Archives 2026

Thales sets a world first in quantum-safe security for 5G networks

Business Wire India

  • Thales has successfully demonstrated a world-first innovation that prepares 5G networks for the age of quantum computing, marking a major milestone for the global telecommunications industry.
  • The collaboration with a top tier mobile operator, showed that existing 5G SIM / eSIM cards already deployed in the field can be securely upgraded to quantum-safe protection, without disrupting service or impacting the customer experience.
  • This Post-Quantum Cryptographic (PQC) breakthrough proves that mobile networks can evolve their security through crypto agility to address quantum cyber threats.

 

Quantum computing has the potential to break today’s encryption methods in the future, putting mobile communications, personal data and critical infrastructure at risk. For telecom operators, this is not a distant theoretical issue: 5G networks underpin everything from smartphones and connected vehicles to emergency services, industry and national infrastructure.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260301594505/en/

 

 

WORLD FIRST: Thales has successfully demonstrated a world-first innovation that prepares 5G networks for the age of quantum computing, marking a major milestone for the global telecommunications industry. (credit photo 123ref)

WORLD FIRST: Thales has successfully demonstrated a world-first innovation that prepares 5G networks for the age of quantum computing, marking a major milestone for the global telecommunications industry. (credit photo 123ref)

 

The challenge is scale. Replacing millions of devices every time security standards evolve is neither practical nor sustainable. The industry needs a new approach. With this demonstration, Thales shows that security can be upgraded remotely and instantly, directly on SIM and eSIM cards already in use. This capability, known as crypto agility, allows operators to adapt their security protections as threats and standards evolve, without waiting for new product generations.

 

Indeed, this innovation underlines how Thales can strengthen the security of SIM and eSIM already deployed, by remotely downloading post-quantum cryptographic algorithms directly onto the card. This happens seamlessly in the background, preserving existing data and services while instantly enhancing security. With Thales’ unique crypto-agile approach, operators can remotely update the device protection without replacing cards, changing devices or interrupting connectivity.

 

 

It means 5G networks can remain secure, resilient and trusted over time, even as quantum computing becomes a reality. This successful demonstration is the first of its kind and sends a strong signal to the market:

 

 

  • Quantum-safe security can be introduced over the air without changing devices or interrupting service.
  • Mobile networks can evolve securely over time, even as threats change.
  • Telecom operators can protect long-term investments while preparing for the next era of quantum computing.

 

 

It also builds on Thales’ strong leadership in post-quantum cryptography, backed by dedicated research teams across the Group. Thales not only integrates future-proof security technologies, but it also actively develops them, with its own quantum-resistant methods submitted to international standardization efforts such as those led by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

 

“This successful test shows that quantum-safe security is no longer a future concept, it’s something networks can start preparing for today,” said Eva Rudin, VP Mobile Connectivity solutions at Thales. “By enabling remote upgrades, we help operators protect their customers and critical services without disruption. We will continue working together to help bring quantum-ready security to commercial and private 5G networks worldwide, ensuring trust, resilience and continuity in a rapidly changing digital world.”

 

 

About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

 

 

The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

 

 

Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

 

 

 

 

 

Shift Into Overdrive: Vehicle Specialization Powers Up BGMI

Vehicle Specialization is soon expected to come to BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI) as a mobility-focused power that turns cars from simple transport into strategic assets. What does this mean for players? It means every vehicle on the map could become a calculated advantage rather than just a quick getaway. Instead of adding a new driving mode, the system introduces passive vehicle buffs like reduced fuel consumption, improved durability, and Nitro boosts that allow squads to rotate faster and survive longer on open roads.

Shift Into Overdrive: Vehicle Specialization Powers Up BGMI

 Designed to complement the update’s faster gameplay loop, the power encourages aggressive movement and rewards players who treat vehicles as part of combat strategy rather than just an escape tool.

Here’s What Powering your Drive:

  • Vehicle Specialization Power: Passive buffs that improve fuel efficiency, durability, and speed bursts through Nitro
  • Mobility-Focused Gameplay: Faster rotations and stronger vehicle survivability change mid-game pacing
  • Strategic Driver Role: Vehicles evolve from transport tools into active combat and positioning assets

Alongside it, the new Customize button appears when players enter certain vehicles, acting as an in-match interface for activating themed upgrades. Rather than permanent tuning or garage-style modifications, these enhancements are temporary gameplay boosts tied to the update’s specialization system, reinforcing quick decisions and situational plays during matches.

Together, Vehicle Specialization and the Customize feature signal BGMI’s growing shift toward class-based mechanics that blend mobility, risk, and tactical control without breaking the core battle royale experience.

NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS and Airlinq Form Strategic Partnership for Global IoT

Business Wire India

NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Inc. (formerly NTT Communications Corporation; Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Katsushige Kojima; “NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS”) and Airlinq Inc. (Headquarters: California, USA; CEO: Sunil Kaul; “Airlinq”), a global provider of AIoT solutions and Autonomous Connectivity Management Platform (CMP)1, have entered into a strategic partnership to expand the delivery of global IoT-connected solutions across markets with diverse and country-specific telecommunications regulatory requirements2.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260301475708/en/

 

 

Conceptual Overview of This Partnership

Conceptual Overview of This Partnership

 

1. Background

 

Global deployment of IoT-enabled devices and services continues to accelerate, particularly across mobility industries such as automotive and construction machinery. As connected services—including connected vehicles3—expand across borders, enterprises increasingly require reliable connectivity and consistent operational models worldwide.

 

 

At the same time, telecommunications regulations and licensing frameworks differ by country and region. In some markets, long-term roaming usage such as permanent roaming or other types of permanent service delivery by foreign operators without local licenses may be constrained, creating challenges for global IoT rollouts.

 

 

Addressing these challenges often requires technical and legal coordination with multiple stakeholders—including local carriers and relevant authorities—adding operational complexity for enterprises expanding internationally.

 

 

Against this backdrop, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, with proven experience delivering global IoT services in the mobility sector, and Airlinq, with deep expertise and an ecosystem of platform with local carriers across diverse regulatory environments, have formed the strategic partnership to enable stable, compliant, and scalable IoT services globally.

 

 

2. Overview of the strategic partnership

 

 

By combining their platforms and expertise, the two companies will unify fragmented connectivity environments and operational models across countries and carriers, while reducing the operational complexity of global IoT services.

 

 

This will enable customers to establish a unified operational model for smooth and sustainable service delivery worldwide, without having to individually address country- or carrier-specific regulatory and connectivity requirements.

 

 

NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS and Airlinq will jointly deliver:

 

 

  • unified SIM and connectivity management across countries and carriers
  • flexible profile switching using eSIM/eUICC4
  • regulatory alignment and local compliance support through collaboration with local carriers

 

These capabilities will significantly reduce the burden of managing complex, multi-country IoT connectivity operations.

 

Key Areas of Collaboration

 

 

  1. Unified SIM and Connectivity Management via CMP
    By leveraging Airlinq’s CMP and, where required, integrating with local carrier CMPs, the strategic partnership will enable unified visibility and management of SIM assets and connectivity status across multiple countries and mobile networks.
  2. Flexible Connectivity Using eSIM/eUICC
    Using remote SIM provisioning5, customers can switch to local-carrier SIM profiles without physical SIM replacement, supporting efficient operations and deployments aligned with local requirements across diverse markets.
  3. Regulatory Alignment and Local Compliance Support
    The strategic partnership will support contracting and operational coordination with local carriers where required, helping customers deliver connectivity services in alignment with local legal and regulatory requirements.
  4. End-to-End Support from Planning Through Operations
    NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS will provide end-to-end support—from planning and implementation through ongoing operations—so customers can deploy and run global IoT services without managing multiple providers or country-by-country adjustments.

 

3. Roles and Responsibilities

 

NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS

 

 

  • Provision of the overall solution for enterprises deploying IoT devices and services
  • Leading project governance and execution
  • Managing the collaborative operating framework for the strategic partnership

 

Airlinq

 

  • Provision of the CMP and eSIM/eUICC solutions
  • Coordination with local carriers
  • Support for regulatory alignment and compliance, including contracting and operational execution

 

4. Executive Comments

 

Kazuo Komine, Senior Vice President, Head of 5G & IoT Services, Platform Service Division, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Inc.

 

 

“In areas such as automotive, securing stable, global connectivity has become essential for IoT-driven services and business. However, many markets require special consideration due to regulatory and operational constraints, making implementation and ongoing operations a significant challenge for customers. Through our strategic partnership with Airlinq, we will deliver effective solutions to these challenges—enabling compliant, stable, and flexible mobile IoT connectivity across diverse regulatory environments to support our customers’ global expansion and the sustainable growth of IoT industries.”

 

 

Sunil Kaul, CEO of Airlinq Inc.

 

 

“Global IoT scale is no longer limited by technology, but by regulation. Together with NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, we are removing those barriers and enabling enterprises to deploy compliant, future-proof IoT services anywhere in the world.”

 

 

5. Future Outlook

 

 

Through the strategic partnership, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS and Airlinq will provide connected solutions aligned with local regulatory and connectivity requirements across global markets, covering the full lifecycle from pre-deployment planning to post-deployment operations.

 

 

The two companies will support enterprises pursuing global IoT initiatives across mobility sectors such as automotive, construction machinery, and agricultural equipment, serving as partners to accelerate digital transformation and global business expansion.

 

 

1.

Autonomous Connectivity Management Platform (CMP): a system used to manage and control connectivity and SIM-related information for IoT devices in a unified manner.

2.

