Author: Sai Krishna

Axtria to Build Industry’s Largest Pharma-Specific AI Engineering Team, Scaling to 1,000 by December 2026

NEW DELHI, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Axtria Inc.,  a global leader in AI-first data analytics solutions for the life sciences industry, today announced plans to expand its Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) organization to 1,000 engineers by December 2026, creating the industry’s largest pharma-specific AI engineering team. The expansion represents one of Axtria’s largest investments in AI talent development to date and reflects growing customer demand for engineers who can deploy, scale, and operationalize enterprise AI across commercial, medical, and market access functions.

Launched approximately 12 months ago, Axtria’s Forward Deployed Engineering model was built on a simple premise: the future of AI in life sciences will be determined not by who has access to the best models, but by who can successfully deploy AI into complex enterprise environments and deliver measurable business outcomes. Today, Axtria’s FDEs are embedded within leading life sciences organizations, deploying production-grade AI solutions across commercial and medical operations. Building on this momentum, Axtria is expanding the organization to 1,000 engineers by December 2026 through a combination of internal talent development and strategic hiring.

While life sciences organizations have invested heavily in modern data platforms and generative AI, many continue to face a shortage of specialized talent capable of deploying AI at enterprise scale. Technology providers often bring strong AI engineering capabilities but lack deep life sciences expertise, while in-house pharma teams understand the business but cannot always keep pace with the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem. Axtria’s Forward Deployed Engineering model bridges this gap by combining both disciplines into a single engineering organization that helps clients move from AI experimentation to enterprise-scale deployment.

Axtria’s Forward Deployed Engineers are trained and certified across leading AI and cloud platforms, including Anthropic, AWS, Databricks, LangChain, Microsoft, and Snowflake. Through the Axtria Institute, the company is developing life sciences domain experts into certified AI engineers who deploy solutions across Industry leading platforms and Axtria’s proprietary platforms—including SalesIQ™, MarketingIQ™ and  DataMAx™, helping clients modernize data foundations, improve decision-making, and scale enterprise AI with strong governance and cost efficiency.

“The industry is moving beyond AI experimentation to enterprise-wide deployment, and success now depends on execution,” said Navi Chadha, CTO and Co-founder, Axtria. “Our Forward Deployed Engineers combine deep life sciences expertise with world-class AI engineering capabilities to help clients operationalize AI at scale. This expansion reflects both the demand we’re seeing from customers and our commitment to building the talent needed to power the next generation of AI-enabled life sciences organizations.”

“The most important investment we’re making is in people,” said Manish Mittal, Managing Principal and Country Head, Axtria. “Through the Axtria Institute, we’re enabling our own life sciences experts to become certified AI engineers while also attracting exceptional engineering talent from the market. This creates unique career opportunities and ensures our clients have access to specialists who understand both the science of AI and the realities of life sciences.

Learn more about Axtria’s Forward Deployed Engineering model or explore FDE careers.

About Axtria 

Axtria helps life sciences companies harness the potential of data science and software to improve patient outcomes by connecting the right therapies to the right patients at the right time. A leading global provider of award-winning cloud software and data analytics, Axtria delivers proven solutions that help pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostics companies complete their journey from data to insights to action. As a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, Axtria is committed to aligning strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. For more information, visit www.axtria.com. 

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DCW Limited Appoints Sudarshan Ganapathy as Chief Executive Officer

Elevation from COO brings leadership continuity as the Company enters its next phase of growth

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DCW Limited today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Mr. Sudarshan Ganapathy as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of the Company, with effect from 13^th August, 2026.

Mr. Ganapathy is being elevated from his current role as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Associated with DCW since 1990, he brings more than four decades of experience in the Indian chemical industry and a deep understanding of the Company’s businesses, operations and markets.

Deep Industry and DCW Experience

Mr. Ganapathy holds a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from the University of Mumbai and an MMS in Marketing from Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, Mumbai. Prior to joining DCW, he worked with Hoechst India Limited and Color-Chem Limited.

Since joining DCW as Regional Sales Manager in the PVC Division, he has held leadership responsibilities across strategy, manufacturing, business development, technology, marketing and market expansion, contributing to the Company’s evolution towards a more diversified and value-added product portfolio.

