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Category: Machine Learning

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University chess players held a large-scale tournament

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Botvinnik Chess Club of SPbPU organized an open international interuniversity online chess tournament INTER SEP-24 as part of the Interuniversity Team Battles series. More than 1,000 people took part in the event.

    The chess players included representatives from Russia, Turkey, Bangladesh, Argentina, Kenya, Australia, Switzerland, Fiji, Brazil, India, Ghana, South Africa, Great Britain, Kazakhstan, Liberia and Mexico.

    The organization and conduct of the tournament was carried out by Polytech students Ruslan Barseghyan, Makari Yanchev, Alexey Arkhipovsky, Alexander Khvoshchev, Alena Makovkina, Alexey Aktyufeev, Daniil Agalakov, Lev Bystritsky, Artem Mkrtchyan, Elizaveta Khazagaeva, Anna Sukhova, Anastasia Kotova, Daniil Podreshetnikov, Bogdan Sivov, Angelina Velichko, Anastasia Bulyuk, Denis Zhdanov and Anastasia Kondratyeva.

    As a result, the AITU team from Astana took first place. The representatives of the Baikal State University from Irkutsk came in second. The third place was awarded to the TUSUR team from Tomsk.

    Once again, the largest inter-university tournament brought together representatives from 16 countries. We intend to develop and expand this event further to make it part of the international university culture, – shared the head of the SPbPU chess club Pavel Martynov.

    The final table of the international interuniversity chess tournament INTER SEP-24 can be seen atlink.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/sport/chess-players-Polytechnic-held-a-large-scale-tournament/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Himax Technologies, Inc. Schedules Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results Conference Call on Thursday, November 7 at 8:00 AM EST

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAINAN, Taiwan, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, today announced that it will hold a conference call with investors and analysts on Thursday, November 7 at 8:00 a.m. US Eastern Standard Time and 9:00 p.m. Taiwan Time to discuss the Company’s third quarter 2024 financial results.

    HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES THIRD QUARTER 2024 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
    DATE: Thursday, November 7, 2024
    TIME: U.S. 8:00 a.m. EST  
      Taiwan 9:00 p.m.  
     
    Live Webcast (Video and Audio): http://www.zucast.com/webcast/naEJkyEo
    Toll Free Dial-in Number (Audio Only):
      Hong Kong 2112-1444
      Taiwan 0080-119-6666
      Australia 1-800-015-763
      Canada 1-877-252-8508
      China (1) 4008-423-888
      China (2) 4006-786-286
      Singapore 800-492-2072
      UK 0800-068-8186
      United States (1) 1-800-811-0860
      United States (2) 1-866-212-5567
    Dial-in Number (Audio Only):
      Taiwan Domestic Access 02-3396-1191
      International Access +886-2-3396-1191
         
    Participant PIN Code: 1407507 #
       

    If you choose to attend the call by dialing in via phone, please enter the Participant PIN Code 1407507 # after the call is connected. A replay of the webcast will be available beginning two hours after the call on http://www.himax.com.tw. This webcast can be accessed by clicking on this link or Himax’s website, where the webcast can be accessed through November 7, 2025.

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.

    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEye™ Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,683 patents granted and 390 patents pending approval worldwide as of September 30, 2024.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Forward Looking Statements

    Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

    Company Contacts:

    Eric Li, Chief IR/PR Officer
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-6-505-0880
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Karen Tiao, Investor Relations
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Mark Schwalenberg, Director
    Investor Relations – US Representative
    MZ North America
    Tel: +1-312-261-6430
    Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us
    http://www.mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trump Tax: private jet levy could raise £250k every time former President visits Scotland

    Source: Scottish Greens

    08 Oct 2024

    The super wealthy are doing terrible damage to our planet.

    A private jet tax could raise £250,000 every time former US President Donald Trump visits Scotland, says Scottish Greens finance spokesperson, Ross Greer.

    The levy would be based on the application of a new ‘super rate’ of Air Departure Tax for private jet passengers. This would be set at 10 times the current top rate of the tax, proportionate to the massively increased level of pollution for private air travel versus regular commercial flights. 

    The distance between Scotland and Trump’s Mar A Lago home in Florida puts it in Band B for Air Passenger Duty, currently set at £581 per passenger at the ‘Higher’ rate. A new Super Rate which reflects the huge damage private jets do to the climate could be set at £5,800. With Trump’s Boeing 757 capable of carrying 43 passengers, a flight to Scotland at this rate would result in a £249,400 fee at the point of departure back to the US.

    All parties agreed to devolve Air Passenger Duty during the Smith Commission ten years ago and an Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed in 2017 to replace it with a Scottish Air Departure Tax. However, this has not yet commenced due to the UK Government’s refusal to allow the exemption for lifeline island flights to continue. Were this to be resolved, the Scottish Government would immediately have the power to implement a super-tax on private jets.

    Ross Greer MSP said: “Most people are trying to play our part in tackling the climate crisis. Our individual efforts are important, but they are totally undermined by the super-rich flying across the world in private jets which are ten times more polluting than regular flights and fifty times worse than trains. It’s time these elites were taxed in line with the massive damage their lifestyle is doing to the planet.

    “Whether it’s Trump jetting between his golf courses, CEOs visiting their yachts or Rishi Sunak flying between parts of the UK with perfectly good rail lines, there’s no justification for it when we can all see the effects of climate breakdown as they devastate communities across the planet.

    “A billionaire uses 820 times as much CO2 as the average person in the UK. They do more damage to the planet before lunch than you do in a whole year. 

    “A private jet tax would raise money for our public services but its real aim would be to keep the super-rich and their destructive toys on the ground. It would of course have the added bonus of keeping the notoriously tight and cash-strapped Donald J Trump out of Scotland. That’s a gift you couldn’t even begin to put a price tag on.”

    NOTES

    Below table is current Air Passenger Duty as set UK-wide, with a new theoretical Super rate which would be applied to private aircraft above a certain size/weight. This Super rate is just ten times the Higher rate, roughly equal to the increased level of emissions per passenger relative to those on regular commercial flights.

    The distance between Orlando (closest major airport to Mar A Lago) and Edinburgh is just under 5,000 miles, so would be band B at £5,800. Trump’s 757 has a capacity of 43 people, so 43 x £5,800 = £249,400.

    Destination

    Reduced Rate

    Standard

    Higher

    New ‘Super’ Rate

    Domestic

    £7

    £14

    £78

    £780

    Band A
    (0 – 2,000 miles)

    £13

    £26

    £78

    £1000

    Band B 

    (2,001 – 5,500 miles)

    £88

    £194

    £581

    £5,800

    Band C

    (5,501 miles and above)

    £92

    £202

    £607

    £6,000

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Holds Workforce Hub Convening in Milwaukee, Announces Commitments to Expand Pathways into Good-Paying  Jobs

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, President Biden announced new actions from his Investing in America agenda to connect Milwaukee, Wisconsin residents to good-paying jobs, including replacing lead pipes and upgrading infrastructure through the Milwaukee Workforce Hub. The city’s Hub is one of nine Investing in America Workforce Hubs launched by the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure all Americans —including women, people of color, veterans, and other that have been historically left behind–have access to job opportunities, and the training needed to fill them. This announcement comes during President Biden’s visit to Milwaukee, where he announced EPA’s final rule to replace lead pipes within a decade and announced $2.6 billion in new funding to deliver clean drinking water nationwide. Thanks to funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, infrastructure projects totaling nearly $100 million are in the works across the City of Milwaukee. As part of these investments, the city has begun replacing 100 percent of its lead service lines, reducing the timeline for replacement from 60 years to 10 years in alignment with the President’s goal. The Biden-Harris Administration will create thousands of jobs for Milwaukee residents through these investments, and will continue to collaborate with local organizations, ensuring the city is training the skilled workers needed to accomplish these projects. The City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District are leading the charge in creating workforce opportunities for the community. Today, collaborators in the Milwaukee Workforce Hub are announcing commitments that will expand pathways into these good-paying jobs to meet the President’s goal. Scaling Up and Expanding Apprenticeships Registered apprenticeships are the gold-standard model for training a new generation of workers in the skilled trades and provide pathways to high-quality jobs for women and other historically underrepresented groups. Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has invested more than $730 million to expand Registered Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships nationwide, leading to the hiring of more than 1 million apprentices. In Milwaukee, local organizations are taking steps to use more apprentices on public projects and prioritize graduates of local pre-apprenticeship programs which serve underrepresented populations. These steps build on the city’s existing program, which puts residents on a path to a journey-level position in a skilled trade.    In total, these actions will create opportunities for hundreds of new apprentices and help to grow certified pre-apprenticeship programs serving underrepresented populations, including high school students from Milwaukee Public Schools. These opportunities include:
    The City of Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works and Milwaukee Water Works will run a pilot from 2025 to 2027 and require that 10 percent of all labor hours within each craft go to apprentices—half of whom must come from certified pre-apprenticeship programs that serve residents of Milwaukee who are currently underrepresented in apprenticeships. The new requirement would apply to multiple major road construction bids totaling $102 million, including a $36 million Reconnecting Communities project to reconnect communities divided by a road that prioritizes vehicle traffic over bikers and pedestrians, and a $24.3 million RAISE project to make complete streets improvements along one and a half miles of Villard Ave, including raised bike lanes, signal improvements, and curb extensions. The pilot will apply to all contracts replacing at least 300 lead service lines, creating 175 apprentice jobs and covering an estimated $82 million of lead service line replacement funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
    Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) will also change their procurement policies to require apprenticeships for all crafts working on all their projects, helping to bring new workers into specialized crafts like pipefitting and operating engineers. For 2025, this policy would apply to construction bids totaling approximately $90 million for the reclamation facilities, the conveyance system, and flood management projects. This policy is estimated to create at least 80 apprentice jobs, 40 percent of whom will be required to come from certified pre-apprentice programs serving traditionally-underrepresented residents of Milwaukee.  
    The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) continues its efforts to develop a local workforce to build state highways. Currently, WisDOT has implemented a Federal Highway Administration pilot on a $65 million freeway project which sets incentives for local residency workforce and apprentice requirements as part of federally funded highway projects. The department will consider the use of the special provisions in future projects to grow this effort in the Milwaukee area.
    Milwaukee area unions and postsecondary providers have committed to increase their apprenticeship classes as demand for apprentices on public contracts increases—projecting to increase classes by at least 200 apprentices. Specific union level increases include 50 new apprentices from the Laborers’ International Union of North America, 70 from the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, 75 from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, and 20 from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
    The City of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office will also implement a Community Benefits Agreement as it builds a new public Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network in the city through a nearly $15 million federal grant from US Department of Transportation. This Community Benefits Agreement will require electrician apprentices on each EV charging installation and include local hire requirements consistent with the City of Milwaukee’s Resident Preference Program.  At least 40 percent of the chargers will be put in historically disadvantaged communities.
    Expanding Pipelines into Apprenticeship
    These expanded registered apprenticeship slots will create new opportunities for hundreds of workers in the Milwaukee area. The Milwaukee Workforce Hub will work to ensure every resident has access to these opportunities, by investing in pre-apprenticeship programs that offer disadvantaged communities a chance to develop the skills and work experience needed to succeed in these apprenticeships. As a result of the Milwaukee Workforce Hub, dedicated funding for pre-apprenticeships in the area will grow by at least $650,000.
    The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/Building Industry Group & Skilled Trades Employment Program (WRTP | BIG STEP) currently serves 1,000 individuals every year and has been a leader in the Milwaukee construction sector for decades. In the coming months and years, WRTP | BIG STEP will lead the workforce hub’s construction sector coordination and job training, convening industry partners to develop workforce programs that provide Milwaukee residents access to good-paying and union job in the skilled trades. New investments include:
    MMSD will invest $350,000 in WRTP | BIG STEP for certified pre-apprenticeship programs, including transportation assistance, stipends while participants are in training, and on-going placement and retention for first-year apprentices.
    Employ Milwaukee and philanthropic organizations will invest up to $400,000 in additional funding for WRTP | BIG STEP, including capacity building to increase participation in apprenticeship-readiness initiatives. Employ Milwaukee, the workforce board for Milwaukee, will use formula funds from the U.S. Department of Labor to support innovative customized training cohorts in to meet the needs of the local construction industry with a goal of training 60-80 workers.
    Unions in the Milwaukee region will expand their investment in WRTP | BIG STEP. Unions have been investing about $625,000 per year in this pre-apprenticeship program, which trained over 1,000 people in 2023. Over the next two years, regional trades are striving to increase their investments in WRTP | BIG STEP to at least 3 cents per hour of member work on regional mega projects, including a $3.3 billion data center being built by Microsoft in Southeast Wisconsin. Unions will also partner with Milwaukee Public Schools to prepare students for pre-apprenticeship programs.
    Providing Supportive Services
    The Milwaukee Workforce Hub will also support residents as they begin working in these growing fields, by helping residents with supportive services, including career navigation services and stipends. These investments will help ensure that workers have the resources and skills they need for continued success in the industry.
    The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will invest $507,000 in workforce development through the Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST) program. WRTP | BIG STEP receives $143,800 in funding from WisDOT to run HCST. This year, WisDOT used grant funding from US DOT to lead a pilot to expand stipends and supportive services for job training participants in HCST. Lessons learned from the pilot, will be used to look at where stipends and higher supportive services help increase graduates in the program. 
    MMSD is partnering with Employ Milwaukee and Milwaukee Community Services Corps to provide career navigation services and paid work experience for 64 participants in water sector careers with $1 million from the U.S. Department of Labor. The funding also supports the development of water industry career pathways and competency maps in partnership with the Council for Adult & Experiential Learning.
    Additional Federal Support for Workforce Development
    In addition to commitments from partners, the Biden-Harris Administration is making millions in direct investments in Milwaukee to support job training and upskilling to meet the need for these historic investments.
    EPA’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative will incorporate key workforce development and labor best practices into the estimated $320 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other funding to clean up the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. EPA will, for the first time, incorporate Project Labor Agreements into contract task orders with an estimated $275 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. This initiative will support local and regional jobs cleaning up contaminated sediments in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. In addition, EPA is collaborating with local organizations to support local workforce development as part of the estimated $45 million in activities to restore important habitats across Milwaukee.
    The City of Milwaukee Water Works is partnering with Employ Milwaukee to upskill at least 60 city of Milwaukee workers in occupations to support the replacement of lead service lines. Employ Milwaukee is using $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor Community Project Funding to fund this partnership.
    Employ Milwaukee also received a $5 million Building Pathways to Infrastructure Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor that will prepare more than 480 unemployed and underemployed individuals for high-demand infrastructure jobs, including advanced manufacturing, information technology, and professional, scientific, and technical service occupations that support the growing sectors of renewable energy, transportation, and broadband infrastructure. Over $900,000 from this grant is going to the Milwaukee Area Technical College to assist underrepresented populations in accessing academic and non-academic support to enter civil engineering and drafting occupations that will support transportation and water investments from the Biden-Harris Administration. Other partners in the grant include Waukesha Area Technical College, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, WOW Workforce Board, MKE Tech Hub, City of Milwaukee, and a variety of employers.
    The City of Milwaukee is investing more than $25 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to remediate lead paint. To help meet that demand, the City provided $3 million for Employ Milwaukee’s Healthy Homes Construction Careers Program, which is designed to connect trained workers with lead abatement certifications to contractors who are paid by the City of Milwaukee Health Department to remediate high lead risk homes. The training is free to the student, including the cost of training, certification, exam fees, stipends, incentives, and wages during work experience. To date, 344 workers had been enrolled in training so far.
    The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub received nearly $50 million through President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act to establish the region as a leader in personalized medicine. Biden-Harris Administration funding for the Wisconsin Tech Hub will create inclusive talent pipelines that can help develop and deploy cutting edge medical technologies; addressing workforce challenges that often face new industries.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Terecircuits Unveils New Bonding Material for Next-Generation Advanced Packaging

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Terecircuits Corporation, a venture-backed startup in advanced materials for the semiconductor industry, today introduced Terefilm®, a patented material designed for temporary bonding and debonding applications in advanced packaging.

