Category Archives: News

Odisha Govt Releases Rs 99.26 Crore Interest Subsidy for 1.79 Lakh SHGs, Total Hits Rs 247 Crore

Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): The Odisha government has released Rs 99.26 crore in interest subsidy for 1,79,809 self-help groups (SHGs) across the State, taking the total interest subvention disbursed during the current financial year to Rs 247.03 crore.

 Representational Image 

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida released the latest financial assistance at a programme organised by the Mission Shakti Department in Bhubaneswar.

Rs 575 Crore Earmarked for SHG Interest Subsidy

The State government has allocated Rs 575 crore for interest subvention to SHGs during the 2026-27 financial year as part of its efforts to strengthen access to institutional credit and support women-led livelihood activities.

The latest release follows an earlier disbursement of Rs 147.77 crore in interest subsidy to 2,88,198 SHGs on June 24.

With the latest tranche, the cumulative interest subsidy released so far this financial year has reached Rs 247.03 crore.

Rs 20,000 Crore Credit Linkage Target

The Odisha government has set a target of facilitating Rs 20,000 crore in bank credit linkage for SHGs during 2026-27.

Interest subvention and community-level financial support are expected to complement bank financing and help SHGs expand livelihood activities and women-led enterprises.

The financial assistance is aimed at reducing the cost of institutional borrowing for SHGs while strengthening their access to formal credit.

Additional Rs 151.28 Crore Released

Apart from the interest subsidy, the Mission Shakti Department has also released Rs 151.28 crore under three community-based financial support programmes.

The latest measures are intended to provide SHGs with a broader financial support system covering interest relief, bank-linked credit and community-based funding.

The government said the initiatives would strengthen the financial foundation of self-help groups and support livelihood generation and women’s economic participation across Odisha.

Nestlé and NBA announce multi-year international marketing partnership

• Milo,Nescau and Nesquikwill become Official Partners of the National Basketball Association (NBA)
• The partnership will include activations across select NBA youth basketball development programs and platforms
• Multi-year agreement spans 21 markets across four continents and marks Nestlé’s largest international brand collaboration to date

VEVEY, Switzerland, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nestlé and the NBA are entering a new, multi‑year international marketing partnership making Milo, Nescau and Nesquik Official Partners of the NBA.

The agreement spans 21 markets across four continents and is designed to engage fans and inspire youth basketball participation around the world. Nestlé’s largest international brand collaboration to date, the partnership reflects the company’s strategy to focus on fewer, larger global marketing platforms that can be activated consistently across markets, ensuring local relevance. It will come into effect on 1 January 2027.

As part of the collaboration, Nestlé and the NBA will build on a shared commitment to youth participation in sport by creating more opportunities for young people and families to engage with basketball. This will include activations across select NBA youth basketball development programs and platforms, including Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA, NBA Basketball School, Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coaches Academies, Her Time To Play and NBA 3X, and will extend across select NBA events and fan engagement platforms, including NBA Global Games and NBA House.

“For decades, our brands have believed in the power of sport to bring out the best in people,” said Liberato Milo, SVP Head of Confectionery & Snacking Strategic Business Unit at Nestlé. “From Milo and Nescau sports programs to Nesquik athlete partnerships and initiatives, we have seen how sport can energize people, build confidence and create healthy habits. Together with the NBA, we will use the power of basketball to connect with consumers at scale, create locally relevant experiences and inspire more young people and families to get active and enjoy the game.”

The marketing partnership will also encompass retail programs and in-market fan experiences, including on-pack promotions featuring NBA branding and opportunities for consumers to win NBA tickets, merchandise and other prizes.

“Nestlé is one of the world’s most recognizable brands and has a longstanding connection to consumers across the globe,” said Julie Morris, NBA Senior Vice President of Commercial Development and Media. “We look forward to leveraging Nestlé’s reach and local market presence to connect with fans in new ways and support the continued growth of basketball around the world.”

The partnership will activate across: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam – with the Philippines joining from October 2027.

Contacts:

Nestlé: Chiara Valsangiacomo, +41 21 924 2200, mediarelations@nestle.com

NBA: Sam Postlethwaite, +44 7468 711407, spostlethwaite@nba.com

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True Balance Premieres ‘Har Life Ka Balance’ Docuseries on JioHotstar

Three-part series follows six real customers using credit to navigate business, education and personal milestones

GURUGRAM, India, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — True Balance, an AI-powered digital lending platform, has launched Har Life Ka Balance, a three-part docuseries streaming on JioHotstar. The series follows six True Balance customers from different walks of life, highlighting how access to timely credit has supported their journeys across business, education and personal milestones.

