Category: Business

Bengaluru, India, June 16: Saviynt, a leading provider of identity security, today released major enhancements to its Agent Access Gateway — a runtime authorization layer that controls what AI agents can do as they interact with applications, data, APIs, tools, infrastructure, and other agents.

As enterprises move AI agents from experimentation into production, security teams face a new access problem. Agents can reason, adapt, and execute thousands of actions across business systems within seconds. Traditional access controls, which were designed for human users and static applications, cannot always determine whether an agent’s action is appropriate the moment it occurs.

Saviynt’s Agent Access Gateway addresses this challenge by enforcing policy at runtime. Today’s release introduces Intent–Aware Runtime Authorization™ (IARA), a new capability that evaluates AI agent actions in real time based on identity, context, policy, and intent. If an action falls outside approved boundaries, Saviynt can block it and generate an audit event at runtime. With IARA, organizations can protect sensitive resources from unintended or unauthorized actions. 

“AI agents are becoming a new class of enterprise identity — autonomous, powerful, and capable of taking action across critical business systems,” said Vibhuti Sinha, Chief Product Officer, Saviynt. “Agent Access Gateway gives enterprises a way to control AI agent behavior at runtime, when decisions actually happen. With IARA, organizations can move beyond static permissions and make access decisions based on what an agent is trying to do, why it is doing it, and whether that action should be allowed.”

Along with IARA, Saviynt also announced expanded capabilities within its broader Identity Security for AI solution to help organizations address identity governance and security posture across the entire AI ecosystem. Agent Access Gateway now enables organizations to:

• Evaluate AI agent actions at runtime, in real-time, based on identity, context, policies, and intent
• Control an agent’s access to tools at runtime using static and dynamic policies
• Determine who an AI agent acts for by recognizing whether it carries out actions independently, on behalf of a human, or via another AI agent.

As AI agents increasingly interact with humans and other agents, governance should apply to every access. For example, a sales operations agent may be authorized to access CRM data to summarize a customer opportunity. But if that agent then attempts to export customer records, modify pricing terms, or trigger outbound communications, the critical question is whether those actions match the user’s original intent — not simply whether the agent is technically authorized to perform them. Saviynt’s intent–aware runtime enforcement is designed to identify that mismatch at runtime and prevent the action before it occurs.

The latest release also features new inbound and outbound access controls for AI agents, bringing identity governance principles to autonomous systems. Organizations can now govern who is authorized to interact with AI agents and what applications, data, and resources those agents are permitted to access. This enables enterprises to enforce least privilege, strengthen accountability, and reduce the risk of unauthorized AI actions at scale.

Saviynt’s Identity Security for AI control plane enables AI agent visibility, management, governance, and access across every layer of the stack – where they’re built, where they run, and the enterprise applications where they take action. The latest release extends Saviynt’s ecosystem of native integrations to include Microsoft Foundry, N8N, Snowflake Cortex, and more.

Additionally, Saviynt introduced new identity verification capabilities to help organizations reduce impersonation risk as AI assistance makes fraud, social engineering, and unauthorized access attempts easier to execute. New capabilities also provide high-assurance identity verification directly within the Saviynt platform for human identity certification, including biometric scanning, selfie photos, liveness detection, and support for more than 4,000 government-issued document formats across more than 177 countries.

Together, these capabilities help organizations address two of the most urgent AI-related security challenges facing enterprises today: controlling agent access at runtime and reducing identity impersonation risk.

Saviynt will demonstrate Saviynt Agent Access Gateway, including IARA, as well as owner recommendation for lifecycle governance, and identity verification capabilities at Identiverse. Attendees can visit Saviynt at booth 501 to see how Saviynt helps enterprises control agent access at runtime and strengthen identity assurance across the AI ecosystem. A free trial of Saviynt’s Identity Security for AI product is available here.

New Delhi, June 16: In a remarkably short span, The Matic Studio has emerged as one of India’s notable creative and animation studios, building a reputation for delivering high-impact visual storytelling, immersive brand experiences, and technology-driven creative solutions for leading national and global brands. 

