AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot believes Summit Therapeutics’ lead drug, ivonescimab, could play a significant role in developing next-generation cancer treatment combinations. In an exclusive interview with CNBC, Soriot described the potential of combination therapies as a possible turning point in the future of cancer care. His comments follow AstraZeneca’s announcement of a $2 billion equity investment and clinical collaboration with Summit Therapeutics to evaluate new cancer drug combinations. The partnership aims to explore how ivonescimab could work alongside AstraZeneca’s existing oncology treatments to improve outcomes for patients.

Ivonescimab Targets Two Cancer Pathways

Ivonescimab is a bispecific antibody designed to target two biological pathways involved in cancer progression: programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). PD-1 acts as a checkpoint that can limit immune cell activity, allowing cancer cells to evade the body’s immune response. Meanwhile, VEGF helps tumours develop new blood vessels that supply the nutrients and oxygen needed for growth. By targeting both pathways simultaneously, ivonescimab aims to strengthen the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells while also disrupting the blood supply that supports tumour growth. Soriot views this dual-targeting approach as a potential advance beyond the first generation of PD-1 inhibitors, including Merck’s Keytruda, which has become a leading immunotherapy for several cancers. Ivonescimab has attracted international attention following head-to-head clinical trials reporting better outcomes than Keytruda in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. However, its broader clinical potential will depend on further evidence from ongoing and future studies.

AstraZeneca Explores Combination Therapies with Antibody-Drug Conjugates

A key objective of the AstraZeneca–Summit collaboration is to investigate combinations of ivonescimab with AstraZeneca’s portfolio of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). ADCs deliver cancer-killing agents directly to targeted cells, while immunotherapies help the body’s immune system recognise and attack tumours. Combining these approaches could potentially improve treatment responses in selected tumour types. Soriot said ivonescimab is particularly promising because it could help address cancers that may respond better to combinations with ADCs than to existing first-generation PD-1 agents. The collaboration will therefore assess whether combining these therapies can expand treatment options and address unmet medical needs across different cancer types.

$2 Billion Investment Gives AstraZeneca a Stake in Summit

AstraZeneca’s $2 billion investment represents an approximately 12% stake in Summit Therapeutics. The transaction is structured as an equity investment and clinical collaboration rather than an outright acquisition or a conventional licensing agreement. Consequently, Summit retains its commercial rights to ivonescimab. The arrangement allows AstraZeneca to collaborate on evaluating potential treatment combinations while Summit continues to develop its lead drug. The deal also highlights the pharmaceutical industry’s growing interest in bispecific antibodies, which can engage two biological targets through a single molecule. Ivonescimab’s development has intensified interest in this approach and encouraged investment in similar drug candidates.

AstraZeneca Opens $1 Billion Research and Development Facility

Soriot discussed the collaboration with CNBC from AstraZeneca’s new research and development facility in Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company announced the opening of the 570,000-square-foot facility, representing an investment of more than $1 billion. The centre will support research into next-generation treatments across several therapeutic areas, including obesity, breast cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and rare diseases. AstraZeneca expects the research programme to generate new medicines that will support the company’s growth beyond 2030. The facility will also integrate advanced technologies to accelerate drug discovery and development.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Drug Discovery

The new research centre will use robotics, continuous automation and agentic artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline laboratory operations and improve the drug development process. According to Soriot, approximately 20% of the facility’s investment is allocated to robotics and AI. These technologies are intended to help scientists identify promising drug candidates faster, simplify laboratory workflows and accelerate preclinical research. Soriot highlighted the potential benefits of these investments, including faster and more cost-effective research and development, alongside the delivery of better treatments to patients. By integrating AI-driven discovery with automated laboratory processes, AstraZeneca aims to improve research productivity and accelerate the development of new medicines.