    According to Boston Consulting Group1, “The next generation of industry-leading organizations will be those that realize value creation is migrating towards companies that can design and integrate complex, system-level chip solutions using concepts like advanced packaging.” As components become smaller and more complex, the need for advanced temporary bonding materials, like Terefilm®, becomes paramount to enable emerging applications, including thin wafer handling and the transfer of fragile components.

    Terefilm® meets these requirements, offering unparalleled advantages including rapid release, precise patterning, and clean decomposition without solvents. The material can be used in processing up to 230ºC, giving customers a wide process window for bond-debond with clean decomposition.

    “Our focus with Terefilm® is squarely on innovating a novel material that will enable faster and more accurate semiconductor advanced packaging and related manufacturing processes,” said Wayne Rickard, CEO of Terecircuits. “Its benefits for bonding and debonding in semiconductor advanced packaging are compelling, offering ultra-clean, ultra-fast and residue-free release that eliminates traditional cleaning requirements and accelerates production. At the same time, its ability to enable selective material removal at nanoscale positions it for use in such diverse applications as enabling the parallel transfer of micro-LEDs and a photoresist for direct-write lithography. This flexibility makes Terefilm® a valuable solution for the challenges faced in advanced packaging today as well as emerging ones across a wide range of electronics manufacturing requirements.”

    The properties of Terefilm® make it highly effective for several critical applications:

    • Clean Decomposition: Unlike conventional materials, Terefilm® undergoes a remarkably clean decomposition process when activated, leaving no residue. This ensures ultra-clean surfaces, which are essential for successful hybrid bonding and other high-precision applications.
    • Rapid Release: Traditional heat and UV-sensitive films can take several minutes to release. Terefilm®, however, releases in microseconds. This near-instantaneous decomposition significantly enhances manufacturing efficiency.
    • Precise Patterning: Similar to lithographic photoresists, the material can be patterned to enable selection of specific regions. This allows for the targeted release of individual chips or subsets of chips, replacing the traditional pick-and-place process. This capability enables the parallel transfer of multiple components, dramatically increasing production speed and precision.

    To learn more about Terefilm® and its wide range of applications, please visit https://terecircuits.com/products/. To get more product information, contact Michele Fromel at mfromel@terecircuits.com.

    About Terecircuits Corporation
    Terecircuits Corporation is a venture-backed startup offering a truly groundbreaking core technology that will enable products requiring micron-scale circuit fabrication and assembly to be built faster and with greater accuracy than is achievable with today’s best practices. “Instrumenting the world” as envisioned by Industry 4.0 and IoT will require fundamental changes to advanced manufacturing to handle the sheer scale of production at reasonable costs, and Terecircuits meets these challenges with new and inventive materials and processes. Terecircuits democratizes advanced electronics manufacturing for displays, wearables, smart vehicles, virtual reality and medical devices through processes requiring less energy and capital equipment. For more information, visit http://www.terecircuits.com.

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Kiterocket
    Stephanie Quinn, +1 480 316 8370, squinn@kiterocket.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4516ec23-fa55-432a-9574-e2e9bb4698ee


    1 https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/advanced-packaging-is-reshaping-the-chip-industry

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: NowCM and White & Case established for Haniel the world’s first fully digital, end-to-end automated commercial paper programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Luxembourg/Frankfurt/Duisburg, 8 October 2024 –

    NowCM, global technology leader in digital and automated bond issuance, and leading international law firm White & Case have teamed up to provide breakthrough technology and legal advice to the dated and manual commercial paper (CP) market by creating the NextGenCP for corporates and other CP issuers. Family-owned investment holding Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH (Haniel) has led the way together with NowCM and White & Case in implementing this programme.

    As a long-term, purpose-driven investor, Haniel aims to create value for generations. Led by Dr. Axel Gros, treasurer of Haniel, and Birgit Sommer, head of CP at Haniel, creating the NextGenCP reinforces Haniel’s commitment to digital transformation, marking a significant step in modernizing the CP market.

    The new set-up includes several wide-reaching innovations in technology and law:

    • Fast set-up: NowCM has automated the setup of the NextGenCP based on White & Case’s state-of-the-art legal work. This innovation significantly reduces costs and allows for the establishment of NextGenCP in a matter of days, rather than the traditional months-long process.
    • High-volume facility: NextGenCP offers issuers the ability to conduct transactions with no volume limitations, for example Haniel aiming to reach three transactions per week. This supports high-frequency issuance, even several issuances in parallel, providing a streamlined and efficient process for managing large-scale CP programmes.
    • Arranger-less set-up: The NextGenCP setup requires no arranger bank, addressing a problem in market structure where banks are often reluctant to engage in lengthy, burdensome processes with low or no fees. Instead, NowCM Luxembourg, as a regulated entity, acts as the arranger with support from White & Case, enabling deployment without the need for an arranger bank. This allows issuers and banks to focus on their core businesses while simplifying the process.
    • Multi-dealer capability: Even though no arranger bank is needed, the NextGenCP operates in a traditional intermediated manner with dealer banks. It allows dealer banks to participate either in specific transactions or at the programme level, providing flexibility while maintaining the benefits of traditional market structures.
    • Fully automated: The NextGenCP is fully automated in its operation, allowing dealer banks to simply email their trade confirmation to NowCM. All subsequent steps, including life cycle events such as settlement and repayment, are executed without human intervention, streamlining the entire process for maximum efficiency.
    • Touchless: In the issuance process, there is no need for drafting or sending any documents. Everything is handled seamlessly through NowCM’s cloud-based platform. If the issuer wants, an additional approval step before the issuance can be implemented, adding flexibility without complicating the process.
    • Entirely digital: The CP, like all securities on NowCM’s platform, is represented by a full digital twin in a machine-readable and structured format. This digital twin contains all relevant information about the CP, its lifecycle, and other metadata, which were previously only available in unstructured formats such as PDFs and Word documents.
    • Golden source: NowCM’s structured data and document repository serves as the golden source for all data related to the CP, enabling seamless integration with other stakeholders and IT infrastructure. This ensures error-free data transmission and supports digital issuance, including under the German Electronic Securities Act, further enhancing efficiency and compliance in the issuance process.
    • AI-enabled: The process developed by NowCM incorporates the latest in AI technology, enabling fully automated, real-time handling of data.
    • STEP compliant and ECB eligible: Like traditional CP, NextGenCP is STEP compliant and, consequently, ECB eligible making it suitable for collateral. By using NextGenCP issuers not only future proof their CP issuance but also ensure that all data required under the new ECB “Single Collateral Management Rulebook for Europe” (SCoRE) is readily available in machine-readable form.
    • CP primary marketplace: NowCM operates the world’s first and only fully regulated primary marketplace. The Paris-based multilateral trading facility (MTF), comparable to a German exchange Freiverkehr or the EuroMTF in Luxembourg, offers the possibility to digitalise the only remaining manual step in the value chain. Instead of negotiating trades via phone or chat, issuers and dealers can directly negotiate and transact on the NowCM MTF simplifying the issuance of CP to the push of a button.
    • Optional – use of regulated issuance vehicle: For issuers looking to avoid all the hassle of managing the entire value chain of CP issuance, NowCM offers the use of its fully regulated issuance vehicle in Luxembourg, where NowCM takes over the entire issuance process.

    Haniel is the first issuer making use of NextGenCP and has already transacted several tens of millions in various transactions since the recent go-live using NowCM’s issuance vehicleunder the name “Haniel enkelfaehig”.

    Dr. Axel Gros, treasurer of Haniel, states: “We are very pleased with the implementation of this state-of-the-art CP programme. Leveraging NowCM’s advanced technology and White & Case outstanding legal expertise, NextGenCP offers a process flow beyond straight-through process (STP), ensuring seamless execution from issuance to settlement to repayment, thereby helping us to efficiently manage our liquidity needs”.

    Karsten Woeckener, Head of Germany of White & Case and its DCM practice group leader, adds: “As a global law-firm that is supporting the latest technology we were delighted to support this project and to help unlock the German CP market. We certainly hope that the combination of our legal expertise, Haniel invaluable insights and NowCM’s technology to create NextGenCP will attract many followers and usher a new age of funding in the money markets”.

    NowCM’s founder and CEO, Robert Koller, says: “We are delighted to have brought NextGenCP to life with our exceptional partners at White & Case and the incredible support and innovation leadership of Haniel and, not to forget, the many dealer banks involved. The simplicity of using NextGenCP is based on more than a decade of research and development, a data model of thousands of variables and business rules, a highly secure cloud platform and above all the interaction with our clients who contributed countless hours and ideas. We will see further announcements soon on bringing the funding business into the 21st century.”

    Thanks to the successful collaboration between Haniel, White & Case, and NowCM, the implementation of NextGenCP sets a new benchmark for digital innovation in the industry. As the first of its kind, the touchless NextGenCP is poised to revolutionize the issuance and management of commercial paper and money markets, paving the way for more advanced and efficient funding processes and liquidity management. NextGenCP is also available for CP issuers with an existing programme that want to convert their issuance into a fully digital experience.

    About Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH

    Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH is 100 percent family-owned and has been based in Duisburg since the company was founded in 1756. It manages a portfolio of independent companies with the goal to create value for generations as a leading purpose-driven investor.

    To this end, we align our portfolio strictly “enkelfähig,” that means: along clear performance and sustainability criteria. Currently, the Haniel portfolio comprises ten investments: BauWatch, BekaertDeslee, CWS Cleanrooms, CWS Fire Safety, CWS Hygiene, CWS Workwear, Emma – The Sleep Company, KMK kinderzimmer, ROVEMA and TAKKT. In addition, Haniel manages a financial stake in CECONOMY and minority stakes in high-growth start-ups.

    In 2023, the Haniel Group employed nearly 22,000 people and generated sales of EUR 4.4 billion.

    About White & Case

    White & Case is one of the leading international law firms and is present in the world’s key economic centres at 44 locations in 30 countries. In Germany, around 250 lawyers, tax advisors and notaries work in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main and Hamburg (http://www.whitecase.com).

    About NowCM

    NowCM is the leading market infrastructure and issuance provider within the primary debt capital markets. It offers an unparalleled, highly secure, cloud-native data platform for creating, negotiating, and managing debt, along with an end-to-end digital workflow platform. These tools enable all participants in the primary bond and CP markets to collaborate in real-time, fostering an open and cooperative environment. NowCM facilitate access to primary markets for inaugural and infrequent issuers through its Treasury-as-a-Service (TaaS) facility. This entity is regulated by the CSSF in Luxembourg and operates as a “funding subsidiary” using standardised yet flexible documentation and fully automated digital workflows. NowCM’s 360-degree suite of services is completed by a multi-lateral trading facility (MTF) that NowCM owns and operates. It stands as the world’s first and only regulated primary marketplace, subject to the supervision of the ACPR and AMF in France.

    Connect with:

    Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH:
    Website: http://www.haniel.de   
    LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/franz-haniel-&-cie–gmbh     

    White & Case:
    Website: http://www.whitecase.com  
    LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/white-&-case  

    Media Contact:
    Nils Repke
    Senior Manager, Communications – Germany
    Phone: +49 69 29994-1310
    Email: nils.repke@whitecase.com
                                       
    NowCM:
    Website: http://www.nowcm.eu
    LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/nowcm    
    X (former Twitter): http://www.twitter.com/NowCM_EU    

    Media Contact:
    Kristina Kuzmina,
    Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
    Phone: +351 93247 8202 (PT)
    or +44 7490 373030 (UK)
    Email: kk@nowcm.eu    

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST’s opening remarks at press conference on Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SFST’s opening remarks at press conference on Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 (English only)
    SFST’s opening remarks at press conference on Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 (English only)
    ****************************************************************************************

         Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the press conference on Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 today (October 8):  Alpha (Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,       Good afternoon and thank you for joining us today. It gives me great pleasure to unveil the official details of this year’s much-anticipated Hong Kong FinTech Week, carrying the theme “Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech”.       This year marks the ninth edition of our flagship event, standing at the vanguard of the global fintech revolution. I have had the good fortune to witness the remarkable growth and evolution of our Hong Kong FinTech Week over the years. The conference this year further encapsulates the global paradigm shift, with emerging technologies driving the spirit of change.      I have made it a tradition to announce a new policy statement and new initiatives during the FinTech Week, sharing with our global audience the Government’s vision and mission in taking forward market development together with the industry. In 2022 we announced the groundbreaking Policy Statement on Development of Virtual Assets in Hong Kong, and last year we shared the plan to develop a new integrated fund platform for our market. This year is no exception, and we are set to announce a policy statement for responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in our financial services sector. This will be another important announcement from us elaborating our policy stance on this topic of global importance and interest.       Hong Kong FinTech Week welcomes top technology leaders, policymakers, and investors from around the world for insightful discussions on the fintech landscape. We are set to showcase the individuals, rising stars, and innovations propelling advancements in efficiency, scalability, and sustainability worldwide. During the event, we will explore how entrepreneurs and corporations are leveraging frontier technologies like AI, tokenisation, and Web3 to craft innovative business models and capitalise on Asia’s economic ascension.       Hong Kong always shows resilience and strength during challenging times. Our city has recently been ranked third in the latest Global Financial Centres Index around the globe and first in the Asia Pacific Region. In terms of fintech, Hong Kong rose five places to ninth, putting it among the top 10 fintech hubs globally. This reflects the concerted efforts of the Government, financial regulators, and industry players to promote fintech development in Hong Kong. Over the past few months, we have introduced various initiatives to further cultivate a vibrant ecosystem for fintech innovation, including expanding the cross-boundary e-CNY pilot in Hong Kong, launching the new Generative AI Sandbox, as well as commencing phase 2 of the e-HKD Pilot Programme, just to name a few.       With its strategic location and robust financial infrastructure, Hong Kong emerges as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” for fintech. Hong Kong is primed to lead this transformative journey to uncover the pathways to opportunities. Notably, we’ve witnessed strong interest from the Mainland’s big tech companies showcasing their latest innovations, underscoring how Chinese technology is shaping global finance’s future through cross-border collaborations and cutting-edge technology integration.       The Mainland aside, Southeast Asia’s rising stars will be present to showcase their tailored solutions for the region’s unique markets, sharing success stories of fintech solutions crafted to meet the region’s distinctive market needs. These vibrant discussions will highlight Southeast Asia’s growing influence in the global fintech arena. The Middle East will also bring a wealth of strategic insights to the table, fostering innovation collaborations between Hong Kong and the region.       Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 promises to be a melting pot of ideas, innovations, and collaborations for global communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how frontiers like AI, tokenisation, blockchain, and green tech are tackling real-world challenges nowadays.       Another standout feature of the week is the Greater Bay Area day visit, an exclusive tour inviting international financial leaders, investors, and tech founders to explore the innovation ecosystems across Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. This excursion will facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, exploration of investment prospects, and meaningful dialogues, fostering a day of productive networking.       Through various initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining strategic companies and talent, we are ready for positive results from the FinTech Week. The event this year will pave the way for connected, efficient, and sustainable global economic growth from fintech offerings. I therefore extend a very warm welcome to all of you to join us. Thank you.  