Markets with complex telecommunications regulatory requirements: markets that may restrict or limit long-term roaming usage or permanent connectivity services by foreign operators without local licenses.

3.

Connected vehicles: vehicles equipped with communication capabilities that connect to networks and cloud platforms to enable functions such as status monitoring, location tracking, software updates, and value-added services.

4.

eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card): a SIM architecture that securely stores and manages multiple carrier profiles.

5.

Remote SIM Provisioning: a mechanism that enables remote download and switching of carrier SIM profiles on eSIM-enabled devices without physical SIM replacement.

 

About NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS

 

NTT Communications Corporation changed its name to NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Inc. on July 1, 2025. As an Industrial and Regional DX Platformer that drives digital transformation across industries and communities, we are enabling the development of a decentralized, autonomous, and collaborative society where businesses and communities can thrive sustainably. Our mission is to unlock new value and help create prosperity for all.

 

 

https://www.ntt.com/en/index.html

 

 

 

 

 

Empowering Families: Managing Childhood Epilepsy with Confidence and Care

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Importantly, seizures do not always look dramatic. Some children may simply stare blankly for a few seconds, pause mid-sentence, or appear briefly confused. Others may experience jerking movements or full-body convulsions. Recognizing your child’s specific seizure pattern reduces panic and allows for calm, appropriate action. Knowledge replaces fear.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures

 One of the most important aspects of epilepsy care is understanding seizure triggers. While triggers vary from child to child, certain patterns are commonly observed. Lack of sleep is among the most powerful triggers; even a single late night can lower the brain’s seizure threshold. Dietary factors also play a role; skipping meals, prolonged fasting, dehydration, and sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels may increase susceptibility. Emotional stress, excitement, and anxiety can also provoke seizures in some children. Missing medication doses or taking them irregularly significantly increases risk. Fever and infections may trigger seizures in younger children, especially those prone to febrile episodes. In a small percentage of children, flashing lights or prolonged screen exposure may act as triggers, especially when screen time interferes with adequate sleep.

Medication adherence remains the cornerstone of seizure control. Anti-seizure medicines work effectively when taken consistently at the same time each day. Establishing a routine—perhaps linking medication time with brushing teeth or meal times—helps maintain regularity. Parents should monitor for side effects such as drowsiness, mood changes, dizziness, or skin rashes and promptly consult their doctor if concerns arise. Abruptly stopping medication without medical supervision can precipitate severe seizures and must always be avoided.

Knowing how to respond during a seizure builds confidence. During a convulsive episode, gently placing the child on their side, cushioning the head, and clearing nearby objects prevents injury. Nothing should be placed in the mouth, and movements should not be restrained. Most seizures stop within a few minutes. Emergency medical attention is required if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, repeats without recovery, or causes breathing difficulty or serious injury.

Safety measures at home provide reassurance without restricting independence. Simple precautions in bathrooms, supervision during swimming, and informing teachers and caregivers about seizure first aid create a supportive safety net. However, children with epilepsy should not be unnecessarily limited. Participation in school, sports with reasonable precautions, hobbies, and social activities fosters confidence and emotional strength.

The emotional dimension of epilepsy is equally significant. Some children may feel embarrassed or fearful about having a seizure in public. Open conversations at home allow them to express these feelings freely. When parents respond with calm reassurance rather than visible anxiety, children develop resilience. In situations where anxiety or low mood persists, professional counseling can provide valuable support.

Consistency in daily routines often translates into better seizure control. Regular sleep, balanced meals, adequate hydration, stress management practices such as yoga or light exercise, and limited late-night screen exposure all contribute to neurological stability. Small daily habits can make a meaningful difference over time.

Finally, parents must care for their own emotional well-being. Supporting a child with a chronic condition can be demanding. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, connecting with support groups, and sharing responsibilities within the family can prevent caregiver burnout. When parents feel informed and supported, children sense that stability.

Epilepsy is not a limitation on dreams. Many children with epilepsy excel academically, pursue creative talents, participate in sports, and grow into independent adults. With medical care, healthy lifestyle practices, and compassionate family support, epilepsy becomes a manageable part of life rather than its defining feature.

With knowledge, preparation, and steady encouragement, families empower their children not only to live with epilepsy—but to live confidently and well despite it.

Study Reveals Extensive Benefits of Emergency Department Clinical Trials

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that participation in emergency department-based clinical trials delivers substantial benefits that extend far beyond improved patient outcomes. The study, co-led by Gail D’Onofrio, MD, MS, Albert E. Kent Professor of Emergency Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, offers compelling evidence that clinical research can be a catalyst for positive change across multiple domains.

