Category Archives: Technology

ISM 2.0: India’s Ambitious Leap to Become a Global Semiconductor Powerhouse

India is accelerating its push to become a key player in the global semiconductor industry with the launch of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, an upgraded plan to expand the country’s chip ecosystem.

While the initial ISM 1.0 focused on attracting investments and building foundational infrastructure for chip fabrication, assembly, and testing, the new phase lays out a broader roadmap. It aims to strengthen domestic capabilities across the entire semiconductor value chain — from research and design to manufacturing and supply chain resilience.

Key Focus Areas of ISM 2.0

• Research and Development: Supporting innovation in chip technologies and materials.
• Design and Intellectual Property: Promoting indigenous chip design and reducing reliance on foreign IP.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Boosting production of essential inputs, equipment, and chemicals for semiconductor manufacturing.
• Domestic Manufacturing: Expanding high-value production beyond assembly and packaging.
• Skill Development: Training engineers and technicians to support a growing semiconductor ecosystem.

The government has approved a substantial budget allocation for this next phase, signaling strong commitment to building a robust and self-reliant semiconductor sector.

Strategic Importance

Semiconductors underpin modern technology, powering everything from smartphones and data centers to electric vehicles and AI systems. By broadening the focus from ISM 1.0, India aims not just to participate in global supply chains but to become a contributor to high-value segments, strengthening technological sovereignty and creating job opportunities.

Looking Ahead

ISM 2.0 represents a transformative step in India’s semiconductor journey. With its expanded scope and strategic focus, the country is positioning itself as a competitive, innovation-driven hub that can play a significant role in the global chip industry in the years to come.

Infinix NOTE 60 Pro Set To Bring a New Design Benchmark with Active Matrix LED Display and Flagship Aluminium Craftsmanship

Carter Schott Is Rethinking Assistive Technology and Designing Independence

The College of Applied Health Sciences within the University of Illinois has long been known as spearhead of accessibility, thanks to the trailblazing work of Tim Nugent. Nugent, who died in 2015, was the founder of what is now Disability Resources and Educational Services, a pioneer for disability rights and known as the “father of accessibility.” For student entrepreneur Carter Schott, that environment didn’t just shape his education—it reshaped his understanding of what independence could look like.

Schott, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Management program in the Gies College of Business, is the founder of Innovative Independence, a venture dedicated to designing assistive products that center the real, everyday needs of wheelchair users. His work blends engineering, empathy and lived experience into products that aim not just to function, but to empower.

“DRES taught me that accessibility is not just about compliance; it’s about empowering people,” said Schott, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in the Grainger College of Engineering. “Working in an environment where accessibility is valued helped me see the value of people’s performance when they don’t have barriers in their way. It’s not just about accommodations; it’s about designing for independence.”

That philosophy is the backbone of his work—and it began taking shape early in his time at Illinois. Schott is affected by a disease called spinal muscular atrophy, a form of muscular dystrophy. He  has limited mobility and has used a power wheelchair since he was four.

Living in Beckwith Residential Support Services, Schott found himself surrounded by other students with disabilities, each navigating the world in different ways. The experience proved formative.

“Living in Beckwith and being immersed around other students with disabilities was a big deal for me,” he said. “Seeing how people adapted differently and where existing solutions were lacking encouraged me to think like a designer. This encouraged me to think about real-world usability rather than theory, which is something that impacted Sol.”

Sol, his flagship product, is a wheelchair-mounted visibility light designed to increase safety in crowded or low-light environments. At first glance, it’s a simple idea. But like many impactful innovations, it emerged from a gap hiding in plain sight.

“Sol started with a basic but essential problem statement: visibility,” Schott said. “I realized the difficulty that wheelchair-bound people faced in being seen in crowded or poorly lit spaces, such as our campus environment. There was no solution that was both effective and well-designed, so I set out to create one.”

The emphasis on both effectiveness and design is intentional. Schott noticed early on that many assistive technologies met functional needs but fell short in aesthetics, usability or user experience.

“I also saw a disconnect between existing assistive products and the needs that people actually had in their daily lives,” he said. “There was a lot of old or poorly designed technology out there. I wanted to make products that people would be excited to use, that would enhance their lives without making them feel like they were compromising.”

