Next Gen Consulting

Category: Business

  • Fairmont Mumbai and Le Florence India to present Longevity Summit India: India Vows for Longevity

    Fairmont Mumbai and Le Florence India to present Longevity Summit India: India Vows for Longevity

    Mumbai, July 02: As India witnesses a growing shift towards preventive healthcare, personalised medicine, biohacking, and evidence-based longevity, the focus is rapidly moving beyond simply extending lifespan to enhancing healthspan and human performance. This evolution is creating demand for platforms that bring together global experts, pioneering research, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration to shape the future of longevity.

    Against this backdrop, Fairmont Mumbai and Le Florence India have announced Longevity Summit India 2026: India Vows for Longevity, a first-of-its-kind platform dedicated to advancing conversations around longevity science, biohacking, preventive healthcare, and human performance. Scheduled to take place on 15th–16th August 2026 at Fairmont Mumbai, the summit aims to position India at the forefront of the global longevity movement.

    Bringing together leading scientists, clinicians, biohackers, wellness pioneers, medical experts, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and luxury brands, the summit will explore the evolving intersection of science, technology, medicine, wellness, hospitality, and lifestyle, while showcasing breakthrough ideas and innovations shaping the future of healthy ageing.

    The summit marks a natural evolution of Fairmont Mumbai‘s commitment to redefining wellness through its pioneering Fairmont Spa & Longevity and Blu Xone, India‘s first luxury-integrated longevity hub. By combining advanced therapies, preventive healthcare, biohacking protocols, and personalised longevity experiences, Fairmont Mumbai has established itself as one of the country’s few hospitality destinations with a dedicated focus on healthspan optimisation.

    “The conversation around wellness is evolving rapidly, and longevity is increasingly becoming one of its most important pillars,” said Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager, Fairmont Mumbai. “Longevity Summit India is a natural extension of our vision at Fairmont Mumbai. Through Fairmont Spa & Longevity and Blu Xone, we have been building experiences centred around preventive wellness and long-term vitality. The summit allows us to take that conversation beyond the hotel and create a meaningful platform that brings together global perspectives, scientific innovation, and expertise.”

    Presented in partnership with Le Florence India, a name synonymous with curating some of India‘s most distinguished luxury experiences, the summit reflects a shared commitment to creating transformative platforms rooted in credibility, expertise, and meaningful collaboration.

    “Longevity Summit India is envisioned as a movement rather than a moment,” said Vikramjeet Sharma, Managing Director, Le Florence India. “Our ambition is to create a future-facing platform that inspires dialogue, collaboration, and innovation around one of the most important conversations of our time—how we can leverage science, technology, and preventive healthcare to help people live healthier, longer lives.”

    As the summit‘s Chief Scientific Curator, Dr. Arpit Bansal is leading the scientific direction of the programme, curating a two-day agenda alongside an international faculty of experts to ensure the discussions remain rooted in scientific rigour while advancing the global dialogue on longevity and human performance.

    “India has the opportunity to become a global leader in longevity by combining cutting-edge science with its rich heritage of preventive health and holistic well-being,” said Dr. Arpit Bansal, Chief Scientific Curator, Longevity Summit India 2026. “Our objective is to create a platform where leading researchers, clinicians, innovators, and biohackers come together to exchange knowledge, challenge conventional thinking, and shape the future of human healthspan. Longevity Summit India is designed to establish India as an important contributor to the global longevity ecosystem.”

    Further details regarding the summit programme, experiences, partnerships, and participating experts will be announced in the coming weeks.

    Longevity Summit India 2026: India Vows for Longevity will take place on 15th–16th August 2026 at Fairmont Mumbai.

  • Avantor India Appointed as Exclusive Distributor for Sartorius Filter Papers to Serve India’s Laboratory Consumables Sector

    GURGAON, India, July 02 - Avantor, a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to the life sciences and advanced technology industries, announced it has been appointed the exclusive distributor of Sartorius Filter Papers in India. This partnership strengthens Avantor India’s filtration portfolio and enhances access for customers across academic research, quality control, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food & beverage, and industrial laboratories. 

