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  • Picxele expands managed freelancers model with new specialised verticals

    India,  May 19 : Providing increased gig work and freelance opportunities to existing and fresh talent, Picxele has recently made additions of two specialised verticals to its service portfolio. WhyMedia is a dedicated Video Production arm, and Interactive Studio will focus on providing Branding and Interactive Website solutions.Picxele expands managed freelancers model with new specialised verticals

    WhyMedia will focus on providing precise video production services, while Interactive Studio will help Picxele offer seamless branding and interactive web experiences. With the expansion, Picxele is positioning itself as a managed partner for brands seeking integrated creative, video, branding and digital solutions  combining the agility of freelance talent with the reliability of an agency-led delivery model.

    Commenting on the expansion, Rishav Agarwal, Founder, Picxele, said,

    “Over the last several years, I have worked closely with skilled and semi-skilled gig workers and understood why large brands often hesitate to engage them directly. The challenge has never been talent but ownership, strategy and quality control. That is what we built Picxele around. Expanding this model into adjacent segments was always part of the vision, but building the right teams and leadership takes time. With Rohan Ghorpade leading WhyMedia and Shivang Khungar driving Interactive Studio, we can now offer larger brands focused solutions backed by accountability and execution at scale.”

    Founded in 2019 by Rishav Agarwal, right after his graduation, the company began as a grey-collar, task-based platform connecting skilled and semi-skilled gig workers with employment opportunities. Over the last seven years, the bootstrapped platform has evolved into a managed freelancers’ ecosystem and now hosts over 1 million gig workers on its mobile platform, recording more than $5 million in aggregated revenue.

    Not following the traditional gig marketplace model, Picxele operates on a managed model where strategy, project ownership, and quality control remain in-house, and is executed through its large freelance network. The approach allows the company to move beyond task-led assignments and provide complex, skill-driven solutions for brands and enterprises.

  • Pharmacy Shops to Remain Open Despite AIOCD Nationwide Strike Call Against E-Pharmacies

    New Delhi, May 19 (BNP): Major pharmacy chains, hospital-attached medical stores, Jan Aushadhi Kendras and AMRIT Pharmacy outlets across the country will continue operations on May 20, despite a nationwide shutdown call issued by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) against the functioning of e-pharmacies and online medicine platforms.

    Pharmacy Shops to Remain Open Despite AIOCD Nationwide Strike Call Against E-Pharmacies

     Representational image

    The decision comes following discussions between representatives of the AIOCD and national drug regulatory authorities, during which concerns regarding online medicine sales, regulatory oversight and market practices were raised. According to sources, the association was assured that the concerns are under active review and that the existing regulatory framework governing the sector is being examined to address issues affecting retail pharmacy stakeholders.

    Several pharmacy associations and retail medicine networks have reportedly chosen not to participate in the proposed shutdown, citing the importance of uninterrupted healthcare services and the potential hardship that medicine shortages could create for patients dependent on essential and life-saving drugs.

    Sources indicated that retail pharmacy associations from multiple states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Ladakh, have provided written assurances confirming that pharmacies under their jurisdiction will continue to function normally.

    The AIOCD, which represents more than 1.24 million chemists and drug distributors nationwide, had earlier announced a one-day strike on May 20 to protest what it termed the unregulated expansion of e-pharmacy operations and alleged predatory pricing practices. The organisation has raised concerns over the sale of medicines without adequate prescription verification and warned against the misuse of digital systems that could potentially enable unauthorised access to antibiotics and habit-forming medicines.

    The trade body has also expressed apprehension over deep discounting practices by large corporate-backed online medicine platforms, arguing that such pricing structures threaten the sustainability of small and independent pharmacies, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where access to physical chemist shops remains critical.

    At the same time, stakeholders opposing the shutdown stressed that closure of pharmacy outlets could adversely affect patients requiring continuous medication and emergency healthcare support. Consumer welfare and uninterrupted access to medicines, they said, remain a priority while regulatory concerns are addressed through consultation and policy review.

    The issue of e-pharmacy regulation continues to remain under scrutiny, with industry bodies seeking stricter safeguards, clearer compliance mechanisms and a balanced policy framework to ensure fair competition while protecting public health interests.

