Category business

Business Wire India

 

• A new core capability within Experian’s Ascend Platform, designed to help financial services organisations safely scale agentic AI across the lending lifecycle
• Brings together Experian, client and partner AI agents within a trusted operating layer for data, decisioning, governance and control
• 55% of consumers say they would allow an AI agent to make an autonomous purchase on their behalf
• ServiceNow becomes first partner to integrate with Experian’s Agent Operating System

 

Experian today announces the launch of the Agent Operating System™, a trusted agentic AI layer within the Experian Ascend Platform, unveiled at Money20/20 Europe.

 

The Experian Agent Operating System is designed to help financial services organisations move successfully beyond AI experimentation and safely scale agentic AI to transform decision-making, customer experiences, and day-to-day operations. It enables AI agents from Experian, clients and partners to work together through a common trust, semantic and orchestration layer, supported by clear controls, auditability and human oversight.

 

 

The launch comes as financial services firms accelerate investment in AI but continue to face major barriers to scaling adoption. New Experian research* shows that nearly half of global organisations (48%), say integrating data into AI workflows remains difficult, while a third cite poor data lineage and a further third say data is siloed across teams and systems.

 

 

At the same time, consumers are increasingly open to AI acting on their behalf, with 55%** willing to use AI tools for online purchases or bookings, rising to 70% among 25-39-year-olds.

 

 

Vijay Mehta, General Manager AI, Experian Software Solutions, said: “Agentic AI will reshape financial services, changing how decisions are made, how customers are served and how organisations operate at scale. This is no longer about experimentation. The winners will be those who turn AI into trusted operational reality, built on high quality data, strong governance and transparency in every decision.

 

 

“The Experian Agent Operating System is built for that moment. It brings together our unique data, advanced analytics, decisioning expertise and embedded governance within the Ascend Platform to help organisations deploy AI with confidence. This ultimately enables clients to automate key lending workflows, like fraud checks or loan approvals, in real time compared to the fragmented manual processes many rely on today.”

 

 

ServiceNow, the AI control tower for business reinvention, will be the first partner to integrate with Experian’s Agent Operating System. Through the multi-year partnership, ServiceNow AI agents will connect with Experian’s Ascend Platform, allowing customers to access trusted data, decisioning and governance capabilities within existing enterprise workflows.

 

 

Cedric Parent, GVP, Global Industries at ServiceNow, said: “Financial services firms are under enormous pressure, with tightening regulations, rising fraud complexity, and rising customers’ expectations. The ambition to deploy agentic AI is there, but without access to trusted, real-time data inside enterprise workflows, agents simply can’t operate at the speed or scale the industry demands. ServiceNow is proud to be the first partner deploying within Experian’s Agent Operating System, giving financial institutions the confidence to automate high-stakes decisions, from fraud detection to credit risk.”

 

 

Supporting the full lending lifecycle from customer acquisition and fraud detection to credit decisioning, portfolio monitoring, and reporting, Agent Operating System bridges the gap between AI ambition and operational reality. It combines data, analytics, decisioning, and identity with built-in governance, risk management, explainability, and controls to enable trusted complex workflow automation.

 

 

The Agent Operating System will be available to early adopters later this year, before rolling out to more than 2,300 client solutions globally. Key capabilities include:

 

 

• A trusted agentic operating layer: Identity, access control, data security, compliance guardrails, monitoring and governance controls that enable AI agents to operate safely across data, models and workflows.
• Composability: Experian, client-built, and partner agents work together without having to replace existing technology, allowing organisations to start with targeted use cases and progressively evolve toward fully connected, agent-driven workflows.
• Agent-native decisioning: Purpose-built agents across fraud, identity, credit risk, marketing, analytics, operations and governance that can investigate, orchestrate and optimise workflows, rather than simply respond to prompts.
• Embedded governance by design: Model risk management, explainability, audit trails, monitoring and policy enforcement built into agentic workflows to support compliant AI at enterprise scale.
• Productivity at scale, with human oversight: Automation of investigation, strategy execution, insight generation, documentation and monitoring, with human-in-the-loop validation for complex decisions and high-impact outcomes.

 

Experian is a 5-star sponsor of Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam and will host the event’s Connection Lounge. Adolfo Tunon, Head of Banking GTM, EMEA at ServiceNow will join Experian’s Vijay Mehta and Laurie Schnidman on stage to discuss the launch of Agent Operating System and the future of agentic AI in financial services.

 

Learn more about the Connected Intelligence report here, and the 2026 UK Fraud and FinCrime Report 2026 here.

 

 

Notes to Editor:

 

 

*Experian and Phronesis conducted a global survey in April and May 2026 among more than 800 senior decision-makers at financial institutions across the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, India, Italy, South Africa, Colombia, and Chile.

 

 

**Research conducted by HarrisX between March and April 2026 among more than 500 senior decision-makers at organisations across the UK.

 

 

About Experian

 

 

Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and platforms. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money.

 

 

We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments.

 

 

We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and to innovate. A FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 25,200 people across 33 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.

