Author: Sai Krishna

D Prime Launches Daily ROI PK Feature for #DooTrader International Cup 26/27 USD 1M Trading Competition

Traders can now compete in daily head-to-head ROI challenges to earn extra Season Scores toward the USD 1,000,000 global prize pool and Grand Final spots.

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — D Prime has introduced Daily ROI PK, a new head-to-head challenge within the #DooTrader International Cup 26/27, giving eligible participants another way to earn Season Scores and advance on the season Scoreboard.

Alongside monthly individual rankings, the USD 1 million global trading competition features multiple formats, including the Team Challenge, Knockout Challenge and season-long Scoreboard. The Top 3 traders on the final Scoreboard will secure invitations to the Island Showdown Grand Final.

With Round 4 underway, Daily ROI PK brings one-on-one competition into the action every day.

A New Rival Every Day

From 18 September 2026 to 14 January 2027, eligible participants can challenge traders within their division based on daily account return on investment (ROI).

• 10 Season Scores Per Win: Finish the daily match period with a higher ROI than your opponent to earn 10 Season Scores.
• Tailored Matchmaking: Each day, participants are presented with up to five potential opponents with similar ROI levels and can select one to challenge. Results are calculated automatically at the end of the match period.
• Up to 20 Season Scores Daily: Participants can compete once per day in each division, Rising Star and Wave Rider, allowing eligible traders participating in both divisions to earn up to 20 Scores per day.
• No Season Scores Deduction: A loss or draw does not deduct previously earned Season Scores.

Daily Matches, Season-Long Progress

Season Scores earned through Daily ROI PK contribute directly to the overall #DooTrader season Scoreboard. Each win can help participants move up the rankings, with the final Top 3 securing spots at the live Island Showdown Grand Final.

The new feature complements #DooTrader’s existing competition formats, creating another pathway for participants to compete throughout the season.

One day. One rival. 10 Season Scores. Another step toward the Island Showdown.

For full competition mechanics and eligibility requirements, visit the official #DooTrader page.

About D Prime

“D Prime” is a brand name of D Prime Vanuatu Limited, a company incorporated and regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (Company Number: 700238). The availability of products and services may vary depending on jurisdiction and applicable regulatory requirements.

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BORICA and OpenWay Win PAY360 Award for Bulgaria’s Euro Payments Transformation

The Best Partnership Initiative award recognizes BORICA and OpenWay for their contribution to Bulgaria’s payments transformation and successful euro transition.

LONDON, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BORICA AD and OpenWay have won the Best Partnership Initiative Award at the PAY360 Awards 2026 for their work together on Bulgaria’s payment infrastructure and the country’s successful transition to the euro.

The award recognizes the impact of a long-term partnership focused on a challenge where there was no room for disruption: transforming critical national payment infrastructure while ensuring that everyday card payments and ATM services continued from the first minute of euro adoption.

Since 2018, BORICA and OpenWay have worked together to modernize Bulgaria’s card processing infrastructure, combining BORICA’s expertise in national payment services and ecosystem coordination with OpenWay’s Way4 real-time digital payment software platform and payment technology expertise.

What set the initiative apart was its scale, continuity and practical impact. The partnership was developed over years of modernization and then tested under exceptional live conditions when Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026.

The euro programme brought together more than 35 banks, payment service providers, fintechs, government institutions and technology partners. BORICA and OpenWay worked closely to prepare and execute the card processing transformation, with extensive testing, rehearsals and operational coordination before the cutover.

The results came almost immediately after midnight. The first successful euro ATM withdrawal was completed just 20 seconds into the new currency environment. Within the first 48 hours, more than 930,000 card and ATM transactions worth nearly €42 million were processed with zero unplanned downtime.

Miroslav Vichev, CEO of BORICA AD, said:

“Our shared objective went beyond a successful technology transition. We wanted to ensure that a transformation of this scale could happen without disrupting the everyday payment experience. That required years of preparation, disciplined execution and trust between our teams and across the wider ecosystem.”

Pavel Gubin, CEO of OpenWay Group, said:

“What makes this achievement distinctive is not technology or scale alone, but what BORICA and OpenWay were able to accomplish together. We have spent years building a payment environment designed to evolve without compromising continuity. Euro adoption put that approach to the ultimate real world test, and the results speak for themselves.”

