16, Dec 2025
NDR Group launches 150-kW Solar Power project at Angadu facility in Chennai
Chennai, Dec 16:- NDR Group, a Chennai-based warehousing firm, commissioned its first solar power project at its Angadu facility in Chennai, marking a key milestone in the Group’s sustainability and renewable energy journey. The 150-kW rooftop solar installation reflects NDR Group’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and integrating clean energy solutions across its infrastructure portfolio.
The solar installation is expected to significantly lower carbon emissions, reduce dependence on conventional grid power, and generate long-term operational energy savings. The initiative aligns with India’s broader renewable energy and climate action goals, while contributing to the adoption of sustainable practices within Chennai’s industrial and logistics ecosystem.
The project was inaugurated by Mrs. Chitra Soundarapandiyan, Superintending Engineer (West), TANGEDCO, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Pranab Sandangi, National Manager Continuous Improvement, Real Estate & Facilities Management, Kuehne Nagel; Mr. Krishnan Iyer, CEO, NDR InvIT Managers Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. Sundar Rajan Jagganathan, South Head NDR and Mr. Shanmugam from Touch Solar, along with other senior stakeholders and partners.
Mr. Sundar Rajan Jagganathan, South Head NDR, said;
“The commissioning of the Angadu solar project reflects NDR’s commitment to embedding sustainability into our operational footprint. As we continue to scale our asset portfolio, integrating renewable energy solutions remains a core priority helping us reduce environmental impact while delivering efficient, future-ready facilities for our clients and partners.”
The Angadu solar project forms part of NDR Group’s long-term roadmap to increase renewable energy adoption across its facilities nationwide. The initiative underscores the Group’s focus on energy efficiency, responsible resource consumption, and building resilient infrastructure that delivers sustained value to stakeholders.
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- By Neel Achary
16, Dec 2025
Lara Dutta Showcases ARIAS Eyewear and Shisenfox in Exclusive Mumbai Retail Event
Lara Dutta Led ARIAS Eyewear and Shisenfox Make a Statement With Exclusive Mumbai Retail Showcase
ARIAS Eyewear by Lara Dutta, in collaboration with premium eyewear brand Shisenfox, marked a significant step in its retail journey with an exclusive in-store showcase across two of Mumbai’s leading optical destinations Classic Vision, and EyeWorld Optics.
While ARIAS Eyewear debuted in October, this curated retail walkthrough offered a deeper, immersive introduction to the collection bringing its design philosophy, craftsmanship, and everyday wearability to life in a real consumer setting.
The ARIAS × Shisenfox Eyewear Collection is anchored in a shared commitment to thoughtful design, comfort-led engineering, and modern aesthetics. Featuring refined silhouettes, lightweight construction, and Japanese-inspired geometry, the collection balances expressive style with functional elegance designed for everyday confidence.
Speaking during the showcase, Lara Dutta shared the personal connection she holds with the category:
“Eyewear is a powerful extension of one’s personality; it reflects mood, confidence, and individuality. With ARIAS Eyewear, I wanted frames that feel elegant yet effortless, something you reach for every day. Shisenfox understood this vision instinctively and translated it with remarkable precision.”
For Shisenfox, the collaboration represents a strategic alignment with a lifestyle-forward brand and a growing premium consumer base.
Samarjeet Singh, CEO, Shisenfox, commented:
“At Shisenfox, eyewear is built on clarity, balance, and engineering excellence. The ARIAS collaboration brings together Lara’s refined aesthetic sensibility with our precision-led craftsmanship. This collection reflects modern sophistication frames that are stylish, durable, and designed for real-life wear.”
The retail showcase also reinforces ARIAS’ evolution into a holistic lifestyle brand.
Vishal Sinha, CEO, SWAG Fashions Hub, the company behind ARIAS, added:
“Eyewear sits at the intersection of design, identity, and lifestyle making it a natural extension of the ARIAS universe. Partnering with Shisenfox allows us to deliver a category that is design-led, consumer-first, and premium in both form and function. The Mumbai showcase marks an important milestone in scaling ARIAS Eyewear nationally.”
