Connect with us

Technology

Disrupting Agriculture: Usman Javaid’s AI Revolution for Smallholder Farmers in Asia

Published

on

In today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, inefficiencies and exploitative practices have long hindered progress. However, a new wave of innovation is sweeping across the industry, led by visionaries who are determined to make a difference. Join Karla Jo Helms on the Disruption Interruption Podcast as she talks with Usman Javid, CEO of RiCult International, about how he is leveraging innovative AI to transform agriculture and uplift smallholder farmers.

TAMPA BAY, Fla., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Although often referred to as the world’s least digitized industry by outsiders, agriculture is undergoing a technological revolution with the potential to change the lives of millions. Extensive evidence shows that digital advisories can improve farmers’ practices, increase yields and incomes, and enhance resilience, indicating a 22% higher adoption rate of recommended inputs and a $10 benefit for every $1 spent. (1) Karla Jo Helms (KJ), host of the Disruption Interruption podcast, talks with Usman Javaid, a leader and innovator in the agricultural technology (AgTech) sector, to discuss the groundbreaking work being done at Ricult International. “Our goal is to disrupt the cycle of poverty and inefficiency by providing smallholder farmers with the tools and resources they need to succeed, with a mission to address their challenges in accessing capital and improving their performance,” Javaid explains.

“Our goal is to disrupt the cycle of poverty and inefficiency by providing smallholder farmers with the tools and resources they need to succeed, with a mission to address their challenges in accessing capital” – Usman Javid

Revolutionizing Agriculture
Under Javid’s leadership, RiCult International has achieved remarkable milestones. The company has not only increased farmers’ incomes by 17% but has also attracted significant investments, securing over $12 million from prestigious entities such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

He emphasizes the staggering statistics that highlight the urgency of the situation: 75% of the world’s poor are farmers, and 84% of these farmers are smallholders with less than 20 acres of land. These farmers face immense financial exclusion, often relying on exploitative moneylenders due to a lack of access to mainstream financing. The impact of climate change further exacerbates their plight, with shifting weather patterns and rising temperatures threatening crop yields and food security.

Empowering Smallholder Farmers
Ricult International uses AI and data analytics to help smallholder farmers optimize yields, manage resources, and tackle climate challenges. “There is huge potential to make these changes to help people make a better living, but also to help them produce more food,” Javid states. His commitment to leveraging technology for social good is transforming AgTech, bringing hope and opportunity to farmers across Asia and beyond.

Javaid discusses AI’s impact on agriculture, focusing on smallholder farmers, and explores strategies with Helms to improve productivity and mitigate risks, emphasizing Ricult’s efforts to enhance farmers’ access to capital and quality inputs.

Expanding Agricultural Transformation
Ricult is actively expanding its reach across Asia and its numerous regions with significant potential for agricultural transformation. Javaid emphasizes the untapped opportunities in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. “These regions lack access to advanced agricultural technology, and we see enormous potential for change,” he notes. Looking ahead, Javaid envisions a future where technology and access to capital empower farmers to break free from poverty.

Links:
Disrupting Agriculture: Usman Javaid’s AI Revolution for Smallholder Farmers in Asia

https://omny.fm/shows/disruption-interruption/disrupting-agriculture-usman-javaids-ai-revolution?in_playlist=podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/usmanj/

Company Website: https://www.web.ricult.com/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ricult/

Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today’s biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption.

Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple’s App Store and Spotify.

About Disruption InterruptionTM
Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, “THAT’S IT! I’VE HAD IT!”? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo “KJ” Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world’s key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at http://www.disruption-interruption.com.

About Usman Javaid
Usman Javaid is the CEO of Ricult International and Ricult Pakistan, leading an AI-powered solution empowering smallholder farmers across Asia through digital financial technology. Ricult operates as an AI-based data platform leveraging data from agriculture value chain sources like remote sensing, weather satellites, and financial institutions. Under Usman’s leadership, Ricult has scaled operations across Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam, impacting over 800,000 farmers with a 17% increase in income. He has secured over $12 million in grants and investments from organizations including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and MIT. Usman holds an MBA from MIT Sloan, with a background in engineering and experience at Nestle pioneering mobile banking services. Passionate about using technology for social impact, he co-founded Ricult at MIT to address agricultural challenges, earning global recognition and establishing the company as a spin-off in 2015, headquartered in Boston.