Founded by Sidharth Vohra, The Matic Studio has collaborated with prominent organisations, including Dolby Atmos, Samsung, Mahindra, Tata, Adani, Vivo, Intel, Suzuki, TVS Motor Company, and Lenskart. The studio’s work has transcended traditional advertising and content creation, finding recognition on prestigious international platforms such as Times Square, New York, as well as showcases during New York, London, and Paris Fashion Week and leading art exhibitions in Dubai. He also serves as an advisor to the Ministry of MSME under the IID incubation programme for animation and motion design, contributing to initiatives that support innovation and the growth of India’s creative and startup ecosystem. 

As part of its next phase of growth, The Matic Studio is significantly expanding its service portfolio. While the company initially built its foundation in 3D modelling and 3D animation, it now offers a broader suite of creative services, including CGI and VFX production, 2D animation, motion graphics, interactive web design, and immersive digital experiences. This evolution reflects the growing demand for integrated creative solutions that combine design, technology, and experimental design as a one-stop shop for brands. 

Further strengthening its creative offering, the studio is also venturing into experiential design through Matic.Live, a dedicated initiative focused on live event curation and immersive brand experiences. The new vertical aims to create meaningful connections between digital content and physical environments through innovative event concepts and audience engagement formats.

The studio’s growth has been accompanied by industry recognition, with The Matic Studio being rated among the Top 20 Animation Studios in India. Under Vohra’s leadership, the company continues to embrace emerging technologies, including AI-assisted creative workflows and advanced visualisation tools, to push the boundaries of modern storytelling.

“Over the years, we’ve developed expertise across a wide spectrum of creative services, from animation and CGI visualisation to digital experiences and immersive storytelling. This breadth of capability allows us to solve creative challenges from multiple perspectives and offer brands a more integrated approach to communication. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on delivering meaningful experiences regardless of the medium,” said Sidharth Vohra, Founder & Creative Director, The Matic Studio.  

Beyond commercial projects, Vohra actively contributes to the design and innovation ecosystem through guest lectures and workshops on AI, creativity, and design at institutions such as Amity University, IIAD, and MIT.

With a growing global footprint, an expanding range of services, and a commitment to creative innovation, The Matic Studio is positioning itself as a future-focused creative partner for brands looking to build impactful visual and experiential narratives in an increasingly digital world.

SEATTLE, June 16:  As global soccer brings visitors from across the country and around the world to Seattle, Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington is proud to introduce a vibrant new addition to its Seattle flagship store, the world’s largest Goodwill: a permanent mural by celebrated Seattle artist Stevie Shao. 

Located just steps from Seattle Stadium, Goodwill’s 70,000-square-foot flagship store offers a distinctly local experience for visitors: part retail destination, part reflection of Seattle’s commitment to sustainability and community. Now, with the addition of Shao’s mural in one of its most visible, high-traffic interior spaces, the store offers an even richer sense of place for both travelers and locals exploring the neighborhood.

As one of the most unique retail destinations near the stadium, the store offers something distinctly local: a shopping experience shaped by community contributions, where every purchase supports life-changing programs—and now, a striking work of art that brings that mission to life.

The mural gives the space a new look at a time when the city is drawing global attention. Created in Shao’s signature style, it draws inspiration from themes of community, opportunity, and place, which makes her the perfect partner for a project rooted in the diversity and energy of Seattle’s Chinatown–International District and surrounding community. Completed in early June and designed as a permanent installation, the mural is intended to become a defining feature of the flagship store. As visitors explore the city this summer, Goodwill offers more than a place to shop; it’s an opportunity to experience a uniquely local intersection of art, community, and impact.

For more than 100 years, Evergreen Goodwill has generated revenue through retail to support tuition-free job training and education programs across Northwest Washington. The new installation builds on that mission by investing in placemaking and storytelling, transforming a high-traffic retail environment into a space that reflects the people and communities it serves.

The mural marks Evergreen Goodwill’s second collaboration with Shao, following a limited-edition tote bag for Secondhand Sunday last year. The continued partnership highlights the organization’s approach to working with artists as creative collaborators, while deepening ties to the local arts community.

 

 

 

Hakusan, Japan – EIZO Corporation (TSE: 6737) announced that it has been recognized as a Supplier Engagement Leader, the highest rating, for the fourth consecutive year by the CDP, an international not-for-profit organization that operates a global disclosure system for managing environmental impacts.