     
    Ends/Tuesday, October 8, 2024Issued at HKT 16:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 “Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech” details released (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 “Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech” details released (with photos)
    Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 “Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech” details released (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (October 8) unveiled details of Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 (HKFW). The ninth edition of HKFW, themed “Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech” will take place from October 28 to November 1. This flagship event stands at the forefront of the global fintech evolvement. Aligned with Hong Kong’s vision, the aim is to steer the future of financial services and beyond. The largest and most influential gathering of international leaders in finance and technology      As the city’s premier fintech gathering, HKFW is organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and InvestHK, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), and the Insurance Authority (IA). The event is expected to draw over 30 000 attendees from more than 100 economies.      With hundreds of distinguished speakers and numerous sponsors and exhibitors, the main conference taking place between October 28 and 29 at Hong Kong AsiaWorld-Expo promises to be a convergence of global expertise and cutting-edge fintech innovations.      HKFW draws votes of confidence from both the Mainland and international companies and markets. The event this year will feature an unprecedented number of Mainland Chinese big tech companies showcasing their latest innovations, as well as notable speakers and delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Middle East, which solidifies Hong Kong’s multifaceted business connections and landscape.      The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “With its strategic location and robust financial infrastructure, Hong Kong emerges as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ for fintech. Hong Kong is primed to lead the transformative journey to uncover the pathways to opportunities. Our city is ranked third in the latest Global Financial Centres Index and first in the Asia Pacific Region. In terms of fintech, Hong Kong rose five places to ninth, putting it among the top 10 fintech hubs globally. This reflects the concerted efforts of the Government, financial regulators, and industry players to promote fintech development in Hong Kong.”      Mr Hui added that through various initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining strategic companies and talent, Hong Kong is ready for positive results from the FinTech Week, and the event this year will pave the way for connected, efficient, and sustainable global economic growth from fintech offerings. Exploring tomorrow’s solution today      With Hong Kong now ranking among the top three global financial centres and top 10 fintech centres globally, HKFW 2024 is poised to be a vibrant hub of ideas, innovations, and global collaborations, reinforcing Hong Kong’s institutional advantages and abilities for breakthroughs in innovative financial services and leading market innovation.      This year, HKFW places a significant emphasis on cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recent surveys reveal that 38 per cent of finance executives in Hong Kong have initiated the incorporation of generative AI, marking the highest rate among all surveyed markets and notably surpassing the global average of 26 per cent.      The main conference will feature eight themed forums on the latest technologies and cross-industry connections. These forums include the Global Forum, AI & Advanced Tech Forum, Blockchain & Digital Assets Forum, Payments & Other FinTech Forum, InsurTech Forum, Green FinTech & Impact Forum, WealthTech & InvestTech Forum, and Hong Kong Connect Forum, offering participants a comprehensive view of the ever-evolving fintech landscape. The stages and zones will also be designed in the Chinese wisdom of “wuxing” and “yinyang”.      A series of engaging community events will take place throughout the week, running from October 28 to November 1 in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. These events will include a tour of the Greater Bay Area, satellite and networking events, lifestyle activities and workshops and the inaugural Web3x3 basketball game.      The Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said, “As a leading international financial centre, fintech has always been an important pillar of the Hong Kong economy. Last year, Hong Kong climbed to the top 10 in the United Nations’ Global Frontier Technologies Readiness Index. This readiness to embrace technologies like blockchain and AI is essential to ensuring the long-term competitiveness of our financial services industry. We will continue to promote Hong Kong’s strengths in financial services, innovation and technology, and family offices. And our strategic focus will be on enhancing our promotion drive in key markets, including ASEAN and the Middle East. Hong Kong FinTech Week will be an important platform to turn these foci areas into action. It is an engine to drive businesses to Hong Kong, as well as create bridges for our city’s fintech ecosystem to capture global opportunities.”      This year, semi-finalists of the Global Fast Track will be invited to Hong Kong to pitch in person on stage during HKFW, with the grand finale taking place on the second day. This is an unparalleled opportunity for qualified fintech innovators to showcase their profile in front of thousands of audience members, key corporates and investors looking for fintech solutions and investment opportunities. This year, the programme received an overwhelming response, with over 500 applications from 56 economies worldwide. List of esteemed speakers at the main conference Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and regulators:

    The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan;
    The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui;
    The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau;
    The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue;
    The Chief Executive Officer of the IA, Mr Clement Cheung;
    The Executive Director (Intermediaries) of the SFC, Dr Eric Yip;
    The Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan;
    The Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong;
    The Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau; and
    The Deputy Director-General of Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Dr Jimmy Chiang.

     Mainland Government and regulators:

    The Director of the Local Financial Management Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Shi Weigan; and
    The Director-General of the Guangzhou Municipal Local Finance Administration Bureau, Mr Fu Xiaochu.

     Industry leaders: Highlighted speakers in the tech space:

    The Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Xiaomi Corporation, Mr Alain Lam;
    The Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Linklogis, Mr Charles Song;
    The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ant Group, Mr Eric Jing;
    The Corporate Vice President, Head of Tencent Financial Technology of Tencent, Mr Forest Lin; and
    The Managing Director and General Manager, Sales and Operations of Google Hong Kong, Mr Michael Yue.

     Highlighted speakers in the AI and advanced technologies space:

    The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 4Paradigm, Mr Dai Wenyuan;
    The Founder of 3Cap Investment, Ms Esther Wong;
    The Chief Executive Officer of Fosun Capital, Mr Mike Xu;
    The Co-founder of SenseTime, Mr Xu Bing; and
    The Chief Executive Officer of Du Xiaoman Technology, Mr Zhu Guang.

     Highlighted speakers in the blockchain space:

    The Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of R3, Mr David E. Rutter;
    The Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Circle, Mr Jeremy Allaire;
    The President of Solana Foundation, Ms Lily Liu;
    The Chief Executive Officer of Bullish, Mr Tom Farley; and
    The Co-founder of Chainlink; Mr Sergey Nazarov.

     Highlighted speakers in the insurtech space:

    The Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Alger Fung;
    The Chief Executive Officer of Sun Life Hong Kong , Mr Clement Lam;
    The Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong), Mr Eric Hui;
    The Chief Executive Officer of AXA, Greater China, Ms Sally Wan; and
    The Founder, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Waterdrop Inc, Mr Shen Peng.

     Highlighted speakers in the payment space:

    The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aspire, Mr Andrea Baronchelli;
    The Chief Executive Officer of PayMe, HSBC, Mr Brad Jones;
    The President and Chief Executive Officer of GCash/Mynt, Ms Martha Sazon;
    The Global Head of Coin Systems and Liink by JP Morgan, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Mr Naveen Mallela; and
    The Chief Executive Officer of GX Bank, Ms Pei Si Lai.

     Highlighted speakers in the financial space:

    The General Manager, Personal Digital Banking Product Department of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Mr Arnold Chow;
    The International President of Standard Chartered, Mr Benjamin Hung;
    The Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of WeBank, Mr Henry Ma;
    The Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, of HSBC, Ms Luanne Lim; and
    The Head of Services of Citi, Mr Shahmir Khaliq.

     Highlighted speakers in the Venture Capital & Investing space:

    The Managing Partner of GCCVest Advisors Limited, Mr Ben Jelloun;
    The Managing Principal, Global Head of Capital Markets, Co-Chair of Alternative Investments of Gaw Capital Partners, Ms Christina Gaw;
    Partner of 5Y Capital, Mr Elwin Yuan;
    The Co-founder and Managing Partner of DST Global, Mr John Lindfors; and
    The Co-founder and Chairman of Gobi Partners, Mr Thomas G. Tsao.

          Finoverse is the appointed event organiser of HKFW 2024. For more information and the latest updates on speakers and livestream details, please visit http://www.fintechweek.hk/, or follow via official social media accounts:LinkedIn: Hong Kong Fintech Week; andYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/HongKongFinTechWeek.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, October 8, 2024Issued at HKT 17:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Consolidating North Macedonia’s institutional framework for circular economy transition

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Categories24-7, English, MIL OSI, United Nations, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Post navigation

    8:30 – 9:00

    Registration

    9:00 – 9:20

    Opening

    • H.E. Mr. Kire Ilioski, Ambassador, Director for Multilateral Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, North Macedonia
    • Mr. Blerim Zllatku, State Advisor, Ministry of Economy and Work, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Rita Columbia, Resident Coordinator, United Nations Resident Coordination Office, North Macedonia

    9:20 – 10:25

    North Macedonia’s development landscape: National reforms and future challenges

    • Trade Facilitation

    Mr. Marjan Tasevski, Director of Sector for Customs System, Customs Administration, North Macedonia

    • Environmental sustainability

    Ms. Ana Karanfilova Maznevska, Head of Waste Department, Ministry of Environment, North Macedonia

    • Energy sustainability

    Ms. Valentina Stardelova, Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, North Macedonia

    • Quality Infrastructure

    Ms. Neriman Xheladini, Head of Department Single Market, Ministry of Economy and Work, North Macedonia

    • Construction

    Mr. Toni Arangelovski, Professor, Civil Engineering Faculty, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia (UKIM)

    10:25 – 10:40

    Unpacking the concept of the circular economy: Principles and business models

    • Ms. Hana Daoudi, Economic Affairs Officer, Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, UNECE

    10:40 – 11:00

    Upscaling the textile industry’s circular practices: the role of traceability

    • Ms. Claudia Di Bernardino, Lawyer and UN/CEFACT (United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business) project expert, UNECE Team of Specialists on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Traceability of Supply Value Chains

    11:00 – 11:15

    Coffee Break

    11:15 – 11:50

    Circular stories from North Macedonia’s textiles industry

    • Ms. Natasha Sivevska, Executive Director, Textile Trade Association, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Evgenija Najdska, Manager, Waste Management, Comfy Angel, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Sirma Zheleva, Head of Sustainable Solutions Textile Recovery Solutions, TexCycle, Republic of Bulgaria 

    11:50 – 12:10

    From farm to fork: Circular innovations in the food industry

    • Mr. Shane Ward, Professor Emeritus of Biosystems Engineering, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin

    12:10 – 13:00

    Circular stories from North Macedonia’s food industry

    • Mr. Petar Georgievski, President, Rural Development Network of the North Macedonia
    • Mr. Abdulezel Dogani, Chief Executive Officer, Vezë Sharri, North Macedonia
    • Mr. Jana Klopcevska, Associate Professor, Department of Food and Biotechnology, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia (UKIM)
    • Mr. Ismail Ferati, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Tetova, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Irena Djimrevska, Advisor and Project Coordinator, Deutsche Gesellschaft fürInternationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

    13.00 – 13.20

    Questions and answers

    13:20 – 14:20

    Lunch Break

    14:20 – 14:40

    Closing the loop: Best practices in waste management for circularity

    • Mr. Gergely Hankó, Managing Director, Hungarian Association of Environmental Enterprises (HAEE)

    14:40 – 15:40

    Circular stories from North Macedonia’s waste treatment industry

    • Mr. Filip Ivanov, Deputy President, Macedonian Solid Waste Association
    • Mr. Filip Ivanovski, Managing Director, Pakomak, North Macedonia
    • Mr. Ljubomir Pejovski, Environment Manager, Makstil AD, North Macedonia
    • Mr. Vlado Momirovski, Manager, Ekocentar 97, North Macedonia 
    • Ms. Angelina Taneva-Veshoska, Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering and Energy (IEGE)
    • Ms. Tamara Todorovska, Deputy Chief of Party/ Public-Private Dialogue Lead, USAID Partnerships for Economic Growth, North Macedonia

    15:40 – 15:55

    Questions and answers

    15:55 – 16:25

    Researching circularity: academic perspectives on the transition

    • Mr. Dejan Mirakovski, Rector, Goce Delcev University of Štip, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Emilija Fidanchevski, Full Professor, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia (UKIM)
    • Ms. Aleksandra Martinovska Stojcheska, Full Professor, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM)

    16:25 – 16:40

    Coffee Break

    16:40 – 17:30

    Supporting circular economy practices among enterprises: the experience of North Macedonia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry

    • Ms. Daniela Mihajlovska, Manager, Centre for Circular Economy, Economic Chamber of North Macedonia
    • Mr. Edvard Sofevski, President, Small Business Chamber of Commerce, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Elena Miloshevska Jovanovska, Country Representative, Swiss Import Promotion Program (SIPPO), North Macedonia
    • Mr. Goran Damovski, Team Leader, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Increasing Market Employability (IME) Program, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Irina Janevska, President, Organization for Social Innovation (ARNO), North Macedonia

    17:30 – 17:45

    Financing the circular transition

    • Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia

    17:45 – 18.00

    Questions and answers

    18:00 – 18:15

    Closing remarks: Mapping future cooperation with UNECE

    • Mr. Blerim Zllatku, State Advisor, Ministry of Economy and Work, North Macedonia
    • Mr. Ariel Ivanier, Chief, Market Access Section, Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, UNECE

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung and Decorex Celebrated the Art of Design and Tech in Durban

    Source: Samsung

    For the first time ever, Samsung was thrilled to host an industry event in Durban in with Decorex, blending the worlds of decor, design, and cutting-edge technology. Together, they celebrated the art of living well and embraced the latest innovations that elevate our everyday lifestyles.
     
    Whether enhancing personal spaces, embarking on new adventures, or adding that extra touch of sophistication to daily routines, the event inspired interior designers, interior architects, hospitality buyers and design enthusiasts to explore new possibilities. Guests immersed themselves in a dynamic showcase, engaging with Samsung’s incredible line-up and discovering how the brand is transforming lifestyle creativity. It was a fun, vibrant, and engaging afternoon.
     
    Your Space, Your Style
    Guests learned that their spaces reflect who they are and how they live—and Samsung was there to help them reimagine it. From innovative technology to stylish, functional design, Samsung’s lifestyle products empower individuals to recreate their environments in a way that reflects their unique tastes.
     
    The Future is Here – Powered by AI
    At the heart of Samsung’s vision this year was the future of AI-driven technology, which was unveiled at CES earlier this year. This year’s showcase highlighted several key products, each designed to seamlessly integrate technology and design into everyday life:

    The Frame TV:
    TV when it’s on, art when it’s off. The Frame transformed screens into stunning pieces of art with customizable frames and access to the Samsung Art Store, allowing living rooms to double as personal galleries.
     

     
    Neo QLED:
    Pioneering the next generation of picture quality, Samsung’s Neo QLED delivered an extraordinary viewing experience with Quantum Mini LEDs, taking clarity and colour to new heights.
     

    Bespoke Fridge:
    The Bespoke refrigerator combined functionality with style, featuring customizable panels that allowed attendees to personalize their kitchens while blending cutting-edge cooling technology with chic, contemporary design.
     
    The Serif:
    Unconditionally beautiful, The Serif looked stunning from any angle. Whether placed on a tabletop or its detachable floor stand, it enhanced any room with Samsung’s award-winning QLED technology and seamless mobile integration.
     

     

    Music Frame:
    A harmonious fusion of art and audio, the Music Frame proudly displayed printed masterpieces while immersing users in powerful audio, whether connected to a TV or used standalone.
     
    Smart Monitor M8:
    A one-stop solution for work, entertainment, and design, the Smart Monitor M8 combined functionality and flair, making it perfect for modern lifestyles.
     

     
    These were just a few highlights from the vast array of lifestyle products on display. Attendees were encouraged to explore, interact, and imagine how these innovations could transform their everyday lives.

    Samsung Retail Locations
    For those ready to enhance their spaces, products were made available at Samsung stores located at Gateway and Pavilion malls.
     
    The event concluded with a shared enthusiasm for lifestyle innovation, inspiring imaginations and encouraging guests to take their spaces—and lives—to the next level.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Smokers urged ‘it’s never too late to quit’ – as city records its lowest smoking rates

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Sunderland smokers are being told it’s never too late to quit after the city recorded its lowest ever adult smoking rates.

    Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the proportion of adult smokers in Sunderland fell to 12.3 in 2023 and remains just slightly higher than the North East average of 11 per cent and national average of 11.6 percent.

    Councillor Kelly Chequer, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, said: “Historically Sunderland has had high rates of smoking and smoking continues to be one of the leading causes of premature death so it’s brilliant to see our smoking rates continuing to fall.

    “While there’s still some way to go, the latest figures show the steady progress being made in our work to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents.

    “Cutting the rate of smoking is a key priority of our Healthy City Plan and as a council we’re committed to getting smoking rates down to 5 per cent by 2030 as we continue to work in partnership with Fresh, the NHS and councils across the region.

    “Quitting smoking can be difficult but it’s also one of the best things you can do for your health, not to mention your wallet or your overall sense of wellbeing. There’s a lot of support for anyone who wants to quit and Stoptober is a great time to give up.

    “Research suggests that smokers who complete the 28 day Stoptober Challenge are five times more likely to stay quit for good.

    “So I’d urge anyone thinking of quitting to take advantage of all the support that’s out there and contact the Sunderland Stop Smoking Service, especially as smokers can now swap their cigarettes for a free vape to help them quit, with the help and support of an experienced stop smoking advisor.”

    While many people try to quit smoking with willpower alone, it’s much easier to go smokefree with the right help.

    Visit FreshQuit.co.uk for lots of useful advice and information on reasons to quit, how to make quitting less stressful and what help is available to support you to give quitting a go this October.

    Sunderland smokers can contact the city’s specialist stop smoking service for free advice and support, including one to one support from an experienced stop smoking advisor and stop smoking tools such as nicotine replacement products. The service is also part of the national Swap to Stop programme.

    This means that smokers aged 18 and over can swap their cigarettes for a free vape alongside the one to one support to help them to quit. Evidence shows that swapping to a vape and getting specialist help and advice increases a smokers chance of quitting for good.

    To contact Sunderland Stop Smoking Service, call them on 0800 169 9913 or visit http://www.sunderlandstopsmokingservice.co.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Bybit and Nordic Blockchain Association Collaborate to Drive Innovation in the Nordic Blockchain Ecosystem

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, announced a strategic partnership with the Nordic Blockchain Association (NBA), the driving force behind the largest blockchain and Web3 conference in the Nordics. This collaboration aims to strengthen ties within the regional ecosystem while fostering international partnerships that will drive innovation and growth across the industry.

    The partnership comes at a pivotal time as the NBA continues its efforts to build a cohesive and vibrant blockchain community in the region. The association’s work, led by dedicated steering committees, has been instrumental in providing guidance and strategic direction to the local blockchain landscape. These committees have focused on addressing the challenges facing blockchain adoption, promoting education, and offering support to startups and established businesses alike.

    A key aspect of this partnership will be the upcoming Nordic Blockchain Conference 2025 (NBC25), which will take place next summer. As the largest blockchain and Web3 event in the Nordics, NBC25 promises to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and visionaries from around the world. The event will provide a platform to explore the latest trends, discuss regulatory frameworks, and highlight groundbreaking solutions that are reshaping the future of blockchain technology.

    “We’re excited to partner with the Nordic Blockchain Association. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to supporting the growth of blockchain ecosystems worldwide. We look forward to contributing to the region’s innovation and development,” added Helen Liu, Chief Operating Officer at Bybit.

    “We are excited that such a large and important international company as Bybit has joined the Nordic Blockchain Association as a member. This once again shows that the Nordic region has an important role to play in the global blockchain ecosystem. We look forward to creating value, raising awareness, and promoting education with our new community partner, Bybit,” said Jakob Mikkel Hansen, CEO & Board Member of Nordic Blockchain Association.

    With this partnership, Bybit is set to play a pivotal role in advancing the Nordic blockchain ecosystem, fostering collaboration between local and international partners, and supporting the NBA’s ongoing efforts to address the evolving needs of the industry.

    Bybit and the NBA are committed to working hand-in-hand to elevate the region’s role as a key player in the global blockchain and Web3 landscape.

    About Bybit

    Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 50 million users. Established in 2018, Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

    For more details about Bybit, users can visit Bybit Press. 

    For media inquiries, users can contact: media@bybit.com

    For more information, users can visit: https://www.bybit.com

    For updates, users can follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

    Contact

    Head of PR
    Tony Au
    Bybit
    tony.au@bybit.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: The Eclipse Foundation Launches ThreadX Alliance to Champion the Growth and Sustainability of the World’s First and Only Safety-Certified Open Source RTOS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRUSSELS, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Eclipse Foundation, one of the world’s largest open source software foundations, has announced the launch of the ThreadX Alliance, a new initiative dedicated to ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of the Eclipse ThreadX real-time operating system (RTOS) and its dynamic ecosystem. ThreadX, the world’s first and only safety-certified open source RTOS, powers billions of devices across a broad range of industries, including automotive, medical, aerospace, home appliances, and industrial controls.

    With ThreadX already a proven solution trusted by companies worldwide, the ThreadX Alliance ensures the ongoing sustainability of its robust code base, platform enhancements, and crucial safety certification efforts. By joining the alliance, organisations can access exclusive resources while contributing to the evolution of the next generation of embedded systems.

    “ThreadX is the only open source safety-certified RTOS on the market today, powering over 12 billion devices and trusted in a vast array of embedded applications,” said Mike Milinkovich, executive director of the Eclipse Foundation. “The ThreadX Alliance is an important step in ensuring the platform’s future, allowing companies to actively support its sustainability while gaining valuable tools and resources to streamline their development efforts, reduce costs, and bring products to market.”

    Key benefits of joining the ThreadX Alliance include:

    • Exclusive Early Access to the ThreadX Marketplace: Be first in line to access the future ThreadX marketplace, including pre-sales and pre-development support from leading service providers.
    • Access to Safety Manuals: Unlock read-only, non-commercial access to essential safety manuals, offering critical insights to enhance your development processes.
    • Licensing Opportunities for Safety Certifications: Gain access to licensing agreements for ThreadX safety artefacts (additional fees apply), accelerating your products’ functional safety certifications.
    • Exclusive Marketing and Branding Opportunities: Proudly display the ThreadX Alliance participant logo to showcase your commitment to the growth and sustainability of the industry’s only safety-certified open source RTOS.

    The launch of the ThreadX Alliance represents a significant leap forward in supporting the open source embedded systems ecosystem, especially in industries where safety and reliability are critical. Companies looking to take part in this influential community are invited to visit threadxalliance.org to learn more about how to contribute to and benefit from the program.

    About Eclipse ThreadX
    Eclipse ThreadX (formerly Azure RTOS) is the world’s first and only safety-certified open source real-time operating system (RTOS), and has been trusted by industries for over two decades. Deployed in over 12 billion devices since its launch in 1997, ThreadX offers an MIT-licensed, robust, modular platform that includes advanced subcomponents for graphical interfaces (GUIX), networking (NetX Duo), file storage (FileX), and USB connectivity (USBX). To learn more about how ThreadX powers next-generation embedded systems, visit threadx.io.

    About the Eclipse Foundation
    The Eclipse Foundation provides our global community of individuals and organisations with a business-friendly environment for open source software collaboration and innovation. We host the Eclipse IDE, Adoptium, Software Defined Vehicle, Jakarta EE, and over 420 open source projects, including runtimes, tools, specifications, and frameworks for cloud and edge applications, IoT, AI, automotive, systems engineering, open processor designs, and many others. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the Eclipse Foundation is an international non-profit association supported by over 385 members. Visit us at this year’s Open Community Experience (OCX) conference on 22-24 October 2024 in Mainz, Germany. To learn more, follow us on social media @EclipseFdn, LinkedIn, or visit eclipse.org.

    Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

    Media contacts:
    Schwartz Public Relations (Germany)
    Gloria Huppert/Marita Bäumer
    Sendlinger Straße 42A
    80331 Munich
    EclipseFoundation@schwartzpr.de
    +49 (89) 211 871 -70/ -62

    514 Media Ltd (France, Italy, Spain)
    Benoit Simoneau
    benoit@514-media.com
    M: +44 (0) 7891 920 370

    Nichols Communications (Global Press Contact)
    Jay Nichols
    jay@nicholscomm.com
    +1 408-772-1551

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Growing nuclear industry and recent acquisition continue to strengthen Calian nuclear results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY) has announced it secured a number of new contracts in the fourth quarter for its nuclear and environmental services division, marking significant growth in the last quarter of FY2024 ending on September 30. The new contracts—19 in total—represent a 58% increase over Q3 FY2024, primarily driven by the successful integration of MDA’s nuclear assets and strong organic growth.

    The acquisition of MDA’s nuclear division in March 2024 has allowed Calian to capitalize on increased synergies across its nuclear business, through the addition of engineering, tooling and robotics expertise, enhancing its capacity to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for Canada’s growing nuclear sector. The new contracts span major new nuclear projects in Ontario, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, supporting life-extension programs for Canada’s existing nuclear facilities and support for next-generation technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs). This expansion has also led to a doubling of the division’s workforce to meet the growing demand for FY2025.

    “The integration of MDA’s nuclear assets has been pivotal in expanding our capabilities and market reach within the nuclear sector,” said Patrick Houston, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Development Officer, Calian. “This strategic acquisition has enabled us to deliver more robust and comprehensive solutions for our clients, further strengthening Calian’s position as a leader in nuclear services. Our Q4 contract signings highlight the increasing trust that our clients place in us to provide cutting-edge, safe and reliable solutions in an industry critical to achieving global sustainability goals.”

    The global nuclear energy market continues to grow, driven by the demand for clean, sustainable energy to address climate change. In Canada, the federal government’s 2024 budget reinforced its commitment to nuclear energy as a key tool in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Calian’s nuclear and environmental services division is committed to supporting this national effort, particularly in delivering advanced solutions for reactor refurbishments and SMR developments.

    “Calian is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of Canada’s nuclear sector,” said Hani Al Anid, Vice President, Calian Nuclear. “With our expertise and highly skilled team, we can continue to meet the vital demands of our current and future customers and support the needs of both existing and next-generation nuclear projects in Canada and around the world.”

    Calian’s nuclear and environmental services division provides a comprehensive range of services covering the entire nuclear lifecycle. This includes safety analysis, licensing, emergency preparedness, environmental protection, decommissioning, waste management, and cutting-edge systems engineering and robotics. As an approved supplier for all CANDU nuclear utilities in Canada, Calian’s nuclear and environmental services division has a proven track record of ensuring the safety and sustainability of Canada’s nuclear infrastructure for over 25 years.

    To learn more, visit the Calian nuclear and environmental services web page on calian.com.

    About Calian
    http://www.calian.com
    We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex challenges. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets. Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

    Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

    Media inquiries:
    media@calian.com
    613-599-8600 x 2298

    Investor Relations inquiries:
    ir@calian.com


    DISCLAIMER

    Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

    Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8
    Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@calian.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Greenbacker broadens fundraising capabilities with new senior business development hires

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenbacker Capital Management (“GCM” and, together with its affiliates, “Greenbacker”), an energy transition-focused investment manager, is pleased to announce that it has expanded its distribution and fundraising capabilities, particularly in markets where Greenbacker is seeing increasing investor demand for sustainable investments. As senior members of the business development team, Adam Evans, CAIA, CIMA and John Hennessey broaden Greenbacker’s ability to offer individual and institutional investors the opportunity—across all distribution channels—to participate in the energy transition.

    “With Greenbacker’s evolving set of strategies, the timing couldn’t be better to add these two individuals, and their wealth of experience, to the distribution side of our business,” said Brandon Praznik, Greenbacker’s Executive Vice President of Business Development. “The strategic additions of Adam and John bolster our capital raising efforts as Greenbacker seeks to execute on its growth targets and capitalize on the energy transition opportunity set for our investors.”

    Evans is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience distributing financial services products to institutional and retail investors. As a senior vice president on Greenbacker’s business development team, he is responsible for the distribution of company strategies through all distribution channels in the Central US. Prior to Greenbacker, Evans served as a director within the financial institutions group at Lazard Asset Management, before which he held the role of business development director at Cushing Asset Management. In both roles, Evans was responsible for distributing firm strategies to the registered investment advisor (“RIA”), bank trust, and family office channels, including securing investment in new strategies.

    Hennessey is a seasoned business development professional, bringing to Greenbacker 15 years of experience marketing and distributing investment strategies to the RIA, family office, and institutional channels. As a vice president on Greenbacker’s business development team, he is responsible for the distribution of company strategies through all channels, with a focus on the Southeastern US. Previously in his career, Hennessey served as a director at Chicago Atlantic Group and a vice president at Merit Hill Capital; at both firms, he was responsible for business development, covering the RIA, family office, and institutional channels.

    The two join the company during a period of expansion and transformation for Greenbacker. Greenbacker’s latest quarterly results highlight substantial year-over-year growth in revenue and clean power production, as well as a 30% increase in fee-earning AUM,1 bringing the total to $762 million. As of the end of the second quarter, the company’s aggregate AUM2 had reached $3.7 billion.

    Greenbacker also recently expanded its investments team following the launch of GCM’s fourth sustainability-driven investment strategy, focused on Energy Transition Real Estate. Earlier this year, Greenbacker announced it added three new members to its leadership team, including a new Chief Financial Officer and the newly created Head of Infrastructure and Head of Capital Markets positions. Late last year, the company expanded its private equity investment team, adding a managing director to its Greenbacker Development Opportunities (“GDEV”) strategy, which invests in growth-stage sustainable infrastructure development platforms.

    GCM serves as the SEC-registered investment manager to four energy transition-focused investment strategies. Greenbacker remains committed to empowering a sustainable future by putting investor capital to work in the energy transition asset class. As of June 30, 2024, Greenbacker’s fleet of clean energy projects has produced over 10.7 million MWh of clean power3 since 2016, abating nearly 7.5 million metric tons of carbon4 and conserving approximately 7.4 billion gallons of water,5 compared to the amount of water needed to produce the same amount of power by burning coal.

    About Greenbacker Capital Management
    Greenbacker Capital Management LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser that provides advisory and oversight services related to project development, acquisition, and operations in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability industries. For more information, please visit https://greenbackercapital.com.

    About Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company
    Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC is a publicly reporting, non-traded limited liability sustainable infrastructure company that both acquires and manages income-producing renewable energy and other energy-related businesses, including solar and wind farms, and provides investment management services to other renewable energy investment vehicles. We seek to acquire and operate high-quality projects that sell clean power under long-term contracts to high-creditworthy counterparties such as utilities, municipalities, and corporations. We are long-term owner-operators, who strive to be good stewards of the land and responsible members of the communities in which we operate. Greenbacker conducts its investment management business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Greenbacker Capital Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. We believe our focus on power production and asset management creates value that we can then pass on to our shareholders—while facilitating the transition toward a clean energy future. For more information, please visit https://greenbackercapital.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. Although Greenbacker believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Greenbacker undertakes no obligation to update and forward-looking statement contained herein to conform to actual results or changes in its expectations.

    Greenbacker media contact
    Chris Larson
    Media Communications
    646.569.9532
    c.larson@greenbackercapital.com


    1 Fee-earning AUM represents the asset base upon which management fee revenue is earned from GCM’s managed funds. The financial and portfolio metrics set forth herein are unaudited and subject to change.
    2 Aggregate AUM includes GREC and GCM’s managed funds. AUM represents the underlying fair value of investments, determined generally in accordance with ASC 820, cash and cash equivalents and project level debt. These figures are unaudited and subject to change.
    3 As of June 30, 2024.
    4 As of June 30, 2024. When compared with a similar amount of power generation from fossil fuels. Carbon abatement is calculated using the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator which uses the Avoided Emissions and generation Tool (AVERT) US national weighted average CO2 marginal emission rate to convert reductions of kilowatt-hours into avoided units of carbon dioxide emissions.
    5 As of June 30, 2024. Gallons of water saved are calculated based on Operational water consumption and withdrawal factors for electricity generating technologies: a review of existing literature – IOPscience, J Macknick et al 2012 Environ. Res. Lett. 7 045802.