 

 

© 2026 ServiceNow, Inc. All rights reserved. ServiceNow, the ServiceNow logo, Now, and other ServiceNow marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ServiceNow, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other company names, product names, and logos may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

 

 

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260602784773/en/

 

Business Wire India

 

Amazfit, a leading global smart wearable brand owned by Zepp Health, today unveiled the Amazfit Balance 3 and Amazfit Balance Ultra, the newest additions to the Balance series and the hero watches for Amazfit’s new Hybrid Training System, connecting performance tracking with intelligent training guidance through the Zepp App.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260602329170/en/

 

 

 

The products were unveiled at a launch event in New York during a panel hosted by leading voices from the fitness and HYROX community. Built around how modern athletes train today, Balance 3 and Balance Ultra are designed for people balancing strength, endurance, recovery, work, stress, and daily life. The devices serve as the engine layer of the connected Hybrid Training ecosystem, capturing how users train, recover, and respond over time, while the Zepp App serves as the intelligence layer, organizing that data into clearer direction.

 

Balance Ultra is the flagship expression of the Balance series, combining Grade 5 titanium craftsmanship with a refined performance design that moves naturally between training, work, and daily life. Balance 3 is built for everyday hybrid athletes who want one watch for the gym, running, recovery, and daily performance. It is available in stainless steel and titanium options, giving users a choice between durable everyday construction and a lighter premium build.

 

 

“The future of training is not about doing more without direction. It is about training with structure,” said Wayne Huang, CEO of Zepp Health. “With Balance 3 and Balance Ultra, we are helping athletes better understand how strength, endurance, recovery, and daily life all affect performance. The Balance series brings those signals together so users can understand their capacity, manage effort, and make more informed training decisions over time.”

 

 

A Hybrid Training System Built to Help Athletes Train with Structure

 

 

Modern training is becoming more hybrid. Athletes are running, lifting, conditioning, recovering, traveling, working, and managing daily stress, often all at once. The challenge is no longer just collecting more data. The challenge is understanding what that data means for how to train, when to push, when to recover, and how to stay consistent over time.

 

 

At the center of the Balance experience is the Zepp App, the intelligence layer of the Hybrid Training System. Balance 3 and Balance Ultra collect the data, while the Zepp App connects training, recovery, sleep, stress, and lifestyle data into a clearer view of how the body is adapting and what to prioritize next.

 

 

Within the app, HybridCharge Energy Intelligence brings this system together by combining BioCharge, LifeLoad, and Training Load into one view of capacity. BioCharge reflects the body’s energy and recovery state, LifeLoad adds context from daily stress and lifestyle demands, and Training Load shows the strain created by exercise. Together, these inputs help users better understand what they can sustain in the moment and how to manage effort across training and recovery.

 

 

Weekly Focus and Training Balance help users see whether their training is aligned across strength, endurance, and recovery, while Hybrid Training Plans bring more structure to preparation and progression. The result is a system designed to turn connected health and fitness signals into clearer direction, not just more data.

 

 

Built for Every Part of Training

 

 

Balance 3 and Balance Ultra are built to support the full rhythm of modern training, from structured workouts to recovery, navigation, communication, and daily wear. Both models feature bright 1.5-inch AMOLED displays with sapphire glass and up to 3,000-nit brightness, advanced health monitoring, precision dual-band GPS, six-satellite positioning systems, route guidance, offline map support, strength training support, and official HYROX tools in one connected experience.

 

 

Battery life is designed to keep pace with demanding schedules. Balance 3 delivers up to 21 days of battery life, while Balance Ultra extends that endurance further with up to 30 days of battery life, giving users a longer-lasting flagship option for consistent training, travel, and everyday wear.

 

 

The Balance series also supports a deeper view of health and recovery, with advanced metrics including heart rate, HRV, sleep, stress, blood oxygen, and breathing rate. For strength training, both watches support 25 auto-recognized strength exercises, helping users track effort across gym sessions without manually logging every movement. Bluetooth calling, Zepp Flow voice control, voice notes, and onboard storage help users stay connected and in control without interrupting their rhythm.

 

 

Official HYROX Tools for Training and Race Day

 

 

As Amazfit continues as the official wearable partner of HYROX, Balance 3 and Balance Ultra serve as the ultimate tools for HYROX training and racing.

 

 

Built-in HYROX features connect structured preparation with race-day execution. HYROX training plans, race simulations, HYROX Virtual Pace, and race-specific workout support help athletes prepare with greater intention.

 

 

Post-race analysis helps users better understand pacing, station performance, rankings, cumulative race time, and where performance was gained or lost. These tools are designed to support HYROX athletes while also reinforcing the broader Hybrid Training System: strength, endurance, recovery, and structure working together.

 

 

Pricing and Availability

 

 

• The Amazfit Balance 3 Stainless Steel will be available starting June 2, 2026, for $369.99.
• The Amazfit Balance 3 Titanium will be coming soon, for $449.99.
• The Amazfit Balance Ultra will be available starting June 2, 2026, for $599.99.

 

 

All models will be available on Amazfit.com.

 

About Amazfit

 

 

Amazfit, a global smart wearable and fitness leader is part of Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company with its principal office based in Gorinchem, the Netherlands. Zepp Health operates as a distributed organization, with team members and offices across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and other global markets.

 

 

Amazfit builds smart wearables designed around movement — training with intention, recovery with balance, and evolution over time. Built for the way people train today, Amazfit blends endurance, strength, and recovery into a single, coherent rhythm to support sustainable progress over time.

 

 

Behind Amazfit is Zepp, which builds the intelligence that supports its training experience. For more information, visit www.amazfit.com.