As CEO, Mr. Ganapathy will, inter alia, oversee the Company’s strategy, finance, marketing and operations, with responsibility for driving business performance and long-term growth. His appointment provides leadership continuity as DCW strengthens its Specialty Chemicals business, improves operating efficiency and builds on a stronger financial and manufacturing platform.

Management Commentary

Mr. Bakul Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, DCW Limited, said:

“Sudarshan has been closely involved in DCW’s development for more than three decades and understands our businesses, operations, customers and markets in depth. His appointment provides continuity in leadership while bringing our strategic, financial and operating priorities together under one experienced leader.”



Mr. Sudarshan Ganapathy, Chief Executive Officer, DCW Limited, said:

“I am grateful to the promoters and the Board for the trust they have placed in me. Having been part of DCW’s journey over the years, I have seen the strength of our businesses, people and capabilities. My focus will be on disciplined execution, strengthening Specialty Chemicals, improving operating efficiency and maintaining financial discipline as we build on the platform created for DCW’s next phase of growth.”

About DCW

DCW Limited stands as a stalwart in the Indian chemical industry, upholding a rich legacy since its foundation in 1939. The Company operates two major manufacturing facilities located in Dhrangadhra, Gujarat, and Sahupuram, Tamil Nadu. DCW’s portfolio is strategically segmented into Basic Chemicals (including Soda Ash, Caustic Soda, and PVC) and Specialty Chemicals (including Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC) and Synthetic Iron Oxide Pigment (SIOP)). The Company serves a diverse clientele globally, with a major presence in the USA, Europe, Japan, and the Netherlands. DCW is focused on leveraging its integrated operations, R&D capabilities in Sahupuram, and strategic investments to drive sustainable growth and strengthen its position in the domestic and international markets.

Safe Harbour Statement

Statements in this press release describing the Company’s objectives, projections, estimates, expectations, and predictions may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied due to various factors, including variations in prices of raw materials and finished goods realization, changes in government regulation, tax regimes, economic developments, supply chain disruptions, and other incidental factors.

 For more information, please visit www.dcwltd.com

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307 students of Fashion, Industrial, Interior Design and Fine Arts secure placements at Chandigarh University

Designing students launch 7 startups in last 3 years

CHANDIGARH, India, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At present, designing is a rapidly growing sector whose demand is continuously rising in the national as well as the international market – whether it is fashion designing or interior designing, product and industrial designing, or painting and sculpture designing in fine arts. Keeping this growing need in mind, the University Institute of Design of Chandigarh University is making students capable professionals through creativity, innovation and industry-ready skills. Students of the University Institute of Design (UID) are showcasing their talent brilliantly in every field and achieving new milestones. In the last three years, 307 students of UID comprising of students belonging to Fashion, Industrial, Interior Design and Fine Arts field have secured placements in reputed fashion houses, production houses, brands and companies. At the same time, 317 students have also gained practical industry experience through internships.

In the last three years, 108 students secured placements in the field of interior design. Students have received opportunities in reputed companies such as Livspace, Asian Paints, HomeLane, Daftar Decor and Kargason Brands Private Limited. 6 students have received highest package of 6 LPA by Livspace. Through project-based learning, students are given practical training in areas such as fundamentals, design principles, human comfort, ergonomics, colour theory, materials, space planning and 3D representation. As a result, students are building careers in fields including residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, retail, set, kitchen and lighting design, as well as 3D visualisation.

In the field of industrial design, the Department of Product and Industrial Design places special emphasis on preparing students in line with the changing needs of the industry. In the last three years, 40 students of Bachelor of Industrial Design secured placements, while 48 students completed internships in reputed institutions. Students have secured placements on the strength of their talent in top companies such as Social Hardware, Mercer, BYJU’S, Future Tech Design, Times Internet: The Economic Times, Future Tech Design, DataVinci, Capgemini, Dev Story, Cognizant and Fox My Box. During this period, the highest annual package of Rs 20 lakh reflects the professional capability of the students and their acceptance in the industry. Social Hardware offered an industrial design student the highest package of up to Rs 20 lakh per annum, while Mercer offered up to 12 LPA and BYJU’S and Future Tech Design provided packages of up to 7 LPA to students.

