Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, 16. April 2025
AI Drone Beats Human Pilot in Most Sophisticated and Challenging Series set up by A2RL x DCL Autonomous Drone Championship, Marking a Breakthrough in Autonomous Flight Innovation
Over 2500 Spectators Watch Best Autonomous Drone Racers Battle it Out for $1M Prize Pool Across Four Cutting-Edge Race Formats,
Mavlab (TU Delft) Dominates the Championship with Three Wins in the AI Grand Challenge, AI Drag Race and AI Vs Human; TII Racing (Technology Innovation Institute, Abu Dhabi) Wins the AI Multi-Autonomous Drone Race
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), part of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), in collaboration with the Drone Champions League (DCL), concluded the inaugural A2RL x DCL Autonomous Drone Championship in the Middle East, at ADNEC Marina Hall, Abu Dhabi, UAE. In a major breakthrough for autonomous flight and aerial robotics, Team MavLab’s AI drone outpaced a world-leading human pilot to win the AI vs Human Challenge. The head-to-head duel was the most complex ever staged, featuring finalists from the DCL Falcon Cup—some of the top drone pilots in the world.
Over two high-intensity days, 14 international teams qualified for the finals week, with the top four advancing to compete across multiple challenging race formats. Teams from the UAE, Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Turkey, China, Spain, Canada and the USA represented a mix of university labs, research institutes, and startup innovators.
Each team raced a standardized drone equipped with the compact yet powerful NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX computing module, a forward-facing camera, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for onboard perception and control. With no human input, the drones relied entirely on real-time processing and AI-driven decision-making to reach speeds exceeding 150 km/h through a complex race environment.
The course design pushed the boundaries of perception-based autonomy—featuring wide gate spacing, irregular lighting, and minimal visual markers. The use of rolling shutter cameras further heightened the difficulty, testing each team’s ability to deliver fast, stable performance under demanding conditions. This marked the first time an autonomous drone race of this scale and complexity was staged on such a visually sparse track, underscoring the ambition and technical challenge of the event.
Championship Highlights
AI Grand Challenge Winner: MavLab (TU Delft) set the fastest time on the 170-meter course, completing two laps (22 gates) in just 17 seconds.
AI vs Human Showdown Winner: MavLab’s autonomous drone outpaced top human pilot—in a landmark AI vs Human showdown.
Multi-Autonomous Drone Race Winner: TII Racing emerged victorious in the multi-drone format, in a high-speed test of AI coordination and collision avoidance.
Autonomous Drag Race Winner: MavLab (TU Delft) claimed victory in the world’s first AI-only drag race, demonstrating straight-line speed and control under high acceleration against the championship’s top teams.
“At ATRC, we believe innovation must be proven in the real world, not just promised,” said H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, and Secretary-General of ATRC. “A2RL is more than a race, it’s a global testbed for high-performance autonomy and reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing AI, robotics, and next-gen mobility responsibly.”
“The future of flight doesn’t live in a lab – it lives on the racetrack,” said Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, the hosting entity of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League. “What we saw this weekend brings us closer to scaling autonomous systems in everyday life.” Markus Stampfer, Executive Chairman of DCL, added: “We brought elite racing conditions to autonomous flight—and the AI rose to the challenge. This was a major leap for both sport and technology.”
Ecstatic after clinching three top titles, Christophe De Wagter, team principal of MavLab, shared “Winning the AI Grand Challenge and the AI vs Human race is a huge milestone for our team. It validates years of research and experimentation in autonomous flight. To see our algorithms outperform in such a high-pressure environment and take home the largest share of the prize pool, is incredibly rewarding."
The A2RL X DCL Drone STEM Program, designed in collaboration with UNICEF and under the supervision of the ATRC, has trained over 100 Emirati students this year. Over 60% earned the prestigious Trusted Operator Program certification and 24 achieved perfect scores, showcasing the cutting-edge aviation skills being developed as part of the program.
With the drone finale now in the books, all eyes turn to Season 2 of A2RL’s autonomous car racing series, set for Q4 2025 at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
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https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/a2rl1642025en
Contacts
Thushara Mohanan
thushara.mohanan@tii.ae
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Abu Dhabi Launches Life Sciences Cluster to Advance Healthcare Innovation Worldwide, tapping a $25.3 trillion market
Abu Dhabi’s new Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster to bolster life sciences ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, cementing the emirate’s position as the leading global hub for biotechnology, MedTech and digital health innovation
The cluster is projected to contribute $25.6 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, unlock 30,000 new jobs, and attract $11.5 billion in investment by 2045
Abu Dhabi has launched the groundbreaking life sciences cluster, reinforcing its position as a global hub for biotechnology, MedTech, and digital health. Developed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster is designed to drive healthcare innovation, attract international investment, and deliver lasting benefits to global populations.
Announced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, the HELM cluster will serve as a platform for the research, development, manufacturing and commercialisation of advanced health and life science solutions. From AI-powered diagnostics and pharmaceutical manufacturing to gene therapies and precision medicine, the cluster is poised to enable global companies to transform breakthrough science into scalable and accessible, patient-focused solutions.
With its world-class infrastructure, progressive regulations, and strategic geographic location, Abu Dhabi offers unparalleled access to global markets. The emirate’s multicultural talent base, advanced biomanufacturing facilities, and commitment to innovation make it an ideal launchpad for life sciences companies looking to scale globally.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said: “The Abu Dhabi Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster will provide global and local stakeholders with a wide range of benefits, including access to cutting-edge technologies, world-class infrastructure and progressive regulatory frameworks. By creating a globally competitive life sciences hub, we are not only accelerating economic growth and diversification, but we are also ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of developing breakthrough healthcare solutions that will benefit humanity at large.”
Built to meet the rising global demand for advanced healthcare, the cluster is designed to tackle some of the world’s most pressing health challenges, including chronic and non-communicable diseases, which account for over 70% of deaths globally, as well as the healthcare needs of ageing populations. It is tapping growth opportunities in the global healthcare market, which is projected to reach $25.3 trillion (AED93 trillion) by 2045.
His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “The launch of Abu Dhabi’s Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine cluster is a bold leap forward in how the world delivers healthcare. We are not just investing in infrastructure, we’re investing in human potential, in breakthroughs that will redefine longevity, and in solutions that will reach far beyond our borders. This is where innovation meets impact.”
Leveraging an innovation-friendly regulatory framework, Abu Dhabi empowers companies to bring breakthrough technologies to market faster, shaping the future of healthcare at speed and scale. Its AI-powered health system and leadership in precision medicine create an environment where innovation thrives across the entire value chain.
As home to one of the world’s largest national genomics programme, the emirate supports research and development by fostering insights from a uniquely diverse genomic landscape, accelerating innovation and advancing the global shift toward personalised treatments." At the same time, Abu Dhabi is strengthening its role in the global pharmaceutical supply chain, offering reliable infrastructure, strategic connectivity, and long-term partnership opportunities for companies navigating an increasingly complex global landscape.
By 2045, the HELM cluster is expected to contribute $25.6 billion (AED 94 billion) to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, attract $11.5 billion (AED 42 billion) in investment, and create 30,000 high-value jobs, supporting the diversification of the emirate’s economy while enabling long-term global health impact.
The cluster is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to lead globally in emerging industries. It follows the successful launch of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster in 2023, which addresses smart urban mobility across air, land, and sea– and the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster in 2024, which addresses food security and water sustainability challenges.
Permalink
https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/1604202545958
Contacts
Chase Burns
ADIO@edelman.com
Tigo Energy Expands EI Residential with Smart Heating Integration at Intersolar Europe
MONTEVARCHI, Italy - Wednesday, 16. April 2025 AETOSWire
Tigo to showcase new GO Junction and TS4-X platform, as well as fully integrated solar, storage, mobility, and heating solution for evolving needs of the European market.
(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tigo Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: TYGO) (“Tigo,” “Company”), a leading provider of intelligent solar and energy software solutions, will feature its latest innovations for residential as well as Commercial and Industrial (C&I) solar installers at Intersolar Europe, in Munich, Germany from May 7-9. Highlighted products will include the new Tigo GO Junction, the latest addition to the EI Residential solar and storage ecosystem and the key connection between photovoltaic (PV) generation, energy management, and home heating, which completes the Tigo residential solution.
