Archives 2026

Apeejay Stya and Svran Group recently organised the 12^th Indian Obstetrics and Gynaecology (IOG) Dr. Stya Paul Awards 2025-26, carrying forward the noble endeavour to promote cutting-edge research and exemplary medical services in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Dr Stya Paul – eminent industrialist, educationist, freedom fighter and philanthropist is the inspiration behind all Apeejay Stya institutions. These awards have been instituted to recognise outstanding articles published in the IOG Journal for Basic & Clinical Research. This highly-anticipated event that has become an annual fixture of the research & medical community pertaining to Obstetrics and Gynaecology all over the country and abroad, was held at New Delhi.

IOG Dr. Stya Paul Awards 2025-26 were given to the authors of Best Papers published in the Journal under three categories: Best Case Report, Best Review Article and Best Original Study. ‘Special Awards’ were given for outstanding contributions of the medical fraternity, under different categories.

The highlight of the event this year was the illuminating Oration Lecture by Dr. Deirdre J Lyell, Dunlevie Endowed Professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Stanford Medicine. She also serves as Chair and Principal Investigator of the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative. Dr. Lyell brings more than 25 years of clinical, research, leadership and teaching experience in maternal-fetal medicine.

She delivered an insightful address on ‘Placental Dysfunction from Pathophysiology to Clinical Practice’. She shed light on early detection of placental abnormalities, appropriate delivery planning, prevention of unnecessary caesarean sections, and long-term maternal health implications, positioning placental science as key to safer pregnancies and future disease prevention for women. 

Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and daughter of Dr. Stya Paul, said, “The IOG awards in the name of my late father Dr. Stya Paul is a reminder that like him, if we try to reach our highest purpose, we would be so much more than we could have ever imagined ourselves to be.”

She said that, “These awards in the name of Dr. Stya Paul are meant to go beyond remembering his illustrious life by cherishing the values he stood for and to take them forward.” She added that through his life journey, Dr. Stya Paul exemplified that against all odds, extra-ordinary heights can be achieved by dreaming with determination, grit and resilience, to attain the grandest version of oneself.

Mr. Nishant Berlia, Dr. Neha Berlia and Mr. Aditya Berlia – Co-owners and Group Directors – Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, are grandchildren of Dr. Stya Paul, who are leading various verticals of the group, under overarching leadership of Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia. Mr. Nishant Berlia and Dr. Neha Berlia graced the occasion, and Mr. Aditya Berlia, extended his best wishes from abroad.

The Indian Obstetrics & Gynaecology (IOG) Journal commenced in year 2011 as a new specialty publication designed for budding & established authors & researchers in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, by giving them a platform to publish their research. It is published by Apeejay Stya Publishing Pvt. Ltd. and is independent of the publishing house for scientific contents. The IOG journal is indexed in EBSCO, Google Scholar and has also been included in the UGC Care List.

Like every year, the event also proved to be a great networking platform for doctors and researchers wherein they shared their knowledge, experiences and concerns with each other.

Kinaxis® Inc. (“Kinaxis” or the “Company”) (TSX: KXS) today announces that, further to its previously announced intention to maximize the size of its normal course issuer bid (the “NCIB”), it has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) to amend (the “Amendment”) the NCIB, effective on March 11, 2026 (the “Effective Date”), to increase the maximum number of common shares (the “Shares”) that may be repurchased from 1,403,042, representing 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding Shares as at October 31, 2025, to 2,799,843, representing 10% of the Company’s “public float” as at October 31, 2025, the maximum amount allowable under the rules of the TSX. No other terms of the NCIB have been amended. The Company has already invested US$54 million under its current NCIB. At the average price paid to date for the Shares under the current NCIB, repurchasing 10% of the Shares would represent an additional investment of approximately US$284 million.

