The commercial agreement combines proven FocalPoint S-GNSS® Auto software with STMicroelectronics Teseo hardware to improve positioning reliability in challenging GNSS environments

CAMBRIDGE, England, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FocalPoint, a UK-based leader in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) software for automotive, wearables, and smartphones, today announced that it has entered into a commercial agreement with STMicroelectronics. The agreement marks a major step towards delivering highly reliable vehicle positioning in challenging GNSS environments. Building on the collaboration first announced in May 2025, FocalPoint and STMicroelectronics have now advanced their joint S-GNSS® Auto and Teseo solution to a full commercial offering.

FocalPoint and STMicroelectronics enter into commercial agreement

The joint industry-leading solution delivers a significant leap in GNSS reliability, particularly in urban canyons, tree-lined roads, and other tough environments where conventional GNSS systems struggle. It is delivered as a simple firmware upgrade to Teseo devices, enabling automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to achieve substantially improved positioning accuracy in a straightforward and cost-efficient manner.

Backed by FocalPoint's patented Supercorrelation® technology, S-GNSS® software has demonstrated consistent accuracy improvements in multipath and signal-degraded conditions. In recent rigorous global trials, S-GNSS® Auto on Teseo devices significantly outperformed standard commercial-grade solutions. The joint solution is advancing towards commercial deployment in both current and next-generation OEM platforms.

"We're delighted to enter this commercial agreement with ST in addition to becoming an ST Authorized Partner, taking our collaboration to the next level. Our joint solution addresses the GNSS reliability pain points experienced by many OEMs when architecting their ADAS solutions," said Scott Pomerantz, CEO at FocalPoint. "Together, we deliver significant improvements that make autonomous and connected vehicles safer and more reliable."

"Through our commercial agreement with FocalPoint, and by leveraging the flexibility of Teseo's open platform, we are expanding our portfolio with S-GNSS® Auto-powered products that help customers push performance beyond traditional GNSS receiver limits and gain a real competitive edge in the market," said Luca Celant, Digital Audio and Signal Solutions Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. "By adding the S-GNSS roadmap and innovations such as Precise+® to the state-of-the-art Teseo portfolio, we are working to deliver sub-meter accuracy in the toughest environments. Together, we're helping OEMs add value and accelerate ADAS and V2X capabilities with confidence."

This collaboration strengthens both companies' commitment to enabling safer automated vehicles as well as improving everyday navigation.

More details are available on FocalPoint's ST Partner page.

Evaluation kits (EVKs) integrating FocalPoint's S-GNSS® Auto software on Teseo V and Teseo VI are now available for OEMs, Tier 1s, and ecosystem partners on the FocalPoint website.

Contact FocalPoint at contact@focalpointpositioning.com for the full results report of S-GNSS® Auto on Teseo devices.

About FocalPoint

FocalPoint develops advanced software that ensures GNSS reliability in the most challenging environments. Their flagship S-GNSS® Auto software delivers the positioning accuracy required to advance vehicle autonomy, especially in urban canyons and forest roads. Integrated onto STMicroelectronics Teseo V and Teseo VI devices, this joint solution is offered as a seamless firmware upgrade, empowering OEMs to advance their ADAS and V2X capabilities. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, FocalPoint is backed by a strategic investment from GM Ventures and has earned multiple awards and recognition from the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Institute of Navigation.

Website: focalpointpositioning.com

Media contact
Ramya Sriram; contact@focalpointpositioning.com

S-GNSS® Auto on Teseo devices delivers reliable GNSS in urban environments

SYDNEY, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Australian automated communications technology company, Soprano Design, has strengthened its global security credentials after achieving four major compliance accreditations across its business, reinforcing its position as a trusted communications provider for enterprise and government organisations.

Soprano has achieved SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001:2022, IMDA Security Framework and Cyber Essentials Plus compliance, reflecting the company's continued investment in security, governance and operational resilience.

The accreditations come as enterprise and government organisations place greater scrutiny on the technology platforms that manage customer, citizen and employee communications. By meeting these recognised global standards, Soprano provides customers greater assurance that its platform, processes and controls are built to support secure, business-critical communications at scale.

"Achieving these accreditations is a significant milestone for Soprano and a testament to the discipline, rigour and hard work behind our technology, operations and people," said Mohammed Odah, Chief Technology Officer, Soprano Design.

"As security threats continue to evolve, enterprise and government organisations need to know the platforms they rely on are backed by strong controls, independently tested processes and a culture that treats security as a core responsibility," he said.

"These accreditations are not simply badges. They represent the strength of the systems, processes and governance we have built across Soprano to protect customer data and support organisations operating in highly regulated environments.

Behind each accreditation sits a specific part of Soprano's business, spanning its Soprano Connect and Whispir platforms, its Singapore entities and its UK operations.