 

 

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260602329170/en/

 

Business Wire India

Lenovo today announced it is delivering a near real-time AI-powered infrastructure platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to enable ultra-low-latency IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) video distribution in addition to the traditional cable and satellite broadcast, intelligent content delivery, and mission-critical decision-making across the event ecosystem and operations.

 

As the world’s largest sporting event prepares for an unprecedented scale—spanning three host countries, featuring 48 teams, and engaging an estimated 6 billion fans—FIFA, broadcasters, and event operators will benefit from a live, always-on environment designed to perform at the highest level. As FIFA’s Official Technology Partner, Lenovo will deploy servers at the International Broadcast Center in Dallas, Texas, to help deliver the computing power, devices, and AI-driven solutions needed to bring every moment of every match to global audiences and support the most expansive broadcast operation in FIFA World Cup™ history. More than 17,000 Lenovo and Motorola devices and 200+ engineers deployed across venues and Team Base Camp training sites will help ensure professional execution.

 

 

Lenovo’s technology solutions have reduced latency within IPTV infrastructure for the global showpiece, with IPTV delays now under five seconds, enabling near real-time access to live match action and more synchronized viewing experiences. Lenovo ThinkSystem SR635 V3 servers and technology will help manage massive volumes of live video data coming in from stadiums across North America and power FIFA’s IPTV live feed by ingesting, processing, and distributing all match content in close to real-time via ten channels to over 1,000 screens throughout FIFA venues. Fans, media, VIPs and officials will quickly be able to access every match from anywhere within the event ecosystem, from fan zones to media tribunes.

 

 

An AI Nerve Center for the World’s Biggest Sporting Event

 

 

Beyond broadcast, Lenovo’s technology will be deployed at FIFA’s Technology Command Center in Miami and the Tournament Operation Center for the duration of FIFA World Cup 2026™. This hub serves as the central “mission control” for the World Cup, where all the technology powering the games is monitored and managed in near real-time by experienced engineers and FIFA management. With the help of Lenovo’s enterprise solutions, FIFA’s Technology Command Center and Tournament Operation Center will ensure tournament organizers are able to swiftly observe, and if needed, address operational matters across the tournament footprint.

 

 

“Lenovo’s AI infrastructure is redefining the FIFA World Cup experience, delivering near real-time highlights, multi-angle views, and insights at unprecedented global scale,” said Ashley Gorakhpurwalla, President of Infrastructure Solutions at Lenovo. “Together with FIFA, we are running AI under the world’s most demanding conditions—solving latency concerns and bringing billions of fans closer to the action than ever before, setting a new standard for live sports.”

 

 

“The FIFA World Cup is one of the largest and most complex sporting event in the world,” said Nacho Fresco, Director of Technology at FIFA. “With this edition set to be the biggest in history, delivering exceptional operational efficiency and cutting-edge technology is critical. Lenovo is a key partner in helping us meet the stringent low-latency requirements essential for live production environments.”

 

 

Powering the World’s Biggest Stage

 

 

FIFA World Cup 2026™ showcases the real-world AI advancements Lenovo is making possible. Lenovo will manage complex on-premise edge computing, significantly reducing latency, where cloud-only solutions failed to meet broadcast requirements. During the World Cup, technologies powered by Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, engineered for high-density, mission critical environments requiring massive throughput, and near real-time operational performance will support:

 

 

• Near real-time monitoring of stadium and tournament wide tech systems
• Live broadcast, streaming, and IPTV delivery
• Rapid incident detection and issue resolution to minimize disruption and downtime

 

Enhancing the Fan Experience with Real-Time Insight and Transparency

 

Lenovo is enabling a more immersive and understandable viewing experience through AI-driven innovations. AI-enabled 3D playeravatars provide clearer, real-time visualization of complex decisions such as offside calls. Built using advanced GenAI and real-world player data, these avatars are designed to help fans better understand the game as it happens. These avatars will also be an additional value input to support FIFA’s Match Officials in their offside decision-making during matches.

 

 

To improve the in-venue experience across three countries, Lenovo is deploying solutions designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and engagement:

 

 

• AI-driven navigation systems reduce congestion and improve movement across venues.
• AI-driven stabilized “Referee Views” deliver first-person perspectives with up to 50% less motion distortion.
• Immersive digital and holographic experiences create new ways for fans to engage with the game.

 

Leveling the Playing Field Through Smarter Football for All

 

Lenovo is actively transforming the sports industry and remains committed to democratizing football through its “Smarter AI for All” vision. With the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Lenovo will deploy the FIFA AI Pro platform, anext-generation AI-powered knowledge assistant delivering tactical insights to coaches, players, and analysts. Built using Lenovo’s AI Factory, the platform will be provided to all 48 teams competing in the tournament, democratizing access to elite-level analytics and helping level the competitive playing field.

 

 

Bringing the Tournament Home with Special Edition Collections

 

 

For fans of the game, Lenovo is offering a unique way to showcase their passion through a collection of FIFA Special Edition devices across its commercial, consumer, and gaming portfolios. Featuring exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026™ branding and packaging, the lineup includes the motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26^th Edition, ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1, ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 and 14, Yoga Slim 7i ultra Aura Edition (14”, 11), Idea Tab, and the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (16”, 10). These limited-edition models allow fans to carry a piece of the world’s largest sporting event with them, long after the final whistle.

