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AI-first platform MGood secures Strategic Partnership from ObserveNow CEO Jeet Sharma

Observenow Desk July 17, 2025

In a move that blends purpose with digital innovation, Jeet Sharma, Co-founder and CEO of ObserveNow Media, has taken a strategic equity stake in MGood, a health-tech startup aiming to make universal healthcare access a reality by 2029.

MGood, headquartered in India, is building an ambitious mission-driven platform focused on delivering affordable, accessible healthcare—particularly to underrepresented communities that remain disconnected from quality medical services. Their bold initiative, “Doctor for All by 2029,” relies on technology-led solutions like AI-based diagnosis, virtual consultations, and mobile-first platforms that bring healthcare directly to the user’s pocket.

Read more: Top 5 Innovative Tech-Financing Models Revolutionizing Healthcare in India

With Jeet Sharma coming on board not just as an investor but also as a strategic partner, the move signals more than just capital support. “This is about combining media, outreach, and mission. MGood is solving a real problem—bringing trust, tech, and treatment together. I’m excited to support this journey toward universal digital healthcare,” Sharma shared in a statement.

Sharma, who co-founded ObserveNow in 2019, has built a formidable reputation in the B2B media and events ecosystem. Under his leadership, ObserveNow has emerged as a leading knowledge platform for CXOs, tech innovators, and policymakers. With his background in strategy, branding, and ecosystem building, Sharma is expected to contribute more than just financial investment—he’s bringing in networks, market access, and visibility to accelerate MGood’s national and possibly global outreach.

MGood’s approach is already making waves. The platform focuses on tier-II and rural populations who are often excluded from urban-first health solutions. Users can access free primary consultations via verified doctors, manage prescriptions digitally, and consult specialists for a nominal fee—all through a simple mobile interface.

“MGood is solving a real and urgent challenge—how to make trusted, accessible healthcare available to every Indian, regardless of geography or income,” said Jeet Sharma, “What drew me in wasn’t just the tech, but the clarity of purpose. This isn’t charity—it’s scalable impact. I’m here to help amplify that mission and build a bridge between innovation and the people who need it most.”garima

With respect to this partnership, Ms. Garima Gangal, Chief Operating Officer, MGood stated, “We’re thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Observe Now, a renowned industry leader in media, organizing events and networking. This collaboration is poised to be a long-term relationship, driving growth and innovation in the healthcare sector.” She added, “Observe Now has consistently pioneered growth platforms, bringing together the right people and opportunities. Together, we’re confident that we’ll make significant strides in providing accessible healthcare services. This partnership aligns with our shared vision of improving healthcare outcomes and expanding reach. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration that benefits both parties and creates lasting impact.”

This partnership also hints at a growing trend of media-tech convergence in impact-driven sectors. As digital media professionals like Sharma step into social entrepreneurship, it reflects a broader shift—where credibility, community, and cause intersect.

As India braces for a healthcare future that’s inclusive, mobile, and tech-first, partnerships like these might just be the force multiplier needed to bridge the last mile. MGood and Jeet Sharma’s collaboration could well set the tone for how purpose-led entrepreneurship looks in a digitally reimagined world.

Tags: digital innovationGarima GangalHealthcareJeet SharmaMGoodOBSERVENOWpartnership

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HR

Abhishek Tiwari Appointed CEO of PGIM India AMC to Steer Next Growth Phase

Observenow Desk

Abhishek Tiwari has taken the helm as Chief Executive Officer of PGIM India Asset Management Company, marking a strategic shift for the investment firm as it looks to strengthen its position in India’s growing mutual fund market. With over two decades of experience in asset management, Tiwari arrives at PGIM India AMC following significant leadership roles across global and domestic financial institutions.

In his previous tenure as Head of Equity and Thematic Investments at Axis Mutual Fund, Tiwari built a robust portfolio strategy, driving consistent returns and innovating investment processes in India’s equity landscape. His earlier experience includes stints at Deutsche Investors, HSBC Asset Management, and BNP Paribas, where he managed multi-asset portfolios and focused on optimized fund performance.

At PGIM India AMC, Tiwari inherits a diverse franchise that caters to institutional clients, retail investors, and high-net-worth individuals. His immediate focus is expected to be on core equity growth, widening product offerings, and intensifying digital engagement through data analytics and AI-driven insights. The firm is also likely to explore specialized investment themes such as ESG, passive funds, and fintech-led distribution.