The Mumbai retail visit signals the next phase of growth for ARIAS Eyewear, as the brand continues to expand its footprint across India. With Lara Dutta’s personal design sensibility and Shisenfox’s technical expertise at its core, the collection aims to redefine everyday eyewear for the modern Indian consumer where elegance meets engineered precision.
16, Dec 2025
Ashtech Group Begins Construction of ‘The Presidential Towers’ in Greater Noida West
Ashtech Group Performs Bhoomi Pujan, Begins In-House Construction of its hi-end residential project ‘The Presidential Towers’ in Sector 12, Greater Noida west.
New Delhi, Dec 16: Ashtech Group, a leading name in India’s construction and infrastructure landscape with a legacy spanning over three decades, marked a significant milestone with the auspicious Bhoomi Pujan ceremony and commencement of construction of its flagship high-end residential project, The Presidential Towers, located in Sector 12, Greater Noida West. With this development, Ashtech Group marks its entry into the premium residential real estate segment, leveraging its deep-rooted expertise and construction legacy to develop and build its own project, backed by decades of experience in executing large-scale infrastructure and industrial developments.
Spread across 5.5 acres, The Presidential Towers is a thoughtfully planned high-end residential development comprising five elegantly designed towers rising 30 storeys. The project will feature 456 premium 3 and 4 BHK residences, designed to offer a refined living experience defined by privacy, comfort, and contemporary aesthetics.
Using its own construction capabilities and engineering expertise, Ashtech Group is directly responsible for the execution of the project, ensuring strict quality standards, technical precision, and disciplined construction practices. All statutory approvals, including RERA, are already in place, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to transparency and compliance.
Designed for discerning homebuyers, Ashtech Presidential Towers places a strong emphasis on space, light, and exclusivity. Each tower features 3 side open residences, enabling superior ventilation, ample natural light, and panoramic views.
The residences will offer 12-foot ceiling heights, private lift lobbies, wrap-around balconies, Italian marble flooring , modular kitchens, and premium sanitary fittings from Toto and Kohler. Smart-home features such as intelligent lighting, video door phones, and smart washrooms further enhance the living experience, while centralized air-conditioning in 4 BHK residences adds an elevated level of comfort.
Strategically located in Greater Noida West, the project offers strong connectivity to Noida’s major commercial and social hubs. With thoughtfully curated amenities, multi-tier security systems, ample parking, and expansive green spaces, Ashtech Presidential Towers is envisioned as a landmark high-end residential address in the region.
16, Dec 2025
GROHE Strengthens Its Bathroom Portfolio with the Launch of Essence Ceramics
“We are committed to delivering bathroom spaces that offer reliability, design harmony, and long-term value. With our strengthened ceramics portfolio, GROHE now approaches the bathroom as a complete ecosystem- from sanitaryware and ceramics to basins, fittings, and intelligent water technologies designed for real Indian homes. As a priority market, India shapes the way we innovate and invest. Local manufacturing of the Essence wall-hung toilet is a testament to this focus—enhancing accessibility for Indian consumers while maintaining the superior quality GROHE stands for.”
16, Dec 2025
Elmentoz Research Raises Seed Funding to Transform Animal Nutrition with Smart Feed Technology
IndiaNorway Backed Elmentoz Research Secures Seed Funding to Revolutionize Animal Nutrition and Smart Feed Technology
Elmentoz Research Pvt. Ltd., a deep-tech biotechnology company specializing in precision animal health nutrition and smart feed solutions for poultry, aquaculture, and pet food, has successfully closed its first seed funding round with angel investors from India and Norway. This capital infusion will support the establishment of India’s largest BSF-based smart protein facility, capable of processing 2,000 MT per month of industrial byproducts through proprietary advanced automation technologies. The facility is scheduled to launch in January 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s sustainable feed and next-generation smart protein sector.
