Hyderabad’s Aarav Garg Leads Manufacturing Push at $100M AI Wearable Startup Persona

Aarav Garg – Founding Team, Persona AI Wearables

The 20-year-old founding team member and Chief Hardware Officer is overseeing the development and manufacturing of Persona Band, a screenless AI wearable scheduled to begin shipping in December 2026.

Persona, a startup developing a screenless, voice-enabled wristband designed to bring personal AI into everyday life, is preparing to take its wearable from engineering to production ahead of planned December shipments. At the centre of that effort is Hyderabad’s Aarav Garg, the 20-year-old founding team member and Chief Hardware Officer overseeing the device’s product development and manufacturing as the company works to bring conversational AI to the wrist.

Garg leads Persona’s hardware engineering, product development and manufacturing programme, working with manufacturing partners in China to take Persona Band from design and engineering towards production. The company is preparing to begin shipments in December 2026.

We are currently testing sample production runs to assess build quality and refine the overall product experience. Our goal is to deliver a premium experience across both hardware and software—from the materials and finish to unboxing, setup and everyday use.

“We’ve radically simplified the design so that switching straps—and even putting the Band on or taking it off—feels effortless. But making those interactions so simple has required a distinctive design and engineering approach, which has introduced manufacturing challenges that conventional strap designs don’t face. Taking that from prototype to production has been a mountain of learning: understanding how each material, mechanism and assembly process behaves, then working through the challenges one by one,” said Garg, founding team member and Chief Hardware Officer at Persona.

Aarav Garg-Founding Team, Persona AI Wearables

Persona Band is designed to bring a voice-enabled personal assistant into everyday activities without requiring users to interact with a screen. Weighing 27 grams, the device incorporates two microphones, a speaker and a 12-LED ring that communicates its operating status. Persona says the band is designed to deliver up to five days of battery life and support more than 120 languages.

The engineering challenge is to bring these components together in a compact device while balancing battery performance, voice interaction, reliability and comfort.

“One of our toughest constraints has been fitting a speaker, a dual-microphone array and a battery designed to last three to five days into one of the smallest wearable form factors. That combination has pushed us to rethink almost every aspect of the internal design and develop custom components, including a battery tailored to the space available.

“We initially planned to leave the speaker out of V1 because of the space and power constraints. But we realised that the experience would feel incomplete if users could speak to the Band and then had to turn to their phone for a response. Adding a speaker closes that interaction loop on the device itself and reduces dependence on the phone. We decided that experience was worth the additional engineering and manufacturing complexity, even though it made the product considerably harder to build,” said Garg.

Aarav Garg with Laurent Le Pen, a French Tech entrepreneur, world renowned Original Design Manufacturer

The device is intended to work alongside Persona’s AI assistant, which can help users manage appointments, emails, notes and travel through natural conversation. The assistant is currently available in a free beta through iMessage, while the wearable is being prepared for launch.

Moving from a working prototype to a product ready for customers introduces a different set of requirements, including manufacturing consistency, quality control, supplier coordination and production costs.

Garg works directly with Persona’s manufacturing partners in China as the company prepares the band for production.

“We’re currently carrying out sample production runs. The design has been validated, and our focus now is on testing those units rigorously to identify and resolve any remaining failure points before the first mass-production run.

“One of the biggest challenges has been waterproofing such a compact device while maintaining consistent build quality. Our testing includes submerging units in a water tank to check for water ingress and pressing the button 10,000 times to assess its durability. These checks are part of making sure the design holds up in practice and that the units we manufacture consistently meet our quality standards before we approve mass production,” said Garg.

“Over the next 12 months, we’ll iterate quickly on the Band and keep improving both the technology and the product. We’re also building an intelligence layer that can power the products we develop next. The Band is only the beginning: we already have additional hardware form factors planned internally, and we intend to keep expanding what we build around that intelligence,” said Garg.

