6, Mar 2026
Thailand RISE Fund Positions Thai Research for Global Innovation Impact
Bangkok, Mar 6: Thailand has launched a new phase in its national research and innovation strategy with the introduction of the Thailand RISE Fund, a rebranded national research funding initiative aimed at accelerating the transition from academic research to real-world economic and social impact.
The seond edion of the Thailand RISE Fund Forum: RISE UP THAILAND was held at Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) on 23 February 2026. The forum served as a regional platform to bridge research, creative economy, and regional investment opportunities.
The initiative was highlighted at the Thailand RISE Fund Forum: RISE UP THAILAND, hosted in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University (Chula). The national forum brought together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and innovation stakeholders to explore how Thailand can strengthen its position in the global innovation economy.
From Research Output to Real-World Impact
Thailand’s research performance has expanded significantly over the past decade, but national leaders say the country’s next challenge is ensuring that research delivers tangible benefits.
Professor Dr Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, emphasized the importance of translating knowledge into national progress. “A country advances not simply because it produces knowledge, but because it can transform knowledge into a coordinated system that connects policy, research, innovation, and industry,” he said.
He added that universities must play a strategic role in national development. “Our goal is to move research beyond the laboratory and into real-world applications that deliver measurable economic and social benefits while strengthening Thailand’s long-term competitiveness.”
Building a National Innovation System
National research leaders stressed that Thailand’s science and innovation system must operate with clearer direction and stronger coordination.
Professor Dr Sompong Klaynongsruang, President of Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), said collaboration across sectors is essential. “The development of Thailand’s science, research and innovation system must be driven systematically—from strategic policy and targeted funding to the practical use of research outcomes in the economy and society.”
She noted that cooperation among universities, government agencies, and the private sector will be key to achieving long-term impact. “When all sectors move forward together, research will not only generate knowledge but also create meaningful national transformation.”
More Than a Rebranding
The transition to the Thailand RISE Fund represents a strategic shift in how Thailand supports research and innovation.
Asst. Professor Dr Ake Pattaratanakun, Chairman of Thailand RISE Fund Strategic Communications Subcommittee, said the initiative reflects a new national priority. “Thailand has significantly increased its research output over the past decade, but the key challenge today is not quantity. It is how research creates economic and social value.”
He explained that the Thailand RISE Fund is designed to bridge the gap between research and industry. “Thailand RISE Fund is intended to serve as a systemic intermediary, linking research to real economic needs and focusing on proof of impact rather than publication numbers.”
Four Pillars of the RISE Framework
The Thailand RISE Fund operates under a strategic framework built on four pillars:
-
[R]esearch
-
[I]nnovation
-
[S]cience Excellence
-
[E]cosystem
The ecosystem pillar emphasizes partnerships among universities, businesses, government agencies, and communities to support a comprehensive innovation economy.
Expanding Opportunities Nationwide
The Thailand RISE Fund is also expanding engagement across Thailand to ensure broader participation in the innovation system. Regional forums and outreach activities are designed to help researchers and entrepreneurs develop collaborative projects aligned with local economic strengths. This approach reflects a shift from centralized funding toward a more inclusive and distributed innovation ecosystem.
Research for National Development
The Thailand RISE Fund aims to transform the role of research in Thailand’s development strategy. “Our vision is to move Thai research from ‘research for journals’ to ‘research for the nation,’” Dr Ake said.
By focusing on measurable impact and long-term value creation, the initiative seeks to strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness while supporting sustainable economic and social development.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
6, Mar 2026
AVer To Showcase Medical Grade PTZ Cameras at HIMSS 2026
Taipei, Taiwan – Mar 6: AVer Information Inc., an award-winning provider of AI audio-video solutions, will exhibit at HIMSS 2026, March 9–12, 2026, at the Venetian Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. In booth #4016, stand #12 at the Taiwan Medtech Pavilion, AVer will showcase its medical grade PTZ cameras, including the MD330UI and MD331UI, designed to support telemedicine, Tele-ICU, and remote patient monitoring workflows.