"Soprano has achieved SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 across its Soprano Connect and Whispir platforms, the IMDA Security Framework across all five of its Singapore entities, and UK Cyber Essentials Plus in the United Kingdom, reflecting the company's continued investment in security, governance and operational resilience across every market it serves," said Simon Tipple, Director of Corporate IT and Security, Soprano Design.

"For our customers, many of whom operate in regulated industries, this is independent validation that the platforms they rely on for critical communications are built, run and continuously tested to the highest global standards."

For more than 30 years, Soprano has supported enterprise and government organisations with secure, reliable and scalable communications technology. The latest accreditations further demonstrate the standards Soprano holds itself to as a long-standing partner to organisations managing business-critical communications.

"For three decades, Soprano has been trusted by enterprise and government organisations to support some of their most important communications," said Dr. Richard Favero, Founder and Chairman, Soprano Design.

"That trust has always been built on more than technology alone. It comes from the standards we hold ourselves to and the responsibility we take in protecting the information that moves through our platforms," he said.

"These latest accreditations are an important reflection of our commitment to our enterprise and government customers. They reinforce what has always been at the heart of Soprano: delivering secure, reliable and trusted communications for organisations that cannot afford to compromise."

As organisations continue to modernise the way they communicate with customers, employees and communities, security and compliance have become increasingly important in the selection of communications technology partners.

"Our customers operate in environments where trust, security and reliability are non-negotiable," said Antony Sault, Chief Revenue Officer, Soprano Design.

"These accreditations give them further assurance that Soprano is committed to meeting the standards required by enterprise and government organisations around the world," he said.

"For current customers, this reinforces the confidence they already place in our platform. For organisations assessing their communication partners, it demonstrates that Soprano is built to support secure, high-volume and business-critical engagement at scale."

These four accreditations sit alongside Soprano's broader compliance programme, which is designed to support customers operating under regulatory frameworks including the EU's Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), APRA's Prudential Standard CPS 230 in Australia, and the Australian Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act. Together, they reflect Soprano's commitment to secure, resilient communications for the enterprise and government organisations it serves worldwide.

Ends.

About Soprano Design

Soprano Design is a leading CPaaS provider trusted by 150+ Fortune 500 companies globally and serves over 32 billion automated interactions for its enterprise and government customers every year.

For more information about Soprano Design and its communication solutions, visit sopranodesign.com.

Following the hearing on July 1, the court determined that control of ATP Life Sciences Ventures L.P. ("the Fund") should be taken away from the current General Partner, ATP III GP Ltd, which is led by Dr. Seth Harrison. With immediate effect the Fund will be managed by independent office holders appointed by the Grand Court, Mr. Alexander Lawson and Mr. Barry Lynch of Alvarez & Marsal.

The Rigmora Biotech Investors are convinced that the immediate removal of the current General Partner's control over the Fund, with the future management of the Fund to be conducted by professional and independent office holders, is in the best interest of the Fund and will result in maximization of the Fund's value.

Brian Cattell, CLP Strategies bcattell@clpstrategies.com 

International sporting events of this scale are hardly possible to organize without strong partners. Sponsorship has evolved well beyond a classic logo on an advertising board into a strategic brand decision. Today, companies invest in experiences that make their brand credible and tangible.

A recent example of this is Palm Beach Motor Yachts. The globally active manufacturer of luxury motor yachts – with Australian roots and international headquarters in Florida – is now partnering with the newly launched international 4* dressage tournament at the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna. The fact that a company from the other side of the world has chosen the Vienna leg of the event, held in the main courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace, underscores the event's international appeal.

Sponsorship Today Is More Than Just Advertising

The Longines Global Champions Tour is one of the world's most prestigious equestrian sport series, making stops in major cities such as Paris, Shanghai, Rome, London, and Miami Beach. In 2026, Vienna will expand the program for the first time with an international dressage tournament, making it the only leg of the series to feature a second Olympic equestrian discipline. This creates additional opportunities for partners to present their brand in a high-quality international environment.

"We are proud to have won Palm Beach Motor Yachts as a partner — a company based on another continent that has deliberately chosen Vienna. It shows that our unique event at Schönbrunn Palace has long been recognized far beyond Austria's borders and holds strong appeal for international companies. We are particularly delighted that this partnership is backed by an entrepreneurial family who not only supports equestrian sport, but lives it with great passion themselves," emphasize Sonja Klima and Helmut Morbitzer, organizers of the LGCT Vienna | Schloss Schönbrunn.

A Stage For The World's Best

Last year, the world's most successful dressage rider, Isabell Werth, already thrilled audiences in Schönbrunn with her impressive freestyle. With the new international 4* dressage tournament, this Olympic discipline now gains a permanent place within the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna for the first time.