The cross-sectional survey, co-led by Joseph E. Carpenter, MD, from Emory University School of Medicine, examined investigators who participated in the ED-INNOVATION (Emergency Department–Initiated Buprenorphine and Validation Network) Trial, which spanned 33 emergency departments (EDs) across 23 states. The trial compared initiation of extended-release injectable buprenorphine with traditional sublingual buprenorphine and treatment engagement after the emergency department visit, addressing evidence-based care for opioid use disorder (OUD) in acute care settings.

Strengthening the research pipeline

According to D’Onofrio, ED INNOVATION lead investigator, “Participation in clinical trials can improve patient care while also strengthening the emergency medicine research pipeline—an area in need of sustained support and development. By engaging emergency department physicians in research activities, the trial built capacity, expanded investigator expertise, and positioned sites for future federally funded studies.”

Transforming institutional culture

The study documented remarkable institutional impacts from trial participation. One survey respondent noted that involvement in the clinical trial “completely changed the culture of our ED,” highlighting how research engagement can fundamentally reshape clinical practice environments. Participating institutions reported widespread practice changes that extended well beyond the trial’s specific focus, demonstrating how clinical trials can drive sustainable quality improvement in emergency care.

Career advancement and professional development

Individual clinicians experienced significant professional benefits from their involvement in the multi-site emergency medicine clinical trial. Site directors became more research-active, submitting additional funding proposals following their participation. Some clinicians obtained advanced certification in addiction medicine as a direct result of their trial participation, demonstrating that National Institutes of Health-supported clinical research can serve as a pathway to specialized expertise, leadership development, and career advancement.

Community engagement and partnership

The ED-INNOVATION trial successfully engaged a diverse array of community partners, including organizations and settings that could reach at-risk patients. This community-oriented approach demonstrates how clinical research can extend its impact beyond hospital walls to support broader public health initiatives and address social determinants of health.

Implications for the future

The findings come at a crucial time when clinical research infrastructure faces mounting pressures. The study underscores the multifaceted value of investing in emergency medicine clinical trials, suggesting that research funding generates returns not only through improved patient care but also through institutional development, workforce enhancement, and community strengthening.

 

Why Wealth Changes How We Think About Fair Prices

By Kirsten Hilgeford

When it comes to the price of financial services such as loans, mortgages, and insurance, the perception of what is “fair” has a lot to do with how wealthy you are. In the study “Seeing Like a Company or a Customer: Selective Empathy in Pricing,” appearing in the February 2026 issue of the American Sociological Review, authors Barbara Kiviat (Columbia University) and Carly R. Knight (New York University) examine how Americans evaluate the fairness of risk-based pricing—where consumers who are predicted to be high-risk/costly are charged more. 

Grounding their approach in previous sociological research on empathy, Kiviat and Knight demonstrate that either side of an economic transaction—company or customer—can become the object of empathy. To establish this, Kiviat and Knight conducted three studies on risk-based pricing, focusing on transactions between customers and companies. In the first study, they analyzed two nationally representative surveys to examine the relationship between household income and beliefs about the fairness of charging high-risk people more for insurance and credit. The authors uncovered a pattern in which wealthier individuals, regardless of their economic self-interest or ideology, were more likely to accept the moral legitimacy of tying prices to a person’s behavior.  

The authors then proposed the new lens of “selective empathy” to apply to their remaining two studies. Selective empathy is when an individual disproportionately directs their empathy to and takes the perspective of either the company or the customer in evaluating pricing arrangements. Kiviat and Knight found that wealthier individuals are more likely than lower-income individuals to empathize with companies—and less likely to empathize with high-risk consumers. 

“Our findings show that support for pro-business pricing practices is not simply about self-interest,” said the authors. “Instead, wealthier Americans more easily see things from a company’s ‘point of view,’ making these practices appear fair even when they consistently burden high-risk consumers. This class-based split in perspective matters to how people judge the fairness of our economy.” 

The authors note that their findings ultimately “reveal that risk-based pricing—even in its most institutionalized, ostensibly innocuous form—reflects a class-based understanding of market fairness.” 

America’s First X-Ray: How Yale Advanced Medical Imaging

Mar 02: The discovery of X-rays in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen marked a major advance in science and medicine, making it possible for physicians to see inside the human body for the first time without surgery. Medical scientists quickly recognized the potential of X-rays as a diagnostic tool, particularly for identifying broken bones and other internal injuries. Röntgen’s first X-ray, of his wife’s hand, clearly revealed bones and joints, offering an early demonstration of how X-ray imaging could transform medical diagnosis.

News of Röntgen’s discovery quickly spread through the global scientific community, generating widespread excitement and experimentation. Scientists around the world were excited about Röntgen’s work. In the United States, Yale physicist Arthur Wright was among the first to explore the new technology. In January 1896, barely a month after Röntgen introduced X-rays to the world, Wright successfully produced an X-ray image, making him the first in the country to work with the technique. He published hist findings in Engineering and Mining Journal and Electrical Engineer magazine, helping to introduce X-ray imaging to American scientific and medical audiences.