“HIMSS brings together healthcare technology leaders focused on practical solutions that improve the patient experience,” said Aaron Gaunt, Senior Product Manager for AVer Information Inc. USA. “Our medical grade PTZ cameras are built to give clinicians clearer visibility and reliable communication tools in telehealth and acute care environments.”
AVer will feature the MD330UI, a PTZ medical camera engineered to support detailed, real-time patient assessments. The MD330UI is IEC 60601-1-2 certified and delivers 30X optical zoom with 4K output resolution. The MD330UI’s detachable camera head allows clinicians to move between wide-angle room views and close-up examinations, supporting wound checks, skin inspections, and other detailed evaluations. Featuring integrated audio with noise reduction, fast autofocus, and one-button snapshot functionality, the MD330UI is designed to streamline remote consultations and clinical documentation.
The MD331UI will also be demonstrated as a flexible solution for Tele-ICU monitoring and telehealth carts. Equipped with 4K resolution, 30X zoom, and remote control functionality, the MD331UI enables clinicians to capture detailed patient images from multiple angles. The MD331UI includes an embedded audio system with omni and directional microphones, a 10W speakerphone and noise reduction to support clear communication between care teams and patients.
AVer’s medical grade cameras are compatible with secure telehealth platforms, including VSee, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and RingCentral, enabling integration into existing healthcare IT infrastructures. The MD330UI and MD331UI are designed to support physicians, nurses, and telehealth providers across hospitals, intensive care units, outpatient clinics, and home health environments.
6, Mar 2026
SAMHI Hotels Announces Majority Investment in RARE India, Marks Entry into Experiential Leisure Segment
Gurugram, Mar 6: SAMHI Hotels Limited, a prominent branded hotel ownership and asset management platform in India, today announced that its Board has approved the acquisition of a 70% majority stake in RARE India, one of India’s earliest and largest platforms for heritage hotels, retreats, and experiential stays. With this move, SAMHI marks its entry into the experiential leisure segment through an asset-light platform investment.
The company expects to enter into definitive agreements by May 2026 to formalize the acquisition.
In parallel, SAMHI and RARE India have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marriott International to explore an affiliation that would leverage Marriott’s global distribution network and loyalty ecosystem. Under the proposed arrangement, RARE would gain exclusive rights to operate its portfolio under the “Outdoor Collection” brand by Marriott Bonvoy across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, while benefitting from Marriott’s global distribution channels. Definitive agreements with Marriott are expected after the acquisition process is completed.
Following the investment, RARE will continue to be operated independently by its founder and team, ensuring that its distinctive philosophy and community of heritage and experiential property owners remain central to its operations. The partnership will enable SAMHI to expand its portfolio to approximately 100 hotels, combining owned assets and affiliated properties.
A Legacy Platform with Differentiation and Scale
Founded in 2003 by Shobha Rudra, RARE India is one of the country’s earliest curated experiential hospitality platforms. The company currently represents a portfolio of 67 hotels with 990 rooms across 15+ states in India, along with an international presence in Nepal and Bhutan.
Over the past two decades, RARE India has built a strong reputation for:
-
Promoting responsible tourism and local employment
-
Curating heritage palaces, wildlife lodges, retreats, and boutique properties
-
Building a loyal community of hospitality entrepreneurs and experiential travellers
In a marketplace increasingly crowded with homestay and villa aggregators, RARE stands apart through its curated approach, legacy, and philosophy-driven growth model.
Strategic Asset-Light Expansion for SAMHI
SAMHI’s total commitment for the transaction is expected to be approximately ₹470 million, including a primary capital infusion into RARE India and a smaller portion allocated toward the purchase of shares from existing stakeholders.
The primary capital will support:
-
Strengthening management capabilities
-
Upgrading technology and distribution platforms
-
Expanding marketing and brand reach
This investment aligns with SAMHI’s long-term strategy of identifying high-value operating platforms with strong brand equity and growth potential. The move represents SAMHI’s first asset-light platform investment in leisure hospitality, allowing it to participate in a rapidly growing segment without altering its core strategy of scaling business hotels in key office and gateway markets.
