Harnessing AI for Growth: WEF and India Launch Playbooks for Agriculture and SMEs

Pic Credit: Pexel

Introduction to AI Playbooks

The collaboration between the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Government of India marks a notable initiative in promoting the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across vital sectors, specifically agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The launch of AI playbooks is designed to serve as a comprehensive guide for stakeholders, ensuring a strategic and effective integration of AI technologies into existing practices. These playbooks provide a structured framework, offering insights and best practices that can enable businesses and farmers to leverage AI capabilities for operational efficiency and growth.

This initiative is particularly relevant in today’s economy, characterized by rapid digital transformation and a growing demand for innovative solutions to enhance productivity. As industries seek to adapt to market changes and consumer demands, the implementation of AI emerges as a solution that can lead to substantial improvements in efficiency and resource management. By focusing on agriculture, a cornerstone of India’s economy, and SMEs, which constitute a significant portion of economic activity, the playbooks aim to drive sustainable growth and resilience in these sectors.

The significance of this initiative goes beyond mere technology adoption; it underscores the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders. Through extensive consultations with policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, the playbooks are shaped to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Indian agriculture and SMEs. The insights gathered from these consultations ensure that the strategies formulated are relevant and actionable, facilitating a smoother transition towards an AI-enabled future. This collaboration not only highlights the potential of AI in enhancing competitiveness but also reflects a broader commitment to innovation and sustainable development in India.

Empowering Agriculture with AI

The agricultural sector in India stands at a pivotal juncture, with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) poised to revolutionize practices and enhance productivity. The playbook titled ‘Future Farming in India’ serves as a comprehensive guide designed to empower farmers by democratizing access to advanced AI tools. By focusing on practical applications, this initiative aims to address critical challenges faced by the agricultural community, such as fluctuating crop yields, environmental risks, and market accessibility.

One of the primary strategies outlined in the playbook is the utilization of AI-driven analytics to optimize crop production. By leveraging data, farmers can identify optimal planting and harvesting times, monitor soil health, and make informed decisions that directly impact yield quality. The use of machine learning algorithms can analyze weather patterns and pest behavior, thereby enabling farmers to adapt their practices in real-time. This data-driven approach not only boosts crop yields but also mitigates risks associated with climate variability.

Moreover, the playbook recognizes the importance of enhanced market access. AI technologies facilitate more efficient supply chain management, ensuring that farmers receive better prices for their produce. Online platforms powered by AI can connect farmers directly with consumers, reducing dependency on intermediaries and ensuring that profits remain within the farming community. This aspect of AI application is crucial for creating a sustainable economic environment surrounding agriculture.

Ultimately, the transformation of the agricultural landscape in India through AI is not just about technology implementation; it revolves around fostering resilience in the face of environmental challenges. By adopting AI tools and methodologies, farmers are equipped with the insights necessary to navigate a rapidly changing agricultural ecosystem, thereby contributing significantly to food security and economic stability.

Transforming Small and Medium Enterprises

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are crucial to India’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. However, these entities often face numerous challenges, including limited access to technology, inadequate funding, and difficulties in scaling operations. Understanding these constraints is essential for recognizing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving growth within this sector. AI can function as a catalyst, empowering SMEs to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and unlock new market opportunities.

The ‘Transforming Small Businesses’ playbook highlights a cluster-based approach to AI adoption. This innovative strategy aims to democratize access to advanced technologies for SMEs. By establishing localized AI ecosystems, small businesses can collaborate and share resources, effectively mitigating the common barriers to technology uptake. These ecosystems not only facilitate knowledge exchange but also provide a structured framework for SMEs to implement AI solutions tailored to their unique needs and challenges.

Several case studies illustrate the successful integration of AI within SMEs across various sectors. For instance, a small agricultural firm utilized AI-driven analytics to optimize its supply chain, resulting in reduced wastage and increased revenue. Another example includes a local textiles manufacturer that adopted AI-enabled design tools, enhancing product development and market responsiveness. Such instances demonstrate the potential for AI to transform traditional business models, creating competitive advantages in a rapidly digitalizing marketplace.