Interest in Wright’s work was immediate and intense, drawing widespread attention from both the scientific community and the popular press. An X-ray image he produced of coins and other metal objects, along with a photo of his X-ray machine, appeared on the cover of Scientific American on Feb. 15, 1896, introducing many readers to the emerging technology for the first time.

Public interest was equally strong on campus. When Wright presented his findings at Yale, the auditorium was filled beyond capacity. According to one newspaper account, students continued climbing through the windows more than 30 minutes into the lecture, even though only those in the first few rows could hear.

X-rays lead to the rise of medical imaging

Within just four years, by 1900, X-rays had become indispensable in diagnosing fractures and locating foreign objects within the body. Over time, the technology evolved into advanced imaging tools such as CT scans and MRIs, transforming clinical decision-making, and saving countless lives. Today, seven out of 10 Americans undergo some form of medical or dental imaging each year, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

While Wright’s X-ray experiments captured national attention and marked a turning point in medical imaging, they represented just one facet of his broader scientific legacy. His career began long before the advent of X-rays and continued through decades of innovation and leadership in building Yale’s physics department.

No stranger to firsts, Wright received the first doctoral degree awarded in the United States from Yale University in 1861. From 1863 to 1868, he taught Latin and later physics at Yale, returning in 1872 as professor of molecular physics and chemistry—a title later changed to experimental physics.

In the 1880s, Wright played a key role in securing funding for the nation’s first dedicated physics, Yale’s Sloane Physics Laboratory, where he later produced his X-ray images. In 1966, Yale expanded this legacy by establishing the A.W. Wright Nuclear Structure Laboratory, enabling the study of medium-mass and heavy nuclei. Today, research in experimental nuclear physics, particle physics, and astrophysics continues at the Yale Wright Laboratory, which opened its current facility in 2017.

From diagnosing disease to imaging health

More than a century after Wright’s first X-ray photograph, the technology he helped pioneer remains central to modern medical practice. From routine chest X-rays to complex interventional procedures, X-ray imaging continues to provide a noninvasive window into the body, supporting diagnosis, guiding treatment, and shaping generations of clinical decision-making.

Wright’s early work at Yale not only brought Röntgen’s discovery to American scientists and physicians but also helped establish a foundation for continued advances in medical imaging.

Today. Yale remains at the forefront of imaging science. In June 2025, the University marked another major milestone with the launch of the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute. The institute brings together advanced imaging research centers—including its PET and MRI laboratories, the scientific descendants of Wright’s early X-ray experiments—with experts in artificial intelligence and data science.

The institute focuses on developing new imaging tools that can detect disease earlier and with greater precision, using advanced computational methods to help predict and track illnesses. This work reflects a broader shift in medicine—from diagnosing disease after it appears to understanding, monitoring, and protecting health. Rather than identifying illness only once it has progressed, researchers aim to detect subtle changes before symptoms emerge and to better define what healthy organs and tissues look like over time.

“Part of the paradigm shift is to move from imaging disease to imaging health,” says Georges El Fakhri, PhD, Elizabeth Mears and House Jameson Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, professor of therapeutic radiology, and of biomedical informatics and data science at Yale School of Medicine.

The future of medical imaging owes much to a scientist who, inspired by a sudden discovery in Germany, helped lay the groundwork for radiology as a transformative tool in medicine. Today, Yale carries that legacy forward—uniting advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and clinical insight to extend and reimagine what Wright began.

 

PHCbi Launches LiCellGrow™ Cell Expansion System to Support High-Quality and Efficient Production of Cell and Gene Therapies

Business Wire India

PHC Corporation’s Biomedical Division (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Nobuaki Nakamura; hereinafter “PHCbi”), a global provider of laboratory sample storage and cell cultivation solutions and subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), today announced the launch of its new cell expansion system LiCellGrow™ (*1) for research use in Japan and other select countries worldwide(*2). The system is designed to improve quality and efficiency in the production of new advanced therapies by allowing therapy developers to visualize metabolic changes in cells in real time and automatically control culture conditions.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260301429276/en/

 

 

Controller and processor, Filter-less culture bag and reservoir/waste bags *Controller and other accessories sold separately, but all of them required for operating the system.

Controller and processor, Filter-less culture bag and reservoir/waste bags *Controller and other accessories sold separately, but all of them required for operating the system.

 

PHCbi will exhibit LiCellGrow™ at the 25th Congress of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine, March 19-20 at the Kobe International Conference Center and Kobe International Exhibition Center in Kobe, Japan.

