Author: Sai Krishna

FREED Introduces EMI Score, a Free Financial Assessment Tool to Help Borrowers Evaluate Loan Affordability

GURUGRAM, India and MUMBAI, India, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FREED, India’s first liability management platform, today launched EMI Score, a free borrower-first measure of financial health. EMI Score reads income stability and quality, monthly savings, and total loans and EMIs, then places each borrower on a scale of 0 to 100 that shows exactly where they stand and what they can comfortably carry.

The score is free and live today at freed.care/emi-score.

Why India needs a borrower-side score

Credit is one of the most powerful tools a household has. Borrowing is how millions of Indians move their lives forward, and the expansion of credit in this country has been genuinely good for people and for the economy. A loan works best when it is taken to build something, and when it is taken after an honest assessment of whether it can be repaid sustainably.

That second part is where the gap lies. Household debt has climbed to 45.5% of GDP, and non-housing loans now account for 58.4% of household borrowing, per the RBI’s Financial Stability Report of June 2026.

Borrowers today have no simple way to answer the question that matters most to them: If they can genuinely afford this EMI alongside everything they are already carrying. Without an answer, millions quietly take on more than their income and savings can sustain, and find out only after a payment is missed, by which point the options have narrowed. What has been missing is a way for people to see stress building while they can still do something about it.

How EMI Score works

EMI Score brings together three parts of a person’s financial life into a single number between 0 and 100:

Income– how stable and sufficient monthly earnings are

Savings– the cushion available to fall back on

Loan behaviour– how well existing loans are being handled

The score places each borrower in one of three zones, and each zone leads to a clear next step.

Prevention, care and cure are how FREED has built its debt relief solutions stack. EMI Score is the diagnosis. What follows it is treatment.

Ritesh Srivastava, Founder and CEO, FREED, said, “FREED exists to put the borrower first, and EMI Score is the clearest expression of that. Credit is a good thing. It is how people buy homes, educate their children and build businesses. The question is never whether to borrow. It is whether this loan, at this moment, is one you can comfortably carry. Today most people discover they are in stress only after a missed payment. We want to move that moment earlier, from cure to care to prevention. A loan should help you move forward. It should never become the thing that keeps you up at night.”

Every borrower already knows their credit score, and it does its job well. EMI Score answers a different question, and it answers it for the borrower rather than the lender. It is not a record of how loans have been handled in the past. It is a read on whether today’s income and savings can carry today’s EMIs, and what happens if one more is added.

Both readings matter, and they are strongest together. When borrowers understand what they can sustain and stay within their means, defaults become less likely and the wider lending system grows steadier. Over time, a trusted borrower-side measure of borrowing health becomes a bridge between borrowers and lenders, helping both sides make better and more sustainable decisions. That is the India FREED is working toward, where people borrow confidently, responsibly, and with a clear understanding of what they can truly afford.

About FREED

FREED is India’s first liability management platform, built to help borrowers take charge of their loans at every stage, from staying financially healthy to simplifying and resolving debt. Through EMI Score, credit insights, loan consolidation, loan settlement and FREED Shield, the platform gives borrowers a clear view of where they stand and the tools to act on it, so that a loan stays an enabler of progress and never a source of stress.

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Thunes to Support Fiserv’s Real-Time Global Payouts for Platforms

Capability enables Fiserv merchant customers to offer real-time international payouts via a single integration.

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, and Fiserv, a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology, today announced a strategic collaboration to transform how global platforms and marketplaces handle international payouts.

Through the alliance, Thunes will support payouts for Fiserv’s merchant ecosystem, enabling ecommerce platforms, marketplaces and other Fiserv clients to send money instantly around the world to pay employees, bills and suppliers.

By leveraging Thunes’ Direct Global Network, Fiserv clients will gain the ability to reach 12 billion bank accounts and mobile wallets in over 140 countries and 90 currencies.

Sanjay Saraf, Chief Product Officer, Fiserv Merchant Services, said: “As merchants expand across borders, they need payments that are as seamless as their growth ambitions. Our work with Thunes helps businesses move money globally with greater speed, transparency and predictability, supporting more efficient and scalable global operations.”