Moreover, frameworks designed to guide SMEs in securing funding and improving their operational efficiency are essential. These frameworks offer practical solutions, enabling small businesses to navigate the intricacies of accessing capital while equipping them with the necessary skills to utilize AI effectively. As the digital economy evolves, it is imperative for SMEs to harness AI’s potential, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience in a competitive landscape.

The Role of AI Sandbox in Innovation

The recent launch of the AI sandbox white paper marks a significant milestone in fostering innovation within the context of agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India. This initiative introduces a structured two-tier framework designed to facilitate experimentation with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. By establishing a collaborative environment among government entities, industry stakeholders, and innovative startups, the AI sandbox aims to drive the responsible development of AI solutions tailored to meet specific sector challenges.

One of the central components of the AI sandbox framework is its capacity to address key challenges faced by innovators, notably data access and model validation. These aspects are critical to the success of AI applications, as they often require substantial and diverse datasets for effective training and testing of algorithms. By providing streamlined access to necessary data resources, the AI sandbox ensures that startups and businesses can operate within a supportive framework that encourages experimentation while adhering to legal and ethical requirements.

Moreover, the AI sandbox is designed to minimize risks associated with innovation, particularly in areas where AI solutions could have significant societal implications. By creating safe environments for developing AI applications, stakeholders can conduct rigorous testing and validation processes. This approach not only supports the integrity of AI systems but also promotes ethical innovation that prioritizes the welfare of users and affected communities.

Overall, the AI sandbox represents a vital tool for enabling responsible AI advancements. By fostering collaboration among various sectors and addressing critical challenges, it provides a pathway for nurturing innovations that align with ethical standards and safety protocols, which are essential for the broader acceptance of AI technologies.

Policybazaar for Business examines AI’s impact on clinical risk and medical accountability in its latest whitepaper

Gurugram, 22nd October, 2025: Artificial intelligence is increasingly making its way into healthcare as the next big force. Recognising the urgency and potential of this shift, Policybazaar for Business, the corporate arm of one of India’s largest insurance platforms, has studied its impact in its latest whitepaper – Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Revolutionising Patient Care and System Efficiency.

The report makes a clear case for the integration of AI into India’s healthcare system, and backs it up with data and actionable recommendations. The study goes beyond the technology narrative to examine how AI’s rapid integration is reshaping risk and responsibility in Indian healthcare, and why professional indemnity frameworks must evolve in parallel.

Transforming patient care through AI

India is home to over 1.4 billion people and has just 1.3-1.4 hospital beds per 1,000 population. This figure is well below the recommended threshold of three beds. The whitepaper highlights how AI-enabled platforms can reduce diagnostic turnaround times by up to 80%, particularly in radiology. The adoption of AI in diagnostics will enable faster treatment and better outcomes, especially in underserved regions.

AI in action: Real world success stories

 The paper highlights real-world instances where AI is already transforming patient care:

• Qure.ai’s qXR tool screens for tuberculosis in remote districts.
• Niramai’s Thermalytix system enables non-invasive breast cancer detection using thermal imaging.
• Manipal Hospitals have reduced discharge times from 4–8 hours to just one through AI-based automation.
• Strand Life Sciences uses AI-driven genomics to deliver personalised cancer therapies.

Meanwhile, platforms such as Practo and Mfine employ AI chatbots to assist over 100 million patients monthly, while Apollo 24/7 relies on AI for triage and teleconsultations.

The accountability question: What happens when AI gets it wrong?

As AI moves from supporting medical professionals to actively shaping medical decisions, the definition of accountability is evolving. When algorithms interpret scans or suggest treatments, the question of who bears the liability becomes increasingly complex.

Yet, the whitepaper points out, only about 20% of Indian doctors currently have professional indemnity (PI) insurance, and most existing policies do not explicitly cover AI-related liabilities. Policybazaar for Business is working with healthcare professionals to review and strengthen their indemnity cover, ensuring doctors are protected against errors linked to AI-assisted decisions, especially in high-stakes fields like cardiology and oncology.