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DP WORLD REAFFIRMS LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP WITH INDIA AS EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN H.E. ESSA KAZIM MAKES FIRST VISIT

Executive Chairman H.E. Essa Kazim, Group CEO Mr. Yuvraj Narayan and members of DP World’s Global Board of Directors engage with JNPA leadership to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration and future investment.

Inauguration of Phase 2 of Nhava Sheva Business Park adds one million square feet of warehousing capacity, backed by an investment of approximately ₹500 crore ($52 million), strengthening DP World‘s integrated logistics ecosystem in India.

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DP World has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to India’s economic growth and global trade ambitions, as H.E. Essa Kazim, Executive Chairman, made his first visit to the country in his new role, accompanied by Mr. Yuvraj Narayan, Group Chief Executive Officer, and members of DP World’s Global Board of Directors.

The visit reflects the strategic importance of India to DP World’s global growth agenda and its commitment to building world-class trade and logistics infrastructure in partnership with the country. As India strengthens its position as a global manufacturing, consumption and export hub, DP World continues to invest in capabilities that connect businesses to international markets, enhance supply chain resilience and support the country’s evolving trade requirements.

A key engagement during the visit was a meeting with Mr. Gaurav Dayal, IAS, Chairman of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Mr. Ravish Kumar, IRTS, Deputy Chairman, reaffirming a partnership spanning nearly three decades. Beginning with the concession agreement for Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT), the association has played a role in the development of India’s public-private partnership model in port infrastructure.

The discussions focused on strengthening this longstanding relationship and exploring opportunities for future collaboration, including the development of Vadhavan Port and further investment in the JNPA Special Economic Zone. The engagement underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors in developing the infrastructure, connectivity and capacity needed to support India’s next phase of trade-led growth.

As part of the visit, H.E. Essa Kazim and Mr. Yuvraj Narayan inaugurated Phase 2 of the Nhava Sheva Business Park (NSBP) in the presence of members of DP World’s Global Board of Directors. The business park’s first phase spans 44 acres and provides one million square feet of warehousing space. The newly inaugurated second phase covers an additional 42 acres and will add a further one million square feet of warehousing capacity, representing an investment of approximately ₹500 crore ($52 million).

Together, the two phases strengthen DP World’s ability to support the growing and increasingly sophisticated requirements of customers across industries.

Commenting on the visit and the company’s commitment to India, H.E. Essa Kazim, Executive Chairman, DP World, said, “India is a strategic partner in DP World’s global growth journey, and we see significant opportunities to contribute to the country’s ambitions as a leading global trading nation. Our commitment goes beyond investing in infrastructure; it is about building enduring partnerships, strengthening connectivity and creating integrated supply chain solutions that enable Indian businesses to compete more effectively in global markets. The expansion of Nhava Sheva Business Park reflects our confidence in India’s long-term potential and our continued focus on meeting the evolving needs of our customers. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with government and industry partners to support India’s growth and unlock new opportunities for trade.”

The expansion is part of DP World’s broader vision to develop an integrated logistics ecosystem at Nhava Sheva, connecting port operations with container freight stations, rail, warehousing and Free Trade Warehousing Zone capabilities. By bringing these complementary services together, DP World enables customers to move cargo more efficiently, optimise logistics costs and access end-to-end supply chain solutions through a connected infrastructure network.

The investment reflects a customer-led approach to growth, anticipating changing business needs while providing the capacity, flexibility and connectivity required to serve both domestic and international trade. It also reinforces DP World’s focus on developing infrastructure that creates long-term value for customers and contributes to the wider competitiveness of India’s logistics sector.

Follow DP World on: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DP_World

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dp-world 

About DP World

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door. 

In India, DP World serves a quarter of India’s EXIM container market with 5 container terminals with a total installed capacity of 6 million TEUs per annum. It has 3 free trade warehousing zones, 5 million square feet of warehousing space, 5 container freight stations, express logistics network covering 15000 pin codes and advanced freight forwarding expertise. It is also one of the largest private rail freight operators in India with 16000+ owned containers and 8 inland rail terminals. 

