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  • Caspia Launches New RTL Security Analyzer Enabling Agentic Silicon Security Verification

    GAINESVILLE, Fla., Feb. 25: Caspia Technologies announced broad availability of its flagship security verification product CODAx. New and unique capabilities delivered by the product were described, along with its impact on the customer base. The company also provided a preview of its plans to build agentic security verification workflows.

    CODAx is Caspia’s security-aware auditing solution that analyzes early (RTL) code of IP/SoC designs to detect coding styles that can introduce security vulnerabilities. Over 150 insecure coding practices are recognized and suggested corrections are also provided.

    CODAx security checks are informed by public vulnerability databases including CWE, CVE, and Trust-Hub, which catalog over 1,000 known hardware security weaknesses. Caspia applies GenAI techniques to systematically map these weaknesses to detectable RTL coding patterns.

    The latest release of CODAx, V2026.1 provides deeper security checks that span across the design hierarchy, enabling identification of weaknesses that travel up and across design modules. The company reported that comprehensive stress testing was performed on this release with 10,000+ intentionally vulnerable designs.

    Caspia also reported that a popular open-source root-of-trust design containing 400+ design files, approximately 3 million gates, and 500,000 lines of RTL code was analyzed by CODAx in about 45 minutes. Multiple security weaknesses were found during this analysis.

    Caspia has been working with all the major EDA suppliers to ensure a smooth integration of its tools with existing design flows. The company also reported that major chip and system companies from around the world are successfully deploying CODAx for designs that support applications such as automotive, data center, communication, storage, multimedia, precision analog and embedded computing.

    Caspia announced that Stuart Audley has joined the company as VP/GM of product management, with a focus on agentic security workflows. Audley brings decades of experience designing and deploying cryptographic hardware and security IP for top defense primes and leading semiconductor companies. He previously led advanced security platform development for FPGAs and ASICs at The Athena Group, Inc. and Mercury Systems.

    “We are expanding our security verification footprint to include both advanced tools and enablement of agentic workflows,” said Rick Hegberg, CEO of Caspia. “I am delighted to add someone with Stuart’s experience and background to the team. This will ensure we can focus on delivering cutting-edge capabilities and AI-driven security automation.”

    “Caspia is evolving from a provider of point security verification tools to an agentic platform supplier where AI orchestrates comprehensive hardware security workflows,” said Audley.

    He went on to say, “the elements of our plan include unifying all our tools with AI-assisted workflows that span the entire hardware security lifecycle: analyzing RTL, identifying vulnerabilities, and verifying the results.

    Traditional design flows remain fully supported, but we are creating a new category for agentic-enabled hardware security verification.”

    Caspia will present its latest technology in booth 702 at DVCon on March 2-5, 2026, to be held at the Santa Clara Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara, CA. 

  • Capgemini Partners with OpenAI to Fast-Track Enterprise AI Transformation

    Mumbai, Feb 25 : Capgemini today announced a new strategic partnership with OpenAI to accelerate the next era of enterprise AI transformation with Frontier, OpenAI’s new platform for building, deploying, and managing AI coworkers that can do real work across the enterprise. As a founding member of the OpenAI Frontier Alliance, Capgemini will work to address the AI opportunity gap by focusing on the business, data, organizational, and systems integration challenges faced by clients, to deploy AI enterprise-wide. By combining deep industry and domain-specific process expertise, data and governance capabilities, and ready-to-deploy digital and AI transformation assets, Capgemini is well placed to help businesses redefine how agents are built and run in their organizations, so AI can be deployed securely, operated reliably, and scaled across the business.

    Capgemini brings deep sector and domain experience, strategy and transformation capabilities, and advanced AI, data and cloud assets to deliver integrated, end-to-end business transformation for clients globally. Backed by OpenAI research and product expertise across enterprise AI Cloud, agents, APIs, and ChatGPT Enterprise, Capgemini will build next-gen enterprise AI operating processes and reshape multi-agent workflows that will enable clients to accelerate time-to-value throughout the business.

    With 2026 identified as the “year of truth for AI,” with more than half of organizations committing to sustained, multi-year investment horizons there is a shift underway from AI experimentation to long-term value creation. At the same time, leaders recognize that the primary barrier to scaling AI is no longer the technology itself, but the readiness of their data, operating models, technology and digital enablement, as well as industry, function and domain knowledge and expertise.