Sajja Praveen Chowdary, Head, Policybazaar for Business, “With AI’s usage increasing across the healthcare industry, the role of doctors is also evolving. This evolution demands a new layer of protection, and professional indemnity coverage is adapting to include technology-assisted decisions to ensure doctors can embrace innovation while being legally covered. The conversation on AI in healthcare must go hand in hand with trust and transparency.”

Preparing for an AI-driven future

The whitepaper forecasts that by 2030, AI could help reduce diagnostic errors by up to 30%, and telemedicine, under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, could extend care to 500 million Indians. With $1.4 billion in private AI investment this year, India ranks among the world’s top ten markets for AI innovation.

The report concludes with a call to action: policymakers, insurers, hospital administrators, and clinicians must collaborate to build digital infrastructure, set clear regulatory frameworks, and enable public-private partnerships that can scale AI solutions responsibly and effectively.

NEW DELHI / Jaipur | 22 October, 2025: Pink city Jaipur is set to host the 15th Biennial SPG 2025 Global Summit from October 26-28, 2025, at the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), bringing together global energy leaders and technology innovators. Under the theme “Rock to Cloud: Geo-Exploration Empowering Energy Evolution,” the summit convenes at a pivotal moment as India reinvigorates its deepwater exploration mission and expands its quest for new hydrocarbon frontiers to ensure long-term energy security.

The summit is organised by the Society of Petroleum Geophysicists India (SPG), with the Chairman and CEO of ONGC serving as its Chief Patron.

With the country’s energy demand expected to nearly double by 2040, the upstream sector is focusing on unlocking new hydrocarbon basins and harnessing cutting-edge geophysical and AI-based exploration technologies. The SPG 2025 Global Summit will serve as a premier global platform for collaboration among energy leaders, scientists, and technologists driving India’s energy evolution. Over 700 delegates from more than 10 countries, including major global E&P companies and service providers, will participate. Leading organizations such as ONGC, ONGC Videsh, Oil India, Eliis, Dig Science, Baker Hughes, Shearwater, Sercel, Geosoftware, Beicip Franlab, Viridien , Emerson Aspentech and Solytics Partners will feature prominently.

India’s premier academic and research institutions will also be represented, including the IITs in Bombay, Madras, Roorkee, and Dhanbad, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Dibrugarh University, Andhra University, Banaras Hindu University, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, and Jadavpur University, among others. The event is further endorsed by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and the European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers (EAGE).

The technical programme will cover the complete exploration spectrum—from seismic acquisition, imaging, and reservoir characterisation to digital geophysics, cloud-based analytics, and AI-driven subsurface modelling. Sessions will spotlight deepwater exploration breakthroughs, advances in seismic processing, and emerging geoscientific research. The SPG 2025 Exhibition will showcase state-of-the-art technologies, including AI-powered interpretation systems, data management platforms, and high-performance computing tools designed to enhance exploration efficiency and predictive accuracy.

Complementing the technical sessions, a dynamic business programme will include an exclusive “Meet the Industry” forum to facilitate meaningful partnerships. Post-Conference Continuing Education (CE) Courses, led by global experts, will provide specialised learning opportunities. Demonstrating its commitment to nurturing young talent, SPG will host a Geoscience Career Symposium (GCS) connecting leading energy companies with students from top institutes. The Student Spotlight section will feature a national quiz, extempore competitions, and interactive panels. A Geological Field Excursion will offer participants hands-on training in the stratigraphy of Indian basins.

Amid Jaipur’s heritage and charm, the summit will also include a vibrant Cultural Evening featuring classical and folk performances. A curated Spouse Programme will run alongside, offering sightseeing, wellness sessions, handicraft exploration, and culinary experiences for accompanying guests.

Building on the success of SPG 2023 in Kochi, which drew 48 major companies and strong participation from both Indian and global players, SPG 2025 promises to reinforce collaboration and innovation across the energy ecosystem.

