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  • Prosper AI raises $30M from Andreessen Horowitz to scale the first AI platform to run the entire patient journey

    Working across 150,000 healthcare providers, Prosper AI is the first platform built to combine patient scheduling, insurance verification, and patient billing while coordinating voice interactions with both patients and insurers.

    NEW YORK, US – June 22: Prosper AI, the leading AI platform to run the entire patient journey, today announced a $30 million Series A financing led by Andreessen Horowitz (“a16z”), with participation from Base10 and continued support from Emergence Capital, Y Combinator, and Company Ventures

    The financing follows a period of rapid adoption and market acceleration. Since its last funding announcement six months ago, Prosper AI has grown revenue 5x, added more than 40 healthcare organizations as customers, expanded across more than 150,000 healthcare providers, and become the platform powering more than $1.3 billion in patient care. Today, Prosper AI wins 80% of competitive evaluations.

    Providers increasingly recognize that scheduling is only the first step in the patient journey. As healthcare organizations look to automate insurance verification, and patient billing alongside scheduling, Prosper AI is emerging as the platform of choice to power financially cleared appointments.Today, Prosper AI’s customers span some of healthcare’s most influential organizations, including PE-backed outpatient groups such as Preferred Dermatology, health systems such as Jackson Memorial Hospital—the second-largest hospital in Florida—and healthcare technology leaders such as Athenahealth, one of the largest ambulatory EHR platforms in the United States.

    Healthcare’s Next AI Platform Won’t Stop at Scheduling

    Every patient appointment depends on workflows that occur before and after care is delivered, from scheduling and insurance verification to patient billing and collections. Historically, these processes have been fragmented across disconnected teams and point solutions, creating +$450B in administrative waste while making healthcare more expensive and less transparent for patients.

    Where first-generation healthcare AI stopped at scheduling, Prosper AI manages the broader patient journey. The platform answers patient calls, schedules appointments directly in the EHR, verifies insurance benefits, automates patient billing, and contacts insurers on the phone when additional information is needed. By automating the patient journey end-to-end, Prosper AI helps providers lower administrative costs by +40% while giving patients visibility into their coverage and financial responsibility before care is delivered. The result is a single platform that manages both patient and payer workflows from appointment request through reimbursement.

    Winning the Most Competitive Evaluations in Healthcare AI

    As provider outpatient groups and health systems evaluate AI platforms, Prosper AI is increasingly emerging as the preferred solution.

    “We evaluated seven different vendors through an extensive RFP and live demonstration process and concluded that Prosper AI had the most comprehensive platform” said Jonathan Banta, CEO of The 44 Group, and Co-founder of The Executive Roundtable, a provider consortium representing more than 600 physicians. “The difference wasn’t simply scheduling. Prosper AI was the only platform capable of handling insurance verification, patient financial responsibility, and the broader workflows required to support the entire patient journey.”

    “Out of the gate, Prosper AI was handling more than 50% of our patient conversations end-to-end, including complex cases involving real-time benefits verification,” said Noah England, COO of Piedmont Dermatology. “Many organizations using other AI solutions remain stuck at 20–30% automation because those systems stop at scheduling.”

    Enterprise Healthcare Platforms Are Choosing Prosper AI

    The shift toward comprehensive AI solutions beyond voice AI for scheduling is no longer limited to provider groups. Some of the largest healthcare technology companies have also selected Prosper AI following side-by-side evaluations against competing AI platforms.

    Athenahealth, one of the largest ambulatory EHR platforms in the United States covering +60M lives, selected Prosper AI after evaluating multiple AI solutions for internal voice AI workflows. Imagine Software, a leading healthcare software company serving more than 100,000 physicians and processing over $65 billion in claims annually, also selected Prosper AI after conducting a competitive evaluation.

    “We reviewed multiple AI platforms, and Prosper AI consistently delivered the strongest performance, now handling thousands of conversations per day across multiple clients on our platform,” said Sam Khashman, CEO of ImagineSoftware. “In repeated side-by-side evaluations, Prosper AI achieved the highest accuracy and completion rates.”