The CDP’s annual Supplier Engagement Assessment (SEA) evaluates a company’s supply chain engagement as it relates to climate issues based on responses to five key areas of the CDP Climate Change Questionnaire related to risk management processes, governance and business strategy, supplier engagement, scope 3 emissions incl verification, and targets. By engaging with their suppliers on climate change, Supplier Engagement Leaders play a crucial role in the transition to a net-zero sustainable economy.

In line with EIZO’s corporate philosophy of “Through the pursuit of imaging solutions with advanced technologies, we enrich people in their professional and personal lives,” EIZO has continued to carry out environmentally conscious product manufacturing and business activities.

EIZO is further accelerating Response to Climate Change and Supply Chain Management, EIZO’s materialities, by implementing information disclosure based on TCFD recommendations and obtaining SBT certification for its GHG (greenhouse gas) emission reduction targets, with the understanding and cooperation of our suppliers. In addition, EIZO established its “Transition to Net Zero” climate transition plan, under which EIZO aims to achieve Net Zero GHG emissions by the year 2040. EIZO will continue to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society through these and other initiatives.

New Delhi, June 16: Annual WPI inflation (provisional) stood at 9.68 per cent, compared with 8.26 per cent in April 2026. Fuel and Power inflation accelerated to 30.33 per cent, while Manufactured Products inflation rose to 7.48 per cent. Key contributors to inflation included mineral oils, crude petroleum and natural gas, chemicals, and basic metals.

“The launch of the new WPI and Producer Price Index series represents an important modernization of India’s price statistics architecture. The updated methodology, expanded coverage, and improved representation of economic activity will provide policymakers, businesses, and researchers with more accurate and relevant indicators of producer-level price movements said Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI.

Office of the Economic Adviser, has launched a revised series of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) with base year 2022-23, replacing the existing 2011-12 series. Simultaneously, the Government has introduced new series of Output Producer Price Index (OPPI), Trial Input Producer Price Index (IPPI), and Service Producer Price Indices (Service PPIs) for selected service sectors.

The revised framework reflects structural changes in the Indian economy, incorporates a larger basket of commodities, and adopts improved methodologies for weighting, index compilation, and treatment of missing data. The new WPI basket contains 957 items compared to 697 items in the previous series and includes emerging energy sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear power.

But looking ahead, the recently announced framework agreement between the United States and Iran, including the proposed reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, could have important implications for wholesale inflation in India, he said.

Global crude oil prices have already declined sharply on expectations of improved energy supplies and reduced geopolitical risk, with Brent crude falling by around 4% following the announcement.

Since fuel and power inflation was a key driver of the 9.68% WPI inflation recorded in May 2026, a sustained easing in international oil prices could moderate cost pressures across fuel, transport, chemicals, metals, and other energy-intensive sectors in the coming months.

The newly released Output Producer Price Index recorded an index level of 109.6 in May 2026, while the Trial Input Producer Price Index for the manufacturing sector stood at 104.9. Service Producer Price Indices have also been released for seven service sectors, including banking, insurance, telecom, railways, air passenger transport, securities transactions, and pension fund management.

The parallel publication of WPI and PPI over the next five years will facilitate a smooth transition toward a producer price framework that is increasingly adopted across advanced and emerging economies. Going forward, the expanded data on producer price indicators is expected to strengthen inflation analysis, and improve industry-level price monitoring said Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, SG & CEO, PHDCCI.

Cairo, Egypt, 16 June: Pathfinder International officially launched Women&Co, a new innovation platform designed to advance women’s economic empowerment, employment, and inclusive opportunities while devising solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges in Egypt. The launch event brought together key stakeholders and featured the participation of Ms. Dina El Serafy, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity for International Cooperation; Dr. Sahar El Sonbaty, President of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM); Ms. May Mahmoud, General Director of the Women Business Development Center at the National Council for Women (NCW); Ambassador Nabila Makram, Head of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance for Civil Development; and Dr. Mohamed Abou Nar, Chief Programs & Impact Officer at Pathfinder International.

The event also brought together representatives from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), CARE International, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), Banque Misr and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Egypt.

The launch event marked the announcement of the first service to be offered under the platform: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) advisory and capacity-strengthening services for the private sector. The services will support companies in improving ESG performance, strengthening workplace inclusion, and advancing climate-responsive policies and practices. Particular emphasis will be placed on helping businesses strengthen the social dimension of ESG through gender-equitable workplaces, inclusive leadership pipelines, employee wellbeing, and female workforce retention. By translating these practices into measurable ESG indicators, companies can enhance their sustainability performance, strengthen their readiness for sustainable and green finance, and improve long-term business resilience and competitiveness.

