Author: Neel Achary

Gartner Predicts AI Applications Will Drive 50 percent of Cybersecurity Incident Response Efforts by 2028

Sydney, Australia, Mar 23: Fifty percent of all enterprise cybersecurity incident response efforts will focus on incidents involving custom-built AI-driven applications by 2028, according to Gartner, Inc., a business and technology insights company. 

“AI is evolving quickly, yet many tools – especially custom-built AI applications – are being deployed before they’re fully tested,” said Christopher Mixter, VP Analyst at Gartner. “These systems are complex, dynamic and difficult to secure over time. Most security teams still lack clear processes for handling AI-related incidents, which means issues can take longer to resolve and require far more effort.” 

Gartner recommends security leaders get involved early in custom-built AI application projects to ensure sufficient time exists, resources are planned and expectations are managed for adequate security controls. 

This is one of Gartner’s top cybersecurity predictions that Gartner recommends cybersecurity leaders to factor into their security strategies over the next two years, along with the following predictions.

By 2028, more than 50% of enterprises will use AI security platforms to secure third-party AI service usage and protect custom-built AI applications.

AI security platforms give organizations a unified way to manage the new risks associated with rapid AI adoption, such as prompt injection, data misuse and more. Centralizing visibility and control, these platforms help CISOs enforce use policies, monitor AI activity and apply consistent security guardrails across third-party and custom AI applications. Security leaders must evaluate AI security platforms to ensure they can secure both forms of applications. 

Through 2027, manual AI compliance processes will expose 75% of regulated organizations to fines exceeding 5% of their global revenue.

Despite the distinct approaches to regulation globally, AI regulations converge on a universal demand for a systematic risk management approach. Even if CISOs can keep ahead of security, privacy and cyber risk management regulations and standards, new regulations covering AI safety call everything into question. For greater success, Gartner recommends establishing cyber governance risk and compliance, and enabling compliance through technology. 

Through 2030, 33% of IT work will be spent remediating AI data debt to secure AI.

Most organizations’ data is not AI‑ready, with poorly secured and unstructured data a major barrier to AI adoption. In response, cybersecurity leaders are expanding data loss prevention to monitor and restrict data flows triggered by GenAI and agentic AI data access events and requests. Gartner recommends they collaborate with data and analytics and AI leaders to define a structured program of data discovery, assessment and access control remediation. 

By 2027, 30% of organizations will require comprehensive sovereignty of their cloud security controls to address continued geopolitical turmoil.

Geopolitical turmoil and local regulations are creating untenable data risks, which require many organizations to make sovereignty a key part of their cyber resilience approach. This will necessitate changes in vendor selection for cloud-tethered offerings and prioritization efforts as geopatriation requirements intensify. Cybersecurity leaders must play an active role in defining organizational sovereignty requirements, including those required by local regulations. 

By 2028, 70% of CISOs will use identity visibility and intelligence capabilities to shrink the IAM attack surface, reducing the risks of credential compromise.

Identity has become a primary attack surface as organizations struggle to manage the rapid growth and complexity of human and machine identities. This leaves visibility gaps left by isolated identity and access management (IAM) tools and increases the risk of misconfigurations. Gartner recommends these blind spots be addressed by integrating unified, AI‑powered identity visibility and intelligence platforms to improve detection and remediation. 

Learn how to create a cybersecurity strategy that meets the needs of people, as well as technology in this complimentary Gartner guide. 

Gartner is the World Authority on AI

Gartner is the indispensable partner to C-Level executives and technology providers as they implement AI strategies to achieve their mission-critical priorities. The independence and objectivity of Gartner insights provide clients with the confidence to make informed decisions and unlock the full potential of AI. Clients across the C-Level are using Gartner‘s proprietary AskGartner AI tool to determine how to leverage AI in their business. With more than 2,500 business and technology experts, 6,000 written insights, as well as more than 1,000 AI use cases and case studies, Gartner is the world authority on AI. More information can be found here. 