Under Tiwari’s leadership, PGIM India AMC aims to elevate its competitive edge by aligning closer with evolving investor preferences, deepening advisory relationships, and scaling operational capabilities, including risk management and regulatory compliance. He is also expected to strengthen capabilities in India’s booming alternatives and retirement solutions space.

Industry observers see his appointment as a timely move in a rapidly expanding market, where mutual fund assets under management are nearing ₹50 lakh crore. With investors demanding innovation, transparency, and customized advice, Tiwari’s background in strategic fund management and retail equity positioning is viewed as an asset that could drive growth and differentiation.

Tiwari will report directly to PGIM India’s Board and Executive Committee, as he begins implementing initiatives to boost institutional success and broaden reach among Indian investors. His arrival underscores PGIM India AMC’s renewed commitment to leadership excellence, product innovation, and technology-driven asset management.

As Tiwari charts his vision, PGIM India AMC is set to embark on its next chapter—leveraging deep market insight, digital transformation, and disciplined investment strategies to capture emerging opportunities in India’s evolving financial ecosystem.

Tags: Abhishek TiwariPGIM India AMC

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Technology

IBM Launches First Agentic AI Innovation Centre in Bengaluru to Drive Autonomous Intelligence

Observenow Desk

IBM has opened its Agentic AI Innovation Centre at its Bengaluru campus, pioneering a new frontier in India’s artificial intelligence landscape. The facility is specifically designed to help enterprises, startups, and developers build, test, and operationalize autonomous AI agents capable of executing complex, multi-step tasks with minimal human intervention—heralding a shift from traditional AI assistants to proactive, decision-making systems.

At the heart of the centre is IBM’s watsonx Orchestrate platform, which provides users with tools to fine-tune small language models, audit agent processes, and deploy real-world AI agents. These agents can interpret context, adapt to unexpected scenarios, and integrate across systems—moving beyond predefined rules and toward dynamic operational autonomy.

Senior Vice President Dinesh Nirmal described the opening as a turning point, noting how these intelligent agents will “act, adapt and collaborate in real time,” transforming AI strategies from reactive solutions to proactive operational platforms. Businesses now have access to a hands-on environment where they can prototype and deploy agents across use cases such as issue resolution, process orchestration, customer support, and IT operations—enabling measurable improvements in productivity and agility.

Notably, preliminary IBM internal deployments have demonstrated substantial results: AI agents are alleviating HR ticket volumes, performing predictive IT remediation, and streamlining claims processing in finance. This highlights IBM’s commitment to moving beyond pilot stages toward scaling enterprise-grade agentic AI workflows.

The Bengaluru centre complements IBM’s GenAI Innovation Centre launched in Kochi in July 2024, forming the backbone of its India Software Lab strategy. It underscores IBM’s efforts to decentralize AI innovation in India, enabling industry-wide collaboration—spanning public infrastructure, healthcare, education, and sustainability—under a robust governance framework.

In India’s rapidly evolving AI ecosystem, this development arrives at a critical juncture. A recent IBM–Oxford Economics survey found that 78% of Indian business leaders view agentic AI as a key enabler of decision-making and are actively encouraging experimentation across their organisations.

By providing a dedicated hub for autonomous AI innovation, IBM is positioning India as a global hub for enterprise-class AI development. The centre offers technology firms, government agencies, and startups an accelerated path to deploy intellectual, scalable AI solutions—laying a foundation for intelligent systems that operate reliably, ethically, and autonomously in real‑world environments.

Tags: IBM

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Technology

Zscaler Boosts Public Data Centre Presence in Saudi Arabia to Enhance Zero‑Trust Security

Observenow Desk July 16, 2025

Zscaler has significantly expanded its public data centre infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of cloud-native security solutions in the region. The new infrastructure rollout extends the reach of its Zero Trust Exchange platform, particularly Zscaler Private Access, while delivering lower latency and improved service performance for enterprise customers navigating digital transformation initiatives.

This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s regulatory demands for data sovereignty and compliance, allowing organisations to embrace cloud-first strategies with increased confidence. Zscaler’s architecture ensures that sensitive customer data remains encrypted, logs are tokenised, and retention is limited to required periods—strategies designed to support local privacy regulations. In addition, the firm maintains a transparent stance—having received 91 government requests for user data in 2024 but complied with none—underpinning its reputation for safeguarding customer privacy.