With more than one million heat pumps installed in Germany over the past five years – and projections pointing to as many as ten million units by 2030 – the residential heating market has entered a phase of convergence between clean energy and smart technologies. In this new landscape, systems can now intelligently manage PV production, energy storage, and household loads, unlocking new methods to accelerate the transition to solar while also addressing the economic impact of heating gas expenses. To automate this energy arbitrage, Tigo introduces the GO Junction to the European market as an innovative add-on device that extends the EI Residential ecosystem to smart heating. Just as the Tigo GO EV Charger brings e-mobility into the residential energy ecosystem, GO Junction enables the seamless integration and intelligent management of third-party heat pumps within the Energy Intelligence software platform, completing the vision of a fully integrated home energy system.
“We know the EI Residential solution well because we’ve been installing it regularly for some time, and we have always appreciated the reliability and integration between all of its components,” said Georg Kreitmair, Managing Director at Weiss-Blau GmbH, a Tigo-Advanced Installer in Germany. “A direct connection to the heat pump was the next logical step, but it was also increasingly requested by customers focused on maximizing self-consumption. With the arrival of the Tigo GO Junction, we can now deliver a truly holistic solution where energy generation, storage, and management work together in a simple and coordinated way. A fully integrated Tigo system also makes installation more straightforward and brings real added value to the end user.”
The Tigo booth at Intersolar will include a fully operational EI Residential system to showcase a cohesive solution that brings together every element of solar generation, storage, and energy management. The system features TS4 Flex MLPE, single- and three-phase inverters, modular battery storage, and the EI Link which consolidates all system wiring, communication, and a full backup system into a single, compact cabinet. Visitors can see the two latest Tigo ecosystem extensions: the GO EV Charger, which integrates e-mobility directly into the platform, and the brand-new GO Junction, designed to bring heat pumps into the energy management mix. Together, these innovations demonstrate that the EI Residential system has evolved into a truly all-in-one energy solution for modern homes – smart, scalable, and energy transition-ready.
“The Tigo GO Junction represents more than a technological evolution, it’s a solution that originates directly from the experiences and needs the installers who work with our systems daily shared with us,” said Mirko Bindi, Senior VP of Sales EMEA & MD Europe at Tigo Energy. “By turning installer input into real solutions through ongoing dialogue, we close an important feedback loop with the market. Our commitment to Total Quality Solar (TQS) guides us in delivering excellence at every stage of the solar supply chain–from product development and manufacturing to installation and long-term serviceability. As a continuous process, the TQS spirit defines the standard to which we hold our operations, even beyond the corporate walls.”
European PV professionals visiting Intersolar in Munich can also learn about the full range of TS4 Flex MLPE products, including the TS4-X, which delivers a powerful new platform with advanced functionality in a family of modular devices. Designed to meet the demands of today’s high-power solar modules, TS4-X combines optimization, monitoring, and rapid shutdown–or a combination thereof–in one flexible solution. All performance data, as well as the amount of energy recovered with optimization (Reclaimed Energy) can be viewed and analyzed through the Energy Intelligence software platform, which provides both installers and system owners with enhanced control, comprehensive diagnostics, and smarter energy management across the entire PV fleet.
For updates on the latest developments related to Tigo solutions, installation best practices, or the Green Glove service program, schedule a meeting with the Tigo Customer Success technical team at Intersolar Europe at Messe München, Hall B4, Booth 160, from May 7-9, 2025 by filling out a short form on the dedicated trade show page.
About Tigo Energy
Founded in 2007, Tigo Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: TYGO) is a worldwide leader in the development and provider of smart hardware and software solutions that enhance safety, increase energy yield, and lower operating costs of residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar systems. Tigo combines its Flex MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics) and solar optimizer technology with intelligent, cloud-based software capabilities for advanced energy monitoring and control. Tigo MLPE products maximize performance, enable real-time energy monitoring, and provide code-required rapid shutdown at the module level. The company also develops and manufactures products such as inverters and battery storage systems for the residential solar-plus-storage market. For more information, please visit www.tigoenergy.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250415065293/en/
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https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/1604202545947
Contacts
Technica Communications for Tigo Energy
Luis de Leon
Email: tigoenergy@technica.inc
VeriSilicon Launches Ultra-Low Power OpenGL ES GPU with Hybrid 3D/2.5D Rendering for Wearables
SHANGHAI - Wednesday, 16. April 2025 AETOSWire
GCNano3DVG GPU IP introduces content-aware rendering to maximize efficiency in wearable applications
(BUSINESS WIRE) -- VeriSilicon (688521.SH) today announced the launch of GCNano3DVG, a new ultra-low power graphics processing unit (GPU) IP designed specifically for wearable and other compact, battery-powered devices requiring dynamic graphics rendering. Featuring both 3D and 2.5D graphics rendering capabilities, GCNano3DVG delivers an optimal balance between visual performance and power efficiency, making it ideal for a wide range of applications including smartwatches, smart bracelets, and AI/AR glasses.
VeriSilicon’s GCNano3DVG IP combines optimized hardware pipelines with a lightweight and configurable software stack to deliver efficient, low-power graphics processing. It features separate rendering pipelines for 3D and 2.5D graphics, accelerating the rendering of complex scenes composed of 3D objects and vector graphics. These pipelines are fine-tuned for improved performance, power, and area (PPA). Additionally, the unified command engine and multiple CPU-GPU synchronization mechanisms further reduce system overhead, while DDR-less configurations utilizing Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM) or Pseudo-Static Random-Access Memory (PSRAM) offer a cost-effective and low-power solution for embedded graphics processing.
GCNano3DVG supports VeriSilicon’s GLLite and VGLite Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for 3D and 2.5D/2D graphics rendering. The GLLite driver is highly configurable, providing full OpenGL ES 2.0 compliance with an optional runtime OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL) shader compiler, or operating in OpenGL ES 1.1 fixed-function pipeline mode for minimal memory usage. It also supports rendering of Khronos’ Graphics Library Transmission Format (glTF), enabling efficient handling of 3D assets for modern applications. The VGLite driver is compatible with popular vector graphics libraries such as LVGL and NanoVG. GLLite and VGLite APIs can be used flexibly and synchronously within a single application, providing versatile and high-performance graphics solutions across diverse embedded use cases.
“As wearable applications continue to expand, the demand for more immersive user interfaces featuring 3D-rendered content is growing, while ultra-low power consumption is still expected,” said Weijin Dai, Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Vice President, and General Manager of the IP Division at VeriSilicon. “To address these demands, we designed a hybrid GPU architecture built upon our ultra-low power Nano 3D and Nano 2.5D GPU technologies. This innovation enables efficient rendering of mixed 3D and 2.5D content with minimal power consumption.”
VeriSilicon’s GCNano3DVG GPU IP is now available for licensing. For more information or collaboration inquiries, please visit www.verisilicon.com/en/ContactUs.
About VeriSilicon
VeriSilicon is committed to providing customers with platform-based, all-around, one-stop custom silicon services and semiconductor IP licensing services leveraging its in-house semiconductor IP. For more information, please visit: www.verisilicon.com
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250415061424/en/
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https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/1604202545943
Contacts
Media Contact: press@verisilicon.com
Hoor Al Qasimi recognised as Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters by the Embassy of France in the UAE
Hoor Al Qasimi, President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation, today received the insignia of Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters), conferred by His Excellency Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE, during a ceremony at The Flying Saucer, Sharjah.
Since 1957, this award has honoured individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts. The insignia of the Order of Arts and Letters is an expression of France's recognition of those who have actively worked to promote art and culture both in France and abroad.
Al Qasimi remarked, ‘It is with great honour that I receive this award granted by the Embassy of France in the UAE. The insignia of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters is a wonderful reflection of the collaborations and cultural exchanges that have shaped my work, in Sharjah, the UAE and internationally. It reaffirms the importance of continuing to build cultural dialogue through the arts. I accept this recognition, not only for myself, but for all those who have supported, guided and inspired me throughout my journey.’