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW

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Zydus Hospitals, Ahmedabad, Takes Post-Weight-Loss Transformation Beyond the Scale

AHMEDABAD, India, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — India is in the middle of a significant obesity crisis, and global estimates place the country third in the world for the number of adults living with obesity. Despite regular exercise, there are thousands of patients who struggle to lose weight, which has taken a lasting toll on their metabolic health. For many patients, bariatric surgery has been an emerging option. It is a life-changing procedure, but it has its own limitations and challenges, such as excess and sagging skin. To address these concerns, Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad’s Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Department has been doing remarkable work.

As patients lose a significant amount of fat after bariatric surgery, excess skin is left behind. Though it may seem a purely cosmetic concern, for many patients it is a daily problem. Loose, overlapping skin can cause chronic rashes and recurring infections in the folds, and it can interfere with everyday movement and exercise, making it harder to stay active after weight loss. In such cases, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery (including post-bariatric body contouring) is an option that can protect a patient’s long-term health.

At Zydus Hospitals, Dr. Bijal Parikh, Plastic, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon, has over 30 years of distinguished experience in treating patients, helping them restore confidence and achieve natural-looking results. He practices as a cosmetic and plastic surgeon in Ahmedabad and is an experienced hand, known for astute surgical skills and deep understanding of facial and body aesthetics, contributing to the department for years. He recalls a case where a 43-year-old woman had undergone bariatric surgery four years ago and, more recently, a liposuction procedure. “She came to us with complaints of loose, excess skin on her abdomen and along her lateral chest and both arms. Though this is a known and common complication of major weight loss, it had begun to affect her self-esteem. On examination, we also noticed that her navel had stretched into what’s known as a ‘laughing umbilicus,’ a wide, horizontal slit that forms when skin around the belly button loses elasticity.”

Dr. Bijal performed a circumferential abdominoplasty, an extended tummy tuck in Ahmedabad that removes excess skin around the entire torso, combined with targeted contouring of her arms and chest. “It improves body contour, and the stitches are placed along the body’s natural creases where they’re easily concealed and considerably fade over the years, though they don’t disappear entirely,” he added.

“Most of the work in the OT goes into suturing,” said Dr. Parikh. “We use cosmetic, absorbable internal sutures, so there’s no need to remove them afterwards.” The patient recovered well and was advised to wear a pressure garment, a fitted compression shaper that supports healing tissue and reduces swelling, for six weeks after surgery. She was extremely happy with the results. With her confidence back, she can now dance to the tunes of garba and enjoy herself to the fullest, without much apprehension.

Feeling comfortable and confident in one’s own skin matters at every age. As one gets older, the skin gradually loses its firmness as the collagen and elastin (proteins that keep the skin firm) break down. This is most visible as sagging of the face and along the jawline. One 65-year-old patient consulted Dr. Parikh for a neck lift and lower facelift. A facelift tightens the skin and the layers beneath it, including the SMAS, which is the supporting layer of muscle and connective tissue under the skin, and the platysma (the thin muscle in the neck), all of which loosen with age. If done well, these procedures can restore definition along the jawline and neck without the overly tight, artificial look associated with traditional facelifts. The patient was content with the results as the surgery offered a firmer jawline and neck. Each surgery is supported by a team of anaesthesiologists, physiotherapists and OT staff, who work alongside the surgeon to ensure the best results during and post-surgery.

The benefits of cosmetic and plastic surgery extend beyond appearance. The psychological impact of excess skin, and of its removal, is also well documented. Studies report that body contouring after weight loss is associated with reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms and improved quality of life, particularly among patients satisfied with their results. Physiotherapists, anaesthesiologists and the entire OT staff help in making each surgery a success.

Zydus’ cosmetic and plastic team offers a full range of body contouring procedures, and Dr. Bijal’s area of expertise spans Radio Frequency Assisted Liposuction (RFAL) and Laser Liposuction, Body contouring procedures – tummy tuck, arm lift, double chin correction, thigh lifts and calf shaping, Facial cosmetic surgeries – face lift, neck lifts nose reshaping (rhinoplasty), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), ear deformity corrections, Breast surgeries – augmentation, reduction (gynecomastia in males) and reconstruction, post-pregnancy body restoration, Hair transplantation and laser treatments for scars, moles, and pigmentation. Each case is evaluated individually, with surgical planning around a patient’s specific anatomy, their weight-loss history, and what will genuinely protect their long-term health and well-being.

