Category business

Business Wire India

IQM Finland Oy, a global leader in deployed on-premises, full-stack superconducting quantum computers (“IQM”, “IQM Quantum Computers” or the “Company”), and Real Asset Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company (Nasdaq: RAAQ) (“RAAQ”), today announced the confidential submission of the draft registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”) filed by IQM with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) relating to their proposed business combination.

 

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The submission of the Registration Statement marks an important milestone toward the completion of the proposed business combination, which will result in IQM becoming a publicly traded company.

 

The business combination remains subject to approval by RAAQ shareholders, the Registration Statement being declared effective by the SEC, and other customary closing conditions. The business combination is expected to close in mid-2026.

 

 

IQM operates a vertically integrated business model, boasting a unique combination of proprietary infrastructure from its own chip design tool and software developer platform to a quantum chip fab, assembly line and data centre, allowing the company to accelerate its innovation cycles, deliver best-in-class quantum computing to its customers and enabling the quantum ecosystem to grow.

 

 

About IQM Quantum Computers

 

 

IQM Finland Oy (“IQM”, “IQM Quantum Computers”, “Company”) is a global leader in superconducting quantum computers, delivering full-stack quantum systems and cloud platform access to research institutions, universities, high-performance computing centres, and national laboratories worldwide. IQM’s on-premises deployment model gives customers direct ownership and control of their quantum infrastructure. Founded in 2018, headquartered in Finland, IQM has over 350 employees. IQM operates across Europe, Asia, and North America and has announced its plans to become the first publicly listed European quantum company on a major U.S. stock exchange and considering dual listing on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

 

 

Additional Information About the Proposed Business Combination and Where to Find It

 

 

In connection with the proposed business combination between IQM and RAAQ, IQM has confidentially submitted and intends to publicly file with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”), which will include a preliminary proxy statement of RAAQ and a preliminary prospectus of IQM. After the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC, RAAQ will mail the definitive proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed business combination to its shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting at the extraordinary general meeting of its shareholders (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”). The Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, will contain important information about the proposed business combination and the other matters to be voted upon at the Extraordinary General Meeting. This communication does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed business combination and is not intended to provide the basis for any investment decision or any other decision in respect of such matters. RAAQ and IQM may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed business combination. RAAQ’s shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the Registration Statement, including the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, the amendments thereto and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed in connection with the proposed business combination, as these materials will contain important information about RAAQ, IQM and the proposed business combination. Shareholders of RAAQ may obtain copies of the Registration Statement, including the preliminary or definitive proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, and the other documents filed or that will be filed by RAAQ and IQM with the SEC, once available, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov.

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

 

This communication includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable non-U.S. securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target,” “continue,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict” or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by IQM and its management, and RAAQ and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain. These statements include: the successful consummation and potential benefits of the proposed business combination and expectations related to its terms and timing; the stock exchanges on which the securities of IQM are expected to trade; IQM’s ability to commercialize its hardware and software; the expectation that IQM is building the infrastructure that allows quantum ecosystems to grow; and the potential for IQM to increase in value.

 

 

These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions, many of which are beyond the control of IQM and RAAQ.

 

 