 

 

The scale and complexity of these operations reflect Lenovo’s broader investment in sports technology. In March, Lenovo launched a dedicated sports vertical designed to support organizations operating live, global, and mission-critical environments. By integrating AI infrastructure, edge computing, devices, and services into a unified model, Lenovo is enabling sports organizations to move from fragmented systems to real-time, end-to-end operational control.

 

 

As the Official Technology Partner of FIFA, Lenovo is powering the biggest event in the history of humanity. FIFA trusts Lenovo to deliver the tournament’s end-to-end technology backbone from AI devices to infrastructure and solutions, to provide immersive and unique fan experiences and provide unprecedented access to data and analytics for the 48 competing teams. Visit the FIFA page on Lenovo.com to see Lenovo in action at the World Cup.

 

 

About Lenovo

 

 

Lenovo is a US$83 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Guided by its vision of “Smarter Technology for All”, Lenovo is executing a Hybrid AI strategy that spans Personal AI – one personal AI, multiple devices; and Enterprise AI – helping customers turn data into insights and value. This strategy is delivered through the Group’s commitment to world-class innovation and a full-stack AI portfolio, including devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets, accessories), infrastructure solutions (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), as well as software, solutions, and services. With a global footprint spanning 21 research and development locations in 11 markets, and a global supply chain including more than 30 manufacturing sites across 10 markets, Lenovo is widely recognized for its operational excellence, including ranking #8 in the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). Learn more at www.lenovo.com and follow the latest news in our newsroom.

 

 

Lenovo is a trademark of Lenovo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2026 Lenovo Group Limited. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260602393504/en/

 

Business Wire India

 

• IQM in conjunction with its SPAC partner, Real Asset Acquisition Corp., increased commitments to its PIPE due to upsized demand.
• This additional commitment comes from a new investor, Ilmarinen, one of Finland’s largest private earnings-related pension insurance companies. This brings total PIPE commitments from leading new and existing investors to over USD 146 million.
• The transaction values IQM at a pre-money equity valuation of approximately USD 1.8 billion and a cash position expected to be up to EUR 406 million (USD 477 million¹).
• Significant business momentum, with 2025 revenue of EUR 31 million (USD 36 million²).

IQM Finland Oy, a global leader in full-stack superconducting quantum computers (“IQM”, “IQM Quantum Computers” or the “Company”) and Real Asset Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: RAAQ), a special purpose acquisition company (“RAAQ”), today announced an additional PIPE commitment from Ilmarinen in connection with the previously announced business combination between IQM and RAAQ. Ilmarinen’s new commitment comes alongside commitments from other leading institutional investors in the previously announced USD 134 million PIPE.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260602993879/en/

 

 

 

The incremental PIPE provides additional funding on top of the previously announced USD 134 million in PIPE financing proceeds to be used to accelerate IQM’s technology and commercial development towards fault-tolerant quantum computing, further advancing its position as a leading provider of quantum computers.

 

Headquartered in Finland, IQM plans to list its American Depositary Shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market in the U.S. and its ordinary shares on the Helsinki stock exchange in connection with the completion of this transaction. Ahead of the listing, investment exposure to IQM is available to the public by investing in its special purpose acquisition company partner, Real Asset Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: RAAQ).

 

 

IQM is a quantum computing company that builds full stack, open-architecture quantum computers that can be deployed on-premise or accessed via the cloud. IQM operates a vertically integrated business model, boasting a unique combination of proprietary infrastructure from their own chip design tool and software developer platform, to a quantum chip fab, assembly line and data center, allowing the company to accelerate its innovation cycles, deliver best-in-class quantum computing to its customers and enabling the quantum ecosystem to grow.

 

 

Jan Goetz, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, IQM,said: “We’re pleased to see such strong investor demand, particularly with the addition of Ilmarinen. This upsized commitment from one of Finland’s largest private earnings-related pension insurance companies underscores confidence in our technology roadmap and the progress we’re making with our Production Quantum – a model where our customers own the system, operate it, and grow with it. This commitment signals that the market recognizes our product readiness and the real value we’re delivering to customers tackling some of the world’s most complex problems.”

 

 

Peter Ort, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman, Real Asset Acquisition Corp, said: “We reopened the PIPE because the demand is there from institutional investors who recognize what IQM has built — operational quantum computers, active customer deployments, and a commercial foundation that most of the quantum sector has yet to achieve. This capital positions us to scale aggressively into that lead.”

 

 

The securities being sold in the PIPE financing have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or applicable state securities laws and accordingly may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the SEC or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws.

 

 

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities, nor shall there be any sale of the securities being offered in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

 

 

Conference Call Information

 

 

Management of IQM and RAAQ previously hosted an investor conference call to discuss the transaction and review an investor presentation. Interested investors can access a webcast recording of the conference call by visiting https://iqm.tech/investors/.

 

 

Advisors

 

 

J.P. Morgan SE is serving as financial advisor and capital market advisor to IQM. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and TD Cowen are serving as PIPE placement agents to IQM. Rothschild & Co is serving as financial advisor and capital markets advisor to IQM and its Board of Directors. TD Cowen is serving as financial advisor and capital markets advisor to RAAQ. Cohen & Company Capital Markets is serving as a capital markets advisor to RAAQ. Cooley LLP and Borenius Attorneys Ltd are serving as legal advisors to IQM, and Perkins Coie LLP, Krogerus Attorneys Ltd and Conyers Dill & Pearman LLP are serving as legal advisors to RAAQ. DLA Piper LLP (US) is serving as legal advisor to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and TD Cowen. The Blueshirt Group is serving as investor relations advisor to IQM.