To know more, visit https://zydushospitals.com/

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Discover Deakin 2026 Begins in India – Deakin University’s flagship annual student engagement brings a sharper focus on confident future choices

NEW DELHI, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Deakin University’s flagship student engagement initiative, Discover Deakin, returns to India this October with a renewed focus on helping students and families make informed and confident decisions about their university journey, careers and future in Australia.

Held under the theme ‘Decide your uni with confidence at Discover Deakin,’ the 2026 edition brings together Deakin academics, current students, alumni and specialist support teams to give prospective students a comprehensive view of the Deakin experience, from choosing the right course and understanding career pathways to accommodation, employability, student support and life in Australia.

This year, Austrade has joined the program to give students and parents a broader perspective on Australia as a study destination and the opportunities available to international students. As Australia’s trade and investment promotion agency, Austrade supports Australia’s international education engagement. Study Melbourne, which supports international students with a lens on Melbourne as a study destination, will join the Bengaluru session, further enriching the conversation around studying and living in Australia.

Here is a look at the schedule for Discover Deakin 2026 sessions:

• 3 October (Sat) – Chandigarh | Hyatt Regency, Satluj
• 7 October (Wed) – New Delhi | Le Méridien, Inspire
• 10 October (Sat) – Bengaluru | Conrad, Junior Ballroom
• 10 October (Sat) – Kochi | Holiday Inn, Periyar
• 13 October (Tue) – Mumbai | Novotel Mumbai, Burgundy
• 15 October (Thu) – Hyderabad | Hyatt Palace, MP-1 & 2
• 17 October (Sat) – Chennai | Pullman, Vana

To register for a Discover Deakin Session in your city, please visit Discover Deakin 2026

Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University, said, “Choosing a university is an important decision for students and families. At Deakin, we want students to have the confidence that comes from asking the right questions, hearing directly from those who have experienced university life and understanding where their education can take them.”

“Discover Deakin 2026 brings that experience to life. With Austrade and Study Melbourne joining us this year, students and parents can gain a broader perspective on studying in Australia while connecting directly with our faculty, students, alumni and support teams. Our aim is simple. We want to help every student make an informed choice and take their next step with confidence.”

What can students and families expect

Discover Deakin is designed to bring the university closer to students, giving them and their families a clearer window into what lies ahead and the information they need to make informed decisions about international study. From understanding Australia as a study destination and experiencing life at Deakin to exploring courses, careers, employability and student support, students can hear directly from the people who can help them understand what their university journey could look like.

More than an opportunity to gather information, Discover Deakin is about helping students ask the right questions, explore what is possible and find the pathway that is right for them. Through conversations with current students, alumni, faculty and specialist teams, they can gain practical insights and personalised guidance on courses, careers, scholarships and life in Australia, leaving with greater clarity about their choices and confidence about taking their next step.

A key strength of Discover Deakin is the opportunity for prospective students and parents to hear directly from those who have experienced the Deakin journey.

Students at the Discover Deakin session in New Delhi yesterday looked forward to information and valuable conversations with the Deakin faculty to make better course choices. Samnik Ahlawat is currently pursuing humanities and aims to explore higher studies in either nursing or psychology. Present at the New Delhi session, he said, “I am at this session to learn more about my options and what will suit me best if I want to study abroad. A successful pathway to studying in Australia is what I am seeking.”

Samnik’s family attended the session along with him. They said, “Nowadays children decide what they want to do in future. We are just here to support them. I am here to find out details about safety, security, accommodation and opportunities. I look forward to speaking to a Deakin Student Services representative to clear my doubts.”

By bringing together academic expertise, first-hand student and alumni perspectives, personalised admissions guidance and a broader Australia-focused conversation, Discover Deakin 2026 aims to provide students and families with the information, connections and confidence to make informed choices about their future.

The initiative builds on Deakin University’s long-standing engagement with India and its commitment to supporting Indian students through every stage of their international education journey, from choosing the right course to building skills, networks and experiences for global careers.

About Deakin University

Established in 1974, Deakin University has grown to become one of Australia’s most progressive and globally connected institutions. Deakin is recognised for its balance of excellence in education and research with a clear focus on creating real-world outcomes that benefit communities locally and globally.