AstraZeneca Strengthens Its Focus on Oncology Innovation

AstraZeneca’s collaboration with Summit Therapeutics and its investment in advanced research infrastructure reflect the company’s broader strategy to accelerate pharmaceutical innovation. While ivonescimab could offer new opportunities for combination cancer therapies, further clinical evaluation will be essential to establish its safety, effectiveness and role across different tumour types. At the same time, AstraZeneca’s investment in AI-enabled research and automation aims to strengthen its drug discovery capabilities and address unmet medical needs. As reported by cnbc.com, together, these initiatives underscore the pharmaceutical industry’s growing focus on targeted therapies, combination treatments and technology-driven research.

The Advanced Materials business of Aditya Birla Chemicals (Thailand) Limited and UK-based Plaswire Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop sustainable thermoset composite recycling ecosystems across key global markets. The collaboration combines Aditya Birla Group’s expertise in advanced epoxy technologies with Plaswire’s capabilities in composite waste recycling to address the growing challenge of end-of-life composite waste. Through this partnership, the companies aim to establish scalable recycling solutions that recover valuable materials, improve resource efficiency and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy.

Addressing the Challenge of Thermoset Composite Waste

Thermoset composites are engineered materials made by combining reinforcing fibres with liquid polymer resins that harden through an irreversible chemical reaction. These materials offer a combination of low weight, strength and durability, making them suitable for applications in wind energy, transportation, construction, aerospace and industrial manufacturing. However, their permanent chemical structure makes conventional recycling difficult. Consequently, end-of-life thermoset composites often end up in landfills or undergo incineration, contributing to waste management challenges and environmental pollution. As the use of composites expands across industries, developing effective recycling technologies has become increasingly important for reducing waste and recovering valuable resources.

Recyclamine Technology Enables Material Recovery

Aditya Birla Group’s proprietary Recyclamine® technology offers a potential solution to this challenge by enabling the separation and recovery of reinforcing fibres and polymer components from certain thermoset composites. By facilitating material recovery, the technology can help manufacturers incorporate recyclability into composite design and support more sustainable material life cycles. Combining this technology with Plaswire’s waste-processing capabilities could help establish integrated recycling systems that convert composite waste into useful resources.

Partnership to Advance Circular Composite Recycling

Under the MoU, Aditya Birla Group and Plaswire will work towards developing commercial recycling solutions across selected global markets. Their collaboration aims to support material recovery, improve resource utilisation and create scalable systems for managing end-of-life composites. Rajesh Balakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Materials, Aditya Birla Group, said that building a circular composites industry requires collaboration across the entire value chain. He highlighted Recyclamine® technology’s role in enabling manufacturers to incorporate recyclability at the material and design stages. He added that the partnership with Plaswire aims to develop integrated, scalable recycling ecosystems that transform composite waste into valuable resources.

Focus on Commercially Viable Recycling Solutions

Andrew Billingsley, Chief Executive Officer of Plaswire Ltd, emphasised the importance of developing commercially viable recycling models that can operate at an industrial scale. He noted that the future of recycling depends not only on processing larger volumes of waste but also on creating systems that convert discarded materials into valuable resources. Through this collaboration, both companies aim to advance circularity in the composites industry by connecting material innovation with practical recycling capabilities. As reported by compositesuk.co.uk, the initiative also reflects the growing emphasis on sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and the development of solutions for managing industrial waste.

Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd bagged the Golden Peacock Award for Sustainability (GPAS) 2026 in Chemical sector, by the Institute of Directors (IOD), India, in recognition of its steadfast commitment to embedding sustainability at the core of its business strategy and operations.

The Golden Peacock Awards are regarded as a global benchmark of corporate excellence. The awards draw around 1,000 applications each year. Entries are evaluated by independent assessors through a rigorous, multi-stage process, and the final selection is made by an eminent jury. Out of 456 nominations received this year, 197 organisations were shortlisted, and Himadri’s performance surpassed the benchmark required. The award will be presented at the Golden Peacock Awards Presentation Ceremony during IOD India’s 2026 Annual London Global Convention on Corporate Governance & Sustainability on, November 18, 2026 in London.