About Society of Petroleum Geophysicists India (SPG):

The Society of Petroleum Geophysicists (SPG), India, is a premier professional body dedicated to advancing the science and technology of petroleum geophysics. For over three decades, its biennial conferences have served as a global platform for innovation, knowledge sharing, and technological progress across the upstream energy sector.

Mumbai, October 17, 2025: Orient Technologies Limited, a leading provider of end-to-end digital transformation and IT infrastructure services, today announced the acquisition of Red Hut Innovation Technology Pvt. Ltd. and investment in minority stakes of Athena IT & Telecom Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and AIT Internet Services Pvt. Ltd for a combined value of ₹7.71 crore. The move underscores Orient Technologies’ ambition to establish itself as a next-generation digital technology leader, delivering integrated solutions across cloud, connectivity and cybersecurity, and driving long-term value creation for investors and stakeholders.

The acquisition of 100% stake in Red Hut Innovation Pvt. Ltd., a Bengaluru-based MSP and SD-WAN service provider, for ₹ 5.75 crore, aligns well with Orient Technologies’ strategy to expand its capabilities and evolve into a fully integrated digital infrastructure company. The deal further enhances Orient Technologies’ portfolio across – cloud, data center and managed IT services. The company has also taken 46% stakes each in Bengaluru-based Athena IT & Telecom Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and AIT Internet Services Pvt. Ltd.

Speaking about the strategic move, Ajay Sawant, Chairman & Managing Director, Orient Technologies, said, “This marks an important step forward in Orient Technologies’ growth journey. By integrating network connectivity with our existing capabilities, we are strengthening our position as a full-spectrum digital infrastructure provider. The acquisition of Red Hut will allow us to deliver seamless, secure and scalable enterprise connectivity solutions, while enhancing service control, quality, and delivery efficiency. These combined strengths will help us to better serve enterprise customers and deliver lasting value across our ecosystem. Our strategic investments in Athena IT and Telecom Solutions and AIT Internet Services reinforce our commitment to strengthening regional presence and expanding our service capabilities. The synergies of Athena’s consulting and integration excellence with AIT’s robust telecom expertise will enable Orient Technologies to deliver end-to-end, future-ready solutions across India.”

The move also adds recurring, subscription-based revenue streams, enhancing cash flow stability and creating cross-selling opportunities across the enterprise customer base. With direct ownership of last-mile connectivity, Orient Technologies gains a distinct competitive edge as one of the few Indian IT providers offering all solutions under one platform.

With a strong presence across South India, Athena is recognized for its advanced capabilities in consulting, integration, and managed services across IT and telecom domains. This strategic investment will enable Orient Technologies to leverage Athena’s regional footprint and customer relationships, expanding market reach and allowing it to offer its full suite of digital, cloud, data center, and managed services to a wider client base.

The investment in AIT Internet Services further strengthens its ability to deliver end-to-end connectivity and telecom solutions, complementing its extensive IT infrastructure and digital transformation portfolio.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Hari Krishnan, Director, Red Hut Innovation Pvt. Ltd., Athena IT & Telecom Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and AIT Internet Services Pvt. Ltd, said, “Orient Technologies’ acquisition and strategic investments reflect a strong vote of confidence in our capabilities and growth potential. Backed by Orient Technologies’ scale, reach and leadership in digital infrastructure, we are poised to accelerate innovation, expand our offerings, and deliver greater value to customers.”

With these strategic acquisitions and investments, Orient Technologies continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading integrated digital infrastructure and transformation partners.

“Our focus remains on building an agile, future-ready organization capable of delivering value across every layer of enterprise technology,” said Shrihari Bhat, CEO, Orient Technologies Limited. “These moves reinforce our long-term vision of integrating cloud, connectivity, security, and managed services to empower our customers in their digital journeys.”

These initiatives mark another step in Orient Technologies’ mission to drive innovation, scalability, and sustainable growth across India’s evolving digital ecosystem.