Saeed Agha, Vice President of Emerging Markets, emphasised that this investment demonstrates Zscaler’s long-term commitment to the Middle East’s digital economy. He highlighted the company’s goals of delivering resilient connectivity, strict adherence to data control, and facilitating secure access regardless of user location.

The Saudi rollout builds on Zscaler’s presence at LEAP 2025, where it highlighted AI-enhanced threat detection and the Zero Trust Exchange’s ability to secure users, devices, workloads, and IoT/OT environments. The region’s shift towards cloud-first operations, alongside ambitious projects like Vision 2030, positions Zscaler to meet rising demand for scalable, compliant, and secure infrastructure.

Having more than 150 global data centres, the company ensures robust performance, failover strategies, and business continuity for its clients’ critical applications. This recent regional investment reinforces Zscaler’s role as a trusted technology partner to governments, enterprises, and large-scale digital initiatives across the Middle East.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Zscaler’s expanded footprint in Saudi Arabia positions it to capitalize on regulatory compliance, future-proof security architecture, and demand for enterprise-grade cloud protection—underpinned by a regionally aware yet globally resilient network.

Tags: Saudi ArabiaZscaler

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Technology

Thinking Machines Lab Raises $2 Billion Seed Round in AI Powerplay

Observenow Desk

Thinking Machines Lab, the AI startup founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, has secured a record‑breaking $2 billion in seed funding, catapulting its valuation to approximately $10 billion–$12 billion. The investment, led by top-tier venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and backed by heavyweights including Nvidia, AMD, Accel, Cisco, and Jane Street, marks the largest seed round in Silicon Valley history.

Founded in February 2025, Thinking Machines wasted no time assembling an elite team, drawing key talent from OpenAI, Meta, Mistral, and Google. Co-founders include notable names like John Schulman, Barrett Zoph, Lilian Weng, Andrew Tulloch, and Luke Metz—many of whom played pivotal roles in building ChatGPT, DALL‑E, and other high-profile AI systems.

Murati and her team are developing advanced multimodal AI systems capable of understanding language, images, voice, and context to interact with users in more intuitive, human-like ways. She stated the company’s first product—slated for release within months—will include significant open-source components and be tailored for researchers and startups building custom models.

The deal underscores the intense competition for AI talent and the high stakes of frontier AI development. With no revenue or public product yet, the company’s colossal seed round demonstrates exceptional investor trust in Murati’s vision and leadership. Thinking Machines operates as a public-benefit corporation under Murati’s direction, granting her weighted voting control on the board—ensuring she retains strategic authority as the company scales.

As the startup accelerates hiring and readies its debut product, the global AI community will be watching closely. With this unprecedented funding and leadership pedigree, Thinking Machines Lab is poised to challenge established players and shape the next chapter in multimodal and general-purpose AI systems.

Tags: Mira MuratiThinking Machines Lab

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Technology

Deloitte South Asia CEO Romal Shetty Stresses Critical Thinking and Ethical Oversight as AI Becomes Embedded in Society

Observenow Desk

As artificial intelligence continues to integrate into core sectors of the global economy, the CEO of Deloitte South Asia has underscored the urgent need for critical thinking and ethical governance in ensuring a balanced and responsible AI-led future. In a period marked by rapid deployment of AI across industries like finance, healthcare, governance, and retail, the focus is shifting from technological capability to human oversight and moral accountability.

According to the executive, AI is evolving beyond automation into realms of autonomy, where systems can make decisions independently. In such a scenario, organizations cannot afford to treat ethics as an afterthought. As enterprises increasingly rely on generative AI models and autonomous agents to power operations, there is a growing risk of unintended consequences—ranging from algorithmic bias and data misuse to job displacement and lack of explainability. Ethical safeguards, the CEO asserts, must be built into the AI lifecycle—from design and deployment to decision-making and outcome evaluation.

The leader stressed that it is not only regulators or compliance teams that need to engage in ethical thinking, but also CXOs, board members, and every employee interacting with AI systems. Clear governance frameworks that align innovation with societal expectations are essential, especially as AI begins to influence decisions that affect human lives directly—such as loan approvals, healthcare diagnostics, and employee performance evaluations.

Equally important is the reinforcement of critical thinking across the workforce. While AI can process vast datasets and deliver rapid outputs, it lacks the ability to interpret context, exercise judgment, or understand nuance. These remain distinctly human strengths. Romal emphasized that professionals must be trained not just to use AI tools but to question their insights, recognize limitations, and apply discernment. In doing so, organizations can ensure AI remains a tool for augmentation, not unchecked automation.