His Excellency Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador from France to the UAE and Jean-Christophe Paris, Consul General of France in Dubai, together with French Embassy staff Stéphanie Salha, Advisor for Cooperation and Cultural action of the Embassy of France in the UAE and the Director of the Institut Français in the UAE and Marie Lozon de Cantelmi, Cultural Attaché, were present for the official conferment of the award.
Niemtchinow commented, ‘It is a great honor to award Her Excellency Sheikha Hoor Al Qassimi the insignia of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters today in Sharjah. This award is a recognition of Sheikha Hoor’s remarkable contribution to strengthening cultural and artistic ties between France and Sharjah and, more generally, between France and the UAE. Sheikha Hoor's commitment to Franco-Emirati friendship is further exemplified by her role within the Alliance Française of Sharjah. I also commend the Sharjah Biennial, which has become a reference in the world of contemporary art. Her Excellency Sheikha Hoor has always worked to showcase French and Francophone artists in this Biennial.’
Also in attendance were a number of distinguished guests, including His Excellency Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Government Relations Department; Her Excellency Sheikha Nawar Al Qassimi, Vice President of Sharjah Art Foundation; Her Excellency Sheikha Noora Al Mualla, Director of Learning and Research at Sharjah Art Foundation; Her Excellency Sheikha Rad Alqasimi, Secretary General of the International French Association in Sharjah; Audrey Leseigneur, Director of Alliance Française Sharjah; and Mona El-Mousfy, Advisor to the Sharjah Architecture Triennial.
Alongside her role at Sharjah Art Foundation, Al Qasimi also serves as President of the International Biennial Association; President of The Africa Institute, Sharjah; Director of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial; head of Sharjah’s Global Studies University; and President of the Sharjah Creative Quarter. She is also the Artistic Director of the upcoming 6th Aichi Triennale (2025) and the 25th Biennale of Sydney (2026).
About Sharjah Art Foundation
Sharjah Art Foundation is an advocate, catalyst and producer of contemporary art within the Emirate of Sharjah and the surrounding region, in dialogue with the international arts community. The Foundation advances an experimental and wide-ranging programmatic model that supports the production and presentation of contemporary art, preserves and celebrates the distinct culture of the region and encourages a shared understanding of the transformational role of art. The Foundation’s core initiatives include the long-running Sharjah Biennial, featuring contemporary artists from around the world; the annual March Meeting, a convening of international arts professionals and artists; grants and residencies for artists, curators and cultural producers; ambitious and experimental commissions and a range of travelling exhibitions and scholarly publications.
Established in 2009 to expand programmes beyond the Sharjah Biennial, which launched in 1993, the Foundation is a critical resource for artists and cultural organisations in the Gulf and a conduit for local, regional and international developments in contemporary art. The Foundation’s deep commitment to developing and sustaining the cultural life and heritage of Sharjah is reflected through year-round exhibitions, performances, screenings and educational programmes in the city of Sharjah and across the Emirate, often hosted in historic buildings that have been repurposed as cultural and community centres. A growing collection reflects the Foundation’s support of contemporary artists in the realisation of new work and its recognition of the contributions made by pioneering modern artists from the region and around the world.
Sharjah Art Foundation is a legally independent public body established by Emiri Decree and supported by government funding, grants from national and international nonprofits and cultural organisations, corporate sponsors and individual patrons. Hoor Al Qasimi serves as President and Director. All exhibitions are free and open to the public.
About Sharjah
Sharjah is the third largest of the seven United Arab Emirates and the only one bridging the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Reflecting the deep commitment to the arts, architectural preservation and cultural education embraced by its ruler, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Sharjah is home to more than 20 museums and has long been known as the cultural hub of the United Arab Emirates. In 1998, it was named UNESCO's 'Arab Capital of Culture' and has been designated the UNESCO ‘World Book Capital’ for the year 2019.
Contacts
Sharjah Government Media Bureau
Hussain Al Mulla, 00971563980067
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Sultan bin Ahmed tours Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation, emphasised that responding to the escalating humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians—particularly in the Gaza Strip—requires a united mobilisation of resources to implement sustainable development projects. These must target sectors such as healthcare, education, and food security to ensure the basic needs of the Palestinian people are met. His Highness called upon charitable individuals and organisations to support these efforts, which embody the highest humanitarian responsibility towards those who are displaced, injured, or in need.
These remarks were delivered during His Highness’s visit to the Marka refugee camp in Jordan, home to over 70,000 Palestinian refugees. He led a delegation from the Emirate of Sharjah comprising senior officials and representatives from The Big Heart Foundation, as well as UAE government entities and private sector organisations. The visit aimed to study leading examples of sustainable humanitarian projects, particularly in health, education, and food security, and to rally both human and financial resources to implement similar initiatives in Gaza and in countries hosting Palestinian refugees, ensuring their sustainability and responsiveness to critical needs.
His Highness stressed that the suffering endured by the Palestinian people and their homeland is indescribable, and that offering support and consolidating all humanitarian efforts is the minimum that can be done. He affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, at both leadership and public levels, has always stood by the Palestinian cause. He also praised Jordan’s long-standing humanitarian role, having hosted over four million Palestinian and Arab refugees, providing them with the means to live with dignity despite challenging circumstances.
His Highness further noted that the Palestinian people have experienced decades of displacement and forced migration, and today the people of Gaza are enduring one of the harshest humanitarian crises due to the ongoing conflict. This has resulted in the breakdown of their social and institutional infrastructure, depriving them of fundamental rights including access to education, healthcare, and basic public services. Thus, the foundation’s humanitarian strategy is focused not only on emergency relief, but also on implementing sustainable initiatives in healthcare and education. He stated that access to healthcare builds thriving communities, while education protects future generations from the lasting psychological and physical impacts of war—even if the situation eventually improves.
Describing the current crisis as a pivotal test for the entire humanitarian ecosystem, His Highness stressed that all those who are committed to humanitarian principles must now step up and act. Despite the immense challenges, he said the mission must continue, supported by devoted individuals and organisations across the world. He added that humanitarian work is not just a moral or ethical responsibility, but a religious obligation and a fundamental right for the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
This visit comes as part of the ongoing “For the Children of Olives” campaign launched last Ramadan by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation. The campaign aims to provide holistic support for more than 20,000 orphans living in Gaza. It guarantees their right to education, healthcare, psychological support, nutrition, and adequate shelter.
During the visit, His Highness toured the Marka Girls Preparatory School, operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). There, he met with a delegation including UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General Natalie Boucly, UNRWA Jordan Field Director Olaf Becker, and Engineer Rafiq Kharfan, Director-General of the Department of Palestinian Affairs at Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions focused on ways to strengthen collaboration and build partnerships to support humanitarian projects benefiting Palestinians in Gaza and refugees in Jordan—particularly in the areas of education, health, and community welfare.
His Highness visited several classrooms, engaged with teaching staff and students, and reviewed the learning environment. He examined how the educational process is managed, discussed future infrastructure needs in the camp, and explored the school’s key scientific laboratories and facilities that support hands-on learning and enhance the educational experience.
His Highness also met with several male and female students representing the "Student Parliament" at Marka Camp. During the meeting, His Highness listened to a detailed presentation from the students about the educational process and the challenges they face, as well as their academic needs that would help improve the quality and efficiency of education in line with the rapid advancements across various fields.
The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah then visited the food security project run by the humanitarian organisation ANERA, which supports refugees and conflict-affected populations in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. His Highness was briefed on the project’s approach, which focuses on transforming aid into sustainable food production within refugee communities. This is achieved through year-round farming initiatives using greenhouses, enabling communities to grow their own food. The model aligns closely with the sustainable development goals of The Big Heart Foundation for Gaza, given its vital role in enhancing self-reliance among refugee and displaced populations and reducing dependency on external aid. The absence of food is often among the fastest and most devastating humanitarian consequences during conflicts and disasters.
His Highness explored the farming techniques used in the project and reviewed the main crops produced using modern methods that conserve water and soil while ensuring sustainable output. These efforts are key to securing food supplies for those affected and establishing long-term food security.
