Author: Neel Achary

Peggy Lillis Foundation Announces Agenda for 11th Annual National C. Diff Summit

Eleventh annual convening will unite patients, survivors, researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and lawmakers to strengthen advocacy and advance public health protections

NEW YORK, NY | Apr 1 — The Peggy Lillis Foundation (PLF), the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to C. diff education and advocacy, today announced its 2026 National C. diff Summit and Lobby Day, taking place Monday, April 13, 2026, in our nation’s capitol. 

Since the organization’s founding, PLF has trained and supported C. diff survivors, caregivers, and family members to become effective advocates, public speakers, and peer supporters. Over the past decade, the Foundation has hosted ten National C. diff Summits and seven Lobby Days, building a national movement focused on care, community, and empowerment. 

The 2026 Summit will bring together C. diff survivors, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, industry partners, and policymakers for a full day of programming designed to elevate patient voices and accelerate solutions to this ongoing public health threat. 

“Sixteen years after the death of my mother, Peggy, there has been progress but also setbacks. C. diff continues to cause harm, and too many patients still struggle to access timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and informed care,” said Christian John Lillis, co-founder and CEO of the Peggy Lillis Foundation. “The Summit and Lobby Day bring together the people closest to this issue to push for solutions that improve outcomes and save lives. When lived experience, science, and policy come together, we accelerate progress.”

Monday morning will feature updates from leading experts in infectious disease research, clinical care, public health, and industry innovation, including: 

• Access to Microbiota Therapies for rCDI in 2026 – Michael Woodworth, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine

• Diagnostic Stewardship of Testing for C. difficile – Jonathan Baghdadi, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland Medical Center

• Why Current C. diff Prevention Misses Half the Problem – Bobby Warren, MPS, Lab Director & Research Scientist, Duke University DiRTE Lab (Dissemination and Implementation Research in Translation and Effectiveness)

• Bringing the Threat of C. diff into Focus to Save Lives Now – Michael McIntyre, Founder and CEO, LIV Process

• Epidemiology of Pediatric C. diff – Jenna Simes, Clinical Research Coordinator, Boston Children’s Hospital

• Pediatric C. diff: Patient and Provider Panel – Stacy A. Kahn, MD, Director of the Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Program and Gastroenterologist in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Kahn will also be joined by Rose Henderson and Blanca Morales, who will share their experience as parents of children who battled recurrent C. diff.

Following a networking lunch, attendees will participate in hands-on advocacy training designed to equip volunteers with practical tools to drive change at the local and national level. 

Training sessions will include:

• Lobbying and testifying before legislators and regulatory bodies

• Providing emotional and logistical support to C. diff patients and families

• Advocating to the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies

On Tuesday, April 14, advocates will convene on Capitol Hill for Lobby Day, meeting directly with members of Congress and their staff to urge continued investment in antimicrobial and microbiome drug development, antimicrobial resistance initiatives, and policies that reduce the burden of C. diff infections.

The National C. diff Summit and Lobby Day represent the largest annual gathering of C. diff patient advocates and allies across industry, academia, and government. The event serves as a platform for collaboration, education, and coordinated action to protect patients and prevent avoidable harm.

Registration for the Summit is free and open to C. diff patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and all stakeholders committed to ending the harm caused by C. diff infections. To register or learn more, visit https://cdiff.org/event/summit26/. 

Lead Sponsor: Nestlé Health Science

Platinum Sponsor: Pfizer

Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association Names Srini Srinivasan as Chair, Gopal Jain as Vice-Chair for 2026–28

New Delhi, Apr 1 : The Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), the apex industry body for alternate capital in India, has elected its new Executive Committee (EC) for the 2026–28 term.Srini Srinivasan, Managing Director, Kotak Alternate Asset Managers, has been elected as the Chairperson of IVCA, and Gopal Jain, Managing Partner, Gaja Capital, has been elected as the Vice-Chairperson.

The newly constituted EC assumes leadership at a time when India’s alternate capital ecosystem is entering a more institutionally anchored phase — marked by stronger regulatory engagement, improving exit visibility, and a decisive shift toward domestic sources of capital. Over the past two years, IVCA’s engagement with regulators and policymakers has evolved into a more structured and solutions-led dialogue, resulting in several key developments across the ecosystem. 

These include progress on co-investment frameworks for AIFs, calibrated regulatory adjustments, clarity from the RBI on equity instruments, and important tax and policy measures through the Union Budget  including the removal of angel tax, rationalisation for IFSC structures, and continued support for fund-of-funds and deeptech capital formation. At the same time, IVCA has played a central role in advancing the conversation around domestic capital participation  working closely with institutions such as EPFO, PFRDA, and insurers to enable greater participation in AIFs.