These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause the actual results of IQM proposed business combination, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include: that IQM is pursuing an emerging technology, which faces significant technical challenges and may not achieve commercialization or market acceptance; IQM’s historical net losses and limited operating history; IQM’s expectations regarding future financial performance, capital requirements and unit economics; IQM’s use and reporting of business and operational metrics; IQM’s competitive landscape; IQM’s dependence on members of its senior management and its ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the potential need for additional future financing; IQM’s concentration of revenue in contracts with government or state-funded entities; IQM’s ability to manage growth and expand its operations; potential future acquisitions or investments in companies, products, services or technologies; IQM’s reliance on strategic partners and other third parties; IQM’s ability to maintain, protect and defend its intellectual property rights; risks associated with privacy, data protection or cybersecurity incidents and related regulations; the use, rate of adoption and regulation of artificial intelligence and machine learning; uncertainty or changes with respect to laws and regulations; uncertainty or changes with respect to taxes, trade conditions and the macroeconomic environment; IQM’s ability to maintain internal control over financial reporting and operate a public company; the possibility that required shareholder and regulatory approvals for the proposed business combination are delayed or are not obtained, which could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed business combination; the risk that shareholders of RAAQ could elect to have their shares redeemed, leaving the combined company with insufficient cash to execute its business plans; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings or government investigations that may be commenced against IQM or RAAQ; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination; the ability of IQM to issue equity or equity-linked securities in connection with the proposed business combination or in the future; and other factors described in RAAQ’s and IQM’s filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, including that none of the risks identified above materialize; that there are no unforeseen changes to economic and market conditions, and that no significant events occur outside the ordinary course of business. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact such forward-looking statements can be found in filings made and to be made by IQM and RAAQ with the SEC, including under the heading “Risk Factors.” If any of these risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, these statements reflect the expectations, plans and forecasts of IQM’s and RAAQ’s management as of the date of this communication; subsequent events and developments may cause their assessments to change. While IQM and RAAQ may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, they specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, unless required by applicable securities laws. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon these statements.

 

 

In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this communication, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. An investment in RAAQ is not an investment in any of RAAQ’s founders’ or sponsors’ past investments, companies, or affiliated funds. The historical results of those investments are not indicative of future performance of RAAQ, which may differ materially from the performance of RAAQ’s founders’ or sponsors’ past investments.

 

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

 

RAAQ, IQM and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from RAAQ’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of RAAQ’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination will be set forth in the Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, when it is filed with the SEC. You can find more information about RAAQ’s directors and executive officers in RAAQ’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2026, and in the subsequent filings made by RAAQ with the SEC. Shareholders, potential investors, and other interested persons should read the Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources described above.

 

 

No Offer or Solicitation

 

 

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction, including any European Economic Area member state or the United Kingdom. This communication is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an advertisement or a public offering of the securities described herein in the United States or any other jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or exemptions therefrom. Any potential dual listing of IQM’s ordinary shares on the Helsinki Stock Exchange referred to in this communication would be made by means of a prospectus as set out in the EU Prospectus Regulation. INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

 

 

 

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Business Wire India

NIQ (NYSE: NIQ), a global leader in consumer intelligence, today shared new results from Reckitt’s use of NIQ BASES AI Screener, demonstrating how AI-powered insights and synthetic data are transforming innovation speed and effectiveness. The case study highlights how Reckitt has accelerated concept development while improving performance outcomes—bringing more relevant products to market, faster.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407069246/en/

 

 

 

As companies face growing pressure to innovate quickly in an increasingly complex consumer landscape, traditional research and development cycles can slow decision-making. Reckitt’s adoption of AI-powered screening reflects a broader shift toward predictive, data-driven innovation—where teams can test, refine, and optimize ideas before investing in physical development.

 

Key Results from Reckitt’s Use of NIQ BASES AI Screener:

 

 

• 70% faster insight generation, reducing timelines from weeks to hours
• 2–3x higher concept performance compared with prior human-developed benchmarks
• Up to 65% reduction in research timelines and 50% lower research costs
• 75% fewer physical prototypes required, accelerating speed to market
• Synthetic personas based on NIQ’s proprietary consumer behavioral data and validated against human-tested concepts, enabling more reliable and regularly refreshed predictions

 

“AI is helping us do what we’ve always wanted—to learn early, fail fast, and optimize quickly,” said Dr. Elaine Rodrigo, Chief Insights & Analytics Officer at Reckitt. “The quality of what we get from NIQ BASES—especially the precision in how they build their synthetic data panel—gives us confidence that we’re basing decisions on real consumer behavior.”

 

Reckitt has embedded NIQ’s AI solutions across the early stages of its innovation process—from insights generation to concept creation and validation— supported by a large‑scale data foundation spanning multiple categories and markets. This approach enables teams to design more consumer-centric solutions while moving at significantly greater speed.

 

 

“NIQ BASES AI Screener supports teams to evaluate, screen, and optimize early ideas or concepts before proceeding to research & development. By leveraging synthetic respondents created from validated human panel data, the solution delivers predictive accuracy grounded in real consumer behavior—helping teams identify winning ideas and refine them earlier in the development cycle.”