    Sartorius filter papers are widely recognized for their consistent performance, precise pore structures, and suitability for a broad range of qualitative and quantitative laboratory and industrial filtration applications. 

    Through this partnership, customers can procure Sartorius filter paper through Avantor’s established distribution network, supported by reliable customer service and expert guidance on product handling, storage, and selection across common laboratory environments. 

    “This association with Sartorius reinforces our commitment to delivering trusted, high-quality laboratory consumables to the Indian scientific community,” said Puneet Pant, Managing Director and Lab Solutions Leader, India at Avantor. “By combining Sartorius’ filtration expertise with Avantor’s strong market reach and customer support, we aim to deliver a seamless experience and enhanced value to our customers.” 

    The Sartorius filter paper range addresses routine laboratory filtration needs, including sample clarification, gravimetric analysis, environmental testing, and process quality control. With Avantor as the exclusive distributor in India, customers can expect reliable supply, strong product availability, and technical support backed by a global life sciences organization. 

    This appointment further underscores Avantor focus on strengthening its partnerships with globally respected manufacturers and expanding its consumables portfolio to meet evolving customer requirements.  

  • Rreal Tacos Acquires the Red Mesa Cantina Building in Downtown St. Pete

    The fast-growing Mexican hospitality group takes over the entire historic three-story landmark at 128 3rd Street South — five bars, the best patio courtyard in the city, and 100-plus years of St. Petersburg history — to create one of its most ambitious hospitality destinations yet.
     

    Rreal Tacos Acquires the Red Mesa Cantina Building in Downtown St. Pete

     

     
    St. Petersburg, Fl — July 2 — Rreal Tacos announced it has acquired the entire historic building at 128 3rd Street South in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg — the longtime home of the beloved Red Mesa Cantina. The three-story landmark — with more than 16,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space across its floors, courtyard, and rooftop — will be reimagined into a multi-concept dining and hospitality destination operated under a single ownership group. The acquisition marks the Atlanta-based group’s second location in Florida, following a downtown Tampa restaurant set to open in late 2026.
     
    Spanning interior, courtyard, and rooftop space, the property carries five bars across its floors and what locals widely regard as the finest patio courtyard in the city. Rreal Tacos plans to bring three distinct concepts to the building and expects to employ more than 250 working team members once all floors are open. The ground floor is slated to open first, in early 2027, with the group making a combined eight-figure investment in the acquisition and build-out.
     
    Rreal Tacos is known for coming into historic downtowns and historic buildings, and respecting the building — preserving and celebrating its original character rather than stripping it away. The company is coming to St. Petersburg to put down local roots, grow the community, and become part of the fabric of this downtown.
     
     
    The acquisition came together with remarkable speed. The same day word spread that Red Mesa Cantina would be closing, Rreal Tacos‘ CEO, Damian Otero, boarded a flight to St. Petersburg — and was sitting across the table from the building‘s owner within hours of hearing the news.
     
    The introduction that set everything in motion came from Harrison Gault, a young broker whose connection brought the two sides together and made the deal possible — moving a once-in-a-generation downtown property from rumor to signed deal in record time.
     
    From the very first conversation, the building‘s previous owner, Dean Kucera, and Rreal Tacos agreed on what mattered most: this landmark should be preserved, not torn down. Both sides deliberately turned away from the obvious alternative — a conventional real estate transaction that would have folded the property into an assembly of adjacent lots and replaced this historic building with a new, different development.
     
    Rather than pursue a deal that would have ended in demolition, Kucera chose to sell to Rreal Tacos precisely because the group committed to keeping the building intact and converting it into a hospitality-based destination experience — three concepts under one roof, the best patio in downtown St. Pete, and a build-out that honors the property’s remarkable history. At every stage, both parties shared the same goal: to serve downtown St. Petersburg with an exceptional culinary and hospitality experience while protecting the building that has anchored this corner for more than a century.
     