Anurag Choudhary, CMD & CEO of Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd said, “We are honoured to receive this recognition. For us, sustainability is not a standalone initiative but a guiding principle that shapes how we create value, manage risk and serve our stakeholders. This award reflects the dedication of our teams and reinforces our resolve to build a resilient, responsible and future-ready enterprise.”

Himadri’s integrated approach to sustainability, supported by strong governance, transparent disclosures and a continued focus on responsible innovation, has been central to this achievement. As per the press release, the recognition further strengthens the company’s resolve to uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship, social responsibility and ethical conduct as it advances its long-term growth journey.

Tata Power partnered with Norway-based renewable energy technology company Ocean Sun to launch a 300 kWp floating solar pilot project in India. The project will test Ocean Sun’s proprietary membrane-based floating solar technology at Tata Power’s Mulshi reservoir in Maharashtra. Through the initiative, the companies aim to assess the technology’s performance, reliability, cost competitiveness and scalability under Indian operating conditions. The pilot will also generate practical insights to support potential future deployments across the country.

How Membrane-Based Floating Solar Technology Works

Unlike conventional floating solar installations that rely on interconnected pontoon structures, Ocean Sun’s technology uses a thin, hydro-elastic membrane to support solar photovoltaic (PV) modules directly on the water’s surface. This lightweight design could simplify transportation and installation while reducing structural requirements. The proximity of the solar panels to the water may provide a cooling effect, potentially improving power generation performance. By adopting this alternative approach, the pilot will help determine whether membrane-based systems offer practical advantages over conventional floating solar technologies.

Pilot to Evaluate Performance and Commercial Viability

The 300 kWp installation at Mulshi reservoir will allow Tata Power to compare Ocean Sun’s technology with conventional floating solar solutions across several technical and commercial parameters.

India’s Growing Potential for Floating Solar

India has considerable scope to expand floating solar capacity by utilising reservoirs and other suitable water bodies. According to estimates by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), the country has more than 102 GWp of floating solar potential.

Floating solar can complement ground-mounted and rooftop installations as India expands its renewable energy capacity. Moreover, suitable water bodies can provide additional locations for solar development without requiring extensive land acquisition. Against this backdrop, the Mulshi pilot represents an opportunity to build the technical and commercial evidence needed to support wider adoption of membrane-based floating solar technology in India. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, the project’s findings could help Tata Power assess the role of innovative floating solar solutions in its future renewable energy portfolio while contributing to the country’s broader clean energy transition.

Prof. Pankaj Raizada of Shoolini University got recognition as the ‘Most Outstanding Researcher in the Country’ in Chemical Engineering at the third Faculty Research Awards. Careers360 organised the awards, which were presented during the India Research & Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi. A professor at the university’s School of Advanced Chemical Sciences, Prof. Raizada received a citation and a cash prize of ₹50,000. Prof. GD Yadav, President of the Indian Chemical Society and Vice-President of the Indian National Science Academy, presented the award.

She was among 54 awardees selected across 27 domains. The recipients represented leading institutions, including IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia and IIM Mumbai. The awards considered academics with at least ten publications between 2015 and 2025. The evaluation assessed research output in Scopus-indexed journals, citation counts and h-index, recognising researchers for their academic contributions and research impact.

Research on Water Pollution and Wastewater Treatment

Prof. Raizada specialises in inorganic chemistry, with a particular focus on developing advanced materials to address water pollution and improve wastewater treatment. Her research explores how photocatalytic and nanostructured materials can remove harmful pollutants from contaminated water. Specifically, she develops and engineers metal oxides and sulphides, modifying their composition to enhance pollutant-removal efficiency. Through this work, she aims to advance more effective and sustainable approaches to water purification and environmental protection.

