Apollo Hospitals Hackensack Meridian Partner to Boost Healthcare Innovation
January 31, 2025 — Hyderabad, India & Edison, NJ – Apollo Hospitals Group (Apollo), the world’s largest integrated healthcare provider, and Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, today announced a strategic affiliation agreement to explore and implement innovative healthcare solutions.
This collaboration brings together two prominent healthcare organizations with a shared vision of addressing global healthcare challenges and opportunities. The affiliation will leverage the strengths and resources of both Apollo and HMH to develop and implement joint initiatives focused on enhancing patient care, improving affordability, and promoting community health.
“We are delighted to partner with Hackensack Meridian Health in this strategic affiliation. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of advancing healthcare globally. By combining our respective strengths, we aim to create impactful solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and healthcare systems. Using technology, skills, and new-age tools, this is one more step in our endeavor to make healthcare affordable and accessible across the world,” said Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group.
Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of Hackensack Meridian Health, said, “This strategic affiliation with Apollo represents an exciting opportunity to explore innovative approaches to healthcare delivery and address critical needs within our communities. By collaborating with Apollo Hospitals Group, a global leader in healthcare, we can leverage their expertise and resources to further our mission of providing high-quality, accessible care.”
The affiliation will initially focus on several key initiatives, including:
- Addressing Workforce Shortages: By 2030, an estimated one million nurses in the U.S. will retire. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to address these challenges through international recruitment and training programs.
- Education, Training, and Development: Exploring opportunities for Apollo to provide education and training programs, particularly in nursing and other clinical areas, and supporting international recruitment efforts.
- Oncology Collaboration: Apollo and HMH oncologists will collaborate in areas such as second opinions, tumor boards, genomic sequencing, CAR-T therapy, and bone marrow transplantation (BMT).
- Clinical Support: Exploring opportunities for Apollo to support HMH in various clinical areas, including centers of excellence, specialized services, and clinical research.
- Community Engagement: Developing initiatives to engage the South Asian community in New Jersey, which has the second-largest Indian population in the U.S. Middlesex County, in particular, has the highest concentration of Indian Americans in the nation.
- Knowledge Processes: Evaluating opportunities to leverage mutual benefits through shared knowledge processes such as revenue cycle management, human resources, and supply chain processes.
A Partnership Committee comprised of senior executives from both organizations will oversee the implementation of the affiliation and individual initiatives.
This strategic affiliation marks a significant step forward in pursuing innovative healthcare solutions and underscores Apollo and HMH’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve.
CIO CHOICE 2025 Celebrates IceWarp as the Most Trusted Brand in Enterprise Email
Mumbai, India – January 31, 2025 – IceWarp has been recognized with the CIO CHOICE 2025 Honor and Recognition as the most Trusted ICT Brand by CIOs and Digital Leaders in the Enterprise Email category.
Now in its 13th year, CIO CHOICE continues to be the most prestigious and only discovery recognition platform, honoring ICT brands for their excellence in product and service innovation, customer-centric approaches, and efficient delivery, selected based on the stated preferences of CIOs and ICT Decision Makers.
This distinguished recognition was bestowed at the exclusive CIO CHOICE 2025 Red Carpet Night, produced by CORE Media, with KPMG as the Knowledge Partner.
This year’s event brought together over 400 CIOs and Digital Leaders from across the country, making it a truly remarkable gathering of industry influencers.
CIO CHOICE is known as the ‘Seal of Trust,’ given to ICT brands by the very CIOs and Digital Leaders who rely on them.
The winning brands are selected through a unique pan-India voting platform, where CIOs and Digital Leaders nominate and vote for their most trusted and preferred brands, based on their firsthand experiences and top-of-mind recall. A distinguished Advisory Panel of seasoned CIOs from various industry sectors oversees and guides the entire process, ensuring its integrity and credibility.
