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University School of Business at Chandigarh University organizes India’s First Corporate Crisis Championship ‘CEO Under Fire X’

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CEO’s, Founders of MSMEs & SMEs take part in CEO Under Fire event at Chandigarh University; Gives leadership tips to B-School students  

CHANDIGARH, India, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To equip students with applicable insights and practical skills for crisis management, Chandigarh University (CU) hosted ‘CEO Under Fire X’, India’s first ultimate corporate crisis championship, bringing together management students from about 150 institutions across the country for an immersive platform to act as CEOs managing simulated high-stakes business emergencies designed and test their critical thinking, strategic decision-making, problem solving, collaboration, leadership and business communication skills under pressure in a dynamic corporate environment.

The dignitaries who graced the launch of ‘CEO Under Fire X’, organized by CU’s University School of Business (USB), included Sham Kumar, Co-Founder & COO – Aerial Telecom Solutions; Gaurav Malik, President, Homeland Group; Asit Prakash Sharma, Vice President – CX Capability & Presales Leader, Tech Mahindra; Zubair Chaudhary, Founder & CEO,  Einstellen.AI; Vatsalya Chaturvedi, Director & CEO – MintSteer; Rohit Gupta, Director Grant Thornton; Prof (Dr) Satbir Singh Sehgal, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University and Prof (Dr) Nilesh Arora, Executive Director, Management, Chandigarh University.

As a part of the ‘CEO Under Fire X’, CU’s University School of Business (USB) also hosted ‘CXO Summit 2026’, bringing together Startup Founders, CEOs, Co-Founders and Managing Directors from various business domains including finance, telecom, real-estate and human resource to share their perspectives on leadership, strategic excellence, digital innovation and measurable business outcomes. On the occasion, the University School of Business (USB), Chandigarh University, unveiled its Centre of Excellence ‘AURA’ – Centre for AI-Driven Universal Business Re-engineering & Analytics and also launched its first professional skill certification programme ‘Generative and Agentic AI for Business Applications’ in collaboration with Grant Thornton, as a part operational launch of the CoE.

The first round of ‘CEO Under Fire X’ titled ‘Shock Wave – Face the Crises’ witnessed participation from around 150 teams representing institutions across Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the country. The prominent institutions represented in the championship included Amity University, Bennett University, Thapar Institute, Graphic Era University, Rayat Bahra University, Indira Global School of Business, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Panipat Institute of Engineering & Technology (PIET) and University of Jammu.

In second round of the championship, ‘Decision Under Pressure’ at CU Campus, top 50 teams assumed roles of various stakeholders such as investors, board members, regulators and business partners, creating a realistic corporate crisis boardroom experience before the judging panel. Top 10 teams worked on live corporate crisis situations in limited time during the final round ‘CEO Verdict: Grand Finale – CEO Hot Seat’ in which participants assumed the role of a CEO and defended the team’s decision before the judges.

On the basis of performance in rapid-fire questioning, decisive leadership, judgement and communication under pressure, Indira Global School of Business Pune team ‘Boardroom Wizards’ secured first position while the second and third position was bagged by Amity University’s team ‘Business Mavericks’ and Chandigarh University team ‘Titans’ respectively.

Participating in a panel discussion on ‘Leading Through AI, Market Disruption & the Future of Business’, Sham Kumar, Co-Founder & COO, Aerial Telecom Solutions urged the youth to embrace and learn new technologies like AI which help in resolving customer problems, reduces costs, boosts productivity. He said, “AI will affect mundane jobs, so adding AI as a skill set can also create jobs. Anyone not accepting AI may find it difficult but somebody who adds AI as a skill set to his knowledge base can definitely prosper and do better jobs. This applies both to organisations and individuals.” 

Asit Prakash Sharma, Vice President, CX Capability and Presales Leader, Tech Mahindra said, “Today’s generation is fortunate to have been born in the digital era. I have witnessed three generations of technology: the first, when there was no technology or AI; the second, characterized by digitization and basic automation; and the third, the current era of Generative AI and Agentic AI. This shift is transforming consumer and buyer behavior. Companies are no longer seeking mere optimization or incremental improvements; they are asking to reimagine and transform entire processes. Whether it involves deploying 20 AI agents alongside 10 people or utilizing 100 AI agents without any human intervention, what matters to the customer is the outcome. So it’s not about increment and improvement, it’s about the leap of faith which companies are forced to take. There is no escape from AI.”

Gaurav Malik, President, Homeland Group said, “AI can enhance and accelerate the learning process but cannot replace human experience. AI can provide data, charts, and recommendations, the tasks of engaging with people in the market, making decisions, and taking responsibility for their outcomes remain inherently human. In the real estate sector, AI is being utilized to better understand and optimize market dynamics, customer needs, competitor activities, and business operations; however, the final decision rests with the customer. Building a trustworthy and transparent relationship with the customer, maintaining clarity regarding products and future goals, and fulfilling one’s obligations are aspects that cannot be fully digitized or automated. AI will prove to be extremely beneficial for the real estate industry, but it cannot fully replace years of experience.” 

