L&T, GA-ASI to Manufacture Combat-Proven Drones in India Under Atmanirbhar Bharat Push

L&T and the US-headquartered General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have entered into a strategic partnership to manufacture Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in India, for the Indian armed forces.

GA-ASI, a global leader in advanced unmanned aerial systems, brings decades of operational expertise; L&T brings extensive engineering, precision manufacturing and system integration capabilities in defence and aerospace.

L&T and GA-ASI together will deliver the combat-proven MALE RPAS platforms, manufactured entirely in India. This programme incorporates critical technology transfers and fulfilling indigenous content requirements aligned with Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

Under this partnership, L&T will participate in the upcoming 87 MALE RPAS programme of the Ministry of Defence, where L&T will be the prime bidder and GA-ASI the technology partner. The collaboration will enable the production of GA-ASI’s MQ-series RPAS that are combat proven. These are widely operational across the globe with millions of flight hours in surveillance and strike missions.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of a self-reliant defence ecosystem, strengthening Indo-US defence collaboration and fostering a competitive, globally integrated aerospace manufacturing base.

Commenting on the development, S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman & Managing Director, L&T, said: “This partnership offers India a unique opportunity to manufacture state-of-the- art unmanned platforms indigenously. We are proud to join hands with GA-ASI, a recognised world leader in this domain, and are confident that this alliance will significantly enhance India’s defence capabilities and advance self-reliance in aerospace technologies”.

Dr Vivek Lall, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation, said: "We are honoured to serve the Indian market in partnership with Larsen & Toubro, a trusted and capable leader in India’s defence sector. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to supporting India’s vision for self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing in aerospace. By combining GA-ASI’s proven technology with L&T’s robust manufacturing expertise, we aim to deliver cutting-edge MALE RPAS solutions that will enhance the operational readiness of the Indian armed forces and contribute to a strong, sustainable defence ecosystem in India".

Piyush Goyal Urges Deeptech Innovation for India’s Technological Sovereignty at TiEcon Delhi

Policymakers, industry stalwarts, investors, founders and startup leaders converged at TiEcon Delhi to celebrate India’s accelerating deeptech revolution. TiEcon Delhi, organized by TiE Delhi-NCR, a two-day summit kicked off on an inspiring note, setting the stage for powerful conversations, visionary ideas, and collaborations shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship in India.

The highlight of the opening day was the Grand Keynote by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industries, Government of India, where he outlined Government’s Vision for Building a Vibrant Deeptech Ecosystem Driven by Innovation and Youth Engagement. He observed that India’s digital journey has been integral to its economic rise, from becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy to being on track to reach the third position within two years, and achieving the vision of a USD 30–32 trillion economy by 2047. He stated that the foundation of India’s growth rests on the power of technology and innovation.

“Over the last decade, India’s remarkable digital transformation has created unprecedented possibilities for the millions of Indians from the bottom-of-the-pyramid to millions of our innovators. Programmes like the Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar identity, Direct Benefit Transfer, the growth of the UPI payments ecosystem, expansion of 4G networks and now 5G across the country, all these have shifted India from coverage to access, from access to usage, from usage to outcomes.As we move towards becoming a global engine of deep-tech innovation, through AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, emerging technologies, the entire ecosystem of talent, institutions, investment, start-ups is aligning with this vision. Happy to see platforms like TiEcon Delhi-NCR bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators who embody the spirit of inquiry and enterprise that drives India forward. Together, we must aim not just to participate in the global technology revolution but to lead it with confidence, creativity, and conviction,” said Shri Piyush Goyal, Honourable Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Government of India.

The sessions covered diverse themes from startup profitability to AI innovation and research commercialization. The Power Panel “Mission 2047: What Got Us Here Won’t Get Us There” saw participation from STPI, DPIIT, BIRAC, and NSIC leaders discussing India’s roadmap to becoming a global tech powerhouse. A series of fireside chats and keynotes followed, including “Quantum Leap: Accelerating India’s Tech Sovereignty” with Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST, and Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR, and “How India Can Win the Global AI Race” featuring Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY, and Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder, Info Edge.

“The Honourable Minister Piyush Goyal’s remarks on the need for Indian startups to focus on deep tech inspired us to take decisive action. We shifted our focus and the 25th TiECon Delhi has now become India’s largest deep tech conference. In a world where technology and trade are increasingly being weaponised, technology sovereignty represents national sovereignty. As India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, investing in deep tech and research is essential. This vision now defines TiE’s mission” said Dr. Saurabh Srivastava - Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi -NCR.

“India is witnessing an exciting phase in its artificial intelligence journey, powered by our strong technology ecosystem and exceptional talent base. Through the India AI Mission, we are focused on building an inclusive and innovation-driven framework that provides access to compute infrastructure, quality datasets and AI skills for startups, researchers and enterprises. In this, TiEcon Delhi NCR play an important role in fostering collaboration among industry leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers, helping translate India’s AI potential into real-world impact. Our collective goal is to make AI accessible, responsible and transformative for every citizen, driving sustainable and equitable digital growth across the nation,” said Mr. Abhishek Singh, Addl. Secretary, MeitY India AI Mission.

The event also marked the unveiling of SPF 100 Desi Deeptechs, a first-of-its-kind showcase celebrating India’s most promising homegrown Deeptech ventures. Engaging sessions such as ‘AI Unlocked: Innovation, Scale & Competitiveness’ and ‘Deeptech on the Move: AI Innovations Powering Mobility 2.0’, powered by MG Motor, further reflected the vibrancy and depth of India’s Deeptech ecosystem, emphasizing the collective efforts of government, investors, and entrepreneurs in shaping a future-ready innovation economy.

In another key highlight, TiE Delhi-NCR announced the launch of the DeepScale India Accelerator Program at TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025, a national initiative designed to fast-track the commercialization and scaling up of MVP-ready DeepTech startups. Supported by SIDBI as the Investment Partner, DST as the Ecosystem Partner, and AWS as the Technical Partner, the program will empower early-stage innovators across AI, robotics, quantum, biotech, spacetech, and semiconductors through mentorship, funding access, and masterclasses, culminating in a Demo Day at the TechSwaraj DeepTech Summit 2026.

Alongside the accelerator, TiE Delhi-NCR also introduced Lab2Scale, a DeepTech bridge designed to move TRL 4–7 research from proof-of-concept to pilots and commercialization. The Lab2Scale session at TiEcon featured rapid 5-minute pitches by select innovators, followed by curated Founder–Industry Huddles that enabled pilot discussions, partnerships, and opportunities for technology validation.

About TiE Delhi-NCR

Fostering entrepreneurship for over two decades, TiE Delhi-NCR stands as one of the most dynamic and impactful chapters of the global TiE Network. Renowned for its marquee events, high-impact mentoring programs, prestigious entrepreneurial awards, and powerful investor pitch platforms, TiE Delhi-NCR plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s startup landscape. With a mission to empower entrepreneurs at every stage, TiE Delhi-NCR offers access to industry experts, seasoned mentors, and global networks, helping founders scale their ventures beyond imaginable limits. Through consistent efforts to expand, explore, and elevate, TiE Delhi-NCR continues to evolve as India’s most credible and influential platform supporting entrepreneurial growth and innovation.

Jio 5G Users Aged 18–25 Get Free Access to Google Gemini AI Pro Plan

Reliance Jio has partnered with Google to offer eligible users 18 months of free access to the Gemini 2.5 Pro AI plan—worth ₹35,100—starting October 30, 2025. This offer is currently available to Jio 5G users aged 18–25 on unlimited plans.