Strong Research Output and Scientific Publications

Prof. Raizada’s research portfolio includes 363 publications, more than 25,000 citations and a Scopus h-index of 97. She has also contributed nine book chapters and holds 21 patents. Her research has appeared in prominent scientific journals, including Coordination Chemistry Reviews, Chemical Engineering Journal, Nano Energy, Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, Advanced Powder Materials, Journal of Materials Science & Technology and ACS Omega. These publications cover a broad range of subjects, from materials chemistry and nanotechnology to environmental applications, demonstrating the interdisciplinary scope of her research. In addition to her research activities, Prof. Raizada has guided more than 60 MSc students and several PhD scholars. Through this mentorship, she continues to support postgraduate research and the development of scientific talent in chemistry and advanced materials.

Previous Awards and Research Recognition

Prof. Raizada has received several honours for her scientific contributions. These include the DST Fast Track Young Scientist Award, presented by the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi. She has also secured research funding from the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE), Shimla. As reported by Shoolini University, she received the Research Excellence Award at Education Conclave 2026, organised by the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission (HP-PERC). The award recognised research contributions based on citations achieved during 2025–26.

Maharashtra’s proposed $3 billion green ammonia project faces possible cancellation after
IPO-bound INOX Air Products reportedly decided not to proceed due to commercial viability concerns. The development could affect the state’s plans to accelerate industrial decarbonisation and expand green ammonia production.

Maharashtra Signed Green Ammonia Project MoU in Davos

The Maharashtra government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with INOX Air Products during the 2024 World Economic Forum summit in Davos. The agreement proposed a green ammonia manufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of 500,000 metric tonnes. The project aimed to support Maharashtra’s clean energy transition and help industries reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

INOX Air Products Cites Commercial Feasibility Concerns

In its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP), dated October 5, INOX Air Products disclosed that it had decided against pursuing a green ammonia project agreed upon with a state government. The company’s decision highlights the commercial challenges associated with developing large-scale green ammonia projects. Developers must assess project costs, financing requirements, infrastructure availability and market demand before committing to substantial investments.

Market and Execution Risks Could Affect Expansion Plans

INOX Air Products also cautioned investors that market conditions, regulatory challenges and execution risks could delay, reduce or lead to the cancellation of future expansion initiatives. Furthermore, financing difficulties, cost overruns and infrastructure constraints could affect the company’s growth plans. These factors remain important considerations for capital-intensive projects in the emerging green hydrogen and green ammonia sectors.

Implications for Maharashtra’s Industrial Decarbonisation

The proposed green ammonia facility was expected to support industrial decarbonisation across Maharashtra, particularly in industrial centres such as Trombay, Thal and Taloja. Green ammonia can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels in selected industrial applications and support the broader transition towards lower-carbon production. However, the reported withdrawal raises questions about the commercial feasibility and implementation of the proposed project. As reported by freepressjournal.in, the project’s future remains uncertain, while the development underscores the need for viable financing models, reliable infrastructure and sustained market demand to accelerate green ammonia investments in India.

Arkema inaugurated a next-generation acrylic acid purification unit at its Carling site in France, introducing an innovative process that improves energy efficiency and reduces carbon emissions. The new facility strengthens the Group’s position in the European acrylics market while supporting the decarbonisation of the chemical industry. The project forms part of Arkema’s broader climate strategy, which focuses on reducing the environmental impact of its industrial operations through targeted investments in energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Thierry Le Hénaff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arkema, and Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy.

€150 Million Investment Supports Industrial Decarbonisation

Arkema invested nearly €150 million in the new purification unit, making it one of the company’s largest industrial projects in France. The facility also contributes to Arkema’s decarbonisation investment programme, which could reach a cumulative €400 million over the 2022–2030 period. The inauguration coincided with the General Assembly of the Critical Chemicals Alliance, where European industrial leaders and policymakers discussed strategic challenges facing the region’s chemical sector. Key priorities included industrial sovereignty, competitiveness and decarbonisation. Through this investment, Arkema aims to strengthen European chemical production while improving the environmental performance of its manufacturing operations.