Filmed across customers’ homes, businesses and workplaces, the series captures their experiences in their own words — from managing short-term cash flows and building businesses to funding education and meeting important personal milestones. The stories include a woman scaling her beauty and grooming business, an events entrepreneur navigating periods of lower demand, and a bank branch manager who turned to a digital lender when he needed credit himself.

The customers featured in the series include self-employed individuals, small business owners and first-time borrowers, reflecting the diverse financial needs of the segments served by True Balance. As of 30 September 2026, True Balance had disbursed 19.3 million cumulative loans. 

The six customers featured in Har Life Ka Balance are:

• Gayatri, who is scaling her beauty and grooming business while planning her wedding
• Kewal, who runs an events business and manages periods of lower demand
• Rupesh, an insurance professional funding his son’s education
• Vikas, who runs a general store that supports his family
• Simran, who has built a social-media enterprise after marriage
• Vishwas, a bank branch manager who turned to a digital lender when he needed credit himself

Together, the stories offer a view of financial inclusion through everyday experiences — women building independent incomes, small business owners managing uneven cash flows, and parents investing in their children’s future.

Charlie Lee, Founder & CEO, True Balance, said: “India has made remarkable progress in bringing people into the formal financial system. The next step is enabling access to credit for those determined to pursue their ambitions, and we are proud to contribute to that next chapter. Our six customers featured in Har Life Ka Balance are building businesses, supporting families and planning for their futures while navigating everyday challenges. Their stories reflect the aspirations of millions of Indians. Through this series, we aim to bring ‘Finance for All’ to life through the lens of our customers and the journeys they are undertaking to move their lives forward.” 

Har Life Ka Balance is streaming now on JioHotstar.

Series link: https://jiohotstar.com/1271713412?utm_source=share 

Promo link: https://www.hotstar.com/in/clips/har-life-ka-balance-promo/1271713455/watch 

About True Balance India Pvt. Ltd. 

True Balance is an AI-powered financial services platform operated by True Balance India Private Limited (formerly known as Balancehero India Private Limited). A unified hub for all financial needs, the True Balance platform provides a comprehensive suite of digital financial solutions focusing on democratizing credit for the underserved and underbanked populations across India.

Operating at the intersection of global technology standards and deep local market insights, the company utilizes advanced AI-backed proprietary credit-scoring to deliver seamless and responsible finance. This technology-first approach allows True Balance to effectively bridge the credit gap for the ‘Next Billion’ users seeking secure and dependable financial access.

The company operates under a robust regulatory framework, holding a Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) license and facilitating credit through its RBI-licensed subsidiary NBFC, True Credits Private Limited. Backed by marquee global institutions including SoftBank, Naver, and Line, True Balance operates an extensive pan-India network with deep penetration across every district in the country. Headquartered in Gurugram, the company is a key contributor to the Digital India and Viksit Bharat visions, serving as a trusted financial partner in the nation’s journey toward financial empowerment.

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Abusix launches ‘Abusix Frontline’ to invest in long-term partner growth

Margin protection, pipeline incentives, and autonomy to drive partner growth.

BOSTON, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Abusix today announced Abusix Frontline, a program giving partners commercial incentives, autonomy, and support via Authorized and Advanced tiers.

It offers deal registration, margin protection, pipeline incentives, and training. Partners retain standard margins on renewals and access to Abbie, an AI assistant for multilingual enablement.

Jasper Lounio, Head of Channel, said: “We’ve built this program around what makes a partner want to invest their time and resources in growing with Abusix. That means strong margins, protecting those margins when customers renew, and recognizing the work into creating pipeline, not just the final transaction.”

Partners can register deals, create quotes, and progress opportunities independently, with zero channel conflict on registered accounts.

Tobias Knecht, Founder and CEO of Abusix, said: “Most phishing attacks travel through mail infrastructure offered by a service provider before it reaches anyone’s inbox, and those operators know it. That is a problem our partners can sell into today. Partners bring the customer relationships and the local reach. We bring technology with proven demand, so the commercial opportunity is there from the first conversation.”

Florent Manens, CEO at Beezim, added: “What we value about working with the Abusix Frontline program is the independence it gives us. We register an opportunity, create a quote, and progress the deal ourselves, while having direct access to the Abusix team. The service helps us provide the best quality filtering for our customers. Having everything in one place makes collaboration straightforward, lets us focus on our customers and growing the business.”

