Category Archives: News

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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Indian Air Force Day 2026: IAF Marks 94th Anniversary With Air Shows and Grand Celebrations

New Delhi, Oct 8: India is observing Indian Air Force Day 2026 on Thursday, marking the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and honouring the service, courage and sacrifices of the country’s air warriors.

 Representational Image 

The annual observance commemorates the establishment of the IAF on October 8, 1932, and highlights its evolving role in air defence, combat operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

This year’s celebrations are being held at multiple locations, with the main ceremony scheduled at Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

IAF Day 2026 Theme

The theme for the 94th Indian Air Force Day is “Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise.”

The theme reflects the force’s emphasis on operational readiness, technological capability, precision and resilience in meeting emerging security challenges.

Last year’s theme, “Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar”, highlighted the IAF’s focus on strengthening indigenous defence capabilities and promoting self-reliance.

Grand Parade and Flypast at Hindon

The main anniversary programme at Hindon will feature a ceremonial parade and an extensive aerial display.

A range of aircraft and helicopters, including Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Tejas, C-17 and Apache, are scheduled to feature in the flypast, showcasing the IAF’s combat, transport and rotary-wing capabilities.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh will review the parade. The programme will also include the presentation of Presidential awards to personnel for distinguished service.

Mi-17 helicopters are expected to carry the National Flag, IAF flag and Operation Sindoor flag during the aerial display.

Air Show in Jodhpur

A major air display will also be held at Jodhpur Air Force Station on October 8.

The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team will headline the event with a series of coordinated aerial manoeuvres. The programme is expected to showcase the precision flying and professionalism of India’s premier aerobatic team.

Varanasi to Host Major Public Air Show

The celebrations will continue in Varanasi later this month, with a public air show scheduled over the Ganga on October 24, 25 and 26.

The main programme is scheduled for October 25 near Namo Ghat, featuring fighter aircraft, transport planes and aerobatic formations.

The event is expected to offer the public an opportunity to witness the capabilities of the Indian Air Force up close while marking the significance of the anniversary.

IAF’s Journey Since 1932

The Indian Air Force was established on October 8, 1932, during British rule. Its first operational squadron, No. 1 Squadron, was formed the following year.

After Independence, the IAF played a crucial role in the 1947-48 Jammu and Kashmir operations, followed by its participation in the wars of 1965 and 1971 and the Kargil conflict.

The force has also undertaken major humanitarian and disaster-relief operations and continues to play a vital role in surveillance, strategic airlift and national air defence.

The prefix “Royal” was dropped from its name in 1950 after India became a republic.

International Cooperation and Veterans’ Tribute

The anniversary celebrations also coincide with Tarang Shakti 2026, an international air exercise involving the IAF and foreign air forces. The exercise provides an opportunity to strengthen operational coordination, interoperability and exchange of best practices.

Veteran gatherings and interaction programmes are also being organised at various Air Force stations and venues, paying tribute to personnel who have contributed to the growth and transformation of the force over the decades.

Indian Air Force Day thus serves not only as a celebration of the service’s achievements but also as a reminder of the dedication of its personnel who remain entrusted with protecting the country’s skies and supporting the nation during times of crisis.

Odisha Bandh Disrupts Normal Life as INDIA Bloc Holds Statewide Protest

Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (UDN): Normal life was disrupted across several parts of Odisha on Thursday as parties associated with the INDIA bloc observed a statewide bandh, with road blockades, demonstrations and rail stoppages reported at multiple locations.

 Representational Image 

The shutdown affected vehicular movement in several cities and towns, with protesters staging pickets and blocking roads and highways. Commuters faced traffic congestion and delays as the agitation gathered momentum during the day.

Road Blockades, Rail Roko Reported

Congress and other participating opposition parties organised demonstrations at various locations as part of the bandh.

In some areas, protesters reportedly blocked major roads and highways, while a Rail Roko programme was also observed at select railway stations, affecting train movement.

The protests led to disruptions in public transport and created difficulties for commuters and other travellers.

Essential Services Kept Out of Bandh

Emergency and essential services were kept outside the scope of the shutdown. Ambulances, fire services, pharmacies and vehicles carrying milk supplies were allowed to operate.

Protesters were also urged not to obstruct medical services, emergency response operations or other essential activities during the bandh.

The state administration had already directed district authorities to remain alert and take preventive measures to maintain law and order during the shutdown.

Three Major Demands Behind Protest

The Congress and its allies have cited several issues for the statewide agitation, with three major demands forming the focus of the protest.

One of the key demands is the withdrawal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026. The protesting parties have alleged that the amended mining legislation could adversely affect Odisha’s interests in its mineral resources and revenue.

The opposition has also sought the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, alleging irregularities and errors in school textbooks.

Another major demand concerns the Election Commission. The protesters have called for the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Security Tightened Across State

With the bandh expected to affect normal movement, security arrangements have been strengthened at sensitive locations, including major roads, government establishments and railway stations.

Authorities are maintaining a close watch on the situation to prevent violence and ensure that essential services remain operational throughout the shutdown.

Odisha Forms Commission to Assess SEBC Representation in Local Bodies

Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (UDN): The Odisha government has constituted a high-level commission to assess the population, political representation and extent of political backwardness of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) in local self-government institutions across the state.