That mindset reflects a broader critique of the assistive technology industry, one Schott believes is long overdue.

“The biggest gap is in user-centered design,” he said. “There are too many products designed without a deep understanding of the people who will be using them. There is a gap in how to make assistive technology look and feel modern and appealing, not just functional.”

At Illinois, Schott found the rare ecosystem capable of addressing that gap. DRES, he explained, isn’t just a support system, it’s a catalyst.

“Illinois is unique in that DRES is not just integrated; it’s embedded,” he said. “It’s not just accessible; it’s empowering. With housing, academic support, and innovation spaces like the (dis)Ability Design Studio, students are supported and empowered to create solutions, not just provided solutions.”

Inside the (dis)Ability Design Studio—whose leadership team includes Susann Sears, the assistant director of Academic Services at DRES and Deana McDonagh, professor of Industrial Design in the School of Art + Design—ideas are tested against reality. Students don’t just theorize—they build, iterate and refine alongside the very people their designs aim to serve.

“DRES provides the foundation for innovation by bringing real users and real problems together,” Schott said. “Students have access to real-life experiences and real-life resources, which is not very common. This leads to meaningful innovation.”

That process, he added, is anything but linear.

“It’s taught me that no two users are the same. Creating assistive technology is a constant feedback loop. I’ve learned that simplicity and flexibility are key. In theory, something might work perfectly. But in practice … not so much.”

Collaboration has also played a crucial role in shaping his approach. At Illinois, disciplinary boundaries blur—especially when solving complex human-centered problems.

“Working with individuals from different fields, like engineering, design and healthcare, has been very important,” Schott said. “This ensures not only that the solution you are coming up with is technically viable, but also ‘usable’ and ‘meaningful.’ The (dis)Ability Design Studio really challenges you to think outside your own discipline.”

That cross-functional mindset is embedded in Innovative Independence itself. Schott doesn’t see Sol as a standalone product, but as the first step in a much larger vision.

“Yes, definitely. Sol is just the beginning,” he said. “I’d like to continue creating more products that help people be more independent in their daily lives, especially those with limited mobility. There are a lot of needs that are yet to be met, and I see this as a long-term business.”

His ambition reflects both optimism and urgency. While awareness of accessibility has grown in recent years, Schott believes institutions, especially universities, still have untapped potential to drive innovation.

“There are more things universities can do by providing students with opportunities to work directly with users with disabilities,” he said. “Universities can provide access to users, fund prototypes and provide collaboration spaces. When students can test ideas in a real environment, the quality of the ideas improves significantly.”

For Schott, the lesson is clear: meaningful design begins with listening, and meaningful innovation requires proximity—to people, to problems and to lived experience.

At Illinois, he found all three.

And through Innovative Independence, he’s working to ensure that future assistive technology doesn’t just meet standards but raises them.

AVer Goes “Modus Match” Official: TR Series Auto Tracking and Professional PTZ Cameras Now Verified for Precision 3D Installation Planning

Taipei, Taiwan – Apr 02: AVer Information Inc., an award-winning provider of AI audio-video solutions, today announced its official entry into the Modus Match Partner Program. Following comprehensive technical integration, AVer’s high-performance TR Series AI Auto Tracking cameras and PTZ Series cameras are now fully verified and supported within the ModusVR ecosystem — bringing manufacturer-certified 3D planning to one of the industry’s most trusted camera lines.

Don’t Just Place a Camera. Simulate the Experience.

In the world of Pro AV, “guessing” camera placement is a recipe for a costly truck roll. With this official Modus Match integration, integrators can now move beyond 2D blueprints and experience AVer cameras in fully immersive 3D environments before a single bracket is mounted.