Chloé Mayenobe, Deputy CEO at Thunes, added: “We are thrilled to enable cross-border payments infrastructure for Fiserv as they expand the boundaries of what their customers can achieve. This collaboration further validates Thunes’ ability to support the world’s largest fintechs with a robust global network designed to support compliant and efficient cross-border payouts. Together with Fiserv, we are powering the future of global commerce by making cross-border payments transparent, reliable, and real-time in supported markets.”

Kyle Rosen, Head of Americas at Thunes, added: “This collaboration with Fiserv captures the powerful momentum we are building in the US. U.S. platforms and marketplaces have historically faced significant friction when paying out globally at scale. Together, Thunes’ licensed U.S. payments capabilities and Fiserv’s merchant ecosystem can unlock increased speed and efficiency for businesses looking to capture global growth. We are proud to be the infrastructure engine driving this next chapter of real-time commerce for U.S. enterprises.”

This latest collaboration for Thunes represents another milestone for its growth in the Americas having obtained money transmission licenses in all U.S. states where required. Thunes continues to grow its support for major fintechs in the U.S. and around the world, offering fast, secure and reliable global money movement through its Direct Global Network.

About Thunes:

For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

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CitiusTech Appoints Dhaval Shah as Acting CEO and Shyam Karunakaran as President to Lead Next Phase of Growth and Transformation

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CitiusTech, a leading digital and enterprise AI company for healthcare and life sciences organizations, today announced that Dhaval Shah, Chief Business Officer for the MedTech (HMT) and Life Sciences (HLS) markets, has been elevated to the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Shyam Karunakaran, Chief Business Officer for Healthcare Payer & Platforms (HHP & Platforms), has been elevated to the role of President, with broad responsibilities spanning enterprise strategy, markets, growth, and execution. Rajan Kohli, Chief Executive Officer, has decided to move on from his role by the end of August 2026 to pursue other opportunities.

The appointments reflect succession planning that has been in place and CitiusTech’s confidence in the strength of its leadership team, positioning the company for its next phase of growth. This leadership transition comes as CitiusTech builds on strong business momentum, with a continued focus on healthcare specialization, AI-led transformation and delivering measurable outcomes for clients.

“Over the past two decades, CitiusTech has built a strong and differentiated business, underpinned by deep healthcare expertise, trusted client relationships and an exceptional leadership team,” said Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., Chairman, CitiusTech. “As two of CitiusTech’s early founding employees, Dhaval and Shyam have been integral to that journey and today lead over 80% of our business. Their deep understanding of our clients, people and industry, combined with their proven track record of building and scaling businesses, positions them strongly to lead CitiusTech through its next phase of growth. This is an exciting time for the company as healthcare organizations accelerate their adoption of AI and look for partners who can translate that technology into meaningful outcomes. Dhaval and Shyam have the full support of the Board, and the mandate to lead the organization and execute on its strategic priorities. We thank Rajan for his contributions to CitiusTech and wish him every success in the future.”

CitiusTech delivered strong growth in FY26, placing its performance in the top quartile of technology services companies, with strong business momentum continuing into FY27, while maintaining industry-leading client satisfaction, and multiple recognitions as a leader by leading industry analysts. CitiusTech is already helping clients apply AI to real-world healthcare challenges, with growing demand for healthcare-specific AI solutions driving strong momentum across the business. The focus now is to scale these offerings rapidly and responsibly to meet the evolving needs of clients.

Dhaval Shah has been with the company for more than 19 years, helping shape its culture, values, and operating model since its earliest days. Over his tenure, Dhaval has held various leadership roles and was responsible in building the company’s MedTech and Life Sciences businesses. Until recently, he served as Chief Business Officer for these industry segments.

“I want to thank Rajan and the Board for the strong foundation we are inheriting. Our vision to accelerate healthcare intelligence is well and truly underway,” said Dhaval Shah, Acting Chief Executive Officer, CitiusTech. “Our focus now is to make intelligence an integral part of how healthcare organizations operate, make decisions and deliver outcomes. We will build on this foundation to establish CitiusTech as a leader in healthcare AI services.”

Shyam Karunakaran has spent 17 years at CitiusTech. He served as Chief Business Officer for the company’s Payer and Platform businesses and helped build them into the franchises they are today. As President, he will bring that same strategic mandate to the broader organization, with responsibilities across enterprise strategy, markets, growth, and execution.