  • South Indian Bank Launches High-Impact Mumbai Metro Branding Campaign to Strengthen Brand Visibility

    South Indian Bank Launches High-Impact Mumbai Metro Branding Campaign to Strengthen Brand Visibility

    Mumbai, May 19: South Indian Bank has launched an outdoor metro branding campaign in collaboration with Mumbai Metro, to reinforce its focus on strengthening brand visibility and deepening customer connect across one of the country’s most dynamic urban markets.

     
    Covering a 35-kilometre stretch with 30 stations, the campaign prominently showcases the Bank’s branding across key transit corridors connecting Gundavali to Dahisar to Kashi Gaon, and Dahisar to Andheri West. The metro lines collectively cater to over 1 crore commuters every month, completing approximately 14 to 16 trips daily.
     
    The initiative was officially flagged off by Mr. Dolphy Jose, Executive Director, and Mr. Sony A, CGM & Chief Information Officer, in the presence of Mr. Abhilash P, DGM & Regional Head – Mumbai, and Mr. Ramesh K P, DGM & Head Marketing.
     
    Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Dolphy Jose, Executive Director, South Indian Bank, said: “Mumbai is one of the country’s most dynamic and influential financial markets, and this campaign reflects our commitment to building stronger brand connect with customers in the city. Through this metro branding initiative, we aim to enhance visibility, improve recall, and engage with millions of commuters in a meaningful and impactful manner.”
     
    In connection with the metro branding campaignBank has also launched a social media engagement activity inviting the public to click pictures of the South Indian Bank-branded metro train and share them on their social media platforms by tagging the Bank. Participants will get an opportunity to win attractive prizes through the campaign.
     
    This metro branding initiative marks another step in South Indian Bank’s efforts to strengthen its footprint across key urban markets.
  • Chef Mohd Faisal Qureshi Joins as Head Chef – Kangan at The Westin Mumbai

    Chef Mohd Faisal Qureshi Joins as Head Chef – Kangan at The Westin Mumbai

    Mumbai, India May 19: Acclaimed culinary professional Chef Mohd Faisal Qureshi has joined as the Head Chef of Kangan at The Westin Mumbai, bringing with him more than 14 years of rich experience in the hospitality and culinary industry across India and international markets.

    Widely admired for his expertise in authentic Awadhi and Mughlai cuisine, Chef Faisal has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional dining experiences, innovative menu development, and maintaining the highest standards of culinary excellence. Over the years, he has successfully led fine dining operations, managed large-scale catering assignments for prestigious events, and curated multiple successful food promotions across India.

    Chef Faisal possesses extensive expertise in kitchen management, menu engineering, budgeting, procurement, inventory control, hygiene compliance, food safety standards, and customer-focused culinary innovation. His passion for blending traditional Indian flavors with contemporary culinary presentation has consistently elevated guest dining experiences throughout his career.

    Before joining The Westin MumbaiChef Faisal held key culinary positions with globally renowned hospitality brands. He served as Master Chef at JW Marriott Hotel Chandigarh, Chef De Partie at Trident Hyderabad, and Chef De Partie at Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal. These prestigious assignments significantly strengthened his expertise in luxury hospitality, culinary leadership, and operational excellence.

    Chef Faisal has also collaborated on internationally acclaimed food promotions and culinary showcases alongside celebrated chef Chef Abdul Haleem. His participation in renowned national and international food festivals includes prestigious hospitality destinations such as Atlantis The Palm and Palazzo Versace Dubai.

    Speaking on his new role, Chef Mohd Faisal Qureshi expressed enthusiasm about joining the esteemed hospitality brand and contributing to its culinary vision through authenticity, innovation, and memorable guest-centric dining experiences.

    His appointment marks another significant milestone in his professional journey and reflects his continued commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.

  • Ministry of Ayush Issues Public Health Advisory on Heatwave, Urges Preventive Measures

    New Delhi, May 19 (BNP): The Ministry of Ayush has issued a public health advisory in response to rising temperatures and heatwave conditions across several parts of the country, urging citizens to take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.

    The advisory outlines key preventive measures such as maintaining adequate hydration, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, and limiting strenuous outdoor activities. Citizens have been advised to wear light, breathable clothing, consume sufficient fluids, and adopt simple lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

    News In Pics

    Emphasising India’s traditional systems of wellness, the Ministry has also recommended incorporating Ayurvedic practices, seasonal dietary habits, and cooling foods into daily routines to help the body adapt to extreme heat conditions. The advisory encourages the use of natural cooling methods along with balanced nutrition to maintain overall health and immunity during the summer season.