What’s Included in the Gemini AI Pro Plan

• Gemini 2.5 Pro model: Google's flagship AI with enhanced reasoning and multimodal capabilities.
• AI image and video generation: Create visuals by describing ideas—ideal for students, creators, and developers.
• NotebookLM: AI-powered research and writing assistant with 5× higher usage limits.
• 2 TB Google Cloud storage: For photos, documents, and collaborative work.
• AI integration in Google Workspace: Use Gemini directly inside Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and more.
• AI image editing tools: Transform photos into creative assets using Gemini’s latest image update.

Who’s Eligible and How to Claim

• Eligibility: Jio 5G users aged 18–25 subscribed to Unlimited 5G plans.
• Claim Process:
  • Open the MyJio app.
  • Look for the Google Gemini Offer banner.
  • Follow the steps to activate your free 18-month subscription.

Strategic Impact

• Follows similar AI democratization efforts like ChatGPT Go being offered free in India from November 4, 2025.
• Airtel previously partnered with Perplexity AI for a one-year free access plan.
• Google Cloud is also partnering with Reliance Intelligence to expand enterprise AI adoption across India.

Why It Matters

This partnership is a major step in making premium AI tools accessible to India’s youth and 5G user base. It blends Reliance’s massive reach with Google’s cutting-edge AI, potentially reshaping how millions engage with productivity, creativity, and research tools.

Gaming Startup Exiles Interactives Raises $355K in Pre-Seed Round Led by Chimera VC

Exiles Interactives, a Bengaluru-based gaming startup, has raised $355K in pre-seed round led by Chimera VC. The round also included participation from Warmup Ventures, IndigoEdge, and angel investor Dhruv Vohra, along with existing shareholder Sourav Gupta.

The funds will be used towards developing Centarius, the company’s next-generation social gameplay platform, as well as for strengthening marketing initiatives.

Exiles Interactives’ gameplay platform Centarius runs entirely in the browser, enabling seamless social play and connections across all devices. It offers a curated collection of mid-core titles, enhanced by social and competitive play and meaningful rewards that keep players engaged.

Unlike traditional gaming platforms on the web, Centarius is a product-focused platform that carefully curates unique, high-quality games that emphasise player retention and foster deeply engaging social experiences for gamers. The titles on the platform span various genres and cater to a wide variety of users, and alongside community features and competitive play aim to retain users long term. Beyond the player experience, Centarius serves as a discovery platform for indie developers from not only a browser background but also PC/console and mobile markets, offering them a wider reach beyond the distribution limits and policies of traditional native platforms.

Krish Anurag, Managing Partner at Chimera VC, said, “ Exiles Interactive has shown strong early traction, and it’s clear they are addressing a large unmet need in the browser-based gaming market. The team is deeply passionate about gaming and highly strategic in their approach towards the business. They are well-positioned for growth, and we believe Centarius has the potential to become a leading platform in this space. We are excited to support them on this journey."

Commenting on the fundraise, Anubhav Bhattacharya, Lead Developer at Exiles Interactives, said, “This funding round is a strong validation of our vision, product, and the growing opportunity in browser-based gameplay. With Centarius, we’re building high-quality, socially engaging games that anyone can access—enhanced by community and competitive features, and free from the limitations of aggregation or native platforms. This investment will accelerate our product development and expand our marketing efforts ahead of launch.”

Krish Gangaraju, Product Lead, Exiles Interactives, said, “We're building an open, developer-friendly browser gaming platform with native social features that keep players engaged. By connecting indie developers and players across devices—without the restrictions of native platforms—we’re creating a space where creativity and community make social gameplay thrive.”

Over the next several months, Exiles Interactives plans to collaborate with gaming content creators across TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube to drive significant user growth and establish Centarius as a leading name in the browser gaming space. Following the launch, the company plans to ramp up marketing efforts by building brand awareness through closely engaging with gaming communities and establishing a presence at global game development events to solidify Centarius's position in the gaming industry.

About Exiles Interactives

Exiles Interactives is building Centarius, a next-generation gameplay platform that runs entirely in the browser, enabling seamless social play and connections across all devices. The platform offers a curated collection of mid-core titles, enhanced by social and competitive features and meaningful rewards designed to keep players engaged and returning.

VoidZero Raises $12.5M Series A to Launch Vite+, the Unified JavaScript Toolchain

VoidZero, the company behind the next generation of open-source JavaScript tooling, today announced its successful fund raise of $12.5 million in a Series A round led by Accel, with participation from Peak XV Partners, Sunflower Capital, and notable angel investors including Koen Bok (Framer) and Eric Simons (StackBlitz). The funding will accelerate the commercial release of Vite+ (VoidZero’s unified toolchain), fuel team expansion, and deepen investment in its open-source projects.

JavaScript powers nearly every modern web experience, yet its ecosystem has grown increasingly fragmented. As applications scale in complexity, inconsistent tooling leads to productivity loss, higher maintenance and hiring costs, and growing security and performance risks. With 28 million developers worldwide and growing, every inefficiency can translate into significant challenges, amplified by recent supply chain attacks and performance bottlenecks.

Vite+ addresses these challenges by seamlessly combining development server, production build, testing, linting, formatting, project scaffolding, and monorepo management into a single, coherent command-line interface. Built atop the company’s open-source projects - Vite, Vitest, Rolldown, and Oxc - Vite+ ensures full compatibility with industry standards while delivering unmatched speed, consistency and usability. Vite alone is downloaded 36 million times weekly, while Vitest, the test runner, reaches 16 million downloads per week. Evan You, Founder and CEO of VoidZero said, “Our mission is simple: make JavaScript developers dramatically more productive. With Vite+, we’re building a unified, high-performance toolchain that developers can trust across every stage of their workflow. This funding allows us to bring that vision to life faster while supporting the sustainability of our open-source ecosystem.”

This round of fund-raising marks Peak XV Partners’ strengthened support for developer innovation in India and the wider APAC region. With over 11.4 million developers and more than 440,000 organisations on GitHub, India has one of the world’s fastest-growing communities of developers. This growth, along with India’s vibrant SaaS and startup ecosystem, makes it a key market for next-generation developer tools like Vite+.

VoidZero envisions Vite+ becoming the ubiquitous toolkit for JavaScript developers from startups to the enterprise. By simplifying development, the company aims to empower more developers to focus on building meaningful products instead of worrying about tooling.

The company’s open-source tools already power products at OpenAI, Shopify, Stripe, Cloudflare, Hugging Face, and Mercedes-Benz. Its projects earned multiple accolades in the 2024 State of JS Survey, and it maintains design partnerships with elite engineering teams including Framer and Linear.

About VoidZero

Founded in 2023, VoidZero is a globally remote company with 17 employees, building the next generation of JavaScript developer tools. Its mission is to make JavaScript developers more productive than ever before through unified, high-performance tooling. Website: voidzero.dev.

Adobe Unveils Firefly Foundry to Help Brands Build Custom Generative AI Models on Their IP

At Adobe MAX — the world’s largest creativity conference—Adobe (Nasdaq:ADBE) announced Adobe Firefly Foundry, which enables businesses to work directly with Adobe and create tailored generative AI models that are unique to their brand. Trained on entire catalogs of existing IP, these proprietary Adobe Firefly Foundry models are deeply tuned and can be built on top of commercially safe Adobe Firefly models. This unlocks the value of AI, helping teams scale on-brand content production, create new customer experiences and extend their IP. With Firefly as the anchor, Adobe Firefly Foundry models can support all major asset types including image, video, audio, vector and 3D—accelerating content delivery for brand campaigns, performance marketing, media production workflows and more.

Adobe continues to be the partner of choice for businesses to confidently move from AI experimentation to value realization, delivering a unique approach to AI that is anchored in transparency, safety and creative precision. Adobe Firefly Foundry takes this a step further, providing businesses with a team of Adobe experts to collaborate on practical AI solutions and impactful use cases.