 

Cell and gene therapies (CGT), in which cells or genetic material are used to create personalized medical treatments, are rapidly advancing as promising treatment options for hard-to-treat diseases such as genetic disorders and cancer. In the manufacturing of CGT products, however, variations in cell characteristics and complexity of manufacturing are challenges to maintaining a consistent quality product. As a result, therapy developers are faced with reduced production efficiency, lower yields, and increased manufacturing costs compared to conventional therapies. To overcome these challenges, it is essential for therapy developers to be able to identify critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs) in CGT product manufacturing. The ability to monitor cell status and control culture conditions based on cell status are indispensable to developing quality CGT products at scale efficiently and at a lower cost.

 

 

PHCbi developed LiCellGrow™ to address these challenges and support CGT manufacturing at scale by helping to identify optimal culture conditions during the manufacturing process development. The system is equipped with proprietary In-Line monitoring technology that continuously measures, in real time, glucose and lactate concentrations, two key indicators of cell metabolism. It also incorporates culture control technology that adjusts cell culture medium at the optimal time based on these measurements. This technology is built on PHCbi’s proprietary electrochemical measurement platform, cultivated through more than 30 years of blood glucose sensor development. By visualizing the metabolic state of cultured cells, which is traditionally difficult to assess, and enabling precise control of culture conditions, LiCellGrow™ supports improved cell quality and enhanced efficiency as well as lower costs through reduced losses in the manufacturing of CGT products.

 

 

Under PHC Group’s Value Creation Plan 2027, which includes a focus on Diagnostics and Life Sciences, PHCbi is developing solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in the manufacturing of CGT products. LiCellGrow™ builds on the In-Line monitoring technology introduced in LiCellMo™ (*3), a live cell metabolic analyzer launched in 2024 for research use only. From late 2026 through early 2028, PHCbi plans to expand its product lineup in phases, including culture bags with filtration functions that enhance cell recovery, pH/DO (dissolved oxygen) meter units, and cGMP-compliant dedicated consumables. These enhancements will support seamless scaling of CGT from basic research to commercial manufacturing in products such as CAR-T cell therapy.

 

 

[Key Features of the Product]

 

 

1. Automated Control and Optimization of Culture Conditions Using In-Line Monitoring Technology
By utilizing In-Line monitoring technology, LiCellGrow™ continuously tracks real-time changes in culture conditions and cell status, and automates medium exchange based on the acquired metabolic data. This enables the culture environment to be consistently maintained in an optimal state, contributing not only to improved cell quality and uniformity but also enhanced manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, this process control approach aligns with the concept of Quality by Design (QbD) (*4), which embeds quality scientifically at the design stage rather than relying solely on final product testing. The system therefore supports the development of scientifically robust and highly reproducible manufacturing processes.

 

 

2. Single-Use Design Ensuring Aseptic Conditions and Highly Reproducible Cell Culture
LiCellGrow™ employs easy-to-attach, single-use dedicated culture bags. With automated measurement of culture conditions using In-Line sensors, the sampling tasks previously required to check glucose and lactate concentrations are no longer necessary. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination and enables closed-system cell culture that maintains aseptic conditions. In addition, the device can be placed inside a standard CO₂ incubator commonly used in laboratories, eliminating the need for special facility investments and allowing users to easily establish a reliable and highly reproducible culture environment.

 

 

Chikara Takauo, Director of PHC Corporation and Head of the Biomedical Division, commented:
“We are excited to launch LiCellGrow™ and offer therapy developers a new way to solve common challenges in quality, cost, and delivery of cell and gene therapies. Building on the success of our research-use system LiCellMo™, LiCellGrow™ represents an important step forward in making CGT manufacturing efficient, reliable, and scalable. We are committed to expanding our PHCbi offerings to continue to contribute to the adoption of CGT and other advanced therapy options for hard-to-treat conditions.”

 

 

****************************************************************
Overview of the 25th Congress of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine
Dates: March 19 – 20, 2026
Venue: Kobe International Exhibition Hall, Building No. 2, 1st Floor (PHCbi Booth No.: T31)
Official Website: The 25th Congress of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine
******************************************************************

 

 

(*1) https://www.phchd.com/jp/biomedical/incubation/cell-expansion-system-en
This product is intended for research use only and not for medical or clinical purposes.
(*2) Not available for purchase in the United States. Expected U.S. launch in the summer of 2026.
(*3) Live Cell Metabolic Analyzer | PHCbi
(*4) An approach to quality assurance defined in the ICH (International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) guidelines (ICH Q8–Q11) and widely adopted in the pharmaceutical field.