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: NextGen Digital Advances Development of Cloud AI Hosting Platform and PCSections.com

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextGen Digital Platforms Inc. (“NextGen” or the “Company”) (CSE: NXT) is pleased to provide an update on recent and ongoing developments at its two core businesses, namely e-commerce platform PCSections.com (“PCS”) and the cloud-based hardware-as-a-service leasing business (“Cloud AI Hosting”). Both platforms continue to be upgraded to improve scalability, performance, and operational efficiency, as the Company continues to drive forward its growth strategy.

    Cloud AI Hosting Buildout Trial

    The Company has engaged Logic V Inc. (“Logic V”), a Vancouver-based provider of cloud computing and IT services, to explore transitioning its Cloud AI Hosting business to a fully cloud-based model. This new approach would involve the Company virtually leasing a subset of computing workstations from larger cloud computing and/or datacentre providers, which the Company would then sublease to smaller third-party artificial intelligence end-users via the existing online portal already being used by Cloud AI Hosting. Virtually leasing this computing power, rather than building an in-house computing fleet, could provide significant scalability and operational benefits as the Company builds out this business line.

    Logic V is currently conducting a proof of work (the “POW”) to assess this transition. If successful, this new approach is expected to significantly enhance scalability and speed to market by eliminating the need for NextGen to acquire and operationalize physical workstations, thus avoiding risks associated with physical inventory, operational challenges, and the large upfront costs of workstation purchases and infrastructure upgrades.

    NextGen expects Logic V to complete the POW in the coming weeks, and in due course will provide an update on outcomes from the POW and the next phase of the Cloud AI Hosting buildout.

    PCS Platform Enhancements

    PCS is undergoing both front-end and back-end upgrades aimed at enhancing the overall user experience, site performance, and security. The upgrades to PCS include:

    • Design Enhancements: Updates to the color scheme, layout, pattern, and animations to improve visual appeal and usability.
    • Payment & Checkout Improvements: Optimization of the payment process for a more seamless and secure customer experience.
    • Security Measures: Implementation of techniques to bolster security against unauthorized access and potential vulnerabilities in the payment process.
    • Performance Boost: Improvements to the website’s loading speed and overall performance for faster browsing.
    • General Bug Fixes: Identification and resolution of bugs to ensure smoother operation.

    The front-end design improvements are expected to be completed soon, and the Company will continue to work on finalizing the back-end enhancements.

    Kevin Zhou, NextGen’s Director of Platforms & Marketing, stated, “Pursuing a cloud-based model for Cloud AI Hosting has the potential to be a more efficient and scalable path compared to our original plan of acquiring physical workstations. If the current POW is successful, we will immediately scale up our operations. If not, we are still able and funded to expand our current fleet of workstations, towards our goal of owning a total of 10 to 15 GPUs with enough computing power for our smaller-scale users. Regardless of the outcome, we anticipate expanding the operational capacity and revenue level of our Cloud AI Hosting business once Logic V completes the POW. Similarly, with the updates on PCS, we are aiming to improve its overall functionality and competitiveness as we continue to refine both platforms.”

    Joel Freudman, President & CEO of NextGen, added, “We are pleased with the development milestones being achieved across both our PCS and Cloud AI Hosting platforms. We remain committed to their continued growth to fuel NextGen’s development trajectory, and are exploring what other potential revenue streams and ancillary capabilities we may be able to derive by leveraging our existing infrastructure.”

    About NextGen Digital Platforms Inc.
    NextGen is a Canadian technology company specializing in the development and acquisition of revenue-generating micro-technology digital platforms. The Company currently operates e-commerce platform PCSections.com (“PCS”) and a hardware-as-a-service business supporting the artificial intelligence sector, called cloud AI hosting (“Cloud AI Hosting”). Both PCS and Cloud AI Hosting were developed in-house by NextGen. From time to time the Company also intends to evaluate and acquire or develop other micro-technology platforms.

    NextGen is a portfolio company of Resurgent Capital Corp. (“Resurgent”), a merchant bank providing venture capital markets advisory services and proprietary financing. Resurgent works with promising public and pre-public micro-capitalization companies listing on Canadian stock exchanges. For more information on Resurgent and its portfolio companies, please visit Resurgent’s website at https://www.resurgentcapital.ca/ or follow Resurgent on LinkedIn at https://ca.linkedin.com/company/resurgent-capital-corp.

    For further information about NextGen, please contact:

    Joel Freudman
    Founder, President & CEO
    NextGen Digital Platforms Inc.
    Phone: (647) 368-7789
    Email: info@nextgendigital.ca
    Website: https://nextgendigital.ca/

    Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including those relating to the future development and revenue potential of PCS and Cloud AI Hosting; the POW for Cloud AI Hosting; and expected benefits of improvements to PCS and Cloud AI Hosting. These statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Company’s business plans and technological development forecasts, and outcomes of the POW, that are believed by management to be reasonable in the circumstances, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: technological and business risks inherent in artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and other emerging sectors that the Company is or may become involved in; operational and technical challenges; timeline for completion of the POW, and the outcomes therefrom, including as to revenue and/or profitability of Cloud AI Hosting; the Company’s ability to compete with other businesses in the e-commerce and/or cloud hosting markets; negative operating cash flow and insufficient capital to complete the development and/or expansion of any of the Company’s technologies; volatility in economic conditions; and those other risks described in the Company’s continuous disclosure documents. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein except as required by applicable securities laws.

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ Launches Option Income Strategy ETF on Palantir Technologies (PLTR)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ announced the launch today of the following ETF:

    YieldMax™ PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSE Arca: PLTY)

    PLTY seeks to generate current income by pursuing options-based strategies on Palantir Technologies Inc. (“PLTR”). PLTY is actively managed by ZEGA Financial. PLTY does not invest directly in PLTR.

    PLTY is the newest member of the YieldMax™ ETF family and like all YieldMax™ ETFs, aims to deliver current income to investors. With respect to distributions, PLTY will be a Group B ETF and its first distribution is expected to be announced on November 6, 2024. Please see table below for distribution and yield information for all outstanding YieldMax™ ETFs.

    ETF
    Ticker
    1
    ETF Name Reference
    Asset
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4,5
    30-Day
    SEC Yield
    3
    TSLY YieldMax™ TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF TSLA 115.53% 3.09%
    OARK YieldMax™ Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF ARKK 53.47% 3.37%
    APLY YieldMax™ AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF AAPL 31.19% 3.17%
    NVDY YieldMax™ NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF NVDA 65.43% 3.24%
    AMZY YieldMax™ AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF AMZN 41.70% 3.27%
    FBY YieldMax™ META Option Income Strategy ETF META 31.65% 3.22%
    GOOY YieldMax™ GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF GOOGL 22.22% 3.28%
    NFLY YieldMax™ NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF NFLX 36.06% 3.45%
    CONY YieldMax™ COIN Option Income Strategy ETF COIN 97.94% 3.70%
    MSFO YieldMax™ MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF MSFT 27.17% 3.33%
    DISO YieldMax™ DIS Option Income Strategy ETF DIS 35.17% 3.41%
    XOMO YieldMax™ XOM Option Income Strategy ETF XOM 18.73% 3.32%
    JPMO YieldMax™ JPM Option Income Strategy ETF JPM 34.76% 3.60%
    AMDY YieldMax™ AMD Option Income Strategy ETF AMD 73.41% 3.24%
    PYPY YieldMax™ PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF PYPL 102.97% 2.94%
    SQY YieldMax™ SQ Option Income Strategy ETF SQ 86.71% 3.44%
    MRNY YieldMax™ MRNA Option Income Strategy ETF MRNA 71.92% 3.91%
    AIYY YieldMax™ AI Option Income Strategy ETF AI 47.26% 3.76%
    MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF MSTR 81.35% 0.00%
    YBIT YieldMax™ Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF Bitcoin ETP 87.09% 4.07%
    CRSH YieldMax™ Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF TSLA 101.44% 3.61%
    GDXY YieldMax™ Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF GDX® 40.15% 3.27%
    SNOY YieldMax™ SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF SNOW 40.64% 3.44%
    ABNY YieldMax™ ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF ABNB 33.60% 2.84%
    FIAT YieldMax™ Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF COIN 110.90% 3.22%
    DIPS YieldMax™ Short NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF NVDA 87.48% 3.69%
    BABO YieldMax™ BABA Option Income Strategy ETF BABA 33.24% 2.62%
    YQQQ YieldMax™ Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF NDX® 26.88% 3.63%
    TSMY YieldMax™ TSM Option Income Strategy ETF TSM 23.98% 3.48%
    SMCY* YieldMax™ SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF SMCI — —
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Multiple 61.63% 62.93%
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Multiple 45.17% 50.85%
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Multiple 113.94% 0.00%


    The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

    Note: CRSH, FIAT, DIPS and YQQQ are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs” and “ADR” stands for American Depositary Receipt.

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from month to month and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    * The inception date for SMCY is September 11, 2024.

    1. All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and YMAG have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.24% but the investment adviser has agreed to a 0.10% fee waiver through at least February 28, 2025.
    2. The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on October 7, 2024. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recently declared distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by multiplying such distribution by twelve (12), and dividing the resulting amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.
    3. The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended September 30, 2024, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period. As of such date, the ULTY subsidized and unsubsidized 30-Day SEC Yields were 0.00% and 0.00%, respectively. The subsidized yield reflects fee waivers in effect while the unsubsidized yield does not adjust for any fee waivers in effect.
    4. Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.
    5. As of the date hereof, distributions for the following ETFs have included return of investor capital: TSLY, OARK, APLY, AMZY, NVDY, GOOY, JPMO, XOMO, PYPY, CONY, DISO, FBY, MSFO, NFLY, SQY, AMDY, MRNY, AIYY, MSTY, ULTY, YMAX, YMAG, YBIT, SNOY, CRSH and GDXY. For additional information, please visit http://www.YieldMaxETFs.com/TaxInfo.

    Standardized Performance

    For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For SQY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For ULTY, click here.

    Prospectuses

    Click here.

    Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information are in the prospectus. Please read the prospectuses carefully before you invest.

    There is no guarantee that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

    Contact Gavin Filmore at gfilmore@tidalfg.com for more information.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs and ZEGA Financial is their sub-adviser.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND SUB-ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERNCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX and YMAG generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer time periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer time periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given time period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    Holdings

    As of October 7, 2024, the YieldMax™ PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF did not hold any shares of Palantir Technologies Inc. (“PLTR”). As of such date, the holdings of PLTR in such fund were 0.00%.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, YieldMax™ ETFs or ZEGA Financial.

    © 2024 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Democratising access to tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

    Bern, 08.10.2024 – The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) foundation, co-founded by the Swiss Confederation, will hold its fourth summit from 9 to 11 October in Geneva, in presence of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. The high-level political segment, focused on anticipatory science diplomacy, will centre on the theme of ensuring widespread access to the groundbreaking scientific advances that will shape our future.

    Since 2019, GESDA has brought together scientists, diplomats, representatives of the private sector and civil society to work together to anticipate the scientific breakthroughs that will impact our societies and develop solutions to best manage these developments. The foundation’s areas of action include artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, synthetic biology and neurotechnologies.

    These themes will be discussed from 9 to 11 October at the 4th GESDA summit in Geneva, one of the major events on the international science diplomacy calendar. Under the theme of scientific acceleration, the summit will examine how new technologies can impact food security, intellectual property and coral reef conservation, in particular through insights from the EPFL’s Transnational Red Sea Center, an initiative supported by the FDFA.

    The impact of scientific progress on peace and security

    Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will attend the summit on 11 October 2024 and hold political discussions with various ministers and senior representatives. The main goal of this high-level political summit is to democratise access to the scientific advances that will shape the future. To advance this objective, Mr Cassis and GESDA will launch several concrete pilot projects.

    A training framework will be set up to equip decision-makers with the skills needed to anticipate and navigate a world rapidly transformed by scientific and technological advancements, primarily through regional workshops and online training programmes. An interactive exhibition, the Geneva Public Anticipation Portal, will also offer the public a gateway to the world of technological advances. This installation will be part of the Swiss pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka.

    GESDA, a tool of Swiss foreign policy

    GESDA was established in 2019 by the Swiss Confederation, the Canton of Geneva and the City of Geneva. The foundation is helping to strengthen Geneva’s role as a centre for international cooperation. In 2023, GESDA launched the Open Quantum Institute, now based at CERN, with the aim of putting quantum technologies at the service of the common good. Anticipatory science diplomacy is also one of the thematic objectives set out in the Federal Council’s Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27.


    Address for enquiries

    FDFA Communication
    Federal Palace West Wing
    CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
    Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
    E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
    Twitter: @SwissMFA


    Publisher

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
    https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Smart City visits EMSD (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

         The Legislative Council Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Smart City visited the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) Headquarters in Kowloon Bay today (October 8) to learn more about its innovation and technology (I&T) initiatives to help government departments and public organisations improve their services, as well as the latest progress in promoting smart government.

         Members first received a briefing by the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, on the EMSD’s work to promote innovation in electrical and mechanical (E&M) engineering and support government departments and public organisations in the use of I&T to enhance the quality of their services. Members also gained insights into the current situation of, and challenges the EMSD faced in providing E&M engineering services.

         Members then went to the E&M InnoZone to observe the collection of exhibits showcasing applications of technologies including Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and energy efficiency technologies, which are developed by the EMSD in collaboration with local universities, start-ups and research institutions.

         Members also toured the Regional Digital Control Centre and received a briefing by its representatives on how the Centre remotely monitors the operating status of electrical and mechanical equipment at government premises and conducts incident examination and diagnosis through digital technology, thereby enhancing the efficiency of repair and maintenance work. During the visit, Members exchanged views with the EMSD representatives on how to utilise technologies and data analytics to strengthen the energy efficiency and safety of electrical and mechanical equipment with a view to promoting smart city.

         Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of the Subcommittee, Ms Elizabeth Quat, Deputy Chairman, Mr Duncan Chiu, Subcommittee members Mr Chan Chun-ying, Mr Chan Siu-hung, Ms Carmen Kan; as well as non-Subcommittee members Mr Tony Tse, Mr Edward Leung and Mr Gary Zhang.            

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DTEP Funding Announced for Three More UK SMEs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) boosts defence innovation while supporting the technology supply chain

    • Congratulations to High Temperature Material Systems Ltd.; OpenWorks Engineering and Mind Foundry Ltd.
    • The Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) will collaborate with an experienced higher-tier partner in the defence sector
    • The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) boosts defence innovation while supporting the technology supply chain

    Three UK based SMEs have been awarded funding through the latest rounds of the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP). High Temperature Material Systems Ltd.; OpenWorks Engineering and Mind Foundry Ltd. will collaborate with a higher-tier supplier who will engage with the SME and mentor them over the duration of a forthcoming defence project. They will receive a government grant worth 50 percent of the project value with the aim of developing innovative new solutions that meet UK defence challenges and increase capability in the UK defence supply chain.

    DTEP, which seeks to improve the competitiveness of the UK Defence supply chain, is sponsored by the MOD’s Directorate of Industrial Strategy and Exports (DISE) and delivered through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), Innovate UK, and ADS.