    Why Andreessen Horowitz and Base10 Invested

    “AI should make healthcare infinitely accessible,” said Jay Rughani, Partner at Andreessen Horowitz. “Prosper AI stood out because of the scope of their ambition: they want to eliminate every administrative friction point between a patient and the care they need. What convinced us was the pattern we kept hearing from customers — providers would deploy Prosper AI for scheduling, then quickly ask them to take on insurance verification, then billing, and so on. That pull-through only happens when your technology can consistently guide patients through the care journey end-to-end. It’s no surprise Prosper AI is winning the vast majority of competitive evaluations they enter.” 

    Adeyemi Ajao, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Base10 Partners “Prosper AI is leveraging agentic AI to transform the way provider groups and hospitals engage with patients, driving not only savings, but increased revenue and better patient experience”.

    Building the AI Workforce for Healthcare Operations

    With the new funding, Prosper AI will expand its engineering and customer-facing teams, deepen integrations across the largest EHR platforms, and accelerate adoption across provider groups and health systems.

    “Healthcare providers don’t want separate tools for scheduling, insurance verification, and billing,” said Xavier de Gracia, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Prosper AI. “They want a single platform capable of managing the workflows that determine whether care happens and whether providers ultimately get paid. That’s what we’ve built, and it’s why providers, health systems, and healthcare technology companies are choosing Prosper AI.”

    Over time, Prosper AI aims to build the AI workforce that powers healthcare’s administrative engine, eliminating waste, expanding access to care, and enabling providers to focus more of their time on patients.

     

     

     

  • Assam Products Gain Global Reach, Says Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

    Guwahati, June 22: Himanta Biswa Sarma has highlighted the growing global presence of products from Assam, stating that items “made in Assam” are now being enjoyed by consumers across international markets.

    Speaking on the state’s expanding trade footprint, the Chief Minister noted that Assam’s traditional and locally produced goods are gaining wider acceptance abroad, reflecting improvements in branding, quality enhancement, and market access initiatives.

    He said that the state’s focus on promoting indigenous products has helped local industries and artisans reach new markets beyond India, strengthening rural livelihoods and supporting small producers.

    Officials pointed out that Assam’s export potential has been growing steadily, driven by sectors such as tea, handicrafts, agricultural products, and processed goods. Efforts to improve packaging, certification, and global outreach have further supported this expansion.

    The government has also been working to promote local entrepreneurship and strengthen supply chains, enabling small businesses and self-help groups to connect with national and international buyers.

    Industry observers say the increasing global visibility of Assam-made products reflects a broader trend of regional brands from India gaining traction in overseas markets.

    The statement underscores the state’s continued push to position itself as a key contributor to India’s growing export ecosystem while preserving its cultural and artisanal identity.

  • TenderCuts launches its Flagship Meat & Seafood Showroom in Chennai

    Chennai, June 22 : TenderCuts, India’s first omnichannel fresh meat and seafood brand, has announced the launch of its newest and largest meat & seafood store in Chennai. Spread across 2,100 sq. ft., the new store is designed to offer customers a comprehensive and convenient shopping experience with an extensive selection of fresh seafood, chicken and mutton all under one roof.TenderCuts launches its Flagship Meat & Seafood Showroom in Chennai

    The store has been designed to accommodate a wider assortment of meat and seafood products and includes facilities for customised cutting and processing. TenderCuts through this new store design places emphasis on freshness, quality and customer satisfaction. 

    Speaking on the launch, Mr. Sasikumar Kallanai, Co-founder & CEO, TenderCuts, said,

    “The launch of this store is part of our broader expansion strategy. We see continued demand for organized retail meet. This flagship retail further enhances our reach in Chennai and supports our efforts to make fresh meat and seafood products more accessible to consumers. As part of our long-term plans, we intend to open 40 stores by next 8 to 9 months.”

    Marking the launch, TenderCuts hosted a unique Thiruvizha-inspired celebration that brought together the spirit of community and local culture. The opening of the Madanandapuram, Porur, destination marks a significant step in TenderCuts’ ongoing mission to bring fresh, high-quality meat and seafood closer to consumers across Chennai.

  • Baba Ramdev Mesmerised by Lord Jagannath’s Darshan at Puri Srimandir

    Puri, June 22 (UDN): Renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev visited the sacred Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Sunday and offered prayers to Lord Jagannath on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga.

    Baba Ramdev Mesmerised by Lord Jagannath's Darshan at Puri Srimandir

    During his visit to the 12th-century shrine, Baba Ramdev had darshan of the Holy Trinity and sought blessings from Lord Jagannath. He also interacted with temple officials and servitors during his visit.

