IBM Launches Open Tech to Keep AI Data in Local Hands

IBM has launched Sovereign Core, an open-source software stack designed to give enterprises and governments full control over AI workloads, ensuring compliance, regulatory oversight, and operational autonomy in the era of digital sovereignty. This marks IBM’s push to address growing concerns about data governance and sovereignty as AI adoption accelerates worldwide.

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What is IBM Sovereign Core?

• Launch date: January 15–19, 2026
• Nature: Open-source based software stack
• Purpose: Build, deploy, and manage AI-ready sovereign environments
• Target users: Enterprises, governments, and service providers needing strict compliance and control

 Key features

• Open source foundation: Transparency and adaptability
• AI-ready sovereignty: Built for data control and compliance
• Operational autonomy: Maintain complete authority over infrastructure
• Regulatory compliance: Aligns with evolving global data sovereignty rules
• Auditable governance: Verifiable tools for oversight

Why it matters

• Digital sovereignty pressure: Keep sensitive data within boundaries
• AI amplifies risks: Larger datasets complicate compliance
• Global trend: Countries tightening data residency and AI governance

Benefits vs challenges

Benefits	Challenges/Risks
Full control over AI infrastructure	Requires technical expertise to deploy/manage
Compliance with sovereignty laws	Potentially higher costs vs cloud-native solutions
Open-source transparency	Integration with legacy systems may be complex
Auditable governance	Regulatory frameworks differ across regions

Implications for enterprises & governments

• Enterprises: Deploy AI without violating sovereignty laws
• Governments: Tools to enforce national data control policies
• Service providers: Offer sovereign-compliant AI services

Strategic outlook

IBM’s Sovereign Core positions the company as a leader in sovereign AI infrastructure, competing with hyperscalers like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, who are also investing in sovereignty solutions. The open-source approach may attract adoption in regions like Europe and India, where sovereignty regulations are tightening.

In short

IBM Sovereign Core is a major step toward keeping AI workloads compliant, secure, and under full organizational control—essential as digital sovereignty becomes a global priority.

FM Expands India Presence with New Mumbai Office, Strengthening Risk & Reinsurance Ecosystem

FM, one of the world’s leading commercial property insurers, today announced the opening of its new office in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, further deepening the company’s commitment to the country’s growing risk management and (re)insurance ecosystem. The move reinforces FM’s belief in India’s rising role in shaping global standards of enterprise resilience, engineering excellence, and sustainable growth.

FM commemorated the launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by FM leadership, alongside key brokers, partners, and clients from across the region.

India represents a critical focus area in FM’s strategy to support its clients. The new FMIC Mumbai reinsurance sales office highlights FM’s long-term investment in India’s enterprise risk landscape, providing additional local presence. The Mumbai team will collaborate closely with brokers and partners to enhance risk understanding and management practices.

Our growing operations in India reflect both a global and local commitment. By combining world-class expertise with on-the-ground engagement, we aim to deliver lasting value for our clients and contribute to India’s resilience journey, said Greg Duncan, regional head (South Asia).

In addition to expanding its footprint of the FMIC reinsurance sales office in Mumbai, FM is also investing in innovation and technology development in India. FM recently opened a global capability centre in Bengaluru as part of its expansion in India, a hub for research, analytics, and engineering excellence, further strengthening FM’s global capabilities while supporting India’s growing talent ecosystem.

India’s evolving economy and the increasing complexity of risks, ranging from climate volatility and supply-chain fragility to cyber-physical exposures, are placing resilience at the centre of boardroom discussions, added Srini Krishnamurthy, senior vice president, FM operations India. FM’s mission is to help Indian businesses become more resilient, support the country’s continued growth through engineering excellence and data-driven insights, and establish strong local partnerships.