When deploying the latest TR Series models alongside PTZ cameras, ModusVR users can now:

• Visualize Camera Sightlines: Instantly see the exact Field of View (FoV) to ensure the camera can capture presenters over podiums, monitors, or pillars
• Test Pan-Tilt-Zoom Coverage: Adjust PTZ positions in real-time to verify the camera’s mechanical range covers the entire stage, classroom, or conference room
• Validate Mounting Locations: Virtually position cameras at different heights and angles to find optimal placement before installation begins
• Eliminate Installation Guesswork: Identify blind spots, mounting challenges, and coverage gaps in the virtual environment, not during the truck roll
• Optimize the Design Experience: Enable system integrators and end users to preview TR and PTZ cameras within their specific spaces, experiencing the layout to ensure optimal performance and accelerated AV project adoption
• Generate Accurate BoMs: Transition seamlessly from design to purchase with manufacturer-verified specifications

The “Modus Match” Guarantee: Digital Twins, Not Generic Models

The “Modus Match” seal means these aren’t just generic 3D shapes: these are digital twins. Every focal length, pan/tilt limit, zoom range, and physical dimension has been manufacturer-verified by AVer’s engineering team. When you drag an AVer TR or PTZ camera into your ModusVR project, the Bill of Materials (BoM) is 100% accurate, and the field-of-view simulation reflects real-world optical performance.

“Presentation cameras are an important part of many of the spaces our users design in Modus,” says Ken Brueck, Co-Founder of Modus VR. “With AVer’s TR Series now part of the Modus Match program, integrators can accurately visualize placement and confidently define camera coverage in classrooms, divisible training spaces, and auditoriums before installation begins.”

Total Design Certainty for Professional AV Installations

“Our TR Series cameras are built for intelligence and movement,” says David Kuo, President at AVer Information Inc. “By joining the Modus Match program, we’re giving our partners the power to validate camera placement and coverage in a virtual twin of their client’s space. It’s about total design certainty and ending the era of onsite adjustments. Whether it’s a university lecture hall, corporate boardroom, or K-12 classroom, integrators can now design with confidence knowing exactly what AVer cameras will capture.”

Key Benefits for AV Integrators:

• Pre-Installation Confidence: Test multiple camera placements and validate coverage before purchasing equipment
• Faster Client Approval: Present immersive 3D walkthroughs showing exactly what cameras will capture, accelerating stakeholder buy-in
• Reduced Site Visits: Eliminate unnecessary truck rolls by identifying coverage issues in the virtual environment
• Time Savings: Compress weeks of planning into hours with real-time, accurate 3D simulation

Availability

The AVer TR Series and PTZ Series camera libraries are available now for all ModusVR subscribers at no additional cost. Simply update your ModusVR library to start building more accurate room designs with precise camera coverage validation. For demonstrations or technical specifications, visit www.modusvr.com or contact your local AVer representative.

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Quanscient and Haiqu Announce Breakthrough Algorithm for Scalable Computational Fluid Simulations on Quantum Computers

This advancement in quantum algorithms could help accelerate some of the most computationally intensive simulations used in engineering today.

Helsinki, Finland – April 2, 2026 – Researchers from Quanscient, a leader in cloud-based multiphysics simulation technology and quantum algorithms, and Haiqu, a leading developer of quantum middleware, today announced a new algorithm that can significantly advance the use of quantum computing in real-world engineering applications. The teams conducted a 15-step nonlinear fluid benchmark with an obstacle, making this the most physically complex, publicly documented variant of a Quantum Lattice Boltzmann Method (QLBM) hardware demonstration to date.

Developed and tested on IBMs largest-available quantum computer, the IBM Heron R3, the algorithm reduces the number of qubits required to run complex simulations in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) on quantum computers, demonstrating a viable path toward future industrial-scale solutions.

CFD is widely used to model how air, water, and other fluids behave around objects, such as airflow over an aircraft wing. It plays a critical role in product development and testing across industries, including aerospace, automotive, and energy. However, these simulations are extremely demanding for even today’s most powerful supercomputers, often taking days or even weeks to complete, if possible at all.

The new algorithm addresses one of the key challenges in applying quantum computing to CFD: high resource requirements. By significantly reducing the number of qubits and computational operations needed, this approach makes it more practical to run complex simulations on quantum computers. It demonstrates a more efficient path toward using quantum systems for real-world applications, and ultimately could help companies design better products and optimize complex systems more quickly.

“This is an interesting and timely contribution to quantum CFD,” said Oleksandr Kyriienko, Professor and Chair in Quantum Technologies at the University of Sheffield. “It proposes a more flexible quantum LBM framework while keeping the core algorithm efficient, and it strengthens the case with applications ranging from linear acoustics to IBM-QPU-assisted nonlinear flow simulations. We need more works like this to achieve industrially relevant quantum solutions.”