Deakin has maintained a strong relationship with India since 1994, with its engagement spanning students, alumni, academic partnerships, research, industry and broader Australia–India connections.

With four campuses across Australia, Deakin offers over 300 industry-relevant courses, designed to equip students with the skills and experiences they need for future success.

To know more, please visit www.deakin.edu.au.

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NCCN Highlights Collaborations to Improve Global Cancer Outcomes During Meetings in North America and Asia

National Comprehensive Cancer Network participates in annual conferences for the International Gynecologic Cancer Society and Philippine Society of Medical Oncology in efforts to standardize cancer treatment recommendations.

MONTREAL and MANILA, Philippines, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®)—an alliance of leading academic cancer centers in the United States—is collaborating with several global organizations to publish new International Adaptations of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines^®) for the Philippines. These projects were outlined during NCCN’s participation in two global conferences for cancer treatment: the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) annual global meeting in Montreal October 1-3, and the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), Department of Health (DOH), and NCCN Summit taking place during the PSMO annual scientific meeting in Manila October 6-9.

“Our joint efforts in the Philippines and beyond reflect a shared commitment to improving access to appropriate cancer care, reducing disparities in treatment, and strengthening oncology practice through proven guidance,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. “By working with regional experts to regionally tailor NCCN’s guidelines for use in the Philippines, we combine our expertise to provide evidence-based recommendations that are more meaningful and usable for regional clinical settings. Through this global collaboration, we will create opportunities to grow our efforts with providers worldwide to develop practical tools that serve communities across the globe.”

The new NCCN Guidelines for the Philippines reflect close collaborations between NCCN and PSMO, as well as with the Society of Gynecological Oncologists of the Philippines (SGOP), with support from IGCS. The planned adaptations will cover the following disease types:

• B-Cell Lymphomas
• Breast Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma
• Lung Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Rectal Cancer
  
  (with PSMO)
• Cervical Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Uterine Cancer
  
  (with SGOP and IGCS)

All of the NCCN Guidelines for the Philippines will be available for free at NCCN.org/global in the months ahead.

On October 6th, PSMO, DOH, and NCCN hosted a high-level meeting to focus on the adaptation process and critical strategies to integrate these localized guidelines into national health policies and programs under the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA). Highlighting global implementation models, NCCN was joined by Professor Jacek Jassem of the Medical University of Gdańsk, who shared insights from Poland’s successful experience in developing and implementing the NCCN Guidelines for Poland.

“NCCN Guidelines are the most reliable tools that cancer care providers use worldwide to improve prevention, treatment, and outcomes for people with cancer. Developing regionally tailored guidelines alongside NCCN and international experts allows us to seamlessly combine global clinical standards with our local expertise and regulatory environment,” said Hiyasmin A. Alejandro MD, PSMO Vice President and Co-Lead of the NCCN adaptation project in the Philippines. “This collaboration directly strengthens our medical oncology practice, empowering Filipino healthcare providers to deliver more consistent, high-quality, and equitable care customized to the realities and regulations here in the Philippines.”

“True collaboration means co-creating solutions that meet the specific needs of our patients,” said Dr. Doris Benavides, SGOP’s immediate past president. “By adapting the NCCN Guidelines for cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers to the Philippine setting, we’re giving our gynecologic oncologists evidence-based recommendations grounded in the realities of local practice in various regions of the country. This important initiative will raise the standard of care and improve long-term health outcomes for Filipino women and their families. We are grateful to NCCN and IGCS for their commitment to global collaboration. This partnership lets Filipino specialists to contribute local insight while benefiting from one of the world’s most trusted oncology guideline frameworks.”

Building on the success of the initiative in the Philippines for gynecologic cancers, NCCN recently signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IGCS to explore the implementation of tailored gynecologic cancers guidelines in other regions as well. “IGCS is committed to improving gynecologic cancer care worldwide through education, training, and awareness,” said Mary Eiken, MS, CEO of IGCS. “Our Strategic Alliance Partner Program brings together leaders and members of gynecologic oncology organizations across specialties and regions around the world. We’re excited to collaborate with NCCN to help translate NCCN Guidelines into practice for gynecologic cancer patients.”