    The property is a true vertical entertainment block, with room for nearly 800 guests across its levels. Each level was built out for hospitality at scale, anchored by indoor and outdoor bars and crowned by an open-air rooftop overlooking downtown.
     
    Rreal Tacos will operate the entire building, bringing three distinct concepts to its three levels — all under the same hospitality group. The build-out will highlight and preserve the property’s historic features rather than strip them away, in keeping with the company’s signature approach to adaptive reuse.
     
    Rreal Tacos isn’t coming to St. Petersburg as an outsider — it’s coming to put down roots. The group is approaching this as a local company: hiring locally, partnering with the people and organizations that make downtown what it is, and investing in a building and a block that matter to this community. The aim from day one is to be a genuine part of downtown St. Pete, not just a business in it.
     
    Most of all, Rreal Tacos wants to bring new energy to this corner of the city. Three concepts, five bars, the best patio in the city, and a rooftop made for sunsets and celebration — all under one historic roof. The vision is a downtown destination where neighbors, visitors, and the whole St. Pete community can gather, eat, drink, and celebrate together for the next chapter of this building‘s life.
     
    Founded in Atlanta in 2015, Rreal Tacos has grown into one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing independent restaurant groups — without following the usual playbook. The company is not a franchise. It has no private equity backing and no outside investors. Instead, the people who run each location own a piece of it: the chefs, general managers, bar managers, and regional managers leading each restaurant hold real equity in it.
     
    Leaders are developed from within, and every expansion is funded by disciplined reinvestment back into the business. That independence shows up in the details guests can taste: handmade tortillas made to order, and an award-winning agave program built around one of the country’s most extensive tequila and mezcal selections. It’s the same long-term, build-it-to-last approach Rreal Tacos is bringing to St. Petersburg — investing in a single landmark building and opening it thoughtfully, in phases, rather than rushing.
     
    “This building has watched over downtown St. Pete for more
    than a hundred years. We didn’t buy it to change what it is — we bought it to honor it, fill it with life and hospitality for the next chapter of its life.”
    — Damian Otero, CEO, Rreal Tacos

  • Precious Metals Trade Mixed as Markets Weigh Possible Fed Rate Hold

    Precious Metals Trade Mixed as Markets Weigh Possible Fed Rate Hold

    July 2: Global gold and silver markets traded mixed amid rising expectations that the US Federal Reserve may keep interest rates unchanged in the near term.

    Gold prices moved with mild volatility as investors assessed inflation trends and signals from the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook. Silver also saw uneven trading, reflecting cautious sentiment across the commodities sector.

    Market participants are closely watching upcoming US economic data and central bank commentary for clearer cues on the future direction of interest rates, which are expected to influence precious metals in the days ahead.

  • 10on10 Foods Crosses INR14 Crore ARR in Six Months Amid Rising Demand for Freshly Milled Staples

    July 02: As Indian consumers increasingly seek fresher, minimally processed food, Bengaluru-based startup 10on10 Foods is witnessing strong demand for freshly milled staples. Within six months of scaling operations full-time, the company has crossed an Annualised Revenue Run Rate (ARR) of ₹14 crore, expanded to 18 cities, and fulfilled over 2.8 lakh orders since January, averaging 1,560 orders every day.

    Supporting this shift, an offline survey conducted by 10on10 Foods among more than 6,000 families across 35 residential societies in Bengaluru found that over 80% of respondents preferred freshly milled atta over conventionally packaged alternatives, indicating a growing preference for fresh staples without compromising on convenience.