JSW MG Motor India Sees EV Adoption Surge in Non-Metro Cities with MG Windsor Leading the Charge

Gurugram, Mar 23: JSW MG Motor India has reported a remarkable uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in non-metro regions, driven by growing awareness and the value proposition of EV ownership. The MG Windsor, India’s No. 1 selling EV, has recorded 70% of its total sales from non-metro cities, marking a significant shift in consumer adoption patterns across the country. The carmaker has sold nearly 65,000 units of the MG Windsor to date.

 The MG Windsor’s success stems from its compelling “ABC” combination—offering the price of an A-segment vehicle, the exterior dimensions of a B-segment car, and the interior space of a C-segment vehicle. This unique positioning has resonated with a wide spectrum of customers, including first-time car buyers, who value practicality, technology, and sustainable mobility.

Designed as India’s first Intelligent CUV, the MG Windsor blends the expansiveness of a sedan with the versatility of an SUV. It is offered with two battery options: a 38-kWh pack delivering a range of 332 km and a 52.9-kWh PRO variant providing up to 449 km, catering to diverse driving needs. Enhancing customer confidence, the MG Windsor comes with a lifetime battery warranty for the first owner and a 3-60 assured buyback plan.

The vehicle also stands out with its futuristic AeroGlide design language and business-class interiors, including Aero Lounge seats that recline up to 135 degrees and a 15.6-inch GRANDVIEW touch display, delivering a premium, connected, and intuitive driving experience.

Commenting on the growing trend, JSW MG Motor India highlighted that non-metro buyers are increasingly embracing EVs due to practical affordability, low running costs, and enhanced sustainability. The MG Windsor’s balance of space, technology, and efficiency has proven particularly attractive to families and tech-savvy users in these regions.

Duravit India Hosts Blood Donation Drive in Ahmedabad Under CSR Initiative

Supply Chain Trends 2026: How AI, Total Value, and Global Restructuring Are Redefining Business

Pic Credit: Pexel

Global supply chains are entering a defining phase in 2026—one shaped not just by efficiency and cost control, but by intelligence, adaptability, and long-term value creation. What was once considered a behind-the-scenes operational function has now become one of the most strategic pillars of modern business.

From manufacturing to retail, healthcare to technology, supply chains are no longer just about moving goods from point A to point B. They are now deeply integrated systems that influence competitiveness, customer experience, sustainability, and even national economic strength.

In this evolving environment, companies are being forced to rethink how supply chains are designed, managed, and measured.

From Resilience to Total Value Thinking

For much of the past decade, supply chain strategy revolved around one central idea: resilience. Businesses focused on surviving disruptions—whether caused by pandemics, geopolitical tensions, or logistics breakdowns.

However, in 2026, a more advanced concept is taking center stage: Total Value creation.

This approach expands supply chain thinking beyond risk management. Instead of simply preventing failure, companies are now optimizing for multiple outcomes at once:

• Stronger customer experience
• Higher operational efficiency
• Sustainable cost structures
• Long-term enterprise growth

In this model, supply chains are no longer passive support systems. They actively contribute to revenue generation, brand trust, and market expansion.

Organizations that adopt this mindset are beginning to treat supply chains as value engines rather than cost centers.

The Rise of Centralized Global Supply Chain Models

Another major shift is the increasing centralization of supply chain operations under Global Business Services (GBS) structures.

Traditionally, supply chains were fragmented across regions, departments, and business units. This often led to inefficiencies, duplication of effort, and limited visibility.

In 2026, companies are reversing this model by consolidating functions such as procurement, logistics, demand planning, and reporting into centralized systems.

This shift is driven by several advantages:

• Improved global visibility of operations
• Standardized decision-making processes
• Better cost control and governance
• Faster coordination across markets
• Easier adoption of automation and AI tools

Centralization also enables organizations to build integrated digital command centers that track supply chains in real time, improving both speed and accuracy in decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence Becomes the Core Infrastructure

Artificial intelligence is no longer an experimental add-on in supply chains—it is becoming core infrastructure.