There are currently more than 90 international adaptations of the NCCN Guidelines and more than 180 different translations across numerous languages. Learn more about NCCN’s global efforts to expand access to high-quality, high-value, patient-centered cancer care for everyone, by visiting NCCN.org/global. 

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®) is a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to defining and advancing quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care and prevention so all people can live better lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines^®) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus-driven recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services; they are the recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer management and the most thorough and frequently-updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients^® provide expert cancer treatment information to inform and empower patients and caregivers, through support from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Foundation (NCCNF). NCCN also advances continuing education, global initiatives, policy, and research collaboration and publication in oncology. Visit NCCN.org for more information.

Media Contact:

Rachel Darwin

267-622-6624

darwin@nccn.org

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Project Eleven and Quantus Plan Strongpoint Integration With Quantus Joining as a Development Partner

Quantus joins as a development partner for Strongpoint support on the Quantus Network, helping shape institutional key management, governance, and transaction workflows for the post-quantum blockchain.

NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Project Eleven and Quantus today announced plans to integrate the Quantus Network with Strongpoint, Project Eleven’s institutional custody platform built for the post-quantum and AI era. Quantus joins as a development partner for Strongpoint support on the Quantus Network, helping shape the integration for institutional users.

As blockchain networks begin adopting post-quantum cryptography, they are unlikely to converge on a single signature scheme, migration path, or timeline. For institutions, that creates a growing infrastructure challenge: supporting different cryptographic standards across multiple networks while maintaining consistent security, governance, and operational controls.

Strongpoint is designed to address that challenge through a crypto-agile architecture that separates institutional controls from the cryptography used by the underlying network. Authentication, policies, approvals, key management, and audit operate through a common control layer while the cryptographic algorithms and network-specific requirements beneath them can change independently.

The planned integration will extend that architecture to Quantus. Quantus provides post-quantum security at the protocol level, while Strongpoint will enable institutions to secure Quantus keys and approve transactions through institutional hardware, policies, approval processes, and audit controls.

“Quantus is taking a forward-looking approach by building post-quantum security directly into its architecture,” said Alex Pruden, Co-Founder and CEO of Project Eleven. “As more networks adopt new cryptographic standards, institutions will need infrastructure that can support those changes without forcing them to rebuild their security and operational workflows each time. Strongpoint is designed to provide that consistent layer.”

As a development partner for the integration, Quantus will work with Project Eleven to help shape Strongpoint’s support for the network and the requirements of institutions operating on it. The companies expect to collaborate on technical integration, key-management workflows, transaction support, and other infrastructure required to bring Quantus into institutional custody environments.

“Quantus was designed around the security requirements of a post-quantum world,” said Christopher Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Quantus. “For institutions, adopting new cryptography should not mean replacing the security, governance, and operational systems they already rely on. Working with Project Eleven will make it easier to support Quantus within existing key-management and transaction approval workflows, helping reduce the operational friction that can come with adopting a new cryptographic standard.”

Once support is available, institutions will be able to manage Quantus alongside other digital assets while maintaining a consistent approach to key security, transaction governance, and operational controls.

The collaboration is part of Project Eleven’s broader work with blockchain networks and institutions as it develops Strongpoint ahead of general availability.

Quantus support is targeted for Q1 2027, with final availability details to be announced ahead of launch.

About Project Eleven

Project Eleven builds resilient infrastructure and tooling for the post-quantum era. The company develops scalable solutions that strengthen security across a rapidly evolving quantum threat landscape. With deep expertise in cryptography, blockchain, and financial systems, Project Eleven bridges advanced post-quantum research with real-world implementations that prepare the digital asset ecosystem for the future. For more information, visit www.projecteleven.com.

About Quantus

Quantus is quantum-secure encrypted money. It’s a layer 1 proof-of-work blockchain with a 21 million supply cap and post-quantum security, and it is private by default. Quantus uses ML-DSA for key generation and transaction signatures, plus zero-knowledge proofs for scaling and privacy.

Quantus also built migration.fail, a public tracker of how much of the crypto industry is still vulnerable to quantum computing.