“Between Dhaval and me, we bring more than 36 years of experience at CitiusTech, and we are excited to lead the company through its next phase,” said Shyam Karunakaran, President, CitiusTech. “The healthcare industry stack is being rebuilt around AI, and CitiusTech is uniquely positioned to win across three layers – the Engineering Layer, the Intelligence Layer, and the Agentic Layer.”

Rajan Kohli said, “It has been a privilege to lead CitiusTech and work alongside such a talented team. Together, we forged strategic partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem, elevated client trust, enhanced CitiusTech’s brand visibility as a category leader, and built a strong foundation in AI that is now driving real outcomes for our clients. I’m grateful to Bill and the Board for their partnership throughout this journey. Dhaval and Shyam are outstanding leaders, and they have my best wishes as they take CitiusTech to even greater heights.”

About CitiusTech

CitiusTech is a leading digital and enterprise AI company for healthcare and life sciences organizations. We enable 140+ enterprises to build a human-first ecosystem that is efficient, effective, and equitable. Leveraging deep domain expertise and next-generation technologies including AI, Cloud, Data, and Intelligent Automation, we assist our clients to realize their vision, accelerate transformation, and achieve business outcomes. With 7,700+ healthcare technology professionals worldwide, CitiusTech powers digital innovation, business transformation, and industry-wide convergence through next-generation technologies, solutions, and products. Follow CitiusTech on X or LinkedIn.

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Moloco Launches Global Agency Partner Program with More than a Dozen Founding Partners

New program recognizes agency expertise, strengthens strategic collaboration, and helps brands unlock growth across the independent app ecosystem

NEW DELHI, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Moloco, a global leader in AI performance advertising, today announced the launch of the Moloco Agency Partner Program, a new initiative that strengthens collaboration with global agencies and recognizes those helping brands drive growth on the Moloco platform. The program launches with more than a dozen founding partners across North America, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC, including PMG, Dentsu UK&I, M+C Saatchi Performance, SplitMetrics, RocketLab, Admiral Media, Addict Mobile, Tappx, BlueMedia, GatherOne, Yaaha, CyberZ and Opt.

As advertisers expand their performance marketing strategies across channels such as mobile apps and connected TV, agencies play an important role in helping clients identify new growth opportunities and drive measurable business outcomes. The Moloco Agency Partner Program gives agencies access to resources, support and strategic collaboration to deepen their expertise on the Moloco platform, and provide an opportunity to deliver greater value to clients while growing their own businesses.

“Agencies play a critical role in helping marketers navigate a rapidly changing advertising landscape,” said Sunil Rayan, Chief Business Officer, Moloco. “We’re committed to giving our agency partners the education, collaboration and support they need to create even greater value for their clients. By working more closely together, from education and product collaboration to joint go-to-market initiatives, we can help marketers unlock new growth opportunities while giving agencies another way to differentiate themselves.”

The Moloco Agency Partner Program recognizes agencies for the expertise they’ve built on the platform and the success they’ve delivered for their clients. Partners gain access to certification and education, dedicated support, co-marketing opportunities and closer collaboration with Moloco’s product and go-to-market teams. As agencies deepen their partnership with Moloco, they can unlock additional opportunities for strategic planning, executive engagement and joint marketing initiatives designed to help grow their businesses alongside their clients.

“Our partnership with Moloco has strengthened our ability to deliver high-performing UA campaigns for clients across verticals. Moloco’s AI-driven optimization has been central to that impact, and we look forward to growing alongside Moloco as it expands its footprint in India and globally,” said Nimit Chaudhry, Founder and CEO, strongmetrics.

“I’ve worked closely with the Moloco team for over a year now and they’ve consistently delivered strong results. They’re always quick to bring new tests to grow the account, and what I really value is that it’s always done with the client’s wider strategy in mind,” said Megan Knaggs, App Performance and Gaming Lead, Dentsu UK&I. “For clients who are ready to move beyond the walled gardens of app marketing, Moloco has been a natural next step. And we’re excited to be part of the Agency Partner Program.”

“Our partnership with Moloco has enabled us to build stronger relationships with brands across India and international markets, helping them drive better lower-funnel performance outcomes. Moloco’s AI-driven programmatic technology and audience intelligence give us the transparency, precision, and efficiency our clients need. Together, we are helping advertisers drive smarter app discovery and UA outcomes through relevant, data-driven solutions,” said Arooshi Dharamdasani, CEO, Momentus.