    “Our multi-year partnership with Capgemini will help bring AI coworkers to enterprises,” said Brad Lightcap, Chief Operating Officer at OpenAI.

    “Capgemini’s transformation and global delivery expertise alongside OpenAI’s research and product leadership will help close the gap between what frontier AI can do and what businesses can actually deploy with agents.”

    Our strategic partnership with OpenAI on the Frontier platform strengthens our position at the forefront of AI-powered enterprise transformation,” said Aiman Ezzat, CEO of Capgemini.

    By combining our domain expertise and assets with OpenAI’s cutting-edge models and platform, we move faster, build smarter, and create solutions that weren’t possible before. We see this as a long-term strategic collaboration that will shape the future of our industry.”

    As an OpenAI Frontier Alliance partner, Capgemini will establish a flagship OpenAI Enterprise Frontier delivery function at scale comprised of AI experts from across its global ecosystem that will work alongside OpenAI’s Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) team. This dedicated team of OpenAI certified professionals will support clients to move from AI experimentation to scaled operations across business units, markets, and geographies, all whilst maintaining consistent high quality and the right level of governance to deliver measurable impact. Together, the partners will co-develop bespoke industry solutions focused on sectors, for example consumer products & retail, financial services, life sciences and energy and utilities.

    With most organizations recognizing that they must scale AI or risk missing strategic opportunities and losing competitive edge2, this partnership represents a pivotal moment for enterprises. Together, Capgemini and OpenAI intend to offer clients the combined enterprise-grade AI products and implementation capabilities needed to deliver measurable business outcomes across their organization.

  • General Magic Raises Oversubscribed US$7.2M to Cut Insurance Quote Time to 3 Minutes

    Toronto, Canada – February 25, 2026; Insurance is complicated. Customers have questions before they quote, need guidance after, and expect clarity when they file a claim. But the work of answering those questions, collecting documents, and following up still runs on calls, emails, and portals stitched together by manual effort. For brokers and carriers, this coordination overhead is one of the most operationally expensive and taxing parts of the business.

     General Magic is building AI agents to solve this problem.

     The company announced a US$7.2M seed funding round led by Radical Ventures, with significant participation from a16z Speedrun and new investment from Figma VP of Product Brendan O’Driscoll and Larry James Erwin from OpenAI. The company has raised $8.4M to date, backed by Radical Ventures, a16z Speedrun, and Comma Capital, along with operators who have built foundational AI and product platforms, including Aidan Gomez, CEO of Cohere, as well as the executive team at Braze, including Kevin Wang, Chief Product Officer, and Spencer Burke, SVP of Growth.

     General Magic builds AI agents that take over the work insurance teams spend the most time on: answering routine questions, collecting documents, and following up with customers when clarity matters. These agents work across the full insurance lifecycle, covering pre-quote eligibility, post quote engagement, and claims coordination. They do all of this while connecting directly to broker management systems, quoting platforms, and CRMs. 

     Early deployments show what’s possible. Working with one of the world’s largest general insurers, General Magic has reduced time-to-quote from roughly 30 minutes down to under 3 minutes via its SMS-based agent. 

     “Too much of insurance still relies on manual follow through across calls, inboxes, and scattered systems,” said Jai Mansukhani, Co Founder and President of General Magic. “We focus on keeping customers engaged at every stage of the lifecycle, not just at quote or claim. Our agents handle the routine work that slows teams down, while giving insurance leaders real visibility into what customers are asking, where they are getting stuck, and how they are feeling. When that engagement and data flow directly into core systems, teams move faster and customers feel genuinely supported.”

     The company’s agentic offerings are centered around a product called Cell, a proactive AI agent that connects directly to the systems insurance teams already use. Cell integrates with broker management systems, quoting and rating platforms and CRMs to support teams. It can be deployed across SMS, iMessage and RCS, and can extend into policy, billing and claims workflows as needed.

    When a customer has a question, they can text Cell over SMS, or the insurance team can proactively deploy it to the customer. The agent responds using real system data, asks for missing information, follows up automatically, and updates records as workflows progress. Conversations stay in one thread, context is preserved, and customers move forward at their own pace without being chased or dropped.

     Early deployments point to the scale of the opportunity. In early rollouts with large personal lines insurers, General Magic is reducing the time required to generate and finalize quotes from roughly 30 minutes to about 3 minutes by automating routine clarification and follow-ups over SMS across auto and life insurance workflows. This increase in speed expands effective quoting capacity while keeping customers engaged through the most failure prone part of the journey after a quote is issued. By handling frequent questions and coordination over text, the agent reduces delays and prevents conversations from stalling. General Magic is currently supporting deployments with carriers across auto and life insurance, where post-quote and customer coordination are most critical.