Chandigarh University is turning art into a career for fine arts students. The Department of Fine Arts has also given the creative industry a new generation of talented artists. With a balance of theory and practical learning, students get the opportunity to refine their creative expression in painting, sculpture, applied arts and other art mediums. In the last three years, 77 students secured placements in reputed creative art and design companies, design studios, film and music post-production houses and publishing houses, while 181 students completed internships and 14 students are currently pursuing higher education. During this period, the highest package of 7.2 LPA was offered by Pocket FM. Those providing placements to students include Renyour Creations Private Limited, Sunbase, Pocket FM, Chit1 Studio, Lenskart, Madari Studio, Rather Games, Rabab Studio and Good Luck Publishers.

Today, the University Institute of Design of Chandigarh University is not limited only to preparing designers but is preparing creative professionals and young entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the design industry through their imagination, technical skill and innovation.

Students have performed outstandingly in the field of fashion design. Along with placements, students are also launching their own brands. In the field of fashion design too, students of Chandigarh University have made an excellent display of their creativity and entrepreneurship. In the last three years, 62 students secured placements in reputed fashion brands, in which the highest package was 5.5 LPA. At the same time, in the last five years, 4 students have taken a step towards entrepreneurship by starting their own fashion labels.

Talented designers of the Department of Fashion of Chandigarh University are showcasing their art and design skills at Reliance Gas Lifestyle Retail Limited, Punjab; Vero Moda, Ludhiana; Arvind Fashions Tommy Hilfiger Kids, Ludhiana; Arvind Fashions Calvin Klein, Ludhiana; Arvind Fashion Private Limited, Rohtak; Guess Gauriks Lifestyle, Bengaluru; Sanghvi Beauty Technologies, Delhi; Tommy Hilfiger, Chandigarh; Arvind Lifestyle U.S. Polo, Noida; and DA Milano.

Through modern labs and studios, industry training, visits, expert talks, internships and live projects, students get the opportunity to learn in a real industry environment. State-of-the-art facilities for garment construction, pattern making, textile dyeing and printing inspire students towards new experimentation and innovation.

In the last five years, 5 students of fashion design and fine arts have established their own fashion brands and tattoo studios. Apart from this, two female students of interior design are successfully running their own startups.

Sharing information about the University Institute of Design on this occasion, Senior Managing Director of Chandigarh University, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, said, “The University Institute of Design of Chandigarh University trains students in line with rapidly changing professional trends. While creating a unique balance between theory and practical learning, students are encouraged towards creativity along with innovation, so that they can mould their thinking and imagination in line with design, technical proficiency, practical experience and the needs of the industry. The University Institute of Design of Chandigarh University also encourages students to become entrepreneurs.”

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: https://www.cuchd.in/

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ADFW 2026 Unveils First Wave of Top Speakers, Bringing the World’s Capital Community to Abu Dhabi

• The first wave includes senior UAE and Abu Dhabi government leaders alongside top global CEOs, chairpersons, founders, and institutional investors from industry giants such as Allianz SE, DBS Group, Franklin Templeton and Temasek Holdings

ABU DHABI, UAE, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council, Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), hosted by ADGM, today announced the first cohort of leading speakers for its fifth edition, taking place from 7 – 10 December 2026 under the theme ‘The Capital Community, Powered by Partnerships.’

With just under five months to go until the event, ADFW has already attracted more than 200 confirmed top international speakers from government, financial services, investment, technology and innovation, as Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a leading global hub for capital and investment.

H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said: “The exceptional early commitment from global financial leaders to ADFW 2026 reflects growing confidence in Abu Dhabi as a trusted destination for capital, investment and long-term partnerships.

“The strength of ADFW lies not only in the conversations that happen here, but in what they lead to. By bringing together the world’s leading investors, policymakers and innovators, Abu Dhabi creates an environment where dialogue translates into investment and relationships become long-term partnerships. That is what distinguishes Abu Dhabi as the Capital of Capital.”

Government and Abu Dhabi representatives include H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, UAE; H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, UAE; H.E. Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development and Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; H.E. Salem Al Nuami, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Pension Fund; H.E. Majid Al Suwaidi, CEO, ALTÉRRA; H.E. Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO of Botim, Mohamed Abdelbary, GCEO of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Hamad Al Ameri, CEO of Alpha Dhabi, and Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad.

