Rubicon Expands India Presence with Arinna Acquisition, Eyes Deep CNS Market

Rubicon Research Limited (“Rubicon” or the “Company”) today announced the acquisition of an 85% equity ownership in Arinna Lifesciences Limited (“Arinna”) from its current shareholders.

Mr. Parag Sancheti, Chief Executive Officer, Rubicon Research Limited

With a portfolio of over 60 brands in chronic therapies, Arinna is one of the few domestic formulations companies principally focused on drugs treating conditions of the central nervous system (“CNS”) with more than 4,000 prescribers backed by an established distribution network of distributors, stockists and retail pharmacies in India.

This acquisition furthers Rubicon’s strategy of leveraging its IP and chronic products portfolio to unlock growth in key markets, particularly in the CNS therapeutic category which has always been a core focus area for Rubicon. Arinna’s sales and distribution network provides Rubicon access to patients and prescribers in India for its differentiated offerings, including a strong pipeline of specialty products and drug-device combinations.

Commenting on the acquisition, Parag Sancheti, Rubicon’s Chief Executive Officer said “The past decade has demonstrated the effectiveness of Rubicon’s playbook of R&D innovation, execution rigor and impeccable compliance standards which enabled us to scale our US revenues by over 32 x from FY15 to FY25 while delivering best-in-class return ratios. Arinna now provides us a launchpad for deploying this playbook in the Indian domestic formulations market. Strategic M&A has always been integral to Rubicon’s strategy and our confidence stems from having successfully integrated and scaled acquisitions to foray into new segments such as US branded specialty in 2024 and nasal products development in 2020. I am pleased to welcome Vivek and the Arinna team to the Rubicon family.”

The transaction values Arinna at an enterprise value of INR 200 Crores on a cash and debt free basis. After accounting for net cash and other necessary adjustments to the enterprise value of Arinna, the purchase consideration has been determined to be approximately INR 175.92 Crores for secondary acquisition of 85% equity shareholding at a price of INR 158.53 per share. The final consideration remains subject to adjustments on the closing date, if any. For the 9 months ended 31 December 2025, Arinna’s provisional revenue and EBITDA were INR 56.7 Crores and 9.5 Crores respectively.

The transaction is expected to close within 30 days upon satisfaction of agreed conditions precedent. Arinna’s founder Vivek Seth will retain a 15% ownership interest and continue as Arinna’s Managing Director.

About Rubicon Research Limited

Rubicon Research Limited is an integrated pharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of differentiated pharmaceutical products. Established in 1999, Rubicon has evolved from a contract development services organization into a vertically integrated pharmaceutical platform encompassing research and development, CDMO capabilities, and branded and generic product commercialization.

Rubicon currently has a portfolio of 80+ pharmaceutical products across multiple therapeutic areas, including a meaningful portfolio of CNS products. The company operates globally inspected manufacturing facilities in India regulated by authorities including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, UK MHRA, and Australian TGA. Rubicon also maintains a strong R&D organization of over 200 scientists across development centres in Mumbai and Toronto, reflecting deep formulation expertise and a strong focus on differentiated drug delivery technologies.

Rubicon is a public company, listed on the National Stock Exchange of India and BSE Limited.

India's Ist Quantum Testbed Powers Up in Amaravati

India’s first quantum reference facility has been inaugurated in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, marking a major leap in deep‑tech research. The Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility (AQRF) at SRM University and Medha Towers will serve as open‑access testbeds for quantum hardware, enabling indigenous research, certification, and training.

Key Highlights

• Launch Date: April 14, 2026 (World Quantum Day)
• Location: SRM University, Amaravati, and Medha Towers, Gannavaram
• Inaugurated By: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu
• Facilities: Amaravati 1S (academic testbed) and Amaravati 1Q (industry certification)

Purpose and Impact

• Open‑access infrastructure for researchers, startups, and companies
• Supports India’s first home‑grown quantum computer by Qbit Force
• Strengthens sovereign quantum capabilities under the National Quantum Mission
• Positions Amaravati as a future “Quantum Valley”

Comparative Context

Facility	Location	Focus	Significance
Amaravati 1S	SRM University	Academic testbed	Enables students & researchers to experiment
Amaravati 1Q	Medha Towers	Industry certification	Provides standards & validation for hardware
QU‑414	Amaravati	Open‑source reference	Supports training & indigenous hardware

Future Challenges

• High cost of quantum infrastructure
• Need for rapid talent development
• Global competition from U.S. and China

Strategic Importance

• For India: Reduces dependency on foreign labs, accelerates innovation
• For Andhra Pradesh: Positions Amaravati as a deep‑tech hub
• For Academia & Industry: Bridges research and commercialization

In short, Amaravati’s Quantum Reference Facility is India’s first sovereign quantum testbed ecosystem, designed to empower indigenous research, industry certification, and global competitiveness in deep‑tech.