Management Commentary
Commenting on the development, Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman & Managing Director, SAMHI Hotels Limited, said:
“This investment in RARE India is a strategic adjacency that strengthens our platform without distracting from our core focus on business and gateway markets. RARE represents a combination of legacy, credibility, and scalable asset-light potential. With a strong founding team, a trusted community of owners, and the proposed affiliation with Marriott, we believe RARE can emerge as a leading B2C brand in experience-led tourism. Importantly, this is a small financial investment but with asymmetrical return potential.”
Shobha Rudra, Founder of RARE India, added:
“RARE India has always been built on relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to responsible tourism. This partnership with SAMHI allows us to remain true to our philosophy while strengthening and expanding the RARE community of hotel owners and discerning travellers.”
Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International, said:
“India’s experiential and heritage-led hospitality segment represents a significant long-term opportunity. RARE has built a distinctive portfolio rooted in authenticity and responsible tourism. Through this collaboration, we look forward to extending our global distribution platform and Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem to a highly curated collection of unique stays.”
6, Mar 2026
Nashik Hosts “Igniting Innovation” to Bridge Students and Startup Opportunities
Nashik, Mar 3 — The two-day program “Igniting Innovation,” held at Gurudakshina Hall, Gokhale Society, was successfully inaugurated, marking a significant milestone for Nashik’s aspiring entrepreneurs. The event aimed to bridge the gap between students from various academic backgrounds — not only Engineering but other disciplines like Arts, Commerce, Science, Pharmacy, and Architecture — and the startup ecosystem.
On 27th Feb, 2025 the chairperson of event Dr. Deepti Deshpande, Secretary of Gokhale Education Society, and chief guest Mr. Aashish Nahar, President of NIMA, the program saw overwhelming participation. Distinguished guests, including Sanjay Sonawane, Vice President of Maharashtra Chamber, Anisa Talavi, Deputy Commissioner of Skill Development, and Nikhil Tapdia, President of Laghu Udyog Bharti, graced the event.
Over 150 students from 50 colleges across North Maharashtra participated in the Igniting Innovation event, presenting their startup ideas, meeting investors, and gaining insights from industry experts. The event featured a full-day startup exhibition, pitching competitions, and an investor meet, followed by expert sessions on the second day.
On the evening of the 28th, the valedictory function was graced by Hon. Mrs. Ashima Mittal, CEO, ZP Nashik, and Mr. Santosh Mandlech, Founder and Past President of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, as the Guests of Honour. During the event, Shreekant Patil announced the prize distribution for the best student participants, who had showcased their innovative ideas in the exhibition and pitching sessions. The winners were awarded certificates, and Patil committed to nurturing their ideas and offering possible seed funding to help them grow.
This program’s primary objective was to create an inclusive platform that integrates government support, industry associations, and educational institutions to help students become successful entrepreneurs. The event marked the beginning of a new era for Nashik’s startup ecosystem.
“I believe that through initiatives like ‘Igniting Innovation,’ we are sowing the seeds for a strong startup ecosystem in Nashik. We aim to host this event four times a year to provide continuous support to emerging entrepreneurs with seed funding, mentorship, and technology,” said Shreekant Patil, Mentor at Startup India and the driving force behind the initiative.
The event’s success was a result of the collaborative efforts between the government, educational institutions, and industry partners. With strong leadership, the “Igniting Innovation” program promises to inspire the youth of Nashik to pursue entrepreneurship and contribute to the growth of the Indian economy.
6, Mar 2026
Herman Law Opens San Diego Office, Expanding Survivor Support
SAN DIEGO, CA — March 6, 2026 — Herman Law, the law firm dedicated to representing survivors of sexual abuse, is proud to announce it has officially opened a new office in San Diego. This opening comes as the firm sees an increased need for localized support in the San Diego region for trauma-informed legal services that prioritize the well-being of survivors.