Bengaluru,15th October 2025– MATTER, India’s pioneering electric mobility innovator, today announced the grand opening of its newest Experience Hub in Attibele, Bengaluru. This expansion marks another milestone in MATTER’s rapidly growing retail presence, underscoring its commitment to drive India’s transition towards clean, connected, and sustainable mobility.

The MATTER Experience Hub located at Attibele, Anekal, Bengaluru , is designed as a futuristic destination where riders can explore MATTER’s cutting-edge EV technologies and experience first-hand the AERA—India’s first geared electric motorbike.

The inauguration was graced by MATTER’s leadership team, dealer partners, and EV enthusiasts from across Bengaluru, marking a vibrant step in Karnataka’s electric mobility journey.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Saran Babu, Founder & Group CDO, MATTER, said:
“Attibele is one of Bengaluru’s fastest-developing growth corridors, strategically located to connect urban commuters and long-distance travellers alike. With our new Experience Hub here, we are enabling more people to discover and engage with MATTER’s world-class EV innovations. The AERA is not just about commuting—it is about redefining how riders experience performance, sustainability, and technology on Indian roads.”

The Dealer Principal, Mr. Mahesh C., added:
“We are delighted to bring MATTER’s groundbreaking EV experience to Attibele. The community here is ready for a new era of mobility, and with the AERA, we are offering a unique combination of advanced engineering, performance, and sustainability that will truly redefine riding.”

AERA – Geared for Thrills, Built for the Future

At the heart of the Experience Hub is the AERA 5000+, the world’s first manufactured geared electric motorbike and MATTER’s flagship innovation. Equipped with HyperShift, a 4-speed manual gearbox, the AERA combines the thrill of gears with the efficiency of electric power—bridging tradition and future mobility.

Visitors to the Attibele Hub can explore a phygital environment—where immersive digital engagement meets hands-on product experience. From interactive displays to test rides, the Hub is designed to help riders understand MATTER’s in-house engineered innovations that are shaping the future of urban mobility.

Key Features of the AERA 5000+:
• HyperShift Gearbox – 4-speed manual transmission with Eco, City, and Sport ride modes
• Liquid-Cooled Powertrain – Engineered for India’s urban traffic and high temperatures
• 7” Smart Touch Dashboard – Navigation, ride stats, media, and OTA updates
• 5kWh Battery Pack – Certified 172 km range; IP67 rated for dust and water resistance
• Quick Acceleration – 0–40 km/h in under 2.8 seconds
• Enhanced Safety – Dual disc brakes with ABS, dual suspension, smart park assists
• MATTER Mobile App – Real-time tracking, ride history, remote controls
• Lifetime Battery Warranty – A first in India, ensuring long-term rider confidence

About MATTER

MATTER Motor Works, an electric mobility startup founded in January 2019 in Ahmedabad, is redefining the future of mobility with its “Innovate in India” approach. Committed to building an independent EV ecosystem, MATTER explores every facet of electric mobility to drive India towards a sustainable future.
Its flagship product, AERA, World’s first manufactured geared electric motorbike, has been recognized as the “Editors’ Choice Electric Motorcycle of the Year” by Top Gear India, alongside prestigious accolades like “EV Bike of the Year 2025” by ACKO Drive and “Innovation Startup of the Year” at the Outlook Business Spotlight Awards.

Powered by a team of over 600 innovators, MATTER is at the forefront of cleaner mobility through in-house technology and groundbreaking innovations. With over 375 patent filings and 82 granted patents, spanning powertrain, liquid cooling, battery management, gearbox technology, cyber security (EV), charging infrastructure, and manufacturing automation, MATTER is shaping the evolution of India’s EV landscape—driving the nation towards energy independence.

Recognized as the first global technology company to join initiative, strategic alliance will fast-track the adoption of programmable networks and unlock new monetization opportunities for CSPs worldwide

NEW YORK and NOIDA, India, Oct. 15, 2025 — HCLTech, a leading global technology company, and GSMA, a global organization unifying the mobile ecosystem, are collaborating to advance the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, which works toward enhancing customer experiences, streamlining application development and unlock new revenue streams for the global telecoms industry. As the first and only global technology company to join the initiative and a trusted technology partner in the Open Gateway ecosystem, HCLTech reinforces its commitment to fostering openness, driving monetization and accelerating innovation across the telecom network.

