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OpenAI acquires Software Applications Inc. to boost Mac AI tools

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Nick Turley, VP & Head of ChatGPT

OpenAI has acquired Software Applications Inc., a startup developing an AI-powered user interface for Mac desktops, as part of its effort to enhance how artificial intelligence tools manage tasks on a computer. Founded in 2023 by former Apple Inc. employees, some of whom contributed to the technology behind the iPhone’s Shortcuts app, Software Applications focuses on accelerating common functions on Apple devices.

With this acquisition, OpenAI plans to integrate the startup’s technology into ChatGPT and bring on its full team of approximately a dozen employees OpenAI, recently valued at $500 billion in a secondary share sale, has actively pursued acquisitions this year. The company agreed to acquire product testing firm Statsig for $1.1 billion and completed an almost $6.5 billion purchase of an AI device startup co-founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, both through all-stock deals. Additionally, OpenAI has made several smaller acquisitions to strengthen its ecosystem.

Prior to the acquisition, Software Applications raised $6.5 million from notable investors, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Figma CEO Dylan Field. OpenAI clarified that two other executives, excluding Altman, led the transaction, which received approval from the board’s independent transaction and audit committees.

Earlier this year, Software Applications introduced Sky, an AI assistant designed to help users perform actions and answer questions. The floating interface on the Mac desktop can interpret and understand everything displayed on the screen. Currently, Sky is not publicly available.

Nick Turley, who leads OpenAI’s ChatGPT team, said he was ‘blown away’ when Software Applications CEO Ari Weinstein demonstrated Sky, and he added that the feature ‘brought to life’ concepts that OpenAI had already been exploring.

Turley emphasized the broader vision, stating, “We want to go way beyond responding to your prompts and move into a world where ChatGPT can actually do stuff for you. Being able to act on your local applications is a huge part of that.”

Atmosphere Core announces new luxury resort in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

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Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder and Group Managing Director of Atmosphere Core

Atmosphere Core, in partnership with Aaditva Hospitalities Private Limited, is all set to launch its upcoming boutique luxury resort, ATMOSPHERE JAISALMER, which will open in Q4 2027. This development marks the brand’s third project in Rajasthan, demonstrating its continued commitment to expanding in one of India’s most celebrated tourism hubs. Conveniently positioned near Jaisalmer Airport and well-connected to Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, the resort blends contemporary elegance with the timeless heritage of Rajasthan, offering travelers an authentic yet upscale desert hospitality experience.

Reflecting on the company’s growth strategy, co-founder and managing director Salil Panigrahi shared, “India is emerging as a leading global destination for luxury travel, and we intend for Atmosphere to be at the heart of that journey. In Jaisalmer, we are not simply developing a resort; we are creating an experience that celebrates the Thar Desert’s mystique, its heritage, and its beauty, while offering the finest in modern comfort. Atmosphere Jaisalmer reflects our long-term vision to establish truly iconic properties across India’s most remarkable destinations.”

Adding a regional perspective, Thakur Dilip Singh Rajawat, Director of Aaditva Hospitalities Private Limited, said, “The legacy of excellence and luxury that Atmosphere Core represents aligns perfectly with our vision of developing a world-class resort in the breathtaking Jaisalmer, often called the Golden City of India. Together, we are dedicated to creating an ultra-luxurious boutique resort that embodies sophistication, grandeur, and authenticity. This collaboration will not only enhance the hospitality scene in Rajasthan but also highlight Jaisalmer as a captivating global destination.” A highly respected hotelier, Rajawat has long contributed to Jaisalmer’s tourism landscape and has received multiple industry accolades for his leadership in hospitality.

Under the ‘ATMOSPHERE’ sub-brand, the property will feature 70 premium accommodations, including cottages, suites, luxury tents, and villas. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of golden sand dunes, serene water bodies, and carefully nurtured desert plantations, while experiencing the natural ambience of the Thar, from the desert winds to the soft calls of peacocks.

