Latest news with #Unicorns

The Wire
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Wire
Chandigarh University in Collaboration with India's leading Job Portal 'Apna' & Investment Firm 'Venture Catalysts' Launch 'Campus Tank' – India's First University-Led Startup Launchpad for Young Innovators
'Campus Tank' to Nurture and Empower Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for a Viksit Bharat by 2047, says MP & CU Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu CHANDIGARH, India , July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chandigarh University, India's leading private university, in collaboration with job platform Apna and investment firm Venture Catalysts (VCats) have launched 'Campus Tank', India's first university-led Startup launch-pad for young innovators below the age of 30 to pitch their ideas and get funding of $1 Million to launch their startups along with expert venture guidance, strategic ecosystem alliances and immersive startup incubation. 'APNA' which is India's largest early talent platform, trusted by over 6 Crore users and AICTE while Venture Catalyst is India's leading early-stage investment firm. The registrations for 'Campus Tank' are now open for Campus Tank, an exclusive startup challenge designed to empower India's next generation of founders, till 14 August through the portal ( which was launched in the presence of Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Apna's Vice President Dr Preet Deep Singh, Founding Member and Managing Partner at Venture Catalysts, Rishabh Golchha in Chandigarh. By registering for Campus Tank, founders and co-founders under the age of 30 will compete for investment from a pledged fund of $1 Million to grow their startups. Startups will get the opportunity present their ideas to top investors from Venture Catalysts on Demo Day to be held at Chandigarh University. Selected teams will also get incubation support from Cube Founders Space by Chandigarh University and learn from founders and experts through training and master classes. Speaking at the launch of 'Campus Tank', Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu said, "Universities and colleges are not just places for the students to earn degrees but they are places where ideas are born and transformed into great innovations. For instance, Universities and colleges are the biggest breeding ground in the United States which remains the top startup nation globally. In fact, 76 % of Fortune 500 companies in US, including major tech companies like Facebook, Google, Apple and Microsoft, were born in universities and colleges. In fact, US has over 10 lakh Startups, which make up approximately 50% of global VC investment, contribute in creating about 70 % of new jobs by providing services across the world." "It is commendable that India too is moving forward on innovations ever since the launch of Startup India initiative by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016 which has helped the country become the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world with over 1.76 lakh startups in the last decade as compared to 384 startups in 2014. As number of Unicorns has gone up to 118 in India with $1 billion valuation, our youth are now becoming job providers than job seekers as over 18 lakh direct jobs have been created by start-ups in the past 10 years with smaller cities contributing over 51% of these startups. So through 'Campus Tank', our aim is to play a role in nurturing this growth," he added. Sandhu further said, "With this dynamic collaboration between Chandigarh University, Apna and Venture Catalysts, I am sure Campus Tank will act as a catalytic force for igniting the entrepreneurial spirit among young innovators and help achieve the Union government's ambitious target of transforming the nation into 2nd largest start-up ecosystem in the world by surpassing China and create 1,000 Unicorns by 2047." He said as Chandigarh University encourages its students for innovating new technologies, CU students have created over 150 Start-Ups ever since its inception in 2012. "Spread across 17 cities in India and four foreign countries in 27 domains including agriculture, EdTech, Medtech, Healthcare, FinTech, Cleantech, Blockchain and Waste Management, eight of these CU startups are women-led. Chandigarh University's Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI), which secured number 1 rank among all scientific research and development organizations in India by filing highest 1126 patent applications in 2023-24, is mobilizing Rs 5 Crore to catalyze growth in the startup ecosystem at CU. Chandigarh University was ranked among the top 5 institutions in filing the highest number of patents in the last 5 years and secured 3rd Rank amongst all private and government universities in India by filing 2581 patents in the last 3 years alone," Sandhu added. The Vice President of Apna, India's largest early talent platform, trusted by over 6 Crore users and AICTE, Dr Preet Deep Singh said, "At Apna, building livelihoods has always been at the heart of our mission. We are not just a jobs platform; we are an opportunities platform. With Campus Tank, we are launching a powerful stage for India's youngest and brightest entrepreneurs. This is where ideas from college dorms, canteens, and jamming sessions get the chance to be seen, heard, and funded. Each startup creates direct employment for 11 people on average and 4 times more of it indirectly. Supporting these ventures is not just about innovation; it is about nation-building. We believe India grows when Indians grow. Our job is to hand-hold these young founders and help take their ideas from chair to charts. With Campus Tank, we aim to unlock a generation of problem-solvers, dreamers, and doers." Founding Member and Managing Partner at Venture Catalysts, India's leading early-stage investment firm and the country's first integrated incubator, Rishabh Golchha said, "At Venture Catalysts, we believe India's next breakout founders are already building in hostels, co-working spaces, cafés, and garages. Campus Tank is our way of finding and backing them early. This platform is for young founders under 30 who are solving real problems with bold ideas. With up to $1 million in pledged investment pool on the table, we are bringing capital, mentorship, and access to help them scale. Some may be students, others recent grads, or early professionals. What matters is their hunger to build. We see Campus Tank as the start of long-term founder journeys. And as ecosystem catalysts, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and help make those ideas come to life." About Chandigarh University Chandigarh University is a NAAC A Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC. Website address: Photo: (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).


Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
MI New York vs San Francisco Unicorns MLC 2025 highlights: How Trent Boult helped MI win 2-wicket thriller
Trent Boult turned hero with the bat and ball, guiding MI New York to a dramatic 2-wicket victory over the San Francisco Unicorns in a rain-shortened Major League Cricket (MLC) eliminator at Grand Prairie Stadium on Thursday. Chasing a modest 132, the Kiwi star's late cameo, alongside his fiery opening spell, secured MI's place in Qualifier 2 against the Texas Super Kings. Trent Boult's batting helped MI New York beat San Francisco Unicorns on Thursday(PTI) Match Recap In a tense, rain-affected eliminator, MI New York faced a target of 132 set by the Unicorns. The chase began confidently, reaching 37/0 by the powerplay's end, with Quinton de Kock (33) and Monank Patel (33) setting a solid foundation. However, Matthew Short shifted momentum, dismissing de Kock and captain Pooran in his second over, sparking hope for the Unicorns. Short struck again, removing Patel in his third over, leaving MI New York at 66/3, needing 66 runs off 10 overs. The Unicorns tightened their grip when Xavier Bartlett sent back Kieron Pollard, and Hassan Khan delivered a game-changing double blow, dismissing Michael Bracewell and Heath Richards in succession, reducing MI New York to 98/6. Khan's brilliance continued, claiming Tajinder Singh and Tristan Luus in his next over, leaving MI New York reeling at 108/8 with 24 runs needed off 24 balls. With elimination looming, Trent Boult (22* off 13) and Nosthush Kenjige forged a crucial ninth-wicket stand. Boult's composure shone in the final over, smashing back-to-back sixes over long-on off Khan to clinch the chase with three balls to spare, earning him the Player of the Match award. Bowling Dominance Earlier, Boult and Kenjige dismantled the Unicorns' top order in the powerplay. Kenjige struck first, removing Matthew Short, while Boult dismissed Tim Seifert and Sanjay Krishnamurthi. Trent Boult's fiery spell continued, taking out Jake Fraser-McGurk and Hassan Khan in consecutive deliveries, leaving the Unicorns at 21/5 after five overs. Cooper Connolly (23), Hammad Azam (11), and Brody Couch (19) offered resistance, but Rushil Ugarkar's 3/19, including Azam and Couch, limited the Unicorns to 131/10 in 19.3 overs. Xavier Bartlett's 44, with four sixes, was the standout. 'Did not think I'd need that (batting), but new role tonight and happy to come out good in this big game. Fresh wicket, there was some nice weather too and the boys bowled really well. We'd take bowling them out for 130 everyday of the week. It is nice to experience different wickets in this country, but as a bowler the challenge is always to take wickets, try to learn and find other ways if it is not swinging. (On did he expect to be batting) Nope, but that was the position I was in but nice to win it. Everyone jokes about my batting, but happy to win today,' Boult said.