     In parallel, the team is focused on building agents that understand the realities of insurance distribution, including licensing and regulatory frameworks such as RIBO, OTL, and other broker and advisor exams. By specializing agents around how licensed professionals are trained to communicate, General Magic aims to ensure conversations feel accurate, compliant, and aligned with how insurance teams actually explain coverage to customers.

     General Magic was founded by Anthony Azrak and Jai Mansukhani, second-time founders who previously sold AI products into legacy industries. The company’s move into insurance came from firsthand frustration. After a water leak spiraled into weeks of calls, delays, and higher premiums, the founders began exploring how common this experience really was. What they found was an industry that technically works, but often fails customers and intermediaries in the moments that matter most. That insight shaped General Magic’s decision to go deep into insurance rather than remain a horizontal AI platform.

     The broader industry context underscores the urgency. Retention rates in insurance lag behind other sectors, and acquiring new customers costs significantly more than keeping existing ones. As digital distribution accelerates and customers shop more aggressively at renewal, both carriers and brokers that fail to improve post-quote engagement risk losing revenue they already worked to win.

    Looking ahead, General Magic plans to expand across insurance lines and workflows, staying focused on moments where customer intent is high and coordination most often breaks down. The platform is being built to support high impact workflows across the insurance stack, prioritising areas where follow-through fails today and where fixing it creates meaningful value for customers, brokers, and carriers.

     The long term vision is simple but ambitious: make follow through automatic, reliable, and invisible. By removing the need for manual chasing and fragmented handoffs, teams can spend less time managing processes and more time serving end customers. The team is motivated by solving complex, real world problems that sit at the center of insurance operations, with the goal of delivering tangible improvements to how people experience insurance when it matters most.

     Sanjana Basu, partner at Radical Ventures, commented: “Most of the world’s financial and insurance data is locked inside rigid, legacy systems that were never designed for the AI era. General Magic isn’t trying to convince enterprises to throw away that infrastructure. Instead, they are giving them a way to finally talk to it. By building a reasoning layer that sits on top of existing systems of record, the General Magic team are unlocking a massive amount of trapped value. This is how the Fortune 500 becomes AI-native. Not by rebuilding from scratch, but by bridging the gap between old data and new intelligence.” 

    Troy Kirwin, investment partner at a16z Speedrun, added: “We’ve watched Anthony and Jai grow exponentially both during their speedrun cohort and in the months after. They are building a truly compelling product that we believe will revolutionize workflows across insurance carriers and brokerages globally. I have a personal thesis that outsiders will disrupt legacy industries, and General Magic has helped buttress this thesis with the immense progress they’ve made. We are excited to deepen our partnership through supporting their seed round.” 

    Pete Tessier, BFA, CAIB, President at insurance MGA Taycon Risk, added: “What I have seen with General Magic and their approach to AI was a willingness to adapt to the insurance industry’s needs. This is significant because of the varied nuances of the insurance industry and how its products are distributed, and why internal and external customer journeys are different. The challenge will be making it scale across all channels of insurance product distribution. This might be the first true ‘game changer’ for the industry and deliver on customer experience and expectations” 

     

  • MedScout Raises $10M and Launches AI Agents for MedTech Commercial Teams

    Backed by Fulcrum Equity Partners, MedScout has grown enterprise revenue by 3x since its Series A as MedTech companies adopt AI agents to turn commercial strategy into field execution

    AUSTIN, TX — Feb 25

    MedScout, the commercial engine for MedTech, announced a $10M growth round led by Fulcrum Equity Partners, with participation from existing investors Live Oak Venture Partners and Stage 2 Capital. The round, which more than doubled the company’s valuation from its Series A, will fuel continued investment in MedScout’s AI capabilities and support growing demand from enterprise customers.

    “MedScout is tackling one of the most pressing challenges in MedTech: turning company strategy into revenue performance,” said Philip Lewis, Partner at Fulcrum Equity Partners. “What they’ve built combines commercial expertise and AI to solve that problem in a highly actionable way that’s unique to each customer. This is the future of how companies put AI to work, and it’s why we’re doubling down on our investment in MedScout.”

