o9 Launches APEX: The Agile, Adaptive, Autonomous Planning And Execution Capability To Accelerate Enterprise Value Creation In AI Era

* Strong Client Adoption and Execution, with Record Go-Lives in 2025 Underscore Growing Demand for Faster, Learning-Driven Enterprise Decision-Making

o9, a leading software company that is powering enterprise planning and decisioning models across 30-plus industry verticals with its groundbreaking, AI-powered Digital Brain platform, today reported key highlights from 2025, including strong new client adoption, more than 130 successful go-lives, and 28 consecutive quarters of ARR growth. These results reflect growing demand for faster, learning-driven decisioning in a business environment shaped by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). During the year, o9 also introduced its APEX Model, a game-changing innovation for the new normal of rising volatility and complexity, designed to help current enterprise operating models rapidly identify and fix value leakages occurring across the value chain by evolving every aspect of end-to-end decision-making capabilities with Agentic AI.

The APEX Model is a set of Agile, Adaptive, and Autonomous Planning and Execution capabilities that help companies convert strategy into higher growth, improved margins, and cash flow year after year, and deliver results predictably quarter after quarter. It provides enterprises with a Human + AI decision-making system designed to:

Rapidly sense granular risks and opportunities across the value chain

Analyze forecasts and plan improvement scenarios

Learn from execution vs. plan deviations

Continuously improve data, policies, and playbooks with each cycle

Progressively automate well-governed decisions and workflows

The next-generation o9 Digital Brain provides the technology platform for the APEX Model. The key invention that made it possible is the new Enterprise Knowledge Graph technology powered by Neuro-Symbolic AI. This invention connects the strengths of LLMs (Neural AI) and the strengths of the original Enterprise Knowledge Graph (Symbolic AI), which has been proven to solve enterprise decision-making at scale in large companies. With the APEX Model, situation detection, analysis, and decision-making power moves to the edges, reducing layers between front lines and executives, as well as latencies and frictions across functions. Embedding learning directly into day-to-day decision workflows enables organizations to move beyond periodic planning cycles toward continuous improvement.

By enabling organizations to plan, execute, learn, and improve faster as one enterprise, one team with one unified plan, the APEX Model strengthens coordination across the value chain and drives a new level of value creation.

“When LLMs emerged, we immediately saw their strengths and weaknesses in an enterprise decision-making context. Given our AI roots, we were laser-focused on connecting them to the Enterprise Knowledge Graph to solve the toughest challenges in driving operational value,” said Chakri Gottemukkala, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO, o9. “With o9’s breakthrough Neuro-Symbolic AI technology to power the APEX Model, enterprises can now learn systematically from post-game analysis, improve faster across functions, deploy new capabilities at the pace of the market, and continuously evolve their operations. Our clients see APEX as a strategic differentiator for their businesses in the coming years.”

Additional highlights from 2025 include the following:

Record Number of Deployments: o9 successfully completed more than 130 go-lives, spanning integrated business planning, demand and supply planning, master planning, procurement analytics, and advanced retail workflows. These deployments demonstrate the flexibility of o9’s platform and the team’s ability to deliver at scale across multi-domain, global environments, while helping customers shorten the distance between plans and outcomes. In Q4 2025, o9 signed a range of new clients across retail, apparel, supplier manufacturing, automotive and industrial suppliers, and capital equipment, while also expanding deployments with existing customers in telecom and consumer products. Momentum was particularly strong in the Americas, with notable traction in retail and consumer-facing industries.