"Riding against the backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace is truly special. Venues like this are extremely rare in dressage sport and create a unique atmosphere — for us riders as well as for the audience. It is wonderful that dressage continues to grow within the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna, and has found a partner in Palm Beach Motor Yachts that supports this development. Partnerships like these are enormously important for our sport," says Isabell Werth.

Vienna Wins Over International Partners

There are good reasons why companies from around the world support international sporting events. They are not only seeking reach, but places where people come together, enjoy shared moments, and create genuine experiences. The unique setting of Schönbrunn Palace, the international scope of the Longines Global Champions Tour, world-class competition, and a discerning audience come together to create exactly this kind of environment. Palm Beach Motor Yachts' involvement shows that this combination can win over even companies from the other side of the world.

"For Palm Beach Motor Yachts, the partnership reflects a natural connection between two worlds defined by aesthetic grace, timeless elegance, precision, and seemingly effortless performance. It also speaks to a discerning audience that embraces competition and the pursuit of excellence, whether in business, sport, or the experiences they choose to enjoy on land and on the water," says Mark Richards, Founder/CEO, Palm Beach Motor Yachts.

Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna | Schloss Schönbrunn
September 24 – 27, 2026
www.lgct-vienna.com

- Picture is available at AP -

Nicole Lazar
+436641342373
nicole@komma4.at

The Company issued an aggregate of 16,500,000 units (each, a "Unit") at an offering price of US$0.40 per Unit (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one Class A ordinary share of the Company (or pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof), with a par value of US$0.0128 per share, and one common warrant to purchase one Class A ordinary share of the Company (the "Common Warrant").

Each Common Warrant is immediately exercisable upon issuance at an initial exercise price of US$0.40, which is equal to the public offering price per Unit. The warrant exercise price is subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments in connection with share splits, share combinations, dividend distributions, subsequent equity sale and other corporate restructurings. The warrants will expire on the third anniversary of the issuance date.

The company received total gross proceeds of approximately US$6.6 million, prior to deducting placement agent fees, legal fees, administrative and other offering-related expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for working capital requirements, general corporate purposes, as well as further product iteration & development and production capacity expansion.

Maxim Group LLC acted as the sole placement agent for the Offering. Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP acted as U.S. securities counsel to the Company, and Pryor Cashman LLP acted as U.S. securities counsel to the placement agent, in connection with the Offering.

The Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-297290) was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and declared effective on July 9, 2026. The Offering was made exclusively by means of a prospectus contained within the effective F-1 registration statement, copies of which may be obtained by contacting Maxim Group LLC, at 300 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10022, attention: Syndicate Department, or by telephone at (212) 895-3745 or by email at syndicate@maximgrp.com. Copies of the registration statement can be accessed through the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. No offering, sale or solicitation shall be permitted in any jurisdiction where such offering or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption or qualification under the local securities laws of such jurisdiction.

About Elong Power

Elong Power Holding Limited is an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Adhering to its development strategy of "Asset-Light, R&D-Intensive, AI + Energy Storage, Global Scenario Layout", the Company focuses on lithium battery energy storage system core business, with strategic layout covering overseas residential & commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage, as well as grid-side energy storage in China. The Company is committed to delivering high-reliability, cost-effective and intelligent energy storage system solutions to global customers. Elong Power is chaired and led by Ms. Xiaodan Liu as Chief Executive Officer.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including without limitation: the Company's ability to complete the Offering in accordance with the expected timeline and terms; satisfaction of closing conditions; the planned use and actual deployment of net proceeds; adverse changes in global market conditions and capital market sentiment; risks relating to the Company's business strategy adjustment and asset optimization; the ability to maintain the Company's Nasdaq listing status; changes in industry policies and regulatory rules; future capital financing needs; and other risk factors disclosed in the Company's periodic filings and subsequent submissions with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

Investor & Media Contact

Elong Power Investor Relations

Email: ir@elongpower.com

Advanced AI revenue grows 62.1% to $171 million; company plans to invest up to ₹3,500 crore to establish AI data centers

NEW YORK and NOIDA, India, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HCLTech (NSE: HCLTECH) (BSE: HCLTECH), a leading global technology company, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended June 30, 2026. USD revenue was at $3.65 billion, up 3% YoY, while revenue in constant currency (CC) grew 2.6% YoY.

"We recorded our highest ever Q1 net new bookings of $2.4 billion and our Advanced AI business grew 10.6% QoQ and 62.1% YoY in constant currency terms. These demonstrate that enterprises are choosing us to lead their AI-led transformation. Combined with the operational efficiencies visible in margin expansion, this momentum gives us the confidence we're positioned to keep outpacing the market over the medium term," said C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director, HCLTech.