 

 

About the Biomedical Division of PHC Corporation

 

 

Established in 1969, PHC Corporation is a Japanese subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (TSE 6523), a global healthcare company that develops, manufactures, sells, and services solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, life sciences and diagnostics. The Biomedical Division supports the life sciences industry helping researchers and healthcare providers in around 110 countries and regions through its laboratory and equipment and services including CO2 incubators and ultra-low temperature freezers.
www.phchd.com/global/phc

 

 

About PHC Holdings Corporation

 

 

PHC Holdings Corporation (TSE 6523) is a global healthcare company with a mission of contributing to the health of society through healthcare solutions that have a positive impact and improve the lives of people. Its subsidiaries include PHC Corporation, Ascensia Diabetes Care, Epredia, LSI Medience Corporation, Wemex Corporation, and Mediford Corporation. Together, these companies develop, manufacture, sell and service solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, diagnostics and life sciences. The consolidated net sales in FY2024 were JPY 361.6 billion with global distribution of products and services in more than 125 countries and regions. PHC Group is a collective term referring to PHC Holdings Corporation and its subsidiaries.
www.phchd.com

 

 

 

 

 

House of McDowell’s Soda’s Yaari Jam: Holi on Wheels Transforms the Festival into an Unforgettable Adventure

Business Wire India

House of McDowell’s Soda has always celebrated the magic of yaari – championing the joy of first-time experiences made unforgettable with friends. From everyday milestones to once-in-a-lifetime moments, the brand believes that every “first” becomes iconic when shared with your yaars.

 

This Holi, that philosophy took center stage in the most unique format. With Yaari Jam: Holi on Wheels, House of McDowell’s Soda reimagined one of India’s most celebrated festivals through the lens of friendship- creating a spectacle that’s never been done before.

 

Conceptualized by Publicis Groupe India’s ‘Team Spirit’, the activation brought together real-life friends and comedians Tanmay Bhat and Aaditya Kulshreshtha (Kullu), alongside creators Anuj Gupta and Aishwarya Mohanraj – for a Holi celebration unlike any other. Set inside a sprawling arena, two high-performance cars became unexpected protagonists in a high-octane game of colour tag.

 

What followed was a riot of movement and mischief: drifting tyres triggering paint explosions, colour bombs bursting mid-chase, dash cams capturing unfiltered reactions as clouds of colour engulfed the gang. The empty concrete expanse slowly transformed into a living, breathing canvas – not just of colour, but of shared adrenaline, laughter and the electric thrill of doing something wildly new, together, for the very first time with yaars.

 

Speaking about the activation, Aanandita Datta, Vice President Marketing & Category Head, Diageo India, said, “At House of McDowell’s Soda, we see friendship not just as an emotion, but as a cultural force that shapes how young India lives life. Building on our ‘Firsts with Friends’ philosophy launched last year, Yaari Jam: Holi on Wheels brings that spirit to life in a new way. It reimagines a deeply rooted festival through a more contemporary lens. We wanted to move beyond celebration as ritual and create celebration as a shared experience – something immersive and unforgettable. Our ambition is to build House of McDowell’s Soda into a brand that doesn’t just participate in culture, but actively shapes it by curating elevated, first-of-its-kind moments that friends can truly call their own.”

 

Aaditya Kulshreshtha (Kullu), Actor & Comedian, part of the experience, shared, “I’ve played Holi my whole life – galli wali, terrace wali, all of it. But this? This was unreal. The second the cars started drifting and colour just exploded everywhere, it felt like I was in an actual movie action sequence… except with my closest yaars roasting me in the background. The banter was non-stop, the chaos was beautiful and doing something this cool together made it genuinely special. It wasn’t just another Holi – it was our first time doing Holi like this.”

 

Kartik Smetacek, Chief Creative Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi India, added, “This is the second big campaign under our new platform idea for McDowell’s – Firsts With Friends. Holi is the perfect occasion for friends to come together and unleash some madness. This high-octane reimagining of a Holi party has just the right mix of surprise and spectacle.”

 

Catch all the drifts, colour bursts and unfiltered yaari in action – watch the Yaari Jam: Holi Edition film here.

Resolve, Resurgence, Results: TERI’s WSDS 2026 Closes with a Blueprint for the Climate Decade

Chandigarh, Mar 02: The final day of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2026, organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), closed on a powerful note of reflection and renewed commitment, as leaders from government, multilateral institutions, business, and civil society gathered for the Valedictory Session titled, “Reflections, Resurgence, and Resolve for Our Common Future.”

Resolve, Resurgence, Results: TERI’s WSDS 2026 Closes with a Blueprint for the Climate Decade

 Held at the iconic Durbar Hall, the concluding session reinforced WSDS 2026 as a platform that not only convenes global voices but catalyses tangible climate action.

The Valedictory brought together a distinguished line-up of speakers who underscored that the next phase of climate action must be defined by accountability, implementation, and intergenerational leadership.