Following this, His Highness, in his capacity as Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation, along with the accompanying delegation, visited the Taawun Foundation—The Big Heart’s partner in the "For the Children of Olives" humanitarian campaign. The visit included a consultative meeting to discuss recent humanitarian developments concerning Palestinian refugees in Jordan and displaced persons in Gaza and the West Bank, in light of ongoing tragic conditions. The discussions also addressed ways to respond quickly and effectively to secure essential living conditions and explored future plans to provide critical services across sectors.
During the visit, His Highness and the delegation viewed a series of video materials recorded inside Gaza, depicting the painful reality and suffering of its people, who are deprived of the most basic human rights.
During the meeting, Dr Nabil Qaddumi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Taawun Foundation, delivered a speech welcoming the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and his accompanying delegation. He praised The Big Heart Foundation’s significant efforts and the fruitful humanitarian partnership with Taawun in serving Palestinian refugees.
The Taawun Board of Directors presented the "Noor Programme for Orphan Care", which the foundation launched in Gaza. The war has left more than 39,000 children in the Gaza Strip orphaned. The delegation also listened to several recorded and live contributions from programme staff based in Gaza and the Arab Republic of Egypt.
His Highness concluded the visit with a meeting alongside the accompanying delegation, during which they reviewed the outcomes of the visits and examined the best humanitarian models currently implemented in Jordan’s refugee camps. They discussed how to adapt these experiences to benefit refugees and displaced people within the occupied Palestinian territories. His Highness noted that the world today is in urgent need of evolving humanitarian programmes and initiatives to meet the unprecedented challenges facing the region.
The Sharjah delegation accompanying the Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation included: Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Sheikh Sultan bin Saud Al Qasimi, Founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation; Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police; Badr Jafar, Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Advisory Board Member of The Big Heart Foundation; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment and Advisory Board Member of The Big Heart Foundation; Rashid Abdullah Al Obaid, Director of Sharjah Media City "Shams"; Alya Obaid Al-Musaybi, Director of The Big Heart Foundation; along with several officials and representatives of supporting private sector companies.
The Big Heart Foundation is among the world’s leading humanitarian organisations, continuing to provide support for Palestinian families in the West Bank, Gaza, and refugee camps in host countries. The foundation delivers a broad range of development projects across vital sectors to ensure dignified living for displaced and vulnerable communities.
Contacts
Sharjah Government Media Bureau
Hussain Al Mulla, 00971563980067
Dubai AI Week 2025 to Host World’s Largest Generative AI Championship with $272K Prize
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, 16. April 2025
Dubai is set to unite the global AI ecosystem and advance its future-readiness during a bold exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping our world at Dubai AI Week, taking place April 21 to 25.
The inaugural event will bring together over 10,000 participants, AI pioneers and policymakers from 100 countries to explore AI’s transformative role in business, governance, and society.
Featuring global championships, high-level summits, hackathons and an expo zone, the Week will set the stage for the future of global AI innovation.
With collaboration being integral to the success of the global AI landscape, the event joins forces with key government entities, global tech organisations and industry pioneers including Meta, IBM, Google, Microsoft, Gartner, OpenAI, Swift, Nvidia, Palantir, Cohere, and ElevenLabs.
The week opens with the AI Retreat on April 21, a closed-door gathering of global AI leaders, policymakers, and industry experts focusing on shaping AI strategies and governance frameworks.
The Dubai Assembly for AI takes place on April 21–24, where global policymakers, CEOs, and academics will shape AI’s evolving role in economies and societies.
The Global Prompt Engineering Championship will bring together leading AI practitioners to compete for a $272,000 prize pool during two days of challenges on April 22–23. Finalists will go head-to-head in four categories: Art, Video, Gaming, and Coding, showcasing their expertise in AI-driven content creation.
Advancing AI policy and governance, the Machines Can See Summit on April 23–24 will convene over 1000 participants, 20 keynotes, and expert-led discussions under the theme ‘Good AI: Making the World a Safer Place’. It will be one of the region’s most influential AI policy and ethics forums.
The Dubai AI Festival 2025 on April 23–24 will bring together 5,000 attendees, 500 investors, and 100 exhibitors under the theme ‘Enabling Digital Economies’. The festival will connect AI leaders, investors, and decision-makers to drive AI-powered transformations across industries, fostering collaboration, investment, and the unveiling of pioneering AI projects that will redefine the digital economy.
Beyond industry discussions and competitions, the Week will also focus on advancing AI literacy among students and educators through the AI Week in Schools, running April 21–25. The initiative, taking place across schools in Dubai, aims to equip future generations with fundamental AI skills.
Permalink
https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/daw01642025en
Contacts
Sara Al Qarout
Salqarout@apcoworldwide.com
Illumynt Offers Rare Earth Elements Recovery Program
BURLINGTON, Mass. - Wednesday, 16. April 2025 AETOSWire
(BUSINESS WIRE) -- In light of recent global developments impacting the availability of rare earth elements, Illumynt is proud to reaffirm its commitment to innovation and sustainability in IT asset disposition (ITAD).
As a leading global provider of ITAD value recovery and circular economy solutions, Illumynt offers an advanced process for recovering rare earth materials from decommissioned hard drives. This turnkey solution is designed specifically for large OEMs and data-centric organizations to capture value from rare earth element recovery in a secure, environmentally compliant program.
“The recent suspension of rare earth exports from China to the United States has introduced urgent challenges across supply chains, including increased scarcity and rising costs,” said Illumynt’s CEO Paul Knight. “Our proven recovery solution provides an immediate opportunity to mitigate these risks through domestic reclamation and reuse.”
To explore a partnership or learn more about how Illumynt can support your organization’s rare earth recovery strategy, please email Mike Hammond at mike.hammond@illumynt.com.
For more Illumynt information visit http://www.illumynt.com, or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/illumynt.
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Paul Knight, 978-490-4812
Kansai International Airport’s Populous Redesigned Terminal 1 Opens Ahead of World Expo 2025
KANSAI, Japan
The final phase of the refurbished Kansai International Airport (KIX) Terminal 1 has now opened to accommodate the millions of passengers expected to pass through the iconic building to attend World Expo in Osaka.
(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Kansai Airports and global design firm Populous have been working for more than seven years to completely reimagine the airport’s floor plan, bringing a new level of efficiency and experience for travellers to Japan’s west.
Populous Senior Principal and Director, Brett Wightman, said the original Kansai International Airport (KIX) Terminal 1 wanted to make the best possible use of the existing infrastructure and maximize commercial return for Kansai Airports.
“Working closely with the facility operators, key stakeholders and end users, as well as expert retail and planning consultants, we have been able to craft a design that is built upon operational functionality, passenger convenience, accessibility and sustainability, while delivering innovative solutions that create an authentic and experiential environment with a clearly defined spirit of place,” Mr Wightman said.
The new Terminal 1 includes a 60% increase in the size of the international departure lounge and retail offerings, the introduction of innovative retail layouts based on passenger experiences, and the creation of a seamless processing experience.
PHASED RENOVATION TO ALLOW FOR CONTINUED OPERATIONS
Populous led the architecture and interior design of the redevelopment, as well overseeing the project throughout construction.
Mr Wightman said, importantly, the design considered operational functionality during renovation.
The project has been completed in four phases to allow for continued operations of the airport, which is expected to accommodate more than 40 million passengers a year from 2025 and almost double international capacity.
In October 2022, KIX opened the new Phase 1 domestic area followed by the new international area. Phase 2 of the project was completed in December 2023, and included 6,650 square meters of additional airside retail outlets, 1,130 square meters of food and beverage space and a new centralized immigration area.
The Populous team and Kansai Airports completed Phase 3 on March 27, 2025, allowing the consolidation and extension of the security screening area to be ready before World Expo 2025 begins in April in Osaka.
PHASE 3 – INTERNATIONAL SECURITY CHECKPOINT OPENS 27 MARCH 2025
Phase 3 includes faster, more comfortable and smoother security inspection with additional smart lanes capable of processing between 4,500 and 6,000 passengers an hour.