NIPER Mohali Partners Novartis to Boost Pharma Research with Prestigious Grant

National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, has signed a landmark agreement with Novartis Healthcare Private Limited (NHPL) to strengthen academia‑industry collaboration in pharmaceutical research. The partnership includes the prestigious Development Pioneer Grant, awarded to a NIPER Mohali faculty member, positioning India’s pharma education ecosystem closer to global innovation standards.

The signing ceremony, held in New Delhi, was witnessed by Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, along with senior officials and representatives from Novartis.

The Development Pioneer Grant

• Agreement signed between NIPER Mohali and Novartis Healthcare Private Limited (NHPL) in New Delhi.
• Witnessed by Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• One faculty member from NIPER Mohali awarded the Development Pioneer Grant for NIPERs, supported by Novartis.
• Out of 42 proposals submitted across seven NIPERs, one was chosen after rigorous evaluation by an independent jury.
• Grant aims to promote cutting‑edge research, encourage innovation‑driven partnerships, and align academic work with industry requirements.

Government’s Vision

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has consistently highlighted the need for stronger industry‑academia linkages. Senior officials including Shri Awadhesh Kumar Choudhary, Dr. Kinny Singh, Prof. Dulal Panda, Prof. Joydev Kumar Laha, Mr. Amitabh Dube, and Ms. Sadhna Joglekar were present during the ceremony, underscoring the government’s commitment to nurturing innovation in India’s pharmaceutical sector.

• Shri Manoj Joshi emphasized the importance of moving beyond pilot projects to ensure research is effectively integrated with industry needs.
• The Department of Pharmaceuticals envisions stronger industry‑academia linkages to enhance India’s role in global healthcare innovation.
• Senior officials including Shri Awadhesh Kumar Choudhary, Dr. Kinny Singh, Prof. Dulal Panda, Prof. Joydev Kumar Laha, Mr. Amitabh Dube, and Ms. Sadhna Joglekar attended the ceremony.

About Novartis

Novartis, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, consistently ranked among the top five globally by revenue. The company has undergone a strategic transformation into a pure‑play medicines firm, focusing exclusively on innovative therapies while divesting non‑core businesses such as generics and vaccines.

In recent years, Novartis has reported strong growth driven by breakthroughs in oncology, immunology, cardio‑renal‑metabolic disorders, and neurology. It has also invested heavily in advanced platforms including radioligand therapy, gene and cell therapy, and xRNA technologies. Beyond commercial success, Novartis maintains a strong commitment to global health challenges, working on treatments for malaria, sickle cell disease, Chagas disease, and leprosy. This global positioning makes Novartis a powerful partner for Indian institutions like NIPER, enabling knowledge transfer, research collaboration, and integration into international innovation networks.

Significance for India

• Strengthens NIPER Mohali’s role in India’s pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem.
• Provides faculty with global exposure and competitive platforms to advance research.
• Drives pioneering healthcare advancements that benefit both academia and industry.
• Reinforces India’s ambition to become a global hub for pharmaceutical innovation.

The partnership between NIPER Mohali and Novartis marks a milestone in India’s pharma education and research landscape. By combining academic expertise with industry resources, the initiative is set to accelerate innovation, nurture talent, and reinforce India’s position in global pharmaceutical research.

Kaspersky Expands Cyber Investigation Centre to KidZania Delhi NCR, Building on Successful Mumbai Launch

Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company, today announces the launch of the Kaspersky Cyber Investigation Centre at KidZania Delhi NCR, located at The GIP Mall, Noida, in partnership with KidZania India, the country’s largest indoor edutainment theme park. This follows the successful launch of the Cyber Investigation Centre at KidZania Mumbai on 10th April2026, making the initiative available to families at both KidZania India locations.

Today’s children are digital natives. From a very early age, they are exposed to technology and its benefits. In India, 82.2% of children have access to a mobile device from the age of 14, and use these devices to watch videos, play online, stay in touch with friends and family, and to support themselves in school tasks. Delhi NCR, home to millions of internet users and one of India’s most digitally active regions, represents a particularly powerful opportunity to bring this message to families, where the need for cybersecurity awareness among children is both urgent and growing.

It is with this vision that Kaspersky and KidZania are proud to bring this partnership to Delhi NCR, one that makes children our allies in raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and responsible digital citizenship. Through a playful, immersive experience, children step into the role of Cyber Investigators, learning about the most common risks of the digital world and discovering the best cybersecurity tools that help protect our digital lives. This is what the cyber heroes of tomorrow will look like.

The Cyber Investigation Centre is a first-of-its-kind role-play establishment that places children aged 6 years and above at the heart of a real-world cybersecurity mission, investigating cases of phishing, identity theft, and cyberbullying using Kaspersky’s advanced security tools. At the Centre, children suit up in Kaspersky uniforms and are stationed at dedicated workstations equipped with monitors and Kaspersky’s security software. Through interactive simulations and digital missions, they learn to identify online threats, practice safe browsing, and respond to real cybersecurity scenarios, all within a 20-minute, hands-on session accommodating up to 6 children at a time. The 156.50 sq. ft. space is designed to develop critical thinking, digital awareness, and responsible online behaviour in a fun and engaging environment, with children earning 10 KidZos upon successful completion of their investigation.