 

 

“The companies winning today are those that can turn consumer understanding into action, faster,” said Curtis Miller, President of Enterprise and Activation Solutions at NIQ. “By combining leading data scale and granularity with advanced AI models, we’re helping clients move from ideas to decision-ready innovation with greater speed and confidence.”

 

 

This case study reflects NIQ’s broader focus on embedding AI into its core solutions—helping companies move beyond insight generation to decision systems that enable faster, smarter innovation at scale. Find out more on how AI accelerates NIQ’s The Full View.

 

 

FAQs

 

 

What is BASES AI Screener?

 

 

BASES AI Screener is an AI‑powered solution that helps teams evaluate and prioritize innovation ideas early in the development process. It uses synthetic consumer responses trained on NIQ’s proprietary consumer purchase data to deliver fast, reliable insight that supports confident decision‑making at scale.

 

 

Who can use BASES AI Screener?

 

 

BASES AI Screener is a self-service solution, designed for organizations looking to scale innovation faster and more efficiently, particularly those managing large idea pipelines.

 

 

What are the key features?

 

 

BASES AI Screener helps teams screen more ideas earlier, ground decisions in real purchase behavior, shorten insight timelines to minutes versus days without sacrificing quality, and focus investment on the highest‑potential ideas.

 

 

Is it available globally?

 

 

BASES AI Screener is currently available in select markets and categories, with expansion ongoing.

 

 

How did BASES AI Screener impact Reckitt’s innovation speed?

 

 

At Reckitt, BASES AI Screener reduced insight timelines by 70%, allowing teams to learn and iterate much faster. By identifying winning ideas earlier, Reckitt improved both speed‑to‑market and confidence in innovation decisions, while raising concept quality early in development. Read more here.

 

 

About NIQ

 

 

NielsenIQ (NYSE: NIQ) is a leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete and trusted understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. By combining an unmatched global data footprint and granular consumer and retail measurement with decades of AI modeling expertise, NIQ builds decision systems that help companies turn complex data into confident action.

 

 

With operations in more than 90 countries, NIQ covers approximately 82% of the world’s population and more than $7.4 trillion in global consumer spend. Through cloud-based platforms, advanced analytics and AI-driven insights, NIQ delivers The Full View™—helping brands and retailers understand what consumers buy, why they buy it, and what to do next.

 

 

For more information, please visit www.niq.com.

 

 

Forward Looking Statement:

 

 

This press release on NIQ BASES AI Screener, may contain forward-looking statements regarding anticipated consumer behaviors, market trends, and industry developments. These statements reflect current expectations and projections based on available data, historical patterns, and various assumptions. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “plan,” “look ahead,” “indicates”, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future outcomes and are subject to inherent uncertainties, including changes in consumer preferences, economic conditions, technological advancements, and competitive dynamics. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. While we strive to base our insights on reliable data and sound methodologies, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, except to the extent required by applicable law.

 

 

© 2026 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

NIQ-GENERAL

 

 

 

 

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Business Wire India

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany commemorates World Health Day 2026 in partnership with First Ladies of African and Asian Countries, who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign, with a strong reaffirmation of its commitment to improving and revolutionizing healthcare access across Africa, Asia and beyond through their Scholarships and Capacity Building Program.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, shared, “At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to transforming the patient care landscape and improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions across Africa, Asia, and beyond. For the past 14 years, we have marked World Health Day every day through our ongoing efforts to build healthcare capacity in underserved communities.

I am proud to share that we have provided more than 2,600 scholarships for young healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Through these scholarships, many of our Merck Foundation alumni are becoming the first-ever specialists in their respective fields in their countries, including Namibia, Liberia, The Gambia, Burundi, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Guinea, Ethiopia, Congo, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe, among others.”

“This is truly history in the making, and we are proud to be a part of Africa’s legacy by empowering a new generation of healthcare specialists who will serve generations to come,” added Dr. Kelej.

As you all know, the lack of financial resources is not the only challenge facing Africa. A far more pressing issue is the scarcity of trained healthcare providers capable of effectively preventing, diagnosing, and managing diseases.