 

 

About IQM Quantum Computers

 

 

IQM Finland Oy (“IQM Quantum Computers”, “IQM”, “the company”) is a global leader in superconducting quantum computers, delivering full-stack quantum computers and cloud platform access to research institutions, universities, high-performance computing centers, national laboratories and enterprises worldwide. IQM’s on-premises deployment model gives customers direct ownership and control of their quantum infrastructure. Founded in 2018, headquartered in Finland, it has over 350 employees. IQM operates across Europe, Asia, and North America. IQM has filed an F-4 registration statement to the SEC with the intention to become the first publicly listed European quantum company on Nasdaq Global Exchange in the U.S by merging with Real Asset Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: RAAQ).

 

 

About Real Asset Acquisition Corp.

 

 

Based in Princeton, NJ, Real Asset Acquisition Corp. is a Nasdaq-listed (Nasdaq: RAAQ) special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The RAAQ team includes seasoned quantum computing experts with deep technical and industry experience.

 

 

¹ Assuming no redemptions from RAAQ public shareholders

 

 

² ECB reference exchange rate of EUR/USD of 1.175 as of December 31, 2025

 

 

Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

 

 

In connection with the business combination, IQM has filed a registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”), including a proxy statement/prospectus that will be mailed to RAAQ’s shareholders in connection with its extraordinary general meeting to be held to approve the business combination (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”). The Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, contains 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 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: projections of market opportunity and market share; estimates of customer adoption rates and usage patterns; projections regarding the Company’s ability to commercialize new products and technologies; projections of development and commercialization costs and timelines; expectations regarding the Company’s ability to execute its business model and the expected financial benefits of such model; expectations regarding the Company’s ability to attract, retain and expand its customer base; the Company’s deployment of proceeds from capital raising transactions; the Company’s expectations concerning relationships with strategic partners, suppliers, governments, state-funded entities, regulatory bodies and other third parties; the Company’s ability to maintain, protect and enhance its intellectual property; future ventures or investments in companies, products, services or technologies; development of favorable regulations affecting the Company’s markets; 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 the combined company are expected to trade; proceeds from the business combination and related PIPE; funds received by the combined company from RAAQ’s trust account and redemptions by RAAQ’s public shareholders; the Company’s ability to commercialize its hardware and software; the expectation that the Company is building the sovereign infrastructure that allows quantum ecosystems to grow; and the potential for the Company 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 the Company and RAAQ.

 

 

These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause the actual results of the combined company following the proposed transaction, 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 the Company is pursuing an emerging technology, which faces significant technical challenges and may not achieve commercialization or market acceptance; the Company’s historical net losses and limited operating history; the Company’s expectations regarding future financial performance, capital requirements and unit economics; the Company’s use and reporting of business and operational metrics; the Company’s competitive landscape; the Company’s dependence on members of its senior management and its ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the potential need for additional future financing; the Company’s concentration of revenue in contracts with government or state-funded entities; the Company’s ability to manage growth and expand its operations; potential future acquisitions or investments in companies, products, services or technologies; the Company’s reliance on strategic partners and other third parties; the Company’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; the combined company’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 transaction are delayed or are not obtained, which could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction; 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 the Company or RAAQ; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction; the ability of IQM or the combined company to issue equity or equity-linked securities in connection with the proposed transaction or in the future; and other factors described in RAAQ’s and the Company’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 and potential filings by the Company, RAAQ or the combined company resulting from the proposed business combination 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 the Company’s and RAAQ’s management as of the date of this communication; subsequent events and developments may cause their assessments to change. While the Company 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, the Company 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 transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of RAAQ’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction will be set forth in the Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein. 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 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed by RAAQ with the SEC. Shareholders, potential investors, and other interested persons should read the Registration Statement, including the definitive 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.

 

 

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260602993879/en/

 

Business Wire India

On May 8, 2026, the Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) in Singapore hosted a prestigious event themed “Research Without Borders · Led by Evidence-Based Science.” Hosted by GeneIII and academically supported by TLL, the conference convened top medical scientists, clinical research experts, industry strategic analysts, and authoritative media representatives from both China and Singapore. Following a tour of the National University of Singapore and the Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, attendees witnessed the world’s first public presentation of clinical trial results regarding EGT across five major areas of human health, leveraging the power of evidence-based science. These areas encompass ovarian reserve function, dysmenorrhea improvement, postpartum recovery, sperm motility, and kidney health. On this occasion, Frost & Sullivan officially released the English edition of the Global Ergothioneine Industry Current Landscape and Development Trends White Paper.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260602366946/en/

 

 

 

On May 18, 2026, a launch event themed “Global Debut of the BoMaiYan Whitening Series New Products · GeneIII Traceability Journey” was held at the GeneIII headquarters in Jiangsu, China. The event brought together leading influencers in the beauty and skincare sector, dermatologists, renowned content creators, media representatives, and strategic partners. During this event, Frost & Sullivan released the Chinese edition of the Global Ergothioneine Industry Current Landscape and Development Trends White Paper. (To read the report, please visit: https://www.frost.com/growth-opportunity-news/healthcare/precision-health/from-scarce-ingredient-to-scalable-functional-commodity-scaling-ergothioneine-for-commercial-success-hls06_tg02_tgp_pg8s_jun26_cim-jh/)