About Karla Jo Helms
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.

References
1. Kremer, Michael, and Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo. “Grow Back Better? Here’s How Digital Agriculture Could Revolutionise Rural Communities Affected by Covid-19.” World Economic Forum, 9 July 2020, weforum.org/agenda/2020/07/digital-agriculture-technology/.

Media Inquiries:  
Karla Jo Helms 
JOTO PR™ 
727-777-4629
jotopr.com 

Media Contact

Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@jotopr.com, jotopr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/disrupting-agriculture-usman-javaids-ai-revolution-for-smallholder-farmers-in-asia-302202778.html

SOURCE Disruption InterruptionTM

Continue Reading

Technology

Aker Solutions receives letter of award for engineering scope on the Maydan Mahzam project in Qatar

Published

on

By

OSLO, Norway, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —  Aker Solutions has received a letter of award (LOA) from PTSC Mechanical and Construction Limited Company (PTSC M&C) for a sizeable1 contract for detail design work related to the redevelopment of the Maydan Mahzam oil field offshore Qatar.

The work will be executed by Aker Solutions’ engineering teams in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Mumbai, India.

The Maydan Mahzam oil field is located about 100 kilometres (km) northeast of the Qatari coastline and 28 km southeast of Halul Island, in water depths of about 40 metres. The oil field, along with the nearby Bul Hanine field, was discovered in the 1960s and has been in production since 1965. Operator QatarEnergy is now planning a major redevelopment project to upgrade and extend the operational life of the field. PTSC M&C has been selected by QatarEnergy for a key package in the redevelopment program.

Aker Solutions will provide detail design services for several offshore installations under PTSC M&C ‘s project scope, including three major topsides, four jackets and brownfield tie-in.

“This award reflects the strength of our engineering organization and our long track record of delivering complex offshore projects. Our team in Kuala Lumpur brings extensive offshore oil and gas experience, complemented by the capabilities of our office in Mumbai and the wider Aker Solutions organization. Together, we look forward to supporting the successful execution of the Maydan Mahzam project,” said Guro Rausand, Executive Vice President of New Build at Aker Solutions.

The LOA is subject to the signing of the final contract. Upon signing, Aker Solutions expects to book a sizeable1 order intake in the fourth quarter of 2026 in the Renewables and Field Development segment.

1Aker Solutions defines a sizeable contract as being between NOK 0.5 billion and NOK 1.5 billion. 

CONTACT: 

Preben Ørbeck
investor relations
preben.orbeck@akersolutions.com 
+47 470 10 611

Odd Naustdal
media contact
odd.naustdal@akersolutions.com 
+47 905 76 079

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

https://news.cision.com/aker-solutions-asa/r/aker-solutions-receives-letter-of-award-for-engineering-scope-on-the-maydan-mahzam-project-in-qatar,c4420299

 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aker-solutions-receives-letter-of-award-for-engineering-scope-on-the-maydan-mahzam-project-in-qatar-302930412.html

SOURCE Aker Solutions ASA

Continue Reading

Technology

Cathay United Bank Ho Chi Minh City Branch Wins Bronze Stevie Award, Advancing Digital Lending Innovation in Vietnam

Published

on

By

Building on its award-winning digital innovation, CUBHCM continues to enhance the customer journey with “View Your Offers”

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cathay United Bank Ho Chi Minh City Branch (CUBHCM) has been named a Bronze Stevie Award winner in the Financial Services/Banking category at the 23rd Annual International Business Awards, recognizing the success of its innovative digital lending platform, the CUB Vietnam App. The app was also the only Vietnam-based winner in the App Categories of this year’s awards, highlighting CUBHCM’s continued efforts to leverage digital innovation and deliver a more convenient, secure and responsible financial services.

“This award reflects our commitment to developing financial solutions around the everyday needs of our customers,” said Keng Yang Lin, General Manager of Cathay United Bank Ho Chi Minh City Branch. “Since launching the CUB Vietnam App, we have continued to enhance the digital lending experience by making access to credit simpler, more transparent, and more convenient. Building on this progress, we introduced ‘View Your Offers’ in August this year to help customers better understand their potential credit options before formally applying for a loan.”