About FM

Established nearly two centuries ago, FM is a leading mutual insurance group whose capital, scientific research capability and engineering expertise are solely dedicated to property risk management and the resilience of its policyholder-owners. These owners, who share the belief that the majority of property loss is preventable, represent many of the world’s largest organizations, including one of every four Fortune 500 companies. They work with FM to better understand the hazards that can impact their business continuity to make cost-effective risk management decisions, combining property loss prevention with insurance protection.

Tesla to Sell Cars Directly in India Before Building Factories

Tesla is expected to enter India through a direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales model before setting up local manufacturing, aligning with the Indian government’s upcoming EV policy roll-out in April 2025. The policy will allow imports at a reduced 15% duty, enabling Tesla to test demand before committing to factories.

Tesla’s India Entry Strategy

• Initial focus: Tesla will prioritize D2C sales via company-owned outlets rather than dealerships, ensuring tighter control over pricing, customer experience, and brand positioning.
• Vehicle imports: The company plans to import cars at 15% duty, a major reduction from the current ~70–100% duty, making Tesla vehicles more affordable in India.
• Manufacturing later: Local production will be considered only after Tesla assesses demand and policy stability.

India’s Upcoming EV Policy (April 2025)

• Import duty relaxation: Up to 8,000 EVs per year can be imported at 15% duty.
• Incentives for manufacturing: The Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) will offer subsidies and tax breaks to companies that set up factories.
• On-tap facility: A streamlined approval process for EV manufacturing is expected, making India more attractive for global automakers.

Why Tesla Prefers D2C First

• Market testing: India’s EV adoption is still in early stages; Tesla wants to gauge demand before investing in factories.
• Brand control: D2C ensures Tesla maintains its premium image and avoids dilution through third-party dealers.
• Flexibility: Import-first allows Tesla to adapt quickly to policy changes and consumer preferences.

Benefits & Risks

Benefits

• Lower entry costs: No immediate need for billion-dollar factory investments.
• Faster market entry: Tesla can start selling cars as soon as policy takes effect.
• Consumer access: Reduced import duty makes Tesla cars more attainable for Indian buyers.

Risks

• Price sensitivity: Even at 15% duty, Tesla cars will remain premium-priced compared to local EVs.
• Policy uncertainty: Future changes in import rules could affect Tesla’s strategy.
• Competition: Indian EV makers (Tata, Mahindra, Ola Electric) already have cost advantages with local production.

Comparison: Tesla vs Local EV Makers

Factor	Tesla (D2C Import)	Tata/Mahindra/Ola (Local)
Pricing	Premium (₹40–60 lakh+)	Affordable (₹10–20 lakh)
Distribution	Company-owned outlets	Dealer networks
Manufacturing	Future possibility	Already local
Policy support	Import duty relief	Subsidies + incentives
Consumer appeal	Luxury, global brand	Mass-market affordability

Key Takeaway

Tesla’s India entry will be import-first, D2C-focused, leveraging the government’s EV policy to test demand.

For Indian consumers, this means premium Tesla cars may finally be available at lower import duties by mid-2025, though local EVs will remain far more affordable.

Aloe Ecell Wins ₹3.5 Crore Backing on Bharat Ke Super Founders for World’s First Aloe Vera Batteries

Bharat Ke Super Founders, India’s founder-first entrepreneurial television series launched on Amazon MX Player, has facilitated a ₹3.5 crore funding commitment for Aloe Ecell, a climate-focused startup addressing the environmental impact of disposable dry-cell batteries.

The funding structure includes ₹2.5 crore raised through equity for a 4.16 percent stake and ₹1 crore in debt financing by Recur Club, aimed at supporting scale-up through quick commerce distribution and operational expansion. The deal reflects the show’s approach of matching capital structures to real business requirements, rather than symbolic investments.

The funding round on Bharat Ke Super Founders saw participation from the show’s Tycoons, a panel of seasoned business leaders backing high-potential founders. Dr. Velumani committed ₹1.25 crore for a 2.08 percent equity stake, while Nitish M invested ₹50 lakh for 0.83 percent equity. Aditya S participated with ₹25 lakh for 0.42 percent equity, and Shanti M committed ₹50 lakh for 0.83 percent equity. The remaining capital was structured as debt financing by Recur Club, enabling faster market access and operational scale-up.