    Alongside the funding, MedScout is launching Strategies, AI agents that analyze market and account-level referral networks, procedure volumes, payer dynamics, and more to deliver prioritized, ready-to-work territory plans to reps.

    “MedTech companies spend months developing commercial strategies that don’t make it to the field as intended,” said Skylar Talley, Co-founder and CEO of MedScout. “MedScout bridges that gap by translating commercial priorities into clear, territory-specific actions. Sales reps know which providers to prioritize and how to build and expand those relationships.”

    MedTech commercial teams face a core disconnect: strategy is set at the top, but the tools reps use in the field don’t reflect it. Instead, reps rely on Google, stale spreadsheets, or data platforms that lack the context to tell them what really matters.

    Each Strategy is an AI agent built around a company’s specific commercial context, how it wins in the market, and its definition of a best-fit target. Drawing on industry expertise and field-tested patterns from working with hundreds of MedTech commercial teams, each agent can pinpoint the accounts and physicians most likely to convert. MedScout made Strategies available to customers in late 2025.

    “In January, our customers deployed 81% more unique AI agents than the month before — evidence that sales teams are seeing value quickly and building on early success,” said Talley.

    MedScout’s growth reflects the urgency of the problem it solves. Enterprise MedTech organizations are increasingly relying on MedScout to keep their large and distributed sales forces focused on the right accounts and opportunities. Enterprise revenue has grown 3x since its Series A in July 2024, and monthly active reps are up 135% month over month as sales teams expand their use of Strategies.

    “Everything we do is in service of better patient outcomes, and that starts with getting our innovations into the hands of the right clinicians,” said Meraj Khan, Chief Marketing Officer, Surgical Innovations at GE Healthcare. “MedScout has been a strategic partner in helping our field teams identify, prioritize, and connect with the facilities and providers where our technologies can have the greatest impact. The result is stronger commercial performance and more patients benefiting from precision care. We’re proud to work with MedScout and excited for this next phase of our partnership.”

    MedScout customers deploy Strategies aligned to their specific growth priorities and market positioning, such as:

    • A surgical robotics company pinpoints orthopedic surgeons who perform high volumes of traditional total knee replacements, have a Medicare-heavy patient mix (60%+), and haven’t adopted robotic-assisted procedures. Reps get a clear list of high-fit targets where the clinical case for adoption is already established.
    • A diagnostic imaging company identifies primary care physicians within a 25-mile radius of a priority account who see patients with pulmonary nodules but refer lung biopsies to competing practices. Reps receive a prioritized list of physicians whose referral patterns offer the greatest opportunity to expand biopsy volume at the target facility.
    • A cardiology device company identifies hospitals that performed 30% fewer TAVR procedures year over year while maintaining 250+ annual cardiac catheterization cases. Reps get a ranked list of high-capacity programs losing structural heart volume — a clear signal to re-evaluate technology partnerships. Each site has a tailored ROI story that quantifies revenue at risk and frames a path to recapture volume.

    MedScout is actively deploying Strategies within commercial teams across MedTech.

  • Maharashtra Tourism Gears Up to Showcase the “Unlimited” Potential of the State at SATTE 2026

    Feb 25: The Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, is set to make a dynamic and impactful presence at the 32nd edition of SATTE 2026 – South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) – the region’s premier B2B travel and tourism exhibition. Organised by Informa Markets, the three-day event will be held from 25 to 27 February 2026 at the world-class Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre), Dwarka, New Delhi – a venue that benefits India’s ambitions as a global tourism powerhouse. The 32nd edition of SATTE is expected to see participation from over 50 countries and 28 state tourism boards, making it an unparalleled platform for business, networking, and destination promotion.

    Maharashtra Tourism will highlight the state’s rich and diverse tourism offerings – a compelling narrative that encapsulates everything the state has to offer: UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, picturesque hill stations such as Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala, 12 UNESCO Forts, Kumbhmela, thriving wildlife sanctuaries like Tadoba, pristine beaches along the Konkan coast, spiritual circuits, adventure hotspots, and the cultural vibrancy of bustling urban centres like Mumbai and Pune. The participation is aimed at forging new partnerships, deepening B2B collaborations, and firmly positioning Maharashtra as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travellers.