AI in Production and Post-Game Analysis: o9 moved multiple AI pilot initiatives into production environments, expanding the use of AI agents across planning and execution processes. The Company also advanced its Performance Post-Game Analysis (PGA) capabilities, which help organizations analyze execution versus plan, identify root causes of value gaps, and prioritize transformation initiatives based on measurable impact. By turning decision outcomes into institutional learning, PGA strengthens the adaptive dimension of APEX and supports sequencing digital transformation based on where value leakage is highest.

o9: A Customers’ Choice: In October 2025, o9 was the only vendor to be recognized as a Customers’ Choice in the 2025 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer for Supply Chain Planning Solutions, based on end-user reviews published on Gartner Peer Insights.* One of 16 other vendors included in the report, o9 was the sole software provider that received scores that met or exceeded the market average for both Overall Experience and User Interest and Adoption based on aggregated peer feedback. o9 believes the recognition reflects how customers experience the Company in real operating conditions and underscores its focus on execution, adoption, and value realization.

Additional Analyst Recognition: In 2026, o9 was named a Leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Supply Chain Planning Solutions: Process Industries and the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Supply Chain Planning Solutions: Discrete Industries. o9 was also named a Niche Player in the inaugural 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Decision Intelligence Platforms. Throughout 2025, o9 was referenced in 36 independent industry analyst research reports across supply chain, retail, AI, and related enterprise domains, reflecting third-party recognition of its expanding platform capabilities and market presence.

o9 aim10x, Connect Events: o9’s aim10x digital 2025 event attracted 6,700-plus global registrants, while in-person aim10x summits and o9 Connect events in Europe, Asia, and the Americas brought together more than 3,200 attendees and 190 speakers across consumer goods, retail, manufacturing, and technology. These forums emphasized applied learning and peer exchange, with a focus on how organizations are using connected planning and execution to drive measurable business outcomes.

Social Impact at o9: In 2025, o9 received a Platinum Medal from EcoVadis, ranking in the top 1 percent globally. In addition, o9ers and The Company raised more than $249,000 in donations and matching contributions, supported 180+ children through the Make a Difference partnership, and logged more than 3,200+ volunteer hours worldwide.

To learn more, visit www.o9solutions.com.

Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited Announces Leadership Transition: Board Appoints Suraj Rajappan As Managing Director & CEO W.E.F June 1

* Shahrukh Todiwala To Superannuate On May 31, 2026

Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited (KMPL), a leading vehicle finance company and a subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, has announced a leadership transition approved by its Board of Directors.

The Board has appointed Mr. Suraj Rajappan as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer for a term of three years, effective June 1, 2026, subject to approval of members. Mr. Suraj Rajappan began his career with Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited and brings 24 years of cross‑functional experience across the entity. Mr. Shahrukh Todiwala, presently Managing Director & CEO, will superannuate on May 31, 2026, after serving the Kotak Group for over three decades.

Ashok Vaswani, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “Shahrukh leaves a strong legacy of prudent growth, risk discipline and customer centricity at Kotak Mahindra Prime. We welcome Suraj to the helm—his deep industry experience and execution abilities position KMPL well for its next phase of growth.”

Shahrukh Todiwala, MD & CEO, KMPL said, “Being a part of KMPL’s 30-year journey and contributing to its growth has been truly fulfilling, and leading the company has been an honour. I am confident that Suraj and the leadership team will build on this strong foundation and take KMPL to new heights.”

Suraj Rajappan, MD & CEO‑Designate, KMPL said, “I am honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me. KMPL will continue to focus on disciplined growth, innovation and best‑in‑class customer experience and further strengthen our partnership with all OEMs and dealer partners.”

A long and storied franchise in Indian vehicle finance

Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited (KMPL) traces its roots to 1996, when it was incorporated as Kotak Mahindra Primus Limited, a 60:40 joint venture between Kotak Mahindra Finance and Ford Credit International—among India’s earliest organised car‑finance platforms. In 2005, Kotak Mahindra Bank acquired Ford Credit’s stake, making the company a wholly‑owned subsidiary of the Kotak Group, following which it was renamed Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited.

Over nearly three decades, KMPL has evolved alongside India’s automotive and consumer‑credit markets, building a company anchored in risk discipline, governance and institutional continuity, while remaining closely aligned with the Kotak Group’s broader financial‑services ecosystem.

About Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited:

Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited (KMPL) is a subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited and has been one of India's leading car finance company since 1996. In 2018, KMPL successfully kick-started its two-wheeler loan business and has also begun offering Loan Against Property since 2022. In the automobile space, KMPL finances new, pre-owned passenger cars and two wheelers for retail consumers as well as provides wholesale financing to automobile dealerships. The company has preferred financier relationships and tie-ups with various automobile manufacturers in India. KMPL provides Loans Against Property against both commercial and residential real estate, ensuring ready finance for business or personal needs. KMPL's retail distribution network comprises of 161 branches across 24 states in India that is further supported by a wide network of direct marketing associates and agencies across the country. https://www.primeloans.kotak.com.

Apollo Hospitals Leads National Training Initiative To Tackle Birth Asphyxia

The program, in partnership with NNF and IAP, trained doctors from across India in ‘First Golden Minute’ neonatal resuscitation to improve newborn survival outcomes.

Apollo Hospitals, in collaboration with the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), conducted a Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) in Bengaluru, aimed at strengthening pediatricians’ capabilities in managing critical newborn emergencies.

Also known as the First Golden Minute Programme, the training focused on equipping doctors with essential resuscitation skills to address birth asphyxia, a leading cause of neonatal mortality and long-term neurological complications.

The program, attended by pediatricians from across the country, was inaugurated by Akshay Oleti, CEO – Karnataka, Apollo Hospitals, and coordinated by Dr. Prashanth S Urs, Senior Consultant, Neonatologist and Pediatrician at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru. It followed protocols established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and adapted for India by NNF and IAP.

Birth asphyxia, the failure to initiate and sustain breathing at birth, accounts for nearly 24% of neonatal deaths globally, with a significant number occurring within the first 24 hours. In developing countries, incidence ranges between 4.6 to 26 per 1,000 births, with case fatality rates as high as 40%. Timely intervention during the first few minutes after birth can significantly reduce the risk of mortality, brain damage, cerebral palsy, and other long-term neurological conditions.

The workshop emphasised hands-on learning, maintaining a ratio of one certified instructor for every six participants to ensure personalised training. Pediatricians were trained in key resuscitation techniques required when newborns fail to breathe or cry immediately after birth, a critical competency for all doctors attending deliveries.

Participants underwent both pre- and post-training assessments, with successful candidates receiving internationally recognised certification, reinforcing standardised neonatal care practices.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Prashanth S Urs said, “The first few moments after birth are critical, and timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes for newborns. Through structured, hands-on training, we are ensuring that pediatricians are equipped to respond with confidence and precision. Strengthening these skills is essential to reducing preventable complications and improving newborn survival rates.”

All sessions were conducted by certified instructors affiliated with NNF and IAP, with several experts travelling from across India to facilitate the training.

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program, introduced globally in 1995, continues to play a vital role in advancing neonatal care by ensuring that every pediatrician attending deliveries is equipped to manage emergencies during the critical first minutes of life.

Sabhyata Foundation Hosts Jahan-e-Khusrau 2026 In Collaboration With The World Sufi Music Festival

“A three-day Sufi celebration from March 27–29, 2026 under the theme “The Steed of Longing – Safar-e-Ishq Continues”

Sabhyata Foundation, a Smarak Sarathi for Purana Qila under the Government of India’s Adopt a Heritage 2.0 initiative proudly associates with the return of India’s internationally celebrated World Sufi Music Festival, “Jahan-e-Khusrau 2026”, set against the majestic backdrop of Purana Qila, New Delhi, from March 27 to 29, 2026. This year’s theme, “The Steed of Longing – Safar-e-Ishq Continues,” reflects the enduring journey of love, devotion, and spiritual seeking at the heart of Sufi traditions. The event recorded an impressive turnout of approximately 17,000–18,000 people, reflecting its widespread appeal

This collaboration reflects a larger national vision to transform India’s historic monuments into living cultural spaces that remain publicly accessible, historically respected, and meaningfully activated through art, scholarship, and shared civic experience. As a Smarak Sarathi, Sabhyata Foundation’s stewardship represents a contemporary and deeply relevant model of monument activation aligned with the Government of India’s commitment to conservation, public participation, and cultural revitalisation.