They will be joined by senior executives from many of the world’s largest financial institutions, including Oliver Bäte, Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO, Allianz SE; Tan Su Shan, CEO, DBS Group; Ron O’Hanley, Chairman & CEO of State Street; Bill Winters, CEO, Standard Chartered; Clare Woodman CBE, CEO, Intl, Morgan Stanley; Stefan Bollinger, CEO, Julius Baer; Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, Executive Director and CEO, Temasek Holdings; Andreas Berger, Group CEO, Swiss Re; Charles R. Kaye, Chairman, Warburg Pincus; Hendrik du Toit, Founder and CEO, Ninety One; Tarek Sultan, Chairman, Agility; Steven Desmyter, President, Man Group;.

The programme will also feature leading voices from global asset management, alternatives, infrastructure, commodities and institutional investment, such as Jenny Johnson, CEO, Franklin Templeton; Katie Koch, President and CEO, TCW; Tobias C. Pross, CEO, Allianz Global Investors; Marc C. Ganzi, CEO, DigitalBridge; Dmitry Balyasny, Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Balyasny Asset Management; Mike Freno, Chairman, President and CEO, Barings; David Druley, CEO, Cambridge Associates; and Stefan Hoops, CEO of DWS.

Reflecting the growing connectivity between finance, technology and innovation, the programme will also feature leaders from the technology, digital assets and fintech ecosystem, including Chamath Palihapitiya, Founder of Social Capital; Richard Teng, CEO of Binance; JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO, Joby Aviation; Robert Smith, Founder & CEO of Vista Equity; Pascal Gauthier, Chairman and CEO, Ledger; Lily Liu, President, Solana Foundation; and Charles Cascarilla, Co-Founder and CEO, Paxos.

Building on the success of previous editions, ADFW 2026 will introduce an expanded programme designed to deepen senior engagement and deliver more focused outcomes. New additions include the inaugural editions of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Summit, the AIMA Global Hedge Fund Leaders Platform, The Hub71 Startups Campus, a Healthcare and BioTech Forum, as well as multiple Global Strategy Roundtables and expanded private forums. Across the week, ADFW 2026 is expected to stage more than 70 thematic events featuring over 800 speakers. The programme will be structured around four main thematic days covering Abu Dhabi’s economic strategy, global markets, asset management, fintech, digital assets, sustainable finance, and Islamic finance.

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D2L Brightspace Approved Under AICTE’s NEAT 6.0 To Strengthen AI-Enhanced Digital Learning Across India’s Technical Institutions

All India Council for Technical Education empanels D2L to participate in the National Education Alliance for Technology 6.0 initiative

NEW DELHI, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — D2L, a global leader in learning innovation, has been empaneled under the All India Council for Technical Education’s (AICTE) National Education Alliance for Technology (NEAT) 6.0 initiative, strengthening its presence in India’s higher education ecosystem.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed between D2L and AICTE-NEAT, marking a strategic partnership to deliver outcome-based, technology-enhanced education to technical institutions across India.

“For many years, choosing an institution was the biggest factor determining how successful your education would be in India,” said Vivek Iyer, Managing Director, India at D2L. “AICTE NEAT 6.0 is an opportunity to change this. Once AI-based learning becomes available to all affiliated institutions, whether located in Mumbai or elsewhere, talent can thrive regardless of location. The best part of this partnership isn’t the technology but rather making excellence truly attainable instead of merely aspirational.”

NEAT is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, implemented through AICTE to provide higher education institutions with access to curated, high‑impact EdTech solutions. NEAT 6.0 represents the next phase of this effort, focused on accelerating digital adoption and improving learning outcomes at scale. By being empaneled under NEAT 6.0, D2L Brightspace will be positioned as an approved Learning Management System (LMS) and a strategic digital learning platform to AICTE-affiliated institutions seeking to modernize and expand their digital learning environments.

Under NEAT 6.0, D2L Brightspace will be offered as a scalable digital learning platform to support institutions in transforming teaching and learning. Built for higher education, it enables personalized learning experiences, data‑driven insights and flexible course delivery at scale. Institutions will be able to adopt D2L Brightspace through the NEAT platform under standardized pricing, enabling faster and broader access to digital learning infrastructure.

“India’s education system is at an inflexion point,” said Vivek Iyer, Managing Director, India at D2L. “While traditional models have not always ensured equitable access, digital learning platforms like D2L Brightspace can help bridge this gap. Through NEAT 6.0, we aim to enable Indian institutions to deliver high‑quality learning at scale, improve outcomes and support workforce readiness.”