    In addition to preventive guidance, the Ministry has highlighted basic emergency response steps for heat-related illnesses, including immediate cooling of the body, rehydration, and seeking timely medical assistance in severe cases.

    The advisory is aimed at increasing public awareness and strengthening preparedness as several regions continue to face intense heatwave conditions, with special focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as children, elderly persons, and outdoor workers.

  • Tata Power and Druk Green Power Corporation Sign MoU to Build Skill Development Ecosystem for the Development of 5,000 MW Clean Energy Capacity

    Tata Power and Druk Green Power Corporation Sign MoU to Build Skill Development Ecosystem for the Development of 5,000 MW Clean Energy Capacity

    Bangalore/ Thimphu, May 19: Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power utilities, and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), the sole power generation utility of Bhutan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu, Bhutan, to establish a comprehensive skill development ecosystem.

    The MoU lays the foundation for a structured training framework aimed at building a future-ready workforce to address both immediate and long-term requirements under the ongoing partnership between Tata Power and DGPC to jointly develop clean energy projects.

    The MoU signing ceremony, was graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay. The MoU was formally signed by Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, and Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director, DGPC. Ms Anjali Pandey, President- Generation, Tata Power, along with other senior representatives from Tata Power, DGPC, and relevant institutions, were also present at the ceremony.

    Training programmes will be delivered through the Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), leveraging its expertise in power sector skilling.

    Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, said “This partnership with DGPC underscores our collective vision of creating a future-ready talent ecosystem for Bhutan’s growing clean energy sector. Leveraging its strong credentials in power sector training, Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) will help nurture industry-ready professionals with comprehensive expertise in safe operations, emerging technologies, and operations & maintenance.”

    Tata Power will provide technical expertise, training infrastructure, courseware, and accreditation support through TPSDI for the effective implementation of the programmes. DGPC will facilitate the mobilisation and deployment of trainees, ensuring seamless execution under the MoU and subsequent definitive agreements.

    DGPC will also be responsible for securing all necessary approvals from the Government of Bhutan and relevant Bhutanese authorities, while Tata Power will obtain the requisite approvals from the Government of India.

    Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director, DGPC, said, “This MoU is a practical step towards strengthening local capabilities required under the ongoing partnership to develop 5,000 MW of clean energy capacity. DGPC will work with relevant Bhutanese authorities and stakeholders to identify training needs, mobilise trainees where appropriate, and ensure that the programme supports national priorities and complements the Royal Government of Bhutan’s broader workforce development efforts.”

    The proposed skill development initiatives under this MoU will be implemented in a phased manner:

    Phase 1: Focus on immediate deployment of safety training to ensure workforce readiness prior to site entry, including mandatory safety induction programmes for project workers.

    Phase 2: Expansion into technical skill development covering construction, material handling, and earth-moving equipment operations, tailored to project construction requirements.

    Phase 3: Development of specialised capabilities for the long-term operation and maintenance of clean energy assets.

    Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) was established to bridge the skill gap in the power sector by delivering industry-relevant, modular training and certification programmes. TPSDI is accredited by the National Safety Council of India (NSC) to conduct safety training, administer assessments, and issue joint certifications. As an approved training partner of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and a Dual Awarding Body recognised by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), TPSDI operates a robust training network across India, offering hands-on training across the power value chain, including thermal, hydel, and renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen.

    This MoU reflects a collaborative and practical approach to developing the skills required for Bhutan’s clean energy growth, with DGPC working alongside relevant Bhutanese authorities and Tata Power providing technical training support.

  • Dust raises USD40M to make AI multiplayer inside the enterprise

    Series B round with Abstract and Sequoia to scale its multiplayer AI platform for human-agent collaboration. The company now serves more than 3,000 organizations, with 51,000 monthly active users, zero churn in 2025, and 300,000 agents deployed across the platform.

    San Francisco, CA – May 19; Most companies have adopted AI, but they haven’t become meaningfully more intelligent as organizations. One person prompts an assistant, gets an answer, and the context disappears into a private chat window. The result is real productivity at the individual level, with very little compounding across teams. Dust, the multiplayer agentic AI system, was built to change that by making AI collaborative, shared, and operational across an entire company.

    The company today announced a $40 million Series B with Abstract and Sequoia, with participation from Snowflake Ventures and Datadog. With this round, Dust has raised over $60 million in total funding. 

