All posts by Rekha Nair

sports

Kitman Labs to Power Player Health and Performance Data for Entire United Super League

Apr 30, 2025 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

United Super League

Menlo Park, California, and Tampa, Florida (April 30, 2025) – Kitman Labs, the global enterprise SaaS company delivering the only fully centralized operating system for performance intelligence in elite sports, today announced a new partnership with the United Soccer League (USL) that will see all eight clubs competing in the USL Super League deploy the Performance Medicine Solution in Kitman Labs’ iP: Intelligence Platform.

Now in its inaugural season following an August 2024 launch, the USL Super League is operated by the United Soccer League and marks a new era for women’s professional soccer in North America. Through this league-wide partnership, each club will leverage a centralized and configurable medical operating system that enables the aggregation and activation of all player health data.

The Performance Medicine Solution—one of four core solutions within iP: Intelligence Platform—is the only system natively built to integrate both medical and performance data into a single, comprehensive platform. This will give member clubs a real-time, 360° view of their respective players from a health and readiness perspective while generating insights to improve athlete welfare, reduce injury risk, and drive performance outcomes through actionable intelligence.

Key capabilities powered by Performance Medicine for USL Super League clubs include:

Standardized league-wide medical documentation and data collection – eliminating gaps and inconsistencies while supporting club-level configurability and compliance.

Cross-department collaboration – aligning medical and performance teams to support evidence-based decisions around player health, care, and wellness.

Operational efficiency – enabling practitioners to spend less time on admin and more time on athlete treatment and development.

Comprehensive, consistent datasets – laying the foundation for league-wide research, injury surveillance, and innovation.

All staff, coaches, and practitioners from across the eight Super League clubs will utilize the shared platform as a single source of truth. The resulting analytics will help inform data-led, evidence-based decisions on and off the pitch.

“We have the opportunity to build a cutting-edge data and analytics infrastructure from the ground up—a secure, fully integrated and scalable platform that benefits the league, the clubs, and most importantly, the athletes,” said Amanda Vandersort, USL Super League President. “With this system in place, our medical and performance staff can make better decisions around injury prevention, rehab, return to play, load management, and overall athlete care.”

“We’re proud to partner with the USL Super League in its inaugural season and be part of this defining moment for women’s professional soccer,” said Stephen Smith, CEO and Founder of Kitman Labs. “The league has a clear vision for innovation—prioritizing player health, performance, and longevity. With iP: Intelligence Platform, the USL has the foundation to scale and unify medical data management and analytics, equipping every club with the technology and intelligence needed to make data-informed decisions and elevate athlete care.”

The league’s eight inaugural clubs—Brooklyn FC, Carolina Ascent FC, Dallas Trinity FC, DC Power FC, Fort Lauderdale United FC, Lexington SC, Spokane Zephyr FC, and Tampa Bay Sun FC—are competing for the championship, set to be decided in June.

Kitman Labs has an established track record of working with top leagues, governing bodies, teams, and athletes across 26 countries and multiple sports, including soccer, basketball, rugby, and American football. The company’s technology is currently used by more than 2,000 teams and organizations, including the NFL, NBA, MLS, NWSL, Unrivaled, Premier League, and NCAA.

iP: Intelligence Platform represents the industry’s largest dataset of talent, performance, and medical data, supporting every stage of the athlete lifecycle.

Business

Normet Secures Strategic Contract with South32 to Equip Hermosa Mining Operations

Apr 30, 2025 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

Normet 5

April 30, 2025: Normet has been awarded the Ancillary Underground Equipment Fleet Contract for the South32 Hermosa project in Arizona, USA. The contract was executed on April 23rd, 2025, and the Normet team had the honor of participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for Centro, Hermosa’s state-of-the-art remote operating center. Centro is designed to support the future of mining through innovation and sustainability by providing an office-like setting for employees to operate and monitor equipment 25 miles away, underground.