D2L Brightspace is built to help institutions meet the evolving demands of higher education. It combines intelligent course design tools, AI-enhanced personalized learning pathways, accessibility features for diverse learner needs and real-time data analytics. This will help faculty and administrators track student progress, making it well-suited to serve the scale and diversity of India’s technical education ecosystem.

About AICTE-NEAT

The National Education Alliance for Technology (NEAT) is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, implemented through AICTE. NEAT curates best-in-class EdTech solutions to improve learning outcomes in higher education, with a strong focus on ensuring equity, accessibility, and inclusion for learners across all regions of India.

About D2L   

D2L is transforming the way the world learns, helping learners achieve more than they dreamed possible. Working closely with customers all over the world, D2L is on a mission to make learning more inspiring, engaging and human. Find out how D2L helps transform lives and delivers outstanding learning outcomes in K-12, higher education and businesses.

D2L Media Contact

PR@D2L.com

X: @D2L

© 2026 D2L Corporation.

The D2L family of companies includes D2L Inc., D2L Corporation, D2L Ltd, D2L Australia Pty Ltd, D2L Europe Ltd, D2L Asia Pte Ltd, D2L India Pvt Ltd, D2L Brasil Soluções de Tecnologia para Educação Ltda and D2L Sistemas de Aprendizaje Innovadores, S. D2 R.L de C.V., and H5P Group AS.

All D2L and H5P marks are owned by the D2L group of companies. Please visit D2L.com/trademarks for a list of D2L marks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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IBM Partners with OpenAI to Accelerate Secure AI Deployment for Enterprises Across Core Operations

• Joint go-to-market partnership embeds OpenAI frontier models like GPT-5.6 and other products into IBM Consulting’s AI delivery platform and assets to help organizations modernize applications and strengthen security
  
   
• Specialized IBM forward-deployed units trained through the OpenAI Partner Network will help organizations convert legacy workflows into AI-ready operations
  
   
• IBM launches a dedicated OpenAI Practice with thousands of consultants and engineers trained on advanced OpenAI Partner Network certifications 

ARMONK, N.Y., Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI to help enterprises deliver business outcomes by deploying AI at scale across core business operations and complex workflows, while strengthening cyber defense and resilience through programs like OpenAI Daybreak. The partnership includes joint-go-to market initiatives and creating industry-specific solutions for financial services, government, telecommunications, and retail, as well as key enterprise domains such as finance, procurement, customer operations, and HR.

The partnership embeds OpenAI frontier models like GPT-5.6 and products like Codex and ChatGPT Work into IBM Consulting Advantage, IBM’s AI platform for delivering consulting services to clients, combining AI agents, industry assets, and cybersecurity capabilities to help organizations securely deploy AI at scale, drive business outcomes, and create new commercial models.

IBM will bring forward-deployed units of highly specialized engineers and consultants trained through the OpenAI Partner Network to work directly with clients to accelerate AI implementation across complex business workflows and highly regulated environments. IBM will also launch a dedicated OpenAI Practice, with thousands of consultants and engineers obtaining expert-level certifications under the OpenAI Partner Network.

Together, IBM and OpenAI aim to help organizations tackle one of the biggest barriers to scaling AI – turning decades of fragmented processes, legacy systems, and operational complexity into AI-driven operations that can be deployed even more safely and securely.

The partnership will focus on three key areas: 

• Transforming legacy operations into AI-ready workflows
  
  IBM will embed OpenAI frontier models like GPT-5.6 and products like Codex and ChatGPT Work into IBM Consulting Advantage, to help organizations integrate AI into daily processes with business context and redesign workflows across finance, procurement, customer operations, and HR. The capabilities within IBM Consulting Advantage can analyze operating procedures and workflows to identify inefficiencies and help teams automate and streamline work using AI.
  
   
• Application modernization and product development
  
  The companies plan to help clients modernize legacy applications and accelerate software development by bringing together OpenAI Codex and ChatGPT Work with IBM’s industry, technology and domain expertise, including integration with IBM Consulting Advantage. The collaboration is designed to help organizations simplify engineering processes and speed the delivery of new digital products and services.
  
   
• Cybersecurity and AI risk management
  
  IBM and OpenAI will expand their collaboration on cybersecurity following IBM’s participation in the OpenAI Daybreak Cyber Partner Program by combining OpenAI frontier AI capabilities with IBM Autonomous Security — a multi-agent-powered service designed to deliver coordinated decision-making, response, and intelligence at machine speed. As AI-powered attacks grow more sophisticated, the partnership will help clients manage both cyber and AI model risk, including application-layer vulnerabilities, governance gaps, and operational risks that limits AI adoption.