The launch brought together senior representatives from government, the private sector, financial institutions, development agencies, and international organizations to explore how gender equity, climate action, and sustainable finance can drive more resilient and inclusive economic growth in Egypt.

A key feature of the event was its co-creation approach. Through workshops and consultations, private-sector partners, civil society organizations, and women from local communities worked directly with Pathfinder to help shape future of inclusive ESG service offerings, ensuring that solutions are practical, business-driven, and tailored to the specific needs of women and companies operating in Egypt.

Commenting on the launch, Dr. Mohamed Abou Nar, Chief Programs & Impact Officer at Pathfinder International, welcomed the strong participation of representatives from government entities, the private sector, financial institutions, development agencies, and international organizations. He emphasized that the launch of Women&Co marks a strategic step toward advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Egypt.

“The launch of Women&Co is more than the introduction of a new platform; it reflects a tangible commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and strengthening their active role in development, in line with Egypt Vision 2030, which places women at the heart of the country’s sustainable development agenda,” said Abou Nar.

He added: “We firmly believe that empowering women and creating equal opportunities in employment and entrepreneurship not only improves the lives of women and their families, but also represents a direct investment in building a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable economy. Through Women&Co, we aim to develop practical and sustainable solutions that support women, businesses, and local communities while generating measurable social and economic impact. The platform adopts a collaborative approach that brings together the public and private sectors, civil society organizations, and development partners to design services and initiatives that address real market needs and contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth pathways in Egypt.”

Pathfinder International highlighted the importance of positioning women’s economic inclusion as a driver of sustainable business performance, ESG readiness, and long-term competitiveness. Discussions throughout the day explored topics including gender inclusion in the workplace, carbon emissions reduction, the implications of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for Egyptian businesses, and pathways to expanding access to green and inclusive finance.

Chennai, Tamil Nadu  June 16: Chennai’s residential real estate market is witnessing a significant transformation, with women increasingly emerging as independent homebuyers and investors. The trend, backed by recent market data, reflects growing financial independence, evolving investment preferences, and a stronger inclination toward long-term asset creation among women professionals.

According to data released at the recently concluded CREDAI FAIRPRO 2026 property exhibition, women accounted for 33 percent of the 460 confirmed property bookings recorded during the three-day event, representing one in every three purchases and contributing to the overall sales value of ₹451 crore.

Industry experts believe this shift marks an important milestone in the evolution of Chennai’s housing market. Beyond end-use requirements, women are increasingly viewing real estate as a strategic investment that offers financial security, capital appreciation, and ownership stability.

Commenting on the trend, Bala Ramajayam, Managing Director, G Square Housing, said, “The growing participation of women buyers reflects increasing financial confidence and awareness about long-term wealth creation through real estate. Buyers today are evaluating properties not just as homes but as valuable assets that can appreciate over time. We are witnessing strong interest in plotted developments across growth corridors such as OMR, GST Road, and ECR, where infrastructure expansion and connectivity improvements continue to enhance investment potential.”

The preference for ownership over renting has also gained momentum among women buyers. Real estate offers greater financial control and long-term security, making it an attractive alternative to recurring rental expenses.

Market data from FAIRPRO 2026 further revealed that apartments remained the preferred housing category, contributing more than ₹251 crore in sales through 190 unit bookings. Among apartment configurations, 2 BHK homes emerged as the most sought-after option, accounting for 48 percent of bookings, while 3 BHK homes contributed the highest revenue within the apartment segment.

Location preferences also highlighted the growing importance of connectivity and infrastructure. Chennai’s southern suburbs accounted for nearly half of all apartment bookings at 49 percent, followed by west central, west suburban, and south central regions.

As more women take independent financial decisions and prioritize asset ownership, industry stakeholders expect their influence on housing demand, project design, and investment patterns to continue growing in the coming years. The trend signals a more mature, financially aware, and confident buyer segment that is playing an increasingly important role in shaping Chennai’s real estate landscape.

Mumbai, June 16: The 19th edition of HGH India opens on June 30 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, and runs through July 3. Across three halls, the show will bring together 700 brands and manufacturers from over 30 countries, drawing trade visitors from more than 750 cities and towns across India. With the first release for HGH India 2026 having introduced the show‘s scale and market context, this release focuses on what is on the floor. 