By enabling ‘Network as a Platform’ models, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative is redefining how Communication Service Providers (CSPs) expose and consume network capabilities through standardized APIs. As one of the fastest-growing global SIs in the telecom industry, HCLTech will contribute its cutting-edge solutions, deep domain expertise and extensive system integration (SI) experience to scale the initiative globally.

HCLTech’s contributions will include:

A converged network monetization platform to unlock new revenue streams.
A secure and scalable network API layer to enable autonomous networks.
Agentic AI solutions integrated with native network APIs.
End-to-end implementation and integration services tailored for Open Gateway environments.
Industry-specific use cases across 10+ verticals, including manufacturing, energy, government, automotive, travel, healthcare and financial services.

“We are not just joining an initiative — we are shaping the future of telecom,” said Anil Ganjoo, Chief Growth Officer, Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications at HCLTech. “Our alliance with GSMA reflects our commitment to empowering CSPs with agile, programmable networks. With our proprietary IP, AI capabilities and global scale, we are positioned to deliver real-world impact across the telecom value chain.”

“We are delighted to welcome HCLTech to the GSMA Open Gateway partner community,” said Henry Calvert, Head of Networks at GSMA. “With their proven expertise across 200+ CSPs globally and broad digital transformation capabilities, HCLTech will play a key role in accelerating adoption and delivering innovative, real-world use cases.”

With participation from over 79 mobile operator groups, representing 291 carrier networks and nearly 80% of mobile connections around the world, Open Gateway is becoming a foundational pillar of the future telecom architecture. This partnership underscores a pivotal shift in the industry—where collaboration, openness and innovation converge to create the networks of tomorrow.

14th October 2025: Lexar, a global leader in storage solutions, is unveiling the future of storage innovation in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) era, at Gitex Global 2025, the world’s largest tech and startup event taking place from 13 to 17 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The company is showcasing the world’s lightest, toughest, and fastest memory solutions, at the Lexar stand located in Hall1, Stand H1-25.

With artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping industries and everyday life—projected by IDC to contribute $19.9 trillion to the global economy by 2030—reliable, high-speed storage is becoming more critical than ever. Lexar’s products are recognized for their large capacities, fast performance, and proven reliability, making them essential tools for AI developers, professional creators, gamers, and PC enthusiasts alike.

“Traditional memory solutions are no longer adequate for today’s demanding AI workloads. The future lies in high-capacity storage that enables faster data processing. Lexar’s all-flash arrays and SSDs, known for their speed and dependability, are becoming the go-to solutions for enterprises working on large-scale AI projects. Simultaneously, the booming imaging services sector in the Middle East is driving demand for our professional-grade storage solutions designed specifically for content creators,” said Mr. Fissal Oubida, General Manager – Middle East, Africa & India, Lexar.

Bringing the future of memory forward

One of Lexar’s standout innovations at the event is Lexar’s thumb-sized Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub – the world’s lightest portable SSD at just 13 grams. This groundbreaking innovation is optimized for the iPhone 16/17 series and Android devices, and is specifically designed for content creators to shoot seamless video from a mobile phone. Also taking the spotlight is the Armor Series, which includes the world’s first stainless steel SD cards—ARMOR GOLD and ARMOR SILVER PRO. These cards are built for durability, with strength up to 37 times that of standard SD cards, offering photographers, videographers, and content creators unmatched reliability for their demanding workflows. Another highlight is the ARMOR 700 Portable SSD, a rugged, high-speed storage solution offering up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds and full cross-platform compatibility—perfect for mobile professionals.

The CFexpress 4.0 Series is also making waves, with Type-B DIAMOND, GOLD, SILVER, and Type-A GOLD cards engineered for lightning-fast performance. Designed for 8K video and ultra-high-res photography, these cards cater to creators who demand top-tier speed and capacity.