A recent IVCA report highlights the scale of this shift. Commitments to AIFs have grown nearly 16x  from ₹0.84 lakh crore in 2017 to ₹13.49 lakh crore in 2025  with domestic LPs now contributing 52.7% of capital in Category I & II AIFs. Despite this progress, domestic institutional pools — including pension funds, provident funds, and insurers  which together manage over ₹100 lakh crore, remain underpenetrated in private markets, underscoring a significant opportunity for the next phase of growth. 

Commenting on his appointment, Srini Srinivasan, Chairperson, IVCA, said, “We are stepping into this term at a pivotal moment for the industry. Over the past two years, IVCA has evolved into an institution anchored in trust, with more structured and constructive engagement with regulators and policymakers. As we look ahead, strengthening domestic capital formation will be critical to building long-term resilience across our ecosystem — from venture and growth to private credit and infrastructure. Our focus will be twofold  continuing to deepen engagement with global investors to ensure India remains a priority allocation, while at the same time accelerating participation from domestic institutions. Alongside this, we will work closely with regulators on evolving AIF frameworks to reflect new market realities, ensuring that the ecosystem continues to grow with both discipline and inclusivity.”

Reflecting on the next phase of the ecosystem’s evolution, Gopal Jain, Vice-Chairperson, IVCA, added, “India’s VC & PE ecosystem has expanded significantly across asset classes and strategies. This expansion has been driven by improving execution  how efficiently capital is deployed, how predictably it exits, and how seamlessly it recycles into the system. We are seeing clear signs of this with improving exit activity and deeper participation from domestic investors. The next phase will depend on getting the building blocks aligned  regulatory clarity, tax certainty, and a more enabling environment for both global and domestic capital to participate at scale. IVCA’s role will be to continue working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that growth in the ecosystem is not just rapid, but sustainable and well-governed.”

During the 2024–26 term, IVCA placed a strong emphasis on strengthening its institutional foundations. A formal Code of Ethics for AIFs was introduced to reinforce accountability and governance across the ecosystem. The Association also expanded its leadership structure through councils, enabling broader representation across asset classes, strategies, and member segments.

IVCA’s role also expanded in shaping India’s global capital narrative. Initiatives such as the Maximum India Conclave and structured engagement with global LPs — alongside research collaborations such as the global LP report with McKinsey  have helped position India more prominently in global allocation discussions.

In parallel, IVCA has continued to build platforms for ecosystem development, including VC101 for emerging managers, climate finance initiatives under the Climate & Sustainability Council, and industry dialogues on private credit, blended finance, and innovation-led capital.

Ashley Menezes, outgoing Chairperson, IVCA, said, “Over the past two years, our focus has been on strengthening IVCA as an institution — consciously rebuilding trust with regulators, embedding governance discipline, and broadening participation across the ecosystem. We sought to move from episodic advocacy to consistent, solutions-led engagement, anchored in transparency and accountability. Encouragingly, this approach has helped strengthen regulatory confidence and institutional credibility. The incoming Executive Committee inherits a stronger foundation — one that must be built upon with the same consistency, discipline, and commitment to long-term institution-building.”

The members of the newly elected Executive Committee are:  Abhishek Mohan (Managing Director, Peak XV Partners); Amit Agarwal (Chief Executive Officer, EAAA India Alternatives Limited); Anisha Singh (Founder & Managing Partner, She Capital); Ashish Fafadia (Managing Partner, Blume Ventures); Ashish Kotecha (Partner, Bain Capital); Bhautik Ambani (Chief Executive Officer and Director, AlphaGrep Investment Management); Deepak Padaki (President, Catamaran Ventures); Gopal Jain (Managing Partner, Gaja Capital); Karan Bhagat (Founder, MD & CEO, 360 ONE Asset Management); Lavanya Ashok (Partner, Growth Equity, Trifecta Capital); Manish Kheterpal (Co-founder & Managing Partner, WaterBridge Ventures); Monu Jain, Partner (Aavishkaar Capital); Mukesh Mehta (Senior Managing Director & CIO of India, Blackstone); Narendra Ostawal (Managing Director, Head of India Private Equity, Warburg Pincus); P. R. Srinivasan (Founder and Managing Partner, Xponentia Capital Partners); Pratibha Jain (Head of Strategy and Group General Counsel, Everstone Group); Simrun Mehta (Managing Director, Private Equity, KKR India Advisors); Srini Sriniwasan (Managing Director, Kotak Alternate Asset Managers); T. C. Meenakshi Sundaram (Founder & Vice Chairman, Chiratae Ventures); Vikram Gupta (Founder & Managing Partner, IvyCap Ventures) and Vipul Roongta (Chief Executive Officer, HDFC Capital Advisors)

In addition, senior representatives from key institutions will continue to engage with the EC as part of IVCA’s broader engagement framework. As India’s alternate capital ecosystem continues to scale, IVCA remains focused on improving ease of doing business, enabling deeper domestic capital participation, strengthening governance standards, and enhancing India’s positioning as a global fund management hub. 