Zubair Chaudhary, Founder & CEO – Einstellen.AI said, “Even since AI has come into the picture, we are still catching up with the way the technology is evolving. As a startup ecosystem, technology is secondary as our main priority should be the problem that needs to be solved. So, we should not wait for technology to evolve and rather focus on what are the business problems that we are solving as a startup ecosystem. When you go out in the market, identify a problem, solve it and there is somebody that is going to pay for it.”

Vatsalya Chaturvedi, Director & CEO – MintSteer said, “AI platforms can enhance a user’s capability to provide solutions in a better way but core skills matter the most in a business. AI can only help you, you know, enjoy the dish, but you have to prepare the dish for which you should know the ingredients. You should know what your skills are bringing to the table to help the customer and how can your core skills enhance it with AI.”

In his welcome address, Prof (Dr) Satbir Singh Sehgal, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University said, “Chandigarh University integrates experiential learning through hands-on workshops, industry collaborations, and real-world projects which bridge the gap between theory and practice. In line with this, ‘CEO Under Fire X’, India’s First Corporate Crisis Championship, is an excellent opportunity for management students to hone their leadership skills and put to practice all the classroom learning. I am sure the hands-on learning experience gained during this championship will equip students with applicable insights and practical skills for navigating critical moments during a real-world corporate crisis.”

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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Solstice Advanced Materials to Announce Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results on November 4, 2026

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MORRIS PLAINS, N.J., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Solstice Advanced Materials (NASDAQ: SOLS) (“Solstice” or “the Company”) will issue its third quarter financial results before market open on November 4, 2026. The Company will also hold a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Presentation Materials / Webcast Details
A live webcast of the investor call as well as related presentation materials will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, investor.solstice.com. The teleconference can be accessed by dialing 877-407-8029 (North America toll-free) or +1 201-689-8029 (international).

A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the call concludes and will be available for 30 days following the presentation.

About Solstice Advanced Materials
Solstice Advanced Materials is a leading global specialty materials company that advances science for smarter outcomes. Solstice offers high-performance solutions that enable critical industries and applications, including refrigerants, semiconductor manufacturing, data center cooling, nuclear power, protective fibers, healthcare packaging and more. Solstice is recognized for developing next-generation materials through some of the industry’s most renowned brands such as Solstice®, Genetron®, Aclar®, Spectra®, Fluka™ and Hydranal™. Partnering with over 3,000 customers across more than 120 countries and territories and supported by a robust portfolio of over 5,700 patents and pending applications, Solstice’s approximately 4,100 employees worldwide drive innovation in materials science. For more information, visit www.solstice.com.

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Media

Mike Leithead

Phil Terrigno

(973) 370-8188

(973) 768-8868

Michael.Leithead@solstice.com 

Phil.Terrigno@solstice.com 

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SOURCE Solstice Advanced Materials US, Inc.

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Sharon AI Enters Into GPU-Backed Debt Facility, Expanding Funding Flexibility for AI Factory Deployments

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Proceeds from the facility will support the deployment of compute infrastructure dedicated to customer contracts

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SharonAI Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SHAZ) (“Sharon AI” or the “Company”), a leading Australian Neocloud delivering trusted AI infrastructure, today announced it has entered into its inaugural US$356m committed senior secured, GPU-backed SPV debt facility priced at a fixed rate of 9.95%, excluding fees.

The facility will be secured against the GPUs and associated cash flows, with the contract-backed funding structure reflecting the security and delivery discipline underpinning Sharon AI’s platform and marks a further step towards the Company’s ambition of delivering gigawatt-scale AI compute capacity across Australia, New Zealand and the broader Asia-Pacific.

The facility includes marquee Australian, Asian and global investors including Goldman Sachs and select large private credit funds. This facility is the first in an expected series of GPU financings supporting the scheduled build out of over 68,000 NVIDIA GPUs deployed by mid-2027.

With the closing of this transaction, Sharon AI will have secured over US$2.6bn of institutional debt and equity capital over the past 10 months, extending the Company’s capital markets program and underscoring Sharon AI’s ability to access diversified sources of capital as it scales its AI infrastructure platform for a growing customer base of hyperscale, AI natives, government, enterprise, and research organizations.

“As demand for sovereign and secure, trusted AI infrastructure continues to outpace available supply globally, and particularly across Australia, New Zealand and the broader Asia-Pacific, access to scalable debt capital is an important enabler of our growth,” said James Manning, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sharon AI.

“This facility demonstrates how we expect to access debt markets to fund our GPU deployments, leveraging our book of quality customer offtake now standing at a TCV of over US$8.8bn. This is designed to enhance return on equity and ultimately drive increased long-term shareholder value. With a strong balance sheet, growing contracted capacity pipeline and a disciplined approach to capital allocation, we believe we are well positioned to continue scaling our AI platform across the Asia-Pacific region.”

