Smartphone Nation

Hosted by IVM Podcasts

Technology

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Episodes

Latest episode

Mar 2024

Language

EN-IN

About the show

This is a show about people. About Indians who are trying to navigate a world that is increasingly online. Where there are new opportunities and new pathways to prosperity. But they exist alongside new dividing lines, new inequities and new threats. This is a show about people from Patiala to Pandharpur to Patthanamthitta. Women, Men, and children from remote corners of India, and from the forgotten byways of our megacities. All getting connected to the world wide web in their own ways. This is not a show about internet entrepreneurs, tech start-ups or impact investors. But the show will explore how Indians – often innovative, other times desperate – are using all the tools and services available to them to make the most out of their own lives, and help the people they care about.

Listen to episodes

27 recent

March 26, 202430 min

How Credit on UPI is making Credit more Trustworthy and Accessible Ft. Anup Agrawal

In the last episode of Smartphone Nation, Niveditha and Utsav speak to Anup Agrawal Co-founder of Kiwi about how credit on UPI will educate Indians on the benefits of using credit, leading to a more economically sound future for all. Anup also shared with us his vision for the future and what impact he believes credit accessibility could possibly make. We also discover that Niveditha and Utsav are on opposite sides of the ‘credit spectrum’.Tune in to this fun conversation about the benefits of credit and how important it is to be accessible to all, especially the Next Half Billion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 19, 202426 min

How Dairy Farmers are able to Access Reliable Financing ft. Ragavan Venkatesan

In this episode, hosts Niveditha and Utsav engage in a conversation with Ragavan Venkatesan, Founder, MD, and CEO of Digivriddhi (DGV), focusing on the company's efforts to provide tailored financial services to dairy farmers. Ragavan also shares insights into his journey as an entrepreneur, and the obstacles he encountered along the way. Listen to this episode to know more about the need for accessible financing, especially for marginalised communities like dairy farmers, and the Next Half Billion. A special thanks to Omidyar Network India for making this season possible. To know how ONI is partnering bold and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working to improve the lives of India’s Next Half Billion, visit omidyarnetwork.in You can listen and subscribe to Smartphone Nation on the IVM Podcasts App and on all major audio platforms. Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. Do share the word with your folks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 12, 202424 min

How Digital Lenders are Helping Mainstream Sustainable Mobility ft. Sameer Aggarwal

Our hosts, Niveditha and Utsav, are joined by Sameer Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Revfin, to discuss how providing access to loans has empowered financially excluded individuals, and business owners – to secure the financial backing needed for the growth of their business, and increased income. Sameer also shares insights into the challenges they encountered in their journey, and the solutions that exceeded their expectations. Listen to this candid conversation to know more about the crucial need for credit, especially in the commercial EV space, and its transformative impact on the lives of independent EV drivers, and the Next Half Billion. A special thanks to Omidyar Network India for making this season possible. To know how ONI is partnering bold and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working to improve the lives of India’s Next Half Billion, visit omidyarnetwork.in You can listen and subscribe to Smartphone Nation on the IVM Podcasts App and on all major audio platforms. Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 5, 202433 min

How SMBs now have access to Affordable Cybersecurity, ft. Pankit Desai

In this episode, our hosts Niveditha and Utsav are joined by Pankit Desai, the co-founder and CEO of Sequretek. He discusses the importance of cutting-edge yet affordable cybersecurity products, shares insights into the evolution of cybersecurity, and highlights Sequretek's mission to empower SMBs with affordable and high-quality automated security solutions. Tune in to this engaging conversation about technology's impact on our security online, and the crucial need for it to be accessible to everyone, especially the Next Half Billion. A special thanks to Omidyar Network India for making this season possible. To know how ONI is partnering bold and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working to improve the lives of India’s Next Half Billion, visit omidyarnetwork.in You can listen and subscribe to Smartphone Nation on the IVM Podcasts App and on all major audio platforms. Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 27, 202438 min

How a Company Leverages an Inclusive Workforce to Drive Tech Innovations Globally, ft. Radha Basu

In this episode, our hosts Nivedita and Utsav chat with Radha Basu, CEO of iMerit to know about iMerit's 'two feet planted on the ground' mission, where the two primary focuses are on creating an inclusive workforce, and leveraging the power of this inclusive workforce to revolutionise the AI and ML landscape with automation, annotation, and analytics for global enterprises. Tune in to this enlightening conversation, and learn more about iMerit’s vision for a more inclusive and empowered future, especially for the underserved segments of India, and the Next Half Billion. A special thanks to Omidyar Network India for making this season possible. To know how ONI is partnering bold and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working to improve the lives of India’s Next Half Billion, visit omidyarnetwork.in You can listen and subscribe to Smartphone Nation on the IVM Podcasts App and on all major audio platforms. Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. Do share the word with your folks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 20, 202441 min