    Anita Friend, Head of DASA, said:

    “We are delighted to announce the distribution of further DTEP funding to three more SMEs. These innovative companies, in partnership with their higher-tier DTEP collaborators, are set to play a crucial role in enhancing the UK’s defence supply chain and supporting the ongoing success of future defence and security initiatives.”

    Congratulations to the latest DTEP winners

    Mind Foundry Ltd.

    Mind Foundry builds AI for high-stakes applications. In defence, their work is designed for deployment, combining cutting-edge AI signal processing techniques to process, analyse and enrich feeds from sensors. Together with their higher-tier partner BAE Systems, they will collaborate to develop the capability for taking multiple data inputs from multiple sensor types, and utilise their inferences to demonstrate the potential for a single system to provide a unified operating picture.”

    Brian Mullins, Mind Foundry CEO said:

    “In multi-domain operations, operators often have to analyse information across different sensor feeds manually. This is a risk, increasing the opportunity for error and the potential to miss vital contact information. Being awarded this DTEP funding, we aim to build capabilities to solve this problem and provide operators with a fuller, more robust tactical picture compilation. We are proud to be able to deepen our partnership with BAE Systems, whose experience in deploying sensor systems in complex, operational scenarios will prove vital in guiding not only the scientific art of the possible but in the operator’s need for a solution in practice.”

    High Temperature Material Systems (HTMS):

    HTMS produce a high temperature, lightweight and low cost material called Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC). This type of material has multiple uses across the defence and security supply chain and has the ability to withstand temperatures of up to 1000 degrees centigrade. Together with their higher tier partner MBDA, HTMS will be scaling up the manufacturing of an innovative lower cost form of CMC which will fill a current gap in the UKs defence materials supply chain.

    Dr. Richard Grainger, CTO and Co-Founder of HTMS said: 

    “Being chosen for a DASA DTEP project is an important moment for High Temperature Material Systems (HTMS). This marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionise the high temperature composites market for Defence, Aerospace, Clean Transport, and other high performance industries.

    This collaboration accelerates the development of our cutting edge materials, opening doors for increased funding, strategic partnerships, and deeper integration into supply chains. We’re forging a powerful alliance with one of the world’s leading defence entities, which not only strengthens our capabilities but sets a strong course for the future of high temperature composite materials.”

    Dr. Danilo Di Salvo, CEO and Co-Founder of HTMS added:

    “DTEP paves the way for an enhanced market integration whilst empowering us to expand our expert team, bringing onboard more world class engineers and innovators. Working closely with DASA fuels our drive to deliver highly scalable, sustainable, and transformative composite materials. This is only the beginning. Our ambition is to push boundaries and create lasting impact — not just in the UK, but on a global scale. The future is here, and we’re leading the way.”

    OpenWorks Engineering

    OpenWorks Engineering will be working with higher tier supplier MBDA to provide an integrated counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) system for the British Army to meet the current threat from drones. The project will deliver a state-of-the-art AI Optical Detection, Tracking and Targeting system which can be used against agile targets while driving at convoy speeds on unimproved roads. It will also deliver an upgraded production facility capable of manufacturing systems at 12 times the current rate with a higher level of quality and assurance.

    Chris Down, Managing Director of OpenWorks Engineering said:

    “We are proud to be working with DASA to develop the next generation in electro-optic tracking systems and build a fully digital manufacturing facility in the North-East.  This DTEP grant will bring new technology to the defence and security forces of the UK and our allies as well as strengthening the UK’s defence supply chain and industrial base.

    The grant will accelerate the fielding of new counter drone and GBAD systems.  This will have an immediate impact in places like Ukraine as well as having the long-term effect of boosting the UK’s defence industry by increasing capacity in the supply chain for the high-tech equipment needed for the battlefield of the future.”

    DTEP’s funding for OpenWorks Engineering, High Temperature Material Systems and Mind Foundry highlights the MOD’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening the UK defence supply chain through strategic SME partnerships.

    Learn more about DASA’s funding opportunities here.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Appoints Todd Apo to HTA Board

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA

    GOVERNOR GREEN APPOINTS TODD APO TO HAWAIʻI TOURISM AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 7, 2024

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the appointment of Todd Apo to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) board of directors. Apo will serve in the position on an interim basis, pending confirmation by the state Senate. Apo’s term for the seat vacated by Sig Zane extends through June 30, 2028.

    “Todd is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in community development, public affairs and legal practice, making him ideal for the HTA board,” said Governor Green. “His diverse skill set and deep understanding of Hawai‘i’s unique cultural landscape will contribute significantly to advancing HTA’s goals.”

    Currently CEO of ‘Iole, a nonprofit focused on sustainability and resilience, Apo has previously served in senior roles at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (formerly the Howard Hughes Corp.), where he integrated cultural values into community initiatives. During his tenure as Honolulu City Council Chair, he oversaw significant legislative initiatives and budget management, strengthening community relationships and enhancing local governance.

    Apo earned a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law and dual A.B. degrees in Computer Science and Economics from Brown University, and combines a strong academic background with a commitment to public service. He serves on numerous boards, including the Hawai‘i Special Olympics and Bishop Museum.

    A courtesy photo of Todd Apo can be found here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Phone: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Camaraderie, Enthusiasm Punctuate Wolff New Venture Competition

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A novel treatment for long-term pain management that could revolutionize post-operative care and eliminate the need for opioids for many, won the first-place, $30,000 grand prize at the Wolff New Venture Competition last week.

    Professors and esteemed UConn Health researchers Lakshmi Nair, Ph.D. and Yusuf Khan, Ph.D. say they were both surprised and thrilled that their startup, Soleia Biosciences, received the award. With the financial and business support they’ve received, they hope to advance the treatment that has been in development for 10 years.

    “This prize will really set the stage for everything else we need to do; without it we would have been stuck,’’ Khan says. “Now we can move forward with determining exactly what we need to do to show our product is both safe and effective, and get it into the hands of doctors so they can start treating patients as soon as possible.’’

    “Our job has always been to figure out how to solve medical problems that don’t have a good solution,’’ Khan says. “With the Wolff Prize, we are even closer to that reality.’’

    Competition Awarded $115,000 in Cash and Prizes

    The Wolff New Venture Competition is the School of Business’ pinnacle entrepreneurship challenge. The event on Tuesday night drew dozens of UConn entrepreneurs and their supporters to the Dunkin Park YG Club for a night of competition, camaraderie, networking, and socializing.

    This year marks the ninth anniversary of the Wolff event, which invites five outstanding UConn-affiliated startups to compete annually. Since its inception, the amount of the awards has risen from $15,000 to more than $$115,000 in cash and in-kind services.

    The five 2024 Wolff finalists have developed a diverse set of companies, from toys to e-commerce to a business-travel planning app. Preparation for the event begins in March when 10 startups are selected to participate in the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s (CCEI) Summer Fellowship Accelerator, where they develop their businesses to become market ready.

    “This was by far the best Wolff New Venture Competition to date,’’ says Jennifer Mathieu, executive director of CCEI. “The room was packed with members of our entrepreneurial ecosystem including investors, community partners, dozens of CCEI’s entrepreneurs showcasing their startups, and many of our alumni just there to support.

    “There was an energy in the space; it was one of collaboration, community, and this level of overall excitement that everyone seemed to have about being there. I feel proud of what my team has accomplished in their support of the hundreds of startups that have participated in CCEI programs,’’ she says. “The five teams that pitched have made tremendous progress since working with CCEI. I can’t wait to see what impact they are going to have on the world.’’

    Medical Company Wins Grand Prize

    In addition to the grand prize, Soleia Biosciences also received the Legal Services Award valued at $10,000 and presented by Wiggin and Dana’s emerging companies division.

    The startup is on the cusp of a breakthrough pain-reduction treatment that can extend the duration of local anesthetics, enabling patients to be nearly pain-free and mobile. Nair says the $15 billion post-surgical pain management industry is ready for change.

    “Since opioid use can have such a negative impact on a person, it’s really critical to find non-addictive solutions for both short- and long-term pain,’’ Nair says. “This applies to everyone, young and old; nobody is exempt from these needs.  In younger people it may be part of recovering from a painful sports injury, and in older people more about managing something like osteoarthritis. Regardless of the age or disease, there is a critical need for opioid alternatives.’’

    The company already has patents and compelling pre-clinical data. The founders are looking to hire a consultant to help them begin the FDA approval process.

    Started by Two Car Enthusiasts, WheelPrice Earned Three Honors

    The $10,000 Second-Place Prize, sponsored by Santander Bank, went to WheelPrice, an online marketplace that facilitates the sales of new, used and vintage wheels. The company also won a ​$5,000 Audience Choice Award.
    sponsored by Fiondella Milone & Lasaracina (FML) and a $35,000 pro bono Digital Product Development Award from Revyrie.

    Co-founder Kyle Mayers ’13 (BUS) says the company has something for everyone. “We have wheels for every car from a Honda Civic to a Ferrari,” he says.

    Mayers and co-founder Wally Namane ’13 (BUS), ’18 MBA, both car enthusiasts, met as students through mutual friends at UConn. “We’ve had a life-long obsession with cars,’’ Mayers says.

    Today they hope to become the number one marketplace for the 67 million car enthusiasts in the U.S. Globally, consumers spend $5 billion on wheels annually. They believe their easy-to-use platform and some high-tech features, now in development, will put them in the industry’s drivers’ seat.

    Business-Travel App Took Third Place

    Since the onset of the pandemic, the number of fully remote companies has grown 400%. And although their employees may be on different coasts, Vamos founder Niko Zurita ’10 (BUS) believes every growing business requires face-to-face meetings between colleagues. He is developing an app to tailor meetings and locations to company needs, while also saving them money.

    Vamos received the $7,500 Third Place Prize sponsored by Prime Materials Recovery Inc., and a Digital Surgeons brand consulting award, valued at $10,000.

    Toy Dinosaurs, Natural Food Preservative Captivated Audience

    Lyla Andrick ’24 (CAHNR), created Happy Dinosaur, a company that sells brightly colored dinosaur stuffed animals, from her dorm room at UConn. The plush animals have become so popular that the New England boutiques that stock them can’t keep them on the shelves. As part of her presentation, she passed around a half-dozen dinosaurs, and members of the audience were delighted.

    Happy Dinosaur won a ​$5,000 Community Impact Award, sponsored by Baystate Financial, that will help Andrick create books about the main characters and create a format for children to share imaginative stories about them.

    Meanwhile Atlas, formerly Atlantic Sea Solutions, a company using seaweed extracts as a tasteless, texture-less coating to preserve the shelf-life of peaches, berries and other produce, won a $5,000 Innovation Award, sponsored by Mark and Jamie Summers. The company plans to use the winning to purchase more equipment.

    “What I love about my work and what motivates me is using science and technology to do cool things with food,’’ says co-founder Anuj Purohit, a research associate in the Department of Nutritional Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. “The world population is growing, and we all need good, nutritious food. That’s what drew me to agriculture and what keeps me going.’’

    Experienced Entrepreneurs Say Their Companies are Thriving

    The event also welcomed more than 25 previous Wolff participants who have made great strides with their startups. They were eager to cheer on the next wave of entrepreneurs.

    Jake Winter ’22 (ENG), co-founder and CTO of PatentPlusAI, a company using AI to generate comprehensive patent search reports in less than 24 hours, says the startup has grown exponentially in four years.

    “We’re hustling,’’ says Winter, noting that their client base includes corporate giant IBM. If he could offer advice to the newer entrepreneurs, it would be to “get ridiculously familiar with your market, and once you understand your customer, test as soon as you can,’’ he says.

    For graduate student Amelia Martin, the year since her participation in the Wolff competition has been one of extraordinary growth.

    “A year ago, I didn’t know what to expect. I had the mindset of a student,’’ she says. “Now I think like a CEO.’’

    Her company, Mud Rat, an eco-friendly alternative to the standard Styrofoam surfboard core, has participated in two business accelerators, won a small grant, and is completing its first protype this month. She’s also added to her team. Martin advises those who follow in her footsteps to just keep going when the going is tough. “If you stick with it, you’ll hit all your goals eventually,’’ she says.

    In the last year, alumna Hayley Segar, founder of onewith, a direct-to-consumer swimwear and accessory company, has been featured in People and InStyle magazines. She now employs four manufacturers to make her swimwear and this year sold 50,000 units. She hasn’t lost touch with her roots; her mom still packs her orders.

    She tells the new entrepreneurs to avoid distraction. “They need to be focused and heads-down in the early stages of their company,’’ she says. “It’s exciting, there is a lot of sacrifice, but in the end, owning your own business is extremely satisfying.’’

    She credits UConn for setting her up for success. As she speaks with entrepreneurs who attended other colleges, none of them had the expert entrepreneurial support that UConn offered, Segar says.

    Judges Were Impressed by What They Heard

    Competition judge Luke Steinberger, COO at Revyrie, a company that helps build and scale companies and a sponsor of the event, says he was very impressed with all the presentations.

    “They were well prepared, and I loved the diversity of ideas,’’ he says. “The program exceeded my expectations. I’m very happy to be involved and will be back next year.’’

    Judge Adam Silverman, partner at law firm Wiggin and Dana, says he didn’t know exactly what to expect before the competition. “It was great to be a part of the competition. I was impressed by the quality of the companies, the focus of the founders, and the exciting use of technology,’’ he says.

    School of Business Dean John A. Elliott spoke about how entrepreneurship has grown in the 13 years he has been here.

    “We used to think entrepreneurship was something for juniors and seniors to explore but now we welcome many students who begin their companies as freshmen,’’ he says. “The excitement around entrepreneurship has grown rapidly.’’

    Elliott also thanked the Wolff family, including Greg Wolff who was in attendance, for starting the competition and advocating for entrepreneurship at UConn. Elliott says their influence helped create additional competitions and great support for startups at UConn.

    Alycia Chrosniak, Assistant Director of Brand & Venture Development at CCEI, says working with the startups and watching them grow has been rewarding.

    “But my favorite part will be three months from now when I get the emails about what these new companies and their founders have accomplished,’’ she says. “What we do here is life changing.’’

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Month of Discovery: Sophia Hatzis ’27, a Researcher and Mentor

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Sophia Hatzis ’27 was a newly arrived first-year student when she learned about Innovate Labs at separate campus-wide kick-off events. What she heard intrigued her, so she decided to check it out.

    “I thought it was so cool how Innovate tries to get students to explore things outside of class,” she says. “I thought I could do some cool projects within the lab.”

    A year later, Hatzis has more than met that goal and is now part of the Innovate Labs team, showing a new wave of incoming students around. As a lab research specialist, she helps students discover the possibilities available through Innovate, an educational research lab within the UConn School of Business. The lab provides students of all disciplines with opportunities and resources to learn, explore, and develop industry-valued skills in emerging technology and analytics.

    A Trumbull resident majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Sociology, Hatzis says she is especially excited to be participating in Month of Discovery (MoD) activities this year, something she missed last year because she had yet to be hired.

    “Now, I’ll get to see the other side of things,” she says. “MoD is the whole month of October, and it’s filled with innovation events. Last year, I checked out all the different makerspaces and it inspired me to start working on some of my own projects. This year, Innovate will be running Makerspace Bounce on October 3. I’m looking forward to helping out with that.”

    Outside the lab, Hatzis is an avid hiker. (Courtesy of the Office of Undergraduate Research)

    After graduating, Hatzis plans to pursue human factors engineering, which considers both the user side and consumer side of emerging technology.

    “I like the idea that I can do work that considers the social side and impact of the new things we innovate,” she says. “For example making sure an AI program that does redistricting doesn’t perpetuate gerrymandering, or if you design a traffic control system, the town has the resources to feasibly power it.”