The contract encompasses 35 pieces of mobile equipment, including Normet SmartDrive battery-electric machinery, and 9 power delivery units. The fleet will consist of a Multimec MF 100 SD multi-functional carrier, Utimec MF 500 SD Transmixers, Utimec MF 205 PER SD personnel carriers, Charmec MF 605 V LE SD explosive charger, as well as scissor lifts, shotcrete sprayers, concrete transmixers, lube trucks, water trucks, and rock breaking solutions. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2026 and will continue through to 2030.

This contract award underscores our unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence in the underground equipment industry. We look forward to working with South32 and the communities in Santa Cruz County.

Technology

AAEON Reinforces Industrial AI at the Edge with New BOXER-6617-ASL and Intel Atom x7000RE

Apr 29, 2025 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

Adding three new Amston Lake-powered models to its collection, AAEON makes a bold statement for the manufacturing sector.

BOXER-6617-ASL Back

(Taipei, Taiwan – April 29, 2025) Leading provider of industrial computing platforms AAEON (Stock Code: 6579) is delighted to announce the addition of Intel Atom® x7000RE Processor Series CPUs (formerly Amston Lake) to its Rugged Box PC product range.

The BOXER-6617-ASL adds three SKUs to 2023’s BOXER-6617-ADN, which leverages Intel® Processor N-series, now providing its customers with the option of Intel Atom® x7835RE, Intel Atom® x7433RE, or Intel Atom® x7211RE processors. Given the Amston Lake family’s 10-year lifecycle and integrated security features like Intel® Hardware Shield and Intel® Platform Trust Technology, AAEON has positioned the BOXER-6617-ASL as a scalable, durable, and compact embedded system designed to appeal to system integrators seeking an upgrade to existing factory automation setups.

Backing up AAEON’s claims regarding the PC’s suitability for industrial settings is a -20°C ~ 70°C temperature range and 9V ~ 36V power input range with circuit protection, as well as extensive shock and vibration resistance. Moreover, support for both wall mount and DIN rail installation grant the system a degree of deployment flexibility, especially for installation alongside existing factory infrastructure.

The BOXER-6617-ASL is equipped with all of the interfaces expected of a high-spec industrial PC, including six RS-232/422/485, dual 2.5GbE LAN, DIO, and wireless expansion in the form of M.2 E and B-Key slots support 5G, Wi-Fi, and LTE.

In terms of operating system support, the BOXER-6617-ASL is compatible with Windows® 10 IoT Enterprise, Windows® 11 IoT Enterprise, Windows® 11 PRO, and Linux Ubuntu 22.04, giving AAEON customers a good selection of platforms with which to build according to application requirements.

For detailed specifications and more information about the BOXER-6617-ASL, please visit the AAEON website or contact your AAEON representative.

Business

RAKEZ Strengthens Business Hub Status with 3,676 New Company Registrations in Early 2025

Apr 28, 2025 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, 28 April 2025: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recorded a 23% increase in new business registrations during the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, with 3,676 new companies joining the emirate’s thriving business community. This strong performance reflects the momentum of a dynamic and diversified economy, underpinned by a stable government and world-class infrastructure — further cementing RAKEZ’s position as a preferred destination for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in an efficient and business-friendly environment.

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad commented, “We are proud to see this continued momentum in 2025, with thousands of new businesses choosing RAKEZ to launch and scale their operations. This growth reflects investor confidence in our ecosystem, as well as our ongoing commitment to delivering simple, agile, and cost-effective solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global business community.”

The economic zone continues to attract investors from around the world, particularly from India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Egypt, and France. This international interest underscores the strength of Ras Al Khaimah’s pro-business policies, streamlined processes, and strategic connectivity to global markets.

The leading sectors driving this year’s expansion are services, commercial activities, and general trading. Service-oriented businesses, such as consultancies, marketing firms, IT and development companies, and software solution providers, made up 38% of total registrations, while commercial and general trading followed with 26% and 13%, respectively.