Website | X | LinkedIn

Media Contacts

Aubrey Strobel / Elena Nisonoff, Halcyon Communications

projecteleven@halcyonpr.xyz

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Acuity Analytics expands US data and technology capabilities with acquisition of Continuus

Transaction strengthens Acuity’s financial services data and AI consulting expertise, adds Snowflake Premier status, and deepens Acuity Microsoft tier 1 expertise to meet ever increasing demand for modern data and AI platforms like Microsoft Fabric and Databricks.

LONDON, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Acuity Analytics has acquired Continuus, a US-based data consultancy specializing in financial services. The acquisition adds 37 specialists and expands Acuity Analytics’ capabilities across data strategy, governance, engineering and cloud data platforms.

Continuus works primarily with asset managers and other financial institutions, helping clients develop enterprise data strategies, establish governance frameworks and deliver large scale cloud data transformation and engineering programs.

The acquisition strengthens Acuity Analytics’ presence in the United States, its largest market, and adds an experienced onshore team to complement the company’s global delivery network.

The deal comes at a time when financial institutions are increasing investment in modern data infrastructure to support regulatory requirements, improve decision making and enable the wider deployment of AI. As organizations move beyond experimentation and scale AI across the enterprise, the quality, governance and accessibility of data have become increasingly important.

By combining Continuus’s specialist expertise with Acuity Analytics’ broader technology capabilities, the group will provide an end-to-end offering spanning data strategy, governance, analytics, operations and AI enabled business workflows.

Rob King, Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Analytics, said:

“What attracted us to Continuus was its deep understanding of financial services and its ability to turn data strategy into practical business outcomes for clients.

“As organizations modernize their data environments and scale AI initiatives, they need partners who can combine technical expertise with strong governance and delivery capabilities. Continuus brings exactly that.

“The acquisition strengthens our presence in the US and further enhances our ability to help clients unlock value from their data while adopting new technologies with confidence.”

In addition to its technical capabilities, Continuus brings expertise in program delivery and data governance, both of which are becoming increasingly important as financial institutions move complex data and AI programs into production environments.

Stewart Smythe, Chief Delivery Officer, AI, Data & Digital said:

“Clients are making significant investments in cloud data platforms, but technology alone is not enough. Success depends on having the right operating model, governance framework and delivery expertise in place.

“Continuus has built an excellent reputation helping financial institutions address those challenges. Together, we can offer clients a broader range of capabilities, from strategic advisory services through to implementation, analytics and AI-enabled transformation.”

The acquisition forms part of Acuity Analytics’ continued investment in AI, digital and data, supporting its evolution from a financial services research and analytics business into a technology led organization that combines industry expertise with advanced digital capabilities.

In 2024, Acuity Analytics acquired PPA Group, adding technology enabled data capabilities and machine learning expertise within commercial lending. In 2025, the company acquired Ascent, an AI led digital transformation specialist, significantly expanding its Data and Technology Services division across Europe. The addition of Continuus further strengthens these capabilities and broadens the group’s ability to support financial institutions globally.

Today, Acuity Analytics’ proposition centers on applying technology and people to real business challenges, combining trusted data, specialist AI expertise and digital delivery to create measurable outcomes for its clients.

Matt Moeser, Chief Executive Officer of Continuus, said:

“Since Continuus was founded, our focus has been helping financial institutions get more value from their data and technology investments.

Joining Acuity gives our team access to broader capabilities, deeper sector expertise and a global platform from which to grow. We are excited about what this means for our people and our clients, and we look forward to the opportunities we can create together.”

Notes for Editors

• Continuus employees joining Acuity: 37
• Snowflake partner status: Premier Services Partner
• Primary sectors served: Asset management and financial services
• Transaction completion date: 1^st October
• Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
• Envoy Capital Advisors served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Continuus.

About Acuity Analytics

Acuity Analytics is the trading name of Acuity Knowledge Partners, a global, data-driven technology and analytics company serving financial institutions and corporates.

With more than 7,800 analysts, data specialists and technologists across 28 locations, Acuity combines deep financial-services expertise with engineering, digital, data and AI capabilities. The company supports more than 850 organizations in improving efficiency, gaining better insight and making better decisions.

Acuity was established as a separate business from Moody’s Corporation in 2019 following its acquisition by Equistone Partners Europe. In January 2023, funds advised by global private equity firm Permira acquired a majority stake, with Equistone remaining invested as a minority shareholder.