Jarden Australia acted as sole financial advisor and arranger.

ENDS

About Sharon AI

Sharon AI (NASDAQ: SHAZ) is a leading Australian Neocloud delivering trusted sovereign AI infrastructure. Through its AI Factory platform and world-class ecosystem of technology and co-location partners, Sharon AI expands access to the scalable capabilities organizations need to build, train and run AI, from model training through to inference and agentic AI. Serving customers globally, Sharon AI helps organizations move faster from AI potential to measurable value. For more information, visit www.sharonai.com.

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media@sharonai.com

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investors@sharonai.com

Disclosure Information

Sharon AI primarily uses its Investor Relations page (https://sharonai.com/investors/) to disclose material non-public information and to comply with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. The Company also notes that, at times, it discloses material non-public information through other communication mediums including, but not limited to, its X account (sharon__ai) and/or LinkedIn account (sharon-AI), press releases, and regulatory filings with the SEC, or through conference calls, webcasts, and investor days, etc. that the company may hold.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain, and our officers and representatives may from time to time make, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are not historical facts, and which are not assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “project,” “strategy,” “plan,” “expect,” “goal,” “seek,” “future,” “likely” or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions or references to future periods. Examples of such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to express or implied statements regarding Sharon AI’s management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future including, without limitation, statements regarding:

Service and product offerings;The deployment of assets and expansion of network procurement;Sharon AI’s ability to engage with additional potential customers;Expansion of Sharon AI’s data center footprint and capacity;The strengthening of Sharon AI’s partner network;Additional or future GPU financings;Complete fulfillment of all customer contracts;The impact and effect of debt structures designed to enhance return on equity and to drive stockholder value; andThe Company’s position to continue scaling its AI platform across the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. You are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in these forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, among others, all of the risks described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and other reports subsequently filed with the SEC. Additional assumptions, risks and uncertainties are described in detail in our registration statements, reports and other filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov.

The forward-looking statements and other information contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Sharon AI does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

 

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SOURCE SharonAI Holdings Inc.

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Oak Essentials Launches Antioxidant Hand Serum

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Advanced Repair for Aging Hands, Powered by the Longevity Molecule.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Oak Essentials, the clean, hydrating skincare line by Jenni Kayne, launches Antioxidant Hand Serum, a targeted serum formulated for the skin that shows signs of aging first. Powered by antioxidant-rich Grapevine Stem Cells, a source of Resveratrol, also called the longevity molecule, the silky, fast-absorbing formula helps visibly reduce dark spots and soften the appearance of wrinkles while lightly hydrating for supple, youthful-looking hands.

Created with ingredients of 96% natural origin, Antioxidant Hand Serum launches Oct. 1 at $38 and joins the Jenni Kayne x Oak Essentials Hand Wash and Hand Balm in the Oak Essentials hand care collection.

“At this stage of life, caring for my hands feels just as important as anything I put on my face,” said Jenni Kayne, Founder of Oak Essentials.

Antioxidant Hand Serum absorbs quickly with no tacky residue and layers seamlessly under moisturizer or SPF, leaving hands looking visibly smoother, more even-toned and supple. It is gently scented with Oak Essentials’ Cashmere Musk, with notes of calming Lavender and warm Musk grounded by an earthy Vetiver base.

“The hands are always the tell,” said Lauren Harris, CEO of Oak Essentials. “We wanted to give them the same serious, results-driven care we bring to every face product.”

Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, the formula targets dark spots, wrinkles and fine lines, dehydration, loss of elasticity, uneven texture, and mature or changing skin. Key ingredients include:

Grapevine Stem Cells: Rich in Resveratrol, help visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and soften the look of wrinkles.Rosehip Oil: Naturally high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Omega fatty acids, helps replenish hydration, reinforce the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss.Botanical Stem Cells: A biotech blend of Hollyhock and Lingonberry Stem Cells that helps support elasticity, visibly improve firmness and protect against daily environmental stressors, including UV exposure and pollution.Bamboo Juice: Naturally rich in silica, amino acids and trace minerals, helps deliver lightweight, lasting hydration.Lingonberry Fruit Extract: Concentrated with polyphenols and Vitamin C, helps defend the skin against oxidative stress.Pullulan: A naturally derived film former made from fermented tapioca that visibly smooths the appearance of fine lines on contact.

“Hands were the brief, but this had to be serum-grade, not a dressed-up lotion,” said Kim Price, COO and Head of Product Development at Oak Essentials. “We built around Grapevine Stem Cells because the science was genuinely compelling, then layered in Rosehip Oil and Botanical Stem Cells until we had something that delivers the way a face serum does—just for hands.”

Antioxidant Hand Serum (1.7 oz / 50 mL, $38) is available now at oakessentials.com/products/antioxidant-hand-serum.

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SOURCE Oak Essentials

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