The new queuing management system is the first of its kind in Japan, automatically controlling flapper gates to switch waiting lines by utilizing real-time passenger flow data. The system enables passengers to be automatically guided to the security inspection lanes based on the number of passengers and their flow.
A new commercial area includes 13 stores across international departures, international arrivals and a street food court.
The project has already been recognised for its architectural vision as a finalist in the 2023 World Architecture Festival Awards for Future Projects – Infrastructure.
Originally designed by world renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, the airport is considered an architectural icon. Regarded as part of the high-tech architecture movement of the 1990s, KIX’s industrial design is famous for its asymmetrical clear-span sweeping aerofoil roofline. At 1.7km long, it is one of the longest airport passenger terminal buildings in the world.
Principal Design Manager, Architect Jack Kato said the redesign had to respect the old while embracing new commercial opportunities for passengers.
“We broke away from the former gray color scheme, reinvigorating the interior spaces with a palette of natural materials to give the terminal a distinctly Japanese feel, but at the same time we opened up areas like the relocated immigration hall to provide an open space reflecting the original architecture and offering an inspiring arrival experience to start each journey,” Mr Kato said.
“This will transform the arrival experience of each journey into something inspirational.”
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Charlie Brooks
Charlie.brooks@populous.com
+44 7881268501
Artificial Intelligence Fuels Rise of Hard-to-Detect Bots That Now Make up More Than Half of Global Internet Traffic, According to the 2025 Imperva Bad Bot Report
MEUDON, France -
Rise in accessible AI tools significantly lowered the barrier to entry for cyber attackers, enabling them to create and deploy malicious bots at scale
For the first time in a decade, automated traffic surpassed human activity, accounting for 51% of all web traffic
API-directed attacks surged to 44% of advanced bot traffic, with the travel sector topping the list for bot attacks overall
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thales, the leading global technology and security provider, today announced the release of the 2025 Imperva Bad Bot Report, a global analysis of automated bot traffic across the internet. This year’s report, the 12th annual research study, reveals that generative artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the development of bots, allowing less sophisticated actors to launch a higher volume of bot attacks with increased frequency. Today’s attackers are also leveraging AI to scrutinize their unsuccessful attempts and refine techniques to evade security measures with heightened efficiency, amidst a growing Bots-As-A-Service (BaaS) ecosystem of commercialized bot services.
Automated bot traffic surpassed human-generated traffic for the first time in a decade, constituting 51% of all web traffic in 2024. This shift is largely attributed to the rise of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), which have simplified the creation and scaling of bots for malicious purposes. As AI tools become more accessible, cyber criminals are increasingly leveraging these technologies to create and deploy malicious bots which now account for 37% of all internet traffic – a significant increase from 32% in 2023. This is the sixth consecutive year of growth in bad bot activity, posing security challenges for organizations striving to safeguard their digital assets.
Both the Travel and the Retail sectors face an advanced bot problem, with bad bots making up 41% and 59% of their traffic respectively. In 2024, the travel industry became the most attacked sector, accounting for 27% of all bot attacks, up from 21% in 2023. The most notable shift in 2024 is the decline in advanced bot attacks targeting the travel industry (41%, down from 61% in 2023) and the sharp increase in simple bot attacks (52%, up from 34%). This shift indicates that AI-powered automation tools have lowered the barriers to entry for attackers, allowing less sophisticated actors to initiate more basic bot attacks. Rather than relying exclusively on sophisticated techniques, cybercriminals are increasingly utilizing high volumes of simpler bots to inundate travel sites, resulting in more frequent and widespread attacks.
The Rise of AI-Driven Bots: A New Era of Cybersecurity Challenges
The emergence of advanced AI tools, including ChatGPT, ByteSpider Bot, ClaudeBot, Google Gemini, Perplexity AI, and Cohere AI, are transforming not just user interactions but also the methods by which attackers execute cyber threats. According to the Imperva Threat Research team, widely used AI tools are being leveraged for cyberattacks, with ByteSpider Bot alone responsible for 54% of all AI-enabled attacks. Other significant contributors include AppleBot at 26%, ClaudeBot at 13%, and ChatGPT User Bot at 6%.
“The surge in AI-driven bot creation has serious implications for businesses worldwide,” said Tim Chang, General Manager of Application Security at Thales. “As automated traffic accounts for more than half of all web activity, organizations face heightened risks from bad bots, which are becoming more prolific every day.”
As attackers become more adept at utilizing AI, they can execute a variety of cyber threats—ranging from DDoS attacks to custom rules exploitation and API violations. While bot-driven attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, they pose significant challenges for detection efforts.
“This year’s report sheds light on the evolving tactics and techniques utilized by bot attackers. What were once deemed advanced evasion methods have now become standard practice for many malicious bots,” Chang said. “In this rapidly changing environment, businesses must evolve their strategies. It's crucial to adopt an adaptive and proactive approach, leveraging sophisticated bot detection tools and comprehensive cybersecurity management solutions to build a resilient defense against the ever-shifting landscape of bot-related threats.”
Bad Bots Targeting API Business Logic Pose Increased Threat to Modern Enterprises
Recent findings from the Imperva Threat Research team reveal a significant surge in API-directed attacks, with 44% of advanced bot traffic targeting APIs. These attacks aren't just limited to overwhelming API endpoints; rather, they target the intricate business logic that defines how APIs operate. Attackers deploy bots specifically designed to exploit vulnerabilities in API workflows, engaging in automated payment fraud, account hijacking, and data exfiltration.
Analysis in the report reveals a deliberate strategy by cyber attackers to exploit API endpoints that manage sensitive and high-value data. Implications of this trend are especially impactful for industries that rely on APIs for their critical operations and transactions. Financial services, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors are bearing the brunt of these sophisticated bot attacks, making them prime targets for malicious actors seeking to breach sensitive information.
APIs serve as the backbone of modern applications, enabling connectivity across services, streamlining operations, and delivering personalized customer experiences at scale. They underpin essential functions such as payment processing, supply chain management, and AI-driven analytics, making them indispensable for enhancing efficiency, accelerating product development, and unlocking new revenue streams.
“The business logic inherent to APIs is powerful, but it also creates unique vulnerabilities that malicious actors are eager to exploit,” Chang said. “As organizations embrace cloud-based services and microservices architectures, it’s vital to understand that the very features that make APIs essential can also leave them susceptible to risk of fraud and data breaches.”
Financial Services, Healthcare, and E-commerce Industries Face Heightened Risk
The 2025 Imperva Bad Bot Report provides an in-depth analysis highlighting the industries most at risk. Financial services, healthcare, and e-commerce are the most affected sectors, industries that rely on APIs for critical operations and sensitive transactions, making them attractive targets for sophisticated bot attacks.
The financial services sector was the most targeted industry for account takeover (ATO) attacks, accounting for 22% of all incidents, followed by Telecoms and ISPs with 18%, and Computing & IT with 17%. Financial Services has long been a prime target for ATO attacks due to the high value of accounts and the sensitive nature of the data at stake. Banks, credit card companies, and fintech platforms possess vast amounts of Personally Identifiable Information (PII), including credit card and bank account details, which can be profitably sold on the dark web. Additionally, the growing proliferation of APIs within the industry has broadened the attack surface, allowing cyber criminals to exploit vulnerabilities such as weak authentication and authorization methods, thereby facilitating account takeovers and data theft.
About the Research
The 12th Annual Imperva Bad Bot Report is based on insights from our Threat Research and Security Analyst Services (SAS) teams. Our analysis draws from data collected from across the Imperva global network in 2024, including the blocking of 13 trillion bad bot requests across thousands of domains and industries. This dataset provides key insights into bot activity to help organizations understand and address the growing risks of automated attacks.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.
The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.
Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.
PLEASE VISIT
Thales Group
Cybersecurity Products
Cybersecurity Solutions
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PRESS CONTACT
Thales, Media Relations
Security & Cybersecurity
Marion Bonnet
+33 (0)6 60 38 48 92
marion.bonnet@thalesgroup.com
NIQ Unveils BASES AI Screener: Helping CPG Brands Thrive in the Age of Hyper-Innovation
- A real-time, AI-powered idea screening tool built for today's fast-paced innovation cycles
- Synthetic survey panels offering quick, low-cost idea testing
- Combines NIQ panel data with Generative AI to deliver consumer insights reflecting real market trends
(BUSINESS WIRE) -- NielsenIQ (NIQ), a leader in consumer intelligence, officially launched BASES AI Screener, combining NIQ's expansive consumer panel datasets, extensive innovation database, and leading predictive models with AI's ability to mimic human reactions for idea screening. BASES AI Screener is now available in multiple markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, and Indonesia, with continuing expansion in 2025.
