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Blastr Green Steel strengthens strategic partnerships and raises development financing for ultra-low CO2 steel value chain

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HELSINKI, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Blastr Green Steel (Blastr) has successfully executed a financing round with strategic partners, advancing the development of a European integrated ultra-low CO2 steel value chain with its flagship steel plant in Finland.

Global steel industry leader Cargill Metals, Germany-based steel trader INTERFER Group, Tesi, Finland’s state-owned venture capital investment company, and Blastr’s founder Vanir Green Industries participated in the equity financing round. The proceeds will be used to progress development planning for the steel plant in Inkoo, Finland, and a facility in Northern Europe designed for producing 6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of high-quality low-carbon DR pellets feedstock annually. The funding will also support organisational ramp-up aligned with commercial and supply chain activities.

“This successful early financing round represents a significant step towards realising Blastr’s multi-billion Euro investment program for production of pellets, sponge iron and steel at global scale,” said Mark Bula, the CEO of Blastr Green Steel. “Together with our partners, we are set to materially contribute to transforming how the world’s most important engineering and construction material – steel – is made. The confidence from our development partners is a validation of Blastr’s unique competitive advantages and position within the global steel industry.”

Lee Kirk, Managing Director, Cargill Metals, said, “It is increasingly urgent that the global steel industry delivers on its decarbonisation commitments. We are therefore very pleased with the strong momentum and progress made by the new Blastr leadership towards the realisation of an ultra-low CO2 steel value chain in Europe as part of developing a more sustainable ferrous industry.”

Gerold Lorenz, CEO of INTERFER Edelstahl Group, added, “Our customers are increasingly focusing on low-carbon steel products, and we are committed to bringing green steel solutions to the market at scale. Our investment in Blastr reflects our strategy of establishing stable and trusting partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers worldwide.”

Esa Koponen, Investment Director at Tesi, commented, “Blastr Green Steel fully aligns with Tesi’s industrial scale-up strategy aimed at promoting economic growth, innovation and investments. We look forward to providing our long-term support to the project which will create significant economic activity in Finland by leveraging our rapidly growing local renewable energy industry to offer new competitive solutions for reducing global emissions and drive the clean and green transition.”

As part of the next development phase, Blastr is establishing framework agreements covering the entire green steel value chain from the supply of steelmaking technology and working with Cargill Metals to finalise the supply of raw materials and feedstock for pellet production, to sales of surplus pellets, HBI (hot briquetted iron) and low-cost, ultra-low CO2 steel products utilising greener logistics. These agreements will form the basis for construction financing discussions with strategic and financial partners with the ambition of making final investment decision for both the pellet plant and the steel plant by early 2026 and commencing production before 2030.

Blastr is creating a low-carbon mine-to-gate steel value chain with 90% lower C0₂ emissions than conventional steelmaking by using hydrogen instead of coal in the iron production process and feedstock made with carbon-free energy. This mine-to-gate model enables a differentiated and profitable business model with a low carbon footprint.

Completion of the partner financing round is conditional upon the approval by the general meeting of Blastr 28 June 2024. SEB acted as financial advisor to Blastr and BAHR was legal advisor. Capient AS acted as strategic capital markets advisor.

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@blastr.no 
+358 50 465 4767 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

 

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Vidrio Financial Unveils Alternative Investment (VIP) Ecosystem: A Unified Platform Hub for Data, Decisions, and Deal Flow

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NEW YORK, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In the first quarter of this year, Vidrio Financial (“Vidrio”) saw significant growth and demand for our institutional portfolio management platform, highlighted by new mandates from leading investors. Building on this momentum, Vidrio is excited to introduce VIP, (Vidrio Investor Partner), a new investment ecosystem that connects institutional investors, fund managers, and service providers on a single integrated platform.

This natural extension of Vidrio expands our ecosystem where institutional investors, fund managers, and service providers can collaborate in the delivery of specialized GP and LP services and access investment opportunities across managed funds, secondary auctions, co-investments, high-quality LP advisory services, and more, all without requiring the building of additional infrastructure. VIP preserves Vidrio’s core commitment to efficiency, objectivity and independence across alternative investments while providing tools for scaling investment capabilities that align both LP and GP strategic goals.