 

This whitepaper elucidates that EGT, as a naturally occurring functional betaine amino acid, is one of the few natural antioxidants capable of penetrating cell membranes and accumulating within the mitochondria. Utilizing the OCTN-1 transporter for transmembrane uptake, EGT targets and enriches within mitochondria, where it directly scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and blocks oxidative damage at its source. Concurrently, EGT possesses multiple regulatory capabilities, including anti-inflammatory properties and tissue repair. It is readily absorbed by most human tissues for systemic transport, preferentially accumulating in organs and cells with a high incidence of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

 

 

Extensive literature currently indicates that EGT regulates body health across multiple dimensions, covering a wide array of application scenarios such as liver injury protection, ocular care, cardiovascular health maintenance, reproductive health protection, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, systemic inflammation suppression, and immune homeostasis balance.

 

 

• In the field of women’s health, the current market faces multiple challenges including ovarian aging, primary dysmenorrhea, and preeclampsia. Relevant studies have demonstrated that EGT exhibits significant potential application value and prospects in enhancing ovarian reserve, alleviating dysmenorrhea symptoms, and reducing the risk of preeclampsia.
• In the field of anti-aging and whitening, abnormal melanin deposition and skin aging have become the two core focal points in contemporary skin health management and functional skincare. Existing research indicates that EGT holds remarkable application potential in anti-aging and whitening pathways; it can achieve the dual effects of improving pigmentation and delaying skin photoaging by inhibiting melanogenesis and mitigating UV-induced damage to skin structures.

 

Consequently, EGT possesses substantial application potential and is well-positioned to meet a diverse range of market demands.

 

From the perspective of the current global regulatory landscape and policy environment for functional ingredients, the United States stands out as a market with one of the most mature regulatory frameworks, the highest level of rule transparency, and a significant demonstration effect on other jurisdictions. Notably, the U.S. FDA has publicly announced that it will publish a proposed regulation in 2026 to require mandatory notification of all substances claimed to be GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe), effectively ending the current self-affirmation pathway.

 

 

While tightening regulations does not necessarily restrict market growth, it inevitably raises the entry barriers for the industry. Consequently, companies equipped with a comprehensive safety evaluation system that are capable of completing formal notifications—or those holding recognized international compliance certifications—will find it easier to gain authorization from multinational clients and access multi-regional markets. Conversely, enterprises with insufficient compliance readiness may face heightened uncertainties during market expansion and client onboarding processes.

 

 

From the perspective of the current development environment and trends for EGT, structural changes triggered by the upgrading of health consumption paradigms, the reconstruction of anti-aging awareness, and the rise of evidence-based scientific concepts are driving the EGT market to transform into a fast-growing, “cognition-driven” market. The growth of the EGT market no longer relies solely on demographic structural shifts; instead, it increasingly depends on the enhancement of scientific understanding brought about by deeper consumer education, demonstrating market characteristics of high growth potential, premium pricing capability, and continuously rising penetration rates. Furthermore, the advancement of synthetic biology technologies has resolved traditional bottlenecks such as low extraction efficiency and chemical synthesis pollution, effectively reducing costs while improving purity, which has accelerated its transformation from a high-priced, scarce component into a functional raw material viable for large-scale application, thereby unlocking substantial growth potential for its market adoption across skincare, food, and other diverse sectors.

 

 

Furthermore, existing research demonstrates that EGT not only scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) but also participates to a certain extent in key physiological processes such as mitochondrial function protection and inflammatory response regulation, establishing a synergistic action framework of “antioxidation—energy metabolism—inflammation control.” This multi-mechanism synergy enables EGT to intervene in key physiological and pathological processes associated with oxidative stress—distinguishing it from conventional antioxidant ingredients that rely solely on “free radical scavenging”—and significantly enhances its depth of action and application value within the functional ingredient ecosystem. Consequently, the application logic of EGT is shifting from single-function development toward mechanism-centric, multi-scenario expansion; in this process, the competitive focus for industry players is likewise transitioning from a single-product footprint to systematic research and application extension centered around pathways and mechanisms of action.

 

 

From the perspective of current practice, this whitepaper analyzes how a selective few enterprises have already initiated forward-looking layouts along this path, among which GeneIII has established full industrial chain capabilities spanning strain construction, fermentation processing, purification technology, and terminal applications. The company embarked early on systematic research surrounding the multi-pathway mechanisms of action of EGT; starting from skincare applications, it has progressively extended into multiple directions including women’s health, liver function, and ocular health, forming a cross-scenario product and research ecosystem. Furthermore, distinct from traditional product development models driven by a single efficacy, GeneIII’s strategy emphasizes a “mechanism-driven application” expansion route—grounded in rigorous human clinical trials and backed by authoritative data—to explore the potential value of EGT across diverse application scenarios. This multi-domain development strategy centered on common biological mechanisms enables the company to secure strategic positions in certain application scenarios before they fully mature, thereby conferring a distinct first-mover advantage within the industry.