Three Halls. Every Category in India‘s Home Trade.

The 2026 edition is spread across three halls. Hall 6 covers Home Textiles, Decorative Furnishings, Bed and Bath, Table and Kitchen Linen, Rugs and Carpets, Mattress, Technical Textiles and more. Hall 3 brings Home Décor, tabletop, wall and floor décor, handicrafts, home fragrances, artificial flowers, decorative lighting and gifts.  Hall 4 hosts Houseware and Gifts, including the Smart Kitchen Pavilion.

Mr. Arun Roongta, Managing Director, HGH India, said, “Over 18 editions, we have watched the Indian home market go through cycles of aspiration, disruption, and reinvention. What is different now is the scale and the geography of the shift. The consumer driving growth today is not only in metros but also in 700 cities and towns across the country, upgrading their homes with the same intent and the same discernment as any metro buyer. HGH India 2026 is built around that reality. The products on this floor, the conversations in our knowledge sessions, and the connections made across our pavilions are all designed for the industry that is serving this India.”

Brands on the Floor

The exhibitor mix reflects both established industry depth and newer entrants bringing new  product directions.

The exhibitor mix combines established leaders with newer, design-led brands across all major home categories. In home textiles, Maspar, Bianca, Pomme and Grhamoy represent the shift toward better design, improved comfort technologies and stronger branding in bedding, bath and soft furnishings. In houseware and kitchenware, Borosil, Cello World, Hawkins, Vinod, Tramontina and Bergner anchor a landscape where Indian and global brands compete on performance, materials and everyday usability. In home décor, IRIS and NaturallYours show how home fragrance and sustainable handcrafted décor are now central to how Indian consumers personalise their living spaces.

Indian Heritage Pavilion

Backed by the Ministry of Textiles, the Ministry of MSME, EPCH, HEPC, the National Jute Board and more , the Indian Heritage Pavilion brings together national award-winning artisans, handloom weavers and handicraft producers. Live demonstrations and curated displays connect heritage crafts with retail and distribution channels, turning long-standing skills into real business opportunities.

Smart Kitchen Pavilion

The Smart Kitchen Pavilion in Hall 4 is built around the practical changes shaping the modern kitchen. Innovation, convenience, healthier cooking, sustainability, energy efficiency and design all belong in this space because they define what today’s buyers expect from kitchen products.

The story here is about lifestyle change. As urban consumers look for products that make cooking faster, easier, more organised and more enjoyable, smart kitchens are becoming an expectation rather than a novelty. Renowned chefs would be also be preparing and sharing their best recipes.

Sustainability Pavilion

The Sustainability Pavilion brings together brands building collections around conscious material use, responsible sourcing and reduced environmental footprint. Cotton, bamboo, cane, wood, terracotta, recycled fibres and biodegradable composites are at the centre, with participants such as Sapana Polyweave, Oodaii by Amaravathi Textiles, Birla Cellulose and Sainik illustrating different approaches to sustainable product development.

International Participation

HGH India 2026 hosts one of its strongest international line-ups, with brands from Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond. Italy is represented through the Italian Trade Embassy and brands such as Luigi Bormioli, Borgonovo and RCR, while France comes in via Duralex, Crystal d’Arques, Luminarc and cleaning specialist LACO. Turkey’s Pasabahce and Nude, Belgium’s BergHOFF, Austria’s Bergner, Brazil’s Tramontina, South Korea’s LocknLock and Glasslock, Ukraine’s JSC Slovyanski Shpalery, Thailand’s Kripp, and a wide UK and US portfolio through Seeba Industries together give Indian buyers a realistic view of global standards in cookware, glassware, dinnerware, storage and décor. 

HGH India Interactive

HGH India Interactive is the show’s knowledge platform, offering expert-led panels and presentations that sit alongside the product floor. Sessions will focus on changing consumer preferences in technical textiles, home categories, retail and digital transformation, e-commerce and merchandising strategies, product design and trend forecasting, and sustainability. The programme is designed for brands, retailers, distributors, designers and analysts who want market intelligence as well as sourcing opportunities.