    Why this matters now

    Most organizations are stuck in what Dust calls single-player AI. Every employee has their own assistant with its own context and its own outputs. A sales rep researches an account, then the solutions engineer starts from scratch the next day. Marketing drafts a one-pager, then enablement recreates a battlecard with different inputs. The effort repeats, knowledge fragments, and gains don’t compound.

    Dust argues that most AI tools used by enterprises reinforce this pattern. Foundation model workspaces and copilots are powerful, but they’re primarily designed around one individual’s workflows and context. Enterprise search tools retrieve information, but don’t take action. The outcome is more activity and more AI usage at the individual user-level, but not an intentionally designed system that compounds AI into shared leverage.

    “This is a century-defining transformation, and we’re only in year three,” said Gabriel Hubert, Co-Founder and CEO of Dust. “What will transform the way we work isn’t the next best model or assistant. It’s going to be a completely new type of system that gives humans and agents shared, governed access to the same information and capabilities so that they become true collaborators, working with the same context, notifications, artifacts, and goals to compound organizational impact. This is what we call multiplayer AI, and this is what we’re building at Dust.”

    What Dust is building

    Dust is the multiplayer AI system for human-agent collaboration. It gives business teams a platform to build, deploy, and manage AI agents that collaborate across an organization, connected to company knowledge, integrated with the tools teams already use, and governed with enterprise-grade controls.

    At the center of Dust is a collaborative surface where people and agents work together across shared context, tools, conversations, tasks, and goals. Agents can analyze, transform, and generate files — including documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and interactive data visualizations — and take action across connected systems through Dust’s context layer, which combines semantic search across company knowledge with integrations to more than 100 data sources and business tools. Built-in memory and feedback loops help agents improve over time by learning from team preferences, usage patterns, and feedback, while proactively recommending improvements.

    Dust is designed for enterprise deployment, with granular permissions, cost and usage monitoring, audit trails, and agent analytics. The platform is SOC 2 Type II certified, GDPR compliant, supports EU and US data residency, and does not train models on customer data, as contractually guaranteed by major model providers.

    Dust runs primarily on its own product and is defining an emerging identity inside high-growth companies: AI Operators. These are the people closest to the work, inside functions like Ops, Support, Marketing, and Sales, who build and run AI systems for their teams, rewiring how work gets done from inside the business.

    Traction and customer outcomes

    Dust is used by more than 3,000 organizations globally, from high-growth AI-native companies to established enterprises. Monthly active adoption is consistently above 90%, with weekly active usage above 70% across customers, signaling that Dust has become embedded in how teams work. More than 300,000 agents have been deployed across the platform. In 2025, Dust saw significant customer expansion and acquisition, reaching 240% NRR with zero churn.

    “Dust quickly became the platform our team runs on,” said Stevie Case, CRO at Vanta. “900 people across sales, customer success, and revenue operations save thousands of hours a week on tasks like business review prep, outbound prospecting, and forecasting. They saved this time not because it was mandated, but because the agents were built by the people closest to the work. Dust enabled the whole team to collaborate in building agents that deliver measurable value, realizing the compounding effect I’ve been waiting for AI to achieve.”

    At Clay, Dust serves as foundational knowledge infrastructure for the rapidly growing GTM team, enabling the team to grow 4x without a proportional increase in enablement headcount. Profound uses Dust as the source of truth for customer intelligence and post-sales, compressing new hire ramp time from months to days. At Persona, teams across 11 departments have deployed over 300 Dust agents to condense cross-functional workflows like sales RFPs from days to minutes. Doctolib has made Dust central to its company-wide AI strategy, giving 3,000 employees smoother access to corporate information and enabling the decommissioning of legacy intranet tools. 

    The origin 

    Dust was founded by Gabriel Hubert and Stanislas Polu, who have been building together since meeting at Stanford in 2007. They previously co-founded TOTEMS, a data analytics company acquired by Stripe in 2014, and spent five years at Stripe scaling products and teams. Polu later joined OpenAI as a research engineer on Greg Brockman’s team, co-authoring papers on AI reasoning with Ilya Sutskever. Hubert became Chief Product Officer at Alan.

    In September 2022, Polu left OpenAI with a conviction that became Dust’s founding thesis: the models were already powerful enough to be economically transformative, but were under-deployed because the product layer was missing. Dust incorporated in February 2023 to build that horizontal layer on top of frontier models and company knowledge, with a model-agnostic approach that avoids vendor lock-in.