    The Maharashtra delegation led by Shri Santosh Jadhav, Joint Director (DoT), Shri Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, General Manager, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), and Shri Vijay Jadhav, Deputy Director DoT, will bring together a cross-section of key tourism stakeholders – including hoteliers, tour operators, heritage site managers, adventure providers, and destination management experts. At the dedicated Maharashtra Pavilion, visitors can look forward to immersive audio-visual displays on LED screens, interactive B2B meetings, and one-on-one sessions to explore tailored itineraries, product innovations, and fresh collaboration opportunities.

    SATTE 2026 provides an ideal platform for Maharashtra to engage with tour operators, wholesalers, inbound travel agencies, and global industry professionals at a time when India’s tourism sector is experiencing robust growth. Maharashtra has emerged as India’s top-ranked state for foreign tourist arrivals, accounting for 17.69% of all foreign tourist arrivals in India in 2024. The state welcomed approximately 3.705 million international visitors in 2024 – a remarkable surge from 3.388 million in 2023 and 1.512 million in 2022, underscoring the state’s accelerating appeal. With a sustained focus on responsible and sustainable tourism – as recently recognised at the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards 2026 – Maharashtra Chapter – the state is well-poised to attract discerning travellers seeking authentic, inclusive, and meaningful experiences.

    SATTE 2026 is a key milestone in Maharashtra’s ongoing efforts to promote its diverse tourism landscape to global audiences. Attendees are invited to visit the Maharashtra Stall at B310, Hall 1 and discover how Maharashtra offers truly unlimited possibilities — from the historic hill and sea forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the serene backwaters of the Konkan coast, to the thriving wildlife of Tadoba and the cultural vibrancy of cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). B2B meetings at the event will help build sustainable partnerships that benefit local communities and visitors alike.

    Speaking to the media, Sri. Shambhuraj Desai, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Maharashtra’s presence at SATTE 2026 is our vision of positioning the state as a global tourism powerhouse. With our ‘Unlimited’ potential – ranging from the legendary forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to our pristine Konkan coastline—we are proud to remain India’s top destination for international travelers. Our goal at this 32nd edition is not just to showcase our heritage, but to invite the world to witness a Maharashtra that is modern, sustainable, and culturally unmatched.”

    On this Occasion, Sri. Sanjay Khandare, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, said, “With Maharashtra accounting for nearly 18% of India’s foreign tourist arrivals, SATTE 2026 serves as a strategic bridge to further globalize our reach. We are focusing heavily on a diversified portfolio that includes MICE, eco-tourism, and adventure hotspots to ensure Maharashtra remains an all-season destination. By engaging with over 50 countries here at Yashobhoomi, we aim to forge long-term B2B partnerships that will drive high-value, responsible tourism growth across our urban and rural circuits.”

    Speaking to the media, Dr. B.N.Patil, IAS, Director, Directorate of Tourism (DoT), said, “Our pavilion at SATTE 2026 is designed to be an immersive experience, reflecting the authentic and inclusive spirit of Maharashtra. Following our recent recognition at the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards, we are eager to highlight our community-based experiences and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ajanta and Ellora. We invite all industry stakeholders to visit us at Stall B310 to explore how our tailored itineraries and innovative tourism products can create meaningful value for travelers and local communities alike.”

    On this Occasion, Sri. Neelesh Gatne, Managing Director, MTDC, said, “Our mission is to translate Maharashtra’s vast potential into world-class guest experiences. For SATTE 2026, we are showcasing a revamped hospitality infrastructure—from our heritage properties to new boutique eco-resorts – that caters to the modern traveler’s demand for authenticity and comfort. By integrating digital-first booking systems and specialized packages for the MICE and wedding segments, we are ensuring that our B2B partners have a robust, reliable foundation to bring the world to Maharashtra. We aren’t just selling destinations; we are offering the soul of ‘Majha Maharashtra’ through sustainable and community-driven hospitality.”

    The Maharashtra Pavilion will feature engaging elements including audio-visual displays on LED screens, curated promotional materials on flagship initiatives such as eco-tourism, rural and community-based experiences, adventure tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities – reinforcing Maharashtra’s credentials as a world-class, all-season destination.

  • Nisus Finance Expands UAE footprint with INR 247 Cr investment in Majan, Dubai

    India, Feb 24:  Nisus Finance, a leading player in urban infrastructure and real estate finance, has further strengthened its UAE real estate portfolio with an investment of approximately INR 247 crore (AED 100 million) in residential apartments at Majan, Dubai.