To meet the evolving needs of today's innovators, NIQ has introduced—BASES AI Screener—a real-time idea screening platform powered by Generative AI (GenAI). By leveraging NIQ's extensive behavioral data from consumer panels, the tool creates synthetic respondents with distinct demographic and purchasing behavior profiles. These AI-powered panels are then engaged to provide ratings, open-ended feedback, and tailored recommendations, enabling users to quickly evaluate and prioritize innovation ideas.
Key Benefits of BASES AI Screener for CPG Companies:
Reliable & Predictive Insights: Combines GenAI with BASES metrics and database perspective to provide a reliable assessment of innovation potential, along with detailed feedback and recommendations for improvement.
Accelerated Timelines: Delivers innovation assessments in minutes through a DIY platform, allowing for faster innovation cycles and reduced overall timelines.
Cost-Effective Results: Provides high-quality insights at a fraction of the cost of traditional screening methods.
"With BASES AI Screener, we're redefining how innovation decisions are made," said Ramon Melgarejo, President Strategic Analytics & Insights at NIQ. "By combining real purchase behavior with the latest in generative AI, we're helping teams cut through the noise and focus on ideas that truly matter—those with real market potential."
Additional Features of BASES AI Screener:
Continuously Updated Synthetic Panels: Synthetic panels are constantly updated with NIQ behavioral data, ensuring current consumer purchasing dynamics are built in.
Data-Rich AI Personas: Provide valuable feedback on innovation drivers of interest and differentiation to accelerate optimization.
Intuitive DIY Workspace: Allows users to screen, learn, and improve their innovations efficiently.
This innovative tool addresses the challenges of managing a high volume of new ideas with flat research budgets and faster timelines, which is crucial for CPG companies in today's market. The launch of BASES AI Screener complements NIQ's growing suite of AI-powered capabilities—including the recent acquisition of Gastrograph AI, which advances the usage of AI for product development—and reinforces NIQ's commitment to helping clients innovate smarter. It also marks a key milestone in building the broader AI Innovation ecosystem within NIQ, designed to accelerate growth and transformation across the innovation lifecycle.
About NIQ
NielsenIQ (NIQ) is a leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. NIQ combined with GfK in 2023, bringing together two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. Our global reach spans over 90 countries, covering approximately 85% of the world’s population and more than $ 7.2 trillion in global consumer spend. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™.
For more information, please visit www.niq.com
© 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Media Contact:
Sweta.Patra@nielseniq.com
Lazard Marks Strategic Expansion Into the UAE, Reinforcing Its Financial Advisory Base in MENA
NEW YORK & ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates & RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -
(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Lazard, Inc. (NYSE: LAZ) announced today its strategic expansion into the United Arab Emirates, establishing Abu Dhabi as the Financial Advisory main office for the country, subject to regulatory approval. The establishment of this office reflects the role of Abu Dhabi as a leading business and financial center globally and underscores Lazard's commitment to deepening its presence in MENA and serving as a trusted advisor to clients across the region.
As a key part of this expansion, Lazard has appointed Hussain Altajir as CEO of Lazard Financial Advisory in UAE. With over 20 years of experience and a deep understanding of the region, Mr. Altajir will play a pivotal role in advancing Lazard’s strategic initiatives in the UAE and fostering stronger client relationships.
“We are excited to reinforce our presence in the UAE, a country of strategic importance and remarkable opportunity,” said Peter Orszag, CEO and Chairman of Lazard. “By establishing Abu Dhabi as the hub for Financial Advisory in the country, we enhance our capacity to provide tailored advice to our clients in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.”
Hussain Altajir will work closely with Sarah Al Suhaimi, Chairwoman, and Wassim Al Khatib, CEO of Financial Advisory for the MENA region, in expanding Lazard’s engagement with clients in the region.
Before joining Lazard, Mr. Altajir served as Head of Dubai Coverage, Global Banking at HSBC where he established a distinguished career since 2003. Mr. Altajir holds a BSBA in Finance & Banking from the American University of Dubai, UAE.
About Lazard
Founded in 1848, Lazard is one of the world's preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, with operations in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Lazard provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and capital solutions, restructuring and liability management, geopolitics, and other strategic matters, as well as asset management and investment solutions to institutions, corporations, governments, partnerships, family offices, and high net worth individuals. For more information, please visit www.lazard.com.
LAZ_FAPE
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Media Relations
Flore Larger, +33 1 44 13 01 30
Flore.larger@lazard.com
Investor Relations
Alexandra Deignan, +1 212-632-6886
alexandra.deignan@lazard.com
QpiAI Announces Dawn of Quantum Era in India With 25 Qubit Quantum Computer
BANGALORE, India - Wednesday, 16. April 2025
QpiAI announces India's most powerful quantum computer, code-named Indus Quantum Computer.
QpiAI has a roadmap to extend to 64 (code-named Kaveri), 128 (code-named Ganges), and 1000 qubits (code-named Everest) NISQ quantum computers with applications in scientific research, simulations, healthcare, and education by 2025, 2027, and 2028.
Furthermore, it has a roadmap for fault-tolerant quantum computers with error correction for commercial applications based on logical qubits, with the first superconducting logical qubit code-named Yukti (by 2026), followed by a 5-logical-qubit system code-named Shakti (by 2027), and a 100-logical-qubit system code-named Unnati (by 2030).
QpiAI's fault-tolerant quantum computers aim to achieve breakthroughs in healthcare, pharma, manufacturing, materials, cybersecurity, and finance.
QpiAI will onboard its customers on its 25-Qubit Quantum Computer via its private datacenters and public cloud.
QpiAI will offer its datacenter module with integration of Quantum and HPC racks, networking switches, and software stack (system and application software) to datacenter players who intend to incorporate quantum capabilities.
QpiAI is positioned as a next-gen datacenter advanced compute system and technology provider.
(BUSINESS WIRE) -- QpiAI, a leader in quantum computing and generative AI, announced its First Quantum computer launch code named QpiAI Indus Quantum Computer.
Dr Nagendra Nagaraja, CEO and Founder of QpiAI, said, "We are excited about our roadmap to commercialize quantum computers, leveraging large-scale qubit integration and logical qubits. The T1 and T2 times for our current 25-Qubit Indus Quantum Computer are 30 μs and 25 μs, respectively, characterized by our in-house developed quantum control electronics cluster, and are expected to increase to 100 μs soon. Furthermore, with our patented qubit architecture, we expect to reach a T1 time of 1 ms in early 2026. With single-qubit gate fidelity of 99.7% and two-qubit gate fidelity of 96%, supporting all native gate sets, our system is interfaced with QpiAI quantum software SDKs for application development. We will soon be expanding to 64-qubit quantum computers. We will have rich partnerships with fellow component suppliers, large pharma and chemical companies, data center players, and hyperscalers to commercialize quantum computing. Our key IP lies in using an AI-based agentic system to manufacture qubits and fine-tune them to obtain desired fidelity, error correction, and noise levels, where the Agentic AI system in our datacenter works in a closed loop with the quantum computer."
Department of Science and Technology (DST) who is also shareholder of QpiAI via NQM (National Quantum Mission) announced QpiAI Indus Quantum computer in a LinkedIn post
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/indiadst_worldquantumday-nqm-activity-7317554620015288320-jYgH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAEhG18BESsICj9lOj3oH7lnWocQr9DW9Lk
QpiAI Quantum and AI Full-Stack Vertical Integration
QpiAI has developed full-stack quantum computing technology vertically integrating AI and Quantum computing systems combining AI, quantum computers, algorithms, software, and applications. The Gen-1 QpiAI system is built with efficient Quantum-HPC integration with a colocated HPC datacenter for high-throughput and low-latency computing. The QpiAI quantum applications stack combines AI-driven quantum compilation with application-specific architectures for maximizing hybrid quantum-classical performance. QpiAI Quantum software platforms and products, including QpiAI-Logistics, QpiAI-Opt, QpiAI-ML, QpiAI-Pharma, and QpiAI-Matter, are targeted for core quantum applications in logistics, finance, material discovery, and pharma industries.