Mr Tanmay Kumar, Secretary (Environment, Forest and Climate Change), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, shared,

“Climate change is no longer a subject of environmental debate alone. It is a defining challenge of development, governance, security, and human well-being. India’s approach is science-anchored and equity-aware, where we align clean energy with livelihood security, embed resilience in rural and urban schemes, and ensure those responsible for emissions are the ones who must change. While the developed world industrialized through high emissions and cleaned up later, India is attempting something far more complex to grow, eradicate poverty, urbanize, industrialize, and decarbonize simultaneously. We refuse to solve yesterday’s poverty by creating tomorrow’s ecological crisis. Our journey with per capita emissions at just ~2 tonnes per year (far below global averages) proves that clean energy is not charity. It is competitiveness driven by economics. We have achieved our 2030 target of 50% non-fossil installed power capacity in June 2025, five years ahead of schedule, with the share now exceeding 51%. We believe the future is not inherited by accident but is secured by intention. Together, with humility, science, and justice, we will secure it.”

Ms Dia Mirza, Goodwill Ambassador, United Nations Environment Programme, said,

“Climate change is not gender neutral. Women and girls experience its impacts most acutely, even as they grow much of the world’s food and sustain families and communities. Yet they remain underrepresented in climate and energy decision-making. Sustainability today is no longer a choice but the foundation of survival, dignity, and peace. Engaging with nature is not a luxury but a necessity for every individual.”

Ms Isabelle Tschan, Deputy Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme, shared,

“With nearly 65% of India’s population under the age of 35, youth participation and leadership are central to shaping how sustainability is practised across communities and institutions. In this spirit, UNDP is partnering with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and TERI to launch the Mission LiFE Youth Ambassadors programme”.

Ms Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-Founder & Chairperson, Sustainability, ReNew, observed,

“Development and climate are no longer parallel agendas; they are the same agenda. Clean energy is not a nice-to-do; it is an economic imperative. The global South is no longer asking for permission; it is offering solutions. What we commit to matters, but what we do collectively, and between summits, matters even more. This Summit is not a moment; it is a mandate to act.”

Dr Ash Pachauri, Co-Founder and Senior Mentor, POP (Protect Our Planet) Movement,

 “As we come together to mark 25 years of WSDS at the very place where it began, we celebrate not only a remarkable legacy, but a shared responsibility for what lies ahead. This journey has been shaped by vision, wisdom, values, and powerful voices that have built awareness and endurance over the years. Yet, this moment asks a deeper question: what will we do with all that we have learned? Today is not just a celebration of the past; it is the first day of the rest of our lives.”

Ms Prachi Shevgaonkar, Founder, Cool The Globe, shared,

“My journey with the World Sustainable Development Summit began when I was a young student who felt overwhelmed by the scale of climate change and unsure of what one ordinary person could do. I chose to begin with small, practical actions and to make sustainability part of daily life. What started as a personal effort in my dorm room grew into a shared mission, supported by citizens across 150 countries.”

Mr Nitin Desai, Chairman, TERI, said,

“At WSDS, we reaffirm that sustainable development cannot be driven by uniform goals alone. Governments cannot act in isolation; progress requires shared learning among institutions, researchers, businesses, and communities working on the ground. This platform enables the exchange of experiences, builds understanding, and strengthens cooperation.”

Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, said,

“WSDS is about building pathways of opportunity, not merely responding to crisis. In today’s complex world with shrinking resources, partnerships are essential – we cannot reinvent the wheel. We must adapt existing research to our requirements and move forward collaboratively. The outcome of this summit holds perhaps even greater significance than recent global forums.”

Dr Shailly Kedia, Curator, WSDS; Director, TERI, highlighted,

“This year, we broke all records with 2,381 unique participants, 10 plenaries, 14 thematic tracks, and a defining feature Him-CONNECT which showcased not just voices but solutions from the Himalayas, one of the world’s most vulnerable regions. Over these years, we’ve evolved from broad agenda-setting conversations to sharper, solution-oriented engagement”.

The Valedictory featured a series of significant knowledge and youth-led launches. The 18th edition of Vasundhara“Climate Capital” — the student-led sustainability magazine of TERI School of Advanced Studies, was unveiled, spotlighting fresh youth perspectives on climate, environment, and sustainable development. The Summit also marked the release of the Act4Earth Manifesto, reinforcing collective commitments towards accelerated climate action emanating from the Summit. Adding to the intellectual discourse, The Politics of Sustainable Development authored by Mr Nitin Desai, Chairman, TERI, was formally launched. The WSDS 2026 Summit Report was presented by Dr Shailly Kedia, Curator, WSDS, & Director, TERI, which captured key insights and outcomes from the three-day deliberations.

Running parallel through the day, TerraZone, WSDS’s sustainability expo, showcased transformative initiatives by partners and TERI across clean technology, nature-based solutions, and circular economy models.

Him-CONNECT, curated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, spotlighted Himalayan innovation and resilience, bringing mountain ecosystems and community-led solutions into the global sustainability discourse.

As WSDS 2026 drew to a close, the message was unequivocal: the climate decade demands convergence — of finance and fairness, innovation and inclusion, ambition and accountability.

With renewed resolve and strengthened partnerships, WSDS once again reaffirmed its role as a global platform advancing transformative climate action for a shared and sustainable future.