    The investment was made through the Nisus High Yield Growth Fund. With this transaction, the total investment by the fund in the UAE has crossed USD 145 million (530 million AED), having already surpassed US$120 million on the previous deal itself. The transaction is part of Nisus Finance’s planned USD 500 Million fund deployment in partnership with global institutions and family offices, dedicated to the UAE real estate market. This announcement comes just two months after Nisus Finance acquired Lootah Avenue at Dubai Motor City INR 545 Cr in December 2025. 

    Commenting on the investment, Dr. Amit Goenka, Chairman & Managing Director, Nisus Finance, said: Majan represents a compelling opportunity within Dubai’s evolving residential landscape. The investment is anchored by a Grade A, newly developed asset, fully occupied with a strong tenant profile and attractive rental yields, and offering uninterrupted views facing Al Barari. Featuring modern amenities and a well-balanced mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom residences, the project reflects disciplined asset selection and structured execution. It further underscores growing institutional confidence in the UAE real estate market and Nisus Finance’s commitment to robust governance under the DIFC regulatory framework. 

    “The fund continues to attract leading institutional fund managers, family offices, and UHNI investors across GCC and India, further expanding its international capital base.”

    This marks Nisus Finance’s 4th investment under its fund for property investment. 

    Dubai’s real estate historic milestone in 2025, when total transactions exceeded Dh917 billion (US$250 billion) across 3.11 million deals- a 7% increase in volume, driven by a 24% rise in the number of investors to 193,100, according to the Dubai Land Department.

    Majan is a mixed-use community in Dubai Land, covering approximately 1.45 square kilometres and strategically positioned along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road with convenient access to Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Dubai International Airport. Planned as a self-contained urban hub, Majan balances residential, commercial, retail, and leisure components, with around 32 % of land allocated to residential use, 44 % to retail and commercial activities, and 24 % to leisure and cultural facilities, creating a well-rounded community structure. 

    The built environment is dominated by mid-rise apartment complexes that offer affordable housing with modern amenities, appealing to families and working professionals seeking value and connectivity. Competitive rental rates, together with proximity to nearby schools, supermarkets, healthcare facilities, and retail outlets, have supported a steady increase in occupancy and end-user appeal, with multiple projects completed and additional schemes under development. 

    Commenting on the investment, Mr. Amit Kumar Jhunjhunwala, Director & Chief Investment Officer Said, “This investment marks the fourth residential real estate deployment in the UAE, further strengthening our presence in the country and taking the total investment outlay by the Nisus High Yield Growth Fund within a remarkably short timeframe. This milestone reflects not only disciplined capital allocation and strong on-ground execution, but also the deep trust placed by our investors and stakeholders in our high-yield growth strategy. Our continued momentum underscores the fund’s ability to identify scalable opportunities and consistently deliver value in high-growth markets”

  • Aparna Enterprises Vitero Tiles Unveils State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Plant in Morbi, Gujarat

    Aparna Enterprises Vitero Tiles Unveils State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Plant in Morbi, Gujarat

    Chandigarh, Feb 24: Aparna Enterprises’ Vitero Tiles, one of India’s leading tile manufacturers, inaugurated its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Morbi, Gujarat. The new unit will primary cater to the diverse needs of customers in North and West India, offering competitive pricing and an extensive range of designs and elements. This strategic expansion marked by an investment of INR 150 crores solidifies Aparna Enterprise’s commitment to strengthen its market presence and become a major player in the national tile market.

    The new Morbi plant has a total manufacturing capacity of 7.2 million square meters per annum and will contribute nearly 40% of Vitero Tiles’ overall production, substantially strengthening its manufacturing scale and regional supply capabilities. The ultramodern Morbi facility manufactures Vitero’s complete portfolio including vitrified tiles, full body tiles, and all major ceramic tile categories under one roof. Combined with the company’s existing manufacturing facility in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, Vitero Tiles’ total annual production now stands at approximately 18 million square meters per annum, positioning brand as one of the largest tile manufacturer of the country and significantly enhancing its ability to cater to growing market demand across regions.

    India ranks as the world’s second largest producer, consumer, and exporter of ceramic tiles after China, accounting for nearly 11-15% of global production and about 10.9% of worldwide consumption, while the Indian ceramic industry overall holds an estimated 14% share of global ceramic tile production. Domestically, the tiles market reached ₹531 billion in FY25, growing from ₹360 billion in FY19 at a CAGR of 6.7%, and is projected to expand further to ₹769 billion by FY29, registering a CAGR of 9.7%. With its expanded manufacturing capacity and strengthened regional presence, Vitero Tiles is well positioned to leverage this growth momentum and further reinforce its standing within the industry.