“While enterprises are rapidly investing in AI, they are looking for practical ways to apply it across their core operations to deliver measurable business outcomes and create new commercial models,” said Andy Baldwin, Global Senior Vice President, IBM Consulting. “The challenge is not access to AI technologies — it’s integrating AI securely and at scale into complex enterprise environments and workflows. By embedding OpenAI’s technology with IBM Consulting’s AI assets, industry solutions, and cybersecurity capabilities, we can help clients accelerate secure, AI deployments at scale.”

“The organizations pulling ahead with AI are the ones turning it into a trusted part of how their business operates,” said Denise Dresser, Chief Revenue Officer at OpenAI. “IBM Consulting and OpenAI are helping organizations make that shift, combining deep transformation expertise to deploy AI that is secure, operational, and aligned with real business priorities.”

As part of the collaboration, IBM will join OpenAI’s Elite partner tier, reflecting the companies’ shared focus on delivering secure, enterprise-ready AI at scale. 

Statements regarding IBM’s and OpenAI’s future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

About IBM

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media Contact

Elizabeth.Brophy

elizabeth.brophy@ibm.com 

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From Chinese AI to Global ETFs: STARTRADER Launches 45 New 24/7 Stock and ETF CFDs Spanning Seven Market Themes

Available from August 13, 2026, the launch covers seven distinct market themes with no trading-hour restrictions.

DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — STARTRADER today announced the launch of 45 new 24/7 Stock and ETF CFDs, available from Monday through Sunday, 00:00–24:00 (GMT+3 platform time).

Where previous 24/7 expansions were anchored around specific themes, this one is defined by its breadth. The new instruments span seven areas: Chinese AI, AI infrastructure, technology, crypto and digital assets, energy, other equities, and ETFs.

Among the new additions are Zhipu and MiniMax, two Hong Kong-listed Chinese AI companies that debuted on HKEX in January 2026. Zhipu develops large language models for enterprise and developer markets. MiniMax is an AI company focused on artificial general intelligence (AGI), with investors including Alibaba, Tencent, and Hillhouse Capital, and has attracted sustained market attention since its listing.

STARTRADER builds its product offering around where eligible clients are directing their attention. When significant market narratives emerge in new geographies, ensuring access to them is a core part of that responsibility.

“This launch reflects a deliberate choice to keep pace with how global market interest actually moves, across regions, sectors, and timeframes simultaneously. For eligible clients, the launch provides access to a broader range of instruments across regions, sectors, and market themes.” 

– Peter Karsten, Chief Executive Officer, STARTRADER

As STARTRADER’s 24/7 product range continues to grow, the focus remains consistent: building access that reflects the global market as it is today.

Out-of-hours trading may involve wider spreads, reduced liquidity and price gaps, particularly when underlying markets are closed.

Risk Warning: Trading CFDs involves a significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks before trading.

About STARTRADER

STARTRADER is a global multi-asset broker empowering retail and institutional partners to access global markets through a range of platforms, including MetaTrader, STARTRADER APP, and STAR Copy. STARTRADER operates through entities licensed and regulated by authorities including CMA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA and FSC, combining strong governance with a client-first approach, serving both retail clients and partners with a commitment to transparency, reliability, and long-term growth.

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From Prevention to Lifelong Care: India’s First Comprehensive LE&RN-Accredited Lymphedema Clinic Opens at Apollo Athenaa

A first-of-its-kind multidisciplinary programme brings global standards of lymphatic care to India, shifting the focus from reactive treatment to prevention for women at risk of cancer-related lymphedema

NEW DELHI, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Apollo Athenaa, Asia’s first dedicated women cancer centre by Apollo Hospitals, today announced the launch of India’s first one-stop comprehensive Lymphedema Clinic, accredited by the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN)—an internationally recognised non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing education, research and advocacy for lymphatic diseases—setting a new benchmark in the management of cancer-related lymphedema. Designed around internationally recognised standards of care, the clinic brings together specialised surgeons, lymphedema therapists, nurses, dermatologists and rehabilitation experts under a single multidisciplinary programme, offering comprehensive care spanning prevention, early diagnosis, advanced microsurgery, rehabilitation and lifelong follow-up.

