INDIA: Last Friday, Google marked the culmination of its 12-week GNI (Google News Initiative) Startups Lab program with a graduation ceremony hosted at the Google Gurgaon office. The event celebrated the achievements of 10 news startups, providing a fitting conclusion to a transformative journey of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.
The graduation ceremony served as an interactive platform where participants had the opportunity to reflect on their experiences, share insights, and connect with fellow cohort members in person. Japleen Pasricha, Ankur Paliwal, and Pallav Jain were acknowledged for their invaluable contributions in guiding and mentoring the startups throughout the program.
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One of the highlights of the GNI Startups Lab was its emphasis on fostering a conducive environment for innovation and growth. Participants were encouraged to revisit their strategies, challenge assumptions, and embrace experimentation without the fear of failure. The program facilitated the establishment of a robust support network among the startups, enabling them to navigate challenges and leverage opportunities effectively.
The event also featured esteemed guest speakers Shekhar Gupta, Founder of The Print; Abhinandan Sekhri, Co-Founder of Newslaundry; and Ravanan N, Executive Director of Dailyhunt, who shared their insights and expertise with the graduating cohort.
A round of applause was extended to the 10 news startups: Democratic Charkha, Feminism In India, Medical Dialogues, Queerbeat, SouthLive, The Mooknayak, Ground Report, True Scoop, Telugupost (Truth Serum Media Private Limited), and Pratidhvani. Their dedication and perseverance have set a solid foundation for their continued growth and impact in the field of journalism.
While the graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone, it also signaled the beginning of a new chapter for the participating startups. The journey towards innovation and excellence in journalism continues beyond the program, with ongoing support and collaboration from Google and its program partners.
Google extends its gratitude to program partners AnyMind Group and T-Hub for their invaluable contributions to the success of the GNI Startups Lab. Together, they have played a pivotal role in nurturing and empowering the next generation of news entrepreneurs, driving positive change in the media landscape.
Swetha Susan Elias, Manager of Strategic Partnerships & Programs at Google News, recently took a moment to commemorate her remarkable 14-year tenure in the tech and media industry. While overseeing the GNI Startups Lab program, which concluded with a graduation ceremony for 10 news startups, Elias shared her milestone on LinkedIn. Expressing gratitude for her journey and the opportunities it has presented, Elias highlighted her ongoing dedication to driving innovation and excellence in Google’s strategic partnerships and programs. Her extensive experience and commitment underscore her invaluable contributions to navigating the dynamic intersection of technology and media.
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