This opening marks the firm’s third office location to open in California, with other locations in Calabasas and Sacramento. With headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida, the firm’s expansion in San Diego is fueled by an increase in inquiries following the passage of California’s Child Victims Act in 2019, which went into effect in 2020. In 2024, major amendments were made to the CVA, including the elimination of the statute of limitations for many survivors. These legislative changes open up new paths to justice for survivors, allowing individuals who were previously barred from taking legal action to now have the ability to come forward and pursue justice.
In San Diego, Herman Law is leading the legal fight to secure justice for survivors of child sexual abuse at the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center, a shelter for at-risk youth. Over 150 lawsuits allege, upon information and belief, that from 1996 to 2023, the county failed to protect children from sexual abuse by staff members. Last spring, Herman Law held a press conference urgently calling on survivors to come forward and share their stories with the firm in a confidential, supportive environment.
The San Diego office, which began operations in late 2025, is centrally located in the University Town Center (UTC) area and spans 2,630 square feet. The location supports a team of seven team members and has already overseen more than 300 cases, illustrating the need for localized, trauma-informed support for survivors of sexual abuse.
“Expanding to San Diego demonstrates how we are dedicated to showing up for survivors in their own communities,” said Blake Woodhall, a lead attorney at Herman Law. “The path to healing can be long and difficult for many of these survivors, so if we can connect with this community directly and open doors for them to pursue justice on their terms, we’re doing our job right.”
For thousands of survivors nationwide, Herman Law is a catalyst for justice, serving as one of the leading voices in the fight against sexual abuse. The firm leads with a survivor-first approach, prioritizing compassionate representation for the communities they serve. By pursuing accountability from institutions that enable abuse, the firm continues to champion legislative reform and raise public awareness while empowering survivors to take legal action. To learn more about Herman Law, visit HermanLaw.com.
6, Mar 2026
New WCS Wild Audio Podcast Explores What’s at Stake at Global Migratory Species Summit
BRONX, NY, March 6—A new episode of the WCS Wild Audio podcast examines the challenges facing migratory wildlife worldwide and previews the upcoming 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS CoP15), to be held March 23–29 in Campo Grande, Brazil. WCS scientists and policy experts will be available to journalists covering the meeting.
In the 12-minute episode, Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of the CMS Secretariat, describes the state of the world’s migratory species and the urgent conservation issues governments will confront at the global summit.
CMS is the only international treaty focused specifically on animals that regularly cross national borders—from birds and whales to big cats, sharks, and freshwater fish—making international cooperation essential to their survival.
©️Dani Escayola/Ocean Image Bank
The conversation highlights findings from the first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report, which found that nearly half of CMS-listed species are in decline and that overexploitation—including hunting, illegal take, and fisheries bycatch—has become the leading threat to many migratory species globally.
“These species connect ecosystems across continents and oceans,” says Fraenkel. “But the pressures facing them—from overexploitation to habitat fragmentation—are increasing, and addressing them requires coordinated international action.”
The discussion also explores emerging priorities for CMS CoP15, including stronger efforts to address illegal and unsustainable taking of wildlife, protection of ecological connectivity across landscapes and seascapes, and new attention to migratory freshwater fish, which are among the most threatened groups of migratory animals.
The Wildlife Conservation Society will have a strong presence at the meeting (read more here), where its scientists and policy experts will advocate for science-based decisions and stronger international cooperation to conserve migratory species and the ecosystems they depend on.
WCS will focus in particular on proposals to strengthen protections for species such as the striped hyena, giant otter, and several migratory shark species, as well as conservation initiatives addressing freshwater fish in major river basins such as the Amazon.
The organization is also working with partners and governments to advance broader CMS priorities, including tackling illegal and unsustainable wildlife use, reducing fisheries bycatch, and protecting ecological connectivity for species that depend on large, intact landscapes and migratory corridors.