The Agency Partner Program’s founding partners span four regions, with additional agencies expected to join over time. Future phases of the program are expected to introduce an agency badge that recognizes and showcases each agency’s expertise as Moloco continues to invest in the agencies helping shape the future of AI-powered advertising.

For more information about the Moloco Agency Partner Program, visit https://www.moloco.com/solutions/agency-partner-program.

About Moloco

Moloco is an AI-native performance advertising company built for the open Internet. Founded in 2013, Moloco has spent more than a decade building AI systems that make ads more effective and has dedicated itself to shaping the future of the Internet economy. Its core business, Moloco Ads, is an AI-native performance advertising platform that empowers mobile app marketers to drive real business outcomes across millions of mobile apps and a growing number of connected TV platforms. Moloco Commerce Media, the company’s AI-native retail media business, enables retailers and marketplaces to build ad businesses that balance shopper experience with advertiser performance. Moloco’s solutions reach over 200 countries and territories, and the company has offices throughout the US, the UK, Germany, Korea, China, India, Japan, and Singapore. Learn more at www.moloco.com.

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ATLANT 3D Launches NANOFABRICATOR® PRO: The World’s First and Only Physical Platform for AI-Driven Materials Discovery

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ATLANT 3D today announced the launch of NANOFABRICATOR® PRO, the world’s first and only physical platform for AI-driven materials discovery. The platform connects AI-driven materials discovery with programmable atomic-scale fabrication, experimental validation, and device prototyping, accelerating the transition from design to manufacturable materials and devices.

As AI transforms materials discovery, a key challenge remains validating AI-generated predictions. Traditional workflows separate materials design, fabrication, characterization, and manufacturing into disconnected processes, slowing innovation and limiting the transition from digital discoveries to real-world technologies.

Powered by ATLANT 3D’s proprietary Direct Atomic Layer Processing (DALP®) technology, NANOFABRICATOR® PRO is the foundation of the Physical AI Infrastructure for Matter and ATLANT 3D’s A-HUB Autonomous Materials Foundry, integrating AI-driven materials discovery, atomic-scale manufacturing, and rapid validation across semiconductors, advanced packaging, quantum technologies, and emerging applications.

Industrialized with Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR), NANOFABRICATOR® PRO is a SEMI-compliant platform for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. AIR manufactures the platform in the U.S., enabling scalable production, supporting ATLANT 3D’s U.S. expansion, and delivering a production-ready system.

“AI is fundamentally changing how new materials are discovered. The next frontier is turning those discoveries into real-world innovations. Together with AIR, we introduce NANOFABRICATOR® PRO, which enables creation of next-gen self-driven platforms with integrated metrology,” said Dr. Maksym Plakhotnyuk, CEO and Founder of ATLANT 3D. “By connecting AI-driven materials discovery, advanced manufacturing, and experimental validation, we enable rapid translation of computational predictions into functional materials while laying the foundation for the Physical AI Infrastructure for Matter.”

“Industrializing breakthrough technologies requires advanced expertise in reliable and scalable platforms,” said Bob Fung, President of Automated Industrial Robotics Silicon Valley. “Our partnership combines advanced engineering with U.S. manufacturing capabilities to deliver NANOFABRICATOR® PRO platform to enable next frontiers for future industries.”

ATLANT 3D’s next frontier is to bring self-driving platform capabilities based on NANOFABRICATOR® PRO with integrated metrology and other processing solutions. The company is seeking strategic partners across advanced technologies for growth and expansion to build the next generation of Physical AI.

About ATLANT 3D

ATLANT 3D enables AI-driven materials innovation and atomic-scale manufacturing. Through DALP® technology, the company provides programmable control of matter to transform digital materials design into physical reality, pioneering the Physical AI Infrastructure for Matter.

To learn more about NANOFABRICATOR® PRO, visit www.atlant3d.com/nanofabricator_pro, and ATLANT 3D, visit www.atlant3d.com.

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India’s Manufacturing Future Will Be Built by Engineers Who Understand How the World’s Best Products Are Made

Caresoft Global and Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation (DRIIV) signed a MoU to collaborate for talent development in India by bridging the skill gap.