Garg’s experience in hardware development predates Persona. He began building robots as a child, later studied at Purdue University and subsequently co-founded Omi, another AI wearable startup. He is now applying that experience to Persona, where his responsibilities span hardware development and the manufacturing process.

Persona is developing its wearable as part of a broader effort to make personal AI available through a dedicated device rather than relying solely on a smartphone interface.

The company’s next milestone is the planned December 2026 shipment of Persona Band. Preorders are available at US$179.

Persona has raised US$10 million in a funding round led by Vine Ventures, with participation from Cory Levy and Collective Global, at a reported valuation of US$100 million. The company plans to use the funding to support its product and business development as it prepares for launch.

Tata Power to Power India’s AI Boom with 2.8 GW Data Centre Push

Tata Power has announced a diversified 2.8 GW+ data centre opportunity pipeline across 18 leading global and domestic operators, positioning itself as a key partner in India’s AI and digital infrastructure expansion. This includes renewable energy, transmission, and distribution projects, with major investments in Mumbai’s grid to support hyperscale growth.

Tata Power has developed a robust and diversified data centre pipeline, including ~430 MW of upcoming distribution load, 1,236 MW of transmission-linked projects, and 1,150 MW of renewable capacity under active engagement. With 29 ongoing workstreams across 18 major global and domestic operators, the company is emerging as a critical enabler of India’s largest hyperscalers and AI-ready digital infrastructure.

Key Highlights

• 2.8 GW+ pipeline: Spread across 29 active workstreams with 18 blue-chip operators.
• 430 MW upcoming load under distribution.
• 1,236 MW transmission-linked opportunities.
• 1,150 MW green energy capacity under engagement.
• Integrated solutions: Powered land, renewable energy, storage, cooling systems, and utility infrastructure.
• Mumbai Grid Upgradation: ₹15,000 crore investment to enhance 110 kV & 220 kV networks, build new receiving stations, and develop a 400 kV transmission ring.

Strategic Context

Factor	Details
AI-driven demand	India’s AI-led data centres projected to add 26.3 GW electricity demand by FY2031-32.
Hyperscale focus	Direct support for hyperscalers and cloud operators with integrated infrastructure.
Energy diversification	Strong emphasis on renewables + transmission upgrades for sustainability and reliability.
Competitive positioning	Aligns Tata Power with Reliance, Adani, and global players investing in India’s AI-ready infrastructure.

Risks & Challenges

• Execution risk: Pipeline is opportunity-based, not confirmed contracts.
• Infrastructure strain: Hyperscale growth could stress Mumbai’s transmission capacity.
• Regulatory hurdles: Large-scale renewable and transmission projects require multi-state clearances.
• Cooling demand: AI-ready centres will increase cooling and water consumption.

Implications for India’s AI & Digital Growth

• Energy backbone: Stable baseload + renewable mix for AI workloads.
• Global competitiveness: Positions India as a trusted hub for hyperscale data centres.
• Sustainability: Supports India’s net-zero 2070 goals while enabling exponential AI-driven demand.

First‑Ever Advanced AI and HPC to Operate Directly on the Lunar Surface with HPE’s Spaceborne Computer‑4

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is preparing to take artificial intelligence beyond Earth’s orbit and straight to the Moon. In late 2026, the company’s Spaceborne Computer-4 (SBC4) will be deployed on the lunar surface, marking the first time advanced AI and high‑performance computing will operate directly on the Moon. This mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program and represents a significant leap in how computing infrastructure will support future space exploration.

The SBC4 will travel aboard Astrolab’s Flex Lunar Innovation Platform (FLIP) rover, which itself will be delivered to the Moon’s south pole by Voyager Technologies’ Griffin‑1 lander, launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The chosen landing site near the Nobile crater is strategically important, as it is believed to contain water ice deposits that could be vital for Sustaining long‑term lunar missions.