Over the years, Jahan-e-Khusrau has grown into an internationally respected cultural platform dedicated to the timeless legacy of Amir Khusrau, while also reviving the mystical traditions of Rumi, Baba Bulleh Shah, Lalleshwari, and other Sufi saints. More than a festival, it has become a meeting ground of devotion and dialogue where music, poetry, craft, and cultural thought converge.

Its return to Purana Qila carries resonance. More than a venue, the monument becomes a living participant in the experience continuing a long-standing tradition of reanimating heritage architecture through contemporary cultural life. This vision is deeply aligned with Sabhyata Foundation’s wider work across nationally significant monuments including Purana Qila and Safdarjung Tomb, where history, performance, scholarship, and public participation converge.

The 2026 edition will feature an extraordinary musical lineup with celebrated voices of the subcontinent including Satinder Sartaj, Sukhwinder Singh, Hansraj Hans and Lakhwinder Wadali as headline performers. Alongside them, the festival will present distinguished artists such as Jassu Khan Manganiyar, Shivani Verma, Sahil Agha and Sanjukta Sinha, with further artist announcements expected to be confirmed later this week.

“The event recorded an impressive turnout of approximately 17,000–18,000 people, reflecting its widespread appeal

Ms. Avantika Dalmia, Co‑Chairman, Advisory Board, Sabhyata Foundation, said, “At Sabhyata Foundation, we believe cultural experiences are most meaningful when they are accessible, rooted, and shared. Jahan-e-Khusrau 2026 furthers this commitment by bringing together artists, audiences, and traditions at Purana Qila—honouring the past while creating space for contemporary expression. In doing so, it also reinforces our larger endeavour to ensure that India’s historic monuments remain living public spaces where heritage, dialogue, and artistic excellence continue to thrive.”

Reflecting on the continuing journey of the festival, Muzaffar Ali shares, “Jahan-e-Khusrau was born from the whispers of saints and the melodies of mystics. For over two decades it has been a sanctuary where music, poetry, and devotion dissolve boundaries and remind us that love is the ultimate path to unity.”

Meera Ali, co-curator of the festival, adds, “Jahan-e-Khusrau continues to evolve as a cultural movement. With every edition we attempt to create a space where art heals, traditions converse, and audiences reconnect with the spiritual depth of our shared heritage.”

As the festival enters its 26th year, Jahan-e-Khusrau moves forward not as a pause but as a journey. The theme for this year is, “The Steed of Longing | Safar-e-Ishq Continues” which invokes the powerful symbol of the horse not as an emblem of conquest but as a metaphor of movement and spiritual longing.

In its 26th year, Jahan-e-Khusrau continues to strengthen its position as a landmark cultural platform within India’s artistic and civilisational landscape. Its return to Purana Qila under Sabhyata Foundation’s stewardship reaffirms the importance of situating significant cultural movements within monuments of national relevance, advancing a larger vision in which heritage, and public culture remain deeply interconnected.

About Sabhyata Foundation:

Sabhyata Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to promoting and preserving India’s art, culture, heritage, and architecture through world-class experiences. In partnership with the Smarak Sarathi, Dalmia Bharat Ltd, the Foundation has redefined visitor engagement at the historic Red Fort with landmark initiatives such as the ‘Jai Hind’ Sound & Light Show, recognized by National Geographic among the world’s top five shows, the Red Fort Visitor Centre, and the Matrubhumi projection mapping.

Under the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 initiative, Sabhyata Foundation is entrusted with the upkeep and promotion of four historic Delhi sites — Purana Qila, Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb, and Mehrauli Archaeological Park.  