6, Mar 2026
Taylor Geospatial Launches as a New Hub for GeoAI Innovation
ST. LOUIS — March 6: Taylor Geospatial on Mar 5 announced its launch as a new organization focused on unlocking AI-driven geospatial breakthroughs for global public benefit while strengthening innovation capacity in St. Louis. The organization brings together deep geospatial research expertise and proven pathways to commercialization under a single mission, leadership structure, and brand—positioning it to accelerate the development and real-world use of geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI).
“This new organization brings strategic focus to a fast-moving field at exactly the right time,” said Robert Cardillo, Chair, Taylor Geospatial. “Taylor Geospatial will be a trusted bridge—aligning research with operational needs and converting GeoAI innovation into reliable, scalable capabilities. Uniting our efforts under one organization gives partners a clear front door and strengthens our ability to deliver measurable impact.”
Formed by bringing together the Taylor Geospatial Institute and Taylor Geospatial Engine, both originally launched with support from a philanthropic gift from Andy Taylor, Executive Chairman, of Enterprise Mobility, Taylor Geospatial unifies research and applied innovation under a single organization and brand. The launch contributes to St. Louis’s development as a national center for geospatial innovation while advancing accessible GeoAI tools, datasets, and digital public goods for global use.
“Society has reached an inflection point where the pace of scientific progress is faster than our ability to put it into practice,” said Elliott Kellner, President, Taylor Geospatial. “Taylor Geospatial was built to do the hard work of execution—connecting research to real operational needs, reducing fragmentation across the ecosystem, and turning promising GeoAI advances into tools and capabilities that people can actually use at scale.”
Every day, satellites generate vast volumes of Earth observation data, yet much of its potential remains untapped. Taylor Geospatial works with partners to turn that data into insight for the public good by accelerating the development and commercialization of GeoAI. The non-profit organization focuses on building shared scientific infrastructure—open datasets, benchmarks, models, and tools—that enable researchers, governments, and industry partners to reduce risk, accelerate adoption, and deliver tangible outcomes.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Taylor Geospatial pairs a strong regional commitment to innovation and economic development with a global outlook. Its work supports applications ranging from climate resilience and food security to deforestation monitoring, infrastructure planning, and environmental compliance.
“We are thrilled at the potential with this new organization, which is thoroughly designed for this moment,” said Jennifer Marcus, Vice President of Strategic Innovation Programs, Taylor Geospatial. “By bringing together deep academic research, industry expertise, and entrepreneurial pathways, Taylor Geospatial is uniquely positioned to turn GeoAI breakthroughs into digital public goods. Our focus on applying AI to satellite imagery at scale will help address critical global challenges while building a world-class center for geospatial innovation in St. Louis.”
The launch includes a new visual identity, logo, and redesigned website that reflect Taylor Geospatial’s unified strategy and role within the global GeoAI ecosystem. From this point forward, all programs, partnerships, and initiatives will operate under the Taylor Geospatial name.
6, Mar 2026
How the Middle East conflict is reshaping gas and LNG markets
LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, March 6: Wood Mackenzie analysis indicates the Middle East conflict could disrupt 200 Mtpa of forecast Asian LNG demand growth over the next decade as QatarEnergy’s force majeure removes 20% of global supply. The disruption threatens to raise long-term structural challenges for global gas and LNG markets similar to those seen following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
With QatarEnergy’s declaration of force majeure on LNG shipments from Ras Laffan and European gas prices nearly doubling since Monday, the situation threatens to reshape buyer confidence, supply strategies, and even energy policy worldwide.
“The consequences of the war for gas and LNG are uncertain but could rival those that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022,” said Simon Flowers, Chairman and Chief Analyst at Wood Mackenzie. “Much will depend on whether the disruption is a short-lived blip or is more enduring, and whether gas and LNG infrastructure in the region suffers major damage.”
