Accenture Deploys Microsoft Copilot to 743,000 Staff in Largest AI Rollout

Accenture has rolled out Microsoft Copilot to its entire global workforce of about 743,000 employees, making this the largest enterprise AI deployment to date. Early results show that 97% of staff complete routine tasks faster, with productivity gains reported across the board.

Key Highlights of the Rollout

• Scale: 7.43 lakh employees globally, the biggest Copilot enterprise deal so far.
• Productivity Gains: 97% of surveyed employees complete routine tasks faster; 53% report significant improvements in overall productivity.
• Integration: Copilot is embedded into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
• Employee Adoption: Monthly active usage reached 89% in pilot phases.
• Leadership Statements: Julie Sweet (CEO), Tony Leraris (CIO), Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft) highlighted Copilot’s transformative role.

How Employees Use Copilot

• Meeting prep: Summarising conversations, drafting agendas in Outlook and Teams.
• Document work: Drafting reports, checking consistency across materials.
• Data insights: Pulling information from SharePoint and OneDrive.
• Sales & client teams: Custom Copilot tools generate more opportunities.

Strategic Significance

• For Accenture: Embedding AI into everyday work, linking promotions to adoption.
• For Microsoft: Large-scale deals drive revenue growth, validate AI investments.
• Market Context: Microsoft expands AI portfolio beyond OpenAI, adding Anthropic models.

Comparison: Pilot vs. Full Rollout

Phase	Scale	Focus	Outcome
Pilot (2023–2024)	20,000 → 300,000 users	Data governance, access controls, adoption strategies	89% monthly active usage
Full Rollout (2026)	743,000 employees	Embedding AI into daily workflows globally	97% faster routine tasks, 53% productivity gains

Risks & Challenges

• Financial Terms: Not disclosed, but expected significant given Copilot’s pricing.
• Investor Concerns: Microsoft’s stock fell 12% in early 2026 amid ROI questions.
• Governance: Accenture emphasises strict controls to meet regulatory requirements.

Standard Chartered Expands SC WIN Now & Next Programme to India and Greater Bay Area to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

• Standard Chartered and LIFTWOMEN® expand SC WIN Now & Next flagship programme into India and the Greater Bay Area to support women entrepreneurs

Standard Chartered (the “Bank”) and LIFTWOMEN® today announced the expansion of the Bank’s flagship Standard Chartered Women’s International Network (SC WIN) Now & Next Programme into India and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). This builds on the success of last year’s inaugural edition in Hong Kong and underscores the Bank’s commitment to driving global connectivity and supporting women entrepreneurs across major international markets.

The 2026 SC WIN Now & Next Programme leverages the Bank’s global SC WIN network, resources, and deep expertise in supporting women entrepreneurs. It combines a pitch format with a structured capability-building programme designed to accelerate growth at different stages of business development. The application window for participating in this programme is now open and will close on Friday 12 June 2026.

This expansion comes amid a significant shift in the global entrepreneurial landscape, with women founders accounting for a growing proportion of new businesses globally. As many of these enterprises lead in areas such as digital trade and sustainable technology, the programme offers a platform for female founders to navigate the complexities of international expansion and cross-border logistics, helping women-led SMEs capture growth opportunities. Specific to India, more than 3.07 crore women-led enterprises have been registered on the government’s Udyam platform as of February 28, 2026.

Xie Wen, Global Head, SME Banking, Standard Chartered, said, “We are delighted to expand our flagship SC WIN Now & Next programme into India and the Greater Bay Area, reinforcing our long-term commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and building a more inclusive SME ecosystem. Through SC WIN, we bring together capability building, access to financing and cross-border connectivity, to empower women-led businesses to scale with confidence and play a bigger role in driving sustainable growth.”

Aditya Mandloi, MD & Head, Wealth and Retail Banking, India & South Asia, Standard Chartered said, Our SME Banking business is a strategic priority for Standard Chartered globally and a key growth engine for our India franchise. We have one of the largest SME footprints across foreign banks in India. As SME formation and entrepreneurship continue to accelerate, there is a clear need to support business owners holistically, addressing both their business and personal wealth needs. By addressing these integrated needs, we play a meaningful role in fostering a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economy. This aligns with our vision to deliver comprehensive banking solutions that empower women entrepreneurs to thrive in an increasingly dynamic market. By offering tailored support and resources, we are committed to helping women-led SMEs achieve long-term success and contribute to broader economic prosperity in India and beyond. SC WIN Now & Next is one of the key initiatives that we are launching this year to support this meaningful ambition.