The culinary experience will include an all-day dining venue with alfresco seating, a specialty restaurant serving Indian and Rajasthani dishes, an in-house bakery, a lounge with an intimate library corner, and a themed bar for relaxed social evenings. Meanwhile, wellness seekers can rejuvenate at the award-winning ELE|NA Ayur Spa, which will offer therapy rooms, meditation spaces, scenic yoga decks, and holistic wellness programs rooted in traditional Indian healing. The resort will also cater to leisure and adventure travelers through a wide array of indoor and outdoor activities, while its flexible venues, landscaped lawns, and banquet facilities will make it suitable for events, weddings, MICE, and private celebrations.

Commenting on the brand’s regional strategy, Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director of Atmosphere Core for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, noted, “Rajasthan’s tourism is breaking records. In 2024, domestic arrivals rose by 28 percent, while foreign visits increased by 21 percent. With Atmosphere Jaisalmer, our vision is to harness this wave and create a resort that fuses heritage, desert allure, and our signature Joy of Giving hospitality. As we advance with these plans, I am confident this partnership will raise the benchmark for luxury hospitality in the region.”

Neiox Eco Cycle wins ₹75 Lakh grant for carbon-negative marine coating

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Kerala-based deep-tech climate startup Neiox Eco Cycle has secured a ₹75 lakh prototyping grant from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) under the USHUS Maritime Innovation Scheme. The cheque was officially handed over during a ceremony held at IIM Kozhikode, where the startup—founded and led by CEO Akhil Raj Pottekkat—also signed the formal agreement.

The grant will enable Neiox to develop the world’s first sustainable, non-toxic, and carbon-negative marine hull coating. This breakthrough material features anti-corrosive and anti-biofouling properties and is uniquely derived from captured air pollutants that would otherwise contribute to lung disease and cardiovascular illness.

By turning climate and health hazards into valuable industrial resources, Neiox’s innovation improves ship fuel efficiency, reduces CO₂ emissions, and helps restore marine ecosystems—effectively showcasing a Kerala model of sustainable innovation on the global map.

Recognized by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and supported by TBI NIT Calicut and LIVE IIM Kozhikode, Neiox Eco Cycle focuses on climate action, public health innovation, and sustainable industrial transformation. The founding team blends academic expertise and industry experience: besides Pottekkat (also CMO of New Eagle Iron Oxides), the core team includes VP Hemalatha Ramachandran (former MD, Keltron), CTO Sajith V. (Professor & HOD, Material Science Engineering, NIT Calicut), and COO Ektha V. (Research Scholar, NIT Calicut).

Explaining the startup’s guiding philosophy, Akhil Raj Pottekkat noted, “Our collaboration with CSL reflects Kerala’s leadership in sustainable maritime innovation and our shared mission to build cleaner industries and healthier communities.”

Through the USHUS Maritime Innovation Scheme, Neiox now aims to commercialize its carbon-negative coating technology, positioning both Kerala and India as global pioneers in sustainable marine materials and climate-tech innovation.

Uniphore raises $260 Mn funding from NVIDIA, AMD, Snowflake and Global Investors

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Ravi Saraogi & Umesh Sachdev, co-founders, Uniphore

Uniphore has announced the completion of its $260 million Series F funding round, which now values the company at $2.5 billion. The round was led by strategic technology investors including NVIDIA, AMD, Snowflake, and Databricks, alongside participation from several financial and sovereign funds such as NEA, March Capital, BNF Capital, National Grid Partners, and Prosperity7 Ventures.

Established in 2008 by Umesh Sachdev and Ravi Saraogi, Uniphore provides a unified and composable AI stack that enables the “agentic enterprise,” spanning agents, models, knowledge, and data. Its flagship Business AI Cloud serves as a connective layer between enterprise-grade AI and consumer-style simplicity, combining ease of use with mission-critical performance, scalability, and security requirements.

The platform empowers business teams to quickly deploy AI-driven outcomes while giving CIOs an infrastructure that enables deep workflow integration and AI applications trained on proprietary enterprise data. “Our Series F raise marks an exciting milestone for Uniphore. It is unlike most fundraisers because, in addition to top-tier financial investors, we are joined by the world’s top AI and data companies,” said Umesh Sachdev, co-founder and CEO of Uniphore.