Key Facts:
- QatarEnergy declaration of force majeure removes 20% of global LNG supply
- Asian LNG demand forecast to grow by 200 Mtpa over next decade
- Qatar and the UAE account for 79 Mtpa and 5.6 Mtpa of LNG capacity respectively
- European gas prices nearly doubled since 3 March 2026
- Nearly 100 Mtpa of US pre-FID LNG projects offer geographic diversification alternatives
Supply diversification imperative
The crisis has exposed the concentration risk for those importing countries which are most dependent on Middle Eastern LNG supply. According to Gavin Thompson, Vice Chairman, Energy for Wood Mackenzie, this will fundamentally alter how buyers approach new long-term supply contracts.
“Assuming no significant damage to existing projects in Qatar and the UAE, the amplified risks associated with these volumes will, in time, dissipate,” Thompson said. “But the crisis will drive home the importance of supply diversification. The raft of US pre-FID projects – almost 100 Mtpa currently – come without a single geographic point-of-failure risk.”
However, US supply is not risk-free, not least from domestic energy policy and cannot be the only solution. Wood Mackenzie analysis indicates that pre-FID projects in Canada, Mozambique and Argentina will look to capitalize on the uncertainty, while projects that have slipped on timeline, such as Abadi in Indonesia and Browse in Australia, could gain fresh impetus. Portfolio suppliers and national oil companies, including QatarEnergy itself, are expected to seek greater diversification of their own supply sources.
Asian demand growth at risk
Asia represents the cornerstone of the bullish outlook for gas and LNG, with Wood Mackenzie forecasting Asian LNG demand to increase by around 200 Mtpa over the coming decade. However, that growth depends on competitive pricing and supply reliability, which are both now in question.
Asian markets could respond to the current loss of supply in several ways, according to Wood Mackenzie analysis. Coal is expected to take market share from gas and LNG in the power sector across Japan, South Korea, China, India and Southeast Asia. Asian governments may accelerate renewables growth plans, though near-term upside will be limited. Additional incentives for domestic gas development could be fast-tracked but will similarly offer little immediate relief.
“Fundamentally, however, Asia needs more energy, while the region’s rising emissions will need to be addressed,” said Thompson. “With limited alternative options, we maintain our long-held view that LNG remains central to meeting future Asian energy demand.”
Confidence crisis for gas and LNG
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, gas and LNG’s reputation as a reliable and affordable fuel was severely tested. While swift action to increase LNG availability helped rebuild confidence, the current crisis has reopened those wounds.
“In the eyes of gas and LNG sceptics, war has once again highlighted how supply disruptions and volatile prices can imperil energy security and affordability,” Massimo Di Odoardo, Vice President, Gas and LNG Research at Wood Mackenzie noted. “A swift restoration of supply and lower prices will allay some concerns among importers in the short term. But beyond the immediate crisis, more work will be required to rebuild confidence.”
Europe remains determined to reduce its dependence on gas and LNG, though the reality is that the region is already moving as fast as realistically possible on decarbonization given budget constraints. With Russia still engaged in war with Ukraine, the chances of the EU lifting its ban on Russian gas and LNG imports remains highly unlikely—leaving Europe facing towering gas prices for the second time this decade.
Building resilience
Wood Mackenzie analysis suggests the gas and LNG industry may need to adopt structural changes similar to the oil market to restore buyer confidence. Building spare capacity and higher levels of storage could help address concerns about reliability and volatility, though this will require significant investment, time and coordinated effort.
“Gas and LNG markets are reeling from the loss of supply,” said Di Odoardo. “The industry has been here before and has proven it can recover. Gas’s primary role in decarbonisation ‒ displacing coal and supporting the expansion of renewables ‒ is clear, but the industry may need to go further this time.”
Looking forward
For now, an end to the conflict remains the priority. Longer term, reinforcing gas and LNG supply reliability and minimizing price volatility will be required to ensure the fuels’ demand trajectory remains intact.
“Gas and LNG have work to do to rebuild confidence,” Flowers said. “Building in spare capacity and higher levels of storage, for example, could help soothe a market anxious about reliability and volatility, just as has been done with oil. But this will be neither quick nor easy, requiring investment, time and coordinated effort.”