Commenting on the expansion, Jaydeep Singh, General Manager for India at Kaspersky, said, “The incredible response we witnessed at our debut Cyber Investigation Centre in Mumbai reaffirmed something we have always believed: children are not just ready to learn about cybersecurity, they are eager for it. Bringing this experience to Delhi NCR is a natural next step in our mission to build a digitally aware generation across India. Delhi represents a massive and deeply engaged digital population, and we see this as a tremendous opportunity to spark conversations around online safety at the grassroots level, one child, one family at a time. Every child who walks through the KidZania Cyber Investigation Centre leaves not just entertained, but empowered, and that is the kind of impact we are committed to scaling nationwide.”

“After KidZania Mumbai launch few days back, witnessing the same excitement for new-age role-plays like Cyber Security Investigator further reinforces our belief that children& parents today are eager to engage with experiences that feel real and relevant. At KidZania, we aim to channel this curiosity into immersive learning, that builds awareness and confidence for real-world challenges.” said Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, Chief Business Officer, KidZania India.

The grand launch ceremony at KidZania Delhi NCR brought together senior leadership from both Kaspersky and KidZania India, alongside media and influencers. The event followed KidZania’s signature show flow, featuring a dance performance, a key handover, and a grand parade through the KidZania city, culminating in a ribbon-cutting at the Cyber Investigation Centre and a live role-play experience for guests. The Delhi NCR Metropolitan Theatre, with a capacity of 120 guests, hosted the formal proceedings, underscoring the scale and ambition of the launch.

As part of the partnership, visitors purchasing KidZania tickets online will receive a complimentary 2-month Kaspersky Premium trial subscription, while KidZania Annual Pass holders will benefit from a 3-month complimentary Kaspersky Premium trial subscription as an exclusive add-on. Kaspersky Premium complimentary 1-month trial vouchers will also be distributed to families at exit, and children who complete the role-play will receive a personalised Kaspersky Cyber Investigator card. This keepsake marks their achievement as a certified cyber defender.

To know more about the KidZania special 30-day free trial download and the 40% off limited-time Premium offer, click the link below: https://www.kaspersky.co.in/lp/special-offer-kidzania

About Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.

About KidZania India

KidZania is an interactive family entertainment and learning center that empowers, inspires, and educates children through real-life role-play professions. Built like a city—with roads, vehicles, buildings, its own economy, and currency (KidZos)—KidZania blends reality with entertainment to create a powerful developmental platform where kids explore careers, money management, and life skills. Learn more at www.KidZania.in.

Palo Alto Networks Completes Acquisition of Koi to Secure the Agentic Endpoint

Palo Alto Networks® (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Koi. With this acquisition, Palo Alto Networks defines a new category of protection: Agentic Endpoint Security (AES). Koi's unique solution to securing vibe coding agents and autonomous endpoint tools comes as the industry reaches an inflection point of agentic adoption.

The rapid adoption of tools like Claude Code and OpenClaw are driving incredible productivity gains, which will be critical to countering the security challenges posed by the latest AI models. But these agentic tools themselves have also greatly expanded the endpoint attack surface. By integrating Koi’s technology with Prisma® AIRS™, Palo Alto Networks will extend visibility and security to agentic AI on the endpoint, offering a single control plane to secure enterprise-wide AI adoption with AES. In addition, this acquisition enables Palo Alto Networks to introduce a new module for Cortex XDR® to identify and remediate risks within the AI software ecosystem. Koi’s capabilities will also remain available as a standalone offering, allowing every customer to benefit from industry leading agentic endpoint security capabilities alongside their existing EDR solutions.

Lee Klarich, Chief Product & Technology Officer of Palo Alto Networks, said:

Agentic AI presents tremendous opportunity for the enterprise, yet they create a new attack surface that traditional security tools were not built to detect. These agents operate with access to critical systems and sensitive data, creating the ultimate insider threat. With the acquisition of Koi, we are delivering the only solution I’ve seen to secure vibe coding and agentic AI at the endpoint, so our customers don’t have to choose between innovation and security.

Amit Assaraf, CEO and Co-Founder of Koi, said:

By joining Palo Alto Networks, we will be able to provide our customers with the most comprehensive solution for securing all AI and software on the endpoint, and across the enterprise. Together, we are establishing Agentic Endpoint Security as the new imperative, giving our customers the secure foundation they need to lead in an AI-native world.

Learn more about how Palo Alto Networks will integrate Koi into its solutions. 

About Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), the global AI cybersecurity leader, protects our digital way of life with a comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity solutions and platforms across Network, Cloud, Security Operations, AI and Identity. Trusted by 70,000+ customers and powered by Unit 42 threat intelligence, our AI-driven platforms eliminate complexity, empowering enterprises to modernize with confidence and securing the speed of innovation. Explore the future of security at www.paloaltonetworks.com.

Palo Alto Networks, Cortex, Cortex XDR, Prisma AIRS and the Palo Alto Networks logo are trademarks of Palo Alto Networks, Inc. in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other trademarks, trade names, or service marks used or mentioned herein belong to their respective owners.