    Hatzis’ work with AI has not gone unnoticed. In April, she was one of handful of tech-savvy students tapped to make presentations at Hartford’s AI Day, an event showcasing sophisticated local AI-based companies and providing networking opportunities for those companies and promising students.

    Hatzis and her partner taught attending business professionals how to use machine learning to create a chatbot. Together, they showed participants how to capture images of themselves smiling, frowning and wearing a shocked expression, then taught them how to train the computer model to recognize facial expressions.

    “These students are so knowledgeable, bright, thoughtful and inquisitive,” Jonathan Moore, executive director of the CT Information Technology Institute and leader of the Innovate Labs initiative, said at the time. “They really are going to shape the future of technology and business.”

    Keeping up with the pace of worldwide innovation is one of her favorite parts of working at Innovate Lab, Hatzis says. “We are constantly adapting to the needs of the campus and the new technologies that come out.”

    Over the summer, Hatzis helped with the Young Scholars Senior Summit program at which students, through the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program, were introduced to the different kinds of technology in the lab and then directed to use it for a project with real world impact.

    “I enjoyed discussing the feasibility of their technology and how they could incorporate it into their ideas,” she says of the experience. “We honestly have something for everyone no matter what they are interested in. Once you get a student started with one thing, I like seeing them get comfortable with the technologies and branching out to try new things outside their comfort zone.”

    Outside the lab, Hatzis is serving as treasurer this fall of a gender-inclusive service fraternity (APO) and dances with the university ballet company. She is also a morale captain for UConn’s HuskyTHON, an annual dance marathon and fundraiser for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and enjoys hiking and exploring. At UConn, she loves to watch sunsets from Horsebarn Hill.

    Month of Discovery

    October is the Month of Discovery, when undergraduates are introduced to the wealth of research and innovation opportunities at UConn. This month, enjoy profiles of outstanding undergraduate innovators on UConn Today, attend a full slate of programming on campus and online, and register for Discovery
    Quest to launch your undergraduate experience to new heights.

    Students interested in learning more about research and innovation opportunities at UConn can check out the series of events offered as part of the Month of Discovery. Come to Research Connections on Thursday, Oct. 10, to learn how to get involved in UConn research. The Experience Innovation Expo at the Werth Institute is a great opportunity to get inspired and discover the wide range of programs for entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity at UConn.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young people to be given a helping hand on the creative industries ladder

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Budding young actors, musicians, photographers, fashion designers and film directors from across Liverpool are being invited to sign up to a creative programme that could give them a head-start in their chosen career.

    Commissioned by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team as part of its Creative Neighbourhoods programme and funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Future Movement is delivered by leading British dance company Rambert.

    The free creative youth programme, aimed at those aged 16-25, is unique because it is co-created with the young people, designed around their career ambitions.

    Throughout the 12-week programme, Rambert invites guest artists from a wide range of creative industries to share their skills, experience and career paths with the participants, who will benefit from dedicated sessions focusing on different areas of work such as producing and marketing.

    The initiative was piloted in Liverpool last year following its success in London, Rochdale and Mansfield and it gave young people the chance to collaborate with like-minded creatives across the country.

    During the programme, the students had the opportunity to work with and be mentored by industry experts including Merseyside born designer Patrick McDowell and film director Dan Löwenstein of House of Create.

    The students also collaborated with set and costume designer Olivia Du Monceau to design and make a protest banner. Researching art and activism, the group used different mediums of creativity, such as sewing and drawing to create a joyful banner of self-expression.

    The programme culminated in an exhibition of the students’ work at the press night of Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby at the Liverpool Empire earlier this month. Here, they not only had the opportunity to showcase their work but also to network with industry insiders including the producers of Peaky Blinders, which was filmed in Liverpool, and the Chief Executive of Arts Council England.

    The new term starts on October 8 and the group meet every Tuesday from 6.30pm-8.30pm at Toxteth Library, Windsor St, Liverpool, L8 1XF. Sign-up here.

    Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle said: “Full of BAFTA-winning productions and Oscar-winning talent, Liverpool has a vibrant, fast-growing creative sector, which plays a significant role in contributing to the local economy. So it’s only right that we invest in the next generation of creatives.

    “We’ve never been short of pioneers in Liverpool and while the city attracts world-class talent, it’s vital that we invest in home-grown talent and help our young people achieve their potential. Seeing the work that the young people have produced has blown me away – truly inspiring.”

    Daniel Fulvio, Deputy Director of Audiences and Rambert’s lead on Future Movement says: “Future Movement is designed to inspire and support anyone who is interested in starting a career in the creative industries. It aims to fuel young minds whilst giving them opportunities to try things out in an environment where they are supported to push themselves to build new skills and explore a range of creative jobs.

    “Liverpool is a beacon of creativity in the UK. Not only is it the birthplace of Hollywood stars and award-winning directors and producers but it is the second most filmed UK city outside of London and a UNESCO City of Music. Future Movement is a youth programme that takes young people seriously as the next generation of creatives and where better to nurture talent than here.”

    Patrick McDowell, Fashion Designer collaborating with Rambert on Future Movement says: “Working with Future Movement has been enriching and fulfilling on both a creative and a personal level. It has been a joy to have had this opportunity to return to my hometown to work with young people from the area, who have opened my eyes to different ideas.

    “Growing up, I was inspired by Liverpool’s style and how powerful and strong clothing seemed to make people feel. My working-class background and queer identity allowed me to see things through a certain lens, working with what I had to create something special. That ethos has remained with me to this day and it has been such a joy to mentor this pioneering project to inspire the next generation of creatives.”

    Kieran Gregory, a 19-year-old actor who took part in the pilot said: “Future Movement is boss. I’m an actor but as part of the programme, we designed a costume for one of the Rambert dancers. I’ve had no previous experience of contemporary dance before so it’s great to have new skills to put on my CV. We’re exposed to so many different people, learning about their journeys into the world of creative arts.

    “Rambert have been so good at letting us use our brains. We’ve gone to them and said ‘we’ve got this idea, can you make it happen?’ And they’ve said ‘yes, we’ll back you to the hilt.’ Whatever stimulus they give us, we’ll put our Scouse twist on it. I love representing Liverpool because people outside the city don’t properly understand. Over the last couple of years, things like Eurovision have been fantastic for the community so why not showcase it? Rambert and Culture Liverpool have put their faith in us and given us that opportunity and confidence.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Central Ayurveda Research Institute achieves significant milestones during the first 100 days of the government

    Source: Government of India

    Central Ayurveda Research Institute achieves significant milestones during the first 100 days of the government

    CARI signs MoU with JNU to initiate a research project on entrepreneurship and commercialization in the Ayush industry

    Under Special Camps, 1500 Members of Marginalized Communities Treated

    CARI became the first CCRAS institute to receive NABH accreditation

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 3:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), under the aegis of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, has achieved significant milestones during the first 100 days of the current government. These accomplishments reflect CARI’s commitment to enhancing healthcare through Ayurveda and contributing to the broader Ayush ecosystem.

    1. Geriatric Care Program Exceeds Targets: In a special initiative to cater to the healthcare needs of the elderly, CARI set a target of covering 2,000 individuals from the geriatric population. The institute has surpassed this goal, reaching 2,272 elderly individuals through its dedicated OPD. The program provided consultations, therapies, and lifestyle modifications based on holistic Ayurveda practices. This initiative has not only addressed healthcare concerns but also improved the quality of life for senior citizens.

    2. Outreach under SCSP: As part of the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP), CARI conducted 80 tours, organizing 8 camps and treating 1,500 patients within the first 100 days. The institute also conducted a comprehensive survey of 480 individuals to study their living conditions, dietary habits, and prevalent diseases. Through 1,980 screenings, lifestyle disorders were identified, marking a proactive approach to preventive healthcare in underserved communities.

    3. Establishment of Integrated Medicine at Lady Hardinge Hospital: CARI is spearheading the establishment of a Department of Integrated Medicine at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital, New Delhi. This initiative aims to integrate Ayush systems with modern medical services, addressing the need for comprehensive healthcare as advocated by the National Health Policy (NHP) 2017. Baseline OPDs and Panchakarma procedures have already commenced, laying the groundwork for this pioneering department.

    4. Strategic Collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) In a significant academic collaboration, CARI signed an MoU with JNU to initiate a research project on entrepreneurship and commercialization in the Ayush industry. The project aims to develop management principles for Ayush products and services. The project was successfully launched within the first 100 days, marking a new phase in Ayush’s research and industry growth

     

     

    5. Advancing Research and Publications CARI has completed two prestigious multi-center survey projects at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt and Air Force Hospital Hindon. 19 research projects are ongoing, with nine collaborative studies involving top institutions like AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, and JNU. During this period the institute also published a research article on allergic rhinitis in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, further enhancing the scientific credibility of Ayurvedic research.

    6. Promoting Patient Safety through Ayurveda : To mark Patient Safety Day, CARI organized a two-day national seminar in collaboration with NPvCC and AIIA, New Delhi. To address Patient safety day on September 17, 2024; a National Seminar was held at India International center, Lodhi Road focusing on the role of diagnostic practices in Ayush systems. It brought together 150 students, research scholars, and faculty members across India, fostering greater awareness of patient safety within Ayush practices.

     

    7. Accreditation and Empowerment Initiatives CARI became the first CCRAS institute to receive NABH accreditation and it also obtained NABL accreditation for its Pathology and Biochemistry labs. Additionally, the institute provided administrative training for Ayush officers, empowering them with crucial management skills for their capacity building on 3rd August 2024.

    Receiving NABH accreditation certificate from Secretary, Ministry of Ayush

    8. Social Outreach CARI ensured the active participation of all staff and officials in national campaigns, including Swachhata Pakhwada and Poshana Maah, organizing public awareness programs, webinars, and cleanliness drives.

    9. 9th Ayurveda Day: This institute is committed to hold various activities in order to celebrate 9th Ayurveda Day on 29th October, 2024. Awareness seminars, webinars, public lectures along with other activities like distribution of medicinal plants, competitions in school, etc. will be covered under Ayurveda Day.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari Unveils ‘Humsafar Policy’ for Onboarding Service Providers for Wayside Amenities Along the National Highways

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari Unveils ‘Humsafar Policy’ for Onboarding Service Providers for Wayside Amenities Along the National Highways

    Humsafar Policy aims at providing safe and pleasant travel experience to NH users, says Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari

    Union Minister says Humsafar Policy to Benefit Marginal Sections and Promote Eco-Friendly Highway Amenities

    Humsafar Policy to Enhance Commuter Experience with Standardized Highway Services

    Service Providers to Gain Enhanced Online Visibility via NHAI’s ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ App

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 4:08PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari launched today the ‘Humsafar Policy’ in New Delhi to enhance convenience of travelling on National Highways and accelerate development of the Wayside Amenities in presence of Shri Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways.

     

    Speaking at the unveiling, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari said local marginal sections of the society will be benefitted from this initiative. He underscored that this scheme will help in facilitation of smooth, safe and pleasant journey for users. It will be environment friendly and has been prepared keeping the ecology and cleanliness in the perspective. He also said that water conservation, soil conservation, waste recycling, solar energy etc have been kept in mind while formulating this policy.

     

    Union Minister Sh. Nitin Gadkari asked the officials of the ministry to ensure quality service to the passengers through this policy. A number of Green Highways of NHAI have been planned with keeping several amenities in the perspectives, he further added.

     

    He called upon that petrol pump owners alongside NHs to ensure basic amenities at the petrol pump as per norms. He also said that Food court, cafeteria, Fuel station, Electric Vehicle Charging Station, parking facilities, Toilet facility, Baby Care room, ATM, Vehicle repair shop, Pharmacy services under this policy will ensure better experience for NH users.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways said that under the guidance of Shri Nitin Gadkari National Highways of 1.5 lakh KMs have been laid down. Prime Minister’s vision and Union Road Transport and Highways minister’s guidance is changing the course of infrastructure in this country despite several odds, he further added.

     

    On this occasion, Union Minister Sh. Nitin Gadkari and MoS Sh. Ajay Tamta also visited the Exhibition displayed on the theme

    The policy aims to provide a comprehensive framework to ensure that the commuters have access to standardized, well-maintained, and hygienic facilities by onboarding both existing and upcoming service providers along National Highways and Expressways. Existing and upcoming service providers under the categories of Eateries, Fuel Station and Trauma Centres will be eligible to register under the Humsafar Policy. The policy aims to benefit all stakeholders. Registered service providers will benefit from waiver of fees for renewal for existing access permission and will be provided space on National Highways to put up signages of their establishment to increase visibility. In addition, the service providers will be featured on NHAI ‘Rajmarg Yatra’, mobile app to boost their online visibility.

    The ‘Humsafar’ policy will also benefit commuters by enabling access to standardized, well maintained and hygienic facilities. Commuters will be able to find details of relevant service providers near their location instantly on the ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ app. The app will also empower commuters to report issues and rate the service provided and facilities. Registered service providers will be able to avail a waiver of renewal fees for access permissions, if they maintain an average rating of 3 or higher.

    The policy also outlines rigorous provisions for ‘Monitoring & Inspection’ of the registered service providers for maintaining the standard of the facilities and ensuring quality services to the commuters. Regular inspections will be conducted by a third-party agency appointed by the authority. Email/ SMS alerts shall be sent to service providers in case their ratings fall below average of 3-stars and more frequent inspections will be carried out on such facilities with low score.

    The ‘Humsafar Policy’ will go a long way in establishing world-class services along the National Highways by standardizing high-quality facilities for commuters and enhancing the overall travel experience of the National Highway users.

    The event was attended by Sh. D. Sarangi, Director General & Special Secretary in the Ministry, Sh. Santosh Kumar Yadav Chairman of NHAI, and senior officers of the ministry and NHAI, NHLML with representatives of Wayside Amenities Developers, Hospitality companies, Oil Marketing Companies, EV charging companies, consultants and academicians.

    The complete policy can be read at: – 

    https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/oct/doc2024108411501.pdf

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Converge Selects Infinera’s 1.2T ICE7

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Infinera (NASDAQ: INFN) announced today that Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG), the leading fiber broadband and technology solutions provider in the Philippines, selected Infinera as its submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE) vendor for the fiber pairs over which Converge has been granted an Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) on the Bifrost Cable System, using Infinera’s industry-leading GX Series Compact Modular Platform and its next-generation high-performance 1.2T ICE7 optical engine.

    Additionally, Converge will use Infinera’s solutions to modernize its nationwide terrestrial fiber network across the Philippines.

    Keppel and Converge have entered into agreements for the grant of an IRU to Converge for one fiber pair on the main trunk and the entire Davao branch of the Bifrost Cable System. Developed by Keppel, Meta, and Telin, the Bifrost Cable System is an end-to-end trans-Pacific cable system spanning over 15,000 km, connecting the west coast of North America via Guam with the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore. Converge is also the landing party for the Davao branch segment of the Bifrost Cable System and owns the cable landing station in Davao, located in the southern Mindanao region.

    Converge is the fastest-growing fiber broadband and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions provider in the Philippines, with total fiber assets extending over 70,000 kilometers. It operates the biggest fiber-to-the-home network in the country, with total homes passed reaching 16 million.

    Converge selected Infinera’s solution based on Infinera’s proven track record in subsea networking with industry-leading reach and capacity performance. Leveraging Infinera’s subsea solution will enable Converge to monetize its fiber assets by delivering the highest capacity at the lowest cost over ultra-long distances.

    Once deployed, Converge will benefit from the industry’s latest generation of advanced high-speed optics and 5-nm technology, enabling single wavelengths of up to 1.2T and improved capacity-reach. Infinera’s solution provides Converge with an operationally seamless solution including advanced spectrum sharing capabilities in a single platform that supports both ICE7 transponders and next-generation optical line system (OLS) capabilities.