NEW DELHI, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Caresoft Global and DRIIV (Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate for talent development in India. The partnership brings global manufacturing and technology intelligence into the Indian engineering, manufacturing, and education sector through a structured industry engagement model. DRIIV operates under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and was established on the recommendation of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). Adroit Technologies Innovative Solutions Pvt. Ltd. joins as Implementation Partner.

India is among the world’s fastest-growing manufacturing economies, moving toward higher-value products and globally integrated supply chains. The industry is shifting quickly toward Electric Vehicles, Software Defined Vehicles, and electronics-intensive product architectures. That shift raises a persistent challenge for long-term competitiveness: developing engineers with real exposure to global manufacturing practices and technology knowhow. Indian institutions produce graduates with strong theoretical foundations, but few students have studied how world-class products are designed, benchmarked, engineered, and improved across their lifecycle.

Prof. Ambuj D. Sagar, Acting CEO, DRIIV, noted that the collaboration addresses a national priority. “India’s manufacturing ambitions will increasingly be shaped by the strength of its engineering capabilities. This initiative creates a collaborative framework through which academia and industry can complement engineering education with exposure to contemporary industrial practice.”

“The Caresoft Global Institute gives engineering institutions a structured model for engaging with industry while preserving the strength of their academic programs,” said Krishna Kumar Gaur, Head, Institutional Relations, DRIIV. “Working with universities, faculty and industry, we aim to build institutional capability that prepares students for the changing expectations of manufacturing and engineering employers.”

At the center of the initiative is Iceberg, Caresoft Global’s engineering benchmarking and technology intelligence platform, which shows how leading OEMs and suppliers make decisions on design, performance, manufacturability, quality, and cost. The collaboration will drive talent upskilling in India by deploying Centers of Excellence across the country and by running focused, multidisciplinary development programs in emerging technology sectors. These include Software Defined Vehicles, Electric Vehicles and new energy mobility, high-voltage battery systems, hybrid systems, automotive electronics, semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data analytics. Adroit Technologies will manage operations of the Centers of Excellence, including faculty enablement, onboarding and delivery across mechanical, automotive, electrical and electronics, manufacturing, industrial engineering, computer science/IT, and AI disciplines.

For Caresoft Global, the goal is accessibility. “Every product tells an engineering story,” said Prideep Subramaniam, VP, APAC, Caresoft Global. “Through Iceberg, the engineering and manufacturing ecosystem in India will study how products are engineered, benchmarked and improved using real manufacturing intelligence. That includes Electric Vehicles, Software Defined Vehicle architectures, and the Electronics and systems behind them. The result is a deeper understanding of the decisions that shape product quality, manufacturability, performance and competitiveness.”

About Caresoft Global

Caresoft Global is a world leader in automotive benchmarking and cost reduction products and programs. Operating worldwide with over eight technology centers, the company benchmarks vehicles and systems and provides competitive insights to the global auto industry. To date, Caresoft Global has identified more than $3.5 billion worth of cost reduction opportunities for the global automotive industry. With this collaboration, the company is bringing that same engineering intelligence to the academic sector.

Marketing and Communications:

marcom@caresoftglobal.com 

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XPPen Marks Its 21st Anniversary with “DOODLE THE WORLD”, Bringing Creativity Beyond Boundaries

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XPPen, a leading global digital art innovation brand, proudly celebrates its 21st anniversary. Marking 21 years of empowering creators worldwide, XPPen introduces this year’s theme, “DOODLE THE WORLD,” with a series of creative experiences, including the Global Art Toy Design Contest co-hosted by XPPen and TOP TOY, a globally renowned art toy brand, the upcoming Artist Ultra 14 drawing display, artist conversations, the Doodle & Spin Game on official website, and exclusive anniversary offers. Through these initiatives, XPPen encourages creators worldwide to explore diverse forms of artistic expression and create without limits.

“At XPPen, we believe creativity should have no boundaries, not limited by mediums or imagination,” said Brian Huang, Marketing Director at XPPen. “For 21 years, we have empowered creators with innovative solutions to bring their ideas to life. ‘DOODLE THE WORLD’ embodies our belief that inspiration can flow freely across paper, screens, and beyond. Through this anniversary celebration and collaboration with TOP TOY, we unite around a shared belief in creativity without boundaries and the power of imagination, while embracing a more youthful and trend-inspired creative culture through the fusion of digital art and designer toy culture.”