Mazen Jabban, Chairman & CEO, Vidrio Financial, stated, “For many years, clients asked us to apply our proven strength in portfolio monitoring and managed data services to critical areas of investment advisory and due diligence, as well as administration. We intentionally waited until we could deliver them in a way that efficiently bridged the gap and leveraged our software infrastructure to form a more connected investment ecosystem. VIP is that ecosystem.”

Gygmy Gonnot, Managing Director, Vidrio Financial, stated, “VIP was built on three foundational principles – expert partner-led curation, complete data ownership by investors, and independence and transparency with continuous monitoring by Vidrio. Together, these principles create an ecosystem where institutional investors, fund managers, and service providers can engage with confidence, knowing that trust and objectivity remain at the center of every interaction.

The VIP Investor Plus tier further enhances the experience with sophisticated portfolio construction, scenario analysis, transaction management, trade workflows, and more capabilities”.

VIP is launching with limited-time incentives through September 2026. To explore these benefits, visit the VIP website at https://www.vidrio.com/vip-ecosystem

About Vidrio Financial

Vidrio Financial (www.vidrio.com) is a leading provider of alternative investment management technology and managed data services for institutional investors. We empower allocators with a unified platform that delivers portfolio management, analytics, and data intelligence across complex investment portfolios. Leveraging automation, machine learning, and agentic AI, Vidrio helps investment teams improve efficiency, strengthen oversight, and make more informed decisions.

Media Inquiries:
David Barry, Head of Marketing
david.barry@vidrio.com

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ISRO Scientists Launch Space Technology & Research Program 2026 at Chandigarh University

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CU Space Program to offer training & research by ISRO, IIST Scientists for research scholars and students

CHANDIGARH, India, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a major step towards strengthening space technology education and research, Chandigarh University, through its Kalpana Chawla Centre (KCC) has launched the KCC Space Technology & Research Program 2026 and the KCC Summer Internship Program 2026 at its campus on Monday.

The month-long national-level programme, running from June 15 to July 11, 2026, has brought together leading space scientists, satellite technologists and semiconductor experts from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) and other premier scientific institutions to mentor the next generation of innovators and researchers. The initiative will provide students with valuable insights into emerging space technologies and hands-on exposure to cutting-edge developments shaping India’s rapidly evolving space sector.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr S Sudhakar, Deputy Director, U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), ISRO as the Chief Guest while Prof. Priyadarshnam, Head and Project Director, SSPACE, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) attended as the Guest of Honour. Distinguished guests included Dr. Kamaljeet Singh, Director General, Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh, and Sri Jothy Soman, Group Director, URSC, ISRO.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr S Sudhakar, Deputy Director, U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), ISRO said, “As India works towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, science and technology will play a defining role in shaping the future. Science is going to govern the world and space technology will be one of the most important drivers of that transformation. One of the most important lessons young engineers and researchers can learn from ISRO’s journey is the value of developing indigenous technologies. We have achieved world-class results by building our own capabilities and relying on the talent of our people. Technology does not come free and acquiring it from elsewhere often comes at a significant cost. When we develop technologies ourselves, we not only reduce costs but also gain strategic advantages and self-reliance. This approach has enabled India to perform exceptionally well despite resource constraints.”

Dr S Sudhakar added, “Communication, navigation, scientific exploration and strategic applications will increasingly depend on advancements in the space sector. The coming decades will witness growing demand for space-based services, including surveillance, communication and navigation systems. The defence sector is also expanding its space-based capabilities, both independently and in collaboration with ISRO. At the same time, there will be increasing requirements for scientific research, exploration missions and technology development across multiple domains.”

“ISRO has already charted out an ambitious roadmap extending to 2047, including major programmes ranging from advanced exploration missions to long-term human spaceflight missions. To remain technologically ahead in an increasingly competitive global environment, India must continue to invest in indigenous technologies and strengthen its infrastructure,” added Dr Sudhakar.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Priyadarshnam, Head & Project Director, SSPACE, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) said, “ISRO has always been at the forefront of achieving maximum impact with limited resources. One of the key lessons from its journey is the importance of precision, rigorous testing and human expertise. While automation has its place, mission success ultimately depends on meticulous development, validation and the dedication of scientists and engineers. This culture of frugal innovation and uncompromising testing has been central to ISRO’s achievements over the years.”