The call to action is clear: as India Inc accelerates its AI maturity, the cultural shift must be as strong as the technological one. Businesses must invest in cultivating ethical literacy and critical analysis skills while also embedding robust, transparent guardrails in their AI governance strategy. The companies that succeed will be those that pair machine intelligence with human wisdom—creating systems that are not only powerful, but principled.

This balanced approach will not only mitigate risk but foster trust among stakeholders, from customers and regulators to employees and partners. As AI grows more influential in shaping society, it is human-centric thinking that will ensure progress remains inclusive, fair, and sustainable.

Tags: artificial intelligenceDeloitteRomal Shetty

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Trending

Ayushmann Khurrana Becomes the New Face of HP India in Campaign Embracing Empowerment Through Technology

Observenow Desk

HP India has announced Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana as the brand’s new ambassador, marking a strategic initiative to reinforce its message of individual empowerment through technology. The partnership is designed to align the global tech giant with Khurrana’s image as a progressive, socially conscious influencer whose ethos of integrity, adaptability, leadership, and teamwork resonates deeply with HP’s brand values.

The new campaign celebrates authenticity and innovation, extending beyond Khurrana to feature his brother, actor Aparshakti Khurana, adding a personal and relatable touch. Their joint appearance underscores themes of collaboration and familial connection, reinforcing HP India’s narrative of technology fostering human bonds in an increasingly digital world.

Ayushmann, a National Award winner for Andhadhun and UNICEF India’s National Ambassador alongside cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, brings considerable credibility. He has been recognized twice by TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” list and recently joined the Oscar voting body—credentials that highlight his growing influence and trustworthiness among audiences and brands alike.

HP’s decision to bring on Khurrana follows its high-profile global tie-ups with Ferrari and Real Madrid, signaling its intent to modernize and localize its brand storytelling in India through culturally relevant ambassadors who epitomize both innovation and purpose.

Through this collaboration, HP India aims to deepen its connection with consumers by championing the theme of “technology as an equalizer”—empowering individuals to push boundaries, pursue creativity, and foster change. As digital adoption evolves, the brand hopes Khurrana’s authentic persona and socially aware journey will inspire trust and emotional engagement across its product portfolio—from personal devices to enterprise solutions.

This alliance marks another milestone in Khurrana’s expanding repertoire of brand collaborations, reinforcing his appeal as a relatable yet progressive youth icon. With his advocacy for meaningful narratives and thought-provoking cinema, he aligns naturally with HP’s aspiration to craft technology-driven stories that uplift lives and shape the future.

Tags: Ayushmann KhurranaHP India

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Trending

Astronauts from India, Poland and Hungary Safely Splash Down After Axiom‑4 ISS Mission

Observenow Desk

Astronauts Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Sławosz Uznański‑Wiśniewski (Poland), Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and veteran American astronaut Peggy Whitson have safely returned to Earth following an 18‑day mission aboard the International Space Station. The crew docked aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule named Grace, which splashed down off the coast of Southern California after a dramatic descent through Earth’s atmosphere.

The mission, conducted by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX, marks a historic moment as it restores government-backed human spaceflight for India, Poland and Hungary—their first since the late 1970s. As pilot, Shubhanshu Shukla became the first astronaut representing the Indian Space Research Organisation to visit the ISS, building on the legacy of India’s space ambitions ahead of its planned Gaganyaan crewed mission in 2027. Meanwhile, Uznański‑Wiśniewski’s participation reflects Poland’s return to crewed space endeavors under ESA’s Ignis initiative, and Kapu became Hungary’s first government-sponsored astronaut.

During their stay, the crew carried out more than 60 microgravity experiments from 31 countries, advancing research in life sciences, materials, and technology. Whitson extended her own U.S. record to nearly 700 cumulative days in orbit while leading the mission as commander. Her presence lent seasoned authority and stability to this pioneering international flight.

The successful return signals the growing role of private entities like Axiom Space in facilitating government-sponsored crewed missions to the ISS, aligning with NASA’s broader goal of transitioning to private-sector-operated space stations by the end of the decade. As the capsule touched down, the crew was retrieved by recovery teams and taken ashore, following standard medical checks and debriefings.

This mission not only demonstrates the technical prowess of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 rockets but also highlights a new era of global collaboration. Smaller nations are now gaining access to space through private-public partnerships, expanding the frontier of human space exploration beyond traditional spacefaring powers.