    “We are excited to leverage the latest generation of Infinera’s technology for our terrestrial and subsea cable assets. Infinera provides the most advanced subsea networking solution with industry-leading capabilities including advanced power management,” said Dennis Anthony Uy, CEO and Co-Founder of Converge. “Leveraging Infinera’s innovative solution, Converge will be able to effectively scale to meet rapidly growing bandwidth demands across the Philippines and the entire Asia-Pacific region.”

    “By selecting Infinera’s ICE7 as the SLTE for the fiber pairs utilized by Converge in the Bifrost Cable System and to modernize its terrestrial backbone, Converge will benefit from the industry’s latest technology, enabling them to provide their customers with access to cost-effective, high-performance, and high-capacity services,” said David Heard, CEO at Infinera. “We are pleased to have been selected for the company’s growth and expansion, which underscores the value of Infinera’s innovative optical engine solutions and expertise in deploying critical networks globally.”

    Contacts:

    Infinera Media:
    Anna Vue
    Tel. +1 (916) 595-8157
    avue@infinera.com

    Converge Media:
    Jay-Anne Encarnado
    VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations
    corpcomm@convergeict.com   

    Infinera Investors:
    Amitabh Passi, Head of Investor Relations
    Tel. +1 (669) 295-1489
    apassi@infinera.com

    Converge Investors:
    Owen Ocampo
    VP and Head of Investor Relations
    Investor.relations@convergeict.com

    About Converge ICT Solutions
    Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc. (PSE:CNVRG) is the fastest-growing fixed broadband service provider in the Philippines. It is the first to run an end-to-end pure fiber internet network in the country, providing Filipinos simple, fast, and reliable connectivity. Aside from broadband services, Converge also offers integrated data center and network solutions services. With over 70,000 kilometers of fiber optic assets nationwide, it has one of the most extensive fiber networks in the Philippines. With this fiber-powered network, Converge provides premium world-class digital experience for residential, enterprise, and wholesale customers. Go to https://www.convergeict.com for more information.

    About Infinera
    Infinera is a global supplier of innovative open optical networking solutions and advanced optical semiconductors that enable carriers, cloud operators, governments, and enterprises to scale network bandwidth, accelerate service innovation, and automate network operations. Infinera solutions deliver industry-leading economics and performance in long-haul, submarine, data center interconnect, and metro transport applications. To learn more about Infinera, visit http://www.infinera.com, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and subscribe for updates.

    Infinera and the Infinera logo are registered trademarks of Infinera Corporation.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the operational, performance and financial benefits of Infinera’s GX Series Compact Modular Platform and its ICE7 optical engine. These statements are not guarantees of results and should not be considered as an indication of future activity or future performance. Actual results may vary materially from these expectations as a result of various risks and uncertainties. Information about these risks and uncertainties, and other risks and uncertainties that affect Infinera’s business, is contained in the risk factors section and other sections of Infinera’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Fiscal Quarter ended June 29, 2024 as filed with the SEC on August 2, 2024, as well as any subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. These reports are available on Infinera’s website at http://www.infinera.com and the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions, or strategies and can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will,” and “would” or similar words. Infinera assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: First Orion, TNS and TransUnion Partnership Launches Branded Calling with Logos for Enterprises

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Orion, Transaction Network Services (TNS), and TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) today announced the availability of branded calling with logos across the top three U.S. wireless carriers. The partnership ensures branded calls with rich content are verified with end-to-end authentication, providing a secure method to help prevent call spoofing. With the addition of logo delivery to the portfolio of rich content, the partnership expects a continued increase in secure branded calling adoption before the end of 2024.

    In a joint statement at Mobile World Congress, the companies said, “Despite the many digital communication channels available, the phone call is the preferred channel for addressing personal, complex, and high-value business situations. Companies must consider leveraging the benefits of authenticated branded calling to build long-term brand affinity and improve engagement. This becomes even more vital to financial service firms that have experienced a dramatic uptick in fraudulent activity, which can negatively impact their brand and customers.”

    Branded calling enables enterprises to add rich content to the mobile display, including name, number, and now, logo, along with a secure end-to-end authentication and verification framework, to ensure calls are not spoofed. The solution is essential for promoting businesses, establishing consumer trust, and increasing engagement while protecting brands and consumers from fraud.

    After two years of close collaboration, the partnership continues to advance innovation and adoption, most recently achieving industry milestones, including:

    • Branded calling adoption by more than 4,500 U.S. businesses, including 15 percent of Fortune 500 companies
    • Delivering more than 3.7 billion branded calls this year, on track to reach five billion by the end of 2024
    • Shared network coverage, including more than 300 million consumers
    • Registering more than 250,000 businesses and 22 million phone numbers

    According to Juniper Research, robocall scams could cost consumers $73 billion this year, and “the implementation of frameworks such as STIR/SHAKEN, and mass rollout of branded calling solutions, are expected to significantly impact criminals’ operations.” Already working in lockstep with this guidance, the partnership is responsible for establishing the industry standards that helped introduce branded calling to the U.S. marketplace.

    With the addition of logos and nationwide coverage across the top three wireless carriers in the U.S., a mass branded calling rollout is already underway, with expectations to continue to reach more businesses and consumers over time.

    About First Orion
    Since 2008, First Orion has transformed the phone call experience for businesses, carriers and consumers through its industry-leading communication branding and protection solutions. As the market leader in branded calling, First Orion is a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies and the largest U.S. mobile carriers. The global telecommunications solutions provider helps businesses generate more revenue, increase efficiency, and improve the customer experience by empowering them to brand their phone calls with their name, logo and reason for calling. First Orion also provides the industry’s most secure calling experience and best-in-class analytics for call program optimization. For more information, visit firstorion.com.

    About Transaction Network Services (TNS)
    TNS, a market leader in call identification and robocall mitigation, provides an end-to-end ecosystem for protecting and restoring trust in voice calling. TNS addresses the full needs of wireless and wireline operators globally with TNS Call Guardian®, the industry-leading call analytics solution that protects subscribers from high risk and nuisance robocalls. In addition, its Enterprise product suite, including TNS Enterprise Authentication and Spoof Protection and TNS Enterprise Branded Calling, is taking the next step in enriching consumer engagement, making the voice channel an integral part of an omnichannel customer experience program. TNS analyzes over 1.5 billion call events across more than 500 operators every single day, enabling enterprises to protect their brand and consumers, and carriers to identify more unwanted robocalls. For additional information visit: https://tnsi.com/resource-center/communications/.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)
    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business

    Learn more about TransUnion Branded Call Display (BCD).

    Media/PR Contacts:

    First Orion Media Relations
    Lucie Pathmann
    Lpathmann@firstorion.com
    501-772-6108

    TNS Media Relations
    Brian Lustig
    202-836-9112
    tns@bluetext.com 

    TransUnion Media Relations
    Dave Blumberg
    david.blumberg@transunion.com
    312-972-6646

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Airloom Energy Announces $13.75M Financing to Accelerate Development of Pilot in Wyoming

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LARAMIE, Wyo., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Airloom Energy, the company unlocking the next generation and full potential of wind power, has secured $7.5 million in financing led by Lowercarbon Capital with participation from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, WYVC, Crosscut Ventures, WovenEarth Ventures, Adiuvans, and the Kutnick Family Office to support its vision of revolutionizing wind energy generation. The company also secured $5 million in Energy Matching Funds from the State of Wyoming and a $1.25M non-dilutive contract from the U.S. Department of Defense.

    The new funding will support the development of a pilot in Wyoming to prove out power production and system efficiency, while demonstrating that Airloom can build wind for one-third the cost of conventional horizontal-axis turbines. The company will break ground on the project in the summer of 2025.

    Just as Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs) continue to grow in size and complexity, continued cost reductions are hindered by interest rates and supply chain issues. Airloom takes a fundamentally different approach with its simple, mass-manufacturable design that enables higher energy density and a smaller visual footprint without the massive infrastructure that conventional turbines require.

    More efficient, easier to deploy wind technology has been a goal for decades, but previous efforts haven’t succeeded in displacing HAWTs because they didn’t have the right combination of high energy production, low capital costs, and system sturdiness. Airloom solves this with a robust, scalable system architecture that is engineered to withstand the harsh and dynamic conditions wind turbines are exposed to. In addition, Airloom is engineered to utilize common materials, automated manufacturing, and existing transportation networks. The resulting system is not only built to wind industry engineering standards, but achieves exceptional power production at low-cost.

    “As global demand for renewable energy increases, Airloom’s technology offers a breakthrough in reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) while addressing the supply chain challenges that have long hindered the wind sector,” said Neal Rickner, CEO of Airloom. “With a focus on efficiency, scalability, and sustainability, Airloom is positioned to become a key player in the future of renewable energy.”

    The Airloom team includes industry veterans from Google X, Boeing, GE, Vestas, Gulfstream, DNV GL, and more. Rickner previously served as COO of Makani, a next-generation wind turbine company owned by Alphabet and Shell.

    As Airloom builds its first-of-a-kind pilot project, it has opened dialogue with wind developers, asset owners, and power producers to explore partnerships for its next projects. The company is building a coalition of industry players and early adopters who will get early access as Airloom begins to scale. If you are an interested company or would like to learn more, please visit http://www.airloom.energy.

    About Airloom Energy

    Airloom Energy is developing a new generation of renewable energy technology designed to unlock the full potential of wind power. Airloom’s turbines are more efficient, can be mass manufactured, and deployed just about anywhere. Backed by leading investors, Airloom is on a mission to disrupt the wind energy industry and accelerate the global energy transition. To learn more follow Airloom on LinkedIn @airloomenergy, visit the website http://www.airloom.energy, or reach out directly: info@airloom.energy  

    About Lowercarbon Capital

    Lowercarbon Capital is a multibillion dollar venture capital firm founded by Chris and Crystal Sacca that backs kickass companies making real money slashing CO2 emissions, sucking carbon out of the sky, and buying us time to heal the planet. For more information, visit http://www.lowercarboncapital.com.

    About Breakthrough Energy Ventures

    Breakthrough Energy Ventures is a purpose-built investment firm that partners with, launches, and scales global companies that are building an emissions-free global economy. We seek true breakthroughs and are committed to supporting these entrepreneurs and companies by bringing to bear a unique combination of technical, operational, market, and policy expertise. Backed by many of the world’s top business leaders, companies, and investors, Breakthrough Energy Ventures has raised more than $3.5 billion in committed capital and partnered with more than 110 groundbreaking companies. Breakthrough Energy Ventures is the venture capital arm of Breakthrough Energy, a global network of climate leaders committed to accelerating the world’s journey to a clean energy future. The organization funds breakthrough technologies, advocates for climate-smart policies, and mobilizes partners around the world to take effective action, accelerating progress at every stage. Visit Breakthrough Energy Ventures to learn more.

    About WYVC

    Utilizing federal funds provided by the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), the Wyoming Business Council launched Wyoming Venture Capital (WYVC) in April 2023. Designed to support the innovation and growth needs of founders across the state, WYVC is an equity financing option for Wyoming high-growth companies with an eye toward future exit.

    WYVC utilizes two investment strategies – the Direct Strategy and the Funds Strategy – to support the growth of Wyoming startups. The program targets contributing 20% to selected funds or companies’ fundraising rounds. Ultimately, both strategies are designed to support in-state companies and to help bridge the early gaps in startup equity funding.

    Contact:

    Neal Rickner, CEO
    neal@airloom.energy
    858-254-2246

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8911e47-61c1-4b45-bec0-4a18505f232d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/725e62b4-c946-40a9-a36f-936ec4993c49

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/06018e8c-9348-4461-bdad-d484285e5f31

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8958f274-14c9-41c4-abc0-f875c307afe3

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Asset Entities Announces New Episode with Miami Hurricanes Michael “The Playmaker” Irvin and Sandy “The Hammer” Jack on “The Lounge” Podcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Asset Entities Inc. (“Asset Entities” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: ASST), a provider of digital marketing and content delivery services across Discord and other social media platforms, and Ternary Payment Platform company, today announced their next episode on the Lounge featuring former National Champion Miami Hurricanes, Michael Irvin and Sandy Jack.

    This episode will feature Irvin and Jack, who discuss their journey as teammates at the University of Miami, playing football for famed head coach Jimmy Johnson, winning a national championship with the Hurricanes, and other life lessons. “The Lounge” is hosted by well-known TikToker, Kyle Fairbanks, who also serves as the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Marketing Officer for Asset Entities. The Lounge can be viewed on its YouTube channel @TheAELounge.

    It is an exciting time for the University of Miami and the Hurricanes Football team as they are now undefeated at 6-0 and received national notoriety in recent weeks for their come-from-behind wins against Virginia Tech and Cal (University of California at Berkley) in the last seconds of both of those games.

    Michael Irvin and Sandy Jack both played their entire NCAA Division 1 Football careers at the University of Miami. Michael Irvin went on to play his entire 12-year professional career for the Dallas Cowboys and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007, while Sandy Jack pursued a graduate degree by attending the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., obtaining his Juris Doctorate and becoming an attorney in the State of Florida. Irvin and Jack, while playing for the Hurricanes, won an NCAA Division I National Championship in 1988 playing for Coach Jimmy Johnson.

    Irvin was nicknamed “the Playmaker” due to his incredible ability to make big plays in big games during his pro and college careers. An Emmy Award-winning Sports Analyst, Irvin also serves as a consultant to Asset Entities in the area of Sports and Entertainment.   You can watch Michael as an NFL analyst on Fox’s FS1 sports show, “Speak,” which is on weekly at 4:00 p.m. CST.

    To visit “The Lounge,” go to @TheAELounge on YouTube. To learn about Asset Entities Inc., please go to http://www.assetentities.com. To learn about Ternary, please go to http://www.ternarydev.com. To learn about the AE.360.DDM suite of services, please go to http://www.ae360.com and https://discord.gg/ae360ddm.

    Caption: Sandy Jack on the left, Michael Irvin on the right.

    About Asset Entities, Inc. 
    Asset Entities Inc. is a technology company providing social media marketing, management, and content delivery across Discord, TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and other social media platforms. Asset Entities is believed to be the first publicly traded Company based on the Discord platform, where it hosts some of Discord’s largest social community-based education and entertainment servers. The Company’s AE.360.DDM suite of services is believed to be the first of its kind for the Design, Development, and Management of Discord community servers. Asset Entities’ initial AE.360.DDM customers have included businesses and celebrities. The Company also has its Ternary payment platform that is a Stripe-verified partner and CRM for Discord communities. The Company’s Social Influencer Network (SiN) service offers white-label marketing, content creation, content management, TikTok promotions, and TikTok consulting to clients in all industries and markets. The Company’s SiN influencers can increase the social media reach of client Discord servers and drives traffic to their businesses. Learn more at assetentities.com, and follow the Company on X at $ASST and @assetentities.

    Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, representatives of the Company may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. These forward-looking statements are based on expectations and projections about future events, which are derived from the information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or the Company’s future performance, including its financial performance and projections, growth in revenue and earnings, and business prospects and opportunities. Forward-looking statements can be identified by those statements that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors including those that are described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s periodic reports which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These and other factors may cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release, except in accordance with applicable law.

    Company Contacts:

    Arshia Sarkhani, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Michael Gaubert, Executive Chairman
    Asset Entities Inc.
    Tel +1 (214) 459-3117
    Email Contact

    Investor Contact:
    Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC
    Scott Powell, President
    1177 Avenue of the Americas, 5th Floor
    New York, NY 10036
    Office: (646) 893-5835
    Email: info@skylineccg.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
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