“Our journey is not just about numbers or accolades, it’s about creating an ecosystem that fosters growth, innovation, and opportunity for all. We remain focused on creating value for every investor in our diverse, growing business community. Our efforts are grounded in building strong partnerships, embracing innovation, and nurturing an environment that enables every entrepreneur and enterprise to reach their highest potential,” Jallad added.

As 2025 progresses, the economic zone remains steady in its commitment to empowering businesses and entrepreneurs, driving sustainable economic progress, and ensuring Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE remain centres of global investment. With a focus on strategic foresight, operational excellence, and sustainable development, RAKEZ is well-positioned to shape the emirate’s economic landscape and deliver another landmark year.

Business

Mobec Eyes $13 Billion Lithium Battery Recycling Market With New Strategic Partnership Approach

Apr 28, 2025 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

Expands Operations to Greater Noida with First Strategic Handshake

New Delhi/Noida, April 28, 2025 – Addressing the growing demand for recycling energy storage solutions for electric vehicles and solar industry and support India’s Net Zero mission, Mobec Innovation – mobec.io, India’s first full-range service provider for customisable B2B mobile EV charging solutions and energy storage systems, today announced a transformative shift in its expansion strategy by moving towards strategic partnerships to revolutionise lithium battery recycling.

Mobec

Mobec’s strategic partnership model dovetails with a collaborative and scalable approach to address India’s need for a comprehensive framework for establishing and operating advanced lithium battery recycling facilities. This aims to address the critical need for sustainable recycling solutions that minimise environmental impact and maximise resource recovery esp. rare metals. With this, strategic partners gain access to Mobec’s proprietary technologies, proven processes, and comprehensive and extensive support system, enabling them to efficiently and profitably recycle batteries from a wide range of sources.

Also, the company today announced its first strategic partner in Greater Noida, a key industrial hub in India, marking the initiation of a pan India drive.

“The surge in lithium-ion battery use presents both an opportunity and a challenge,” said Harry Bajaj, Founder and CEO, Mobec Innovation. “Our strategic partnership model offers a powerful, collaborative approach for organisations looking to capitalise on the burgeoning green economy while making a significant contribution to environmental sustainability. Our first Strategic Partnership is the beginning of a new era in this $13 bn industry opportunity.”

Initial few quarters Mobec shall aim at capacity building while ensuring the interest of all stakeholders remains positive and sustainable both financially and environmentally.

“Together, we can create a cleaner, greener future for India while building thriving, sustainable businesses.” Bajaj added further.

This shall also help develop best practices for industry benefit on a long-term basis. Mobec is also in advanced talks with several other potential strategic partners in key locations, indicating a strong interest in its sustainable business model.

Currently, Mobec is focusing on consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems (ESS), and industrial equipment, as these key sectors are expected to generate significant battery waste. Within this focus, the company is also prioritizing advancements in ESS, lithium battery recycling, and power backup generators—laying

the groundwork for upcoming expansion initiatives aimed at scaling plant operations and accelerating the circular economy.

The Mobec Advantage

Mobec’s full-stack in-house team of chemists shall ensure optimal chemical processes for maximum material recovery and environmental safety. Mobec utilises a unified inventory management system ensuring efficient tracking and processing of recyclable materials. These combine to offer an unparalleled value proposition to Mobec’s strategic partners.

About Mobec Innovation:

Mobec Innovation Pvt Ltd, mobec.io is India’s first full-range provider of mobile EV charging solutions, energy storage systems, and battery recycling and refurbishment. Headquartered in Noida, Mobec is committed to sustainability and innovation, ensuring accessible, cost-effective, and efficient energy solutions for electric mobility.