Abusix Frontline is open to VARs, System Integrators, Technology partners, and Distributors. partners.abusix.compartners@abusix.com.

About Abusix

Abusix, a leading network security company that offers solutions for email security and network abuse report handling, is on a mission to build a safer internet. For network and mail providers, Abusix blocks email threats at the edge and automates network abuse handling from first report to resolution through its product suite: Abusix Mail, Abusix Ops, and Abusix Threat Intel. Seven of the ten largest European telecommunications companies are Abusix customers, alongside internet service providers, mailbox providers, and cloud and hosting companies across North America, EMEA, and APAC. Abusix Inc. is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Learn more at abusix.com.

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PM Modi Marks 25 Years in Public Life, Thanks People for Trust and Support

New Delhi, Oct 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked 25 years of continuous service as the head of a government, expressing gratitude to the people of India and saying their trust has placed the greatest responsibility on his shoulders.

Addressing a large gathering at the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’, Modi recalled his journey from becoming Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, to serving three consecutive terms as Prime Minister.

“I bow my head and pay my respects to the people of the country. Be it the Assembly or the Lok Sabha elections, people have chosen me for their service for 25 years,” Modi said, while also paying tribute to India’s democratic institutions and the Constitution.

‘People Are Also a Form of God’

Modi said he had never imagined, when he took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001, that he would reach the milestone of completing 25 years as head of a government.

He credited the continued support of citizens, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the NDA and his political colleagues for the journey.

“For me, the people are also a form of God. The trust of lakhs and crores of countrymen and the hard work of lakhs of workers have always been my greatest strength,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that the country had given him immense responsibility and that every citizen had a right over him.

“The country has given me so much. Therefore, my responsibility towards the country is also the greatest,” he said.

Modi Recalls 2001 Gujarat Beginning

Modi began his tenure as head of a government on October 7, 2001, when he was appointed Gujarat Chief Minister, succeeding Keshubhai Patel.

He assumed office at a challenging period for Gujarat, which was recovering from the devastating Bhuj earthquake and facing political and administrative difficulties.

Modi remained Gujarat Chief Minister until 2014, when he moved to national politics after leading the BJP to victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

He subsequently became Prime Minister and has since completed three terms in office.

Welcomed With Slogans, Flowers

As Modi arrived at the event, supporters welcomed him with flowers and BJP flags while raising slogans including ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and welcoming the Prime Minister.

Several people were also seen recording his arrival on their mobile phones.

Earlier in the day, Modi visited the Shri Vinayak Mandir in Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar, where he offered prayers and sought blessings on the completion of 25 years in public office.

He said he prayed for the happiness, prosperity and good health of people across the country, whom he described as members of his extended family.

Modi also expressed his gratitude to participants of the Seva Jyoti Yatra.

Over the past 25 years, his political journey has also coincided with a more prominent international profile for India, with the government placing greater emphasis on diplomatic engagement, relations with major global powers and India’s role in the Global South.

Odisha Braces for Three Days of Thunderstorms, IMD Issues Yellow Warning

Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): Odisha is likely to witness thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over the next three days, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow warning for several districts.

 Representational Image 

The weather office has advised people to remain alert as thunderstorms accompanied by strong surface winds are expected at isolated places between October 7 and 10.

Thunderstorm Alert for October 7-8

According to the IMD forecast valid until 8:30 am on October 8, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph are likely at one or two places in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh and Sambalpur districts.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph are also likely at isolated places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.

More Districts Likely to See Thunderstorms on October 8-9

The weather activity is expected to extend to more parts of the State during the following 24 hours.

From 8:30 am on October 8 to 8:30 am on October 9, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are likely at isolated places over Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Nuapada and Balangir.

Meanwhile, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack may experience thunderstorms with gusty winds of 30-40 kmph.

Thunderstorm Activity to Continue on October 9-10

The weather system is expected to remain active on the third day as well.

Between 8:30 am on October 9 and 8:30 am on October 10, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph are likely at one or two places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.

The IMD has advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorms, particularly when lightning and strong winds are occurring, and to follow official weather updates.

Capital Group secures FSRA licence in Abu Dhabi as it expands in the Middle East

ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Capital Group, one of the world’s largest and most experienced active investment managers with US$3.6 trillion of assets under management, announced today that it has secured a Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, the Capital of the United Arab Emirates, enabling the firm to operate as a regulated investment manager. The approval authorises Capital Group to conduct trading, investment management and distribution activities within ADGM.