    “We’re in the early innings of a massive shift in how organizations use AI,” said Konstantine Buhler, Partner at Sequoia. “Most enterprise AI today is single-player: one person, one prompt, no compounding. Dust is building the multiplayer system, where agents and humans share context and work together across the entire company. Zero churn and 70% weekly active usage tell you this isn’t experimental anymore. This is how enterprises will actually operate.”

    “Most AI platforms are stuck in single-player mode: one person, one chatbot, one task,” said Ramtin Naimi, General Partner at Abstract. “Dust is multiplayer. AI Operators inside companies like Datadog and 1Password don’t just use Dust; they build agents that collaborate across teams, learn from every interaction, and rewire how the entire company works. That’s a new operating model and category. That’s why we participated in this round.”

    What’s next

    Dust plans to use this round to push three frontiers at once: agents that learn and improve automatically as they’re used, collaboration primitives that make humans and agents equal co-contributors with bidirectional access to  shared projects, tools, and context, and infrastructure that makes governance and orchestration predictable at enterprise scale. The bet is that the next phase of enterprise AI won’t be won by who has the best single assistant. It’ll be won by who turns AI into shared, compounding capability across the entire org.

     

  • Krishnavataram Witnesses Massive 92% Surge in 24 Hours, Emerging as a Nationwide Cultural Movement

    Krishnavataram Witnesses Massive 92% Surge in 24 Hours, Emerging as a Nationwide Cultural Movement

     

     

    May 19:A remarkable wave is sweeping across cinemas worldwide as Krishnavataram records an extraordinary 92% jump in the last 24 hours, turning the film into far more than just a box office success, it is now becoming a full-fledged cultural and spiritual movement.

    What began as a film has transformed into an emotional experience that audiences are celebrating with unmatched devotion. Across cities, towns, and even overseas markets, theatres are turning into temples as devotees chant Krishna bhajans, pray together, cry during emotional scenes, dance in celebration, and collectively immerse themselves in Bhagwan Krishna’s story on the big screen.

    Families are returning to cinemas repeatedly with friends, children, and elders, making Krishnavataram a shared spiritual experience across generations. Social media is flooded with emotional testimonials, celebration videos, and requests demanding exhibitors increase screens and add more shows. Audiences from Canada, France, Dubai, and several international markets are passionately writing in asking for the film to release in more locations and languages.

    The movement’s scale is reflected not just in occupancy numbers but in the emotional connection audiences are forming with the film. Viewers across India are calling it “not just a movie, but a journey of love and devotion,” while theatres across regions continue to witness packed houses and euphoric audience reactions.

    What makes this phenomenon truly extraordinary is its universal acceptance across regions and languages. While Hindi audiences have embraced the film wholeheartedly, the Telugu and Tamil versions are also witnessing packed theatres and overwhelming appreciation across the South. From Hyderabad to Chennai and Bengaluru, audiences are celebrating Krishnavataram as a landmark cinematic and spiritual event rooted deeply in Indian culture and faith.

    The movement has also received blessings and support from some of the country’s most respected spiritual and cultural voices. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared the film tax-free in the state, acknowledging its spiritual and cultural significance. Revered spiritual leaders including Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Gaur Gopal Das, respected Shankaracharyas, Swami Premanand Puri Ji, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji, and Premanand Maharaj Ji have also praised and blessed the film, encouraging devotees and families to experience its uplifting message.

    At a time when cinema is dominated by spectacle and franchises, Krishnavataram has achieved something incredibly rare: it has united audiences emotionally and spiritually. It is reigniting devotion, bringing generations together, and creating a shared cultural moment that people carry in their hearts long after they leave the theatre.

    Krishnavataram is no longer just a film. It is becoming a people’s movement powered by faith, emotion, and the timeless love for Bhagwan Krishna.
    #krishnavataram

  • Bricks & Minifigs® Launches Exclusive Customizable MOC Wall Clock and Nationwide Contest with Santoki, Distributor of LEGO®-Licensed Products

    OREM, UTAH and AUBURN HILLS, MI— MAY 18, 2026 — Bricks & Minifigs®, an authorized LEGO® reseller specializing in buying, trading, and selling LEGO products and Santoki, US distributor of LEGO licensed LED lights, stationery and clocks, today announced a new national partnership celebrating the creativity of the LEGO MOC Wall Clock. The launch features a nationwide in-store building contest designed to create an in-store creative activity across all ages. The contest will run across more than 240 Bricks & Minifigs franchise locations in the U.S. from May 15 to July 14, 2026, to give communities across the country the opportunity to participate. The customizable MOC Wall Clock will be available for purchase in Bricks & Minifigs and LEGO Store locations during the promotional period.