“Adobe Firefly Foundry builds on years of Adobe innovation and expertise, spanning generative AI models for image, video, audio, vector and 3D, to help businesses solve today’s most complex content and media production challenges,” said Hannah Elsakr, vice president, GenAI New Business Ventures at Adobe. “Businesses can access Adobe’s robust AI training infrastructure, research and expertise to define bespoke AI models—surfaced through Adobe solutions such as GenStudio and Creative Cloud to help teams scale on-brand content experiences. Adobe has been working with tech-forward innovators like Walt Disney Imagineering to drive new levels of customer engagement with Adobe Firefly Foundry.”

Businesses see the potential in using generative AI to increase production of impactful content experiences and meet rising demands across digital channels. In an Adobe study, marketers anticipate content demands will grow by more than 5x over the next two years—making it a challenge to keep their brands top-of-mind with consumers. In many industries, decades of brand, product and franchise building have added complexity to quality and on-brand content production work. Teams need to ensure every new asset preserves the look and feel of their product portfolio, creative direction and design aesthetic. Adobe Firefly Foundry takes on the heavy lifting for businesses, providing a team of Adobe experts that handle AI model training, along with tools for managing and deploying their customized Adobe Firefly Foundry models.

Adobe Firefly Foundry allows businesses to quickly see value through capabilities that include:

• Adobe Firefly Foundry models: Adobe will work with businesses to create unique generative AI models that are safely trained on their existing IP. Adobe’s comprehensive AI approach—which includes commercially safe Firefly generative AI models across image, video, audio, vector and 3D—can enable teams to generate multimodal outputs that are pixel-perfect, brand-protected and ready for external use.
• Seamless implementation: Adobe also provides a single destination for businesses to easily manage and deploy their Adobe Firefly Foundry model. Teams will have an application to orchestrate the implementation process, including testing generated outputs and managing model access throughout their organization. Adobe Firefly Foundry models are also grounded in Adobe’s responsible AI principles, ensuring ethical deployment across business workflows.
• Co-innovation: Embedded Adobe experts—including applied AI/ML scientists and forward-deployed engineers—will co-innovate with businesses to design and deploy high-impact use cases that drive growth. This includes creating tailored solutions for the unique needs of the organization, as well as strategic guidance on reimagining creative workflows. This will enable businesses to jointly develop impactful AI solutions with Adobe, where teams can accelerate time-to-value and deliver measurable ROI.

As part of this announcement, the team from Invoke—a generative media solution for creative production—has joined the Adobe Firefly Foundry team to help build the future of AI-powered creative workflows for businesses.

AI Meets Cardiology: Bayosthiti and Narayana Partner to Predict Heart Disease in Indian Patients

Bayosthiti AI, an innovator in AI-driven healthcare and molecular diagnostics, announced a strategic partnership with Narayana Health, one of the world's largest cardiac care networks, to develop AI models that predict cardiovascular disease in Indian patients. The collaboration leverages RNA sequencing to read the active molecular instructions in cells, combined with gen AI to identify heart disease risk earlier and more accurately than conventional methods.

The study will analyze transcriptomic data (the complete set of active cellular RNA messages) from over 12,000 participants at Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences in Bengaluru. Using Bayosthiti's proprietary BIRT™ technology, researchers will sequence complete RNA profiles from patient blood samples to train AI models. These models will be capable of detecting distinctive patterns of cellular activity that signal coronary artery disease (blockages in heart arteries) before traditional tests show abnormalities.

Coronary artery disease affects 65 million Indians and strikes at younger ages than in Western populations. Yet, diagnostic tools remain largely calibrated to European and American patient data, creating what clinicians call the "Data Gap." Standard risk scores miss critical patterns in South Asian biology shaped by distinct genetic backgrounds and environmental factors, leading to late-stage diagnoses when intervention options narrow.

Bayosthiti AI and Narayana Health are solving this through molecular innovation and clinical scale. Narayana performs over 60,000 cardiac procedures annually, generating rich clinical data. Bayosthiti's BIRT™ (Barcode-Integrated Reverse Transcription) technology sequences complete RNA profiles at a fraction of traditional costs by processing multiple patient samples in parallel. This breakthrough makes it economically viable to build the massive datasets required to train robust AI models tailored for Indian populations, ensuring highly accurate and individualized genetic analysis.

Current diagnostics rely on anatomical imaging or protein markers, both of which detect disease after it has physically manifested. RNA sequencing captures the dynamic instructions cells are executing in real time. By analyzing which genetic instructions are being transcribed (actively used to make proteins) and at what levels, Bayosthiti's AI can detect when biological systems shift toward disease states, potentially months or years before structural damage appears.

"Just as Google Translate learned language patterns from billions of text examples, our AI learns disease patterns from millions of RNA expressions," said Dr. Rishabh M. Shetty, Head of Business Development and Clinical Applications at Bayosthiti AI. "The transcriptome gives us a real-time readout of what the body is doing right now. Our models can spot the molecular conversation that precedes a heart attack, not just the aftermath, and can do so with the same level of accuracy and efficacy as invasive procedures or other current imaging gold standards."

The clinical credibility matters. Narayana Health's scale and reputation make it an ideal validation partner. Its leadership views AI integration as the next frontier in expanding access and improving outcomes. "AI-based technologies aren't the future of medicine. They're the present," said Dr. P.M. Uthappa, Group Chief Medical Director at Narayana Health. "This collaboration lets us move from intervention to prevention. The ability to identify high-risk patients earlier and more precisely is a clinical game-changer."

The partnership builds on Bayosthiti's momentum since establishing operations in India. The company has processed samples from over 100 collaborations globally, and this study represents a significant expansion in both scope and strategic importance.

"We've relied too long on a one-size-fits-all approach to medicine," said Kutapa Muthanna, CEO of Bayosthiti AI. "This isn't just about closing a data gap. It's about building the foundation for proactive, personalized medicine created by Indians, for Indians. When we can tell someone their heart disease risk is rising before any scan shows blockage, we transform care from reactive to preventive."

The three-phase study design allows for continuous improvement. Successfully validating these AI models would provide proof-of-concept for deploying similar approaches for other high-burden diseases in India. As the partnership progresses, findings will inform the development of a blood-based diagnostic test deployable at scale across India's healthcare system.

About Bayosthiti AI

Bayosthiti AI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of US-based Biostate AI, is India’s first AI-first healthcare company pioneering Lifetime Health Management. By integrating patented BIRT™ and other cutting-edge molecular technologies with advanced generative AI, Bayosthiti is building a foundational health-tech platform for India. This platform includes 24/7 AI Clinical Assistants and AI Scientists for patients, clinicians, and researchers, making personalized precision care a reality for all.

For more information, visit https://bayosthiti.ai/.

About Narayana Hrudayalaya

Narayana Hrudayalaya, operating under the brand name Narayana Health, is one of India’s leading private healthcare service providers. The group operates a nationwide network of hospitals with a mission to deliver high-quality, safe and technology-enabled healthcare to the broader population. Renowned globally for its expertise in Cardiac Sciences, Narayana Health has been at the forefront of heart care for over two decades, performing one of the highest volumes of cardiac procedures in the world.

As the only hospital group in India with Enterprise-level Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, Narayana Health upholds the highest standards of quality and patient safety across its network. Guided by its core values of Quality, Compassion, and Innovation, Narayana Health remains committed to its vision of ‘Health for all. All for Health.’

For more information, visit narayanahealth.org.

IBM Enters Crypto World with New Platform for Banks and Governments

IBM has launched “Digital Asset Haven,” a crypto custody platform tailored for banks, governments, and large enterprises, marking its formal entry into institutional blockchain infrastructure.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what IBM’s new platform offers and why it matters:

What Is Digital Asset Haven?