The programme champions women leaders through a rigorous and engaging programme that builds essential business skills, supports business scaling, and connects participants to a powerful ecosystem of mentors, peers and partners. Entrepreneurs gain market-relevant insights, access to cross-border platforms, and opportunities to scale internationally.

The programme will select 10 ambitious women-led businesses each from India and the GBA to participate in an exclusive 12-week SC WIN Global Accelerator Programme, with awards recognising outstanding women-led businesses across the participating markets. As part of this initiative, LiftWomen will run the accelerator programme by facilitating the sessions, contributing content, speakers and mentors.

Irene Tsang, Founder and CEO, LiftWomen® —We’re excited and proud to partner with Standard Chartered for the second year, now expanding into India and the GBA. LIFTWOMEN’s mission aligns perfectly with Standard Chartered’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs. By combining our strengths, we are making a meaningful impact. We look forward to building on this strong momentum together this year.

Last year, Lamia Sreya Rahman, Co-Founder and COO of Vidi Labs (Seekr) was awarded Venture of the Year for her AI-powered wearable device developed in close collaboration with and for the visually impaired community. Four additional entrepreneurs received category awards recognising innovation, international ambition, social impact, and community support. Award recipients continue to receive dedicated mentorship and regional networking opportunities through the SC WIN community.

With the Now & Next Programme as its flagship initiative, SC WIN is the Bank’s global programme supporting women-led SMEs with access to financing, expertise and global networks, helping them scale beyond their home markets. Since its launch in 2022, SC WIN has grown into a network of more than 4,500 women-owned businesses across seven markets. With over USD540 million in financing extended to date, it is on track to deliver on its USD1 billion financing commitment by 2028.

SC WIN Now & Next Programme – Overview:

Eligibility	Women entrepreneurs and business owners (including startups and SMEs seeking expansion)
Entry Criteria for India	≥ 51% shareholdings owned by women OR ≥ 50% shareholdings owned by a woman founder Incorporated in India with valid Business Registration (BR) The company must have been established for at least two years in India
Application Period	Tuesday, 28 April 2026 – Friday, 12 June 2026
Selection Process	The organiser will shortlist at least 30 applications, from which 10 finalists will be selected through online interviews to participate in the SC WIN Global Accelerator Programme and final pitch.
Awards	Best SC WIN Business Award Best Business for Good Award Best International Business Award Best Next Gen Business Award
Professional Support	Each finalist will receive dedicated mentorship and professional guidance Regional Exposure: Spotlight across Standard Chartered’s global social and business channels Strategic Networking: Access to markets, clients, and suppliers across the Standard Chartered network Finalists will have the opportunity to join the SC WIN Community, expanding business connections and collaboration opportunities

– Ends –

For further information please contact:

Rahul Virkar Head – External Communications Standard Chartered Bank, India Email: rahul.virkar@sc.com

Rajiv Banerjee Head - Communications, India and South Asia Standard Chartered Bank Email: rajiv.banerjee@sc.com

Note to editors

Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered Bank has been operating in India with a continuous presence of over 165 years making it one of the oldest foreign banks in the country offering a full range of services across business segments including Corporate and Investment Banking and Wealth and Retail Banking. The Bank has an extensive branch network covering major cities. For more information, visit https://www.sc.com/in/

Globally, we are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 54 of the world’s most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.

Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.

For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at sc.com. Follow Standard Chartered on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

LiftWomen®

LIFTWOMEN® is Asia-Pacific’s first and leading women-focused crowdfunding platform and global network, empowering women and girls to start, grow, and scale their businesses. Through accessible funding, tailored coaching, and international mentorship, we bridge the gender funding gap and create transformative opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive.

Our mission is to democratise access to funding, equipping women worldwide with the tools, resources, and networks to build sustainable, scalable, and profitable businesses. We envision a future where every woman and girl has equitable access to funding and opportunities to realize their entrepreneurial dreams and unlock their full potential.