Its mobile EV charging solutions (5-60 kW) cater to two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial fleets, addressing infrastructure challenges. Mobec’s advanced battery recycling and refurbishment processes recover key materials, promoting a circular economy. Additionally, its energy storage systems (ESS) are being improved to provide more efficient and reliable power for homes, offices, commercial establishments and industries. Mobec is also adding smarter power backup solutions and focusing on lithium battery recycling to reduce waste and promote reuse. With plant expansion plans in motion, the company is getting ready to meet growing demand and support stronger EV infrastructure.

These efforts are all part of Mobec’s mission to support green mobility and help build a cleaner, net-zero future for India.

Business

Signum Hotels & Resorts Partners with Al Waleed Real Estate to Launch Insignia Hotels & Resorts

Apr 28, 2025 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

New Delhi —28 April 2025: In a landmark move marking its formal entry into the Middle East, Signum Hotel Management, Dubai, has joined hands with leading UAE- based Al Waleed Real Estate to announce the formation of a new joint venture company — Insignia Hotel Management, Dubai. The venture debuts with the launch of a new premium hospitality brand, Insignia, envisioned to deliver culturally immersive and globally benchmarked experiences across the GCC.

Under the joint venture, all Insignia Hotels & Resorts properties will be fully operated and managed by Signum Hotels & Resorts. The new brand is set to embody a seamless blend of modern comfort, regional identity, and hospitality innovation.

“This collaboration is the result of a shared vision — to redefine premium hospitality in the Middle East through a perfect marriage of local insight and international expertise,” said Mehul Sharma, Founder & CEO, Signum Hotels & Resorts.

The partnership reflects Signum’s strategic global expansion. With a growing portfolio across India, the UK, and the UAE, the company’s foray into the broader Middle East market signals an accelerated vision of becoming a globally respected hospitality group.

Leveraging Al Waleed Real Estate’s strong regional presence and deep-rooted knowledge of the real estate and hospitality landscape, Insignia is uniquely positioned to meet evolving guest expectations and emerging travel trends within the GCC.

Mohamed Al Mutawa, CEO of Al Waleed Real Estate, said: “This partnership is the coming together of strength and strategy. Signum brings global hospitality excellence, while we bring on-ground knowledge and execution capability. Together, through Insignia, we aim to build properties that serve as landmarks of experience, trust, and value for guests from the region and beyond.”

The launch of Insignia Hotel Management, Dubai marks Signum’s thoughtful expansion into new markets, reflecting its commitment to authenticity, innovation, and excellence. This new venture carries forward Signum’s brand philosophy—delivering culturally immersive experiences rooted in local heritage while upholding the highest standards of international hospitality. From architectural design to service protocols and operational SOPs, Insignia embodies the same design language, service ethos, and attention to detail that define the Signum experience globally.

“Insignia’s brand ethos reflects distinction and cultural pride. From architecture and interiors to service and culinary expression, the guest journey will celebrate the richness of the region,” Sharma added.

Education

Knowledgeum Academy’s Transcendence 2025: Shaping Global Citizens Beyond Boundaries

Apr 28, 2025 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

Knowledgeum Academy

Bangalore, India – April 28, 2025: Knowledgeum Academy, one of Bengaluru’s leading IB World Schools, marked the Graduation Day of its IBDP cohort (2023–2025) with a grand ceremony in Jayanagar Called Transcendence 2025, the event represented not only the completion of a chapter but the beginning of a new journey—one where learners step forward as thinkers, leaders, and global citizens.

This year’s theme, ‘The Beginning of Becoming’, reflects Knowledgeum Academy’s belief that education is an ongoing journey of growth, curiosity, and purpose. It mirrors the core of the IB Diploma Programme, which encourages learners to explore deeply, think independently, and lead with confidence.

The ceremony welcomed Dr Ramya Sethuram, a distinguished astrophysicist and Project Senior Scientist at the India-TMT Centre, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru. With an illustrious career spanning India, China, and France, Dr Sethuram’s work in galaxy formation and astronomical instrumentation resonated deeply with the learners’ own journeys of exploration and discovery. Her presence and address inspired the graduating cohort to pursue their ambitions with curiosity, courage, and clarity.