Time of India
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Trent Boult showcases batting skills to take MI New York into the Challenger of MLS
Trent Boult starred for MI New York with the bat as he held his nerve to take his team home against San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) by 2 wickets in the Eliminator of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 on Thursday. The New Zealand pacer came to the crease with 26 needed in the last four overs and smashed 22 not out off 13 balls, including two sixes. MINY were in the driver's seat chasing 132 runs to win at Dallas, riding on solid start from openers Quinton de Kock (33 off 24) and Monank Patel (33 off 32), who stitched a 43-run opening stand. However, a collapse triggered by SFU skipper Matthew Short (3/22) and spinner Hassan Khan (4/30) saw MINY slump from 81/2 to 108/8. With 26 needed off the final 24 balls and only two wickets in hand, the game was leaned towards the Unicorns. However, it was Boult who turned the tide in dramatic fashion. Known more for his bowling, Boult showed that his is no mug with the bat either. Alongside Nosthush Kenjige, who held his end, Boult guided MINY to victory with three balls to spare. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo Earlier, SFU were bundled out for 131 in 19.1 overs after being reduced to 16/5. Xavier Bartlett 's late blitz of 44 off 24 took the team to a respectable total. Rushil Ugarkar (3/19) and Boult (2/19) starred with the ball for MINY. Despite the late fight from SFU, Boult's unexpected heroics knocked the Unicorns out of MLS . Live Events

Mint
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Mint
San Francisco Unicorns vs. MI New York MLC 2025 Eliminator: Live streaming, Timings, weather forecast, a complete guide
The San Francisco Unicorns face MI New York in Thursday's Major League Cricket Eliminator at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas. The winner advances to the Challenger match, while the loser is eliminated. The first ball is at 7:00 PM local time on July 9, amid concerns over Texas floods, though forecasts predict clear skies. The Unicorns dominated the league stage with 7 wins but enter with injuries to key players Finn Allen (foot), Haris Rauf (hamstring), and Romario Shepherd (ankle). MI New York scraped into fourth place, hoping stars like Kieron Pollard (265 runs) and Trent Boult (11 wickets) reverse their 0-3 record against SFU. India: Stream live on JioHotstar app/website; TV broadcast on Star Sports Network . North America: Watch via Willow TV. Other regions: UK (Premier Sports), Australia (Seven Network), Caribbean (ESPN). Live toss occurs at 6:30 PM local time The Unicorns are majorly backed by tech entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley. The team's management has emphasized building around explosive batters, which has paid off well till now. Under strong captaincy, they've prioritized aggressive batting, evidenced by their record 246/4 against MI New York earlier this season. Owned by the same group that owns IPL's Mumbai Indians, MI New York benefits from global cricket expertise of powerful current and veteran cricketing stars. Despite star power like Nicholas Pooran and Quinton de Kock, the team has struggled with consistency, losing 7 games this season. Their Dallas record is concerning: 0 wins in 4 matches here, including two failed 240+ chases against SFU. Grand Prairie Stadium favors batsmen, with 2025 first-innings averages soaring to 203. SFU's Xavier Bartlett, Player of the Match in their June 15 win over NY, and Tim Seifert (64 off 26 balls in prior clash) hold the keys to extending their 3-0 dominance. With SFU likely fielding replacements like Cooper Connolly, MI New York aims to capitalize on their weakened lineup.


NDTV
09-07-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
New Zealand Opener Finn Allen Ruled Out Of Tri-Series Against South Africa, Zimbabwe Due To Injury
Ahead of the tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, New Zealand have suffered a major blow as their in-form right-hand batter Finn Allen has been ruled out of the series after getting injured. Allen picked up a foot injury while playing for the San Francisco Unicorns in the Major League Cricket tournament in the United States and will be sent home to New Zealand for further examination. A recovery timeline will be put in place for Allen upon further consultation in New Zealand. Still, the 26-year-old will not be available for any of the tri-series against hosts Zimbabwe and South Africa that commences on July 14. The Black Caps will name a replacement for Allen in due course. Allen was the fifth leading run-scorer at the Major League Cricket event prior to his injury and smashed a superb 151 for the Unicorns in their opening match against Washington Freedom in Oakland. New Zealand's opening match at the tri-series in Zimbabwe is scheduled for July 16 against South Africa, with white-ball stars Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and skipper Mitchell Santner all returning after they sat out their most recent T20I series against Pakistan on home soil in March. New Zealand squad: Mitch Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi Tri-series fixtures: July 14 - Zimbabwe v South Africa. July 16 - South Africa v New Zealand. July 18 - Zimbabwe v New Zealand. July 20 - Zimbabwe v South Africa. July 22 - New Zealand v South Africa. July 24 - Zimbabwe v New Zealand. July 26 - Final. All games will be played at the Harare Sports Club.