Swiggy has launched Pyng, a new app aimed at offering professional services in areas like astrology, fitness, career mentorship, legal advice, and more. The launch is part of the company's broader strategy to diversify its offerings beyond food delivery, following in the footsteps of Chinese tech giants like Alibaba and Meituan, which have multiple apps catering to different needs.

Unlike the superapp strategy, where a single app offers several services, Swiggy is adopting a house of apps model, with Pyng serving as the latest addition to its lineup. Other recent app launches under this strategy include Snacc (a 15-minute food delivery app) and Minis (a marketplace for direct-to-commerce brands). This approach contrasts with rivals like Zomato, which has integrated multiple services like food delivery and quick commerce under a single app, while Swiggy prefers to keep its offerings separate.

While superapps have not gained significant success at scale in India, Swiggy’s decision to maintain individual apps for specific use cases might cater better to user preferences. According to Swiggy, some users will prefer dedicated apps for different needs, allowing them to enjoy specialized services without cluttering a single app.

The new Pyng app aims to attract experts from diverse fields, including mental health, fitness, and legal consulting, similar to platforms like Urban Company, but focusing more on professional advice. With this move, Swiggy plans to tap into a growing demand for at-home services and specialized consultations, expanding beyond the food delivery space.

The launch of Pyng reflects Swiggy’s ongoing strategy to scale its business by diversifying its offerings. By separating services into distinct apps, the company hopes to create more targeted, user-friendly experiences for customers, thereby driving growth in a competitive market.

In a landmark initiative to combat the effects of air pollution, Nirvana Being, India’s leading clean air solutions provider, has joined hands with Greenr Café, a popular health-conscious eatery chain, to establish “Pure Air Zones” at its outlets. This collaboration is setting new standards in the hospitality industry by making clean, breathable air a key aspect of the dining experience.

Patrons at Greenr Café’s Greater Kailash and Vasant Vihar locations are greeted by real-time displays of AQI (Air Quality Index), PM2.5, and CO2 levels, both indoors and outdoors. This transparency reflects a firm commitment to environmental accountability and health-focused dining. These safe air zones are made possible through advanced ventilation, filtration, and automation systems installed by Nirvana Being, ensuring patrons can breathe easy while enjoying their meals.

Jai Dhar Gupta, Founder of Nirvana Being, highlighted the importance of this initiative:
“As more people experience health complications due to toxic air, there is a growing demand for safe spaces where they can dine and gather without compromising on health. Our collaboration with Greenr Café reflects a shared vision to offer patrons clean air they can trust, setting a new benchmark for health and safety in India’s hospitality sector. Our aim is to inspire other businesses to adopt similar clean air standards, making indoor air quality a priority in all public spaces for the well-being of our communities.”

Echoing this sentiment, Niharika Jain, Founder of Greenr Café, emphasized the role of clean air in holistic wellness:
“Air and water are fundamental to human health and existence, and everyone should have the right to access them in their purest form. At Greenr, our aim is to create spaces where people can come together, enjoy wholesome food, and feel their best. With the alarming rise in air pollution, it became equally important for us to ensure our patrons could breathe clean, safe air while they are here.”

This partnership not only enhances the Greenr Café experience but also underscores the importance of creating eco-conscious public spaces. By combining Greenr’s commitment to holistic wellness with Nirvana Being’s expertise in clean air solutions, the initiative is a step towards a future where safe, breathable air becomes a standard in India’s hospitality sector.

Together, Nirvana Being and Greenr Café are inspiring a broader movement towards health-first, environmentally sustainable public spaces, proving that even small steps can lead to significant change.

Balmer Lawrie & Co Ltd, a central public sector undertaking, has made a significant equity investment in NapTapGo, a budding startup in the hospitality sector. This initiative aligns with the government's Startup India programme, showcasing the company's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging businesses.

NapTapGo is at the forefront of redefining affordable luxury through its unique pod hotel concept. Pod hotels are compact accommodations designed for short stays, offering basic yet efficient amenities. Their space-saving design and affordability have made them increasingly popular among travelers worldwide.

The investment, valued at INR 1 crore, was announced as part of Balmer Lawrie’s annual startup fund programme. While specific funding terms remain undisclosed, the company highlighted its intent to boost the startup ecosystem and encourage creative solutions in the hospitality sector.

To ensure top-notch services, NapTapGo integrates AI and IoT into its facilities, enhancing hygiene, quality, and customer experiences. This tech-driven approach aligns with modern travelers' preferences, emphasizing convenience and efficiency.

Balmer Lawrie has partnered with IIM Lucknow’s Enterprise Incubation Center (EIC), a premier incubator, to extend incubation support, mentorship, and industry connections to startups like NapTapGo. The collaboration underscores the company's dedication to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.

Speaking about the initiative, Adhip Nath Palchaudhuri, Chairman and Managing Director of Balmer Lawrie, remarked, “We firmly believe that investing in innovation and supporting emerging entrepreneurs will contribute significantly to nation building.”

Nitin Malhotra, founder of NapTapGo, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “This investment demonstrates the government's commitment to driving innovation in the tourism sector.”

As part of its vision, Balmer Lawrie continues to encourage projects that align with national development goals while promoting sustainable and innovative solutions.