Services revenue growth was led by a steady momentum in IT and Business Services, which grew at 4.2% YoY in CC. HCLSoftware's annual recurring revenue stood at $1.06 billion, up 2% YoY CC. Advanced AI revenue for the quarter was at $171 million. The revenue per employee per annum was at $65,500, up 3.3% YoY.

Industry vertical growth was led by Public Services, with 12% YoY (CC) growth, followed by Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods at 10.1% YoY (CC) and Technology and Services at 7.3% YoY (CC). In terms of geographies, the U.S. grew by 2.9% YoY (CC) and Europe grew by 0.1%. The Rest of the World grew by 10.8% YoY (CC).

HCLTech also announced a plan to invest up to ₹3,500 crore ($370 million appx) to establish AI data centers, with the potential to scale to 50MW of capacity. The investment is complemented by the company's existing capabilities across AI data center design, DevOps and AI cloud operations as well as its software portfolio, enabling a truly integrated end-to-end play.

HCLTech announced a dividend of ₹12/share for the quarter. The company maintained guidance on FY27 revenue growth of 1% to 4% YoY in CC and Services revenue growth between 1.5% and 4.5% YoY in CC. EBIT margin is expected to be between 17.5% and 18.5%.

"HCLTech delivered a steady Q1 FY27 performance, with revenue growth of 13.9% YoY, EBIT growth of 18.0% YoY and Net Income growth of 20.3% YoY. Excluding the impact of restructuring costs, EBIT margin and Net Income margin stood at 17.5% and 13.8%, respectively," said Shiv Walia, Chief Financial Officer, HCLTech.

Key Advanced AI deal wins:

• A global technology major expanded its partnership with HCLTech for an AI Factory program with an incremental scope of over $180 million for AI data center buildout.
• A U.S.-based semiconductor major selected HCLTech's AI Engineering solution to develop an advanced AI-enabled chip for next-generation vehicles.
• A Europe-based manufacturer selected HCLTech to engineer the navigation stack for its next-generation autonomous robot. HCLTech will apply its Physical AI and intelligent Product Engineering capabilities to deliver core navigation logic, motion planning and system integration for the product.

Other key deal wins:

• A Europe-based global automotive manufacturer selected HCLTech for a large-scale AI-led Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) transformation program across Engineering, Production, Commercial and Corporate application landscapes.
• A Fortune 250 semiconductor equipment OEM selected HCLTech to accelerate AI-driven transformation across its semiconductor engineering and manufacturing value stream.
• In one of the largest deals in the history of HCLSoftware, a US-based technology services company selected Actian Ingres to support logistics operations applications for a public sector entity.

HCLTech has been recognized as the highest-ranked India-headquartered company in the Professional Services category in TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies list for the second consecutive year. It has been ranked 6th out of 209 'IT consulting' companies in ESG risk rating by Sustainalytics. The company has also achieved MSCI AA (Leader) ESG rating for strong ethics and human capital practices for two years in a row.

HCLTech was featured among Asia's Most Honored in Extel's 2026 Executive Team rankings. It achieved 10 top 3 rankings in the Technology IT Services Software and AI segment, of which six were No. 1 position.

About HCLTech

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 223,000 people across 60 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around AI, digital, engineering, cloud and software, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. We work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology and Services, Semiconductor, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, Mobility and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of 12 months ending June 2026 totaled $14.8 billion. To learn how we can supercharge progress for you, visit hcltech.com.

For further details, please contact:

Meredith Bucaro, Americas
meredith-bucaro@hcltech.com

Elka Ghudial, EMEA
elka.ghudial@hcltech.com

James Galvin, APAC
james.galvin@hcltech.com

Nitin Shukla, India
nitin-shukla@hcltech.com

Mesabi Metallics fires first blast toward "Patriot Pellet," ending U.S. dependence on scarce foreign DR-grade ore

NASHWAUK, Minn., July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American iron ore mining is growing. Mesabi Metallics Company LLC (Mesabi Metallics) today announced the successful completion of its first production blast, a defining milestone in the company's drive to become the first new iron ore mine and pellet plant built in Minnesota in fifty years, and an on-schedule step toward first pellet production later in the third quarter.

The blast used a 66-hole pattern and fractured approximately 211,000 tons of ore in a single shot which represents nearly half the total rock removed to carve Mount Rushmore. It opens the first ramp into the bottom of the pit, clearing the way for 400-ton haul trucks to move ore out of the ground for the first time.

"This first blast is the moment this project stops being about preparation and starts being about production," said Shane Holman, General Manager – Mine, Mesabi Metallics. "The ore we blasted today will be processed into some of the highest quality DR-grade pellets in the world."