 Representational Image 

The decision covers both rural and urban local bodies, including panchayats and urban local government institutions. The initiative is aimed at generating a comprehensive assessment that could guide measures for ensuring adequate political representation of SEBC communities.

Justice Pramath Pattanaik to Head Commission

According to a notification issued by the ST and SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department, retired Orissa High Court judge Justice Pramath Pattanaik has been appointed as the chairperson of the commission.

Retired IAS officer Bijaya Kumar Prusti will serve as a member, while Sujata Mishra, Special Secretary of the department, has been appointed as the member secretary.

Panel to Study SEBC Representation

The commission will examine the proportion of the SEBC population in relation to the overall population within local self-government institutions.

It will also assess the existing level of political representation of SEBC communities and examine the nature and implications of their political backwardness in relation to their population.

The findings are expected to help the government formulate appropriate measures to ensure adequate representation and safeguard the rights and interests of SEBC communities in local governance.

Move Follows CM Majhi’s Decision

The constitution of the commission follows Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s decision to undertake a comprehensive study of the socio-political status and representation of SEBC communities in rural and urban local bodies.

The exercise comes against the backdrop of the state government’s recent steps concerning the welfare and representation of backward communities.

Earlier, the Odisha government had announced 11.25 per cent reservation for SEBC students in professional higher education, including engineering and medical institutions.

The newly constituted commission will now undertake the detailed assessment of SEBC representation in local governance, with its findings likely to play an important role in shaping future policy measures in the state.

Odisha CM Majhi Waives Ground Rent for Puja Pandals in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): In a festive-season relief for Puja committees, the Odisha government has announced a waiver of ground rent for temporary Puja pandals set up at public places within the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) area.

 Representational Image 

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that Puja committees will not be required to pay ground rent for organising a range of religious and cultural events during the upcoming festive season.

The waiver will cover Durga Puja, Laxmi Puja, Kali Puja, Ravan Podi, Bhasani Utsav and associated cultural programmes organised at public places within the BMC jurisdiction.

Waiver to Remain in Force Till November 18

According to government sources, the ground-rent waiver will be applicable from October 17 to November 18, covering the major festive activities during the period.

The decision is aimed at easing the financial burden on Puja committees and recognising the wider social, cultural and community significance of the festivals, which draw large gatherings across Bhubaneswar.

CM Appeals for Safe and Eco-Friendly Celebrations

While announcing the relief, Chief Minister Majhi urged Puja committees to ensure that celebrations are conducted in a peaceful, disciplined and environmentally responsible manner.

Committees have been encouraged to maintain public order, cooperate with the administration and ensure that festivities do not cause unnecessary inconvenience to residents or visitors.

The government’s decision is expected to provide relief to numerous Puja committees preparing for the festive season and further support community-led celebrations across the state capital.

NH-55 Six-Laning, Four Underpasses and Railway Overbridge Proposed to Ease Traffic in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (UDN): A major infrastructure push aimed at improving road connectivity, easing congestion and strengthening road safety in western Odisha is being proposed, with plans for six-laning the Sambalpur-Cuttack stretch of NH-55, construction of four underpasses and an overbridge near Sambalpur City railway station.

 Representational Image

The proposals have been highlighted by Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan, who has urged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to consider the projects on priority, citing rising traffic and growing industrial and commercial activity along the corridor.

NH-55 Six-Laning Plan

The Sambalpur-Angul-Cuttack corridor is a crucial road link connecting western Odisha with major industrial, commercial and urban centres in the state.

With a steady increase in passenger vehicles, heavy trucks and industrial traffic, the proposal seeks to upgrade the existing four-lane highway to six lanes. The plan also includes two-lane service roads on both sides of the highway to facilitate local traffic and improve access for residents and businesses along the route.

The proposed expansion is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance the overall efficiency of one of Odisha’s important highway corridors.

Four Underpasses Proposed on NH-55

Road safety concerns along the Angul-Sambalpur section of NH-55 have also been flagged, particularly because of the frequent movement of heavy and mineral-laden vehicles.

To address pedestrian and local traffic safety, four underpasses proposed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have been sought for early administrative and financial approval.

The proposed locations are Jindal Road, Jarapada, Jerang and Charmal.

The underpasses are expected to provide safer crossings for local residents while reducing the need for pedestrians and smaller vehicles to directly negotiate busy highway traffic.

Overbridge Proposed Near Sambalpur Railway Station

Traffic congestion around Sambalpur City railway station is another major concern. The railway station area witnesses significant movement of passengers and vehicles, resulting in congestion and safety challenges at the adjoining highway junction.

To address the issue, a proposal has been made for an overbridge at the railway station square. The project is intended to streamline traffic movement and provide safer passage for pedestrians and commuters using the busy junction.

Focus on Western Odisha Connectivity

The proposed projects come at a time when western Odisha is witnessing expanding industrial, mining, commercial and urban activity, placing additional pressure on existing transport infrastructure.

If approved and implemented, the six-laning of NH-55, the four underpasses and the proposed railway station overbridge could significantly improve connectivity between western and coastal Odisha while strengthening road safety and supporting the region’s economic growth.

The proposals now await consideration and necessary approvals from the concerned authorities.

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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