New Technology Improves Energy Efficiency and Reduces Emissions

The next-generation purification unit delivers significant operational and environmental benefits. According to Arkema, the innovative process improves the energy efficiency of acrylic acid purification by 25% and reduces the carbon intensity of operations at the Carling site by 20%. In addition, the technology optimises resource and waste management while significantly reducing solvent consumption. These improvements can help lower the environmental footprint of acrylic acid production while enhancing industrial efficiency. The investment demonstrates how process innovation can support emissions reduction without compromising the competitiveness of chemical manufacturing.

Carling Site Strengthens Europe’s Acrylics Production

Arkema’s Carling facility is one of Europe’s leading acrylic production sites. It manufactures acrylic monomers used in a range of industrial applications, including performance coatings, adhesives, water treatment and advanced materials. By upgrading its purification infrastructure, Arkema aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of acrylic acid production while strengthening its position in the European market.

Arkema Emphasises European Industrial Competitiveness

Thierry Le Hénaff highlighted the role of the investment in advancing the company’s climate ambitions. He noted that Arkema’s decarbonisation programme combines industrial investment with efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Stéphane Séjourné also emphasised the importance of retaining essential chemical production capabilities in Europe. He described the Carling project as an example of how industrial hubs can invest in lower-carbon production, preserve regional expertise and support Europe’s strategic autonomy. As per the press release , the acrylic acid purification unit marks an important step in Arkema’s efforts to combine industrial competitiveness with decarbonisation. By deploying energy-efficient technology and reducing resource consumption, the company aims to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient European chemical industry.

Francis Halzen of the University of Wisconsin–Madison received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin. He transformed neutrino astronomy by demonstrating how the ice at the South Pole could help scientists detect high-energy neutrinos from distant cosmic sources. His scientific vision and leadership were instrumental in developing the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, a pioneering facility that uses light sensors embedded in a cubic kilometre of Antarctic ice. By detecting these elusive particles, IceCube enables researchers to investigate some of the universe’s most energetic processes and explore cosmic phenomena that conventional astronomical observations cannot fully explain.

Neutrinos: Elusive Messengers from the Universe

Neutrinos are among the most elusive fundamental particles in nature. They travel through space, the Earth and even the human body with very little interaction with matter. Consequently, detecting them requires highly sensitive instruments and enormous detection volumes. Occasionally, however, a neutrino collides with an atomic nucleus, producing secondary particles that emit a faint flash of light. Scientists can detect this light using specialised sensors, allowing them to identify and study the neutrino interaction. These rare events provide valuable information about the environments in which neutrinos originate.

Tracing High-Energy Neutrinos to Cosmic Sources

Scientists know that the universe contains natural particle accelerators capable of producing particles with energies millions of times greater than those achieved in terrestrial laboratories. However, many questions remain about these extreme environments, including their locations, physical characteristics and the processes that power them.

High-energy neutrinos offer a unique way to investigate these cosmic accelerators. Unlike charged particles, which magnetic fields can deflect, neutrinos travel in nearly straight lines from their sources. Moreover, they interact so weakly with matter that they can cross vast cosmic distances without significant energy loss. As a result, researchers can use high-energy neutrinos to trace cosmic events back to their origins and investigate astrophysical processes that other messengers may not reveal as clearly.

How Francis Halzen Helped Develop the IceCube Observatory

In 1988, Halzen proposed using the ice beneath the South Pole to detect neutrinos. His concept involved placing light sensors deep inside the transparent glacial ice to capture the faint flashes produced when neutrinos interact with matter. The Antarctic environment offered several advantages for this approach. Its deep ice provides a large, relatively clear medium for detecting light, while the remote location reduces certain sources of background interference. The region’s geological stability also supports long-term scientific installations. Halzen’s proposal attracted support from other researchers, leading to preliminary tests of sensors embedded in the ice within a few years. These early experiments helped establish the feasibility of building a much larger neutrino detector.