He added, “This unique combination of capital and strategic alignment validates Uniphore’s position as the Business AI leader. We are seeing exponential adoption from Fortune 500 and other large companies, and this investment allows us to deliver even greater impact and accelerate innovation on behalf of our customers worldwide.”

Commenting on the investment, Gerry Murray, Research Director at IDC, noted, “This investment is an unprecedented validation of Uniphore’s position at the center of enterprise AI infrastructure. It signals broad consensus around a critical enabling layer—infrastructure that can securely connect data, knowledge, models, and agents across ecosystems.”

Uniphore will use the fresh funds to strengthen its technology platform, deepen strategic alliances, and expand its global footprint across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia. The company also plans to continue pursuing acquisitions that enhance its automation and data capabilities.

DPIIT signs MoU with Primus Partners to boost India’s startup ecosystem

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Shri Davinder Sandhu, Co-Founder and Chairman, Primus Partners

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Primus Partners Pvt. Ltd. to deepen collaboration aimed at strengthening India’s startup and innovation landscape.

Through this partnership, both entities will work together to extend comprehensive support to early and growth-stage product startups by offering structured capacity-building programmes, expert-led mentorship, improved market access, technology integration opportunities, and greater awareness of relevant policy frameworks.

Speaking on the collaboration, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said, “This collaboration reaffirms DPIIT’s commitment to fostering an innovation-led economy that thrives on creativity, technology, and enterprise. India’s startup ecosystem today stands at the cusp of global transformation. By strengthening linkages between policy, industry, and innovation, we aim to create pathways that empower startups to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and India’s emergence as a global innovation powerhouse.”

Commenting on the MoU, Shri Davinder Sandhu, Co-Founder and Chairman, Primus Partners, highlighted that the association will enable structured outreach to the startup ecosystem through mentorship, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and deeper industry connections. He emphasised that these interventions would help cultivate a stronger foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship in India.

The agreement underscores DPIIT’s continued focus on building a more dynamic, industry-driven startup ecosystem and advancing innovation, self-reliance, and inclusive economic progress across the country.

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts launches ‘Stamps Jodhpur’ celebrating Rajasthan’s culture with modern luxury

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Haninder Sachdeva, CEO, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has debuted Stamps Jodhpur, the newest property under its Stamps by Eight Continents collection, bringing together Rajasthan’s vibrant cultural character and upscale modern hospitality.

As an expansion into one of Rajasthan’s most culturally significant destinations, Stamps Jodhpur reinforces the group’s vision of combining premium leisure with business convenience in a single, thoughtfully curated offering. Moreover, situated along the tranquil stretch of Nagaur Road, the property blends timeless architectural elements with contemporary interiors, thereby giving guests a balanced experience of tradition and sophistication.

The hotel features 21 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each styled with influences from Jodhpur’s historic blue façades and decorative motifs while integrating modern conveniences for today’s traveller. Its standout outdoor facilities – including a serene swimming pool and landscaped garden spaces – provide a peaceful retreat for unwinding after a day of sightseeing or corporate engagements.

Dining at Stamps Jodhpur is led by 8 Café, the property’s all-day restaurant that highlights regional cuisine through a locally inspired yet modern menu. The space offers a relaxed ambience suitable for both casual gatherings and refined dining.

With beautifully designed open spaces and intimate venues, the hotel also caters to destination weddings and private celebrations, giving guests an elegant setting for milestone occasions. For corporate visitors, Stamps Jodhpur offers a strategic base with business-friendly amenities such as high-speed connectivity, meeting-ready facilities, and easy access to the city’s commercial touchpoints.

By merging Rajasthan’s authentic charm with modern-day hospitality standards, Stamps Jodhpur positions itself as an attractive choice for travellers seeking cultural immersion alongside comfort. Furthermore, the launch marks a significant milestone in Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts’ growth strategy within India’s emerging leisure destinations, thereby strengthening its presence across the country’s most vibrant tourism markets.

Speaking on the launch, Haninder Sachdeva, CEO, Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts, said, “Jodhpur is a vibrant, cultural and travel hub. As the hospitality landscape continues to evolve, our mission with Stamps is to create stays that truly resonate with today’s traveler — places that blend the ease of business travel with the warmth of leisure discovery. By expanding the Stamps footprint, we aim to ensure the brand remains a preferred choice for guests seeking reliability, style, and a sense of belonging wherever they go. Each of these destinations tells a story of its own, and our properties are designed to help guests experience those stories first-hand.”