 

 

The chapters of the Global Ergothioneine Industry Current Landscape and Development Trends White Paper are as follows:

 

 

• Chapter 1 Overview of Ergothioneine

 

1.1 Definition and Mechanisms of Action of Ergothioneine

1.2 Analysis of Prevailing Technical Routes for

Ergothioneine Production

1.3 Characteristics of Ergothioneine Raw Materials and Finished Products

1.4 Analysis of Application Scenarios for Ergothioneine

1.5 Value Chain Analysis of Ergothioneine

1.6 Evolution of the Global Ergothioneine Market

• Chapter 2 Analysis of Ergothioneine Efficacy and Potential Effects in the Human Body

2.1 Overview of Tissue Distribution Characteristics and Potential Physiological Efficacies of Ergothioneine

2.2 Potential Role of Ergothioneine in Women’s Health

2.3 Potential Role of Ergothioneine in Whitening and Anti-aging

2.4 Potential Role of Ergothioneine in Men’s Health

2.5 Potential Role of Ergothioneine in Eye Health

2.6 Potential Role of Ergothioneine in Liver Health

2.7 Potential Role of Ergothioneine in Sleep Health

2.8 Potential Role of Ergothioneine in Neurodegenerative Diseases

• Chapter 3 Analysis of Global Ergothioneine Regulatory Landscape and Policy Environment

3.1 Overview of the US Ergothioneine Market Regulatory Landscape

3.2 Regulatory Pathways and Characteristics of the US Ergothioneine Market

3.3 Analysis of Related Industrial Policies in the US Ergothioneine Market

3.4 Regulatory Pathways and Characteristics of the EU Ergothioneine Market

3.5 Analysis of Related Industrial Policies in the EU Ergothioneine Market

3.6 Regulatory Pathways and Characteristics of the Chinese Ergothioneine Market

3.7 Analysis of Related Industrial Policies in the Chinese Ergothioneine Market

• Chapter 4 Developmental Landscape and Emerging Trends in the Ergothioneine Industry

4.1 Evolving Consumer Perceptions Bolstering Market Demand for Ergothioneine

4.2 Synthetic Biology Driving Cost Reductions and Benchmarking Scalable Quality

4.3 Stricter Regulatory Oversight Accelerating Industry Standardization

4.4 Mechanistic Breakthroughs: Advancing from Skincare Antioxidants to Holistic Healthcare

4.5 AI revolutionizes R&D Paradigms to Accelerate Lab-to-Industrialization

• Chapter 5 Ergothioneine Industry Benchmark Case Study – GeneIII

5.1 Corporate Profile

5.2 Brand Competitive Barriers and Product Matrix

5.3 Technological Innovation and R&D Platforms

5.4 Integrated Industry-Academia-Research Ecosystem

5.5 Elite Executive Management and Talent Pipeline Development

5.6 Future Strategic Roadmap and Development Planning

About Frost & Sullivan

 

Frost & Sullivan is a growth consulting firm dedicated to partnering with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses global challenges and capitalizes on related growth opportunities to drive the success of today’s market participants. For over 60 years, Frost & Sullivan has been providing growth strategy support to the Global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector, and investment institutions.

 

 

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260602366946/en/

 

Business Wire India

Felix Industries Limited, a leading environmental solutions and resource recovery company, reported a strong financial performance for FY26, driven by higher execution across waste management projects, expansion of recycling capabilities, and increasing international business traction.

For FY26, the Company reported revenue from operations of INR 102.21 crore, registering a growth of 177.6% compared to INR 36.82 crore in FY25. EBITDA stood at INR 31.88 crore, reflecting a growth of 131.2% year-on-year, while Profit After Tax nearly doubled to INR 18.18 crore from INR 9.11 crore in the previous year.

The Company also delivered a strong quarterly performance during Q4 FY26, with revenue from operations rising 188.1% year-on-year to INR 37.43 crore. EBITDA increased 66.8% to INR 9.32 crore, while profit after tax stood at INR 4.34 crore.

A key highlight during the year was Felix Industries LLC, Oman, the company’s wholly owned subsidiary, securing a contract worth approximately INR 45 crore from Oman LNG LLC, Oman. Further strengthening its presence in the Middle East, the securing of a landmark international contract worth approximately INR 60 crore from OQ8 Duqm Refinery & Petrochemical Industries LLC, Oman. This engagement covers hazardous waste collection, transportation, treatment, recycling, resource recovery, and environmentally compliant disposal services, reinforcing Felix Industries’ growing global footprint and execution capabilities in large-scale environmental management projects.

Further strengthening its integrated waste-to-value ecosystem, Felix Industries, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Felix Prime Metals Private Limited, completed the acquisition of Tierra Fertilizer Private Limited. The acquisition provides immediate access to metals recycling infrastructure and enhances the Company’s resource recovery capabilities, supporting its long-term circular economy and ESG-led growth strategy.

The Company’s operational improvements were also reflected in its capital efficiency metrics. Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) improved by nearly 400 basis points to 16.38% in FY26 from 12.39% in FY25, driven by better asset utilization, operating efficiencies and improved returns on invested capital.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Ritesh Patel, Managing Director, Felix Industries Limited, said:

“FY26 has been a transformational year for Felix Industries as we scaled our operations, expanded our international presence and strengthened our resource recovery platform through strategic investments. The Oman contract, ongoing capacity expansion initiatives and the acquisition of Tierra Fertilizer collectively position us for the next phase of growth. We remain focused on building an integrated waste-to-value platform, expanding our global reach and creating long-term value through sustainable and circular economy-driven solutions. Based on the current business visibility and growth initiatives, we remain confident of achieving our targeted revenue range of INR 180–200 crore in FY27.