The funding accelerates Elmentoz’s mission to develop sustainable, next-generation biofeed solutions that reduce India’s reliance on imported functional feed additives, mitigate biosecurity risks—including antimicrobial resistance—and enhance farmer profitability. The company’s IP-driven innovation platform combines genomics, proteomics, advanced automation, and cGMP manufacturing to deliver AMP-fortified immune-smart premixes, smart protein formulations, and functional oil ingredients under its flagship product lines ELGROW and ELTIDE. These precision-nutrition solutions improve gut health, feed conversion efficiency, and disease resilience, effectively replacing antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) with functional immuno-nutrition.
Key Uses of Seed Funding:
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Scale India’s first advanced automated cGMP smart-protein manufacturing facility
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Expand ELGROW and ELTIDE product portfolios
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Advance antimicrobial peptide (AMP) technology and platform development
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Strengthen strategic international partnerships
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Grow research, manufacturing, and commercial teams to support rapid expansion
Dr. Jayashankar Das, Founder & CEO, stated:
“India must prioritize nutritional security alongside food security. Our insect protein and AMP platforms deliver consistent amino acid profiles, better gut health, and antibiotic-free performance across poultry, aquaculture, and pet segments. With genomics, proteomics, and cGMP manufacturing, we can replace AGPs with targeted functional feeds that are safer, smarter, and more resilient for farmers and feed manufacturers.”
Dr. Padmaja Mohanty, Co-Founder & CTO, added:
“Insects are nature’s most efficient bio-converters. At Elmentoz, they become drivers of sustainable protein security. This funding enables us to scale research to understand animal health mechanisms and translate insights into precision feed formulations. Sustainability isn’t a feature; it’s the operating system for the next decade of animal nutrition.”
Christen Hveem, angel investor from Norway, commented:
“Nutritional security is becoming a global priority. India, with innovators like Elmentoz, can emerge as a global leader in next-generation smart proteins and precision feed nutrition. Elmentoz is building a transformative platform that can shape the future of sustainable food systems.”
Elmentoz is poised to create India’s first research-driven insect protein line, unlocking a significant opportunity in the global insect-enabled feed industry and redefining sustainable animal nutrition for the coming decade.
16, Dec 2025
Gulshan Group Partners with Taj to Redefine Branded Living in Noida
Gulshan Group, one of North India’s most respected real estate developers, today announced the signing of a Taj hotel and Taj Branded Serviced Apartments in Noida, in partnership with The Indian Hotels Company Limited India’s largest hospitality company. This landmark greenfield development, located in Sector 129 along the Noida Expressway, marks a defining moment in Noida’s evolution as a global destination for luxury living, business, and hospitality.
Developed by Gulshan Group, the project reflects the Group’s long-standing philosophy of creating future-forward landmarks that elevate urban lifestyles while delivering enduring value. The association with Taj further strengthens Gulshan’s commitment to curating high-caliber developments aligned with global standards of excellence.
Gulshan Nagpal, Chairman, Gulshan Group, said,
“This collaboration represents more than a partnership it is a convergence of two legacy-driven brands committed to excellence. Bringing Taj to Noida under Gulshan’s vision is our way of shaping the city’s luxury narrative and delivering an address that will stand as a benchmark for generations to come.”
Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group, added,
“This project is our statement to the industry reimagining luxury beyond traditional boundaries by blending the glamour of hospitality with the magnanimous scale of real estate. At Gulshan Group, we are driven by trust, design integrity, and a long-term vision. In partnership with Taj, we are envisioning what we believe will be India’s tallest Taj a global-standard address destined to become one of the most iconic landmarks in the country.”
The development will feature a luxury Taj hotel with 150 guest rooms and 74 Taj Branded Serviced Apartments. The hotel will offer premium dining experiences with an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, and two specialty restaurants. For conferences and celebrations, the project will include an expansive 8,000 sq. ft. ballroom, complemented by sophisticated pre-function areas and versatile meeting rooms.
Wellness and recreation will be central to the guest experience, with access to a swimming pool, gym, health club and Taj’s celebrated J Wellness Circle.
The Taj Branded Serviced Apartments will present ultra-luxury residences spanning approximately 7,500 sq. ft. each, designed for connoisseurs of elevated living. Residents will enjoy exclusive access to a private Residents’ Club featuring terraced gardens, a children’s play area, lounge spaces, sports facilities and an infinity swimming pool.