    “As Bricks & Minifigs continues to expand nationally and deepen our direct relationship with LEGO, we are thrilled to bring fun collaborations with Santoki and other official partners directly to consumers in our stores,” said Ammon McNeff, CEO of Bricks & Minifigs. “We love seeing local communities come together in our stores to participate in events, and this contest creates an exciting opportunity for customers to showcase their creativity while enjoying a family-friendly experience.”

    How the contest will work:
    Participants are invited to visit a Bricks & Minifigs store location to design a custom clock, photograph their completed creation, and submit their entry by scanning the provided QR code. Additionally, participants are encouraged to share their creations through social media using the #SantokiMOCClock.

    The contest is open to builders of all ages; however, entries created by minors must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. Entries will be reviewed by a team of judges evaluating the designs on creativity, functionality, and overall LEGO clock content to reach a decision for the top 10 finalists. Those selected will advance to a public voting round hosted on Santoki’s social media, allowing the LEGO community to help determine the winners. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal U.S. residents (50 states + DC). Ends July 14, 2026. Void where prohibited. Sponsored by Santoki. See Official Rules at https://santoki.com/pages/clockcontestrules

    Grand Prize:
    The Grand Prize winner will receive a $550 Bricks & Minifigs gift card. Additional prizes will be awarded to top placements and finalists, with total prize value exceeding $1,000, along with swag and promotional items.

    This clock marks the first release in Santoki’s newest product line, LEGO Time by IQHK™, with additional clocks expected to roll out in the future.

    “Our partnership with Bricks & Minifigs was a natural fit for this launch,” said Beth Muehlenkamp, VP of Product & Marketing at Santoki. “Bricks & Minifigs is widely known for its bins of bulk bricks, which create the perfect opportunity for customers to personalize a MOC clock that is entirely unique to their vision. The MOC Wall Clock is where creative expression meets timekeeping as fans can create again and again for the theme that best fits their room or mood. This is the first-ever national contest we have done, and we are excited to see the unmatched creativity of Bricks & Minifigs customers come to life.”

  • SimonMed Launches Shield Program to Support Preventive Whole-Body MRI Access for Military, Veterans, and First Responders

    SCOTTSDALE, AZ – May 18, 2026 – SimonMed, one of the largest outpatient imaging providers in the United States, today announced the launch of the SimonMed Shield Program, a permanent nationwide initiative designed to help military personnel, veterans, and first responders access proactive whole-body MRI screening at a reduced cost. Through the program, eligible individuals will receive 20% off any SimonMed Longevity whole-body MRI.

    The SimonMed Shield Program is designed to help those who serve take a more proactive approach to their health through advanced, radiation-free imaging that can be designed to help identify potential health issues earlier and establish a meaningful clinical baseline.

    Military personnel and first responders often work in physically and emotionally demanding environments where prioritizing personal health can take a back seat to service.

    “Many veterans and first responders spend years focused on protecting others while putting their own health second,” said Dr. Sean Raj, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Innovation Officer at SimonMed. “The Shield Program is one way we can support them in taking a more proactive approach to their own health through advanced imaging designed to help identify potential concerns earlier.”

    Beginning on Armed Forces Day, eligible patients can access the ongoing program benefit at SimonMed locations nationwide. No referral is required, HSA and FSA funds may be used and each whole-body MRI includes a 1:1 virtual clinical consultation to review findings and next steps. If additional evaluation is recommended, patients may also have access to follow-up imaging services across SimonMed’s nationwide network, including advanced MRI, CT, cardiac, women’s imaging, and bone health services—supporting a more seamless care journey. The Shield Program is available to veterans, active-duty military, reserve, and National Guard members, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. 

    SimonMed’s Longevity whole-body MRI evaluates 13+ organs and systems in a single, radiation-free exam, including the brain, spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvic organs. The scan may help identify potential abnormalities associated with conditions such as certain cancers, fatty liver disease, aneurysms, and musculoskeletal or spinal degeneration—often before symptoms appear.

    The Shield Program reflects SimonMed’s broader commitment to expanding access to preventive imaging and supporting the long-term health of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others. Eligible individuals can learn more or schedule an appointment at SimonMed.com/Shield