The Apollo Athenaa Lymphedema Clinic is distinguished by its integrated model of care, combining multidisciplinary clinical expertise, advanced imaging and supermicrosurgical capabilities, specialised rehabilitation, and internationally benchmarked protocols to deliver personalised care with superior clinical outcomes and an enhanced quality of life for patients. Patients have access to dedicated lymphedema assessment, manual lymphatic drainage, complete decongestive therapy, compression therapy, stage-specific rehabilitation, lymphovenous bypass surgery, vascularised lymph node transfer and liposuction for selected advanced cases. The programme is further strengthened by ultra high-frequency ultrasound technology, enabling surgeons to accurately identify lymphatic vessels and veins for performing lymphatic bypass procedures with greater precision.

India is estimated to have over one million people living with lymphedema. Of these, an estimated 400,000–600,000 are living with cancer-related lymphedema, with 30,000–50,000 new cases developing annually. As cancer survival rates continue to improve, this burden is expected to rise, underscoring the urgent need for dedicated multidisciplinary lymphedema services.

Women undergoing breast and gynaecological cancer treatment remain among the most vulnerable, as lymph node removal and radiation therapy can permanently disrupt lymphatic drainage, resulting in chronic swelling, recurrent infections, reduced mobility and a significant impact on long-term quality of life. Up to 20% to 42% of women develop arm lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, and roughly 31% to 37% of survivors of gynecological cancers experience lower-limb lymphedema. Despite this growing burden, access to specialised multidisciplinary lymphedema care remains limited in India, with patients often navigating fragmented treatment pathways that delay intervention and compromise long-term outcomes.

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “At Apollo, we have always believed that advancing healthcare means continually raising standards across every stage of the patient journey. As cancer outcomes continue to improve, our focus must also extend to helping patients live healthier, fuller lives beyond treatment. Apollo Athenaa, Asia’s first dedicated cancer centre for women, was created with this vision of delivering comprehensive, women-centric cancer care. The launch of India’s first LE&RN-accredited Lymphedema Clinic is a natural extension of that commitment. By bringing together specialised expertise, advanced technology and internationally recognised standards of care within a multidisciplinary programme, we are addressing an important aspect of survivorship that has often been overlooked, while ensuring women receive the highest quality of care throughout their recovery.”

Dr. Venkat Ramakrishnan, Consultant Plastic & Breast Reconstruction Surgeon, Apollo Athenaa, said, “Traditionally, lymphedema surgery has largely been considered only after the condition develops, when irreversible tissue changes may have already occurred. At Apollo Athenaa, we are changing this paradigm by introducing a preventive approach through Prophylactic Lymphovenous Bypass (LVB) for eligible patients undergoing cancer surgery who are at high risk of developing lymphedema. Performed at the time of axillary lymph node dissection, this super microsurgical procedure restores lymphatic drainage during cancer surgery itself, helping reduce the future risk of arm lymphedema rather than waiting for the condition to manifest. This shift from reactive treatment to preventive lymphatic surgery has the potential to significantly improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for women undergoing breast cancer treatment.”

Dr. Samarth Gupta, Senior Consultant Plastic & Breast Reconstruction Surgeon, Apollo Athenaa, said, “Lymphedema care cannot be delivered in isolation. It requires timely diagnosis, specialised rehabilitation, precision surgery and long-term follow-up working together as one coordinated programme. At Apollo Athenaa, we have brought together every aspect of lymphedema care—from dedicated assessment and specialised physiotherapy to advanced imaging, microsurgical reconstruction and survivorship support—under one roof. By combining evidence-based protocols with technologies such as high-frequency ultrasound, we are able to deliver highly personalised care while helping patients regain function, confidence and quality of life.”

With the launch of the LE&RN-accredited comprehensive Lymphedema Clinic, Apollo Athenaa continues to strengthen its women-centric oncology ecosystem by advancing survivorship care through integrated prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up. By bringing globally benchmarked standards of lymphatic care to India, the centre aims not only to improve long-term functional recovery and quality of life for women living with or at risk of cancer-related lymphedema, but also to enable them to return to their everyday lives with greater confidence, dignity and well-being- reflecting Athenaa’s commitment to care beyond cure.