In 2026, AI is embedded across multiple stages of supply chain operations, including forecasting demand, managing inventory, optimizing logistics routes, and identifying risks before they escalate.

What makes this shift significant is the move toward connected intelligence. Instead of isolated AI tools, companies are building systems where data flows seamlessly across procurement, finance, operations, sustainability, and customer service.

This integration allows supply chains to function more like intelligent ecosystems rather than disconnected processes.

As a result, decisions that once took days can now be made in real time with higher accuracy and lower risk.

Agentic AI Transforms Procurement

One of the most transformative developments is the rise of Agentic AI in procurement and sourcing functions.

Unlike traditional AI systems that provide recommendations, agentic systems can execute tasks independently within predefined rules.

These systems are now capable of:

• Evaluating and ranking suppliers
• Managing tender and RFP processes
• Monitoring supplier risk continuously
• Automating contract lifecycle management
• Triggering renewals and onboarding workflows
• Supporting negotiation strategies based on historical data

This shift significantly reduces manual workload while improving compliance, transparency, and speed.

Procurement is evolving from a human-heavy administrative function into a hybrid system where humans focus on strategy and AI handles execution.

New Metrics for a Complex Supply Chain World

As supply chains become more advanced, traditional performance indicators are no longer sufficient.

Metrics such as cost per unit or on-time delivery still matter, but they are now part of a much broader measurement framework.

In 2026, organizations are increasingly tracking:

1. Real-Time Visibility
How quickly disruptions are detected and resolved using live data.

2. Resilience and Recovery
How fast supply chains recover after shocks and how flexible sourcing networks are.

3. AI Effectiveness
Accuracy of forecasting models and automation success rates.

4. Digital Twin Performance
How closely virtual simulations match real-world outcomes.

5. Human–Machine Collaboration
How effectively employees and AI systems work together.

6. Risk and Cybersecurity
Supplier risk exposure, incident response time, and system security strength.

7. ESG Performance
Carbon emissions across the supply chain, sustainable sourcing rates, and supplier compliance.

These metrics reflect a shift toward measuring supply chains not just by output, but by intelligence, sustainability, and adaptability.

Global Trade Volatility Continues to Shape Strategy

Despite technological progress, global supply chains remain exposed to external pressures.

Geopolitical tensions, tariff changes, and trade restrictions continue to disrupt sourcing strategies and cost structures. Businesses can no longer assume stable global trade conditions.

In response, companies are:

• Diversifying supplier bases across multiple regions
• Moving production closer to key consumer markets
• Increasing buffer inventory in critical categories
• Using scenario-planning tools to model risk outcomes

Digital simulation platforms now play a crucial role in helping businesses understand how policy shifts or disruptions could impact operations in real time.

Agility Becomes the Defining Competitive Advantage

In this new era, the most successful supply chains are not necessarily the largest or cheapest—they are the most agile.

Agility means the ability to:

• Switch suppliers quickly
• Adjust production locations dynamically
• Reroute logistics in real time
• Respond instantly to changes in demand

This flexibility allows companies to absorb shocks without losing efficiency or customer trust.

Agility is no longer optional—it is a core requirement for survival and growth.

Conclusion: The Future of Intelligent Supply Chains

The supply chain of 2026 represents a fundamental shift in how global business operates. It is no longer a linear process but a dynamic, interconnected system driven by data, automation, and strategic value creation.

Companies that embrace AI, centralization, advanced analytics, and flexible sourcing models will be better positioned to navigate uncertainty and capture new opportunities.

In the end, the future belongs to supply chains that are not only efficient and resilient—but intelligent, adaptive, and deeply aligned with business strategy and global economic change.

How India’s PLI Scheme Is Transforming Businesses and Strengthening the Economy

India’s manufacturing sector is stepping into a new era—one that goes beyond incremental growth and focuses on long-term transformation. At the heart of this shift is the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI), a policy designed to turn India into a global manufacturing powerhouse.