This year’s advisory panel consisted of 10 distinguished CIOs and Digital Technology leaders:
- Aasish Kshetry, CIO & VP – IT, Asian Paints
- Dheeraj Sinha, EVP and Global CIO, Sun Pharma
- Jyothirlatha B, CTO, Godrej Capital
- Narendra Sonawane, SVP, Global Head, IS, Infosys
- Ramesh Narayanaswamy, CTO, Aditya Birla Capital
- Rohit Kilam, CTO, HDFC Life
- Rucha Nanavati, CIO, Mahindra Group
- Subhash Kelkar, CIO, BSE
- Vinod Sivrama Krishnan, CDIO, Essar Capital
- Vishal Bhatia, CDO, Canara Bank
Anoop Mathur, Founder of CORE Media said “Congratulations to IceWarp for earning the prestigious CIO CHOICE 2025 Trust Seal. This recognition is a true reflection of the brand‘s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to enterprise customers. The trust bestowed upon IceWarp by India’s CIOs and Digital Leaders, amidst shifting consumer trends in a dynamic economy, is truly commendable. In a time where technology propels business advancement, the CIO Choice accolade solidifies IceWarp‘s position as an industry pioneer.”
Trends in Pharma and MedTech to Watch in 2025
By: Mr. Shereef Rehuman, MD, ICEXPO
The pharmaceutical (Pharma) and medical technology (MedTech) industries are evolving rapidly, driven by technological innovations, shifting regulatory landscapes, and changing patient needs. Here are some of the top trends to watch in 2025:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Integration
Drug Discovery & Development: AI and ML are accelerating drug discovery, identifying promising drug candidates faster and at lower costs by analyzing vast amounts of data to predict molecular behavior.
Personalized Medicine: AI tools help tailor treatments based on individual genetic profiles, improving efficacy and minimizing side effects.
Diagnostic Tools: AI-powered imaging and diagnostic systems are enhancing the accuracy and speed of disease detection, especially in fields like oncology and cardiology.
2. Sustainability and Green Practices
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Both Pharma and MedTech companies are focusing on reducing their environmental impact by transitioning to biodegradable, recyclable, and eco-friendly packaging for drugs and medical devices.
Sustainable Manufacturing: With growing attention on reducing carbon footprints, the focus is shifting toward green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing processes in drug and device production.
3.Regenerative Medicine & Cell Therapies
Stem Cell Research: Advances in stem cell therapies are opening new possibilities in the treatment of chronic diseases, injuries, and age-related conditions.
Gene Editing: Technologies like CRISPR are becoming more refined, offering potential for curing genetic disorders and personalizing treatments.
Tissue Engineering: The development of bioprinted tissues and organs, along with other regenerative techniques, may reduce organ shortages and provide alternatives to traditional organ transplants.
4. AI-Driven Healthcare Robotics
Surgical Robots: Robots are becoming more precise and minimally invasive in surgeries, leading to faster recovery times and fewer complications. Robotic surgeries and automated assistance tools are expected to see widespread adoption.
Robotic Caregiving: Robots designed to assist elderly or disabled individuals with daily tasks are gaining traction, improving quality of life and reducing caregiver burden.
5. Telemedicine & Remote Patient Monitoring
Post-Pandemic Growth: Telehealth remains a key trend, with many healthcare systems adopting it as a permanent feature. Remote consultations, monitoring, and follow-up care are streamlining healthcare delivery.
Wearables & IoT Devices: Wearables that track vital signs, glucose levels, heart rate, and other metrics will continue to grow, offering real-time data that can be used for early intervention.
Virtual Clinical Trials: The use of telemedicine and remote monitoring in clinical trials enables a wider pool of participants, reduces costs, and allows for quicker recruitment and data collection.
6. Advanced Diagnostics & Point-of-Care Testing
Non-Invasive Tests: Advancements in diagnostic tools, including liquid biopsies and home diagnostic kits, allow for non-invasive testing to detect diseases earlier, such as cancers, heart conditions, and infections.
Point-of-Care (POC) Devices: Devices that provide real-time diagnostic results at the point of care, such as in clinics, pharmacies, or even at home, are expected to become more advanced and accessible.
7. Digitization and Data Analytics in Pharma
Big Data in Pharma: Data analytics is becoming essential in understanding patient outcomes, streamlining drug development, optimizing manufacturing processes, and enhancing supply chain management.
Real-World Evidence: Real-world data is being used to better understand drug efficacy and patient outcomes beyond controlled clinical trials, leading to more informed regulatory decisions and treatment plans.
8. Mental Health and Digital Therapeutics
Mental Health Focus: There is growing recognition of mental health conditions, particularly in the context of the post-pandemic world. Digital therapeutic solutions, such as apps and online platforms for managing conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, are gaining prominence.
Psychiatric Digital Health: Digital tools for therapy and medication management, along with advancements in neurostimulation devices and wearables, will shape mental health care in 2025 and beyond.