Sabhyata Foundation has been designated as the preferred partner by the Government of Madhya Pradesh for positioning Orchha as a premier heritage tourism destination The Foundation has celebrated India’s cultural legacy on a grand scale through festivals such as ‘Dances of India’ and ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhata – Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Festival,’ curating various cultural showcases for the G-20 Presidency, as well as musical and theatrical productions such as Mahabharat and Navratri Night at Purana Quila, which have attracted over 250,000 visitors.

For more information, visit website: https://sabhyatafoundation.com/

Yamaha India Hosts First-Ever ‘Mega Mileage Challenge’ In Bangalore

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. hosted the Mega Mileage Challenge in Bangalore for the FZ-S Fi Hybrid motorcycle and 125cc Fi Hybrid Scooters – Fascino & RayZR. The event aimed to educate customers about the impressive fuel efficiency delivered by the Hybrid Technology featuring Smart Motor Generator (SMG) system and its benefits. Organized in collaboration with authorized dealerships – Eye Automobiles, Whitefield Yamaha, Garuda Motorcycles, Vinayak Motors, and Panache Enterprises – the challenge witnessed enthusiastic participation from Yamaha customers, and their family members.

The Smart Motor Generator (SMG) and Stop & Start System (SSS), optimizes fuel economy and as a result, also reduces emissions. These systems ensure quieter starts, electric-assisted torque for exhilarating acceleration, and engine shutdown during idle, ultimately conserving fuel. This hybrid innovation allows riders to enjoy longer journeys with cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious riders seeking high performance and efficiency.

Kicking off the challenge, Yamaha motorcycles and scooters were fueled up and set off on a dedicated route – 60 kms for motorcycles and 35 kms for scooters – starting from Samruddhi Convention Center in Bangalore and back to the same point. The route covered varied riding conditions, including city roads, urban traffic, and open stretches. This gave participants a first-hand opportunity to evaluate the bike’s suspension, manoeuvrability, braking, acceleration, and initial pick-up. After completing the ride and returning to the venue, the bikes were refuelled to their original level, and fuel consumption was recorded to calculate mileage. As part of the engagement, Yamaha experts also shared insights on effective riding techniques and maintenance practices to ensure better mileage.

As a gesture of appreciation, each participant received exclusive souvenirs along with a complimentary bike wash. Additionally, Yamaha's commitment to customer satisfaction was exemplified through a comprehensive 10-point inspection, ensuring optimal performance and safety for all the motorcycles during the challenge.

Given below are the top 5 winners for the 125cc Fi Hybrid Scooter Mega Mileage Challenge who were presented with trophies and certificates in appreciation of their accomplishments:

Winner	Customer Name	Mileage Achieved
1	Mr. Sasi Dhar	115.15 KMPL
2	Mr. Durgappa	100 KMPL
3	Mr. Gowtham	97.43 KMPL
4	Mr. Satyaraj	96.25 KMPL
5	Mr. Narasimha	92.6 KMPL

 

Given below are the top 3 winners for the FZ-S Fi Hybrid Mega Mileage Challenge who were presented with trophies and certificates in appreciation of their accomplishments:

Winner	Customer Name	Mileage Achieved
1	Mr. Prabhakaran	103.7 KMPL
2	Mr. Rakshith	92.4 KMPL
3	Mr. Ambrish	92 KMPL

Sunburn Hosts Keinemusik’s India Debut Drawing 20,000 Fans For A Four-Hour Spectacle Delivering A Standout Cultural Moment In Mumbai

Mumbai witnessed one of its most defining live music moments this year as Keinemusik made their much-anticipated India debut with an exclusive showcase at the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse, produced by Sunburn and promoted by Team Innovation. Set in the heart of the city, the expansive venue transformed into a sprawling cultural playground, as over 20,000 fans came together for a six-hour sonic journey that redefined the scale and format of electronic music experiences in India.

The evening unfolded as a seamless blend of music, design and community, anchored by Keinemusik’s globally recognised Kloud stage concept - a signature production format that has become synonymous with their shows across the world. In Mumbai, the Kloud setup took centre stage, with a striking, open format design that dissolved the traditional boundaries between artist and audience. Surrounded by immersive lighting, fluid visuals and a constantly evolving atmosphere, the space felt less like a concert and more like a shared environment that the crowd moved through together over the course of the night.