For more information, visit acuityanalytics.com. 

Media enquiries

Gill Galassi

Director of Brand and Communications

Gill.Galassi@acuityanalytics.com

+44 (0)7961 244215

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IBM Advances to Stage C of DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative

IBM moves to third phase of DARPA’s rigorous evaluation of approaches to building a fault-tolerant quantum computer

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it has been selected for Stage C, the third phase of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) led by DARPA, the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. This phase will advance IBM through DARPA’s verification process, in which independent experts extensively test and measure quantum hardware, technology, systems engineering, and architectures to determine if a company can build a fault-tolerant quantum computer.

“Advancing to the third stage of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative validates the strength of IBM’s path to building a fault-tolerant quantum computer,” said Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research and IBM Fellow. “IBM expects to deliver the first fault-tolerant system in 2029, and we plan to scale the value of quantum computing well beyond that timeline. We look forward to working with DARPA’s team of experts as they advance their review of approaches to fault-tolerant quantum computing into the testing phase.”

As an independent research and development arm of the U.S. Department of Defense, DARPA launched the QBI in 2024 to determine whether an industrially useful fault-tolerant quantum computer can be built by 2033. The program defines such a system as one whose computational value will exceed its cost. IBM has successfully progressed through the QBI’s assessment process, including the first two stages that analyzed comprehensive R&D plans and risk mitigation approaches.

IBM has built the strongest quantum foundation in the industry, anchored by the largest fleet of quantum computers across the globe and Qiskit, the world’s most popular quantum software. IBM’s quantum computers are already being used today as scientific tools by a network of more than 340 organizations across financial services, healthcare, materials science, academia, and government as they build industrial applications and pursue algorithms to unlock the full potential of fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Last year, IBM laid out its plans to deliver the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computer, IBM Quantum Starling. Starling will combine advances in error correction, processor design, systems engineering, and more. Since then, IBM’s progression has remained on course, including the demonstration of core hardware components for fault tolerance and breakthroughs in efficient error correction decoding.

Advancing to Stage C

Each successful QBI performer has progressed through three stages of the program thus far:

• Stage A required organizations to submit an initial technical concept of a cost-effective, fault-tolerant quantum computer that has a plausible path to realization in the near term. Several Stage A performers were announced in April 2025.
• Stage B called for a comprehensive research and development plan from each company detailing how to realize such a quantum computer, as well as the risks associated with this plan and mitigation approaches.
• Announced today, those selected for Stage C will move beyond conceptual plans and progress to evaluation by DARPA’s QBI independent verification and validation (IV&V) team as they test the companies’ hardware.

Alongside its participation in QBI, IBM continues to collaborate with partners across industry, government, and academia to accelerate the timeline toward fault-tolerant quantum computing.

For more information about the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, visit the DARPA website.

About IBM

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider, helping 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 business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

For more information, visit https://research.ibm.com.

Media contacts:

Erin Angelini

IBM

edlehr@us.ibm.com



Chris Nay

IBM

cnay@us.ibm.com

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OCI N.V. Notes Enterprise Chamber Decision Not to Order Inquiry

AMSTERDAM, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OCI N.V. (“OCI” or the “Company”) (Euronext: OCI) notes that the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal has today dismissed the petition brought by VEB and certain other shareholders and declined to order an inquiry into OCI’s policy and course of affairs. The Enterprise Chamber also ordered the VEB and Smits to pay, jointly and severally, the administrative costs of the proceedings, estimated to date at approximately €18,000 in aggregate, including amounts awarded to OCI, NNS, the Independent Directors and the Enterprise Chamber-appointed Directors. 

The previously announced NNS offer, and the Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for 30 October 2026 will continue in accordance with the published terms and timetable. Shareholders should continue to refer to the offer memorandum, OCI’s position statement and the EGM documentation for complete information regarding the offer and the proposed combination.

OCI will make the full Dutch-language judgment and a machine-generated English translation with the Dutch version prevailing available on its website as soon as practicable. A summary of the decision is also available through the Enterprise Chamber’s website.

ABOUT OCI GLOBAL

Learn more about OCI at www.oci-global.com. You can also follow OCI on LinkedIn.

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