• Launch Date: October 27, 2025
• Purpose: Secure, compliant custody and transaction services for digital assets
• Target Clients: Financial institutions, government entities, and large corporations

Key Features

• Multi-Blockchain Support: Custody, transfer, and settlement across 40+ blockchains
• Wallet Management: Integrated wallet infrastructure with policy-based governance
• Compliance Tools: Built-in KYC and AML frameworks
• SaaS Rollout: Initially offered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
• Partnerships: Developed with Dfns, a French wallet infrastructure firm

Strategic Context

• Supports the emerging $10 trillion tokenization economy
• Includes Bitcoin custody and tokenized payments
• Marks IBM’s shift from experimental blockchain efforts to regulated infrastructure

Implications

• For Institutions: Trusted, enterprise-grade solution for digital asset management
• For IBM: Positions IBM as a serious contender in blockchain infrastructure

After winding down earlier blockchain efforts (like IBM Food Trust), this marks a renewed, enterprise-focused push. It targets the same institutional segment as Fireblocks, Anchorage, and BitGo, but with IBM’s legacy in enterprise trust and compliance.

IBM plans to integrate AI-driven risk scoring and predictive compliance analytics by mid-2026.

Architecture & Technology Stack

• Core Infrastructure: Built on IBM Cloud and IBM Hyper Protect Services with confidential computing and hardware-based encryption
• MPC Wallets: Uses multi-party computation (MPC) for keyless custody and distributed signing
• API-First Design: RESTful APIs for integration with banking systems and blockchain networks
• Smart Contract Support: Compatible with Ethereum, Solana, and other programmable chains

Security & Compliance

• Regulatory Alignment: Meets Basel III, MiCA, and FATF Travel Rule standards
• Audit Trails: Immutable logging and real-time monitoring for compliance and forensic analysis
• Geo-Fencing & Access Controls: Location-based restrictions and role-based access

Strategic Partnerships

• Dfns Integration: IBM leverages Dfns’ MPC wallet infrastructure with 15M+ wallets deployed
• Enterprise Pilots: Early adopters include central banks, sovereign wealth funds, and tier-1 institutions
• Tokenization Ecosystem: Supports CBDCs, tokenized bonds, and real-world asset custody

Use Cases

• Bitcoin Custody: Secure storage and transfer for institutional BTC portfolios
• Tokenized Payments: Programmable payments using stablecoins and tokenized fiat
• Cross-Chain Settlement: Asset movement across Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, and private chains

Strategic Implications

• IBM’s Reentry into Blockchain: A shift from earlier experimental efforts to regulated infrastructure
• Competitive Positioning: Competes with Fireblocks, Anchorage, and BitGo in institutional custody
• Future Expansion: Plans to add AI-driven risk scoring and predictive compliance analytics by mid-2026

Mphasis Secures NABCB-Accredited AI Governance Certification Amid Rising Demand for Responsible Tech

Mphasis, (BSE: 526299; NSE: MPHASIS), an Information Technology (IT) solutions provider specializing in cloud and cognitive services, today announced that it achieved the ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification by TÜV SÜD South Asia Private Limited, accredited by the Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB). Leading the industry in adopting global Artificial Intelligence (AI) standards, the company received certification for the international Artificial Management Systems (AIMS) framework, ensuring responsible AI development and use while promoting trust and interoperability across the global AI ecosystem.

The NABCB-accredited ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification reinforces our commitment to responsible AI innovation, and we are pleased to have received it. This achievement assures our enterprise clients that every Mphasis AI solution is developed and governed to the highest global standards of integrity, reliability, and compliance, said Nitin Rakesh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mphasis.

The accreditation was issued by TÜV SÜD South Asia Pvt. Ltd., one of only two certification bodies accredited by the NABCB under India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This recognition affirms Mphasis’ adherence to the highest standards of ethical governance, transparency, and global best practices in AI.

We congratulate Mphasis on being accredited with the ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification with TÜV SÜD. This milestone reflects Mphasis’ strong commitment to responsible AI and excellence in designing and operating trustworthy AI applications. We are proud to have supported this achievement and look forward to deepening our collaboration with Mphasis in advancing ethical and future-ready AI, Mr. Panneer Selvan, Vice President, TÜV SÜD South Asia Private Limited.

ISO/IEC 42001:2023 provides a structured framework for developing, deploying, and governing AI systems. For clients and regulators, NABCB accreditation ensures that the recognition is based on independent verification under rigorous national and international oversight, strengthening trust and reducing risks in AI adoption. While AI offers immense opportunities, it also brings challenges such as data opacity, bias, and ethical concerns. With regulatory scrutiny intensifying and customer expectations rising, organizations need to demonstrate accountability and integrity in AI deployment. By aligning with ISO/IEC 42001:2023, Mphasis has adopted a globally recognized framework to address these risks and instill confidence in AI-driven systems.

As of Q1 FY26, Mphasis’ AI-led deals represent 68% of its total new contract wins, up from around 30% a year ago. This reflects growing customer demand for Mphasis’ AI-driven solutions across its cloud and cognitive services portfolio.

About Mphasis

At Mphasis, engineering has been in our DNA since inception.

Mphasis is an AI-led, platform-driven company with human-in-the-loop intelligence, helping global enterprises modernize, infuse AI, and scale with agility. The Mphasis.ai unit and Mphasis AI-powered ‘Tribes’ are focused on client outcomes and embed artificial intelligence and autonomy into every layer of the enterprise technology and process stack.

Mphasis built NeoIP™, a breakthrough AI platform which orchestrates a powerful pack of AI platforms and solutions to deliver impactful outcomes across the entire enterprise IT value chain, because we believe ‘AI Without Intelligence Is Artificial™’. NeoIP™ is powered by the Ontosphere, a dynamic and ever-evolving knowledge base, delivering continuous and constant innovation through perpetual intelligent engineering - driving end-to-end enterprise transformation.

At the heart of our approach is customer-centricity—reflected in our proprietary Front2Back™ transformation framework, which uses the exponential power of cloud and cognitive to deliver hyper-personalized digital experiences (C=X2C2™ = 1) and build strong relationships with marquee clients. Our Service Transformation solutions enable enterprises to pivot from legacy systems and operations to secure, adaptive, cloud-first operating models with minimal disruption. Continuous investments in platforms, such as the Neo series, enable enterprises to stay efficient, relevant, and ahead in a dynamic AI-first world. Mphasis is a Hi-Tech, Hi-Touch, Hi-Trust company, rooted in a learning and growth culture.

Infibeam’s Subsidiary to Power Escrow and Cross-Border Payments at India’s Global Finance Hub

Infibeam Avenues Ltd (NSE: INFIBEAM, BSE: 539807), a leading listed AI-fintech company, today announced that the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has granted in-principle approval to its wholly-owned subsidiary, IA Fintech IFSC Private Ltd (IA Fintech), to operate as a Payment Service Provider (PSP) in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City – International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC).

GIFT-IFSC, based in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is India’s premier special economic zone (SEZ) and a strategic international financial hub designed to host global financial operations that traditionally take place in centers such as London, Dubai, or Singapore. The IFSCA, a Government of India’s unified regulatory body, oversees and promotes all financial products, institutions, and services within the GIFT- IFSC or SEZ ecosystem.

With this in-principle approval, IA Fintech is set to deliver a broad suite of digital payment and cross-border financial services to businesses operating within GIFT-IFSC and international markets. These services will include escrow account operations, cross-border money transfer facilitation, and merchant acquisition — supporting enterprises with faster, more efficient, and regulated payment solutions.

“We are delighted with this approval and deeply grateful to the IFSCA for their trust in our fintech capabilities,” said Mr Vishal Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Infibeam Avenues Ltd. “This opportunity marks an important expansion of our business, creating a new and high-potential revenue stream that can meaningfully contribute to our overall growth.”