    Marking the occasion, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration felicitated the yoga guru with the sacred Khandua Pata and offered him Mahaprasad as a mark of reverence and tradition.

    Speaking to the media after offering prayers, Baba Ramdev expressed deep spiritual satisfaction over his visit to the Srimandir.

    “I am mesmerised by the divine darshan of Lord Jagannath on the occasion of International Yoga Day. I prayed for the good health, happiness and prosperity of the people of the country. India has already emerged as a global leader in yoga, and I pray that the nation continues to progress in every sphere,” he said.

    Baba Ramdev also urged people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives, stressing that regular practice of yoga is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being.

  • From AI to Data Centres, India’s Digital Rise Accelerates on Global Stage

    June 22: Over the past 12 years, India has strengthened its position as a global digital leader, supported by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, expansion of data centre infrastructure, and large-scale digital transformation across sectors.

    The country’s digital rise has been powered by increasing adoption of emerging technologies, wider internet access, and sustained investment in innovation-led growth. These factors have collectively reshaped India’s technology landscape and strengthened its role in the global digital economy.

    Artificial intelligence has emerged as a key growth driver, with applications expanding across industries such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and public services. The integration of AI-based solutions has improved efficiency, enabled automation, and supported the development of new digital services.

    At the same time, India’s data centre ecosystem has witnessed significant expansion, driven by rising demand for cloud computing, data storage, and high-speed digital connectivity. This growth has attracted strong interest from both domestic and international investors.

    Industry experts note that the combination of AI innovation and robust digital infrastructure has positioned India as a competitive hub for technology development and digital services at the global level.

    Analysts believe that continued investment in technology, skilled talent, and infrastructure will further strengthen India’s digital capabilities and global influence in the coming years.

    The transformation highlights India’s evolution into a technology-driven economy with a growing role in shaping the future of the global digital landscape.

     

  • Nestlé Professional brings the NESCAFÉ experience to Thrissur Railway Station

    Nestlé Professional, the Out-of-Home business unit of Nestlé India, has expanded its footprint in the travel segment with the opening of a new NESCAFÉ kiosk at Thrissur Railway Station in Kerala. This is Nestlé Professional’s first kiosk as a part of its partnership with Indian Railways. It aims at introducing premium branded catering experiences at railway stations and enhance passenger convenience through trusted food and beverage offerings.

    Nestlé Professional brings the NESCAFÉ experience to Thrissur Railway Station

    Talking about the association, Mr. Saurabh Makhija, Head, Nestlé Professional said

     “Indian Railways touches the lives of millions of Indians every day and has earned a place of immense trust in the hearts of consumers across the country. Being associated with such an iconic institution is a matter of great pride for us. With the launch of our NESCAFÉ outlet at Thrissur Railway Station, we are delighted to bring travellers a comforting and familiar experience through quality coffee and trusted food and beverage offerings during their journeys.”

    Mr. Jinraj Adyanthaya, Sales Head, Nestlé Professional, added,

    “Railways is a very important channel for Nestlé Professional, given its scale and ability to connect with millions of consumers on the move every day. This new initiative with Indian Railways will enable us to further expand our presence across the network while bringing a wider range of Nestle’s food and beverage offerings to consumers on the move. 

    We intend to participate in as many tenders as possible across railway divisions throughout India under this initiative, helping us strengthen our footprint in the travel segment and make our trusted brands more accessible to consumers. All outlets will be operated through Nestlé-authorized operators to ensure consistent quality, service, and consumer experience

    Located within one of Kerala’s busiest railway stations, the outlet offers travellers access to a range of hot and cold coffee beverages along with a curated selection of food options. Designed to deliver quality, convenience and consistency, the outlet aims to cater to the evolving preferences of consumers seeking reliable refreshment options while on the move.

    The launch further strengthens Nestlé Professional’s commitment to creating meaningful out-of-home consumption occasions and making trusted brands accessible across consumer touchpoints. It also builds on the growing Retail ONE network, which has crossed 1,000 kiosks across India, spanning educational institutions, healthcare facilities and travel destinations.

  • Poonam Maharana Crowned Miss Universe Odisha 2026, Advances to National Level

    Bhubaneswar, June 22: Poonam Maharana has been crowned Miss Universe Odisha 2026, securing her place in the Miss Universe India national finals after a state-level selection event held in Pune, Maharashtra.