Launched in 2024, the CUB Vietnam App enables customers to complete the entire lending journey digitally, from identity verification and application to credit assessment, approval, and disbursement. Since its launch, up to October 2026, the platform has attracted more than 1.3 million registered users and surpassed 9.6 million downloads, demonstrating strong demand for convenient digital financial services in Vietnam.

A key feature of the app is its revolving credit model, which allows eligible customers to apply once and access an approved credit line multiple times for up to five years. Customers can obtain credit limits of up to VND 40 million, with the entire process completed online. The platform also integrates eKYC, automated credit assessment, NFC-enabled identity verification, and advanced security technologies to provide a secure and seamless borrowing experience.

Building on its digital lending capabilities, CUBHCM introduced “View Your Offers” in August 2026. The pre-screening feature allows prospective customers to check their estimated credit limit before formally applying for a loan. Without downloading the app or uploading documents at the initial stage, users can provide basic information and receive a preliminary credit offer in approximately two minutes. Those who wish to proceed can seamlessly continue their application through the CUB Vietnam App, providing greater transparency and convenience throughout the borrowing journey.

The Bronze Stevie Award adds to a series of international recognitions for the CUB Vietnam App in 2026. The platform was also named “Best Consumer Lending Technology in Vietnam” at The Asian Banker Financial Technology Innovation Vietnam Awards 2026 and received the “Customer Experience Solution Award – Vietnam” at the Asian Banking & Finance Fintech Awards 2026.Together, these recognitions demonstrate CUBHCM’s continued progress in digital innovation and customer experience.

With 21 years of operations in Vietnam, the country remains a cornerstone of Cathay United Bank’s “Second Home” strategy. Drawing on its deep local market experience and the financial and technological capabilities of Cathay Financial Holdings, CUBHCM will continue to advance digital innovation and financial inclusion, delivering responsible and customer-centric financial solutions that support Vietnam’s long-term economic development.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/cathay-united-bank-ho-chi-minh-city-branch-wins-bronze-stevie-award-advancing-digital-lending-innovation-in-vietnam-302930419.html

SOURCE Cathay United Bank

Continue Reading

Technology

Pudu Robotics Unveils “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” Strategy and Showcases Full Portfolio in European First

Published

on

By

Global commercial robotics leader showcased six product lines together for the first time at its 2026 European Partner Summit in Amsterdam.

AMSTERDAM, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pudu Robotics, a global leader in commercial robotics, yesterday set out the next phase of its global strategy in Amsterdam at its first European Partner Summit. At the event, which was themed “AI in Action: Scaling Impact Across Europe—Together,” Pudu unveiled its “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” strategy along with its full product ecosystem spanning six product lines for the very first time.

“The next stage of growth will depend not only on advancing robot capabilities, but also on making robots easier to deploy, more adaptable and commercially viable at scale,” said Felix Zhang, founder and CEO of Pudu Robotics. “With our ‘One Brain, Multiple Embodiments’ strategy, we are building a shared technological foundation across different robot forms—from specialized service robots to semi-humanoid and humanoid robots. By combining reusable AI capabilities with purpose-built hardware, we aim to accelerate innovation, improve development efficiency and bring robotics into more real-world applications.”

Unveiling the Robotics Portfolio Under the “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” Strategy

At the summit, Pudu debuted its full product ecosystem, guided by its “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” strategy and spanning six product lines: service delivery, commercial cleaning, industrial delivery, general embodied AI, commercial lawn mowing and home lawn care. The home lawn care line includes the PUDU TOMO S Series, the company’s first consumer robotics product, announced on November 3. The debut of Pudu’s full product ecosystem marks the company’s expansion into a broader range of application scenarios, from indoor to outdoor environments and from commercial to home use.

“Under our ‘One Brain, Multiple Embodiments’ strategy, we will continue to invest in foundational technologies, including hardware, operating systems and embodied foundation models,” said Zhang.

At the core of the “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” strategy is a shared technological architecture designed to support different robot forms. Built on Pudu’s proprietary technologies, including PuduFM, an Embodied Foundation Model, and PuduAgent OS, an Embodied AI Agent Platform, the architecture enables reusable AI capabilities, software modules and skills across different robotic platforms, while allowing hardware and motion-control systems to remain optimized for specific tasks. By sharing these underlying technologies across different robot forms, the strategy helps reduce R&D and deployment cycles and costs, bringing robotics into more industries and making adoption more practical for customers.