Upon obtaining final authorization and meeting statutory requirements, IA Fintech will be permitted to:

• Provide escrow services for secured financial settlements.
• Enable cross-border remittances into and out of the GIFT-IFSC/SEZ area.
• Facilitate payment processing and settlement for merchants.

Currently, many firms within GIFT-IFSC rely on traditional correspondent banking arrangements for international payments, involving multi-step routing through overseas banks via Nostro accounts and SWIFT networks. This process can take up to 36–48 hours and often incurs higher costs. IA Fintech’s PSP framework aims to streamline these transactions through advanced digital settlement infrastructure, ensuring near-instant, cost-effective, and transparent cross-border transactions.

The GIFT-IFSC ecosystem continues to grow rapidly — hosting over 16 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), 75 broker-dealers, 16 bullion trading entities, 23 aircraft leasing companies, 9 ship leasing firms, 118 qualified jeweler firms notified by IFSCA, 94 fund management firms and others. Collectively, these enterprises represent a significant addressable market for IA Fintech’s regulated digital payment services.

According to estimates, GIFT-IFSC is positioned to capture over USD 500 billion in financial opportunities spanning external commercial borrowings, trade finance, HNI wealth management, ESG pools, and lease financing across aviation and maritime sectors. For instance, trade finance transaction volumes have more than doubled — rising from USD 20 billion in FY22 to USD 46 billion in FY25.

IA Fintech as a regulated payment service providers intent to play a pivotal role in transforming GIFT-IFSC into a global fintech and cross-border payments hub, enabling faster financial flows, digital commerce efficiency, and greater competitiveness for Indian and international enterprises operating within the GIFT-IFSC/SEZ area.

UP Police Embraces AI and Cyber Training in Yogi Adityanath’s Hybrid Model for 60,244 Recruits

In a landmark move to modernize law enforcement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has unveiled a tech-forward hybrid training model for 60,244 newly appointed police personnel. The initiative marks one of India’s largest digital transformations in police training, integrating artificial intelligence, cybercrime modules, and simulation-based learning into the traditional curriculum.

Tech Highlights of the Hybrid Training Model

• AI-Powered Simulations: Recruits will engage with artificial intelligence-driven scenarios that mimic real-world policing challenges—ranging from crowd control to cyber fraud detection. These simulations aim to sharpen decision-making and situational awareness.
• Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: The curriculum includes hands-on training in cybercrime investigation, digital evidence handling, and online threat mitigation. Officers will learn to trace IP addresses, decrypt digital trails, and respond to phishing and ransomware cases.
• Smart Classrooms and E-Learning: Training centers are being equipped with smart boards, biometric attendance systems, and cloud-based learning platforms. Recruits can access legal modules, case studies, and forensic tutorials remotely.
• Drone and Surveillance Tech: Select units will receive exposure to drone operations, facial recognition systems, and real-time surveillance tools—preparing them for tech-assisted field operations.
• Data Ethics and Privacy: Officers will be sensitized to digital rights, data protection laws, and ethical boundaries in tech-enabled policing.

Strategic Vision

The hybrid model reflects CM Yogi Adityanath’s broader vision to align UP Police with global standards in digital law enforcement. By embedding technology into foundational training, the state aims to build a force that is not only physically agile but digitally literate and ethically grounded.

Paytm Enables UPI Payments for NRIs Across 12 Countries Using International Mobile Numbers

• NRIs from 12 countries can now send money instantly and pay any UPI merchant through the Paytm app using international numbers linked to NRE or NRO accounts, without the need for a local Indian SIM card. 
• Offers exclusive features such as downloading UPI statements, automatic spend classification and spend analysis, ability to hide payments, checking total balance across bank accounts linked to Paytm UPI, generating AI Rap song on recent spends, available only on the Paytm app. 
• Reinforces Paytm’s commitment to financial inclusion and accessibility, enabling Indians around the world to participate in India’s mobile payment revolution. 

Paytm (One 97 Communications Limited), India’s full stack merchant payments leader serving MSMEs and enterprises, a leading financial services distribution company, and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox, today announced that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from 12 countries can now login with their international mobile numbers to the Paytm app for seamless UPI payments through NRE or NRO accounts. 

With this launch, NRIs can use Paytm UPI for everyday payments and money transfers to friends and family in India. They can pay at shops, restaurants, and local businesses across the country by simply scanning a UPI QR code or shop online on Indian apps and websites. This seamless experience is now possible without international payment gateways or currency conversions. NRIs can also transfer funds between their own accounts or send money instantly to any UPI ID or UPI linked mobile number, removing remittance delays and high forex charges. The convenience of Paytm UPI is now available wherever NRIs are, whether living abroad or visiting India, without the need for a local Indian SIM card.

The service, powered by NPCI, is available for Indians residing in 12 countries including Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, USA, Saudi Arabia, UAE (United Arab Emirates), UK (United Kingdom), France, and Malaysia. It brings greater convenience to global Indians by allowing them to stay financially connected with India even while living abroad. Currently available in beta, the rollout to all eligible users will happen in the coming days.

NRIs will also benefit from Paytm’s continuous innovations, as it is the only payments app that offers exclusive features such as downloading UPI statements in PDF or Excel, automatic spend classification and spend analysis, ability to hide payments, checking total balance across bank accounts linked with Paytm UPI, generating AI Rap song on recent spends with Paytm Playback among others. Together, these capabilities provide a comprehensive, seamless, and trusted payments experience on Paytm.

Paytm Spokesperson said, “We started Paytm with the dream of building technology made in India, for India, and now for every Indian around the world. Enabling NRIs to use Paytm UPI with their international mobile numbers is another step in that journey. It keeps Indians connected to India’s growing mobile payments ecosystem, no matter where they live.”

Here’s how an NRI can start making UPI payments in India through Paytm

• Download and open the Paytm app. 
• Login with international mobile number. 
• Verify the number via SMS and link the bank account to start making payments instantly

This reinforces Paytm’s commitment to financial inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that Indians around the world continue to be part of India’s mobile payment revolution built on trust and technology.

Mphasis Launches NeoIP™, a Unified AI Platform for Continuous Enterprise Transformation

• Platform utilizes Ontology-Powered Knowledge Graph, Ontosphere, to deliver compounding value and continuous transformation.
• Early client deployments of the platform are demonstrating up to 60% efficiency gains, 50% reduction in incident resolution time, and measurable margin improvements.

Mphasis, (BSE: 526299; NSE: MPHASIS), an Information Technology (IT) solutions provider specializing in cloud and cognitive services, announced the launch of Mphasis NeoIP™, a breakthrough Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform, integrating multiple Mphasis.ai innovative solutions, designed for continuous enterprise transformation and differentiating competitive advantage. The platform perpetually rewires core systems, turning enterprise knowledge across legacy systems, data and operations driving intelligent engineering. At the core ofNeoIP™ is this living – breathing layer of connected enterprise understanding, that unifies data, systems, and processes to proactively optimize, modernize, and transform business and IT operations.

NeoIP™ enables organizations continuously evolve, rather than through one-time transformation programs, by making enterprise knowledge machine understandable. NeoIP™ automates complex decisions, predicts and prevents issues before they occur and drives sustained innovation. It empowers CIOs and business leaders to shift left, embedding intelligence early in the software and operations lifecycle to create self-healing, resource efficient systems that learn and improve over time. In addition, it integrates evergreen business intelligence with AI-assisted implementation, fostering continuous learning and evolution with every subsequent initiative. The platform creates a connected, data-centric environment where AI and human teams collaborate to plan, build, and manage transformation.