While headlines often focus on investment figures and production milestones, the deeper impact of the PLI scheme lies in how it is reshaping business confidence, unlocking new opportunities, and strengthening the country’s economic backbone.

What Is the PLI Scheme and Why It Matters

The PLI scheme is a performance-based incentive program that rewards companies for increasing production within India. Simply put, the more a company manufactures, the greater the incentive it receives.

This approach has changed the way businesses think about India—not just as a consumer market, but as a competitive manufacturing destination.

How the PLI Scheme Is Helping Businesses Grow

For businesses, the PLI scheme acts as a powerful growth engine.

By directly linking incentives to output, it encourages companies to expand operations, invest in new facilities, and adopt modern technologies. This has led to:

• Larger manufacturing capacities
• Faster adoption of automation and innovation
• Improved efficiency and product quality

For large enterprises, it reduces the financial risk of scaling up. For MSMEs, it creates opportunities to become suppliers and partners in expanding industrial ecosystems.

The result is a more dynamic and interconnected business environment where growth is both supported and sustained.

Improving Global Competitiveness

Indian manufacturers have long faced challenges competing with established global hubs due to cost pressures and supply chain inefficiencies.

The PLI scheme addresses these gaps by:

• Promoting domestic production of critical components
• Reducing dependency on imports
• Enabling economies of scale

This shift is helping Indian industries become more competitive—not only in pricing but also in quality and reliability. Sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive manufacturing are already seeing strong global traction.

Empowering MSMEs and Strengthening Supply Chains

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of India’s industrial ecosystem. While they may not always be direct beneficiaries of incentives, they play a crucial role in supporting larger manufacturers.

Through the PLI ecosystem, MSMEs gain:

• Stable demand from large companies
• Access to better technology and processes
• Opportunities to scale and integrate into global supply chains

This creates a ripple effect where growth at the top strengthens the entire industrial base.

Driving Job Creation and Economic Activity

One of the most significant impacts of the PLI scheme is employment generation.

As manufacturing expands, it creates jobs across multiple levels—from factory workers and engineers to logistics and service professionals. These jobs increase household incomes, which in turn boosts consumer spending.

Higher consumption fuels demand across industries, creating a cycle of growth that supports the broader economy.

Boosting FDI and Global Investor Confidence

India is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for global manufacturers looking to diversify supply chains.

With supportive policies and incentives under the PLI scheme, foreign direct investment is on the rise. Investors are not just entering the market—they are building long-term manufacturing capabilities.

This brings added advantages such as:

• Technology transfer
• Improved production standards
• Stronger global integration

Over time, this strengthens India’s position in international trade and manufacturing networks.

Reducing Import Dependence

A major economic benefit of the PLI scheme is its role in import substitution.

By encouraging local manufacturing of products like electronics, solar equipment, and telecom components, India is:

• Reducing its import bill
• Improving trade balance
• Building economic resilience

In an uncertain global environment, this self-reliance is becoming increasingly important.

Aligned with India’s Long-Term Vision

The PLI scheme supports the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat—building a self-reliant yet globally competitive economy.

The long-term objective is to significantly increase the contribution of manufacturing to India’s GDP and create a strong, sustainable industrial ecosystem.

Challenges to Overcome

While the opportunities are immense, businesses must also address key challenges:

• Bridging skill gaps in the workforce
• Strengthening infrastructure and logistics
• Maintaining global quality benchmarks

Sustained success will depend on how effectively these challenges are managed.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for India’s Economy

The PLI scheme is more than just a policy initiative—it represents a shift in India’s economic strategy.

It empowers businesses to scale, encourages innovation, and creates millions of job opportunities. At the same time, it strengthens the economy by attracting investment, boosting exports, and reducing import dependence.

As the scheme continues to evolve, it is laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient India—one that is ready to compete and lead on the global stage.