“This is one of the most realistic CFD simulations ever executed on a quantum computer. It is an important signal that quantum CFD research is moving toward simulating how fluids interact with real-world shapes and obstacles on quantum hardware,” Mykola Maksymenko, CTO of Haiqu. “This is the direction that any industrially meaningful workflow would have to take to reach commercial viability.” 

“CFD is one of the most computationally difficult branches of simulation with some of the largest impact on the world’s biggest sectors,” said Valtteri Lahtinen, Chief Scientist of Quanscient. “Quantum computers offer a future path to simulations that are far more complex than what classical computers can handle, which may allow for the design of more efficient vehicles and aircraft, better energy systems and more. Our work with Haiqu is a critical step toward making this a reality.”

Researchers from Quanscient and Haiqu developed and tested a novel One-Step Simplified LBM (OSSLBM) based on a quantum Lattice Boltzmann Method (QLBM) algorithm, which is a powerful generalization of an important classical CFD technique. Their approach allowed them to run a nonlinear fluid‑flow simulation with an obstacle, such as fluid moving around a solid object, over multiple steps on IBM quantum hardware. Haiqu’s algorithmic and runtime layer was critical to making this possible, reducing circuit depth, improving and developing new key algorithmic subroutines, and applying targeted error‑reduction techniques that allowed the quantum system to execute a multi‑step, complex workflow that would otherwise be out of reach for today’s devices.

The researchers believe their work represents a new algorithmic framework that reshapes how fluid simulations are performed on quantum computers, turning a complicated sequence of calculations into a simpler, more efficient process designed for quantum hardware. The hybrid quantum-classical OSSLBM can be executed on current hardware, outlining a practical path for moving beyond simple linear demonstrations toward more realistic, engineering‑relevant quantum fluid simulations as quantum systems continue to mature.

transcosmos receives approval from METI to renew its DX Certified Business Operator certification

Tokyo, Japan, Apr 2: transcosmos is proud to announce that on April 1, 2026, the company renewed its certification as a DX Certified Business Operator under the certification system administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), following a screening process conducted by the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA).

●DX Certification System – The DX Certification System (no translation available: https://www.ipa.go.jp/digital/dx-nintei/about.html) is Japan’s initiative to certify companies that have developed visions, strategies and systems to achieve digital transformation (DX), and are recognized as DX Ready to drive DX initiatives in accordance with the Digital Governance Code set by METI based on the Act on Facilitation of Information Processing.

– Find out list of DX certified business operators here (no translation available): https://disclosure.dx-portal.ipa.go.jp/p/dxcp/top transcosmos was first certified as a DX Certified Business Operator under the DX Certification System in April 2022. This marks the company’s second successful renewal, following its previous renewal in 2024. transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

ZEISS India Strengthens Portfolio with the Launch of ZEISS ClearMind Lenses

~ Introducing are first-of-its-kind ZEISS prescription lenses to provide extremely clear vision designed to reduce cognitive load~

 Apr 2: ZEISS, a pioneer of science in optics announces the launch its latest prescription lenses ZEISS ClearMind lenses in India. The all-day lenses addition to the lens portfolio delivers clear vision while reducing cognitive load due to blur for daily eyeglass wearers. For eye care professionals this offering elevates their practice with advanced lens technology that supports both visual performance and comfort.

In today’s fast-paced world with countless visual stimuli to process, there is an increase in information overload where individuals may feel overwhelmed. With pre-existing conditions of blur on spectacle lenses, the ability to identify and interpret complex stimuli is compromised. ZEISS ClearMind lenses are built on a unique design that reduces and smooths optical errors, increasing the clear vision zones and reducing peripheral lens blur thus reducing cognitive load.

Commenting on the addition to the lens portfolio, Rohan Paul, Business Head – India & Neighboring Markets, Vision Care, ZEISS India, said, “At ZEISS, innovation is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to protecting vision & visual health of world’s consumers. The launch of ZEISS ClearMind lenses reflects our continued focus on developing advanced optical solutions that enable individuals to see better, clearer and experience better comfort in their daily lives. We look forward to the positive impact these lenses will have, in collaboration with our valued business partners, as we continue to reach individuals seeking effective and personalized eye care solutions.”