XPPen × TOP TOY Global Art Toy Design Contest

As one of the highlights of XPPen’s 21st anniversary celebration, XPPen has partnered with TOP TOY, a leading global art toy brand, to launch the Global Art Toy Design Contest, inviting creators worldwide to explore the possibilities of Zero, TOP TOY’s original IP character. Through this collaboration, creators can transform their ideas into collectible designs.

Running from August 16 to October 16, 2026, the contest encourages participants to reinterpret Zero through designs including the Null Shell Design, Fenix Shell Design, and Zero Figure Design. Participants can draw inspiration from seasons and clothing styles or develop their own original themes. Winners will receive XPPen creative devices, cash prizes, blind boxes, and X-Coins from the XPPen Community, which can be used for community giveaways and exclusive rewards. Selected winning works will also have the opportunity to be developed into physical art toys and stocked in TOP TOY stores worldwide. Join the contest at https://community.xp-pen.com/events/global-art-toy-design-contest?lang=en

A panel of artists and creative professionals will judge the entries, including Katun, an influential Southeast Asian graffiti artist; Josephine Rais, a German illustrator and strategic designer; Jun Oson, a Japanese illustrator and contemporary artist; together with TOP TOY’s senior art toy designer jury. “I hope creators can create boldly, not only through colors, but also by exploring more possibilities in subtle elements such as materials and emotions,” said Tong Liu, Senior Designer at TOP TOY, as one of the jury.

New Addition to the Artist Ultra Series

Continuing the celebration of XPPen’s 21st anniversary, the Artist Ultra 14 will launch on August 17. As the newest member of the Artist Ultra Series, Artist Ultra 14 delivers Ultra Clear True Color with exceptional accuracy and clarity in a slim, portable design, providing creators with a flexible and immersive experience. The new product will also be available as one of the prizes in the Global Art Toy Design Contest and the anniversary game on XPPen’s official website.

Celebrating Creativity Across Mediums and Beyond

To further explore this year’s theme, XPPen has invited artists from different creative fields, including Chromakane, Tattoo Artist, and Marina Esmeraldo, Multidisciplinary Artist, to share their creative journeys and interpretations of “DOODLE THE WORLD.” Through these conversations, XPPen showcases how drawing can take place across different mediums and creative environments, inspiring everyone to embrace the freedom to create anytime, anywhere.

Beyond artistic conversations, everyone is invited to join the anniversary game on XPPen’s official website. Participants can join the 21-Day Doodle Journey and spin the wheel to win prizes. XPPen’s official online stores will also roll out global anniversary offers, featuring discounts of up to 50% on selected products.

Building on 21 years of innovation, XPPen will continue empowering creators and advancing digital art. XPPen will also showcase its latest innovations and upcoming products at IFA 2026, including new releases ahead of official launch. More details will be revealed at IFA 2026.

For more information, please visit https://www.xp-pen.com/21st-anniversary-celebration.html

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CATL and Quinbrook Build on Supernode Partnership Following Stage 2 and Stage 3 Major Milestones

BRISBANE, Australia, Aug. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Quinbrook’s Supernode battery energy storage project has completed Stage 2 commercial operation and reached financial close on A$469 million financing for Stage 3, marking a further milestone in the phased development of Australia’s largest operational BESS campus.

With planned capacity expected to exceed 3 GWh, Supernode is supported by CATL as its core energy storage system supplier for all three stages, providing advanced storage solutions and lifecycle support to enable reliable long-term operation.

Located at Brendale, north of Brisbane, Supernode is adjacent to the South Pine substation, a key hub in the Queensland power system and the regional reference node for marginal loss factors (MLFs). This location provides a favourable MLF position and approximately 4,000MW of available connection capacity for phased expansion. The project’s development coincides with Queensland’s accelerating energy transition and the infrastructure investment cycle.

Stage 3 has reached financial close on A$469 million in debt financing, bringing total project financing across Supernode Stages 1, 2 and 3 to approximately A$1.2 billion. Across its first three stages, Supernode is set to reach 780MW / 3,074MWh. Capacity across the three stages has been contracted under long-term offtake arrangements. 