The regulatory milestone marks the next phase of Capital Group’s long-term commitment to the region, following its May 2026 announcement of plans to establish its first Middle East office in Abu Dhabi. The firm has since relocated associates from North America, Europe and Asia, bringing investment, operational and client-facing expertise closer to clients and opportunities in the region. Its local presence is expected to grow over time, in line with business and client needs.

Benno Klingenberg-Timm, Head of Abu Dhabi Office & Head of Institutional for Europe and Asia, Capital Group, said: “Establishing a regulated presence in Abu Dhabi brings us closer to our clients and to the investment opportunities across the Middle East, a region where we have been active for many years. From day one, we will have a meaningful presence, with on-the-ground investment, operational and client-facing capabilities. Much like the opening of our Singapore office in 1989, we’re bringing together the full breadth of Capital Group’s expertise in Abu Dhabi, reflecting our confidence in the region’s long-term growth.”

H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said: “We are pleased to welcome Capital Group, a global investment manager, as it establishes a presence in Abu Dhabi. Its decision reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem and ADGM’s growing position as a leading international financial centre for global institutions seeking long-term opportunities across the region.”

Mike Gitlin, President and CEO of Capital Group, said: “The Middle East is strategically important to Capital Group and our clients. Securing our regulatory licence in Abu Dhabi reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our conviction in its continued development as a leading international financial centre. We look forward to deepening our relationships with clients and partners.”

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Metanoia, Aethertek, and TechPhosis Team Up to Drive 6G FR3 Technology in India

NEW DELHI, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aligned with the Make-in-India, Design-in-India, and Integrate-in-India initiatives, Metanoia and Aethertek announced a strategic collaboration with TechPhosis to develop and commercialize 5G FR2 and next-generation 6G FR3 solutions across India’s growing telecommunications market.

The initiative integrates the Metanoia-Aethertek Albizia FR2/FR3 radio with TechPhosis’s 5G Core (5GC) and Distributed Unit (DU) platforms, establishing resilient, open-architecture private and public cellular networks throughout the region.

“To support India’s 6G ambitions, we are proud to launch one of the first 6G radios with Metanoia and Aethertek Albizia FR2/FR3 radio platform. Metanoia’s MOSART software empowers early 6G FR3 researchers to build customized solutions,” said Ritesh Aggarwal, CEO of TechPhosis.

Advancing Open Standards: O-RAN WG7 and MOSART

A pivotal component of this initiative is Metanoia’s introduction of MOSART (Metanoia Open Source Advanced Radio Technology) software, running on O-RAN Alliance Working Group 7 (WG7) white-box radio hardware architectures. Available on GitLab, MOSART natively supports standard WG7 platforms, including 24dBm indoor, 5W outdoor, and FR2/FR3 50dBm outdoor radio units.

WG7 specifications enable open radio hardware design to lower development costs, while MOSART provides equipment builders, system integrators, and operators a solid baseline to customize without proprietary vendor lock-in.

“Coupling O-RAN WG7 hardware with our MOSART software commercializes open radio platforms. Alongside partners like SERA Network, Aethertek and TechPhosis, we are creating a practical path from 5G FR2 today to 6G FR3 tomorrow,” said Stewart Wu, CEO of Metanoia.

Partnering with Aethertek for Albizia FR2/FR3

Metanoia and Aethertek partnered to develop the Albizia FR2/FR3 radio platform, combining Metanoia’s Cobra MT2824 SoC baseband chip with Aethertek’s NOVA Antenna-in-Module (AiM).

This modular beamforming architecture streamlines the migration toward FR3 spectrum, enabling Indian operators to validate high-capacity, low-latency 5G-Advanced and pioneer early 6G deployments with proven RF efficiency.

“This collaboration strengthens our shared ability to deliver next-generation O-RUs with validated beamforming and RF performance,” said Perry Lin, Director of Business Development at Aethertek. “Working together with Metanoia and TechPhosis ensures we can accelerate customer deployments and commercialize advanced radio platforms with confidence.”

Commercial FR1 and FR2 radios Powered by Metanoia Cobra MT2824 SoC

At the foundation of these high-performance open radios is Metanoia’s Cobra MT2824 Digital Front End (DFE) SoC. Delivering power efficiency, compact dimensions, and versatility, the Cobra MT2824 powers multiple commercialized ORU products deployed across enterprise and carrier networks.

“SERA Network is proud to be first to market with Metanoia Cobra MT2824-based FR-1 ORU products,” said Jerry Chien, CEO of SERA Network. “Our 24dBm and 5W units lead in power and size, and MOSART open-source software allows our radios to serve as extensible platforms meeting unique customer requirements.”