Elevating the Gaming Experience

Lexar hasn’t forgotten the gaming community. At GITEX, the company is showcasing its ARES RGB 2nd Gen DDR5 Desktop Memory, featuring SK Hynix DRAM chips with speeds up to 8000MT/s (and 6000MT/s CL26), designed for elite desktop gaming performance. For handheld gamers, Lexar introduces the PLAY PRO microSD Express Card, which integrates PCIe technology for blazing-fast speeds—up to 900MB/s read and 600MB/s write—offering dramatically faster load and download times.

Engineered for AI developers, gamers, and creators, Lexar is showcasing two next-generation SSDs: the Lexar Professional NM990 PCIe Gen5.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD and the Lexar Professional NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD. Both these SSDs utilize PCIe 5.0 technology to deliver incredible speeds—up to 14,000MB/s read and 11,000MB/s write—nearly doubling the performance of Gen 4 drives, providing superior performance for serious gamers and professional rendering.

“As the Middle East region solidifies its position as a global hub for gaming and imaging, Lexar’s high-performance products empower users to push creative and technological boundaries. From lightning-fast PCIe 5.0 SSDs to the latest microSD Express technology for handheld gamers, we offer a full suite of data storage innovations designed to help our customers scale and succeed in the digital world,” concluded Oubida.

Philips Evnia Unleashes a New Era of Gaming with Groundbreaking QD OLED Monitor Lineup in the Middle East

Cairo, Egypt , 13 October 2025 : MMD Singapore the manufacturer of Philips displays, announces the launch of its latest and most advanced line of Philips Evnia QD OLED gaming monitors in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The new series, featuring the 34M2C8600 (34” UltraWide), 32M2N8800 (32” 4K UHD), and 27M2N8500 (27” Quad HD), is designed to deliver an unparalleled visual experience, combining breathtaking image quality with ultra-high refresh rates for both competitive and casual gamers.

This new generation of Evnia monitors leverages cutting-edge Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) technology, which merges the perfect blacks and infinite contrast of OLED with the vibrant, wide colour gamut of Quantum Dots. The result is a picture with stunningly accurate colours, deeper blacks, and a lightning-fast response time, ensuring every scene is rendered with incredible clarity and depth, free from motion blur.

A Monitor for Every Playstyle

The new lineup caters to the diverse needs of the regional gaming community:

• The Immersive All-Rounder (34M2C8600): This 34-inch curved UltraWide WQHD (3440×1440) monitor offers a deeply immersive 1800R viewing experience with a 175Hz refresh rate. It is perfect for gamers who crave a panoramic field of view and enhanced productivity, featuring a built-in KVM switch and 90W USB-C Power Delivery for streamlined connectivity.
• The Visual Powerhouse (32M2N8800): For gamers who demand the ultimate in detail and smoothness, the 32-inch 4K UHD (3840×2160) model delivers a pristine picture at an incredible 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03 response time. The Compact Ergo Base allows users to effortlessly adjust the monitor’s height, tilt, and swivel, ensuring optimal viewing comfort and efficiency.
• The Competitive Edge (27M2N8500): Built for speed and precision, the 26.5-inch Quad HD (2560×1440) monitor boasts a blistering 360Hz refresh rate and 0.03 response time. Certified by both NVIDIA® G-SYNC® and AMD FreeSync™ Premium Pro, it is engineered to provide the smoothest, most responsive experience for professional esports athletes and serious competitors.

All three models are certified with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, ensuring exceptional shadow detail and contrast in high dynamic range content. They also feature Philips’ innovative AI-enhanced Ambiglow, which projects light onto the wall behind the screen that dynamically adapts to the on-screen content, extending the immersion beyond the display and into the room.