Smart Materials, Strong Nation: India’s Push into Technical Textiles and Specialty Chemicals

How Technical Textiles Are Reshaping India’s Future: Innovation, Policy, and a $350 Billion Vision

Pic Credit: Pexel

Walk into a modern hospital, step inside an electric vehicle, or drive along a newly built highway—chances are, you are surrounded by materials you never notice but cannot live without. These are technical textiles: high-performance fabrics engineered not for how they look, but for what they do.

Once considered a niche segment, technical textiles have moved to the center of global industrial innovation. Designed for strength, safety, durability, and specialized functionality, they are now essential across sectors like healthcare, mobility, infrastructure, and defense. As industries evolve, so does the demand for smarter materials—and this is where technical textiles, supported by advanced specialty chemicals, are making a lasting impact.

Globally, the sector is on a strong growth trajectory, expected to cross USD 324 billion by the end of the decade. But what makes this story particularly compelling is India’s rapid emergence as a serious contender in this space.

Understanding Technical Textiles: Beyond Fabric

At its core, technical textiles are problem-solving materials. Unlike traditional textiles that focus on comfort or fashion, these fabrics are engineered to perform under demanding conditions.

Think of seat belts that can withstand extreme force, surgical gowns that prevent infection, or geotextiles that hold together entire road structures. These are not just fabrics—they are enablers of safety, efficiency, and innovation.

From antimicrobial medical wear to fire-resistant suits and sensor-enabled wearable technology, technical textiles are quietly transforming everyday life.

India’s Strategic Push: Policy Meets Opportunity

Recognizing the transformative potential of this sector, the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India has taken a proactive role in building a future-ready textile ecosystem. Rather than focusing solely on volume, the government is prioritizing value—encouraging innovation, sustainability, and skill development.

This shift reflects a broader ambition: to position India not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a global leader in advanced materials.

Key Initiatives Powering the Transformation

India’s textile growth story is being actively shaped by a series of well-structured government programs:

National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

The National Technical Textiles Mission is at the heart of India’s push into high-performance textiles. It promotes research, supports startups, and encourages the development of specialized applications in sectors like agriculture and healthcare. Just as importantly, it focuses on reducing dependence on imported machinery by supporting indigenous innovation.

PM MITRA Parks: Building Scale and Efficiency

Through the PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks initiative, India is creating large, integrated textile hubs. These parks bring together the entire value chain—from raw material processing to finished goods—within a single ecosystem. The result is lower costs, faster production cycles, and greater global competitiveness.

Samarth Scheme: Investing in People

No industry can grow without skilled talent. The Samarth Scheme addresses this by training a new generation of workers equipped to handle modern textile technologies. It is a crucial step in ensuring that innovation on paper translates into impact on the ground.

Boosting Research and Advanced Materials

The government is also investing in research projects focused on next-generation materials—ranging from sustainable geotextiles to smart wearables. These efforts are helping Indian institutions move beyond manufacturing into innovation-led growth.

Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP)

The Integrated Wool Development Programme strengthens one of India’s traditional sectors by improving quality, productivity, and supply chain efficiency, ensuring it remains relevant in a modern context.

The Bigger Picture: A Self-Reliant Textile Economy

All these initiatives align with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat—building a self-reliant, globally competitive India. The goal is not just growth, but transformation: creating a $350 billion textile ecosystem by 2030 that blends scale with sophistication.

This approach is particularly significant in a world where supply chains are shifting and sustainability is no longer optional. By investing in eco-friendly chemicals, water-efficient processing, and biodegradable materials, India is aligning itself with global expectations while building long-term resilience.

Why Technical Textiles Matter More Than Ever

What makes technical textiles so powerful is their invisibility. They operate behind the scenes—reinforcing roads, protecting lives, improving medical outcomes, and enabling next-generation technologies.

As industries move toward automation, electrification, and sustainability, the demand for high-performance materials will only grow. Technical textiles, supported by innovations in specialty chemicals, are uniquely positioned to meet this demand.