"Every ton of ore that comes out of this mine represents American jobs, American investment, and American capability being put back to work, said Joe Broking CEO of Mesabi Metallics. We are committed to investing in the Iron Range to keep powering America's steel, America's shipyards, and America's defense industrial base."

The blast follows Mesabi Metallics' announcement on July 4^th, America's 250th birthday, of the 'Patriot Pellet,' the brand for the highest quality DR-grade iron ore pellet produced entirely on the Iron Range. Patriot Pellet is a statement: American mines, American workers, and American steel should not be at the mercy of foreign supply chains. Every ton produced is a ton that does not need to be imported.

Mesabi Metallics expects weekly blasting to continue as the mine advances toward full-scale production, supplying the steel industry with high-quality DR-grade iron ore pellets from Minnesota's Iron Range.

About Mesabi Metallics Company LLC

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC, an Essar Group company, is developing a state-of-the-art DR-grade iron ore mine and pellet plant in Nashwauk, Minnesota. Upon completion, the project will represent an approximately $2.5 billion investment and become the first new iron ore mine and pellet plant developed in Minnesota in nearly fifty years. Mesabi is expected to produce some of the highest-grade DR pellets in the world, providing a secure domestic supply of critical raw materials needed to support America's steel industry, infrastructure buildout, shipbuilding, defense industrial base and broader manufacturing resurgence.

Mesabi Metallics is the cornerstone of a broader strategy to re-shore critical steel supply chains and industrial production back to the United States.

ACROBiosystems participated as a key strategic partner under the theme "Enabling Global Opportunity," working with a broad network of industry partners to build a strategic partnering platform for the globalization of innovation assets. The event gathered more than 200 participants from over 30 countries, creating a highly active environment for business dialogue and partnering discussions.

During the summit, ACROBiosystems set up a dedicated networking lounge to provide attendees with an exclusive space for in-depth discussion, helping turn thought leadership and ideas into tangible collaboration.

As innovative drug development becomes increasingly global, ACROBiosystems is further leveraging its global customer network, technical service capabilities, industry insight, and ecosystem connectivity to advance its role as a global strategic partner for innovation. Through the summit, ACROBiosystems aims to amplify the visibility of high-potential innovation assets and help them gain greater international recognition, deeper industry understanding, and more partnering opportunities during a critical window for the global biopharmaceutical industry.

From winter to summer, ACROBiosystems has continued to advance global innovation partnerships. Following the BIOSeedin Winter Innovation Partnering Summit in San Francisco this January and the BIOSeedin Spring Innovation Partnering Summit in Shanghai this May, the BIOSeedin Summer Innovation Partnering Summit in San Diego further extended this momentum. Besides, ACROBiosystems has also hosted ACRO Innovation Day and the ACRO Innovation Forum in Europe and Shanghai, reinforcing its commitment to empowering the industry and building platforms for innovation exchange.

Looking ahead, ACROBiosystems will continue to work with global partners around its core brand values of "Reliable Quality, Integrated Innovation, and Considerate Service", jointly accelerating the translation of biopharmaceutical innovation into clinical applications and global markets.

Summit Recap

The summit opened with remarks from Ms. Jenny Zhao, Co-founder and CEO of bioSeedin.

And then the summit went on with panels and company presentations, along with one on one partnering session to motivate exchange and precision collaborations.

The panel session split into two parts: the early-stage and late-stage session.

No. 1 Early-Stage Session

The Early-Stage Session featured two panel discussions on licensing, external innovation, and M&A. The first panel brought together executives from Debiopharm, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Roche/Genentech, AstraZeneca.

Key Takeaways:

• Licensing is not simply an asset transaction, but a strategic tool for translating differentiated science into long-term value.
• Strong biology, high-quality data, translational continuity, and a credible global clinical development plan remain essential to deal execution.
• Deals often stall due to weak biological rationale, unclear patient or biomarker strategies, poor PK/PD or therapeutic windows, and inadequate global development planning.

The second panel was moderated by Kenneth C. Chen, Senior Director of Business Development, US & EU, at bioSeedin, and featured executives from Sun Pharma, Hygieia Pharma, and Servier.

Key Takeaways:

• M&A should support long-term corporate strategy rather than serve as an end goal.
• Companies need to balance acquisitions, strategic investments, and licensing transactions.
• Successful M&A depends on valuation discipline, rigorous due diligence, effective execution, and post-deal integration.

The session also included company presentations from Antengene, GeneScience Pharmaceutical, and Salsola Therapeutics, showcasing innovative pipelines across autoimmune diseases, immunology, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

No. 2 Late-Stage Session

The Late-Stage Session Executives from Daiichi Sankyo, Takeda, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Thermo Fisher Scientific discussed the global innovation ecosystem and emerging industry trends.