The event was further enriched by the presence of the Academy’s founders, Dr Chenraj Roychand and Ms Aparna Prasad, whose vision has helped establish Knowledgeum Academy, backed by the JAIN Group, an educational leader with over 30 years of legacy as a forward-thinking, learner-centred international school. Sharing her thoughts at the ceremony, Ms Prasad stated:

“Transcendence is about more than academic success – it is about resilience, reinvention, and readiness for the unknown. Our learners have grown not just in knowledge, but in character, and today they stand ready to make meaningful contributions to the world. This is the beginning of who they are becoming.”

The event included a ceremonial procession, the lighting of the lamp, the transfer of leadership from the graduating cohort to their juniors, award felicitations, the yearbook reveal, and a surprise musical performance. Educators, families, and well-wishers joined in the celebration, capturing the pride and promise of the moment through heartfelt reflections.

While the graduating cohort was the focus, the Academy also celebrated its academic achievements from the previous year. In 2024, Knowledgeum Academy recorded an 81.25% pass rate, a top score of 39/45, and most learners performing above the global IB average. These results show the strength of the Academy’s academic framework, personalised learning environment, and the dedication of both learners and educators.

The graduating cohort, too, has much to celebrate. Several learners have secured early placements at prestigious institutions across the USA, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Europe, and India. From Ivy League universities to premier design, liberal arts, and technology schools, these pre-admissions affirm the Academy’s commitment to academic and career readiness. Knowledgeum’s dedicated University Guidance Programme and personalised mentorship have played a pivotal role in shaping this success.

Knowledgeum Academy continues to redefine accessibility in international education. Located in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, it offers a robust IBDP framework rooted in inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and global citizenship. With small cohorts, experienced IB educators, and a values-driven approach, the Academy nurtures critical thinkers who are equipped not only with knowledge but with the empathy, adaptability, and leadership skills needed in the 21st century.

Transcendence 2025 was not only a celebration of what has been achieved – it also marked the beginning of what lies ahead. As the graduates step into the world, they carry forward the Knowledgeum Academy spirit: a love for learning, a sense of purpose, and the drive to help shape a better future.

Education

Career Transformations: Prodigy Finance Data Highlights Massive Salary Jumps for Global Graduates

Apr 28, 2025 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

Prodigy Finance

April 28, 2025: Choosing where and what to study isn’t just about chasing dreams or picking the most prestigious university in 2025. For many international students, it comes down to one thing: funding. Prodigy Finance, one of the global student loan providers for international master’s degree students, is seeing firsthand how financial realities are reshaping college choices.

Students today are making smart, practical decisions. They are asking, “Can I afford this school? Will this degree help me repay my loan and build my desired career?” Today’s students are making decisions based on both ambition and practicality. Instead of selecting universities solely for reputation, they are evaluating affordability, career outcomes, and long-term return on investment.

According to Prodigy Finance’s 2022 Impact Report, nearly 80% of graduates from low and lower-middle-income emerging countries doubled their salaries after completing their international master’s degrees, while over 50% reported quadrupling their income, showing just how powerful accessible financing can be.

“Students are becoming financial strategists,” said Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance. “Institutions that help address affordability and partner with forward-thinking lenders will gain an edge in attracting top international talent.”

There’s also a growing trend of students choosing courses that lead to higher salaries. STEM fields, science, technology, engineering, and math, are increasingly popular because they offer strong job prospects and financial stability after graduation.

Prodigy Finance’s borderless lending model has been instrumental in broadening access for underserved populations. With over $2.3 billion disbursed to more than 45,000 students from over 150 countries, the company enables individuals, many from low-income families without collateral or co-signers, to attend top universities worldwide. Indian resident students who are able to get support from their families are eligible to get co-signer based loans as well.