Oakley, Meta Team Up with Virat Kohli to Showcase AI‑Powered Performance Glasses in India

Amid the ongoing cricket season, Oakley and Meta today announced a collaboration with cricket icon Virat Kohli as the face of Oakley Meta Performance AI glasses in India. The partnership highlights how AI-powered wearables bring Athletic Intelligence to the game, supporting how athletes train, create and share moments.

As part of the collaboration, audiences will get a first-person view into Virat Kohli’s world — from training sessions and match preparation to behind-the-scenes moments with Oakley Meta Performances AI glasses which have hands-free AI to help you capture the perfect cricket shot, access personalized insights as you train and record content seamlessly in the flow of action. Combined with hands-free capture and instant sharing, the glasses unlock a more intuitive and responsive way to document high-performance moments, both on and off the field. The collaboration showcases our vision of Athletic Intelligence and how technology can seamlessly integrate into an athlete’s routine to help them take their training and performance to the next level.

Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President India and South East Asia, Meta said, “Performance has always been a balance of instinct and awareness, and increasingly that is being shaped by data. With Oakley Meta performance AI glasses, we are exploring what Athletic Intelligence can look like in practice, where timely insights and lightweight assistance come together in a way that supports how athletes train and stay focused. Our collaboration with Virat Kohli reflects how technology can fit naturally into an athlete’s routine, helping them stay present while continuing to learn from every session and every personal record they work towards.”

“Sport is constantly evolving, and so is the way athletes understand and elevate their performance. At Oakley, we’ve always been focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and with Meta, we’re bringing a new dimension to that vision. Virat Kohli embodies the mindset we build for: focused, driven and always pushing limits. And that’s exactly where this product belongs” says Corey Hill, Head of Global Sports Marketing at Oakley.

Adding his perspective, Virat Kohli said,

I have always relied on instinct, but also on understanding my game better over time. What I find useful about Oakley Meta performance AI glasses is that they add small layers of f insight without getting in the way. Whether it is staying focused during training or enhancing on-field awareness, it helps build consistency over time. Over time, that can make a difference when you are working towards your next personal record.”

Oakley Meta performance AI glasses combine performance with intelligence, enabling hands-free photo and video capture, live streaming and voice-enabled AI assistance. With Meta AI, users can access contextual information in real time, making interactions more intuitive and responsive, and enabling more seamless, in-the-moment experiences beyond traditional screens.

The campaign will roll out in phases, beginning with the announcement followed by a series of digital activations across platforms, spotlighting key moments including training footage, AI-led interactions and day-in-the-life content.

The Oakley Meta HSTN and Vanguard collections are priced starting at INR 41,800 and INR 52,300 respectively and are available at leading optical stores.

Findability Sciences Honours Straumann, Baramati Foundation, K&S Partners, and Nisamex at Global AI Awards 2026

• Straumann, AIC-ADT Baramati Foundation, K&S Partners and Nisamex LLC Honoured at Global AI Awards 2026 in Boston
• Findability Sciences recognises organisations that moved AI from promise to production, with winners selected for building a working AI factory, deploying AI in real operations, and delivering measurable results in 2025

Findability Sciences today honoured Straumann – US, AIC-ADT Baramati Foundation – India, K&S Partners – India, and Nisamex LLC – US at the Global AI Awards 2026, held at Innovision’26 in Boston. The awards recognised organisations that demonstrated bold, practical, and measurable use of AI across precision healthcare, agribusiness ecosystems, intellectual property services, and franchise operations.

The 2026 winners were selected on three defining criteria: a working AI factory, real production deployment, and measurable results delivered in 2025. The focus was not on AI experimentation, but on organisations that have moved AI into business-critical workflows and created tangible impact.

Congratulating the winners, Anand Mahurkar, Founder and CEO, Findability Sciences, said, “The next chapter of AI will not be defined by ambition alone. It will be defined by organisations that can build an AI factory, deploy it in production, and show measurable business results. These winners represent that shift. They are using AI where it matters most, inside real operations, with real users, solving real problems.”

Global AI Awards 2026 Winners

Straumann was recognised for its leadership in precision-driven dental solutions, combining implant innovation, digital workflows, and clinical excellence to advance modern oral care.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition. At Straumann, we see AI as a strategic enabler that can enhance precision, agility, and long-term value creation. This award reinforces our commitment to building a more intelligent, responsive, and future-ready organisation,” said Jennifer M. Jackson, Sr. Director, Regulatory Affairs and Quality, Straumann.