6, Mar 2026
Holyvolt Acquires Wildcat Discovery Technologies in$73 Million dealto Fuse Lab Breakthroughs with Production at Scale
Stockholm / San Diego, Mar 6– Swedish battery technology company Holyvolt has completed the acquisition of Wildcat Discovery Technologies, the world’s leading battery materials development firm, in a move that fundamentally reshapes how next-generation batteries are created, optimized, and manufactured.
The combination creates a group with end-to-end capability from molecular discovery to pilot-scale productionusing a fully integrated High Throughput Platform, eliminating the bottlenecks that have traditionally separated laboratory breakthroughs from commercial reality. The combined entity brings together Holyvolt’s pioneering process technology based on screen-printing and water-based processes, with Wildcat’s proprietary High Throughput Platform (HTP), which can quickly generate terabyte-scale structured datasetsthrough combinatorial experimentation. These datasets – among the highest quality in the industry -are primed for AI-driven analysis and accelerated learning.
The announcement follows Holyvolt’s recent €20 million funding round and will deliver world-class technical capabilities to the global battery sector across a broad range of industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace, storage, and defence. The combined entity will serve partners and customers across the entire battery supply chain as a technology development partner, with commercialization models – including licensing arrangements – tailored to each customer’s specific requirements.
Leveraging more than 20 years of development, the combination of Holyvolt’s unique process technology and Wildcat’s world-leading chemistry expertise has created a supplier capable of quickly bringing world-class battery innovations to market by integrating rapid innovation, flexible process technology, and rapid scaling to pilot capacity.
This transformational step directly addresses the critical challenges facing the global clean energy transition in Europe and North America: production costs, sustainability, and supply chain independence and competitiveness.
Mathias Ingvarsson, Founder & CEO, Holyvolt, said:“The acquisition of Wildcat is a perfect complement to our intended strategy of developing new technologies for the battery industry. Holyvoltis focused on developing new processes to make batteries cleaner and more affordable, and Wildcat has been pursuing the same goals via materials development and better chemistry. Combined, we are building what we believe is the most compelling technology to deliver on these objectives.”
Magnus Tyreman, Chairman of Holyvolt and former Head of McKinsey Europe, said:
The West must accelerate the development of next-generation battery technologies to secure long-term energy independence. The acquisition of Wildcat strengthens our ability to advance that mission.
Mark Gresser, President and CEO, Wildcat Discovery Technologies,said:“The Wildcat team is thrilled with this acquisition by Holyvolt. Mathias and team are very thoughtful with regard to their objectives in the battery industry, and recognise the value that Wildcat’s High Throughput Platform can deliver to our combined company and the industry at large. With Holyvolt’s vision and financial backing, Wildcat can finally unlock the true potential of high throughput combinatorial chemistry for battery materials.”
Prof. Peter Schultz, Founder, Wildcat Discover Technologies, noted pioneer of High Throughput, &CEOof Scripps Research – with six accociated Nobel prizes, said: “With Holyvolt, we can do for batteries what high throughput and AI have done for drug discovery.”
5, Mar 2026
HYSEA Annual Summit & Awards 2026 highlights Hyderabad’s rise as a global technology and innovation hub
Hyderabad, Mar 05: HYSEA (Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association) hosted the 33rd edition of the HYSEA Annual Summit & Awards 2026 today at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), bringing together over 1,200 technology leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, analysts, investors, and startup founders to discuss the next phase of global technology transformation driven by artificial intelligence and intelligent software systems.
Organised in partnership with STPI Hyderabad and the ITE&C Department, Government of Telangana, the Summit examined how AI driven systems, intelligent software, and deep technologies are reshaping enterprises, products, and talent models across industries.
The event was graced by Sri. G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Coal and Mines , along with several distinguished leaders from industry and academia.