    In March 2026, the company raised ₹2.3 crore in a pre-seed funding round from a group of angel investors, including Dr. Vikas Katoch, entrepreneur and CEO of Adomantra and Adotrip; Sumit Maheshwari, CFO at Odessa Technologies; and Shashikant Shenoy, Partner at Uniqus Consultech, among others. The funds are being used to expand production hubs, strengthen the supply chain and accelerate growth across India.

    Founded by Dr Ashish Bajaj, Avinash Jain and Mohsin Ali, 10on10 Foods was inspired by a personal search for genuinely fresh food after Ashish’s son was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes. The founders recognised that while consumers trusted packaged atta brands, they rarely knew when the flour had actually been milled. That insight led to the creation of a brand focused on making freshly milled staples easily accessible.

    Today, 10on10 Foods serves consumers across Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Central Goa, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Noida, Pune and Vizag through production hubs and partnerships with quick-commerce platforms including Blinkit and BigBasket. The company also achieved EBITDA break-even within five months of launch, reflecting strong operating discipline and healthy consumer demand as it continues to scale.

    Consumer loyalty continues to fuel growth, with a 32% repeat purchase rate, while 27% of customers upgrade from a 1 kg to a 5 kg pack within a month. In Bengaluru, its High Protein range has recorded over 60% repeat purchases through quick-commerce platforms. Additionally, Jowar and Ragi contribute nearly 39% of monthly sales, reflecting growing consumer interest in traditional grains.

    “For years, consumers accepted that convenience came at the cost of freshness. We believe India is entering the era of fresh staples, where people expect trusted brands to deliver genuinely fresh food. Crossing a ₹14 crore ARR within six months and fulfilling over 2.8 lakh orders tells us this is more than our growth story, it’s a reflection of changing consumer expectations,” said Dr Ashish Bajaj, CEO and Co-founder, 10on10 Foods.

    As it expands, the company aims to strengthen direct sourcing partnerships with farmers and continue building a category around fresh, minimally processed staples for Indian households.

  • Heat Stress Raises the Bar for How Gulf Luxury Homes Must Be Built

     

    Keturah founder says new climate research demands rethink from region’s developers

    Heat Stress Raises the Bar for How Gulf Luxury Homes Must Be Built

     

    Dubai, UAE, July 2: Developers across the Gulf region need to fundamentally rethink how luxury homes are designed and built, as rising heat stress exposes the limitations of construction materials and methods that were never engineered for this climate.

    Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand, says developers must respond by selecting materials and systems specifically designed to manage the heat, humidity and air quality challenges that Gulf residents live with year-round.

    His comments follow new climate research published by scientists at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, which found a sharp intensification of heat stress globally since the 1970s, with the Arabian Peninsula among the regions most affected.

    The study showed that heat stress, the leading cause of weather-related deaths, involves the build-up of body heat due to high temperatures, often combined with other factors such as high humidity.

    Heat can exacerbate underlying cardiovascular, respiratory and mental health conditions, especially for vulnerable people, outdoor workers and urban residents.

    Across the Arabian Peninsula, the ten warmest days of the year now feel up to 4°C hotter than in the 1970s, and further increases are projected as emissions continue to rise.

    Inside homes, the main risks are moisture build-up, mold from condensation, and volatile organic compounds from conventional paints and finishes that intensify in enclosed, air-conditioned spaces.

    “Outdoor temperatures are only part of the problem,” said Al Gaddah. “How walls manage moisture, how air moves through a space, and the surfaces residents live with daily all determine whether a home genuinely protects the people inside it.”

    As awareness of these risks grows, air quality, material certifications and indoor environmental performance influence how luxury homes are evaluated, and Keturah’s two major Dubai developments have been designed with this in mind.

    At Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion luxury bio-living community, AED200 million has been invested in health-led construction, incorporating antimicrobial tiling, breathable wall systems and zero-VOC finishes chosen for the specific demands of the region’s climate.

    The Ritz-Carlton Residences at Keturah Resort, on the shores of Dubai Creek adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, applies the same principles across a development that combines branded residences, hospitality and a dedicated wellness centre.