Stamps Jodhpur strengthens the brand’s midscale luxury portfolio and reaffirms its commitment to introducing experiences rooted in community, culture, and contemporary comfort. As Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts continues to expand under the Stamps banner, it is set to bring similar location-inspired stays to more destinations across India and abroad.

Fairmont Jaipur recognized among India’s top luxury hotels

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Fairmont Jaipur has earned a spot in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, securing its place among India’s most distinguished hotels as chosen by travellers. The honour further highlights the property’s reputation as one of Jaipur’s premier luxury destinations.

Designed as a blend of modern indulgence and traditional Indian aesthetics, the hotel serves a wide spectrum of guests – from leisure seekers and cultural explorers to business travellers. It offers opulent accommodations, signature dining experiences, a tranquil spa, and thoughtfully curated activities that reflect Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. With a strong focus on sustainability, Fairmont Jaipur incorporates eco-conscious practices across its operations while also providing world-class facilities for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events), positioning it as an ideal choice for both personal and corporate travellers.

This accolade reinforces the hotel’s stature as a leading luxury property where heritage, design, and experience come together effortlessly. Known for its personalised service, cultural integrity, and diverse offerings for every type of guest, Fairmont Jaipur continues to set new benchmarks in luxury hospitality across India.

Speaking on the recognition, Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager of Fairmont & Raffles Jaipur, said, “We are truly honoured to be recognized in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. This acknowledgment is a reflection of the dedication, passion, and excellence of our entire team, whose efforts ensure every guest enjoys a thoughtfully curated, memorable experience. At Fairmont Jaipur, we remain committed to delivering exceptional hospitality that combines authentic cultural experiences, sustainable practices, and personalized care, creating stays that leave a lasting impression.”

Healthy snacking brand Wonderland Foods raises ₹140-Cr in first institutional fundraise

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Anubhav Gupta, Managing Director, Wonderland Foods

Healthy snacking brand Wonderland Foods has secured Rs 140 crore (approximately $16 million) in its first-ever funding round, led by impact investor Asha Ventures, with participation from British International Investment (BII), backed by the UK government.

The company will use the fresh capital to broaden its product line, upgrade its processing infrastructure, and scale its distribution and marketing presence across multiple channels.

Founded in 2014, Wonderland Foods provides a diverse range of nutritional snacks such as nuts, seeds, berries, dried fruits, and dates. The company follows a farm-to-consumer model built on direct farmer sourcing, in-house processing, and distribution across both B2B and B2C markets.

On the consumer retail front, its products are available on leading e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart and in major offline chains, including Reliance, D-Mart, Vishal Mega Mart, Lulu Super Mart, Metro Cash & Carry, and Walmart.

The company reported revenues of Rs 95 crore in FY21, growing to Rs 540 crore in FY25, and is now targeting Rs 700 crore in FY26.

Wonderland Foods operates in the premium healthy snacking category, competing with brands such as Happilo, Nutty Gritties, and Open Secret.

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels debuts in Bodh Gaya, elevating luxury stay options in Bihar

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Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited

ITC Hotels Limited has unveiled Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bodh Gaya—a premium Hotel & Convention Centre set across 18 acres of serene surroundings. The property features 98 elegantly designed rooms and suites and introduces expansive state-of-the-art venues poised to transform the MICE landscape in Bihar.

Standing out for its extensive convention infrastructure, Welcomhotel Bodh Gaya houses some of the largest event facilities in Bihar and Eastern India. The spaces are purpose-built for corporate conferences, large-scale meetings, weddings, cultural programs, and spiritual retreats, offering versatility and world-class amenities.

The highlight of the venue is the pillarless Utpala Hall, featuring architecture and contemporary décor, ideal for both intimate and large gatherings. Alongside the Nalanda Hall and the grand Stupa Auditorium, the convention center can accommodate between 500 and 2,000 delegates, making it well-suited for major conventions, exhibitions, and marquee celebrations. With these offerings, Welcomhotel Bodh Gaya aims to emerge as a leading choice for business and social events in East India.