IceCube Detects High-Energy Cosmic Neutrinos

Because high-energy cosmic neutrinos are extremely rare, scientists needed an enormous detection volume to observe enough interactions. IceCube was designed to meet this challenge by instrumenting approximately one cubic kilometre of Antarctic ice with thousands of optical sensors. The observatory was completed in 2011. Researchers subsequently detected high-energy neutrinos and, in 2013, announced evidence of neutrinos originating beyond our Solar System. This milestone strengthened the foundation of neutrino astronomy and enabled scientists to investigate the sources of these particles more systematically. The observatory continues to collect neutrino interaction data, helping researchers explore the extreme environments associated with energetic cosmic events.

A New Era for Neutrino Astronomy

Recognising Halzen’s contribution, Mark Pearce, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, highlighted his leadership of an international team of researchers and engineers in developing the observatory. Pearce also emphasised how Halzen’s scientific vision helped establish a new approach to astronomy. By studying the neutrinos detected by IceCube, scientists can investigate the violent astrophysical environments that produce high-energy particles. These observations may also reveal previously unknown cosmic objects and phenomena. As per the Nobel Prize press release, Ultimately, IceCube has expanded the tools available to astronomers, allowing them to study the universe not only through light but also through elusive particles that carry information from some of its most energetic and distant regions.

AmpereHour Energy and Ampt announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of advanced DC-coupled battery energy storage solutions across India, South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Under the partnership, AmpereHour will distribute and service Ampt’s DC power management products across these markets. The collaboration combines Ampt’s String Optimizers and Direct-to-Battery (D2B) DC-coupled architecture with AmpereHour’s battery storage integration, energy management software and project services. The companies aim to improve project economics, energy efficiency and grid reliability for utility-scale and commercial energy storage customers.

Partnership Targets Key Energy Storage Applications

The collaboration will focus on several high-growth applications, including:

Utility-scale solar-plus-BESS projects

Data centre energy storage

DC charging infrastructure for electric vehicles

Solar repowering projects

PV-only systems

Co-located green hydrogen projects

Battery capacity augmentation

As renewable energy deployment expands, DC-coupled storage can help project developers improve energy utilisation while reducing system costs.

Direct-to-Battery Architecture Improves Efficiency

Ampt’s Direct-to-Battery (D2B) technology connects photovoltaic (PV) arrays directly to the battery DC bus. This architecture can reduce total system capital expenditure while improving round-trip energy efficiency and long-term system performance. Ampt’s String Optimizers operate as DC/DC converters within the PV array. They perform string-level maximum power point tracking (MPPT), helping optimise solar generation while following battery voltage during charging and discharging. Because the DC/DC conversion takes place within the PV system rather than through a separate battery converter, the architecture can deliver the responsiveness of a standalone energy storage system while reducing overall system costs.

Combining Energy Storage and Power Management

The integrated solution combines AmpereHour’s battery energy storage system, DC recombiner and Energy Management System (EMS) with Ampt’s String Optimizers. AmpereHour’s EMS incorporates real-time control algorithms designed to support performance optimisation, operational safety and risk management. Together, the technologies are designed to help customers improve system performance, optimise renewable energy utilisation and increase project return on investment.

Supporting the Global Energy Transition

Aaron Gomolak, Chief Executive Officer, Ampt, said the demand for firm and dispatchable renewable power is becoming increasingly important as the global energy transition accelerates. He added that the partnership with AmpereHour will support the deployment of high-efficiency DC-coupled storage across India, the Middle East, Africa and other emerging markets, helping hybrid renewable energy projects capture more energy and reduce capital costs.

Next-Generation Solar-Plus-Storage Solutions

Ayush Misra, Co-founder and CEO, AmpereHour Energy, said the partnership will enable the company to offer advanced and cost-optimised solar-plus-storage solutions to project developers and utility customers. By combining AmpereHour’s storage integration capabilities with Ampt’s DC power management technology, the companies aim to deliver energy storage architectures designed for higher performance, efficiency and long-term reliability. As per the press release, the partnership comes as demand for renewable energy, battery energy storage systems and grid-flexibility solutions continues to grow across India and other high-growth markets.