Situated in the heart of NCR, Noida has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing urban centres, powered by strong infrastructure, corporate expansion, and a thriving lifestyle ecosystem. This project further reinforces Noida’s position as a preferred destination for luxury and investment.
16, Dec 2025
Finarkein Appoints Former CIBIL Business Head Subbu Sundaresh Vennelakanti as Director – Growth
Pune, Dec 16: Finarkein, a leading financial technology company, today announced the appointment of Subbu Sundaresh Vennelakanti, former Business Head at CIBIL, as Director – Growth at Finarkein. This strategic hire reinforces the company’s commitment to building India’s fintech infrastructure layer and accelerating innovation in the financial technology sector.
Subbu brings 25 years of experience in the insurance and wealth industry, having led the insurance vertical at TU CIBIL & CRIF Highmark, where he drove advanced risk scorecards, predictive analytics, and customer acquisition solutions for insurers and wealth institutions. At Finarkein, he will be responsible for leading the development of solutions for the Wealth, and Insurance sectors – starting with decisioning models built on data pipes fully compliant with DPDP guidelines, driving the company’s mission to strengthen India’s fintech ecosystem.
Nikhil Kurhe, Co-founder & CEO, Finarkein, said,
“As insurers and wealth platforms rethink growth and distribution in a post-DPDP environment, the need for intelligent, compliant customer acquisition and decisioning solutions has become clear. Subbu brings deep domain expertise and a strong execution mindset, and we’re excited to have him lead our efforts in building products that deliver tangible business outcomes for financial institutions.”
Subbu Sundaresh Vennelakanti, Director – Growth at Finarkein added,
“India’s Fintech, Wealth and Insurance sectors are entering a pivotal phase of digital transformation, especially as customer acquisition models evolve in a post-DPDP world. Finarkein is uniquely positioned to support the industry with compliant, future-ready solutions that drive sharper customer segmentation and profitable decision-making. I’m truly excited to join Finarkein at such a defining moment and look forward to building cutting-edge, high-impact products for the ecosystem.”
Commenting on the appointment, Anand Datta, Partner, Nexus Venture Partners, said,
“India’s fintech ecosystem is at an inflection point, particularly across wealth and insurance, where sophisticated decisioning must coexist with evolving data privacy regulations. Subbu brings rare, hands-on experience operating at this intersection. We believe his leadership will accelerate Finarkein’s mission to become a foundational layer for financial services innovation in India.”
This leadership addition marks a significant milestone for Finarkein as it continues to scale operations, innovate solutions, and expand its influence across India’s fintech ecosystem.
16, Dec 2025
DAG and Goa Tourism Unveil Landmark Exhibition Showcasing Rare Company Paintings
Panaji, Goa Dec 16:-Reaffirming its commitment to recognising the largely unknown Indian masters commissioned by the East India Company in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, DAG India’s premier art company presents A Treasury of Life: Indian Company Paintings, c. 1790–1835. Drawn entirely from the DAG collection and curated by Giles Tillotson, Senior Vice President, DAG, the exhibition examines how Indian artists responded to European patronage by creating entirely new artistic templates that bridged indigenous traditions with Western visual systems.
Featuring over 200 works, A Treasury of Life is the largest exhibition in India dedicated to Company Paintings, showcasing the extraordinary diversity and technical brilliance of Indian painters from this period. The exhibition opens in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, with a private viewing held on 1 December 2025 at the Aguad Port and Jail Complex, Goa, and remains open to the public until 14 January 2026.
Long positioned on the margins of Indian art history arriving too late to belong to classical court traditions and too early to be framed within modernism Company Paintings are re-evaluated in A Treasury of Life as a critical precursor to Indian modernism. The exhibition reveals how Indian artists actively negotiated shifting patronage, materials, and techniques, resulting in one of the most dynamic and innovative phases of Indian art.