"Traditional enterprise transformation often fails to deliver value and requires ongoing reinvestment to keep pace with AI's rapid evolution. NeoIP™ redefines the model. NeoIP™ brings together Mphasis-built AI solutions, partner technologies, and client assets into a single platform that supports multiple data sources, large and small language models, and computing environments. It represents the future of enterprise tech, which is intelligent by design, secure by default, and scalable by nature," said Nitin Rakesh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mphasis.

A key component of NeoIP™is Ontosphere that in collaboration with various AI Agents constructs and sustains the intelligence through dynamic knowledge graphs using enterprise domain context. Together these capabilities form a foundation for contextual insights, autonomous actions and intelligent orchestration. Ontosphere ensures AI-driven transformation is fast, accurate, and strategically aligned with long-term business goals.

NeoIP™ includes solutions grouped under four categories, namely: Modernization, Application Development, ITOps & BusinessOps. These capabilities are delivered via specialized AI Agents and frameworks:

Agent & Frameworks	Category	Function
Mphasis NeoCrux™	Modernization, App Development	Orchestrates AI-driven code generation and quality automation.
Mphasis NeoZeta™	Modernization	Enables organizations overcome challenges of modernization through comprehensive knowledge graph
Mphasis NeoSaba™	Application Development	Provides agile AI agents for quality-driven product definition and user story elaboration.
Mphasis NeoRigal™	Governance	AI Agent for planning, building and orchestrating various AI components and provides AI governance
Mphasis AIOps	ITOps	Features capabilities for integrated operations, including proactive incident prediction, root-cause analysis, and self-healing automation based on deep system observability.
Mphasis NeoOrko™	Application Development	Agent, model and knowledge operations management system
Mphasis NextOps™	Business Ops	A collection of Domain specific business operations agents that are autonomous in nature
Mphasis NeoARCHE™	Application Development	Analyzes the code stream to route workloads between CPU & GPU: Autonomous Routing for Compute Heterogeneity
Ontosphere	Modernization, App Development, ITOps, Business Ops	Enterprise intelligence encoded with contextual knowledge based on domain ontologies

NeoIP™natively connects with third-party AI agents through Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Agent2Agent (A2A) standards, expanding the agent fabric for unified, cross-enterprise orchestration.

Early client engagements have delivered measurable impact across multiple dimensions:

· Up to 60% improvement in development and modernization efficiency through AI-led code generation, testing, and optimization

· 50% reduction in mean time to detect Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and resolve IT incidents through improved observability and automation

· 3–5 hours of predictive early warning for major outages using AI-based anomaly detection

· Sustained cost and margin improvements through a Savings-led Transformation approach that builds continuous value

· Build a cloud-ready, composable, business capability-driven platform with real-time event-driven architecture.

Mphasis has also transformed its AppStore into an AI-powered marketplace, enabling employees to easily discover, download, and use NeoIP^TM solutions. With intelligent search and curated categories, the platform streamlines access to tools that drive innovation and efficiency across the organization.

NeoIP™ further sets the stage for Mphasis’ next phase of innovation under the Mphasis Quantum initiative, which will introduce new solutions using quantum computing and AI to further enhance enterprise decision-making and transformation.

About Mphasis 
At Mphasis, engineering has been in our DNA since inception.

Mphasis is an AI-led, platform-driven company with human-in-the-loop intelligence, helping global enterprises modernize, infuse AI, and scale with agility. The Mphasis.ai unit and Mphasis AI-powered ‘Tribes’ are focused on client outcomes and embed artificial intelligence and autonomy into every layer of the enterprise technology and process stack. 

India Wants Its Own YouTube—Desi Video Revolution Begins!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Indian government is reportedly exploring homegrown alternatives to YouTube, but as of late 2025, there’s no official government-backed platform announced as a direct competitor. However, several developments suggest a growing interest in building indigenous video ecosystems.

Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, in a recent media interaction, hinted that India could consider building its own video-sharing platform, aligning with the Prime Minister’s call for digital self-reliance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized the vision of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat), encouraging the development of indigenous digital platforms. Recently, Zoho launched a WhatsApp alternative called Arattai, which has already garnered massive download before public announcement of the launch. 

This isn’t an official announcement, but the hint suggests a desire to reduce dependence on foreign platforms for creator monetization and public broadcasting.

This also suggests the potential for a government-backed or public-private video platform focused on Indian languages, creators, and compliance with Indian regulations.

• Context: India's YouTube Landscape
  • YouTube dominates India’s digital video space, with over 650 million monthly Shorts viewers and 75 million Connected TV users.
  • Indian audiences increasingly treat YouTube as “India’s New TV,” blending entertainment, education, and commerce.
• Government & Strategic Push
  • Digital sovereignty: India has previously promoted indigenous platforms in social media (e.g., Koo vs Twitter) and e-commerce.
  • Content regulation: Concerns over foreign platform algorithms, monetization, and moderation have prompted calls for Indian-controlled alternatives.
  • Public sector media: Prasar Bharati and other government broadcasters have expanded digital presence, but not yet launched a full-fledged YouTube rival.
• Private Sector & Startups
  • Chingari and Roposo (short-form video)
  • Stage (regional-language content)
  • ShareChat’s Moj (creator-driven entertainment)
  • These platforms focus more on short-form and regional content, not full-scale video hosting like YouTube.

YouTube vs Indian Video Platforms

Platform	Type of Content	Audience Reach	Monetization Model	Strategic Focus
YouTube	Long-form, Shorts, Live	Global (650M+ in India)	Ads, Super Chat, Memberships	Creator economy, global discovery
Chingari	Short-form, regional	200M+ downloads	Crypto-based rewards (GARI)	Web3, creator monetization
Moj (ShareChat)	Short-form, entertainment	300M+ monthly users	Ads, brand partnerships	Regional language, mass appeal
Roposo	Short-form, influencer-led	100M+ users	Creator commerce, ads	Fashion, lifestyle, influencer economy
Stage	Regional-language OTT	Growing in Tier 2/3	Subscription-based	Hyperlocal content, cultural storytelling
JioCinema	Premium OTT + Shorts	500M+ installs	Ads, freemium	Sports, Bollywood, mass entertainment

Google India’s Brandcast 2025 showcased YouTube’s dominance in India, indirectly prompting speculation about local alternatives due to its massive reach.

Amazon Unveils Blue Jay and Project Eluna to Revolutionize Warehouse Robotics and AI

Amazon has just unveiled two cutting-edge technologies—Blue Jay and Project Eluna—designed to transform its operations network by enhancing safety, efficiency, and decision-making for front-line employees.

Blue Jay: Multi-Arm Robotics System

• Functionality: Coordinates multiple robotic arms in a single station to perform picking, stowing, and consolidating tasks simultaneously.
• Efficiency Boost: Replaces three separate robotic stations with one streamlined unit, handling ~75% of item types stored at Amazon sites.
• Design: Ceiling-mounted system that moves packages at high speeds, already deployed in select fulfillment centers.

Project Eluna: Agentic AI for Smarter Decisions

Project Eluna – An Agentic AI system

• Project Eluna will be piloted at a fulfillment center in Tennessee to assist operators this holiday season, working initially on sortation optimization. Operators can ask questions like, “Where should we shift people to avoid a bottleneck?” and receive clear, data-backed recommendations. The goal: less putting out fires, more foresight.
• Purpose: Supports front-line employees by simplifying complex decisions and optimizing workflows.
• Agentic AI: Goes beyond traditional automation by acting as a collaborative decision-making partner, not just a tool.
• Impact: Helps reduce repetitive tasks, improve safety, and open new career pathways for employees.

Blue Jay and Project Eluna join other new robotics and AI systems we launched this year, including Vulcan, Amazon’s first robot with a sense of touch designed to assist with ergonomically challenging tasks, and DeepFleet, an AI foundation model that coordinates large fleets of mobile robots across facilities.