    Al Gaddah says health-led construction is no longer an optional consideration for developers in this region, but a baseline standard that buyer expectations and the science now both demand.

    Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan both place a clear emphasis on sustainable and healthy urban development, giving the shift towards health-conscious construction a firm policy foundation across the region’s two largest real estate markets.

    “The next generation of luxury homes in this region will be defined not by how they look but by how well they perform for the people living in them,” said Al Gaddah. “Buyers are sophisticated enough now to ask the right questions, and developers need to have the right answers.”

     

  • Sensex and Nifty Trade Higher on Strong Auto Sales and Softer Crude Prices

    Mumbai, July 2: Indian equity markets traded higher on Wednesday, supported by strong auto sector performance and easing global crude oil prices, which boosted investor sentiment.

    Sensex and Nifty Trade Higher on Strong Auto Sales and Softer Crude Prices

    Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty opened on a positive note and maintained gains through the session as buying interest was seen across key sectors, particularly automobiles and select banking stocks.

    Market sentiment improved following robust monthly auto sales data, which signalled steady domestic demand. Additionally, a decline in crude oil prices helped ease concerns over inflation and import costs.

    Broader markets also reflected positive momentum, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks participating in the upward trend.

    Analysts noted that investor focus remains on global economic cues, crude oil movements, and upcoming corporate earnings for further direction in the markets.

  • AU Small Finance Bank inaugurates ‘AU Bank Capital House’ in New Delhi, strengthening its national presence

    Chandigarh, July 2: AU Small Finance Bank , India’s largest Small Finance Bank and the first institution in over a decade to receive in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India to transition into a Universal Bank, today announced the inauguration of its new office, ‘AU Bank Capital House’, at the World Trade Centre, New Delhi.AU Small Finance Bank inaugurates ‘AU Bank Capital House’ in New Delhi, strengthening its national presence

    The office was inaugurated by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal,  Minister of State  for Law & Justice, Government of India, in the presence of the Bank’s Chairman, Mr. H. R. Khan; Managing Director & CEO, Mr. Sanjay Agarwal; Board members; and senior leadership team.

    Located in the heart of the national capital, AU Bank Capital House will serve as a key office for the Bank’s senior leadership while offering a full suite of banking services across retail, MSME, wholesale, and digital segments, catering to customers and institutions. The presence is expected to enable closer engagement, support seamless execution of strategic initiatives, and further strengthen AU SFB’s footprint in one of India’s most important economic and administrative centres.

    Over three decades, AU has evolved from a regional vehicle finance company into a scaled, diversified banking franchise with a strong national presence, underpinned by a customer-centric approach, robust asset quality, digital-first capabilities, and a consistent growth trajectory.

    Commenting on the development, Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said, 

    “The inauguration of AU Bank Capital House in New Delhi marks an important milestone in our journey as we continue to build a bank of national relevance. As India’s capital plays a pivotal role in shaping economic and financial priorities, this presence enables us to engage more meaningfully with key stakeholders while delivering our comprehensive banking offerings to a diverse customer base. With our strong fundamentals and future-ready approach, we remain committed to supporting India’s growth story.”

    As on 31 March 2026, the Bank serves over 1.2 crore customers through ~2,790 banking touchpoints across 21 states and 4 Union Territories, supported by a workforce of 59,200+ employees, with a balance sheet exceeding  INR1.9 lakh crore, deposits of INR1,52,661 crore and advances of INR1,40,327 crore.

  • Zydus Wellness appoints Dr. Shyam Ramakrishnan as Chief Scientific Officer

    Zydus Wellness appoints Dr. Shyam Ramakrishnan as Chief Scientific Officer

    July 02: Zydus Wellness Limited today announced the appointment of Dr. Shyam Ramakrishnan as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), effective July 1, 2026. The appointment, approved by the Board of Directors based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, reinforces the company’s commitment to advancing science-led innovation and strengthening its research and development capabilities.