Note to Editor  

Picture of Srini Srinivasan, Managing Director, Kotak Alternate Asset Managers & Chairperson, IVCA

Picture of Gopal Jain, Managing Partner, Gaja Capital & Vice-Chairperson, IVCA

Study reveals Singapore insurers claim digital leadership, but almost all admit legacy technology is holding them back

Clearwater Analytics research finds Singapore insurers are bracing for a wave of domestic M&A — making the gap between digital confidence and operational reality a pressing competitive concern 

SINGAPORE, Apr 1, 2026 – Despite 82% of Singapore insurers claiming to be ahead of the competition when it comes to the adoption of digital systems, almost all (98%) admit legacy technology is holding back their business growth — a combination that suggests an industry aware of its constraints but potentially underestimating their long-term competitive consequences, new research from Clearwater Analytics (NYSE: CWAN), the most comprehensive technology platform for investment management, shows.

The study with Singapore based insurance asset management executives at firms with total assets under management of $1.04 trillion found that nearly all (98%) of respondents agreed that older technologies are still driving future strategy and are proving to be a constraint on their businesses. It is a similar story in Hong Kong where the research found 96% believe there is still a reliance on older technologies.

“While Singapore insurers show confidence in their digital progress, our research reveals a concerning gap between perception and operational reality that could impact competitive positioning as the sector consolidates,” said Shane Akeroyd, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Asia Pacific at CWAN. “Our research highlights a critical misalignment between the strategies of Singapore insurers and the operational effectiveness of their current technology stacks that rely on older systems that are increasingly difficult to manage.”

Around 70% said their company’s operating model is too focused on short-term challenges and goals rather than long-term issues facing their organisation.

Hiring people to manage legacy systems is one area that has become increasingly problematic, according to half (50%) of those surveyed, with 8% saying it is a serious problem. While 28% of the executives suggested the problem was relatively minor, none expressed a view that there was no problem with recruitment in the sector.

The technology challenges are also cultural and appear to be rooted in deep organisational resistance. Almost all respondents (96%) said people working in the insurance industry are resistant to change and the adoption of new operating models and systems. Only 4% said this was not an issue.

“There are worrying signs that those working in these businesses lack confidence in the long-term capability of their organisations to deliver their full potential,” continued Akeroyd. “Cultural change is critical for digital transformation and must be addressed if technology rollouts are to be successful.”

Workforce diversity emerges as a critical factor, with almost three quarters (72%) saying problems in the insurance sector are caused by a lack of diversity – not just of people from different backgrounds, but also with different ways of thinking. In Hong Kong just 28% say the same.

The contradiction deepens when examining competitive perceptions. Despite concerns about technology and culture, most respondents (82%) consider their organisation to be ahead of their competitors in terms of their digital transformation journey (10% said they were significantly ahead). None said they were trailing behind their competitors, though 18% did believe they were in line with them.

There was confidence in the flexibility and scalability of operating models being able to meet new challenges. More than nine out of 10 (94%) said their organisation’s models were flexible (26% said very flexible). In Hong Kong, more than three quarters (76%) said their organisation’s models were flexible (28% said very flexible).

Insurers in the Singapore region are braced for a surge in M&A activity in their domestic markets. Almost all (94%) predict a rise in domestic M&A over the next three years, and around 10% predict a dramatic increase.

A focus on growth is the main driver of M&A activity in the region with firms looking for ways to expand quickly. The need to diversify risk and reduce dependence on a single product or market was selected as the second reason for increased M&A activity.

Potential synergies from mergers or acquisitions were rated as the third most important reason ahead of the improved financial capacity of the combined firm. Economies of scale from mergers and acquisitions was ranked fifth as a factor fueling M&A with a desire to eliminate competition ranked last.

“With 94% of Singapore insurers expecting increased M&A activity, those that close the gap between digital confidence and operational reality will be best positioned to lead consolidation  rather than become a target of it – and those that do not may find their operating models are not as flexible or scalable as they had believed,” added Akeroyd.