As the sun set over the Mumbai skyline, the collective, comprising &ME, Rampa and Adam Port, took audiences on a carefully curated four-hour journey, building gradually from deep, melodic house into high-energy, genre-blending peaks. Known for their slow-burning storytelling, Keinemusik’s extended set created a sense of continuity rarely experienced at this scale, with each transition adding to an overarching narrative that held the audience from start to finish.

Keinemusik set the tone for the evening with deep, rolling grooves that steadily built the night’s energy. Their set spanned some of their most loved tracks, including ‘Move’, ‘Say What’, ‘Crazy For It’, and ‘The Rapture Pt. III’, among others. Adding a unique local touch, the trio also wove in their renditions of Bollywood favourites like ‘Le Gayi’ and ‘Joote Do Paise Lo’.

In a moment that captured the spirit of the night, fans were seen waving the Indian flag, amplifying the collective euphoria.

The event also drew in a notable mix of celebrities such as AP Dhillon highlighting the growing crossover between electronic music, entertainment, pop-culture and fashion in India.

Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn, said, “Keinemusik’s debut in India is a milestone not just for Sunburn, but for the live music ecosystem at large. What stood out was the depth of engagement - a six-hour set, a format like Kloud and a venue of this scale, all coming together seamlessly. It reflects how far the audience has evolved and their appetite for experiences that are immersive, global and culturally relevant. This is the direction we’re committed to building towards.”

This wasn’t just a performance; it felt like a shared moment, a massive open-air party where thousands of fans were completely in sync with the music

With this landmark showcase, Sunburn continues to push the boundaries of live electronic music in India, not just by bringing globally celebrated artists to the country, but by doing so in formats that stay true to their identity while elevating the audience experience at every level.

Puravankara Marks 50 Years With 10K Run In Bengaluru, Reinforces Sustainability Commitment

Celebrating its Golden Jubilee year, Puravankara Limited one of India’s most trusted and admired real estate developers, successfully hosted the Puravankara 10K organised at the KIADB Hardware Park, Baglur, Bengaluru North. The event brought together its extended ecosystem of employees, partners, customers, marathoners, and well-wishers, reflecting the strong community that has shaped the company’s journey over five decades.

Mallanna Sasalu, CEO - South, Puravankara Limited, said, "As we celebrate five decades of Puravankara, this run reflects the spirit of our journey. I believe our 50-year journey should not be measured only by the number of buildings we have built, but by the responsibility we carry forward. This 10K Run is our way of marking that milestone – not just with celebration, but with purpose.

Every step mirrors our commitment to endurance, collective action, and a greener future. As a responsible developer, we know that true growth is measured in the legacy that we will leave behind for the planet. That’s why our pledge of 1 million trees is not just a promise but a duty.

This Run is a rallying call to our communities to join us in that journey. Because the ground that we cover today will shape the landscape of tomorrow – rooted in action, built for generations."

The run served as a tribute to the people behind Puravankara’s 50-year legacy. It attracted over 4,000 participants across different categories, including the 10K and 5K runs and team relays, demonstrating strong engagement and collective enthusiasm. The event was organised in partnership with NEB Sports, with Fast&Up as the hydration partner and Baptist Hospital as the medical partner, ensuring a well-coordinated and safe experience for all participants.

Reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainability, Puravankara marked the occasion by planting 1,000 trees on race day, with a further 9,000 saplings to be planted in the coming days. This is part of the company’s larger pledge to plant 1 million trees by 2030 under the World Economic Forum’s 1t.org global initiative, reflecting its vision of building responsible, future-ready communities alongside its growth ambitions.

The Puravankara 10K Run stands as a meaningful milestone in the company’s Golden Jubilee year, bringing together community, wellness, and sustainability, while reinforcing its commitment to creating long-term value for both people and the environment.