Aloe Ecell works on sustainable alternatives in the primary battery segment, having developed 100 percent eco-friendly AA and AAA batteries that replace toxic chemical electrolytes with an aloe vera extract-based electrolyte. The batteries are targeted at low-power household devices such as remotes, clocks, toys, and cameras, and are positioned as leak-proof, longer-lasting, and cost-effective, with an integrated recycling programme.

The startup’s innovation addresses a largely overlooked environmental issue. In India, an average individual discards 15 to 20 batteries annually, resulting in nearly 230 crore used batteries each year. Studies indicate that a single discarded battery can contaminate up to 1.67 lakh litres of water, highlighting the need for scalable, consumer-friendly alternatives to conventional dry-cell batteries.

With this funding, Bharat Ke Super Founders continues to reinforce its positioning as a platform that goes beyond pitch-led entertainment, enabling founders to secure serious capital aligned with sustainability, scale, and long-term impact. The Aloe Ecell deal underlines the show’s focus on backing businesses that combine commercial viability with measurable environmental outcomes.

About Bharat Ke Super Founders:-

Bharat Ke Super Founders is India’s founder-first entrepreneurial television series that brings real, growth-stage capital to businesses solving meaningful, real-world problems. The show moves beyond symbolic pitch formats by facilitating structured funding outcomes, including equity and debt, aligned with the operational needs of each startup.

Hosted and mentored by Suniel Shetty, the series features a panel of seasoned business leaders, referred to as Tycoons, who evaluate founders on fundamentals such as market relevance, scalability, unit economics, and long-term impact. Investment decisions on the show are rooted in business viability rather than entertainment-driven moments.

About Aloe Ecell:-

Aloe Ecell is an Indian sustainability-focused startup developing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional disposable dry-cell batteries. Founded in 2018, the company was born out of a recognition that discarded batteries represent one of the most overlooked contributors to India’s growing e-waste and water contamination challenge.

Aloe Ecell manufactures the world’s first 100 percent eco-friendly primary batteries, using an aloe vera extract-based electrolyte in place of the toxic and hazardous chemicals commonly found in traditional dry-cell batteries. The company currently offers 1.5V AA and AAA batteries, designed for low-power devices such as remotes, clocks, toys, and cameras. These batteries are engineered to be leak-proof, long-lasting, and cost-effective, while also supporting a built-in recycling programme.

Concord Control Systems and NTPC Join Forces for the World’s First 3100 HP Hydrogen Locomotive, Setting New Global Benchmarks in Sustainable Rail Mobility

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Concord Control Systems Limited (CNCRD), India’s leading manufacturer of embedded electronic systems and critical electronic solutions, today announced their plans for developing the world’s largest 3100 HP hydrogen-fueled locomotive propulsion system through their wholly owned subsidiary Advance Rail Controls Pvt. Ltd (ARCPL). This milestone represents a historic breakthrough in sustainable rail mobility, a step towards the future of freight and the development of next-generation railway engines. The announcement came right after ARCPL bagged the prestigious work order valued at ₹47 Cr. from NTPC Limited, India’s largest integrated power utility company. Concord Control Systems, through its subsidiary, ARCPL and in collaboration with Railway Engineering Works, is excited to win this opportunity.

NTPC has been leading the Green Hydrogen space for India, and this hydrogen-fuelled locomotive project is a flagship project of its kind. This is the first time a diesel locomotive will be converted to a 3100 HP hydrogen-powered locomotive, marking the highest-ever horsepower diesel locomotive conversion globally to hydrogen-based propulsion. This initiative is being undertaken for the first time not only in India but also worldwide, placing India at the forefront of heavy-duty green locomotive innovation.