In its February 4, 2026 news release, Kinaxis highlighted the rationale for maximizing the NCIB, with Razat Gaurav, chief executive officer, stating, “There is a fundamental misunderstanding of the opportunities and threats from generative and agentic AI to mission-critical enterprise software, like ours, that solves deeply complex problems and enables highly consequential decisions. As a result, the public markets may not be fully reflecting the underlying value of Kinaxis from time to time. We see value to shareholders in maximizing our ability to buy back Shares under the NCIB structure or other structures that may also be available to Kinaxis. Our substantial moat in industry is built on decades of deep domain knowledge, and our Maestro platform represents the most granular and holistic representation of how underlying supply chains operate. Maestro’s predictions, intelligence and prescriptive decisions are made possible by leveraging a fusion of advanced machine learning, optimization and heuristics. These capabilities are fundamental to supply chain planning and decision making and are enhanced, not replaced, by GenAI, composable agentic AI, and the latest semantic and data architectures to achieve the next generation of supply chain orchestration. We are excited about the possibilities.”

The NCIB, which began on November 12, 2025, and will end no later than November 11, 2026, is being conducted on the open market through the facilities of the TSX and/or alternative Canadian trading systems or by such other means as may be permitted by the applicable securities regulators. Except for block purchases permitted under the rules of the TSX, the number of Shares to be purchased per day under the NCIB will not exceed 14,137, which represents 25% of the average daily trading volume of the Shares on the TSX for the six calendar months ended October 31, 2025 (being 56,549 Shares). Kinaxis previously entered into an automatic share repurchase plan under which its designated broker will repurchase Shares pursuant to the NCIB, and the automatic plan, which will be amended as of the Effective Date to account for the Amendment, will continue to apply to the amended NCIB. The actual number of Shares purchased under the NCIB, including under the automatic plan, the timing of such purchases and the price at which Shares are purchased will depend upon future market conditions and will be determined by management of the Company, subject to applicable law and the rules of the TSX. The automatic plan, which was pre-cleared by the TSX, provides for the potential repurchase of Shares at any time, including when Kinaxis ordinarily would not be active in the market due to it being in a blackout period.

Under the NCIB, to date, Kinaxis has repurchased for cancellation an aggregate of 447,738 Shares (at an average price of C$167.50 per Share).

About Kinaxis
Kinaxis is a global leader in modern supply chain orchestration, powering complex global supply chains and supporting the people who manage them. Our powerful, AI-infused supply chain orchestration platform, Maestro™, combines proprietary technologies and techniques that provide full transparency and agility across the entire supply chain – from multi-year strategic planning to last-mile delivery. We are trusted by renowned global brands to provide the agility and predictability needed to navigate today’s volatility and disruption. For more news and information, please visit kinaxis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note and Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information relates to future events or the anticipated performance of Kinaxis and reflects management’s expectations or beliefs regarding such future events. In certain cases, statements that contain forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” or the negative of these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking information in this press release includes statements with respect to the potential future purchases by Kinaxis of Shares pursuant to the NCIB and the benefits of the NCIB. By its very nature forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual performance of Kinaxis to be materially different from any anticipated performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form dated March 4, 2026 for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and other risks identified in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available on SEDAR+ at https://www.sedarplus.ca.

The risk factors referred to above are not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements about the future and is inherently uncertain, and the Company’s actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking information due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. The Company’s statements containing forward-looking information are based on the beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

SOURCE: Kinaxis Inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260309385608/en/

Moving from Fundamental Research to Translational Research”: Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST, on ₹1-Crore Solar Technology Licensing Agreement with Anabond Limited, Chennai

Chennai, Mar 09: In a significant step toward strengthening India’s clean energy manufacturing ecosystem, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has licensed a patented solar cell encapsulant technology to Chennai-based specialty materials manufacturer Anabond Limited. The agreement represents an important milestone in the commercialization of university research and highlights the growing role of academia in advancing indigenous technology development.

The licensing agreement includes an upfront payment of ₹1 crore for the patented technology, along with a seven-year royalty arrangement linked to the commercial turnover of products based on the technology. The partnership reflects a broader trend of industry–academia collaboration aimed at translating laboratory innovations into scalable industrial solutions.

India has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, with solar power expected to account for the largest share. As the country rapidly expands domestic solar manufacturing under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and other policy initiatives, advanced materials such as encapsulants—which play a critical role in protecting solar modules and ensuring long-term performance—are emerging as strategic components of the renewable energy supply chain.

Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor (Academics), SRMIST, described the partnership as a significant step toward aligning academic research with industry needs and national priorities. “Universities must move beyond knowledge dissemination to knowledge creation—and ultimately to translating that knowledge into real-world solutions.” He emphasized that while universities traditionally focus on education and placements, research achievements become truly meaningful when they lead to practical technologies that benefit society. “When industry partners come forward to adopt research developed in university laboratories, it brings immense satisfaction to researchers and demonstrates the real impact of academic innovation.” Dr. Sathyanarayanan also revealed that SRMIST is planning to establish an Industrial Research Park, which will bring industry R&D units closer to the university campus and create opportunities for students, researchers, and companies to collaborate on real-world technological challenges.

Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor of SRMIST, described the technology licensing agreement as the culmination of a long institutional journey from academic teaching toward research and innovation. Over the past two decades, SRMIST has steadily strengthened its research ecosystem, moving from a focus on scholarly publications to cutting-edge research supported by government agencies and industry partners. According to the Vice Chancellor, the university currently receives around ₹35 crore annually in research funding across domains such as energy, environment, healthcare, water technologies, and disruptive innovations. “If we can enhance the performance of solar cells by preventing environmental degradation and significantly extending their life and performance, then we are truly moving from fundamental research to translational research.” Prof. Muthamizhchelvan also highlighted the university’s growing intellectual property portfolio, noting that SRMIST currently holds more than 538 granted patents. With this expanding IP base, the institution has begun focusing on commercialization pathways that allow research outcomes to benefit society and industry.

“We wanted to move our research from publications to solutions that benefit society,” he added, emphasizing that the collaboration with Anabond Limited represents a visible example of how academic innovation can translate into industrial applications.

Dr. Shantanu Patil, Director of the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (DEI), SRMIST, explained that the university has developed structured mechanisms to support intellectual property development, startup incubation, and technology commercialization. “The Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation serves as a central hub that helps transform ideas developed by students, faculty, and researchers into startups, technologies, and impactful solutions.” He added that the SRM Center for Intellectual Property Rights and Protection plays a crucial role in identifying and protecting innovations emerging from the university, while the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) focuses on commercializing these innovations through industry partnerships.

The licensed technology was developed by Prof. K. Ananthanarayanan and his research team from the Department of Chemistry, SRMIST, who have been working on advanced materials for solar energy systems. Explaining the importance of encapsulation technology, Prof. Ananthanarayanan noted that while solar cells are becoming increasingly efficient, they remain highly sensitive to environmental conditions such as ultraviolet radiation, moisture, dust, and temperature fluctuations. “Encapsulants protect solar modules from ultraviolet radiation, moisture, dust, and environmental stress. When panels are expected to operate for 25 to 30 years, the reliability of this protective material becomes critical.” To illustrate the concept, he compared encapsulation to the tempered glass used to protect smartphone displays. “Just as a protective glass layer prevents damage to a phone screen, encapsulation materials protect solar cells and ensure that they continue to function reliably throughout their lifetime.”

The research team spent four to five years developing a patented polymer encapsulant specifically designed for next-generation solar technologies such as TOPCon and perovskite–silicon hybrid solar cells, which place greater performance demands on encapsulation materials than conventional systems.

“Solar energy will power the world in the future, and we are proud, in our own small way, to contribute to making that future more reliable and durable,” Prof. Ananthanarayanan said.

For Anabond Limited, the collaboration represents an important step in expanding its portfolio into renewable energy materials. Founded in 1979 by a scientist with experience in India’s nuclear research establishments, the company has grown into a major manufacturer of specialty adhesives, sealants, and advanced materials.

Mr. M. Rajan, Managing Director of Anabond Limited, said the company has built its growth on a strong foundation of research and development combined with the ability to scale laboratory innovations into commercial products. “This technology has strong potential for the future, and we are proud to partner with SRMIST in taking this innovation toward commercialization.” He explained that Anabond has extensive experience in technology transfer and industrial scaling, having worked with strategic organizations including ISRO and defense research establishments, where its products have supported demanding aerospace and missile applications. “Scaling laboratory innovations into reliable industrial products is a complex challenge, and we are confident this collaboration will successfully bring the technology to market.”