Key Takeaways:

Innovation must remain grounded in strong science, robust biology, high-quality data, and rigorous R&D.

China and AI are long-term structural forces rather than short-term trends. Companies need a clear and coherent China strategy.

AI can support the full R&D value chain, but it cannot replace scientific fundamentals.

The session also featured presentations from HighTide Therapeutics, Constimulus Bio, CanWell Pharma, Jiangsu Chia Tai Fenghai Pharmaceutical, Amphiprotech, and VyBio, showcasing advanced pipelines and global development opportunities across multiple therapeutic areas.

About ACROBiosystems Group:

ACROBiosystems Group, founded in 2010 and listed in 2021, is a biotechnology company aimed at being a cornerstone of the global biopharmaceutical and healthcare industries by providing innovative products and business models. The company spans across the globe and maintains offices, R&D centers, and production bases in more than 15 different cities within the United States, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Germany. ACROBiosystems Group has established numerous long-term and stable partnerships with the world's top pharmaceutical enterprises, including Pfizer, Novartis, and Johnson & Johnson, and numerous well-known academic institutes. The company comprises several subsidiaries such as ACROBiosystems, bioSeedin, Condense Capital, and ACRODiagnostics.

ACROBiosystems' brands include Resilient Supply, CytoPak, SAFENSURE, FLAG, Star Staining, Aneuro, ComboX, GENPower and many others. Its main products and services are recombinant proteins, kits, antibodies, scientific services, and other related products. ACROBiosystems employs a strict quality control system for its products that are used in biopharmaceutical research and development, production, and clinical application. This includes targeted discovery and validation, candidate drug screening/optimization, CMC development and pilot production, preclinical research, clinical trials, commercial production, and clinical application of companion diagnostics.

Through the continuous development of new technologies and products, ACROBiosystems Group creates value for the global pharmaceutical industry and actively empowers our partners. The company is dedicated to accelerating the drug development process, including targeted therapies, immunotherapeutic drugs, and their clinical applications, and contributes to global health.

LAS VEGAS, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beetles Gel Polish, a global nail brand known for accessible gel nail solutions and creative color systems, announces the debut of Beetles Nail Glow, its first official collaboration with Pantone®, at Cosmoprof North America Las Vegas 2026. The brand will showcase the collection at Booth 8215 from July 13–15, together with its growing Stay Shining and Beetles PRO product systems.

The presentation marks a key milestone for Beetles Gel Polish as the brand continues to strengthen its presence across color innovation, complete nail systems, retail-ready solutions, and professional salon support.

The Debut of Beetles Nail Glow: A Healing-Led Color Story

As the hero launch of this year's show, Beetles Nail Glow brings Beetles Gel Polish's color expertise together with Pantone's global color authority. Rooted in the concept of healing, the collection translates self-care, calm, and emotional expression into a sensorial color story for modern nail lovers.

The six-shade collection features a HEMA-free, TPO-free, and TMPTA-free formula designed to support a gentler nail experience. It delivers rich one-coat color payoff, smooth self-leveling performance, and an easy-control brush for more even application.

The hero shade, Medative State, is a soft pale blue created to evoke calm, clarity, and gentle renewal. Its name blends the feeling of "meditative" and "sedative," capturing the soothing emotional energy at the heart of the collection.

"Beetles Nail Glow represents an important step in how we think about color," said a Beetles Gel Polish spokesperson. "For us, color is not only about trend or appearance. It is also about emotion, self-care, and the small rituals that help people feel more confident, calm, and connected."

The limited-edition collaboration opens for pre-order on beetlesgel.com on July 13, 2026.

Complete Nail Systems for Retail and Professional Scenarios

In addition to Beetles Nail Glow, Beetles Gel Polish will showcase its core product systems, including Stay Shining and Beetles PRO.

Stay Shining is designed as a full-spectrum nail system for retail accessibility and salon-quality results, supporting consumers across color, care, tools, and at-home nail creation.

Beetles PRO is a premium professional system developed for nail artists and salon environments, with a focus on reliable application, consistent results, and smoother professional workflows.

Together, the three systems reflect Beetles Gel Polish's broader ambition: to support nail lovers and nail professionals with complete, scenario-based solutions across DIY, retail, and professional channels.

A Platform for Brand Growth and Industry Exchange

Cosmoprof North America Las Vegas provides Beetles Gel Polish with a key opportunity to connect directly with retailers, distributors, salon operators, beauty professionals, and industry partners.

At Booth 8215, attendees will be able to experience the debut of Beetles Nail Glow, explore the brand's nearly 500-SKU product showcase, learn more about the Stay Shining and Beetles PRO systems, and receive custom on-site gifts.

The brand welcomes industry attendees to visit the booth and discover how Beetles Gel Polish is expanding its role in color expression, complete nail solutions, and global channel development.