With increasing regulatory focus on environmental sustainability, waste management and resource recovery, Felix Industries continues to strengthen its position as a key player in the circular economy space, leveraging technology, operational expertise and strategic investments to drive sustainable growth.”

From Waste to Value. Creating Sustainable Growth Through Resource Recovery.

Disclaimer by Felix Industries Limited: This article contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions. Actual outcomes may vary materially due to market conditions and other factors. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell securities.

Business Wire India

Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) has been awarded the 2026 Food Planet Prize—the world’s largest environmental award—for its role in leading one of the most ambitious transitions to agroecology ever undertaken. The prize, worth $1.5m, was presented in Båstad, Sweden, on June 2.

The Curt Bergfors Foundation has announced Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) as the winner of the 2026 Food Planet Prize, the world’s largest environmental award. All other finalists—Conscious Kitchen (US), NoPalm Ingredients (NL), and Savanna Institute (US)—received $150,000 in recognition of their work.

What APCNF does and why it matters for food systems transformation

Over the past ten years, 1.8 million farmers in southern India have joined what is now one of the world’s largest transitions to natural agriculture—and the numbers keep growing. Launched by the government of Andhra Pradesh, APCNF works through women’s collectives and a network of over 10,000 farmer trainers to help smallholders abandon synthetic inputs in favor of natural farming practices rooted in soil science and traditional knowledge. Year-round cover cropping and pre-monsoon dry sowing are among the methods being adopted across more than 8,000 villages.

What the prize will unlock

Winning the Prize will let APCNF go even further:

• More demonstration sites for visitors from India and beyond—to show the world what community-managed natural farming actually looks like;
• Country-by-country toolkits for large-scale, locally adapted implementation;
• New research partnerships to keep building the evidence base;
• A natural farming leadership course;
• More support for “farmer scientists”—smallholders trained at an academy to design and document their own field experiments, treating the farmers as legitimate leaders and the farms as sites of agricultural research.

In awarding the Food Planet Prize 2026 to APCNF, Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, co-chair of the Food Planet Prize jury commented:

 

“APCNF demonstrates how nature-positive farming can be implemented across entire communities and regions, providing a scalable pathway for millions of farmers while simultaneously improving livelihoods, resilience, and environmental outcomes.

 

While transforming the way food is produced, APCNF has realised measurable reductions in dependence on synthetic agricultural inputs and enhanced resilience to climate shocks, droughts, and economic volatility. Essentially, APCNF shows how the future of agriculture can be built by working with nature rather than against it.”

 

In response to the award, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri. N. Chandrababu Naidu thanked the Jury of the Food Planet Prize team for recognising the 1.8 million-strong APCNF, the world’s largest Natural Farming Programme. “I am delighted that it is a ‘First’ for India. We assure everyone that Andhra Pradesh will not rest here. We would like to make Andhra Pradesh a 100% natural Andhra Pradesh by 2047. Restoring our resources, rejuvenating our farmlands, strengthening farmers’ wellbeing and healing the planet. We would like to support seeding natural farming in other States and outside. Congratulations to our team, farmers and women in this movement.”

 

The Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture Co-Operation, Marketing, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fisheries, Sri Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, extended his wishes on conferring the award for the APCNF program. “I congratulate APCNF, our 1.8 million farmers, our community resource persons and our women SHGs. Congratulations to RySS and the Agriculture Department for winning the Food Planet Prize 2026. A landmark recognition for Andhra Pradesh and India’s agricultural transformation. Thanks to natural farming, A.P’s 1.8 million farmers are reducing input costs and raising net incomes right from the first Year. Over 10,000 Community Resource Persons, 60% of them women, are driving farmer-to-farmer learning across the state. We are proud that 22 Indian states and two countries, Zambia and Sri Lanka, are actively replicating this model.”

 

Women’s self-help groups played a pivotal role in scaling up the Natural Farming in Andhra Pradesh. D. Chamundeshwari, a smallholder farmer from Vemuru Village, expressed happiness at the global recognition of their efforts. “At a time when farming communities are facing mounting climate and livelihood challenges, the transition to natural farming gave good results thanks to knowledge and skills acquired under the program.”

 

Sri. Budithi Rajasekhar, IAS (Retd.), Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh (Agriculture, Sericulture, Cooperation & Marketing), extended his wishes to the larger farming community of Andhra Pradesh. “I am elated to witness APCNF winning the Food Planet Prize 2026 from Curt Bergfors Foundation. This recognition reflects what becomes possible when government policy, community institutions, and scientific knowledge align behind a common vision. The Government of Andhra Pradesh made a policy choice, 10 years ago to treat natural farming as a state-wide agricultural transformation, backed by Community Resource Persons in every village and the organisational strength of our Women’s Self Help Groups. AP would march to be a 100% NF Andhra Pradesh soon.”

 

“APCNF is honoured to receive the 2026 Food Planet Prize on behalf of 1.8 million farm families, 700,000 farmworker families, and the 340,000 women’s self-help groups driving this transformation. We accept this Award for farmers across India who are showing the world a climate-resilient, nature-positive pathway, and we thank the scientists. A special thanks to Honourable Chief Minister Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, whose vision made it possible. This recognition strengthens our resolve to scale natural farming to all 6 million farmers of Andhra Pradesh,” says Sri. T. Vijay Kumar, IAS (Retd.) – Executive Vice Chairman, Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, Advisor to Government, Agriculture & Cooperation Department.