ABOUT APOLLO ATHENAA

Apollo Athenaa, a unit of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, is Asia’s first dedicated cancer centre for women, rooted in empathy and powered by science. It is not just a facility—it’s a mission. Apollo Athenaa is envisioned as a safe, specialised space exclusively for women, combining cutting-edge oncology expertise with compassion, dignity, and privacy. Women are the cornerstones of families and communities, and their health directly impacts the strength of the nation. Recognising the need for timely, specialised, and compassionate care, Apollo has taken a pioneering step forward. Apollo Athenaa provides comprehensive women-focused cancer care, from preventive screenings and advanced diagnostics to surgical oncology, breast oncoplasty, fertility preservation, and reconstructive care. Supported by multidisciplinary expertise and precision oncology, the centre also offers nutrition, physiotherapy, onco-psychology, and palliative care, ensuring a continuum of services that place women’s health, dignity, and well-being at the forefront.

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IFSCA Grants Nexent Capital GIFT City Investment Banking License

IFSCA registration enables the firm to advise on and manage cross-border capital market transactions from India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

GIFT CITY, India, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nexent Capital IFSC Private Limited (“Nexent Capital”), the GIFT City-based arm of U.S.-based Nexent Capital Management, today announced that it has received formal registration from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to operate as an Investment Banker within India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). The registration was granted on July 31, 2026, under the IFSCA (Capital Market Intermediaries) Regulations, 2025, enabling the firm to undertake regulated investment banking activities from GIFT City.

With this registration, Nexent Capital is authorized to undertake a broad range of investment banking activities permitted under the CMI Regulations, including managing initial public offerings (IPOs), follow-on public offerings (FPOs), SPAC listings, secondary listings, depository receipt issuances, debt capital market transactions, and other capital market advisory mandates within GIFT City’s regulatory framework.

Commenting on the development, Abhimanyu Tyagi, Director, Nexent Capital IFSC Private Limited, said, “This registration marks an important milestone for Nexent Capital. It enables us to help international companies access global capital through GIFT City while strengthening India’s position as a global financial centre. We look forward to supporting innovative, high-growth businesses as they leverage GIFT City’s evolving capital markets ecosystem.”

The registration comes as GIFT City continues to strengthen its position as a gateway for global capital markets, offering international companies an alternative venue to access investors through India’s IFSC ecosystem. Leveraging its newly acquired license, Nexent Capital plans to expand its cross-border investment banking platform by supporting high-growth companies, particularly from the United States and Europe, seeking capital-raising and listing opportunities through GIFT City’s exchanges.

The firm currently has an active pipeline of companies across high-growth sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Data Centers, Quantum Computing, Space Technology, and Energy. Through its investment banking platform, Nexent Capital aims to provide end-to-end advisory services, ranging from transaction structuring and listing readiness to execution and post-listing capital markets support.

About Nexent Capital:

Nexent Capital is a financial services firm specializing in investment banking, financial advisory, alternative asset management, and institutional equities. With offices in San Francisco, California, and GIFT City, Gujarat, the firm provides strategic capital market solutions to entrepreneurs, growth-stage businesses, and institutional clients, supported by cross-border expertise and a global network. http://nexentcap.com/

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Farizon Hits 600,000 Production Milestone, Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Homtruck Rollout

HANGZHOU, China, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group hosted its 10‑year‑anniversary roll‑off ceremony at its Ma’anshan manufacturing plant, with on‑site employees on hand to witness the landmark 600,000th unit — a Homtruck heavy truck calibrated to satisfy EU regulations and local fleet‑operation demands — come off the assembly line. The milestone cements Farizon as the world’s‑first new energy commercial vehicle manufacturer to reach this cumulative production mark.

As Farizon’s flagship electric long‑haul tractor, the Homtruck packs the brand’s most advanced core‑system technology engineered for European logistics operations. Fitted with a 600‑kWh battery pack that delivers a 500‑kilometer driving range, dual fast‑charging ports and a 1.5‑million‑kilometer B10 service life, the truck improves operational efficiency, running‑cost performance and safety. It creates new industry standards for energy consumption and will help speed heavy truck electrification across Europe. Tailored for European market demands, the Homtruck is coming soon to Europe.

Representing ten years of solid industrial growth, the 600,000‑unit milestone strengthens Farizon’s global competitive edge. Going forward, the brand will keep driving worldwide commercial vehicle electrification via upgraded technology and full‑scale localized customer support.

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