Carlton Unveils New Retail Identity with Exclusive Colaba Store
Mumbai, 31 January 2025: VIP Industries, Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest luggage maker, has unveiled Carlton’s new retail identity with the launch of an exclusive 872 sq. ft. store in Colaba, Mumbai. Carlton aspires to be the preferred luggage choice for discerning travelers by offering thoughtfully designed, sophisticated travel solutions that go beyond mere badge value. With a focus on craftsmanship, discernment, and intelligent design, our products reflect the spirit of modern travelers. Aligned with this philosophy, Carlton’s new retail identity marks a significant step in strengthening its premium positioning.
The new Carlton store in Colaba sets the foundation for its future retail journey, offering a refined, immersive space that reflects its evolving premium identity. Thoughtfully designed to enhance engagement, it blends sophisticated aesthetics with seamless product discovery for a truly elevated shopping experience.
As part of its aggressive expansion strategy, VIP Industries is investing massively to strengthen Carlton’s presence in key markets across India. The company plans to open 25 exclusive Carlton stores over the next six months, further solidifying the brand’s position in the premium luggage segment.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Neetu Kashiramka, Managing Director of VIP Industries, said, “The launch of Carlton’s exclusive store in Colaba marks a pivotal step in strengthening our brand’s premium presence. This store embodies the new retail identity we envision for Carlton, offering a seamless blend of innovation, luxury, and customer-centricity. More than just a retail space, it is a gateway to a rich and immersive shopping experience. With this expansion, we aim to establish Carlton as the preferred choice for discerning travelers, offering a refined retail experience that blends sophistication with functionality in the premium luggage space.”
Carlton has been witnessing a strong growth momentum, with 11.4% growth in Q3FY25 over Q3FY24, reaffirming its market performance. The launch of this flagship store is a testament to VIP Industries’ commitment to enhancing the retail experience and catering to the evolving needs of premium consumers.
The Future of Pharma and MedTech: Key Trends to Watch in 2025
The pharmaceutical (Pharma) and medical technology (MedTech) industries are evolving rapidly, driven by technological innovations, shifting regulatory landscapes, and changing patient needs. Here are some of the top trends to watch in 2025:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Integration
Drug Discovery & Development: AI and ML are accelerating drug discovery, identifying promising drug candidates faster and at lower costs by analyzing vast amounts of data to predict molecular behavior.
Personalized Medicine: AI tools help tailor treatments based on individual genetic profiles, improving efficacy and minimizing side effects.
Diagnostic Tools: AI-powered imaging and diagnostic systems are enhancing the accuracy and speed of disease detection, especially in fields like oncology and cardiology.
2. Sustainability and Green Practices
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Both Pharma and MedTech companies are focusing on reducing their environmental impact by transitioning to biodegradable, recyclable, and eco-friendly packaging for drugs and medical devices.
Sustainable Manufacturing: With growing attention on reducing carbon footprints, the focus is shifting toward green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing processes in drug and device production.
3. Regenerative Medicine & Cell Therapies
Stem Cell Research: Advances in stem cell therapies are opening new possibilities in the treatment of chronic diseases, injuries, and age-related conditions.
Gene Editing: Technologies like CRISPR are becoming more refined, offering potential for curing genetic disorders and personalizing treatments.
Tissue Engineering: The development of bioprinted tissues and organs, along with other regenerative techniques, may reduce organ shortages and provide alternatives to traditional organ transplants.
4. AI-Driven Healthcare Robotics
Surgical Robots: Robots are becoming more precise and minimally invasive in surgeries, leading to faster recovery times and fewer complications. Robotic surgeries and automated assistance tools are expected to see widespread adoption.
Robotic Caregiving: Robots designed to assist elderly or disabled individuals with daily tasks are gaining traction, improving quality of life and reducing caregiver burden.
5. Telemedicine & Remote Patient Monitoring
Post-Pandemic Growth: Telehealth remains a key trend, with many healthcare systems adopting it as a permanent feature. Remote consultations, monitoring, and follow-up care are streamlining healthcare delivery.
Wearables & IoT Devices: Wearables that track vital signs, glucose levels, heart rate, and other metrics will continue to grow, offering real-time data that can be used for early intervention.
Virtual Clinical Trials: The use of telemedicine and remote monitoring in clinical trials enables a wider pool of participants, reduces costs, and allows for quicker recruitment and data collection.