Speaking on the occasion, Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “Welcomhotel Bodh Gaya stands as a reflection of our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that celebrate local heritage while upholding the highest standards of service excellence. Bodh Gaya, with its timeless appeal, stands as an enriching destination that resonates deeply with travelers to this historical region.”

Expressing happiness on the opening, Manish Kumar, Managing Director of Kumar Infratrade Enterprises Pvt Ltd, said, “The opening of Welcomhotel Bodh Gaya marks a milestone for us at Kumar Infratrade Enterprises. Collaborating with ITC Hotels allows us to bring world-class hospitality to one of the most spiritual destinations in the world. We believe this association will not only enhance the tourism landscape of Bodh Gaya but also contribute to the region’s economic and cultural growth.”

The hotel offers an impressive culinary journey crafted to both delight and inspire guests. WelcomCafe Bodhi, the all-day multi-cuisine restaurant, provides a vibrant dining atmosphere with scenic poolside views. For an authentic touch, WelcomSthalika serves regional thalis that celebrate Bodh Gaya’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.

To complement the stay experience, the hotel features a range of wellness and recreation facilities, including the K by Kaya Kalp spa, a refreshing swimming pool, and a modern fitness centre equipped with advanced machines.

Accommodation at Welcomhotel Bodh Gaya is designed for comfort, reflection, and serenity. The property includes two luxurious Presidential Suites, each offering balcony views of the world-renowned Mahabodhi Temple. The Deluxe Rooms exude contemporary aesthetics, while the Premium Rooms face the Mahabodhi Temple and tranquil water bodies, providing a soothing ambience. For longer or more private stays, the Executive Suites feature a separate living area and overlook either the temple complex or the pool, ensuring a refined and peaceful retreat.

Yatra partners with Amadeus to enhance digital travel ecosystem via travel marketplace

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Dhruv Shringi, co-founder & CEO, Yatra Online Limited

Yatra Online Limited has announced a strategic partnership with Amadeus South Asia for its AI-powered Travel Marketplace, a cutting-edge global platform that directly connects travel providers and sellers. This digital ecosystem aims to redefine the travel experience by enabling faster, smarter, and more flexible solutions for both travelers and businesses. By removing traditional barriers, the Amadeus Travel Marketplace provides broader access to diverse travel content, allowing businesses to offer highly personalized services that meet the evolving demands of modern travelers.

Through this collaboration, Yatra will integrate its extensive portfolio of travel offerings into Amadeus South Asia’s Travel Marketplace, reaching a larger network of partners and customers worldwide. The platform will feature Yatra’s complete range of services, including access to over 400 domestic and international airlines, nearly 2 million hotels globally, homestays, bus bookings, and visa services. Travel partners will now be able to deliver highly customizable travel solutions, while travelers and businesses enjoy seamless booking experiences, enhanced flexibility, and tailored travel options.

“By joining Amadeus South Asia’s Travel Marketplace, we are embracing a digital-first future and taking our services to new heights. This partnership strengthens our ability to provide Yatra’s diverse and extensive travel content to customers and partners while harnessing Amadeus South Asia’s state-of-the-art technology to offer smarter and more efficient travel solutions. We are excited to extend our reach, offer greater flexibility, and support the evolving needs of both leisure and business travelers in the India and South Asia region,” said Dhruv Shringi, co-founder & CEO, Yatra Online Limited.

“The Travel Marketplace by Amadeus South Asia is transforming how the travel industry operates by uniting suppliers and buyers of unique travel content on a single, unified digital platform. We are thrilled to welcome Yatra to our Travel Marketplace. Their deep understanding of the Indian travel landscape and their broad service offerings will bring immense value to the ecosystem,” said Sandeep Dwivedi, Managing Director, Travel Sellers India & Sub-Continent, Amadeus.

The partnership actively drives digital transformation while expanding the variety and accessibility of travel options. By combining Yatra’s broad service offerings with Amadeus South Asia’s advanced technology, all stakeholders in the travel community can innovate, grow, and thrive in a more connected global ecosystem.

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