International Gemological Institute Joins Forces with Gujarat Titans as Official Certification Partner

New Delhi, 31 March 2026: The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has partnered with Gujarat Titans (GT) for the current edition of the Indian T20 League. The association is part of IGI’s ongoing effort to strengthen consumer awareness, transparency, and responsible decision-making in the jewelry industry. By leveraging the scale and influence of the Gujarat Titans, IGI aims to make diamond certification more accessible and relevant to a wider audience.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Tehmasp Printer, Global CEO, IGI, said, “Just as cricket relies on DRS to ensure every decision is accurate and beyond doubt, IGI brings that same standard of independent review to every diamond it certifies. The 4Cs: Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color, form the foundation of our work, enabling transparency and trust. Gujarat Titans reflect the same discipline, consistency and pursuit of excellence that sit at the core of IGI. Through this partnership, we intend to reach a wider audience and reinforce the importance of informed, confident decision-making in diamond and precious gemstone purchases.”

Speaking on the occasion, Colonel Arvinder Singh, COO, Gujarat Titans, said, “We are very happy to partner with the International Gemological Institute. Gujarat has always been closely linked with craftsmanship, precision and a strong legacy of excellence, and this association reflects a shared commitment to these values. At Gujarat Titans, we look to collaborate with partners who stand for trust, integrity and consistency in their domain. For Gujarat Titans, this partnership further strengthens our endeavour to align with like-minded organizations as we continue to build a purpose-driven and high-performance ecosystem around the team.”

As an associate partner, IGI’s logo will be visible on the Gujarat Titans uniform throughout the season.

From Vision to Scale: MARS Cosmetics Celebrates 50 Kiosks Across India

 Apr 1:MARS Cosmetics, one of India’s fastest-growing beauty brands, has announced the launch of its latest retail kiosk at Bhartiya Mall, marking a significant milestone as the company expands its retail footprint to 50 kiosks across India. This achievement reflects the brand’s rapid growth and its continued focus on enhancing accessibility and consumer engagement in the beauty segment.

Founded on the philosophy of “Makeup For Everyone,” MARS Cosmetics has consistently worked towards making beauty more inclusive, accessible, and affordable. By offering innovative, high-quality products at competitive price points, the brand has successfully built a strong connection with a diverse and evolving consumer base. Its ability to combine affordability with trend-driven product innovation has positioned it as a preferred choice among today’s value-conscious and aspirational beauty consumers.

Commenting on this milestone, Sr Manager EBO Operations & Expansion, Pushpa Kandpal said, “Reaching the milestone of 50 kiosks is a proud moment for us and a reflection of the trust our consumers have placed in the brand. Our vision has always been to make beauty inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to delivering innovative products and creating engaging, on-ground experiences that bring us closer to our customers.”

The launch of these 50 kiosks with a strong retail presence through prestigious mall partners – Lulu Group International malls, Pacific Malls, Phoenix Mills, Inorbit Malls, and Ambuja Neotia Group capturing high foot traffic and delivering strong brand visibility across key retail destinations marking an important step in the company’s strategic retail expansion journey. By strengthening its presence in high-footfall retail destinations, MARS aims to provide immersive and interactive experiences, enabling customers to discover, explore, and engage with its wide range of beauty products in a more personalized environment.

This milestone not only highlights the brand’s expanding physical footprint but also underscores the sustained demand it continues to witness across markets. It reflects MARS Cosmetics’ ability to scale efficiently while staying aligned with evolving consumer preferences.

Looking ahead, the brand remains focused on accelerating growth, driving product innovation, and strengthening its omnichannel presence. With a clear emphasis on customer engagement and accessibility, MARS Cosmetics is well-positioned to further solidify its standing in India’s dynamic and fast-evolving beauty landscape.

Schneider Electric Joins Thread Group Board of Directors

SAN RAMON, Calif. – March 31, 2026 – The Thread Group, an industry alliance addressing IoT convergence, security, power, and architecture challenges, today announced that Schneider Electric has joined its Board of Directors. A member of the Thread Group since 2015, Schneider Electric will take a more active role in shaping the future of the Thread wireless networking protocol moving forward.

This addition comes at a pivotal time for the organization, with Thread recently surpassing 1000 consumer products, and as we continue to see expansion into commercial markets. Thread 1.4 delivers significant benefits for commercial and industrial applications, including seamless communication, enhanced reliability, and performance in expansive IoT deployments.