Unlike its predecessors that operated aboard the International Space Station, SBC4 is designed to withstand the Moon’s extreme conditions. It is a compact, fanless system equipped with a low‑power CPU and GPU, paired with dual mirrored Kioxia solid‑state drives for redundancy. This ruggedized design is critical, as the lunar environment exposes hardware to intense radiation, drastic temperature swings, and prolonged periods of darkness.

What makes this mission groundbreaking is the type of workloads SBC4 will run. It will process large language models (LLMs) for retrieval‑augmented generation, enabling astronauts and rovers to search and interpret technical documents without relying on Earth‑based servers. It will also handle vision inference for navigation, LiDAR mapping for terrain analysis, and autonomous decision‑making tasks. By running these AI workloads locally, the rover can operate with greater independence, reducing communication delays with Earth and paving the way for more autonomous lunar exploration.

The strategic importance of this mission cannot be overstated. It is the first step toward establishing computing infrastructure on the Moon, a foundation for future lunar bases and commercial activity. By demonstrating that high‑performance computing can survive and function in such a hostile environment, HPE and its partners are laying the groundwork for a sustainable lunar economy.

This effort also highlights the growing role of private companies in space exploration, with HPE, Astrolab, Deloitte, and NASA collaborating to push the boundaries of what is possible.

A near real-time, predictive cyber-analytics and anomaly detection will be provided by Deloitte's new system, to detect cyber intrusions called Silent Shield™.

Challenges remain. HPE has deliberately kept details of the silicon architecture under wraps, citing mission risks. Thermal management is another hurdle, as the rover’s radiators can only dissipate limited heat. Radiation exposure is harsher than in Earth orbit, meaning the resilience of AI systems will be tested like never before. Yet, if successful, SBC4 will prove that advanced computing can thrive in deep‑space environments, enabling faster scientific discoveries and more autonomous missions.

For India, which has already made strides with its Chandrayaan missions, this development underscores the global race to build lunar infrastructure. It signals a future where AI‑driven computing at the point of discovery will be central to space exploration, offering opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and leadership in the emerging lunar economy.

Accenture’s $1.5B China Sale Under Review

Accenture is exploring the sale of its Greater China business, valued at up to $1.5 billion, with JPMorgan advising on the review. The move reflects mounting regulatory hurdles in China and Accenture’s pivot toward AI-driven growth.

It is to be noted that Accenture has not issued any official press release or SEC filing regarding the sale. Coverage from Financial Times, Mint, and Sohu indicates Accenture is exploring options for its Greater China operations.

To recall, in August 2024 IBM had already shut down its China research and development (R&D) operation completely, affecting more than 1,000 jobs.

Several major companies have recently shut down or scaled back operations in China, reflecting regulatory pressures, weak demand, and strategic pivots. Notable exits include Nokia’s complete withdrawal, mass closures in the textile sector, and the revocation of automaker licenses.

This year in August, Nokia would close all mainland operations by Dec 2026, ending 42 years in China. Nokia’s departure marks one of the largest foreign tech exits, eliminating ~7,200 jobs in Greater China.

Key Facts About the Potential Sale

• Valuation: Up to $1.5 billion for Greater China operations (mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan)
  
• Advisor: JPMorgan hired to conduct a strategic review after unsolicited buyer interest
  
• Possible Buyers: Private equity firms and select strategic bidders
  
• Ownership Structure: Accenture may retain a minority stake to ensure client continuity
  
• Status: No deal confirmed; review may not result in a transaction
  

Why Accenture Is Considering the Sale

• Regulatory Pressures: China’s tightened data security rules restrict cross-border IT integration
  
• Industry Trend: Other consultancies like McKinsey have scaled back operations in China
  
• Risk Mitigation: Selling reduces exposure to regulatory and geopolitical risks
  

Strategic Context: AI Pivot

• AI Growth Focus: Rising demand for AI implementation services
  
• Investor Debate: Some see AI as a growth driver, others warn automation could reduce demand
  
• Capital Reallocation: Proceeds could fund AI acquisitions and shareholder returns
  