The long-term value of such assets depends on the continued availability, operational efficiency, safety and reliability of their energy storage systems. CATL has provided EnerC Plus systems for Stages 1 and 2 and will supply TENER S systems for Stage 3, establishing a consistent technology platform across the campus.

In close collaboration with Quinbrook, CATL has supported project-specific design optimisation to enable high-density deployment within the constraints of available industrial land. EnerC Plus supports back-to-back installation, reducing the required site footprint by approximately 20% compared with EnerC. Its integrated liquid-cooling system maintains an internal container temperature differential within 5°C and is designed to deliver reliable operation over a 20-year lifecycle.

CATL’s contribution extends beyond equipment supply. Under a Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA), CATL will further support the full lifecycle of the energy storage asset through condition monitoring, performance tracking, fault response and preventive maintenance to help ensure reliable long-term operation. CATL’s proven product performance, scalable delivery capabilities and lifecycle service model provide greater confidence in the long-term reliability and performance of the energy storage asset.

Tim Hornemand, Managing Director and Regional Lead, Australia, at Quinbrook, said:

“Achieving commercial operations for Stage 2 means we’ve successfully delivered both Origin-contracted stages on schedule, an outcome we’re incredibly proud of given the complexity of commissioning utility-scale battery storage projects in Australia. With Stage 3 now fully financed, we’ve reached another important milestone in Supernode’s continuing development. The ongoing support of our banking partners also reflects confidence in the Supernode project, our delivery track record and the long-term outlook for battery storage in Australia.”

Tan Libin, CCO and Co-President of Sales & Marketing at CATL, said:

“Energy storage is evolving from a standalone technology deployment into a strategic energy asset. The next stage of industry development will depend not only on technological advancement, but also on the ability to create long-term value through collaboration, innovation and scalable deployment. At CATL, we are committed to working with partners to unlock the full potential of energy storage assets and support the transition toward a more flexible and resilient energy system.”

CATL and Quinbrook are also working together on EnerQB, an eight-hour battery storage solution being considered for future stages of the Supernode development. The initiative builds on CATL’s role as energy storage system supplier across Supernode’s first three stages. CATL will continue to work with partners worldwide to deliver reliable technologies, scalable solutions and lifecycle support.

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VICTORINOX INDIA WELCOMES ABHAY DEOL AS A FRIEND OF THE BRAND

SHARED VALUES. AUTHENTICITY. CHARACTER.

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Victorinox India today announced actor Abhay Deol as a Friend of the Brand for its watch portfolio for the coming 18 months. Known for his authenticity, independent spirit and thoughtful approach to life, Deol reflects values that have guided Victorinox for more than 140 years.

The association will bring Abhay Deol across Victorinox’s watch portfolio, all collections including I.N.O.X., Maverick, Concept One Solar, Air Pro, Dive Pro and Concept One Automatic. Throughout this term, Deol will feature across all media touch touchpoints including digital, outdoor and retail touchpoints, celebrating a shared commitment to character, quality and enduring craftsmanship.

SPEND YOUR TIME WISELY, CELEBRATED THROUGH AN INDIAN LENS

At the Heart of the Collaboration Is Victorinox’s Global Watch Campaign – Spend Your Time Wisely. a Belief That Time Is Our Most Valuable Resource, and That How We Choose to Spend It Says Something About Who We Are.

For India, Victorinox is bringing this global philosophy to life through Abhay Deol, whose distinctive approach to life reflects the idea of making thoughtful, individual choices. Through his journey with the brand, Abhay will introduce audiences to Victorinox watches not simply as timepieces, but as companions to the moments that make time meaningful.

The campaign brings Spend Your Time Wisely to life across the most important festive occasions in India, from Diwali, Raksha Bandhan and the wedding season. Highlighting the importance of time during celebrations and milestones. Each occasion captures a different way of spending time with family, with loved ones, celebrating traditions, pursuing passions or simply being present in the moment.

In doing so, the Swiss heritage and craftsmanship of Victorinox embraces Indian festivities by being ‘The Ideal Gift – Time’ during these occasions and milestone moment.