6. Advanced Diagnostics & Point-of-Care Testing
Non-Invasive Tests: Advancements in diagnostic tools, including liquid biopsies and home diagnostic kits, allow for non-invasive testing to detect diseases earlier, such as cancers, heart conditions, and infections.
Point-of-Care (POC) Devices: Devices that provide real-time diagnostic results at the point of care, such as in clinics, pharmacies, or even at home, are expected to become more advanced and accessible.
7. Digitization and Data Analytics in Pharma
Big Data in Pharma: Data analytics is becoming essential in understanding patient outcomes, streamlining drug development, optimizing manufacturing processes, and enhancing supply chain management.
Real-World Evidence: Real-world data is being used to better understand drug efficacy and patient outcomes beyond controlled clinical trials, leading to more informed regulatory decisions and treatment plans.
8. Mental Health and Digital Therapeutics
Mental Health Focus: There is growing recognition of mental health conditions, particularly in the context of the post-pandemic world. Digital therapeutic solutions, such as apps and online platforms for managing conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, are gaining prominence.
Psychiatric Digital Health: Digital tools for therapy and medication management, along with advancements in neurostimulation devices and wearables, will shape mental health care in 2025 and beyond.
Maintaining Cardiovascular Health in Winter by Dr. Joy Saibal Shome
By: Dr Joy Saibal Shome, Consultant Intervention Cardiologist at BM Birla Heart Hospital.
Many might rejoice the decline in temperature, as it means a return to the comfort and snugness of the winter months. However, these cold months pose a serious risk for the heart health and for any individual with pre-existing heart disease, special attention must be paid to heart care. While various factors put extra strain on the cardiovascular system during winter, some studies reveal that the winter months see almost 53 per cent more potentially serious heart conditions like heart attacks and strokes than the summer months.
Winter poses unique challenges to heart health, with colder temperatures causing blood vessels to constrict and increasing the workload on the heart. Winter is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events due to the increase in stress that a drop in ambient temperature puts on heart walls and the decrease in flow to the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Moreover, during the winter, people tend to do less physical activity, which can lead to weight gain and a consequent increase in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Exposure to extreme cold may even result in hypothermia in which body temperature drops to dangerously low levels, thus complicating cardiovascular health even further.
The increased workload on the heart coupled with lack of physical activities and the consumption of heavier foods put people most at risk for cardiovascular events during the cold months. Protecting the heart from heart diseases during winter months requires an active approach. Primarily during winter, people should dress warm to avoid sudden exposure to cold, which can elevate blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. People should also maintain a balanced diet rich in seasonal vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats while limiting processed and high-fat comfort foods.
Navigating the cold months with a healthy heart require people to stay active and engage in physical activities. With the limitation on outdoor activities, simple indoor workouts such as a home workout or yoga or just walking indoors can facilitate proper blood flow and reduce the level of stress on heart. Hydration and sleep, in turn, are equally significant to the maintenance of a healthy heart. During the winter, the body tends to easily get dehydrated, blood thickens, and the chance of clots increases. So, it is always advised that people should drink enough water even if not thirsty to maintain hydration and not put much pressure on the heart.
For those in high-risk groups — such as individuals with health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or a history of heart disease — regular health checkups and adherence to prescribed medications are vital. Through regular consultations with the doctor, potential health issues can be diagnosed early and people can get timely advice to stay healthy throughout the cold season.
Stress can be another major factor in heart problems during the winter. People should limit stress and set aside time to relax and unwind through simple daily activities like meditating, listening to music or taking a hot shower. It is also noteworthy that the winter is the time for people to stay safe from common illnesses like fever or common flu. Vaccinations like the flu and pneumococcal vaccines can help prevent winter-related infections, which can indirectly strain the heart.
Keeping the heart safeguarded from the cold can make winter a beautiful time of the year for every individual. Not only individuals with pre-existing heart conditions but those prioritizing heart health should also have an understanding on the impact of cold weather on the heart health. By taking certain proactive measures, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of winter-related heart complications and maintain optimal cardiovascular health.
HCLTech & Microsoft Partner with Cricket Australia to Transform Fan Experience
SYDNEY and NOIDA, India, Jan 31, 2025 — Leading global technology companies, HCLTech and Microsoft, have partnered with Cricket Australia (CA) to leverage generative AI (GenAI) to enhance the way fans experience live matches via the Cricket Australia Live app.
