, and reputational setbacks. At Hexalog, our proactive approach will ensure that clients—especially those in high-turnover verticals like fashion and furniture—are equipped with data-backed foresight to avoid last-minute panic and maintain service consistency. What operational benefits have your clients observed through Hexalog's integrated value-added services (VAS) like warehousing and last-mile delivery? The main operational benefits of our integrated VAS are increased efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced customer satisfaction. In the current market scenario for e-commerce businesses, the market is very competitive, and it is the finer details that makes them stand out in their field. Having a 4PL partner offering value-added services helps businesses streamline their operations, allowing them to focus on core competencies without being burdened by operational challenges. Instead of constantly firefighting, companies gain valuable resources like time and staff to concentrate on innovation and maintaining competitiveness. With our end-to-end services, the customers have found a one-stop shop for their entire inventory management and order fulfilment flow, which has proven to improve communication and efficiency, while reducing the number of partners that their customers must be handed over to. Additionally, many new services were open to our customers that their current resources, staff and infrastructure could not support. With our expertise help in custom clearance, import/export regulations and security protocols, our customers have been compliant with the relevant laws and regulations and have done their business with ease reducing their labour costs, overhead expenses, and other miscellaneous costs. What has been your approach to building trust with sector-specific clients like Urbanic and Home Essentials, and what unique needs do these partnerships reveal? Building trust with clients in niche sectors such as fashion and home lifestyle begins with genuinely listening to their needs. In our experience, a customer's voice—whether it is feedback, concerns, or operational challenges—is the most reliable guide in shaping a successful partnership. Our approach has consistently been customer-centric, rooted in understanding the unique nuances of each brand's supply chain. With clients like Urbanic and Home Essentials, we do not apply a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we co-create a tailored logistics framework that aligns with their category-specific demands—be it high inventory turnover in fast fashion, or the handling sensitivities required for homeware products. This bespoke model has allowed us to deliver both efficiency and responsiveness, while fostering long-term reliability. These partnerships also highlight the importance of agility, transparent communication, and seamless integration across systems—factors that are non-negotiable in today's consumer-driven market. Ultimately, trust is earned when clients see that their operational needs are not just met but anticipated. With a strong presence on the China–India lane, what insights have you gained about trade dynamics, and how do you plan to replicate this success in other regions? Our experience on the China–India trade lane has reinforced a vital lesson—every market operates within its own cultural and commercial context. Success in cross-border trade is not just about logistics efficiency; it is about understanding how people do business, what they value, and how trust is built locally. We have found that investing time in understanding regional practices, aligning with local expectations, and forging strong supplier partnerships has a direct impact on the success of trade operations. These close-knit relationships help streamline communication, reduce friction, and increase reliability—especially when navigating regulatory environments or fluctuating demand cycles. As we expand into new geographies, this localised, partnership-driven approach remains central to our strategy. We do not believe in standardising markets; we believe in customising our operations to suit them. By adapting to the unique trade patterns and cultural nuances of each region, we not only build stronger relationships but also eliminate the uncertainty that often arises when dealing with foreign entities. Replicating our success in other regions means staying agile, being culturally attuned, and prioritising collaboration over transaction. That is how we turn new markets into sustainable trade lanes. Looking ahead to your planned expansions into Vietnam, Thailand, and the Middle East, what markets or trade behaviours are shaping your roadmap? With our deep-rooted expertise in the Indian trade ecosystem, our expansion into key lanes across Asia and the Middle East is a natural extension of our vision to support India's rising export momentum. The evolving geopolitical landscape, combined with India's accelerating economic growth, is paving the way for stronger trade ties with emerging markets like Vietnam, Thailand, and strategic partners in the Middle East. What shapes our roadmap most is the increasing regional demand for Indian goods and the shift towards diversified sourcing and distribution networks. These markets are not just growing—they are becoming more integrated with India through favourable trade agreements, improving infrastructure, and a mutual push towards supply chain resilience. Our approach remains grounded in leveraging regional knowledge, building local partnerships, and offering tailored logistics solutions that suit the specific trade behaviours of each region. Whether it is the speed-driven retail demand in the Gulf or the manufacturing-linked supply flows in Southeast Asia, our goal is to enable seamless, end-to-end cross-border connectivity that aligns with India's export ambitions. In essence, our expansion is driven by a commitment to empowering Indian exporters with efficient access to high-potential markets, while navigating them through the complexities of regional trade with agility and insight. DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Blockchain: Telangana govt eyeing scalable adoption of emerging tech, mulls remote voting