Benefits of ZEISS ClearMind lenses at a glance

• ZEISS ClearMind is a new, premium, all-day lens portfolio with larger zones of clear vision embedded with ZEISS NeurOptix technology
• In consumer studies, 96 % of wearers confirmed extremely clear vision. 9 out of 10 wearers also experienced less cognitive load in a blind test compared to a standard ZEISS progressive lens
• The lenses are available for all age groups to promote perceived overall well-being, and good vision

Backed by scientific research to reduce cognitive load

Research conducted at the ZEISS Vision Science Lab (Tübingen University, Germany) established a direct connection between lens-induced blur and increased cognitive load. In consumer studies, 96% of wearers reported extremely clear vision when using ZEISS ClearMind lenses. 9 out of 10 wearers experienced reduced cognitive load compared to standard progressive lenses. Many wearers also reported an improvement in overall well-being while using the lenses. They also highlighted the importance of comfortable vision while staying focused for long hours.

Embedded with ZEISS NeurOptix technology for improved visual clarity

By aligning lens clarity zones to natural eye-movement patterns, ZEISS NeurOptix technology aims to reduce the brain’s cognitive load, provide more relaxed, effortless vision, as well as improve comfort during long days of digital, visually busy and dynamic activity. As a result, ZEISS Progressive ClearMind lenses offer up to 41% larger near-vision zones compared to ZEISS SmartLife progressive lenses. The technology also supports fast adaptation. 88% of wearers adjust within a few days, and over half within just an hour.

All-day lens portfolio includes single vision, progressive and digital focal types

ZEISS Single Vision ClearMind lenses are designed for 18+ wearers with blurry vision near or far. They reduce peripheral blur and provide larger clear vision zones than standard ZEISS lenses. ZEISS Digital ClearMind lenses are made for 35+ wearers experiencing blurry vision and tired eyes. They reduce blur and offer larger vision zones than ZEISS Digital SmartLife lenses. The design supports natural viewing habits and ensures smooth transition to near vision. It also enables an easier shift to progressive lenses in the future. ZEISS Progressive ClearMind lenses are designed for 45+ wearers with presbyopia. They reduce and optimize peripheral blur, creating wider clear vision zones than ZEISS SmartLife progressive lenses. They support smooth transitions across distances and improve overall visual flow.

HCLTech launches AI Force 2.0 to deliver enterprise-grade Agentic AI

NEW YORK and NOIDA, Apr 1:  HCLTech, today announced the launch ofAI Force 2.0, the next evolution of its proprietary enterprise AI platform.

The new version integrates agentic intelligence with generative AI to help enterprises accelerate and augment workflows across software and data engineering, IT operations and enterprise business processes. It also improves decision‑making and business process efficiency, while maintaining strong governance, security and measurable ROI.

AI Force 2.0 is a model agnostic, modular platform unifying engineering, operations and applications within a single intelligence fabric. The platform enables AI agents to analyze data, make context aware decisions and take autonomous action at scale.

The platform offers an extensive library of prebuilt assets, including prompts, agents, workflows and ready-to-deploy use cases, while allowing enterprises to create and customize solutions aligned to their specific needs. AI Force 2.0 also strengthens HCLTech’s enterprise governance framework through embedded Responsible AI evaluators that ensure trust, auditability and fairness.

“AI Force 2.0 represents a significant leap forward in how enterprises harness AI solutions for transformation. By unifying agentic intelligence with enterprise‑grade GenAI, we are enabling our clients to fundamentally reimagine software, data and operations lifecycles. This platform is engineered to deliver deep automation, accelerated modernization and unprecedented agility, helping global enterprises move faster, operate smarter and unlock value at scale,” said Vijay Guntur, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Ecosystems at HCLTech.

Liquibase Unveils Change Intelligence and New Connectors for Governed Database Delivery

AUSTIN, Texas–Liquibase, the leader in Database Change Governance, today unveiled Liquibase Change Intelligence and a new suite of Liquibase Secure Deployment Connectors, expanding how enterprises understand, govern, and operationalize database change across modern delivery environments.