The app’s new AI Insights matchday companion feature provides fans with a regular feed of text-based updates as matches progress. The feature uses AI rooted in a deep understanding of cricket to identify key narratives, player performances and notable milestones that go beyond the live scores and commentary, giving new context and insight to what is happening on the field.
The AI Insights matchday companion launches today at the Day-Night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the CommBank Women’s Ashes series between Australia and England. This innovative feature is now accessible to all users of the Cricket Australia Live App worldwide.
“By harnessing the power of GenAI, we have the ability to reimagine the way fans engage with sport,” said Sonia Eland, Executive Vice President and Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand, HCLTech. “HCLTech has partnered with Cricket Australia for several years through our long-term role as the sport’s Official Digital Technology Partner, but our collaboration with Microsoft will further enhance the digital experience. Ultimately, our goal is to bring cricket fans even closer to the action.”
Cricket Australia has leveraged Microsoft’s Azure Open AI Service as well as HCLTech’s front-end and API development support to create a more accessible match day AI companion for cricket fans.
“We’re excited to bring cutting-edge AI technology to cricket fans through our partnership with Cricket Australia and HCLTech,” said Sarah Carney, Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. “This innovation demonstrates how generative AI is transforming the way we interact with the world around us, bringing insight, meaning and personalisation to audiences old and new.”
HCLTech and Cricket Australia began working together in 2019 to transform the organization’s core API platforms. In 2023, they extended the partnership for another five years, with HCLTech continuing its role as the CA’s Official Digital Technology Partner. The multi-year partnership has included initiatives like TechJam, a crowdsourcing effort to develop innovative tech solutions for the sport, as well as HCLTech’s role in making Cricket Australia Live the number one sporting app in Australia.
“We are very excited to partner with both HCLTech and Microsoft to create brilliant experiences for our fans by enhancing the CA Live app,” said Nick Hockley, CEO, Cricket Australia. “Our aspiration is to be a world leader in the way sporting codes bring fans closer to the game through digital technologies and we’re thrilled to launch this latest innovation at the CommBank Women’s Ashes Day-Night Test.”
SILA Pioneers a Movement to Change How India Sees Cleanliness Workers
Mumbai, 31 January 2025: SILA, a leading player in facility management and real estate services, has teamed up with Schbang to launch a ground-breaking campaign that challenges societal perceptions of housekeepers. This initiative encourages audiences to reflect on their behaviours and biases, driving home the importance of treating housekeeping staff with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Despite the societal acknowledgment of housekeepers’ contributions, genuine respect often remains superficial. SILA and Schbang’s campaign seeks to disrupt this cycle by illuminating everyday hypocrisies and encouraging people to align their actions with their words.
The key component of this effort is a thought-provoking film ‘Sachh Hi Swachh Hai’ put together by Schbang. The narrative centers on a professional who, while fervently advocating for cleanliness workers in a work conference, unintentionally exposes his own prejudices at home. He is forced to consider his behaviour after having this epiphany, which results in the moving message:
“Swachh Banane Se Pehle Hume Sach Banna Hoga.”
The film emphasizes SILA’s continued commitment to transforming lives, as the company has already trained and employed over 27,000 Facility Management professionals in 125 cities across India.
Shoppin Lands Dollar 1Million to Revolutionize Fashion Discovery with AI
New Delhi, January 31, 2025: shoppin’, a new-age fashion search engine powered by AI, has successfully raised $1 million in pre-seed funding from Info Edge Ventures. The platform is on a mission to make fashion discovery seamless, personalized, and accessible for all, enabling users to discover apparel products using prompts, vibes, product descriptions and images, putting consumer needs at the heart of its operations.
In an era where online shopping can feel overwhelming and 80% consumers find poor fashion search as a barrier to purchase, shoppin’ stands out by simplifying the process of helping users find their perfect style. The platform has already built an impressive base of over 35,000 Instagram followers and 20,000+ waitlist sign-ups, all in 3 weeks —achieved at 0 marketing spend—highlighting the need for the problem they’re solving and shoppin’s growing popularity among fashion enthusiasts.
The newly acquired funding will be allocated towards three key areas: hiring top talent, enhancing proprietary technology, and fostering growth. A large majority of the funds will be deployed towards building a team of AI engineers, developing, fine-tuning and scaling its advanced AI models, incl. their custom built SLMs and embeddings model, tailored specifically for fashion.