Hyderabad: Telangana is deepening its commitment to blockchain innovation with a focus on real-world use cases, regulatory clarity, and public-interest applications. As Indian Web3 startups continue to migrate abroad due to regulatory uncertainties, the state govt is positioning itself as a model for responsible and scalable adoption of emerging technologies. Speaking at IBT25 India Blockchain Tour Hyderabad node, Jayesh Ranjan, special chief secretary for Special Project (SPEED) and Investment Cell, outlined a series of ongoing initiatives and upcoming pilots designed to embed blockchain into sectors like finance, agriculture, governance, and infrastructure. One of the earliest successes is T-Chits, a blockchain-backed platform for regulating chit funds. 'It is no longer a pilot. It's scaled and in public use,' Ranjan said. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Telangana is not just experimenting with blockchain in finance. Traceability systems for seeds have been introduced to help farmers avoid spurious products. Vehicle registrations are now recorded on a blockchain ledger to ensure the Road Transport Authority doesn't lose revenue during resales or unreported transfers, Ranjan explained. However, the use case that the govt is most excited about isn't yet public-facing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo It's remote voting. 'We've tested a system where citizens can vote from home, using AI-based facial recognition and blockchain security,' Ranjan said. 'Voting in India is full of distrust. Even EVMs are questioned, despite being tamper-proof. But this pilot showed that remote voting can be done without even one percent doubt. It might take time to launch this on a full scale because the idea needs some time to settle in.' Land, for instance, is high on Telangana's list. With ownership disputes, fraud, and unclear transactions bogging down the real estate market, the state sees blockchain-backed land records as a gamechanger. The next cohort of the Web3 sandbox will focus entirely on asset tokenization, including land, intellectual property, and climate-linked assets, added Ranjan. Sukriti Govil, consultant with the govt's emerging technologies wing, spoke about the risks that come with AI. 'We've been careful to avoid use cases involving financial transactions because of regulatory constraints. But we're actively working on frameworks around asset organisation, especially in sectors that need policy clarity and licensing structures. Legacy laws can't address the risks that come with tokenization and AI. We need new digital asset laws that allows us to differentiate between types of tokens, whether they represent data, utility, or securities,' she explained. 'In parallel, Telangana is building TGDeX, Telangana Digital Exchange, which will be launched on Wednesday. It will be started with AI use cases, but the plan is to expand it to blockchain-based applications, particularly secure data exchange. Pilot experiments using blockchain under TGDeX are expected to begin next year,' added Govil. Ranjan announced that they are setting up an accelerator for experiential tourism. It will use technologies like blockchain to preserve and authenticate Telangana's heritage, from the Kakatiya to the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties, and enable immersive, verified cultural experiences for tourists.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Industry calls for innovation to revive textile sector
Ludhiana: The textile industry of Ludhiana, a city long hailed as the powerhouse of India's hosiery and knitwear sector, is facing an urgent need for reinvention amid rising global competition, bureaucratic red tape, and lack of govt support. These concerns, alongside future opportunities, were the focus of an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) along with ITMA. Titled "Challenges and opportunities in the Ludhiana textile industry," the event saw key industry leaders, experts, and association heads, including representatives from the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), and the Knitwear Club. Jagbir Singh Sokhi, president of the Ludhiana Sewing Machine Technology Park Association, said, "We are no longer those self-reliant Indians. We've become copycats, proud to own iPhones and imported brands, but where is the pride in our own innovations? Where is the spirit of 'vocal for local'?" A recurring theme throughout the conference was the alarming lack of innovation. Sokhi pointed out how Punjab once led the world in sewing machine production, but in just two decades, Chinese brands like Zach have taken over 75% of the Indian market share. "They've even handed over machines to local tailors, collecting only a share of their earnings. We are now OE (original equipment) manufacturers for foreign brands, but where is our own brand identity?" he asked. Vinod Thapar, chairman of the Knitwear Club, emphasised challenges in attracting women to the workforce. A survey conducted jointly by UNIDO and the Knitwear Club years ago found that women excelled in the hosiery sector across countries like China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Yet, Ludhiana has only 10% female participation in the sector, leaving a 40% vacuum in workforce potential. Thapar also raised concerns about a lack of workplace infrastructure and facilities for women. Avtar Singh Bhogal, senior vice-president of UCPMA, was blunt in his comparison of Indian and Chinese industrial environments. "While we are stuck in red tape just to buy land or get clearances, Chinese companies are already producing and exporting finished goods at the price it costs us to manufacture just the components." He added that Indian bikes weigh 15 kg, while the demand in Europe is for 1.5 kg carbon fibre bikes, which India is ill-equipped to produce due to lack of infrastructure and technology. Rajesh Bansal, another industry figure, focused on the environmental compliance costs that have hamstrung local manufacturers. "We face serious pollution concerns, but where are the subsidies for effluent treatment equipment? Processing of fibre and fabric manufacturing is lagging due to poor support," he said. Chandrika Chatterjee, secretary general of CITI, provided some optimism by speaking about the PM MITRA scheme and the Free Trade Agreement with the UK. She emphasised the untapped potential for increasing Indo-UK textile trade, which currently stands at $10 billion but could expand by an additional $4–5 billion. "The world is looking beyond China and Bangladesh. India has a real opportunity here, if we can address the bottlenecks," she said. Highlighting the urgency to foster innovation and startups in the sector, Suraj Dhawan of ITMA suggested organising hackathons to crowdsource fresh ideas and solutions for industry pain points. Sidharth Khanna, chairman of NITMA, and other senior members pointed out the need for deeper collaboration between govt bodies and the private sector to overcome export barriers and technology gaps.