Commenting on the campaign, Avirup Mukhopadhyay, Head of Marketing, Victorinox India, said:

“With Spend Your Time Wisely, we are bringing Victorinox’s iconic Swiss heritage and craftsmanship into the heart of Indian celebrations. Our ambition is to make Victorinox watches the ideal gift for every festive occasion and the important moments that define our lives, creating a meaningful bridge between Swiss excellence and the traditions of India.“

SHARED VALUES, MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

Commenting on the announcement, Debraj Sengupta, Managing Director, Victorinox India, said:

“At Victorinox, every partnership is guided by shared values. Abhay Deol represents authenticity, thoughtful choices and quiet confidence – qualities that closely reflect our brand philosophy. As we continue strengthening our presence in India, this collaboration marks an important step in building deeper connections with consumers while staying true to our Swiss heritage and commitment to quality.”

More than a brand partnership, this collaboration brings together two philosophies rooted in authenticity, independence and long-term thinking. Throughout his career, Abhay Deol has been recognized for forging his own path, making deliberate choices and remaining true to his convictions. It is an approach that closely mirrors Victorinox’s enduring commitment to quality, purpose and staying true to its values.

Commenting on the collaboration, Abhay Deol said:

“I’ve always believed that the choices we make define who we become. What resonates with me about Victorinox is its authenticity, its strong sense of purpose and the integrity with which it has stayed true to its values for generations. There is a timeless quality to the brand that goes beyond products. I’m delighted to be part of this journey and to share that message with Indian audiences across the world.”

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ABOUT VICTORINOX  

140+ YEARS OF BEING BEST PREPARED.

The origins of Victorinox date back to 1884, when Karl Elsener opened a knifemaking workshop in a village in central Switzerland. Elsener delivered his first soldier’s knife to the Swiss Army in 1891. Six years later, he created the Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife – now known as the original Swiss Army Knife™ – which would lay the foundation for a thriving global company.

Victorinox is now a fourth-generation family business operating in over 120 countries. In addition to its iconic pocket knives, Victorinox produces premium household and professional knives, watches and travel gear. Victorinox products embody the brand and ensure consumers are best prepared for everyday challenges by offering smart and masterful solutions. The enterprising spirit of the founder and a commitment to strong, values-based corporate governance live on until today.

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77 DAYS TO GO: 7 WONDERS OF FUTURE CITIES COUNTS DOWN TO START OF VOTING

DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 7 Wonders of Future Cities today marks 77 days until global voting begins on www.7wondersfc.com on 31 October 2026. The day, also known as World Cities Day, will be when the public can start choosing amongst the participating cities and developments, to become historically recognised as the leading representatives of the future of urban life.

According to Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Chairman of the 7 Wonders of Future Cities campaign, “Public participation, global visibility and the status of our recognised brand can transform urban vision into a shared cause, and we are seeing this already with motivating engagement from participating cities and developments from all over the world.”

Chie Kobayashi, Global Initiatives Manager for Minato Mirai 21 in Yokohama, Japan, says “We are proud to contribute our experience and vision for creating sustainable, people-focused cities of the future through the 7 Wonders of Future Cities initiative.”

Sabine Müller, Chairwoman of aspern Seestadt in Vienna, Austria, says: “We joined the 7 Wonders of Future cities initiative to stand alongside world-leading urban developments, to share our vision of an innovative, sustainable and liveable city for many future generations.”

Jeremy Fasser, Mayor of Stellenbosch, South Africa, considers that the future city vision for Adam Tas Corridor “is about creating walkable, connected, mixed-use and mixed-income neighbourhoods where homes, schools, workplaces, public spaces and opportunities are within easy reach – about building a city that connects rather than divides.”

Eduardo Pimentel, Mayor of Curitiba, Brazil, says participating “is an opportunity to show the world a city that combines planning, innovation, sustainability and, above all, care for people.”

Służewiec, in Warsaw, Poland, believes that “participating in the competition will highlight the work put into the transformation process and allow other cities around the world to learn from our example.”

For participant Konza Technopolis, southeast of Nairobi, Kenya, its CEO John Paul Okwiri believes that participation in the campaign provides an opportunity to share Kenya’s experience in developing a purpose-built smart city with a global audience.

7 Wonders of Future Cities campaign Chairman Jean-Paul de la Fuente summarises the growing momentum: “With 77 days remaining to voting, now is the time that participating cities and developments can build strong foundations of awareness and support locally, nationally and internationally, and that will for sure become valuable assets for when the competition gets underway.”

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/77-days-to-go-7-wonders-of-future-cities-counts-down-to-start-of-voting-302849871.html