H-Circle Product Innovation Awards – Fifth Edition

The H-Circle Product Innovation Awards, which has become a valuable marker of product newness and relevance for the Indian market, recognises new thinking in design, functionality, materials and product development across all exhibitor categories. Now in its fifth year, the awards this edition introduce three new special recognition categories: Contemporary, Futuristic and Sustainable. All nominated products are on display in a dedicated zone within the show, making it the show‘s most concentrated point of product discovery. Winners are announced at an awards evening.

PreSense 2026-27: Trend Forecast

Through the PreSense Trends Pavilion, HGH India 2026 presents its Trends Forecast for 2026–27, built on the insight that as the world grows more virtual, the impulse to touch, feel and sense becomes stronger. Four themes anchor the forecast: Manchala Mind, capturing the expressive energy of younger consumers; Sun Woven, focusing on warmth, craft and material richness; Kala Sangam, where cultural heritage meets contemporary aesthetics; and Colour Wave, draws inspiration from urban living and modern architecture offering a broad playground for colours The pavilion turns these ideas into usable colour palettes, material references and display cues for brands and retailers.

19th HGH India | June 30 to July 3, 2026 | Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai

Trade visitors can pre-register at visitors.hghindia.com. Pre-registration before June 20 saves Rs. 1,000 on the entry fee. Entry is open to trade professionals across manufacturing, retail, distribution, architecture and interior design.

 

BENGALURU, India, June 16: Sarvam, India’s full-stack sovereign AI company, announced that it has raised $234 million in the first close of its $300 million Series B at a post-money valuation of $1.5 billion. HCLTech and Bessemer Venture Partners invested in the round, with continued support from existing investors Khosla Ventures and Peak XV Partners.

Sarvam builds across the AI stack: training and inference infrastructure, frontier model research, and a go-to-market motion spanning enterprises, developers, and government. The investment will fund Sarvam’s continued research on training its next frontier model for agentic, coding, and cybersecurity use-cases, as well as access to compute at scale to expand its forward-deployed motion across key verticals.

“We are clear that research-led innovation to create AI that works at India’s scale is a very large opportunity. That means models that understand our voices, read our documents, and serve intelligence at a cost every enterprise and government can afford. Building on this template, we are innovating on a full-stack offering for enterprises to own and operate their own sovereign AI,” said Pratyush Kumar, Co-Founder of Sarvam.

HCLTech will invest $150M as the lead strategic investor in this round. By combining its deep enterprise transformation expertise, trusted global client relationships, data and other software IP, and engineering depth, HCLTech would accelerate Sarvam’s goal of building a powerful, end-to-end sovereign AI ecosystem for India and beyond.

C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director of HCLTech said, “Our investment in Sarvam marks a significant step toward building India’s trusted and globally competitive AI ecosystem. By bringing together Sarvam’s research in AI models with HCLTech’s global presence, we are creating a differentiated full-stack AI platform for enterprises and governments, strengthening our ability to deliver secure, scalable, and responsible AI solutions.”

Sarvam’s research has shipped at pace. In the last few months, it has released foundational models, all trained from scratch in India. Sarvam 105B matches or outperforms larger reasoning models on knowledge, reasoning, and agentic benchmarks, while Sarvam 30B is optimised for the edge, running on consumer hardware. Sarvam Vision, built for handwriting and Indian-language records, is being used to digitise over 35 million pages from insurance forms to legacy land records. Sarvam’s speech models work in India’s complex settings, transcribing over half a million hours of audio each month.

Sarvam’s products are rapidly scaling, focused on the verticals where the stakes are highest: banking, insurance, gov tech, and defence. Sarvam’s conversational platform now handles over 2 million interactions a day, with usage doubling in the last two months. Sarvam’s agentic platform is scaling rapidly. A leading fintech powers its 350,000-strong sales force with a sales enablement platform that is delivering demonstrable gains. Sarvam’s models are also being adopted by developers served on its inference platform in India which processes 10 million API calls daily, with usage tripling in the last three months.

Sarvam’s deployments are also creating impact at population scale. With multilingual voice agents, Sarvam’s platform collected high-quality data from 17 million farmers providing deep insights to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare. For one of India’s leading insurance providers, a nationwide voice campaign supported low cost policy renewals for 45 million policyholders.