“If OpenAI’s multi-modal and NLP search prowess, Google’s indexing algorithm, and Pinterest’s social DNA were to have a fashion-obsessed baby, it’d be us,” said Shlok, Founder & CEO of shoppin’.
“For Gen-Zs, over 75% of fashion inspiration discovery happens on Instagram and Pinterest. We started shoppin’ seven months ago with the idea of bridging the gap between inspiration discovery on social platforms and e-commerce discovery on marketplaces and D2C brand websites. Our mission at shoppin’ is to make fashion discovery as seamless and easy as clicking an image. With Info Edge Ventures’ support, we’re committed to innovating further, pushing the boundaries of AI, to help every shopper find what they love effortlessly,” said Shlok.
“Our foundational AI models for fashion and autonomous agents for commerce have enabled us to revolutionize fashion search,” added Utsav, Co-founder & CTO of shoppin’.
“Fashion discovery needs to be much more intuitive and enjoyable. With the emergence of many new fashion D2C brands in the country in the last five years, we strongly believe that surfacing upcoming and innovative D2C brands to the right customers and solving brands’ distribution challenges is essential,” said Kitty Agarwal, Partner at Info Edge Ventures. “The founders are young and mission-driven—I’m yet to see any consumer product get the kind of social and word-of-mouth-driven organic waitlist shoppin’ has been able to garner in the run-up to the launch. We are very excited,” added Kitty
shoppin’ is laying the groundwork to become a shoppable Pinterest by integrating cutting-edge AI with a user-friendly experience. With a team of 20 Gen-Z engineers and marketers, shoppin’ is well positioned to launch its beta search engine in February, with subsequent versions enhancing accuracy and personalization.
With partnerships already established with many leading D2C brands, Shoppin’ strives to be a trusted partner for both brands and consumers. Looking ahead, Shoppin’ plans to collaborate with even more brands, increasing its offering to Gen-Zs, further solidifying its position as the premier fashion platform for consumers and brands alike.
Instant Payouts Now Available in India: Runa Enhances Cross-Border Payment Solutions
Runa, the leading global fintech infrastructure for the next generation of payouts experiences, today announced its expansion into India, opening access to the country’s $8.9 billion gift card market. With this expansion, Runa allows its business customers the ability to easily send instant, domestic and cross-border payouts to consumer recipients in India, dramatically reducing the traditional barriers of cost and complexity.
India’s rapid digital payment transformation—expanding at a notable rate of 44% CAGR by transaction volume from 2017 to 2024—paired with a surge in cross-border consumer transactions, which grew by 121% in the last nine months of 2024 alone, has created a strong demand for alternative consumer payout solutions.
By unlocking access to India, Runa emerges as a strategic partner for companies looking to tap into India’s thriving gift card sector for consumer disbursement, rewards, recognition and incentives. With the Indian market growing by 15.3% year over year, Runa enables companies to simplify regulatory compliance, reduce foreign exchange risks, and provide flexible funding options when sending funds to Indian recipients.
“We’re proud to bring Runa to India, where digital payments and gift cards are transforming how people connect and transact,” said Aron Alexander, CEO of Runa. “India’s fast-growing market is full of opportunity, and we’re here to help businesses effortlessly join one of the world’s most exciting economies and connect with millions of new consumers.”
Through Runa’s technology, businesses can now deliver instant payouts via an expansive network of thousands of global and leading Indian merchants, including e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, Shoppers Stop and popular digital wallets like Amazon Pay. Runa’s customers benefit from:
- Real-Time Payouts: A streamlined solution for instant payments, eliminating the delays and costs associated with traditional cross-border transactions.
- Flexible Funding & Foreign Exchange Options: Mitigation of capital control risks and seamless transactions without the need to hold Indian Rupees.
- Built-in Regulatory Compliance: Comprehensive handling of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, GST regulations, and data protection requirements.
- Extensive Merchant Network: A single integration granting access to top Indian and global merchants.
The expansion comes at a pivotal time, as The International Trade Administration reports that India is experiencing a digital payments revolution and e-commerce boom, fueled by rapid smartphone adoption, 650 million users in 2024, and internet connectivity extending to more than 950 million people.
“Runa has done all of the heavy lifting to pave the way for us to launch in India, sourcing popular merchants and alleviating the hassles and compliance challenges,” said Mike Bowles, Senior Director of Operations at Augeo Marketing. “We’re looking forward to launching our program into the Indian market.”