Strong Presence in Europe: 60% Annual growth, Footprint in 20+ Countries

The Pudu Robotics 2026 European Partner Summit marks the company’s first large-scale strategic brand event in Europe. Pudu chose Amsterdam to unveil its global “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” strategy, reflecting Europe’s importance as a key market for the company’s next phase of strategic growth.

Pudu operates across more than 20 European countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic and Poland. The company serves customers across a range of European industries including retail, food and beverage, hospitality, healthcare and transportation, such as EDEKA, Albert Heijn, Carrefour, Denner, Marriott, Van der Valk, Pizza Hut and Intermarché, as well as Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

This footprint has been accompanied by strong business growth. Over the past two years, Pudu’s revenue in Europe has grown by an average of more than 60% annually, reflecting the strong momentum of its business across the region.

Pudu is also strengthening its local presence to support its continued expansion. On October 30, the company announced the establishment of its European headquarters in Germany. The multifunctional regional hub brings together offices, a showroom, warehousing, training, sales, after-sales support and repair services, strengthening Pudu’s ability to provide localized support, improve service responsiveness and work more closely with distributors and customers across Europe.

Expanding Pudu Robotics Across Every Scenario

Today, Pudu’s technologies serve 16 industries and more than 900 application scenarios, reflecting the breadth of environments in which its robotics solutions are being applied. Pudu’s full product portfolio was showcased at the summit, demonstrating the full-scenario range of Pudu’s innovative use cases. Among the robots on show were:

BellaBot Pro – An upgraded delivery and interactive service robot featuring multimodal interaction, enhanced mobility and Omni-Sense safety. With a 65 cm path clearance, it is designed to navigate tight and complex commercial environments while delivering an engaging service experience.PUDU CC1 Pro – An AI-powered 4-in-1 commercial cleaning robot that integrates sweeping, scrubbing, vacuuming and dust mopping. Its AI capabilities include real-time cleaning performance detection and targeted spot cleaning, helping deliver more precise and efficient cleaning operations.PUDU MP2000 – An AI-native autonomous pallet handling robot with a 2,000 kg payload capacity. Featuring AI load-carrier recognition, adaptive fork alignment and 20-second fork insertion, it is designed to simplify pallet transport across manufacturing, warehousing and logistics environments.PUDU D5, D7 and D9 – Pudu’s general embodied AI portfolio spanning quadruped, semi-humanoid and humanoid robots. Combining embodied mobility, perception and manipulation capabilities, the portfolio reflects Pudu’s approach to advancing embodied intelligence across different robot forms.PUDU GT Series – A three-model lineup of commercial robotic mowers—GT3, GT5 and GT7—designed for professional grounds and turf management. With purpose-built mowing and collection systems, the series addresses the distinct needs of commercial properties, large turf areas and golf courses or professional sports fields.PUDU TOMO S Series – Pudu’s first consumer robotics product, bringing intelligent lawn care into the home. Featuring the proprietary SharpLoop™ Self-Sharpening System, TOMO S is designed to maintain blade sharpness automatically, supporting convenient and consistent lawn maintenance.

Looking Ahead: Innovating to Build Robots for Europe

Whether through its “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” strategy or its product ecosystem spanning a full range of application scenarios, Pudu’s goal remains the same: to use AI and robotics to improve the productivity and well-being of human society.

“We want Europe to be among the first markets where this strategy is put into practice,” said Bella Sun, Vice President and General Manager for Europe at Pudu Robotics. “This means not only bringing Pudu’s most advanced technologies and best talent to Europe, but also working more closely with our customers, distributors and other partners across the region to translate advances in robotics into practical value for commercial and household scenarios.”

About Pudu Robotics

Pudu Robotics is a global commercial robotics leader dedicated to empowering easier work and better lives through AI and robotics, with a vision of building a global intelligent robotics infrastructure serving 10 billion people worldwide.

Pudu develops robotic solutions across commercial and home robotics, with a portfolio spanning service delivery, commercial cleaning, industrial delivery, general embodied AI, commercial grounds care, and consumer lawn care.

With over 130,000 robots shipped and a presence in more than 85 countries and regions, Pudu serves customers across diverse industries, including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, real estate and property services, education, entertainment and sport, and public services.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pudu-robotics-unveils-one-brain-multiple-embodiments-strategy-and-showcases-full-portfolio-in-european-first-302930105.html

Continue Reading

Trending