    “The inauguration of our Morbi plant marks a pivotal moment in Vitero’s journey,” said Mr. Ashwin Reddy – Managing Director of Aparna Enterprises Ltd. “The Indian tile industry is brimming with potential, and we at Aparna Enterprises are excited to be at the forefront of this growth. The Morbi plant signifies a crucial step towards achieving our vision of becoming India’s leading tile brand and a major player in the global market. With this expanded capacity and unwavering focus on innovation, we are confident Vitero Tiles will continue to set the benchmark for design excellence and quality in the years to come.”

    Commenting on the industry, Ms Aparna Reddy – Executive Director of Aparna Enterprises Ltd), stated:

     “The addition of the Morbi facility significantly enhances our production scale and supply responsiveness, allowing us to address increasing demand across multiple high growth regions. Its location improves logistical reach to northern, eastern and western markets while supporting our established presence in southern territories, enabling us to expand distribution efficiently and explore promising international markets”.

    With the inauguration of the Morbi plant, Aparna Enterprises’ Vitero Tiles is poised for sustained growth. The company sources raw materials from its own mines to ensure consistent quality, and processes them through advanced facilities that provide complete manufacturing control. This integrated approach, combined with a strong focus on design innovation, product quality, and portfolio depth, reinforces Vitero Tiles’ ambition to emerge as a leading tile brand in India and a major player in global markets.

  • AD Ports Group Marks Groundbreaking of Strategic LPG Storage Terminal at Khalifa Port in Partnership with Nimex Terminals

    Abu Dhabi, UAE – 24 February 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions; and Nimex Terminals today marked the groundbreaking of the UAE’s first private-sector Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal hub at Khalifa Port, reinforcing the nation’s position as a global energy logistics and trading hub.

     Announced in November 2025 in parallel with the LNG terminal hub development, the LPG terminal hub is being developed to accommodate large, long-haul gas carriers and will deliver large‑scale refrigerated storage and marine handling infrastructure for propane, butane, and LPG mix products.

     The development will further strengthen the UAE’s role in facilitating global LPG flows between major production centres and high‑growth demand markets across Asia, Africa and Europe.The facility will expand Khalifa Port’s energy infrastructure capabilities to meet the evolving demands of international energy trade.

     Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO, Ports Cluster – AD Ports Group, said: “The Nimex LPG terminal exemplifies the type of high‑quality strategic infrastructure investment that strengthens the port’s energy ecosystem and reinforces its position as a leading regional and international gateway. This development reflects a shared commitment to disciplined execution, operational excellence, safety and long‑term value creation.”

     Phase 1 of the development will comprise two full‑containment refrigerated storage tanks of 50,000 and 67,000 cubic metres for propane and butane respectively, together with four mounded LPG bullet tanks with an aggregate capacity of 21,000 cubic metres for mixed LPG products. A similar expansion is planned under Phase 2, bringing total terminal capacity to approximately 280,000 cubic metres.

     The project also includes the construction of dedicated LPG jetties with a 16‑metre depth, enabling efficient berthing and handling of large‑scale LPG carriers and supporting seamless maritime trade flows. Phase 1 is expected to be commissioned within 36 months from the commencement of construction.

     Azmat Mahmood, Chairman – Nimex Terminals, said: “Today’s groundbreaking represents a defining milestone for Nimex Terminals. Our vision is to build a resilient, world‑class LPG logistics platform that connects global supply with regional demand through Abu Dhabi. We are proud to work alongside AD Ports Group in delivering strategic infrastructure that supports trade growth, enhances energy connectivity, and underpins the UAE’s role as a trusted global energy hub.”

     The terminal will be developed and operated in accordance with the highest international standards for safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence. Safety has been embedded into the project from inception, with full-containment tanks and mounded LPG bullet storage selected to enhance protection, mitigate risk, and ensure long-term operational reliability.

     The Nimex LPG terminal will strengthen regional energy security and storage resilience, providing traders and industrial users with enhanced flexibility and optionality, while supporting the continued growth of Khalifa Port as a multi‑commodity gateway. The project reflects growing private‑sector investment in advanced energy infrastructure aligned with the UAE’s long‑term trade and logistics ambitions

  • Coventry University Group’s India Hub strengthens research partnerships through collaboration in AI, clean tech and healthcare

    Coventry University Group’s India Hub is hosting a week of high-powered engagements with strategic research partners, government and industry stakeholders to explore priority themes including artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, healthcare and clean growth. 