QpiAI Quantum QPU Technology
QpiAI quantum computers use superconducting qubits and roadmap to experiment with CMOS-based spin qubits in future models. The current generation of qubits is based on various architectures of superconducting qubits design. QpiAI NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) qubits and QpiAI FTQC (Fault-tolerant Quantum Computing) qubits are based on QpiAI proprietary qubit architecture named QpiAI Qubits. Transmon qubits are stabilized and error-corrected based on the surface codes with various distances. For higher reliability in fault-tolerant computing, QpiAI FTQC Qubits are error-corrected using Q-LDPC codes with new architectures invented by QpiAI to ensure high performance and low error rates.
Quantum computing today faces limited scalability and reliability challenges due to errors from decoherence, noise, and gate inaccuracies, impacting readiness for industrial applications. To address these, QpiAI is advancing error mitigation on NISQ devices with built-in Surface code schemes, and implementing Q-LDPC codes within our fault-tolerant roadmap. We aim to create scalable, reliable quantum systems capable of supporting complex, high-impact applications.
AI Technology
QpiAI has built advanced next generation generative AI and agentic AI systems that can autonomously navigate complex scenarios and build emergent intelligence through agent-based modeling. Our optimized data-to-intelligence stack and high-performance infrastructure enables modeling and automation at unprecedented scales, while ensuring a seamless transition to quantum-based modeling in the future with the optimal combination of bits, qubits, and neurons.
About QpiAI
QpiAI (https://www.qpiai.tech) is a Bangalore based deep-tech startup pioneering the convergence of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing to solve some of the world’s most complex industrial and scientific challenges. QpiAI’s vertically integrated stack enables seamless innovation across hardware, software, and applications. The portfolio includes QpiAI-Explorer, an education platform; QpiAI-Quantum, offering SDKs, compilers, and simulators for quantum development; QpiAI-Opt, a powerful optimization engine for scientific and industrial use cases; QpiAI-Logistics, for route planning and supply chain optimization; QpiAI-Pharma, designed for drug discovery and protein-ligand modeling; QpiAI-Pro, a generative AI development suite; and QpiAI Agent-Hive, enabling intelligent agentic AI workflows.
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Contact email: info@qpiai.tech
The LYCRA Company Previews Bio-Derived LYCRA® EcoMade Fiber at Kingpins Amsterdam
Hosts Virtual Reality Experience “From Farm to Fiber”
(BUSINESS WIRE) -- The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, announced today that it will preview its bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber at Kingpins Amsterdam on April 16-17. The company is showcasing denim samples featuring seed quantities of its renewable elastane at its stand in Blue Area 11. It also offers visitors a fully immersive VR experience exploring the product’s journey from farm to fiber.
Set to launch commercially later this year, bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber made with QIRA® will be sourced from annually renewable dent corn from Iowa, offering raw material origin transparency and a sustainable solution to help reduce the environmental impact of apparel. This innovative fiber, composed of 70 percent renewable content, has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of LYCRA® fiber by up to 44 percent*, delivering equivalent performance to the original LYCRA® fiber. It is a one-to-one replacement requiring no re-engineering of fabrics, processes, or garment patterns.
“Our customers and their consumers are increasingly seeking products that not only meet high-performance standards but also align with their sustainability values,” said Arnaud Ruffin, The LYCRA Company’s vice president of brands and retail. “Bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber represents a significant step forward in providing sustainable solutions without compromising on quality, and we are excited to share this innovative fiber with the denim industry at Kingpins Amsterdam.”
The “7 Styles for 7 Days” project at Kingpins showcases how stretch denim made with bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber can transform men’s and women’s wardrobes throughout the week, ensuring lasting comfort, fit, and shape while reducing environmental impact. This exhibit is a collaboration between The LYCRA Company and Diamond Denim, a part of the Pakistan-based Sapphire Group, and helps accelerate both companies' journeys toward decarbonization. The exhibit is on display at each company's stand.
ORTA, a Turkish denim manufacturer, will also showcase samples made with bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber and regenerative cotton in its stand. According to Sebla Onder, ORTA’s marketing and sustainability manager, the enthusiastic market response to their capsule collection launched in late 2024 gives her hope that the industry is genuinely ready for meaningful change. “We are thrilled that Citizens of Humanity Group, one of our respected premium brand partners, has sourced this sustainable fabric for their AGOLDE brand, and we eagerly anticipate consumer reaction to this collection in the coming months. We are also looking forward to new, strong brand collaborations emerging from this amazing partnership,” she said.
LYCRA FitSense® denim technology, which debuted at Kingpins Amsterdam last April, is being showcased again this year. This groundbreaking, patented solution offers a customized fit for various body types by incorporating discreet, targeted shaping zones, enabling designers to select specific areas for shaping, support, and lift. This helps consumers feel more confident and comfortable in their jeans. Building on this innovation, SPANX® made a major stride in the evolution of denim fit with the successful launch of the world’s first commercial program featuring SPANXsculpt™ ReDefine denim in January.
For the fourth consecutive year, LYCRA® brand has teamed up with the House of Denim Foundation and Jean School students to mount the exhibition “Stretch Yourself #4: Denim of the Future, Designed by Gen Z.” Each featured student designer will display a denim garment featuring innovative fabrics powered by The LYCRA Company’s technologies, including COOLMAX® EcoMade fiber.
Visit this event page for show details and additional product information.
*Estimate from Cradle-to-Gate Screening LCA for a representative LYCRA® fiber manufacturing facility, June 2022, prepared by Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc.
About The LYCRA Company
The LYCRA Company is a leading global provider of fiber and technology solutions to the apparel and personal care industries, committed to offering sustainable products made from renewable, pre-, and post-consumer recycled ingredients that reduce waste and help set the stage for circularity. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, United States, it owns the LYCRA®, LYCRA HyFit®, LYCRA® T400®, COOLMAX®, THERMOLITE®, ELASPAN®, SUPPLEX® and TACTEL® brands. The LYCRA Company adds value to its customers’ products by offering unique innovations that meet the consumer’s need for comfort and lasting performance. Learn more at lycra.com.
LYCRA® and COOLMAX® are trademarks of The LYCRA Company.
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Izaskun Hernanz
izaskun.hernanz@lycra.com
Emirati Entrepreneur Fatima Ahmed Rashid Qasimi Pioneers Global Shariah-Compliant Wealth Solutions
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, 15. April 2025
Fatima Qasimi, a visionary Emirati entrepreneur from a well-reputed UAE family, is redefining the landscape of Shariah-compliant wealth solutions. As a partner, shareholder & board member of Secura International, headquartered in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), she is on a mission to establish a global footprint by providing innovative & ethical financial solutions to banks & financial institutions across the Middle East, Africa & Asia.
Under her leadership, Secura International provides access to top-tier global asset managers, including Franklin Templeton, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Invesco, ENBD Asset Management, Mashreq Capital, Kotak & Tata to develop cutting-edge financial solutions focused on capital preservation, growth & wealth transfer. These solutions empower banks & wealth management firms to offer diversified, high-quality investment strategies to clients, ensuring compliance with Islamic finance principles & global best practices.
Now poised for ambitious international expansion, Fatima Qasimi is seeking strategic equity participation from a regional family office, entity or high-net-worth investor to accelerate Secura International’s growth. The company aims to establish regulated offices in Singapore to expand across Asia & in GIFT City, India, to capitalize on opportunities in the Indian Subcontinent. Later, Secura International plans to open a coverage office in Miami, strengthening its presence in the Latin American market. These expansions will enable the company to seize emerging opportunities & enhance global accessibility to its wealth solutions.