From Mumbai to Kolkata: Starlink to Establish 9 Gateway Stations Across India

Starlink is gearing up for its satellite internet debut in India by establishing nine gateway earth stations across key cities. This infrastructure is crucial for enabling high-speed, low-latency satellite broadband access nationwide—even in remote areas with limited mobile coverage.

Key Highlights

• Cities targeted: Mumbai, Noida, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, and others
• Purpose: These stations will serve as ground infrastructure to connect Starlink’s Gen 1 satellite constellation with users across India
• Spectrum access: Starlink has applied for 600 Gbps capacity and received provisional spectrum clearance to begin testing
• Regulatory status: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has allowed Starlink to import 100 satellite terminals for testing
• Launch timeline: Full-scale rollout expected by late 2025 or early 2026

Gateway Station Deployment Overview

Feature	Details
Number of Stations	9 planned across major cities
Cities Identified	Mumbai, Noida, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Kolkata among others
Purpose	To connect Starlink’s satellite constellation to India’s terrestrial internet backbone
Spectrum Clearance	Provisional approval for 600 Gbps capacity from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
Terminal Imports	100 satellite user terminals approved for testing (not commercial use)
Launch Timeline	Commercial rollout expected in late 2025 or early 2026
Regulatory Status	Awaiting full licensing under India’s new satellite communication framework

Strategic Implications

• Rural Connectivity Boost: Enables coverage in remote and underserved areas, bypassing the need for fiber or mobile towers
• Competitive Landscape: Starlink will compete with Bharti-backed OneWeb and Jio’s satellite JV with SES
• Security & Sovereignty: Government monitoring for compliance with national security and data localization norms
• Tech Stack: Gen 1 satellites use Ku-band; Gen 2 may introduce laser interlinks and higher throughput

This move positions India as a major market for Starlink’s global expansion, potentially transforming connectivity for underserved regions.

Last month, Starlink received trial spectrum clearance from the DoT to conduct tests at its Navi Mumbai terminal. Starlink has applied for high-capacity spectrum (600 Gbps Spectrum Request) to support its Gen 1 satellite constellation.

The company has received approval to import 100 satellite terminals for testing purposes. Services are expected to begin by early 2026, pending final SATCOM licensing and spectrum allotment.

Humanoid Robotics Heats Up: Agility Reportedly Raising $400M with SoftBank Backing

SoftBank’s latest robotics move signals a renewed push into humanoid automation. Earlier in 2025, the Japanese tech giant reportedly held acquisition talks with Oregon-based Agility Robotics, exploring a deal valued at over $900 million. While the acquisition didn’t materialize, SoftBank pivoted to a strategic investment — joining Agility’s $400 million Series C funding round, which valued the company at $1.75 billion pre-money.

SoftBank has long been bullish on robotics and AI, with past investments in Boston Dynamics and its own humanoid robot, Pepper. Its renewed interest in Agility signals a pivot toward humanoid logistics automation.

As of now, Agility Robotics has not released an official press release confirming the $400 million funding round. However, multiple reputable outlets — including The Information, GeekWire, and Tech Funding News — have reported on the deal based on insider sources and term sheet details.

Who Is Agility Robotics?

• Agility Robotics is the maker of Digit, a bipedal humanoid robot designed for warehouse and logistics tasks.
• Digit can walk, climb stairs, and handle packages — making it a strong candidate for augmenting or replacing human labor in fulfillment centers.
• The company is already piloting Digit with major retailers like Amazon, giving it a real-world edge.

Deal Breakdown

• Acquisition Talks: SoftBank considered buying Agility outright for over $900M.
• Funding Pivot: Instead, it joined a $400M round led by WP Global Partners.
• Strategic Goal: Scale mass production of Digit and expand commercial deployment.

Competitive Landscape

Company	Flagship Robot	Focus Area	Funding/Valuation (2025)
Agility Robotics	Digit	Warehouse logistics	$400M round, $1.75B pre-money
Figure AI	Figure 01	General-purpose labor	Backed by OpenAI, Microsoft
Tesla	Optimus	Factory automation	Internal R&D, no external funding

Why It Matters

• SoftBank’s move reflects a strategic shift — from owning robotics IP to backing scalable platforms with real-world traction.
• With humanoid robotics moving from R&D to commercialization, logistics and manufacturing are emerging as the first battlegrounds.
• Agility’s Digit is no longer just a prototype — it’s a product on the verge of mass deployment.
• With SoftBank’s backing, the humanoid race just got a lot more interesting.

Adobe’s $3 Billion Play for Synthesia: AI Video’s Next Frontier?

Adobe has been aggressively integrating generative AI across its suite (e.g., Firefly for images). In a latest and a bold move that could have reshaped the future of creative software, Adobe recently explored acquiring London-based AI video startup Synthesia for a reported $3 billion. The deal, however, collapsed over valuation disagreements—leaving the industry buzzing about what might have been, and what’s next.

Adobe reportedly offered ~$3 billion, but Synthesia’s January valuation was $2.1 billion. Despite Adobe’s $100M investment in April, the final terms couldn’t be agreed upon. The first media outlet to report Adobe’s attempted $3 billion acquisition of Synthesia was The Information. Their coverage was later cited by other outlets including Sifted, GuruFocus, and Veritas News.

Notably, Meta also held early talks with Synthesia, suggesting broader interest in avatar-based video tech but those discussions didn’t progress.

What Makes Synthesia So Valuable?

• Core Tech: Synthesia lets users create lifelike video avatars from text—no cameras or actors needed.
• Use Cases: Ideal for corporate training, marketing, and multilingual content at scale.
• Enterprise Appeal: Trusted by global companies for fast, professional-grade video creation.

Why Adobe Wanted In

• Creative Cloud Expansion: Synthesia would have added AI-native video to Adobe’s suite.
• AI Push: Complements Adobe Firefly’s image generation with avatar-driven video tools.
• Enterprise Synergy: Aligns with Adobe’s ambitions in e-learning and marketing automation.

The Deal That Didn’t Close

• Valuation Gap: Adobe’s offer exceeded Synthesia’s $2.1B valuation, but terms couldn’t be finalized.
• Strategic Tensions: Despite Adobe’s $100M investment, the acquisition stalled.
• Meta’s Interest: Meta also held early talks, but they didn’t progress.

What This Signals for the Industry

• Adobe: May build its own AI video tools or pursue other startups.
• Synthesia: Could remain independent or seek new strategic partners.
• Industry Trend: Generative video is heating up as demand for scalable content grows.

Final Take

This near-acquisition wasn’t just about one company—it was a glimpse into the future of creative work. As AI continues to blur the lines between imagination and execution, the race to own the next-gen creative stack is officially on.

SoftBank and Cisco Light Up Japan’s First All-Optical Metro Network — Slashing Energy Use by 90%

In a bold move to redefine urban connectivity and sustainability, SoftBank Corp. has partnered with Cisco to launch Japan’s first All-Optical Metro Network. The initiative, announced in October 2025, marks a major leap in telecom infrastructure—one that promises to cut energy consumption by up to 90% while preparing Japan’s cities for the data demands of the AI era.

The Technology Behind the Transformation

Scope of All optical network deployment

At the heart of this next-generation network lies Cisco’s Routed Optical Networking architecture, a paradigm shift that eliminates the need for traditional optical-electrical-optical (O-E-O) conversions. Instead of converting light signals into electrical ones at each node—a process that consumes significant power and space—the new system enables end-to-end optical transmission across metro networks.

• Cisco 8000 Series Routers: Built for scale and efficiency, supporting 400G and beyond. These routers enable massive throughput with minimal energy draw.
• Cisco Silicon One Q200 Chips: Custom-built ASICs delivering up to 7x the switching capacity of previous generations while consuming half the power.
• Segment Routing and EVPN: Advanced routing protocols optimize traffic flow, reduce latency, and simplify operations across metro domains.