AIC-ADT Baramati Foundation was honoured for advancing innovation in agriculture and allied sectors through mentoring, technology support, funding assistance, and startup incubation. The recognition highlights the growing importance of AI in helping agribusiness become more informed, resilient, and responsive. “AI has the potential to be a game changer for agribusiness when applied to real challenges across agriculture, rural ecosystems, and entrepreneurship. This recognition reinforces our belief that purposeful innovation can create meaningful impact where it matters most,” said Prof. Nilesh Nalawade, AIC-ADT Baramati Foundation.

K&S Partners was recognised for demonstrating how AI can strengthen high-value intellectual property and legal services. One of India’s leading IP law firms, K&S Partners brings together deep domain expertise, strategic counsel, and a strong innovation focus across its multi-office practice. “We are honoured to receive the Global AI Award 2026. In intellectual property and innovation-led legal work, the thoughtful use of AI can enhance precision, improve responsiveness, and support deeper strategic insight. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to combining legal excellence with forward-looking innovation,” said Madhusudan S. T, Partner, K&S Partners.

Speaking on the awards, Anand added, “Across healthcare, agriculture, legal services, and franchise operations, the common thread is clear. AI is no longer sitting at the edge of the enterprise. It is entering the operating core. The organisations we recognised this year are showing what responsible, measurable, production-grade AI adoption looks like.”

About Findability Sciences

Findability Sciences is a global Applied AI company helping enterprises drive measurable business outcomes through enterprise AI, agentic workflows, forecasting, and business process co-pilots. The company works with organisations across industries to move AI from experimentation to production, enabling decision-ready intelligence and real-world business impact.

China's Ultra‑Cheap Iron Flow Battery Delivers 6,000 Cycles, Outlasting Costly Lithium‑Ion

Scientists in China have unlocked a major advance in energy storage by improving iron flow batteries, making them last more than 6,000 cycles without losing capacity. This could transform how we store renewable energy like solar and wind power.

According to a paper published in Advanced Energy Materials, researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed an alkaline all-iron flow battery capable of more than 6,000 charge-discharge cycles without measurable capacity decay.

This innovation addresses long‑standing issues of reversibility and crossover, making iron‑based flow batteries far more viable for grid‑scale renewable energy storage.

What’s the Problem?

Traditional iron flow batteries suffer from poor electrochemical reversibility, ligand crossover, and active species decomposition, limiting cycle life.  In simple language - 

• Renewable energy is clean but unpredictable — the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow.
• To use renewable energy reliably, we need batteries that can store huge amounts of power for long periods.
• Lithium‑ion batteries dominate today, but they are expensive, rely on scarce materials, and carry fire risks.

The Breakthrough

• Researchers redesigned the anolyte (the liquid inside the battery) to make it more stable.
• They used bulky molecules (high steric hindrance) and added negative charges to block unwanted reactions.
• This clever design prevents the battery from breaking down, allowing it to run smoothly for thousands of cycles.

Performance Highlights

• 6,000+ cycles with no capacity loss.
• 99.4% efficiency in charging and discharging.
• Works even at high current densities, showing strong potential for large‑scale use.

Why It Matters Globally

• Iron is cheap and abundant — far more available than lithium.
• Safer chemistry — no risk of fire or explosion.
• Perfect for grid storage — storing solar and wind energy for homes, cities, and industries.

Comparison: Iron Flow vs Lithium‑Ion

Feature	Alkaline All‑Iron Flow Battery	Lithium‑Ion Battery
Cycle Life	6,000+ cycles (no decay)	1,000–3,000 cycles
Material Cost	Very low (iron abundant)	High (lithium scarce)
Safety	Intrinsically safe, aqueous	Fire/explosion risks
Energy Density	Lower (~40–60 Wh/kg)	Higher (~150–250 Wh/kg)
Best Use Case	Grid‑scale, long‑duration	Portable electronics, EVs

This breakthrough makes iron flow batteries a serious contender for powering the future. They may not replace lithium‑ion in phones or cars, but for large power plants and renewable grids, they could be the affordable, safe, and long‑lasting solution the world needs.