The new capabilities are designed to help teams understand database changes, monitor delivery performance, identify risk earlier, resolve issues up to 95% faster, and centralize audit evidence, while extending governed database change into the systems where developers, DBAs, and change teams already work, including ServiceNow, GitHub, Harness, and Terraform.

The announcement addresses a persistent gap in enterprise delivery. While application and infrastructure changes have become more automated, observable, and standardized, database change still too often moves through ticket attachments, side-channel SQL, manual approvals, and inconsistent execution paths. The result is slower investigations, weaker auditability, and more risk around outages, data integrity, and compliance.

Change Intelligence helps teams see what changed and respond faster

Liquibase Change Intelligence is designed to give teams a clearer view of what changed, how changes are moving across environments, where drift is emerging, and what requires attention next.

It brings together deployment activity, environment-level change status, drift signals, policy outcomes, and operational history so teams can answer critical questions faster: What changed? Where did it fail? Which environments are out of sync? Is drift increasing? What needs to be fixed now?

When failures occur, Change Intelligence is designed to help teams investigate with greater speed and context through AI-driven analysis that identifies likely causes and provides remediation guidance. Instead of forcing teams to reconstruct events from scattered logs, tickets, and tribal knowledge, it gives them a more direct path from issue to understanding to action.

Change Intelligence is also designed to help organizations centralize audit evidence for what changed, who approved it, where it ran, and what happened. That gives engineering, security, and compliance teams a more structured and accessible record of database change activity, reducing reliance on screenshots, manual evidence gathering, and fragmented reporting.

“Teams should not have to piece together the lineage of a database across environments from scattered logs, tickets, and tribal knowledge,” said Pete Pickerill, co-founder of Liquibase. “Change Intelligence is designed to help teams understand what changed, spot risk earlier, and move faster with AI-driven analysis and remediation guidance when failures happen.”

New connectors extend governed database change into the tools teams already use

Liquibase also unveiled a new suite of Liquibase Secure Deployment Connectors designed to extend governed database change into the platforms many enterprises already use to plan, approve, and deliver work.

For teams using ServiceNow, the connector is designed to bring database change into the existing approval process so approved tickets can result in governed, auditable deployments instead of manual SQL execution and disconnected handoffs.

For teams using GitHub, the connector is designed to bring database change into the same pull request and workflow model already used for application code, adding policy checks, validation, and deployment history tied to commits and branches.

For teams using Harness, the connector is designed to preserve existing pipelines while adding stronger governance, centralized visibility, and compliance-grade auditability around database changes.

For teams using Terraform, the connector is designed to extend infrastructure as code to the database layer, connecting Liquibase Secure to Terraform-managed instances through existing pipelines while enforcing database policies, applying versioned changeSets, and maintaining a complete audit trail over time.

Together, the connectors are designed to remove one of the biggest barriers to stronger database governance: the belief that teams need to rebuild their workflows to get it. Instead, Liquibase is extending governed database change into the systems teams already use, while strengthening traceability, standardization, and audit evidence across the delivery lifecycle.

“CIOs are asking for flexibility without more fragmentation,” said Mirek Novotny, Senior Director of Product at Liquibase. “They want solutions that fit the way teams already work, support the breadth of their database environments, and still create a consistent standard for governance. That is exactly what these innovations are designed to deliver.”

Built for a new era of AI, data integrity, and operational accountability

The new capabilities reflect a broader shift in how enterprises are thinking about AI readiness and operational risk.

As AI initiatives expand, more changes are being generated, reviewed, and pushed through delivery systems at higher speed and greater scale. But when database change remains inconsistent, weakly governed, or hard to trace, the resulting risk does not stay isolated at the database layer. It carries into applications, analytics, automation, and AI-driven systems.

By helping organizations better understand database changes, catch drift earlier, investigate failures faster, and centralize audit evidence, Liquibase is giving enterprises a stronger operational foundation for trusted applications, data products, and AI initiatives.

Availability

Liquibase Change Intelligence, Liquibase Secure Deployment Connectors, and related capabilities are expected to begin rolling out in fall 2026. Additional details will be shared closer to availability.

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