    A delegation from Coventry University Group’s senior research leadership team led by Professor Richard Dashwood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), and including Professors Elena Gaura, Carl Perrin and Rohit Bhagat travelled to India to deepen those strategic partnerships. 

    Over the past year the education group has developed a growing portfolio of collaborations with leading Indian institutions, including IIT Guwahati and GITAM, translating global engagement into real-world research impact and harnessing strategic relationships to create tangible research activity and joint programmes. 

    Caption: Coventry University’s delegation meets with representatives of IIT Delhi

     Coventry University Group and IIT Guwahati formalised their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding, enabling joint research, co-funded PhDs, staff and student mobility, and community engagement projects.  

    Coventry University Group and IIT Delhi held a Winter School centred on energy storage, green hydrogen and the application of AI and machine learning in material development, characterisation and data analytics. This will further strengthen knowledge exchange and open avenues for exploring joint supervision models and collaborative research in those areas. 

    The India Hub is playing a central role in strengthening academic, research and innovation partnerships with India in areas such as AI, healthcare innovation and societal wellbeing, as well as supporting Coventry University Group’s growing footprint in doctoral education, researcher development and innovation capacity-building. 

    Through its partnership with GITAM, the Group has established a dual-award PhD programme, with the first cohort of candidates already enrolled across projects spanning health technologies, clean growth and creative disciplines. 

    As part of the visit the delegation will also be engaging with government agencies, industry and various research institutes to advance joint initiatives in India across a range of stakeholders. 

    Professor Richard Dashwood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Coventry University, said: “Our research always comes with a real-world change in mind and working alongside institutions and partners in India we can have a lasting impact on areas such as clean tech, AI and healthcare. This visit highlighted the importance of multi-disciplinary research, ethical frameworks and real-world validation, and demonstrated how UK–India collaboration can accelerate progress in these areas.” 

    Yashodhara Dasgupta, Regional Managing Director of Coventry University Group’s India Hub, said: “The India Hub exists to turn relationships into outcomes. Whether through joint PhDs, research-led training or policy-facing dialogue, our focus is on creating platforms where UK and Indian expertise can come together to address real-world challenges and deliver shared value.” 

  • RAKEZ marks groundbreaking of Indu’s logistics facility in Al Hamra Industrial Zone

    Ras Al Khaimah, Feb24: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) marked the groundbreaking of a new 5,839 m² warehousing facility by Indu, a multi-industry-focused logistics and warehouse solutions provider, at Al Hamra Industrial Zone.

    The ceremony was attended by senior RAKEZ representatives, including Ian Hunt, Chief Experience Officer; Alia Rabbani, Key Accounts Director; and Mohamed Ismayil, Senior Manager – Key Accounts.

    The new development will deliver advanced warehousing solutions with a projected capacity of 12,000 m³. Designed to serve fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), hotel supplies, and food supplies, the facility will primarily support the F&B sector across the Northern Emirates by providing specialised storage solutions.

    Scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026, the project forms a key part of Indu’s broader expansion strategy to evolve into a multi-industry-focused logistics provider, capitalising on Ras Al Khaimah’s accelerating economic growth and rising demand across key sectors.

    Commenting on the milestone, Kush Kishore Lakhani, Managing Director at Indu, said, “Indu has always followed the ‘Build It and They Will Come’ approach. This strategic investment reflects the notable rise in activity across Ras Al Khaimah and the growing demand for advanced logistics solutions, particularly in the FMCG and F&B sectors. By establishing this facility, we are strengthening our footprint in the Northern Emirates and positioning ourselves to support the region’s continued economic and tourism-driven growth. The proactive support we received from RAKEZ, from application to construction permits, has been instrumental in helping us stay on track and execute this investment with confidence.”

    Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ, added, “Indu’s investment reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a growing logistics and distribution hub serving key sectors across the Northern Emirates. As demand rises across FMCG, hospitality, and food supply chains, scalable warehousing infrastructure becomes increasingly vital. At RAKEZ, we remain committed to providing investors with the industrial land, streamlined processes, and end-to-end support needed to accelerate their growth and deliver long-term value to the wider business ecosystem.”

    The facility’s development comes amid sustained expansion in Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism and hospitality sectors, further strengthening the emirate’s supply chain capabilities and enhancing its industrial ecosystem.