This sweeping shortage of medical and healthcare personnel has been one of the most critical barriers to access to quality healthcare across the continent.

As per the WHO 2021 report, the African region has 24% of the world’s disease burden, whereas there are only 2.9 healthcare workers per 1000 capita. This gap has a profound impact on health outcomes.

Therefore, the Merck Foundation scholarships are highly significant, as they provide doctors with specialized training, helping to bridge healthcare gaps and improve patient care in underserved communities.

Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African and Asian First Ladies and local partners such as Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities.

Merck Foundation also actively empowers women and youth in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence.

 

Dr. Kelej shared, “This theme of World Health Day 2026,“Together for health. Stand with science,” aligns perfectly with our program that trains healthcare providers and empowers women and youth in STEM.“

 

Merck Foundation CEO also announced the Call for Applications for 2026 Scholarships.

 

“I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for the 2026 Scholarships for young healthcare providers with special focus on women medical graduates. These include on-site fellowship programs, clinical training programs and online one-year diploma & two-year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and the Ministry of Health of each country,” shared Dr Rasha Kelej.

 

To Apply for In-campus Scholarships in Fertility, Oncology, Diabetes and other specialties:

https://merck-foundation.com/scholarships-online-application-form-In-Campus-Specialties

To Apply for Online Scholarships, visit:

https://merck-foundation.com/apply-now-for-online-scholarships-or-in-campus-scholarships

The selection for each scholarship will be based on request by First Lady Office, Ministry of Health and/or Medical Society with the aim to fill the gaps of public healthcare system in each country.

The selection will be based on eligibility criteria fulfillment of each training Institute and Foundation, scholarship availability and fund availability.

 

Click the link below to Download Merck Foundation App

 

https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_StoreRedirection

 

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard

 

Facebook: Merck Foundation
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Website: www.merckfoundation.com

 Milano by Danube recently concluded a thoughtfully designed employee staycation in Dubai at a five star property (Anantara Resort), reinforcing its commitment to employee wellbeing, this initiative reflects a balanced approach between business continuity and people-first decision-making. Milano by Danube recognized a visible decline in employee motivation and a rise in emotionally driven decision-making since the onset of the conflict. Anis Sajan personally led the team of Milano by Danube on their annual staycation in Dubai where the team engaged in fun activities, team-building sessions, beach time, and poolside experiences, creating space to recharge and reconnect, continuing a long-standing tradition despite being advised otherwise by many.

 “During uncertain times, it becomes even more important to stay connected as a team,” said Anis Sajan. “This retreat was about creating a safe and supportive environment where our employees could step away from daily pressures, recalibrate, and return with renewed clarity and energy.”

 Milano by Danube ensured that the retreat was executed with comprehensive safety measures at every stage. From planning to execution, employee security and comfort remained central, making the initiative both responsible and reassuring. More than just a staycation, the retreat was a conscious effort to give employees the space to pause, recharge, and reconnect beyond the demands of daily operations.

 Adding a personal touch to the experience, the retreat was also a celebration of Sahil Sajan’s 25th birthday, the director of Milano by Danube, offering a moment of celebration and togetherness that further strengthened team bonds in an otherwise challenging time.

 Dubai’s global reputation for safety, stability, and strong governance made it the ideal choice for the retreat. The leadership’s confidence in the UAE’s ability to provide a secure environment enabled them to move forward with clarity and assurance. “The trust we have in Dubai’s leadership and infrastructure made this decision easier,” added Sajan. “It allowed us to focus entirely on our people, knowing they were in a safe and well-managed environment.”

 Athul Krishnan, an employee of Danube Group, said, “This retreat was a much-needed break for all of us. The past few weeks have been emotionally challenging, and there has been a constant sense of tension. However, seeing our company take this initiative truly reassured us and reminded us that our wellbeing matters.”

 Milano by Danube continues to navigate global challenges with a steady and thoughtful approach, ensuring that employee wellbeing remains at the forefront of its priorities. The retreat underscores the importance of timely leadership decisions that address not just business needs, but human realities.