The Axiom‑4 mission underscores the expanding democratization of orbital access, pioneering a future where public and private cooperation empowers diverse nations to contribute to humanity’s presence in space.

Tags: AstronautsAxiom‑4 ISS MissionShubhanshu ShuklaSpaceX

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Trending

India Inc Shifts from AI Pilots to Autonomous Solutions as Adoption Deepens

Observenow Desk

India Inc is rapidly transitioning from isolated AI experiments to deploying autonomous systems within core business operations, according to a recent ET CIO Intelligence Report. While a striking 92% of companies remain mired in pilot stages, only 8% have achieved large-scale AI implementation—but leading sectors such as BFSI and IT-enabled services are forging ahead, with maturity rates of 71% and 80%, respectively.

Major financial players, including banks and insurance firms, are embedding AI in fraud detection, underwriting, and consumer engagement, driving both efficiency and compliance. Healthcare providers, meanwhile, are piloting AI in diagnostics and drug development, and retail brands are using it for personalized customer experiences. However, these deployments are often hampered by fragmented legacy systems and weak data infrastructure, which remain significant inhibitors to wider adoption.

Recognizing that pilots alone do not deliver measurable outcomes, CIOs at Indian firms are adopting a “proof of value” mindset—tracking metrics such as Return on Employee (RoE)—and tightening governance around data quality, ethical use, and security protocols. According to Rakesh Bhardwaj, CIO of Lupin, “AI has moved beyond proof of concept—it’s now about proof of value.”

The evolution toward “agentic AI”—autonomous systems capable of independent action—is gaining momentum. Enterprises across banking, aviation, telecom and manufacturing are deploying intelligent agents to handle tasks ranging from fraud response to flight operations, and customer service, signaling a new wave of AI maturity.

Despite the enthusiasm, challenges persist. India’s data systems continue to operate in silos—legacy ERPs, MES, and SCADA systems lack standardization, hindering seamless AI integration. Talent gaps also remain a concern, with shortages in AI engineering, MLOps, and data science roles. Companies are responding with reskilling programs, university partnerships, and leveraging remote talent pools.

Securing autonomous AI systems adds another layer of complexity. As these systems assume decision-making roles, enterprises are ramping up security postures—embracing Zero Trust strategies, continuous authentication, and observability-to detect anomalies in real time.

Experts argue that the next two years are critical. Companies must evolve from pilot projects into scalable AI platforms by building centers of excellence, investing in robust data fabrics, and embedding guardrails for governance, ethics, and security. Real-world examples such as JPMorgan’s COIN and Siemens’ AI-infused digital twins offer blueprints for success.

Visa’s take? AI adoption is accelerating, but the true value lies in autonomous systems that integrate deeply with enterprise systems while ensuring ethical use. As India Inc shifts from experimentation to execution, companies that align strategy with strong infrastructure, talent, and secure frameworks are poised to lead in the AI-powered era.

Tags: AI adoptionIndia Inc

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Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Startup Deep Algorithm Raises ₹108 Crore Seed Round to Accelerate AI-Driven Protection

Observenow Desk

Deep Algorithm, a Bengaluru-based cybersecurity venture, has secured a ₹108 crore seed investment to fast-track the development of its flagship AI-powered threat detection and response platform. Founded by cybersecurity and AI veterans, the company aims to protect enterprises against sophisticated cyberattacks—including supply chain exploits, credential theft, and ransomware—by integrating real-time threat intelligence with advanced machine learning systems.

The fresh funding will be channeled into expanding Deep Algorithm’s engineering capabilities, developing a suite of autonomous security agents, and scaling deployments across critical industry segments such as banking, healthcare, telecom, and public infrastructure. With AI-enabled automation at its core, the platform is designed to continuously scan network behavior, detect anomalies, and initiate defensive actions without human intervention—providing enterprises with proactive and adaptive security posture.

Backed by marquee investors from both technology and security domains, Deep Algorithm plans to extend its presence in the United States and Europe, targeting global enterprises with complex security needs and compliance requirements. The startup is also collaborating with leading cloud providers to integrate its threat detection agents into major enterprise environments with minimal friction.

In an era where adversaries increasingly exploit AI and automation, Deep Algorithm seeks to place AI on the defensive side—delivering scalable, intelligent protection that evolves alongside emerging cyber threats. This capital infusion positions the startup to challenge legacy cybersecurity vendors and redefine how organizations secure digital assets in the AI era.

Tags: cybersecurityDeep Algorithm

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