By uniting Metanoia’s Cobra MT2824 silicon, Aethertek’s FR2/FR3 AiM modules, and TechPhosis’s DU and 5G core stacks, the partners deliver an open ecosystem ready for 5G and 6G development.

Please come to India Mobile Congress Hall 1 BP 18 to explore MOSART powered ORUs: Albizia FR2/FR3 radio, SERA 24dBm and 5W FR1 radios.

About Metanoia

Metanoia Communications Inc. specializes in Software Defined Radio (SDR) and 5G/B5G PHY semiconductor solutions for Open RAN Radio Units and Small Cells. Powered by its proprietary MOSART^® platform, its programmable baseband and RF SoCs support 4T4R FR1 and 2T2R FR2 architectures, ensuring full compliance with evolving 3GPP and O-RAN standards.

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Structurely Rebrands as 21X and Launches Sports Revenue Platform in Partnership with GameAbove Sports

Rebrand expands the company’s AI engagement portfolio and introduces a sports-focused revenue platform backed by CapStone Holdings

ASPEN, Colo., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Structurely today announced its rebrand as 21X and the launch of 21X SPORTS, a new business vertical owned by 21X and developed in partnership with GameAbove Sports. The 21X name reflects a broader product portfolio built around the same commercial purpose that has guided Structurely for more than a decade: turn more customer conversations into revenue by capturing demand, sustaining follow-up and moving more opportunities toward action.

For existing customers, services, integrations, support relationships and platform access will continue without interruption under the 21X name. The new identity is built on the same experienced team, established platform and client relationships, strengthened by new investment and an expanding product portfolio. The platform draws on experience from more than 500 million conversations, with human feedback used to refine performance.

The 21X name builds on Structurely’s proven foundation: representing the company’s next phase and its ambition to multiply the value of every customer connection. Its brand promise is “21X. Multiply the power of connection.” Under the new name, the company will expand that foundation with additional products, interfaces and AI tools designed to support both revenue growth and operating efficiency. The platform helps businesses engage customers faster and more relevantly while reducing the cost of routine conversations. AI manages initial interactions, answers questions and identifies intent, then routes the right opportunities to people when human judgment, expertise or relationships matter most. 

“Structurely was built to help businesses create more revenue from the demand and customer relationships they already have. That focus does not change with 21X,” said Corey Welch, CEO of 21X. “What changes is the scale of what we can offer: more products, more ways to engage and more tools that help customers grow top-line revenue, improve the customer experience and operate more efficiently.”

CapStone Holdings Backs the Next Phase of Growth

CapStone Holdings remains the parent company of both 21X, formerly Structurely, and GameAbove, and is backing this next phase with new funding and resources. The commitment supports an expanded product portfolio, the launch of 21X SPORTS and the company’s continued focus on long-term growth and operational excellence.

21X SPORTS Brings the Revenue Platform to Sports

21X SPORTS will help collegiate athletic departments, professional and minor league teams, leagues, and sports product and apparel companies pursue incremental revenue from existing fan and customer databases. Potential applications include ticket sales and renewals, lapsed-buyer reengagement, merchandise offers and other revenue campaigns. Across voice, SMS and email, AI can initiate engagement, answer questions, identify interest, present relevant opportunities and connect qualified fans or customers with team personnel when appropriate. For enterprise organizations already managing multiple systems, 21X SPORTS is designed to consolidate AI-powered engagement, voice, SMS, email and workflow orchestration into one platform, reducing reliance on disconnected point solutions.

The result is a more responsive fan experience, better insight for sales and marketing teams, and more opportunities to generate ticketing, merchandise and other commercial revenue. By automating routine engagement and qualification, 21X SPORTS is designed to help organizations serve larger audiences without increasing staffing at the same rate.

GameAbove Sports will contribute sports-market relationships, business development experience and sales perspective, helping 21X SPORTS reach organizations seeking to improve ticketing, merchandise and other commercial revenue.

“Sports organizations have invested heavily in building fan and customer relationships, but many lack the capacity to engage those audiences consistently and at scale,” said Keith J. Stone, founder and chairman of GameAbove. “21X SPORTS gives teams, leagues and sports businesses a practical way to turn more of that existing demand into commercial opportunity while creating a more responsive fan experience.”

Experience a 21X live demo: call (330) 222-6156 and hear the difference.

To learn more about how 21X helps organizations create more revenue from the customers they already have, visit 21Xai.com.