About Beetles Gel Polish

Founded in 2017, Beetles Gel Polish is a global nail brand offering comprehensive nail solutions across retail and professional beauty. The brand's product universe spans gel polish, nail color systems, nail care, press-ons, tools, lamps, nail art supplies, and professional salon products.

Today, Beetles Gel Polish reaches users across more than 30 countries and regions and has built a growing community of more than 18 million users worldwide. Through its expanding online and offline ecosystem, the brand continues to strengthen its presence across North America and global beauty markets.

Learn more at: https://www.beetlesgel.com/pages/blogs

Media Contact
Beetles Gel Polish PR Team
brand@beetlesgel.com

Wholesale Inquiries
Beetles Gel Polish Wholesale Team
wholesale@beetlesgel.com
Learn more about wholesale opportunities at beetlesgel.com.

Horgos, situated within the Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture of China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, stands as a pivotal gateway for China's westward opening-up.

Once a key staging post along ancient trade routes where camel bells echoed across the Gobi Desert,  today the city has become a vibrant business magnet, drawing investors and entrepreneurs from Central Asia and Europe.

For an increasing number of foreign businesspeople, Horgos is no longer just a destination for trade trips -- it  has become a second home they keep returning to.

As dawn approaches, cross-border trucks queue efficiently at the Horgos highway port, navigating customs procedures.

Kazakh businessman Ilyas, with 14 years of experience in the Horgos fruit and vegetable trade, has witnessed this transformation firsthand.

Fresh produce trade depends heavily on swift clearance; delays lead to significant losses as perishable goods spoil quickly. Previously, Ilyas would arrive before daybreak just to secure precious delivery time.

To address sluggish customs procedures and high spoilage rates for fresh agricultural products, Horgos Customs established a China-Kazakhstan "green channel" for agricultural products, offering priority inspections and immediate release upon arrival.

The new arrangements have created a fresh rhythm for cross-border produce trade: goods picked in the morning can clear customs the same day and reach markets that very night, allowing high-quality Chinese agricultural products to reach overseas consumers while still fresh.

Recent years have seen new energy vehicle (NEV) exports emerge as a major growth driver for Horgos trade. Recognising the strong demand for Chinese electric vehicles across Central Asia, Kazakh businessman Khambati seized the opportunity, registered a company in Horgos, and entered the vehicle export logistics business.

To facilitate NEV exports, Horgos Customs introduced a fast-track clearance scheme for self-driven export commercial vehicles, significantly streamlining offline procedures and moving the entire process online.

The average customs processing time has been reduced from more than 30 hours to less than five. Standardized workflows, intelligent services and around-the-clock operational support have made Khambati's logistics operations highly predictable and significantly improved delivery efficiency.

Horgos has also pioneered a new multilingual cross-border livestreaming business model, the first of its kind in Xinjiang. The local government provides free exclusive live-stream venues, builds professional livestream bases, and runs regular training courses for new streamers, offering hands-on guidance on product sourcing and account operation.

Today, over 20 livestreaming studios in the commercial building of the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center stay busy with nonstop broadcasts, selling Chinese cosmetics, clothing and daily necessities to consumers in Central Asia and Europe.

Kazakh livestreamer Alten Asenbek moved into the Horgos cross-border e-commerce livestreaming base last December. Starting with barely any orders, he has now built a social media following of over 26,000, with peak hourly sales hitting 14,500 yuan (about $2,134).

At the Dastarkhan restaurant inside the Center, visiting merchants and local residents often gather around tables to chat.

Locals fondly call this little diner the "Sisters Restaurant."It is a successful cross-border business jointly founded by Kazakh entrepreneur Toktabayeva Almira Sansiba and her Chinese partner Guli.

Recently, thanks to supportive policies, more than 80 percent of the restaurants, retail stores and accommodation providers inside the cooperation center have completed upgrades to their point-of-sale terminals. The new system supports dual-currency settlement in Chinese yuan and Kazakh tenge, and accepts international credit cards alongside mainstream domestic and overseas mobile payment methods.

 "The process is fast and secure," Sansiba explained. "Customers simply scan a code to pay. Tenge amounts are automatically converted, and yuan funds arrive directly in our accounts."

Booming business has turned Horgos into her second home. "I've made friends from all over the world. Diners stay for tea and long conversations after meals, just like family. We are no longer mere travelers; we have become part of one big family."

Beyond creating a business-friendly environment, Horgos has continued to improve public services for foreign residents by leveraging talent policies associated with the pilot free trade zone and its broader opening-up initiatives.

In January last year, Uzbek businessman Bekzati relocated his family to Horgos to start a local business. Unfamiliar with both the language and local policies, he became deeply worried about finding schools for his three children. Community staff proactively reached out and eventually helped resolve his children's schooling issue.