With this milestone, India becomes the first nation globally to attempt hydrogen propulsion at such high horsepower, far surpassing the earlier global benchmark of 1,600 HP for hydrogen rail systems. Importantly, Concord’s propulsion system is not a laboratory prototype, but a commercially deployable solution designed for freight scale operations, targeting to demonstrate hydrogen’s real-world viability for heavy-duty rail transport.

Speaking on the announcement, Gaurav Lath, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Systems Limited, said, “At Concord, we are proud to pioneer the world’s first 3,100 HP hydrogen locomotive propulsion system for the Public Sector giant NTPC on this nationally significant green hydrogen initiative. As a research-backed railway technology company, our conviction is to push the boundaries of innovation, and our promise is to deliver propulsion systems that meaningfully advance the global journey towards zero emissions. Hydrogen-powered locomotives represent a decisive step in creating future-ready, sustainable railway starting in India, aiming for the world.”

In addition, Nitin Jain, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Systems Limited, said, “This landmark project represents a significant step forward in India’s clean mobility journey. The development of a high-horsepower hydrogen and battery-powered locomotive underscores the strength of indigenous engineering and cross-sector collaboration. We are proud to work with NTPC as our customer to deliver a solution that supports India’s decarbonization goals while setting new global benchmarks in sustainable rail technology.”

Commenting on the successful award of the Hydrogen Locomotive project, Dr. Ritwick Ghosh, at NTPC, said, “This is a dream realized as a Mechanical Engineer and a passionate hydrogen enthusiast, building from a conceptual thought to a project award. The project will also solve the hydrogen off- taker deficit. This is also the moment where we see how Public Sectors make a difference in developing the country’s infrastructure in energy transition by taking a step beyond the regular limits and how private sectors support things through taking risks. I am now excited to see how we go from Paper to Track.”

The initiative links itself with the vision of Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, and aligns with Indian Railways’ ambitious target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030,placing India decades ahead of its national 2070 net-zero commitment. It also strongly supports India’s broader focus on decarbonisation, green energy adoption, and sustainable transportation infrastructure.

Globally, the announcement comes at a time when the European Union is targeting climate neutrality by 2050, the United States is working towards net-zero rail by 2050, and countries including Japan, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and China are advancing hydrogen and electrified rail pilots. India’s move into high-horsepower hydrogen locomotives positions the country not merely as a participant, but as a global technology leader in zero-emission heavy rail.

Beyond domestic impact, Concord’s breakthrough opens a new chapter in global expansion, with the company aiming to partner with countries actively committed to net-zero transport, including the European Union, Japan, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America. From hydrogen- and battery-powered propulsion systems to advanced locomotive electronics and subsystems, Concord is well-positioned to contribute to the world’s clean mobility transition.

This NTPC–Concord project reinforces India’s standing as a hub for next-generation railway innovation under the Make in India initiative, while unlocking future export opportunities for hydrogen-powered locomotives. Together, the project emerge as key enablers of India’s clean energy, clean mobility, and climate commitments, reshaping the future of zero-emission heavy-duty transportation at a global scale.

About Concord Control Systems Limited:

Concord Control Systems Limited (CNCRD) is India’s leading manufacturer of embedded electronics systems and critical electronic solutions supporting India’s next-generation rail infrastructure. CNCRD is an RDSO-approved OEM and technology leader delivering advanced electrical and electronic systems for Indian Railways. Aligned with the government’s Gati Shakti initiative, Concord leverages state-of- the-art R&D, testing, and manufacturing facilities to deliver products that meet global quality and safety benchmarks, while ensuring zero- defect production and environmentally responsible practices.

CNCRD is a trusted partner in India’s railway modernization and digital transformation journey aspires to step in railway technology on a global scale, expanding its footprint and tapping international markets. Its portfolio of robust, durable and high-performance systems is tailored-made for the extreme conditions of railway environments. CNCRD is shaping the future of mobility by anticipating emerging railway challenges and transforming them into opportunities through tech-enabled, innovative solutions.