How Privacy Tech is Evolving to become more People Centric ft. Abilash Soundararajan

Introducing a new and refreshed edition of Smartphone Nation! Join hosts Niveditha and Utsav as they engage with entrepreneurs, unraveling their journeys, and stories of impact.In this episode, Abilash Soundararajan, the founder and CEO of PrivaSapien, discusses the online dangers in our increasingly connected world, emphasising the need for better protection and privacy. He advocates for online privacy as a fundamental right, rejecting the notion that it should come with cost implications.Tune in for an insightful exploration of technology's impact on privacy, and the crucial pursuit of a safer digital space, especially for the Next Half Billion. A special thanks to Omidyar Network India for making this season possible. To know how ONI is partnering bold and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working to improve the lives of India’s Next Half Billion, visit omidyarnetwork.in You can listen and subscribe to Smartphone Nation on the IVM Podcasts App and on all major audio platforms. Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. Do share the word with your folks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 13, 202420 min

How Smartphones are Enabling Ease and Quality of Travel Across India

Securing train tickets on short notice or opting for air travel can be both – challenging and costly for the majority of India's population. Opting for road travel, especially buses, is more affordable but comes with its own set of challenges. Right from ticket booking hassles, to timeliness, to cleanliness, and other basic amenities. Listen to this episode to explore the evolving landscape of bus travel, driven by mobility companies like Intrcity. Discover how technology and smartphones are revolutionising the bus travel experience by making it more accessible and seamless, especially for the next half billion! This podcast is also available in Tamil and Hindi. A special thanks to Omidyar Network India for making this season possible. To know how ONI is partnering bold and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working to improve the lives of India’s Next Half Billion, visit omidyarnetwork.in You can listen and subscribe to Smartphone Nation on the IVM Podcasts App and on all major audio platforms. Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. Do share the word with your folks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 6, 202422 min

How a Digital Loan Helped a Small Business Owner Double his Revenue

The loan application process can be overwhelming for many individuals, and dealing with monthly EMIs is often an experience we'd prefer to avoid. Nevertheless, having access to credit is paramount for both personal and business growth. Banks face challenges in serving MSMEs, encountering obstacles such as insufficient credit history or the absence of proper documentation. However, things are slowly changing for the better. Listen to this episode to discover how Non-Banking Financial Companies like Indifi are bridging the gap to facilitate easier credit access. This podcast is also available in Tamil and Hindi. A special thanks to Omidyar Network India for making this season possible. To know how ONI is partnering bold and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working to improve the lives of India’s Next Half Billion, visit omidyarnetwork.in You can listen and subscribe to Smartphone Nation on the IVM Podcasts App and on all major audio platforms. Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. Do share the word with your folks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January 30, 202418 min

How a Daily Wage Worker found Work during the Pandemic

Pursuing a profession that provides stable income, work-life balance, and social security perks is the quintessential Indian aspiration. But how easy is it to find such opportunities? And if you’re a daily wage worker, the quest for decent jobs characterised by humane work conditions, and timely wages is even more challenging to find. Tune in to this episode to learn how companies like Project Hero are narrowing the divide between contractors and contract workers, giving blue-collar workers a platform to easily access safe and reliable work opportunities. This podcast is also available in Tamil and Hindi. A special thanks to Omidyar Network India for making this season possible. To know how ONI is partnering bold and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working to improve the lives of India’s Next Half Billion, visit omidyarnetwork.in You can listen and subscribe to Smartphone Nation on the IVM Podcasts App and on all major audio platforms. Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. Do share the word with your folks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January 23, 202420 min

How Data Helped Women in Odisha get LPG Connections

A significant percentage of India's population relies on government schemes for their livelihoods, including access to welfare programs, and gig economy jobs facilitated by smartphones. Tune in to know how organisations like Ank Aha and Aapti Institute are addressing gaps for vulnerable communities, and working towards equity, access, and justice for India's Next Half Billion as they pursue their dreams. This podcast is also available in Tamil and Hindi. A special thanks to Omidyar Network India for making this season possible. To know how ONI is partnering bold and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working to improve the lives of India’s Next Half Billion, visit omidyarnetwork.in You can listen and subscribe to Smartphone Nation on the IVM Podcasts App and on all major audio platforms. Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. Do share the word with your folks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.