On the role emerging technologies can play in strengthening the security systems in the country, Prof. Priyadarshnam said, “Quantum technology will be a major thrust area in the future. If we do not adapt to quantum systems, many of the present security mechanisms could eventually become vulnerable. Research organizations across India, including ISRO, are already working on quantum technologies, particularly quantum cryptography and quantum communications. Artificial intelligence is another technology that will have a profound impact on the space sector. While its adoption in satellite systems is still evolving, the enormous volume of data being generated by modern space missions will make AI indispensable for analysis, decision-making and future space applications. These areas will play a crucial role in securing communications, protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening national security in the years ahead.”

On space technology’s role in driving economic growth, he said, “Space technology is going to play a major role in India’s future development. Unless we are quick enough to adopt and integrate space technologies across the domains, the pace of development will not be sufficient. There is certainly a threat perception arising from the growing role of space-based technologies in security and strategic affairs. However, India has the capability to overcome such challenges through indigenous innovation and technological self-reliance. India’s greatest strength lies in its talent, and we must increase our workforce in this critical sector. Innovation in areas such as small satellite technologies and advanced space systems will be important in enhancing our preparedness and resilience.”

Dr Kamaljeet Singh, Director General, Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) said, “Semiconductors are the foundation of the digital economy and will play a crucial role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Under the India Semiconductor Mission, significant progress is already being made with multiple manufacturing and assembly plants being established across the country. Our objective is to build a robust, full-stack semiconductor ecosystem that reduces import dependence and strengthens India’s technological capabilities. Semiconductors are critical for strategic sectors including space, telecommunications, defence, artificial intelligence and advanced computing.”

“The next step is to strengthen manufacturing, deployment and application ecosystems. As artificial intelligence becomes a key driver of future growth, India must leverage its vast data resources to develop indigenous technologies and sovereign AI models. Building strong capabilities in semiconductors and AI will not only boost economic growth but also enhance national security, technological independence and India’s competitiveness in the global innovation landscape,” added Dr Kamaljeet.

Over the next four weeks, nearly 15 eminent scientists, directors, senior researchers and technical experts from premier national institutions including ISRO, IIST, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) and other leading organizations will engage with Chandigarh University students and faculty through an intensive series of technical training sessions, expert lectures, laboratory demonstrations, mentoring programmes, research discussions and interactive workshops.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/ 

 

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InCred Capital Expands Global Footprint with Launch of US Operations; Appoints Arunava Das as CEO, North America

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MUMBAI, India, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — InCred Capital, the institutional, wealth and asset management arm of InCred Group, today announced the launch of its US operations with the opening of its New York office.

Building on its established presence across India, Singapore, Dubai and London, the launch marks another important milestone in InCred Capital’s journey to build a leading global platform connecting international capital with India’s growth opportunities.

The New York office will focus on serving institutional investors, family offices and sophisticated clients through differentiated India-focused research, execution, corporate access and capital markets solutions, alongside curated opportunities across private markets, fixed income, alternatives, structured products and bespoke investment strategies.

To lead its North American business, InCred Capital has appointed financial services veteran Arunava Das as CEO, North America.

Arunava brings more than two decades of experience across institutional equities, capital markets and wealth management. Prior to joining InCred Capital, he served as CEO & Managing Director of JM Financial Securities Inc. and JM Private Wealth (North America). He has also held senior leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase and Edelweiss Capital.

Commenting on the launch, Bhupinder Singh, Founder of InCred Group, said: “The United States is a critical market for InCred Capital and a natural next step in our global expansion. As India’s economy, capital markets and corporate sector continue to scale, global investor interest in India is stronger than ever. Our presence in New York will allow us to engage more closely with leading institutional investors, family offices and corporations, while helping our clients access opportunities across one of the world’s most dynamic growth markets.

Arunava combines deep market expertise with long-standing relationships across the North American investment community. He is the ideal leader to build and scale our business in the region.”

Commenting on his appointment, Arunava Das said: “I am excited to join InCred Capital at a time when India is increasingly becoming a strategic allocation for global investors. InCred has built a highly respected franchise across lending, wealth management, asset management, investment banking and institutional equities, supported by a strong culture of innovation and client focus. I look forward to establishing our North American presence and strengthening the bridge between global investors and the opportunities emerging from India’s growth story.”

With operations across India, Singapore, Dubai, London and now New York, InCred Capital operates an integrated platform spanning wealth management, asset management and institutional equities. The business manages over INR 1 lakh crore (USD 10.5 billion) in wealth assets and approximately INR 10,000 crore (USD 1 billion) in asset management assets.

For more information, visit https://www.incredcapital.com/

 

 

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