About 21X

21X, formerly known as Structurely, is an AI engagement infrastructure company that helps businesses grow revenue, improve customer experiences and operate more efficiently. Built on more than a decade of experience in real customer conversations, 21X uses AI across voice, SMS and email to respond, understand intent, guide customers toward the right next action and route appropriate opportunities to live personnel. The company serves organizations in real estate, mortgage lending, life insurance, aviation and sports. Learn more at 21Xai.com.

About GameAbove Sports

GameAbove Sports is focused on global sports business development and strategic investments. It works across teams, franchises, leagues, events, sports-related companies and community initiatives to advance growth and opportunity in sports. Learn more at gameabovesports.com.

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IBM Teams Up with SAP to Help Businesses Modernize Operations and Advance AI-Readiness

• Volumetric Building Companies cuts operational cycle times by 50% with SAP Cloud ERP
• Second Nature Brands extends and strengthens their common enterprise platform following its Voortman acquisition
• Modernized ERP foundation positions clients to scale operations and support AI-readiness

ARMONK, N.Y., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced IBM Ready for SAP Solutions to help midsize and fast-growing organizations accelerate cloud ERP modernization, unify enterprise data, and establish an AI-ready digital core. Volumetric Building Companies and Second Nature Brands are among the clients using the solution to support growth and future AI initiatives.

Volumetric Building Companies (VBC), a global modular construction company, reduced operational cycle times by 50% across purchasing, manufacturing, and inventory processes following a three-month SAP Cloud ERP transformation with IBM. Second Nature Brands, a portfolio company and creator of premium snacks and treats, recently completed an SAP Cloud ERP transformation with IBM that integrated its acquired Voortman Bakery business and established a common enterprise platform for its operations.

The two transformations demonstrate how IBM Ready for SAP Solutions can support different business needs, from improving operational efficiency to integrating acquired businesses onto a common enterprise platform. 

“As our business continues to grow, we needed technology that could scale with us and give our teams a more connected way of operating,” said Chris Macies, COO, Volumetric Building Companies. “By modernizing our ERP environment with IBM, we now have unified visibility across our supply chain and operations, helping our teams move faster and make more informed decisions with greater visibility throughout the manufacturing process. Just as importantly, we’ve established a scalable digital foundation that positions VBC to support future automation and AI initiatives as we continue to grow.”

“Successfully integrating an acquisition is about more than combining operations. It’s about quickly implementing and expanding a unified foundation built for future growth,” said Jeff O’Gradney, VP IT, Second Nature Brands. “Working with IBM, we successfully integrated the Voortman Bakery business and expanded our common enterprise platform that positions Second Nature Brands to scale more efficiently as one organization.”

Bringing together IBM’s industry expertise, fit-to-standard delivery, and IBM Consulting Advantage, the company’s AI-powered consulting delivery platform, IBM Ready for SAP Solutions is designed to help organizations accelerate transformation at scale.

“Businesses are under increasing pressure to operate with greater speed, efficiency and predictability, and many are implementing AI to improve,” said Dr. Tom Janoshalmi, Global Managing Partner, IBM Consulting. “But scaling AI requires a connected and modern enterprise foundation. VBC and Second Nature Brands started from different places, and now both run on a modern SAP platform built for what comes next.”

Volumetric Building Companies and Second Nature Brands’ transformations reflect a broader shift as companies focus on modernizing ERP systems to improve operational efficiency and prepare for AI. According to research from the IBM Institute for Business Value, 68% of enterprises say accelerating ERP modernization is important to improving operational efficiency and maintaining competitiveness.

“Businesses can unlock the greatest enterprise-wide value from AI when they connect intelligent technologies with rich data semantics, end-to-end business processes, industry expertise, and strong governance,” said Santina Franchi, SAP Corporate Segment and GROW. “VBC and Second Nature Brands recognize this opportunity and are building a modern digital core with SAP and IBM Ready for SAP Solutions as the foundation for scaling their AI ambitions with confidence, speed, and reliability. Through this partnership, we are extending our GROW Fast methodology to help customers accelerate their journey to SAP Cloud ERP, enabling go-lives in weeks and creating a strong platform to expand across the SAP Autonomous Enterprise.”

IBM Ready for SAP Solutions is currently available in limited countries and for specific industries. IBM plans to continue expanding availability of the solution globally across additional industries and markets. To learn more, visit ibm.com/consulting/sap-ibm-ready.

About IBM

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help 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 consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media contact:

Kristen Shah

IBM

KRISTEN.SHAH@ibm.com 

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