Financial & Market Impact

Factor	Details
Valuation	Up to $1.5B
Global Revenue	$74.2B (FY ended Aug 2026)
Asia-Pacific Revenue	~$10B last year
Growth Outlook	3–6% revenue growth forecast for FY2027
Investor Sentiment	Shares rebounded 85% from June lows, lifted by AI optimism

Risks & Challenges

• Uncertainty of Transaction: Review may not lead to a sale
  
• Client Continuity: Retaining a minority stake could complicate governance
  
• Market Perception: A full exit might signal retreat from China
  
• AI Transition Risks: Heavy reliance on AI bets could expose Accenture
  

Outlook

Accenture’s potential divestment underscores a strategic pivot away from regulatory-heavy markets toward AI-driven global growth. If completed, the sale would mark one of the largest exits by a Western consultancy in China, freeing resources for acquisitions and innovation in AI services.

US Army's First Hypersonic Missile System - Dark Eagle

The U.S. Army’s first hypersonic missile, Dark Eagle (Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, LRHW), represents America’s entry into the hypersonic arms race but remains delayed in full deployment as of late 2026. While China and Russia already field operational systems, the U.S. is still scaling production and training, highlighting a strategic gap.

Dark Eagle is now central to U.S. Indo‑Pacific strategy, with its first operational battery deployed and tested in Guam during 2026 exercises—placing much of China’s eastern seaboard within strike range and reshaping deterrence dynamics.

Dark Eagle Overview

• Type: Ground-launched hypersonic glide vehicle system.
• Range: ~1,725–2,175 miles (2,776–3,500 km).
• Speed: Mach 5–17 depending on flight profile.
• Payload: Conventional high-explosive warhead (non-nuclear).
• Launch Platform: Mobile wheeled transporter-erector launchers (TELs).
• Joint Development: Shares the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) with the U.S. Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) program.
• Deployment: First battery operational at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; second battery expected by end of 2026.

Global Comparison

System	Country	Range	Speed	Payload	Status (2026)
Dark Eagle (LRHW)	U.S.	2,776–3,500 km	Mach 5–17	Conventional	Early operational, limited production
DF-17 / DF-27	China	1,800–8,000 km	Mach 5–10	Conventional/Nuclear	Fully operational, multiple variants
3M22 Zircon	Russia	~1,000 km	Mach 8–9	Conventional	Operational, naval deployment
Avangard HGV	Russia	>10,000 km	Mach 20+	Nuclear	Operational, strategic deterrent
Hypersonic Tech Demonstrators	India	300–500 km (test stage)	Mach 6	Conventional	Developmental, DRDO trials ongoing

Strategic Context

• China: Leads with the DF-17 (regional strike) and DF-27 (intercontinental reach), forming the world’s largest hypersonic arsenal. Designed to threaten U.S. bases and carriers in the Indo-Pacific.
• Russia: Operates both Zircon (naval strike) and Avangard (nuclear glide vehicle), giving it flexibility across tactical and strategic domains.
• India: Still in testing phase, with DRDO’s hypersonic demonstrators validating scramjet propulsion but far from deployment.
• United States: Dark Eagle is conventional-only, aiming to avoid nuclear escalation risks. However, production bottlenecks and high costs (~$15–40M per missile) limit scalability.

Current Progress & Challenges

• Deployment: One operational battery; second expected by end of 2026.
• Production: Fewer than 10 missiles built so far; Lockheed Martin addressing defects.
• Cost Burden: Far higher than Tomahawk or PrSM, raising sustainability concerns.
• Strategic Gap: China and Russia already deploy hypersonics; U.S. is catching up.
• Operational Use: First requested deployment in Middle East (2026) to counter Iranian missile platforms.

Bottom Line

• Dark Eagle is a technological milestone but not yet a fully scaled deterrent.
• While China and Russia showcase mature hypersonic arsenals, the U.S. remains in a transition phase from prototype to operational integration.
• India, meanwhile, is still developing foundational hypersonic technologies.