“The entire Thread Group will benefit from Schneider Electric’s deeper engagement in our efforts,” said Vividh Siddha, President of Thread Group. “A dedicated member for more than a decade, their expertise in energy management and building automation is invaluable, especially as Thread adoption continues to grow in both smart home and commercial building environments.”

As the IoT industry rallies around open standards, Schneider Electric’s strategic input will help accelerate Thread’s adoption as the networking backbone for IoT devices by championing interoperability and convergence across both residential and commercial sectors.

“Schneider Electric has long championed open standards as the key to sustainable, efficient, and future-proof intelligent buildings,” said Alban Notin, Standardization Leader at Schneider Electric. “As a long-standing member, we have seen Thread evolve into a robust, secure, and low-power foundation for the Internet of Things. We look forward to further supporting the adoption of open standards that deliver interoperability and sustainability for our customers.”

Schneider Electric joins existing Board of Directors members, including Amazon, Apple, ASSA ABLOY, Fortune Brands Innovations, Google, Lutron, Inventronics, Nordic Semiconductors, NXP Semiconductors, Qualcomm, Siemens, Silicon Labs, and Samsung SmartThings.

EnerVenue Names Henning Rath CEO, Secures $300M Series B Extension Led by Full Vision Capital

FREMONT, Calif.  March 31st, 2026 – EnerVenue Holdings, Ltd. (“EnerVenue”), a company commercializing energy storage solutions designed to behave like durable infrastructure, today announced the appointment of Henning Rath as Chief Executive Officer alongside the closing of a U.S. $300 million extension of its Series B preferred stock financing round. The extension round was led by Full Vision Capital, included an additional new investor, and signifies renewed enthusiasm for the energy storage technology innovator.

Rath, an internationally recognized technology executive with a distinguished record of building billion-dollar companies with deep expertise in the global energy sector, guided the company to this successful funding milestone. The capital will accelerate EnerVenue’s transition from advanced technology maker to high-volume manufacturing industrial leader.

“Henning’s leadership has been pivotal in positioning EnerVenue for this growth phase,” said Dr. Yi Cui, chairman of EnerVenue. “His strategic vision and operational credibility were instrumental in building investor confidence and closing this significant round. His deep expertise in industrial scaling and global market execution is exactly what EnerVenue needs to achieve its ambitious manufacturing and deployment goals.”

Signaling an advancement of prior company strategy, the capital will support the rapid scale-up of EnerVenue’s high-volume manufacturing operations in Changzhou, China – known as the world’s epicenter of battery manufacturing expertise. The shift allows the company to optimize its cost structures, leverage the region’s unrivaled battery know-how, and service its expanding global customer base more efficiently. The funding will also accelerate supply chain development and commercial expansion.

R&D, conducted in Silicon Valley, California — home to technology innovation — will focus on enhancing the company’s next-generation, aqueous metal cells, which offers a unique combination of durability, safety, and low total cost of ownership, creating significant demand for utility, commercial, and industrial storage applications.

To expand its global footprint, EnerVenue is supported by a strong base of strategic investors, including Aramco Ventures. Over the coming months, the company plans to expand its commercial operations across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. “We see EnerVenue’s high potential for its disruptive energy storage technology that can transform the reliability and safety of critical infrastructure and utilities at scale,” said Ionel Nechiti, Investment Director at Aramco Ventures.

“This $300 million extension of Series B preferred stock funding is a testament to the strength of EnerVenue’s technology and the entire team’s execution,” said Rath. “This capital provides the foundation to invest decisively in our technology roadmap, secure the supply chain for gigawatt-scale production, and build a robust global customer footprint. Our short and mid-term capacity targets of 250 MWh and 1 GWh are now fully funded.”

“We invest behind exceptional leadership and foundational technology,” said Alan Chan, Managing Partner at Full Vision Capital, who co-founded EnerVenue and led the investment for this round. “Rath’s proven track record and clear operational strategy for scaling EnerVenue were critical factors in our investment decision. This partnership and new capital will enable the critical investments needed to establish EnerVenue as a global player in long-duration energy storage.”

Prior to EnerVenue, Rath was Managing Director and Chief Supply Chain Officer at greentech unicorn Enpal, Germany’s leading residential renewable energy provider and one of Europe’s top green energy platforms. Before Enpal, Rath built CIRC, the renowned e-scooter startup that was later acquired by Bird, where he led the Asian markets. Rath began his career as an engineer after earning his Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and a Master of Business Administration at UoAS Muenster. While gaining experience in global markets including Germany, Australia, India, and China, Rath also further studied at both Stanford and Harvard Universities.