Prominent speakers at the Summit included: Ganesh Ramamoorthy, Managing Vice President, Gartner; Rajesh Varrier, President – Global Operations & CMD, Cognizant India; Dr. Krishna Ella, Founder & Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech; Rajesh Dhuddu, Emerging Tech Partner, PwC India; Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, Chairman & Founder, Ananth Technologies; Ashutosh Sharma, Research Director, Forrester; Akshay Khanna, Managing Partner, Avasant; Sailaja Josyula, SVP and GCC Line Leader, among many other industry leaders.
As part of the Summit, HYSEA unveiled its Coffee Table Book titled Making IT Happen, developed in collaboration with The Times of India, which chronicles the journey of Hyderabad’s IT industry and the ecosystem that enabled the city’s rise as a global technology destination.
HYSEA also released the refreshed second edition of the HYSEA Scale@Hyderabad – Global Technology Destination Report, developed in partnership with the Government of Telangana, KPMG in India, CBRE, and Aon. The report provides updated insights into Hyderabad’s continued growth as a global technology hub and highlights the factors driving the city’s momentum.
HYSEA also presented a knowledge report in collaboration with PwC titled “How IT & GCC Organisations in Telangana are Advancing the Global AI Edge.” The report captures perspectives from industry leaders on how organisations in the state are adopting artificial intelligence to strengthen competitiveness, drive innovation, and build globally relevant capabilities.
Speaking at the Summit, Mr. Prashanth Nandella, President, HYSEA, said Hyderabad’s technology journey has been defined by its ability to adapt and lead through successive waves of change.
“As intelligence becomes embedded across systems, products, and enterprise operations, Hyderabad is well positioned to play a larger role in the next phase of global technology innovation. HYSEA continues to focus on strengthening the ecosystem through member engagement, thought leadership, talent development, and policy advocacy in collaboration with the Government. The future of jobs in the technology industry will increasingly lie at the intersection of deep domain expertise and advanced technology capabilities,” he said.
The Summit featured keynote sessions, panel discussions, analyst insights, practitioner talks, AI masterclasses, and a Startup & Product Expo showcasing emerging technology solutions.
Key discussions at the Summit explored themes such as deep tech adoption in enterprises, the evolving role of Global Capability Centres, talent transformation in the age of AI, cybersecurity in an agent driven technology landscape, and the future of software and SaaS platforms.
A fireside conversation between Prashanth Nandella, President, HYSEA, and Rajesh Varrier, President – Global Operations & CMD, Cognizant India, examined how enterprises are translating rapid advances in AI into measurable business outcomes and how Global Capability Centres are evolving into engines of engineering and innovation.
Ahead of the Summit, HYSEA also hosted a CXO research roundtable on “Lab to Market: Making Hyderabad India’s Deeptech Capital,” bringing together leaders from industry and academia to explore ways to strengthen research commercialisation and accelerate deep technology innovation.
During the evening ceremony, HYSEA Industry Awards were presented to companies for excellence in exports, business growth, employment generation, and women workforce advancement.
HYSEA also presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Srinivasa Raju Chintalapati (Srini Raju), Chairman, iLABS Group, recognising his contributions to entrepreneurship, venture investment, and the development of India’s innovation ecosystem.
The HYSEA 10X Product Awards, one of the country’s largest startup recognition platforms, saw strong participation this year. From 294 nominations (272 startups and 32 established companies), a jury of over 50 industry experts shortlisted 40 finalists, who showcased their solutions at the Summit Expo. The startup cohort reflected growing maturity, with 36% having raised institutional funding and 12% crossing USD 1 million in ARR, along with a strong presence of B2B and enterprise technology startups.
HYSEA acknowledged the support of its partners and sponsors including:
Title Sponsor: Cognizant Technology Solutions
Industry Patrons: RealPage, DBS Tech, ServiceNow, Broadridge, Vanguard
Ecosystem Patrons: Q City, Raheja Mindspace, ICICI Bank
Gold Sponsor: TAO Digital
Featured Partners: TechnoGen and QAPilot