Looking Ahead: From Potential to Leadership

India stands at a pivotal moment. With strong policy backing, a growing innovation ecosystem, and a large manufacturing base, the country has all the ingredients needed to lead in this space.

The journey, however, is not just about scaling up—it’s about moving up the value chain. Success will depend on continued investment in research, stronger industry-academia collaboration, and a relentless focus on quality and sustainability.

If executed well, India’s technical textiles sector will not just support industrial growth—it will define it.

ECOS Mobility Partners with SIXT to Expand Global Car Rental Services for Corporate Clients

New Delhi, Mar 23: ECOS (India) Mobility & Hospitality Limited has announced a strategic global partnership with SIXT SE, marking a significant step in expanding its international mobility offerings. Under this collaboration, ECOS will act as the exclusive General Sales Agent, enabling access to premium car rental services across key global destinations for corporates, enterprises, and travel partners.

transcosmos announces the results of the Global Online Shopping Survey in 8 Cities 2026

AI “searches,” humans “assist” purchases — Shanghai, Bangkok, and Mumbai lead in AI-driven shopping

Tokyo, Japan, Mar 23: transcosmos has conducted its proprietary “Global Online Shopping Trends Survey 2026,” summarizing the latest trends in AI-powered shopping using generative AI. The survey compares how consumers in eight major cities utilize AI at each stage of the shopping process—from product discovery and comparison to final purchase—and where they still prefer human support.

■Survey overview Method: Global online research panel, multilingual questionnaire (respective local language options available) Regions: Japan (Tokyo), Shanghai (China), Seoul (South Korea), India (Mumbai), Thailand (Bangkok), Jakarta (Indonesia), London (U.K.), Los Angeles (U.S.) Respondents: Men and women aged between 15 and 49 years old that have used online shopping (made a purchase) in the past 1 year Samples: 320 x 8 cities = Total 2,560 Period: January 28 – Feburary 10, 2026 Research agency: Cross Marketing, Inc. Note: Due to stricter personal data protection regulations, respondents under 20 were excluded in Bangkok.

■Key findings 1. AI Shopping Usage: Over 80% use AI search in Mumbai, Bangkok & Shanghai — strong intention to use across all cities ●When asked about their use of generative AI search services (ChatGPT, Perplexity, DeepSeek, etc.) across shopping stages—product discovery, Q&A/troubleshooting, and purchase—all cities showed the highest usage in “product discovery.” In Mumbai, Bangkok, and Shanghai, usage reached 70–90% across all stages, while Tokyo remained low at around 20% even for product searches. ●Future intention to use AI (those who “have used and want to continue using” + “have not used but want to try”) exceeded current usage in all cities.In Mumbai, Bangkok, and Shanghai, over 80% expressed willingness to use generative AI search services at every stage. Even in Tokyo, nearly half showed positive interest.

Chart 1. Usage of Generative AI Search Services (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity, DeepSeek) for AI Shopping: Current Usage (Left) and Future Intent to Use (Right) (%)
━ Product Search ━ Q&A/troubleshooting ━ Purchase

2．Consumers prefer AI for searching, but still value human help for troubleshooting and purchases ●Regarding preferences between “AI assistance” and “human assistance,” AI overwhelmingly dominated the product discovery stage in every city except Tokyo. For troubleshooting and purchasing, demand for human support remained strong, resulting in a more balanced preference between AI and humans. ●Cities with higher AI usage—Mumbai, Bangkok, and Shanghai—also showed stronger preference for AI across all stages. For product discovery, AI preference reached 85% in Mumbai and Bangkok, and 80% in Shanghai, while Tokyo remained at 47%.