Secura International specializes in creating innovative financial solutions blending investment strategies with legacy transfer planning through trust structures. Incorporated in ADGM, the company is authorized by the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to conduct regulated activities, including an Islamic Endorsement to operate an Islamic Window, allowing it to cater to both conventional & Islamic financial markets.
Since its inception in 2021, Secura International has become a trusted partner for licensed market counterparties, predominantly banks & wealth management firms, by delivering innovative, customized wealth solutions. The firm’s expertise in both conventional & Shariah-compliant investments positions it as a leader in the evolving landscape of ethical finance.
Fatima Qasimi’s vision extends beyond financial innovation. She is committed to strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for ethical finance & wealth management. Through strategic partnerships & international expansion, she aims to bridge the gap between conventional & Islamic financial ecosystems, empowering institutions & investors worldwide.
www.securainternational.com
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Scott Boug
contact@securainternational.com
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Boomi CEO Steve Lucas Releases New Book: Digital Impact — The Human Element of AI-Driven Transformation
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. - Tuesday, 15. April 2025
New book demonstrates how, through integration and automation, organizations can break down silos, simplify complexity, and create transformative outcomes that benefit people, communities, and the planet
(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Boomi, the intelligent integration and automation leader, today announced the release of Digital Impact: The Human Element of AI-Driven Transformation (Wiley), a bold new book by Boomi Chairman and CEO Steve Lucas. In it, Lucas makes a powerful case for a problem few business leaders are talking about: the AI revolution is doomed to stall unless we first fix the broken digital infrastructure that supports it.
With nearly 30 years of leadership at companies including Adobe, SAP, Salesforce, and Marketo, Lucas shares a firsthand playbook for addressing the crisis of digital fragmentation — outdated systems, disconnected data, and chaotic architectures — that threatens to derail enterprise AI.
“AI is only as smart as the systems and data it runs on,” said Lucas. “Right now, most companies are trying to build AI skyscrapers on sand. But with the right integration strategy — one that puts people first — we can turn digital chaos into a catalyst for innovation, sustainability, and human progress.”
Featuring exclusive interviews with enterprise leaders and a foreword on the coming AI era, Digital Impact provides a roadmap for creating connected, intelligent, and human-centered digital environments. The book introduces Lucas’s “Digital Impact Mission,” a new leadership framework that calls on CEOs to lead transformation from the top, fix fragmentation first, and prioritize technology that empowers people.
Praise for Digital Impact from business luminaries includes:
“Every industry, every company, every workflow is being reinvented with AI. Organizations face the monumental task of embracing the opportunity in this transformative moment. Digital Impact provides a blueprint for navigating the AI revolution.”
— Bill McDermott, CEO, ServiceNow
“Embracing AI is now an imperative for businesses seeking a step-function change in productivity. Digital Impact compels you to reject fear of the unknown and turn AI into one of your most transformational business assets.”
— Carl Eschenbach, CEO, Workday
“People don’t yet understand how important integrating systems and data will be to succeeding in the age of AI. Digital Impact will help you leave your competitors in the dust.”
— Betsy Atkins, former Chairman and CEO, Clear Standards, Inc.
“Business, like sports, needs an innovative game plan to keep you ahead of the competition. Digital Impact provides real-world examples and practical advice for how you can win your game.”
— Jonathan Becher, President, San Jose Sharks Sports & Entertainment
Digital Impact also explores compelling case studies, from banks modernizing legacy data systems to global logistics companies building real-time supply chain intelligence and not-for-profits using connected tech to drive change.
Available today, Digital Impact: The Human Element of AI-Driven Transformation is a must-read for any leader looking to unlock the full power of AI by building a smarter, more connected digital foundation — one designed with people and purpose at the center.
To learn more, visit: www.boomi.com/digitalimpact
About Boomi
Boomi, the intelligent integration and automation leader, helps organizations around the world automate and streamline critical processes to achieve business outcomes faster. Harnessing advanced AI capabilities, the Boomi Enterprise Platform seamlessly connects systems and manages data flows with API management, integration, data management, and AI orchestration in one comprehensive solution. With over 23,000 customers globally and a rapidly expanding network of 800+ partners, Boomi is revolutionizing the way enterprises of all sizes achieve business agility and operational excellence. Discover more at boomi.com.
© 2025 Boomi, LP. Boomi, the ‘B’ logo, and Boomiverse are trademarks of Boomi, LP or its subsidiaries or affiliates. All rights reserved. Other names or marks may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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Contacts
Media:
Kristen Walker | (415) 613-8320 | kristenwalker@boomi.com
David Wolpert | (972) 743-8477 | david@fortierpr.com
NFL Names NetApp the Official Intelligent Data Infrastructure Partner
NEW YORK & SAN JOSE, Calif. - Tuesday, 15. April 2025 AETOSWire Print
Sponsorship Deal with NetApp Enables NFL to Bring Intelligence to its Data
(BUSINESS WIRE) -- The National Football League today named NetApp® (NASDAQ: NTAP) the Official Intelligent Data Infrastructure partner. NetApp will work with the league to develop cutting-edge, silo-free storage technology, allowing the NFL to manage the data to drive innovation.
“The global partnership between the NFL and NetApp represents a shared commitment to leveraging intelligent data to drive transformative solutions for the league,” said Renie Anderson, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at the NFL. “By combining our expertise with NetApp’s industry-leading intelligent data infrastructure, we can unlock new efficiencies that accelerate innovation within our game.”
The NFL is one of the most widely recognized and beloved sports leagues in the world, with more than 218 million fans in the United States alone and many more around the world in countries including Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., Germany, Spain and Australia. NetApp will play a key role globally with the NFL, activating across the entire slate of 2025 International Games, and as the presenting sponsor of the 2025 NFL London Games and the first-ever regular season NFL game in Madrid. The NFL has tapped NetApp as a leader in enterprise data storage, bringing intelligence to the league’s data.
“Working with NetApp has helped us serve football fans worldwide by streamlining our technology operations and enabling us to be better custodians of our sport,” said Gary Brantley, chief information officer at the NFL. “We strive to innovate and excel in everything we do and work with partners that share those values. Over the years we have worked together, NetApp has earned our trust that they can meet those high standards. With an intelligent data infrastructure powered by NetApp technology, we have a secure data storage strategy that can carry us into the future.”
The NFL will leverage NetApp technology to elevate its data storage strategy in the era of intelligence across its entire organization. By providing some of the most secure storage on the planet, NetApp will help the NFL maintain the long-term fidelity and integrity of its data. NetApp’s built-in security features, like NetApp ONTAP® Autonomous Ransomware Protection with AI (ARP/AI) and solutions such as NetApp cyber vault. can protect customers from data loss and downtime by proactively detecting potential threats and quickly recovering data, helping reduce operational risk.
“The NFL has been a long-standing customer of NetApp, and it is gratifying to see their interest in expanding our relationship,” said Cesar Cernuda, president at NetApp. “By helping the NFL build an intelligent data infrastructure, we are elevating the sport for fans of football everywhere. Bringing intelligence to the league’s data storage allows them to modernize their infrastructure and gives them the tools they need to agilely adapt to the future.”
Additional Resources
NFL and NetApp
Cyber Resilience: The Most Secure Storage on the Planet
About NetApp
NetApp is the intelligent data infrastructure company, combining unified data storage, integrated data, operational and workload services to turn a world of disruption into opportunity for every customer. NetApp creates silo-free infrastructure, harnessing observability and AI to enable the industry’s best data management. As the only enterprise-grade storage service natively embedded in the world’s biggest clouds, our data storage delivers seamless flexibility. In addition, our data services create a data advantage through superior cyber resilience, governance, and application agility. Our operational and workload services provide continuous optimization of performance and efficiency for infrastructure and workloads through observability and AI. No matter the data type, workload, or environment, with NetApp you can transform your data infrastructure to realize your business possibilities. Learn more at www.netapp.com or follow us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
NETAPP, the NETAPP logo, and the marks listed at www.netapp.com/TM are trademarks of NetApp, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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Contacts
Media Contacts:
Kenya Hayes
kenya.hayes@netapp.com
Liana Bailey
liana.bailey@nfl.com
Investor Contact:
Kris Newton
kris.newton@netapp.com
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