    Representing Odisha, Poonam impressed the jury with her confidence, communication skills, and clarity of vision, standing out among participants from across the country.

    Hailing from Ganjam district, she is a B.Tech graduate in Computer Science Engineering with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Her profile reflects a blend of academic achievement and emerging leadership qualities among young Indian women.

    Her advocacy work focuses on environmental protection, social service, and entrepreneurship, with an aim to create meaningful social impact and encourage youth engagement in community development.

    Following her win, Poonam said the title represents responsibility as much as recognition. She expressed gratitude to her family and mentors for their constant support throughout her journey.

    She now prepares to compete at the national level, with aspirations of advancing further on the Miss Universe platform while continuing her work in social development initiatives.

  • International Yoga Day Celebrations Spotlight “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”

    June 22: The global observance of International Yoga Day witnessed widespread participation this year, with the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” gaining momentum across countries, communities, and wellness platforms.

    Events, workshops, and mass yoga sessions were organised in multiple regions to promote physical wellbeing, mental balance, and holistic health through traditional yoga practices. The initiative highlighted the growing global recognition of yoga as a tool for improving quality of life, particularly among older populations.

    The celebrations brought together practitioners, instructors, and wellness enthusiasts who demonstrated various yoga asanas and breathing techniques aimed at enhancing flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. Special sessions were also conducted focusing on preventive healthcare and age-friendly wellness routines.

    Organisers emphasised the importance of incorporating yoga into daily lifestyles to support healthy ageing and improve overall wellbeing. The theme encouraged individuals across age groups to adopt sustainable health practices rooted in mindfulness and physical activity.

    The observance reflected yoga’s expanding global footprint, with increasing participation from diverse cultures and communities. It also underscored the role of yoga in promoting harmony between physical health and mental wellness.

    International Yoga Day continues to serve as a platform for spreading awareness about the benefits of yoga, with this year’s celebrations reinforcing its relevance in addressing modern health challenges and supporting lifelong wellbeing.

  • Ambuja Cements Enters Partnership with Leilac for Green Cement Development

    June 22: Ambuja Cements has partnered with UK-based Leilac to develop and scale up commercial solutions for low-carbon cement production, marking a key step toward reducing emissions in one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries.

    The collaboration aims to advance carbon capture and reduction technologies that can be integrated into cement manufacturing processes. The focus is on enabling scalable solutions that support large-scale deployment of cleaner production methods in the future.

    Cement production is a major contributor to industrial carbon emissions, and the partnership reflects growing efforts within the sector to adopt more sustainable practices without compromising production efficiency or quality.

    Under the initiative, the two companies will work together on developing technologies designed to capture and reduce carbon emissions during the manufacturing process, with an emphasis on commercial viability and industrial-scale application.

    The move aligns with the global transition toward greener industrial operations and highlights increasing industry participation in climate-conscious innovation and decarbonisation efforts.

    Experts note that such collaborations are becoming more important as companies face rising pressure from regulators, investors, and consumers to reduce environmental impact while maintaining competitiveness.

    The partnership is expected to support long-term advancements in sustainable cement production and contribute to broader climate goals across the construction and infrastructure sectors.

  • Operational Efficiency Priority for 78 pc of MSMEs: Report

    June 22: A recent industry report highlights that operational efficiency has become a key focus area for 78% of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), reflecting a broader shift toward productivity improvement, cost management, and sustainable growth across the sector.

    The findings indicate that MSMEs are increasingly working to streamline operations, improve workflow systems, and adopt digital tools to enhance overall efficiency. This shift is being driven by rising competition, evolving customer expectations, and the need to maintain profitability in a rapidly changing business environment.

    The report notes that many enterprises are investing in technology-led solutions, automation, and process optimisation to reduce inefficiencies and strengthen output. In addition, a growing number of MSMEs are focusing on workforce training and better resource allocation to improve long-term performance.

    Experts say the focus on operational efficiency reflects a wider transformation within the MSME ecosystem, as businesses adapt to digitalisation and changing market dynamics.

    The study also highlights that improved efficiency is helping MSMEs reduce costs, scale operations, expand market access, and enhance competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.

    Industry observers believe that continued emphasis on efficiency and innovation will play a crucial role in strengthening the resilience and growth prospects of the MSME sector.