The exhibition is structured around three principal themes: natural history, documenting India’s flora and fauna with scientific precision and artistic sensitivity; architecture, capturing cityscapes and historic sites through a fusion of Indian and European visual idioms; and Indian manners and customs, portraying traders, artisans, religious figures, and sacred icons with remarkable detail. Together, these works reflect both European impulses to document an unfamiliar land and the ingenuity of Indian artists who adapted their practices to new audiences and formats.
Beyond their aesthetic value, these paintings serve as vital historical records of ecosystems, architectural heritage, and social practices that have since transformed or disappeared due to urbanisation and environmental change. From delicate renderings of now-endangered plant species to detailed depictions of wildlife and landscapes, the exhibition offers rare visual insights into worlds that no longer exist in their original form.
Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, noted;
“A Treasury of Life brings to Goa an extraordinary era of Indian artistic brilliance that deserves national and global attention. Hosting this landmark exhibition reinforces our commitment to positioning Goa as a centre for meaningful, heritage-driven experiences. It also reflects the state’s growing role in facilitating high-calibre cultural collaborations.”
Ashish Anand, CEO and Managing Director, DAG, added;
“We are delighted to present A Treasury of Life in Goa as part of our long-standing commitment to championing pre-modern and hybrid art practices that laid the foundation for Indian modernism. From sponsoring Forgotten Masters: Indian Painting for the East India Company at the Wallace Collection in 2019 the first major UK exhibition on Company Paintings to our Birds of India exhibition across three Indian cities, DAG has consistently sought to expand awareness of this important genre. A Treasury of Life represents the most comprehensive exploration of Company Painting to date.”
Shri Kedar Naik, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, stated;
“This exhibition is a significant addition to Goa’s cultural calendar and strengthens our efforts to promote meaningful tourism rooted in heritage and learning. By bringing this exceptional collection to Aguad, we are enabling visitors to experience art as a powerful storyteller of India’s past.”
Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, commented;
“A Treasury of Life enriches Goa’s cultural landscape and offers visitors a deeply engaging artistic experience. Initiatives such as this encourage a more thoughtful engagement with heritage and creativity.”
Shri Savio Mathias, Vice President Operations and Business Development, Aguad Port and Jail Complex, said;
“Hosting A Treasury of Life at the Aguad Port and Jail Complex is deeply meaningful for us. Presenting an exhibition of this calibre at this historic site reflects our ongoing commitment to transforming Aguad into a destination for culture, dialogue, and heritage-led experiences.”
16, Dec 2025
7 Budget-Friendly New Year Trip Ideas for Last-Minute Travelers
Not everyone thinks ahead about their plans to go away somewhere for the New Year — and let’s face it, sometimes the really great trips are the ones you take on a whim! If you’re still looking for ideas on where to go for this New Year’s, don’t panic! India has many destinations that are budget-friendly, easy to get to and great for that quick New Year’s trip. If you want Culture, Mountains, Food or simply want a change from the craziness around you, here are 7 affordable places to spend New Years celebrating the arrival of 2025.
1. Jaipur Culture, Bazaars & Royal Architecture (Without the Royal Budget)
Jaipur will always be a safe option for anyone wanting to go somewhere spur of the moment for New Years. This historically rich city mixes the old with the modern — budget hostels and colourful local markets, along with attractions such as Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort and Nahargarh, you can’t go wrong. Eating out is inexpensive, auto rickshaw’s are everywhere and there are always new things to discover in Jaipur from rooftop cafes to local markets. You can spend 2-3 days in Jaipur for New Year and have a fabulous time on a budget!
2. Rishikesh Riverside Calm + Adventure on a Budget
A last-minute trip to Rishikesh is a great option. You can choose from many things, such as the peaceful riverside ghats or an adrenaline filled rafting session. You can find hostels and camps at reasonable prices which is great for solo travelers and groups. Whether you are looking to meditate on the banks of the Ganges, café hop, trek in the mountains or relax, Rishikesh is an excellent place to refresh yourself over the holidays without spending too much time and money preparing for a trip.