    With this appointment, Zydus Wellness aims to further strengthen its scientific leadership and innovation pipeline, and accelerate the development of differentiated, science-backed products across its wellness portfolio.

    As Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Ramakrishnan will lead the company’s scientific strategy, driving innovation across nutrition, health and wellness while strengthening research capabilities to develop consumer-centric, science-backed products.

    Dr. Ramakrishnan brings more than 25 years of global experience across nutrition, dietary supplements, beauty, personal care and functional foods. He has held leadership roles across the United States, India, Southeast Asia. and Brazil, with deep expertise in translational science, clinical research, bioinformatics and innovation platform development.

    Prior to joining Zydus Wellness, he held leadership positions at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, The Himalaya Drug Company, ITC Ltd. and Amway, where he led multidisciplinary teams and drove innovation across the consumer health and wellness portfolio.

    Dr. Ramakrishnan holds a PhD in Biological Chemistry & Genetics from the University of Texas and has completed postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School and Hoffmann-La Roche.

  • Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi Underlines Emirate’s Global Competitiveness with Guidebook for Growing International Maritime Enterprises

    Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi Underlines Emirate’s Global Competitiveness with Guidebook for Growing International Maritime Enterprises

    Abu Dhabi, UAE – 01 July 2026: Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi – a platform for collaboration across the emirate’s growing maritime sector, operated by Abu Dhabi Maritime and led by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the emirate’s Department of Municipalities and Transport – has launched a new guidebook to help international maritime businesses and entrepreneurs settle  and grow in the emirate.

    The guidebook, titled “Abu Dhabi’s Compass for Maritime Businesses: Your Gateway to Global Opportunity,” outlines the core drivers of Abu Dhabi’s maritime competitiveness and growth opportunities for a global audience.

    Backed by facts, figures, and testimonials, as well as insights from DNV, the publication emphasises Abu Dhabi’s strategic position as a global trade hub, enabled by world-class infrastructure and integrated multimodal connectivity across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Each carefully curated section presents a clear and compelling business case for international enterprises and prospective maritime partners.

    It also highlights how global companies can benefit from Abu Dhabi’s next phase of economic growth as the emirate emerges as one of the world’s fastest-rising maritime hubs, climbing 10 places since 2022 to rank 22nd in the “Leading Maritime Cities (LMC)” global benchmarking report.

    The guidebook includes overviews of Abu Dhabi’s expansive maritime ecosystem, business environment, established network of industry stakeholders and institutions, and comfortable and welcoming lifestyle. Finally, it offers resources and contacts for interested parties to begin their journey in the emirate.

    Overall, the guidebook underlines Abu Dhabi’s long-term stability as a future-ready and resilient destination for trade, investment, and innovation. Its launch also aligns with the UAE national vision for diversified, sustainable economic development.

    Led by the Integrated Transport Centre and operated by Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group, Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi unites government and private stakeholders in the emirate’s maritime sector with a goal to spark connection, create domestic and international opportunities, and collaborate on initiatives to elevate the emirate’s status as a global maritime centre. 

    Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said: “The launch of Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector guidebook directly supports the UAE’s economic vision by positioning the local sector as an attractive and competitive opportunity for global business leaders. It also reaffirms the Integrated Transport Centre’s commitment to inclusive, informed mobility that supports economic growth. Maritime Hub continues to elevate the emirate’s status as a leading maritime centre that is resilient, sustainable, and future-ready.” 

    Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Group Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer at AD Ports Group, said: “This guidebook is a gateway to opportunity for international entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the economic power of one of the world’s most uniquely positioned global trade and logistics hubs. Developed in collaboration with our partners from the public and private sectors, the guidebook provides data-supported insights into Abu Dhabi’s business ecosystem, as well as access to an established community of maritime leaders, experts, and researchers through Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi.”