Notably, 61% of Prodigy-funded graduates come from low- and lower-middle-income countries, supported by Prodigy Finance’s unique credit risk assessment that helps students who traditional lenders often overlook.

The structure of education loans—including flexible repayment terms and no penalties for early payments—is also influencing course selections and career paths. By focusing on future earning potential rather than current financial circumstances, Prodigy Finance empowers students to make bold choices about their education.

Business

OOMCO Teams Up with I’m Hungry to Deliver Seamless Dining at Fuel Stations Across Saudi Arabia

Apr 25, 2025 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

Oomco

Muscat, Oman – 25 April 2025 – In a move to elevate customer service and experience while broadening the range of options available to them in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, OOMCO has announced a collaboration agreement with Fresh Food Company Ltd., the owner of the renowned “I’m Hungry” fast-food chain in the Kingdom.

The agreement entails OOMCO leasing four strategically located sites at its existing Eastern Province service stations to “I’m Hungry” restaurants.

The agreement was signed by Nasser Saleh Al Mawali, Regional Manager of OOMCO in Saudi Arabia, and Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Ghamdi, Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Food Company Ltd.

On this occasion, Jaber Mansoor Al Wahaibi, General Manager of Corporate Planning, Business Development, International Retail and Marketing & Digital at OOMCO, stated: “We view this strategic partnership as a significant step towards enhancing the experience of our valued customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our aim is to enrich their journey by providing diverse and integrated options that cater to their needs and aspirations. This stems from our firm belief in the importance of continuous innovation and a strong customer focus as cornerstones for OOMCO’s growth and sustainable success in the Saudi market.”

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for “I’m Hungry,” representing its first expansion into the Eastern Province with the opening of its inaugural branches in the region. Construction work on the new locations is scheduled to commence this April.

OOMCO currently operates 37 service stations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, covering the Eastern, Western, and Central Provinces. Meanwhile, the Saudi fast-food franchise “I’m Hungry” enjoys widespread popularity with 24 branches operating throughout the Kingdom.

 

Business

RAKEZ Strengthens Business Ecosystem Through Dynamic Sales Workshop

Apr 22, 2025 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

RAKEZ

Ras Al Khaimah, 22 April 2025: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recently brought together entrepreneurs and professionals for an insightful session titled ‘Closing the Deal: Proven Sales Techniques to Drive Growth’ at Compass Coworking Centre, as part of its commitment to fostering business success within its community.

Organised exclusively for RAKEZ clients, the event was designed to equip attendees with cutting-edge sales strategies rooted in psychology, real-world experience, and proven frameworks that drive results.

Taking centre stage was global technology services and technical sales leader Savio Tovar Dias who is currently the VP of AI Solutions ME at Raizor. Drawing from his extensive background in customer and employee experience solutions, he shared actionable techniques for closing deals more effectively, including methods to generate qualified leads, structure an efficient sales funnel, apply smart negotiation tactics, and understand buyer psychology to confidently guide prospects through to conversion. Joining him was Ayman Alwadhi, a serial entrepreneur and Group Managing Director of The Corporate Group, who delivered a compelling case study on relationship-led sales. He demonstrated how trust, long-term engagement, and tailored communication strategies can unlock sustained business growth.

From reading buyer behaviour to crafting smarter qualification questions, participants walked away with actionable tools to enhance their sales process and close deals more effectively. The session also provided valuable takeaways on building trust, positioning offers with impact, and identifying the right moments to convert prospects into long-term customers.

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “At RAKEZ, we believe that empowering entrepreneurs with practical knowledge is just as important as providing them with a supportive business environment. Apart from sharing insights, these hands-on sessions help our community build the confidence and capabilities they need to thrive and grow.”

Through initiatives like these, RAKEZ continues to foster a culture of learning and growth, enabling its business community to sharpen their skills and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market.