3. Manali Snowy Mountains & Cozy Cafés Without Breaking the Bank
Manali may be expensive during the holidays, but it’s not if you are smart about your planning. Hostels and budget guesthouses are available to give you a comfortable place to stay even during the peak season, and there are lots of very good cafés you can enjoy on quiet evenings. You can wake up to views of the snow-capped mountains, and go to explore Old Manali, take a few short hikes, or enjoy a scenic drive to Solang. You can even book overnight travel to make planning your trip, even last minute, much simpler, and the winter scenery will be spectacular.
4. Amritsar A Soulful Start with Incredible Food
While Amritsar is a great destination for the New Year because it will feed your soul and your stomach, there are many other options as well. You can experience the Golden Temple and all its tranquillity before heading off to wander through the busy streets of the city. Eat your fill of kulchas (delicious stuffed bread), lassi (milk shake made with yogurt), kebabs and so on. With its many low-cost accommodation options, Amritsar is an ideal last-minute destination for travellers on a budget, whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple, with your family or with friends.
5. Pushkar Backpacker Vibes & Desert Evenings
Pushkar is ideal for spontaneous travelers. This tiny town has everything necessary to make your trip easy and enjoyable, including inexpensive hostels, rooftop cafe’s, fun and interesting shops, camel rides, and the peaceful Pushkar Lake. Additionally, the sunsets are absolutely gorgeous over the desert, with an easy-going warm and friendly vibe. If your vision of a New Year is more about relaxing, chatting with others, and leisurely exploring , then Pushkar will be your ideal destination!
6. Udaipur Lakes, Views & Affordable Romance
If you are looking for a beautiful yet budget-friendly way to ring in the New Year, look no further than Udaipur. You will feel like you have just stepped into a postcard with the numerous lakeside ghats, palaces and winding alleyways, but your trip will be much more affordable thanks to backpacker hostels and homestays. Spend your days exploring the City Palace, Sajjangarh Fort, and local markets, and finish your evening with sunset views at Lake Pichhola. Great for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers.
7. McLeod Ganj Peaceful Hills & Tibetan Culture
If you desire to bring in the New Year somewhere without the hustle and bustle of big crowds, you should consider visiting McLeod Ganj. The town is home to budget accommodation options; as well as cafes that offer good food; hiking trails that are not long or difficult to navigate, and the Dalai Lama Temple complex. McLeod Ganj has a peaceful yet lively vibe, with a relaxing atmosphere created by fresh mountain air, friendly hospitality and affordable cuisine.
16, Dec 2025
Thales awards SFO Technologies RBE2 Radar wired structures contract for Rafale under Make in India
Kochi, India, Dec 16: Thales, in partnership with SFO Technologies, has taken a significant step forward in supporting India’s strategic vision for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The latest contract, awarded for the production of high-value, technically advanced complex wired structures of the RBE2 AESA Radar of the Indian Rafale, reinforces SFO Technologies’ long-standing expertise and enduring partnership with Thales across multiple major programmes.
This first order marks an important milestone in Thales’ Make in India strategy for the localisation of advanced radar systems, which is expected to boost local manufacturing capabilities for critical Rafale sub-systems supplied to the Indian Armed Forces. Following the order of 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy, Thales, as a proud Dassault Aviation Rafale team member, continues to execute its ambitious localisation roadmap, partnering with the aeronautics and defence ecosystem in India. The scope of expertise delivered through this partnership ranges from precision machining and assembly/wiring to electronics, microelectronics, and complex system integration.
“This partnership with SFO Technologies reflects our steadfast commitment to the Make in India initiative. Through decades of strong local collaborations, we have consistently invested in building indigenous capabilities and fostering world-class expertise within the Indian ecosystem. SFO Technologies has demonstrated exceptional innovation and reliability in every project we undertake together. We are delighted to continue reinforcing our partnership, setting new benchmarks for quality and operational excellence in support of India’s self-reliance ambitions.” Philippe Knoche, SEVP Operations and Performance, Thales.
“We are honoured of Thales’ continued trust in SFO Technologies, and proud to contribute towards deploying new expertise in the Indian ecosystem, while actively taking part in the equipment production for the Rafale India. Quality and punctuality will be our priorities to satisfy our customers, as usual.” N. Jehangir, Chairman & Managing Director, SFO Technologies.