“The gaming market in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are among the most vibrant and rapidly growing market/industries in the world, with a community that has a sophisticated understanding of technology and a passion for premium experiences,” said Carol Anne Dias, Deputy Sales Director, Middle East & Africa for Philips Monitors. “With this new Evnia QD OLED series, we are not just meeting the high expectations of regional gamers; we are exceeding them. We are delivering a fusion of speed, colour accuracy, and immersive technology that truly sets a new benchmark, allowing gamers to experience their favourite worlds as they were meant to be seen”.

Designed for Gamers, by Gamers

The Evnia series is packed with gamer-centric features, including:

• SmartImage Game Mode: Pre-calibrated settings for FPS, Racing, and RTS genres.
• Smart Crosshair: Enhances in-game aiming with a dynamic crosshair that adapts to the background.
• LowBlue Mode & Flicker-Free Technology: Reduces eye strain during extended gaming sessions.
• Evnia Precision Center Software: Allows for deep customization and control of monitor settings directly from the desktop.
• Microsoft Dynamic Lighting: Synchronizes the Ambiglow lighting with other supported RGB peripherals for a unified ecosystem.

NIFTEM-K Signs Strategic MoUs with IIIT Hyderabad and IIT Hyderabad to Strengthen Research, Innovation, and Academic Collaboration

Hyderabad, October 11, 2025 : National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K)  an Institute of National Importance (INI) under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India — has entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with two premier institutions: the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H). These strategic collaborations aim to foster excellence in research, innovation, academic exchange, and human resource development in food technology, digital transformation, and allied sectors.

The MoUs were formally exchanged between Prof. Sandeep Kumar Shukla, Director, IIIT-H, Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT-H, and Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K. These agreements mark the beginning of partnerships designed to leverage the complementary strengths of NIFTEM-K and the two institutes to address national and global challenges through interdisciplinary research and innovation.

Under the MoUs, the scope of collaboration includes several key areas:

• Research and Development: Joint development of industrially funded and government-supported projects, with outcomes including publications, patents, and technology transfers being jointly owned by the partnering institutions.
• Capacity Building: Organization of workshops, seminars, conferences, symposia, and hands-on training programs to enhance knowledge and practical skills in food science, food engineering, postharvest management, interdisciplinary sciences, data analytics, and food business management.
• Internships and Placements: Facilitation of student internships and placements, supporting professional development and bridging academia with industry.
• Joint Certificate Programmes: Launch of joint certificate programs (physical or online), subject to mutual agreement and statutory approvals, aimed at promoting industry-ready skills and knowledge.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi emphasized, “These collaborations bridge the gap between food technology, digital innovation, and interdisciplinary research, creating new opportunities for students, researchers, and the industry.”

This dual MoU initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening India’s food innovation ecosystem, combining NIFTEM-K’s expertise in food science, processing, and entrepreneurship with IIIT-H’s technological prowess and IIT-H’s research excellence.

Dubai, 11 October 2025 – JMR Infotech, a global leader in digital transformation and banking technology solutions and an Oracle Platinum Partner, will participate in Oracle AI World 2025, taking place October 13–16 in Las Vegas. The company will demonstrate how AI, combined with Oracle technologies, can help organizations make smarter decisions, improve efficiency, and accelerate growth.

Building on nearly two decades of experience delivering banking technology solutions globally, JMR Infotech combines deep domain expertise with AI-driven innovation to help organizations transform how they operate and make decisions. At Oracle AI World 2025, the company will showcase solutions that leverage intelligent applications, agentic AI for rapid implementations, and AI-powered accelerators — designed to help enterprises turn data into actionable insights, accelerate digital initiatives, and achieve measurable
business impact.

Jayafar Moidu, Founder & CEO of JMR Infotech, will represent the company at Oracle AI World and will be available to meet with attendees to discuss practical ways and tailored strategies to leverage AI for business impact.

“Oracle AI World is an ideal platform to explore the possibilities of AI in enterprise transformation,” said Jayafar Moidu. “We look forward to engaging with industry leaders, sharing insights from our global experience, and helping organizations make AI work for their business.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how JMR Infotech can partner with them to unlock AI’s potential and drive meaningful transformation across their organizations.