The company currently operates multiple manufacturing facilities across India and maintains a wide distribution network that supports industrial clients across sectors including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and defense.

Highlighting the broader importance of partnerships between universities and industry, Mr. Abraham, Joint Managing Director of Anabond Limited, said such collaborations are essential for converting research breakthroughs into technologies that create economic and societal value.

“Universities are hubs of innovation and new technologies. Partnering with industry enables these innovations to move from laboratory research to production scale, ultimately benefiting society and contributing to economic growth.” He also acknowledged the role of government initiatives in enabling collaboration between academic institutions and industry, particularly programs that allow companies to access advanced research infrastructure available within universities. “The partnership between SRM Institute of Science and Technology and Anabond Limited will certainly contribute to technological advancement and economic growth, while supporting the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he added.

Institutional leaders at SRMIST emphasized that the licensing agreement was made possible through the university’s growing innovation ecosystem. Together, these institutional platforms help bridge the gap between academic discovery and real-world application.

According to SRMIST’s Technology Transfer Office, the university has already facilitated more than 17 technology transfer agreements with industry partners. However, the solar encapsulant licensing stands out as one of the first to include a structured royalty model linked to commercial success.

The university also organizes the Industrial Research and Innovation Summit (IRIS), an annual platform that brings together industry leaders, investors, researchers, and startups to explore commercialization opportunities for emerging technologies. With this licensing milestone, SRMIST reinforces its broader vision of positioning academia not only as a generator of knowledge, but also as a key contributor to India’s industrial capability and sustainable technological future.

Smartsheet, the Intelligent Work Management platform that unites people, data and AI, today announced it is expanding its Global Capabilities Center (GCC) in Bengaluru. The hub is a primary innovation engine for the company, currently employing teams across product management, engineering, UX, IT, security and customer support to design and build enterprise-grade, agentic work management tools that transform global customers’ enterprise AI operations. The company envisions the center as a strategic hub for all business functions.

Smartsheet formally opened its GCC in India in 2025 and has plans to increase its headcount at the location by more than 200 employees in 2026. The rapid expansion provides Smartsheet access to a vast, future-ready talent pool and a technology ecosystem with the maturity necessary to shape product direction and operational excellence. Bengaluru was selected for its thriving tech ecosystem and status as a global innovation hub, which offers a unique concentration of leadership depth and cross-industry expertise in AI, engineering and cybersecurity. A partial list of Smartsheet Inc. customers in India includes Infosys, Vedanta, Maruti Suzuki and Swiggy.

 
Stated Rajeev Singh, chief executive officer of Smartsheet, “The establishment of the Smartsheet India GCC demonstrates our commitment to the India market, and the local talent will accelerate our ability to execute our strategy at scale. We are intentionally building this hub as a multi-functional powerhouse anchored in AI-first operating principles, where talented teams own critical, end-to-end capabilities that meaningfully shape our company and our customers’ experience and success worldwide.”

After quickly establishing the GCC, the company is now entering an aggressive multi-year growth phase. Smartsheet is committed to significantly scaling its presence in Bengaluru:

• Headcount Expansion: Over the next year, the company will hire more than 200 local employees.
• Diverse Technical Roles: Hiring efforts are focused on deep technical talent, including data scientists, DevSecOps engineers, product managers and UX designers.
• Functional Diversification: While rooted in engineering, the center will also include customer support, marketing, sales, talent acquisition and G&A functions.
• High-Engagement Environment: The company is committed to cultivating a vibrant destination culture where top talent in India can enjoy a multi-year career path and a world-class employee experience, including a custom-outfitted office space designed for colocation and collaboration.

“Exceeding our first-year targets is a testament to the elite talent available in Bengaluru and the compelling vision Smartsheet has for this Global Capabilities Center,” said Madhusudan Krishnapuram, vice president, engineering and site lead. “The team has already built a robust software development engine that is fueling core components of our global product roadmap and delivering significant outcomes in engineering and technical excellence for customers.”

To learn more about the Smartsheet India GCC and available job opportunities, click here.