Chart 2. Preference for Customer Assistance in the Online Shopping Process (AI Support vs. Human Support Ratio) (%)

■ AI Support ■ Human Support

3．Social commerce usage continues to grow in all cities — Key channels are TikTok/Douyin and Instagram ●Over the past year, more than half of consumers in all cities except Tokyo used social commerce. Usage reached 95% in Bangkok, 93% in Shanghai, and 90% in Jakarta. Social commerce usage increased year-over-year in all cities, including London and Los Angeles. Tokyo remains low at 24%. ●The most widely used platform was TikTok/Douyin, particularly in cities where TikTok Shop is available (Shanghai, Bangkok, Jakarta, London, Los Angeles). In Mumbai and Seoul, Instagram and YouTube were most used, showing that short-video and image-driven social commerce remains strong even where TikTok/TikTok Shop is restricted.

Chart 3. Percentage of Social Commerce Users (2025–2026 Comparison) (%)

Chart 4. Main Platforms Used for Social Commerce Purchases (%)

Masayuki Hagiwara, Analyst, Global Business Division at transcosmos inc., commented: “The survey indicates that generative AI is significantly transforming online shopping behavior. AI is becoming the new gateway for product discovery, especially in Asian cities, where AI search and social media–driven purchasing behavior are rapidly expanding. Meanwhile, consumers still rely on human support for troubleshooting and final purchase decisions, showing a distinct division of roles between AI and humans. Additionally, platforms like TikTok are evolving from information sources to full-fledged shopping channels, diversifying entry points to e-commerce. In the future, the key to competitive advantage in e-commerce will lie in how companies integrate AI search, social commerce, and human support.”

transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

Leap announces expansion of offline centres across India with 15 new centres in 2026

New Delhi, India Mar 23: Leap, South Asia’s largest AI-powered study-abroad ecosystem, today announced a strategic expansion of its offline centre network across India with 15 new centres opening in 2026 across India already, accelerating new openings in Tier I markets as well as high-intent Tier II and Tier III cities. The rollout is funded by Leap’s Series E momentum and strong business performance, with substantial investment directed toward new centre buildouts, standardised training, and secure, paper-light processes.

By end-2026, Leap aims to add 20 additional operational touchpoints, selected through data-led demand mapping and heat-mapped intent clusters where quality supply is limited. Early locations include markets such as Hubli, Indore, Bhubaneswar, Patna, and Kolkata, alongside further expansion in existing hubs, reflecting a dual approach of wider geographic reach combined with deeper, integrated service delivery within each location.

These spaces are designed to complement digital touchpoints, as they use a unified system profiling the students’ end-to-end journeys with Leap, ensuring transparency and smooth knowledge transfer between teams.

“This expansion is strategic: we’re scaling quality, not just footprint,” said Arnav Kumar, Co-founder, Leap. “In a high-stakes category, speed without governance is noise. Our model connects online convenience with offline trust through one dashboard, so every counselling note, shortlist decision, document checklist, test-prep progress update, and visa milestone is visible, auditable, and continuous. That’s how you deliver consistent outcomes at scale, city after city.”

“City selection is driven by our proprietary demand heat-mapping – identifying high-intent zones where quality supply remains limited. Every new centre operates on Leap‘s unified student platform, ensuring that a counsellor in Patna or Mysore has access to the same intelligence, guardrails, and outcome data as a counsellor in Bangalore or Mumbai. All in-centre data is captured through secure, encrypted Leap portals, eliminating the paper-heavy processes typical of traditional agencies and ensuring student data is protected by the same enterprise-grade security standards that power Leap‘s fintech arm,” Arnav added.

Students and families visiting Leap’s centres can access an integrated suite of services: free 1:1 admissions counselling across 1,500+ global universities, expert-led IELTS preparation spanning self-paced modules and live classes, end-to-end visa documentation and filing backed by a 97% visa success rate, and real-time eligibility checks for collateral-free education loans. Counselling precision is strengthened by insights from 3 million+ community members, while quality is governed through platform-led controls, counsellor certification, outcome KPIs such as Admit Efficiency and Visa Success Rates, and real-time Net Promoter Score feedback loops, supporting Leap’s 70+ NPS.