Why It Matters: Energy, AI, and the Future of Connectivity

SoftBank’s new metro network isn’t just about speed—it’s about sustainability. By removing power-hungry transponders and simplifying the network architecture, the all-optical design dramatically reduces energy use and carbon emissions. This aligns with SoftBank’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

• Massive bandwidth for data-intensive applications
• Lower latency for real-time services like autonomous vehicles and smart cities
• Reduced operational complexity through converged infrastructure

Deployment and Roadmap

The first phase of the rollout was completed in Osaka Prefecture in September 2025. SoftBank plans to expand the network nationwide by 2027, building on its nationwide core optical network completed in 2023. This metro layer will serve as the connective tissue between core and access networks, enabling seamless, high-speed data flow across Japan’s urban centers.

A Strategic Alliance

This collaboration deepens the longstanding relationship between SoftBank and Cisco, who have worked together on multiple network modernization efforts. According to SoftBank’s CTO Keiichi Makizono, “This next-generation network will not only support our growing data demands but also contribute significantly to our sustainability goals.”

Kevin Wollenweber, SVP and GM of Cisco Networking, echoed the sentiment:

Our Routed Optical Networking solution is designed to help customers like SoftBank build a more scalable, efficient, and sustainable internet for the future.

Operant AI Uncovers Stealth Exploit Targeting MCP Connected AI Assistants

1. A critical security flaw in MCP (Model Context Protocol) enables invisible data theft across all major AI and Agentic platforms
2. New attack class exploits trusted AI agents to silently exfiltrate critical PII, including SSNs, medical records, and financial data. 
3. The discovery of Shadow Escape comes amid Cybersecurity Awareness Month, underscoring the urgent need for AI-native defense mechanisms as enterprises accelerate adoption of agentic AI frameworks.

Operant AI, the world’s only Runtime AI Defense Platform, today disclosed the discovery of Shadow Escape, a powerful zero-click attack that exploits Model Context Protocol (MCP) and connected AI agents. The exploit enables data exfiltration via popular AI agents and assistants, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and other LLM-powered agents.

As enterprises rapidly adopt agentic AI through MCP servers and MCP-based integrations to connect large language models (LLMs) to internal tools, APIs, and databases, Shadow Escape demonstrates a new class of threats that operate entirely inside the firewall and within authorized identity boundaries, making them invisible to conventional cybersecurity monitoring.

The Shadow Escape attack demonstrates the absolute criticality of securing MCP and agentic identities. Operant AI's ability to detect and block these types of attacks in real-time and redact critical data before it crosses unknown and unwanted boundaries is pivotal to operationalizing MCP in any environment, especially in industries that have to follow the highest security standards, said Donna Dodson, the former Chief of Cybersecurity at NIST.

According to McKinsey’s 2025 Technology Trends Outlook, nearly 80% of enterprises are now using generative or agentic AI assistants for critical business functions—many of which depend on MCP for secure access management and workflow automation. Operant AI’s research estimates that trillions of private records may be at risk of exposure through such zero-click MCP-based data exfiltration chains.

Operant AI has formally reported this security issue to OpenAI and initiated the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) designation process. Critically, this is not a vulnerability specific to any individual LLM or Agent provider; it represents a fundamentally new attack path that affects any AI agent or AI application that utilizes MCP.

The Attack Chain

Unlike traditional prompt injection or data leaks, this attack doesn’t need user error, phishing, or malicious browser extensions. Instead, it leverages the trust already granted to AI agents and AI assistants through legitimate MCP connections.

The attack unfolds in three stages:

1. Infiltration: Malicious instructions are embedded invisibly in documents uploaded to AI agents—documents that appear completely legitimate and pass standard security scans. 
2. Discovery: AI agents proactively discover and surface sensitive data across connected databases without explicit user requests, leveraging MCP's powerful cross-system access capabilities. 
3. Exfiltration: Hidden directives instruct the AI agent to transmit entire datasets to external endpoints, disguised as routine performance tracking or analytics uploads

The attack first enables the AI agent to access and display critical PII data to any human interacting with it, violating basic data governance standards, including HIPAA and PCI compliance. It then uses an invisible zero-click instruction to extract that PII, including Social Security numbers, medical record numbers, and other personally identifiable information (PII) to the dark web, all without IT or standard security measures blocking or detecting the breach. Using the Shadow Escape attack path, malicious entities are able to gain everything needed to perpetrate identity theft, Medicare fraud, financial fraud, and more, all without users or IT organizations realizing the exfiltration is happening.

Shadow Escape Is Not Limited to One AI Provider or Platform

Shadow Escape affects any organization using MCP-enabled AI agents or MCP-connected AI assistants, including ChatGPT (OpenAI), Claude (Anthropic), Gemini (Google), Custom AI agents built on various LLM backends, Open-source alternatives like Llama-based assistants, and Industry-specific AI copilots across healthcare, finance, and customer service. The common thread isn't the specific AI Agent—it's the Model Context Protocol that grants these agents unprecedented access to organizational systems.

Beyond Traditional Security

"While MCP has become a foundational protocol enabling powerful AI integrations, our research reveals that standard MCP configurations create unprecedented attack surfaces that operate beyond the reach of traditional security controls," said Vrajesh Bhavsar, CEO and co-founder of Operant AI. "Shadow Escape demonstrates how AI agents can be weaponized through 0-click attacks that are invisible to both users and conventional security methods. The attack happens entirely within authenticated sessions, using legitimate credentials, making the blast radius potentially catastrophic given the scale and speed at which agents can operate."

Shadow Escape can impact many highly sensitive, privacy-regulated, and commonly used AI/Human interactions, including medical assistants using AI to access patient records, insurance databases, or treatment protocols or banking representatives using AI copilots connected to transaction systems, credit databases, or fraud detection monitoring systems.

Operant AI's Security Research team recommends organizations take immediate action to assess and secure their MCP deployments by conducting comprehensive audits of all AI agents and AI assistants with MCP access to organizational systems, databases, and APIs; implementing runtime AI defense guardrails capable of detecting and blocking zero-click data exfiltration attempts; establishing MCP trust zones with explicit allow-listing of authorized servers and real-time blocking of untrusted connections; deploying sensitive data flow monitoring with in-line auto-redaction capabilities for PII, PHI, and financial information; and reviewing and governing MCP tools access following least-privilege principles.

For more information about Shadow Escape and Operant AI's MCP and AI security solutions, visit: www.operant.ai/art-kubed/shadow-escape

About Operant AI

Operant AI, the world’s only Runtime AI Defense Platform, delivers comprehensive, real-time protection for AI applications, AI agents, and MCP. Operant AI’s AI Gatekeeper and MCP Gateway are specifically designed for the unique challenges of the modern AI-native world.

With its advanced cloud-native discovery, detection, and defense capabilities, Operant AI is able to actively detect and block the most critical modern attacks including prompt injection, data exfiltration, and MCP tool poisoning, while keeping AI applications running in private mode with in-line auto-redaction of sensitive data and contextual IAM for AI Agents. Operant AI empowers security teams to confidently deploy AI applications and agents at scale without sacrificing safety or compliance.

Operant AI is the only representative vendor listed by Gartner for all four core AI-security categories: AI TRiSM (Trust, Risk, and Security Management), API Protection, MCP Gateways, and AI Agents. Founded in 2021 by Vrajesh Bhavsar, Dr. Priyanka Tembey, and Ashley Roof—industry experts from Apple, VMware, and Google respectively, Operant AI is a San Francisco-based Series A company funded by Silicon Valley venture capital firm Felicis and Washington DC venture capital firm SineWave.