“Our ambition is to diffuse this technology widely in India, creating significant value across sectors for citizens, small businesses, enterprises, and state and central governments. We are positioned to both help them adopt and innovate on AI. The partnership with HCLTech provides a unique example of an Indian corporate helping build foundational strength in AI,” said Vivek Raghavan, Co-Founder of Sarvam.

“Sarvam is building and deploying India’s sovereign AI platform – serving 1.4 billion citizens, mission-critical sectors, and large enterprises. Pratyush and Vivek have brought together the rare combination of research depth, engineering talent, and institutional trust to meet India’s voice and agentic needs, and we are proud to partner with them,” said Pankaj Mitra, Partner, Bessemer Venture Partners.

The MENA Fintech Association and Swiss Fintech Association Forge Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Global Fintech Integration, Cross-Border Innovation, and Ecosystem Empowerment

 

15th June 2026 – Abu Dhabi, UAE – The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) and the Swiss Fintech Association (SFTA) today announced a landmark strategic partnership designed to advance a new era of cross-border collaboration, ecosystem integration, and innovation-led financial transformation across global markets.

This alliance reflects a shared conviction that the future of financial services will be defined by interconnected ecosystems, seamless knowledge exchange, and the collective empowerment of institutions, innovators, and talent across geographies.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed with the Swiss Fintech Association, represented by its President, Phillip Weights, marking a significant milestone in strengthening institutional ties between the two ecosystems. The engagement was held under the presence and facilitation of H.E. Arthur Mattli, Ambassador – Embassy of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates & Kingdom of Bahrain, whose support underscored the strategic importance of deepening bilateral cooperation in financial innovation and reinforcing cross-border ecosystem linkages.

At the heart of this partnership lies a bold commitment to cross-border collaboration, enabling structured engagement between fintech ecosystems in the MENA region and Switzerland. Both associations aim to eliminate silos that limit innovation, fostering a unified platform for dialogue between startups, regulators, investors, financial institutions, and technology leaders.

A central objective of the partnership is to develop cross-border frameworks, understand the global outlook and landscape, and further the future of finance across both ecosystems and beyond. Empowerment of the next generation of fintech talent, with a strong emphasis on nurturing emerging founders, developers, and innovators, is also a vital pillar of this partnership. Through joint programs and curated ecosystem access, MFTA and SFTA will work to cultivate a globally competitive pipeline of fintech leadership capable of shaping the future of financial infrastructure.

The collaboration will further prioritize knowledge sharing and intellectual capital exchange, establishing formal mechanisms for sharing insights on regulatory frameworks, emerging technologies, market dynamics, and best practices. This will include thought leadership forums, research collaborations, and high-level roundtables aimed at elevating industry-wide understanding and accelerating informed innovation. Both organizations will also engage in co-development of ecosystem-building initiatives, designed to unlock scalable impact across both regions. These initiatives will support fintech startups in accessing new markets, facilitate investor connectivity across borders, and enable institutional partnerships that drive real-world adoption of financial technologies.

In addition, the partnership underscores a strategic global outlook, positioning both associations as key enablers of international fintech alignment. By bridging two of the world’s most dynamic financial ecosystems, the collaboration is expected to create new pathways for capital flow, regulatory dialogue, and innovation diffusion at a global scale.

The alliance is further anchored in a long-term strategic vision focused on building resilient, inclusive, and future-ready financial ecosystems. This includes fostering regulatory innovation, supporting digital transformation agendas, and reinforcing trust-based frameworks that enable sustainable fintech growth.

Leadership from both MFTA and SFTA emphasized that this partnership is not symbolic, but foundational, representing a decisive step toward shaping a more interconnected, collaborative, and innovation-driven global financial landscape.

Philip J. Weights, SFTA President comments that: “This strategic MOU between the Swiss FinTech Association (SFTA) in Zurich and the MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) in Dubai creates a powerful cross-border corridor for wealth, innovation, and digital finance. It establishes a bridge between two of the world’s most prominent financial technology hubs.”

“This alliance is a defining step toward deepening cross-border collaboration and co-creating the future of financial innovation between our two ecosystems. It reflects a shared ambition to enable sustainable growth and global connectivity in fintech.” — Nameer Khan, Chairman, MENA Fintech Association

Together, the MENA Fintech Association and the Swiss Fintech Association are setting a new global benchmark for ecosystem partnership, one defined by cross-border synergy, talent empowerment, and the shared ambition to co-create the future of finance.