Catering to the large flow of foreign truck drivers and merchants passing through the port, the Yingtar community in the Horgos Industrial Park subdistrict has launched regular consultation sessions for international residents, targeting and addressing  their practical concerns.

With maturing public services and attentive, inclusive governance, Horgos is becoming a place that overseas merchants not only want to visit, but are also eager to return to, and, for many, a place they now call home.

New corridor enables instant bank account and wallet credit for customers sending money to Nepal from across EFICYENT global network

DUBAI, UAE, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EFICYENT, a global cross-border payments and financial infrastructure platform, has announced a partnership with IME Limited, one of Nepal's most trusted and established remittance companies, to strengthen international money transfers to Nepal. The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 29 June 2026 at EFICYENT's UAE office.

The partnership enables customers and partners across EFICYENT's global network to send money directly to recipients in Nepal through bank account transfers and digital wallet payouts, expanding EFICYENT's reach into one of South Asia's most important remittance markets.

Under the partnership, EFICYENT will provide payout capabilities across Nepal through direct bank account deposits and digital wallet transfers. Both bank account and wallet transactions are credited in real time, providing recipients with faster and more convenient access to funds.

"This partnership reflects our commitment to building fast, reliable payout corridors for the communities that depend on remittances most. Working with IME allows us to bring real-time settlement to Nepal at a scale that truly serves the Nepali diaspora while strengthening our local payment network to enable faster and more efficient cross-border payment services."
Aravinth Ramesh CTO, EFICYENT

"IME has spent over two decades earning the trust of Nepali communities across the globe. Partnering with EFICYENT strengthens our payout infrastructure and ensures customers receive funds instantly, securely, and conveniently through their preferred bank account or digital wallet."
Badri Katwal General Manager, IME Limited

About EFICYENT

EFICYENT is a global cross-border payments and financial infrastructure platform enabling faster and more efficient international money movement through local payment networks and real-time settlement capabilities for banks, financial institutions, and fintech companies worldwide. The company operates through a network of regulated entities and licensed partners spanning 8 jurisdictions globally.

About IME Limited

IME Limited is one of Nepal's leading remittance companies and has been serving Nepali communities worldwide since 2001. Licensed by Nepal Rastra Bank, the company has built a strong global remittance network through technology-driven payment solutions, robust compliance standards, and partnerships with financial institutions across multiple markets.

Signing Ceremony

The partnership was formalized during a signing ceremony held at EFICYENT's UAE office on 29 June 2026, attended by senior leadership teams from both organizations, reaffirming their shared commitment to enhancing cross-border payment services between global markets and Nepal.

Media Contact
EFICYENT Official
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Website: https://eficyent.com/
Email: support@eficyent.com 

Built for work, creation and everyday listening, the MR4.5 delivers accurate, balanced sound for producers, content creators and music enthusiasts alike.

RICHMOND, BC, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Edifier International, the award-winning audio electronics designer, announces the launch of its latest studio monitor, the MR4.5. Whether you're producing music, editing content, or simply enjoying your favorite playlists, the MR4.5 is designed to deliver accurate, balanced sound throughout every part of your day. Combining professional-grade audio performance with versatile functionality, the latest addition to Edifier's award-winning MR Series is equally at home in the studio, at your desk, or in your living space.

Hear Every Detail

Engineered for accurate sound reproduction, the MR4.5 lets you hear every detail with clarity and precision. Its bi-amplified design, Hi-Res Audio certification and wide frequency response deliver balanced, natural sound for music production, video editing, content creation and everyday listening.

Tune It to Your Space

Every workspace is different, and the MR4.5 is designed to adapt. With built-in acoustic tuning and desktop compensation controls, you can optimize its performance for your room, speaker placement and listening environment. Whether it's on a desk, against a wall, or in a dedicated studio, the MR4.5 helps deliver balanced, accurate sound wherever you create.

Wireless Freedom Without Compromise

The MR4.5 combines professional wired connectivity with high-resolution wireless audio for a seamless desktop experience. Featuring Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC and multipoint connectivity, it lets you easily switch between computers, smartphones and other devices without interrupting your workflow.

With the introduction of the MR4.5, Edifier strengthens its award-winning MR Series by filling the gap between the entry-level MR4 and flagship MR5. The expanded lineup now offers a studio monitor for every creator, from beginners setting up their first workspace to experienced professionals seeking advanced connectivity, acoustic customization and premium near-field monitoring performance.

Edifier MR Series

MR3 – Compact & Versatile
Designed for smaller spaces, the MR3 delivers accurate, well-balanced sound in a compact form factor. It combines Hi-Res Audio certification with Bluetooth connectivity and built-in room acoustic compensation, helping users achieve more consistent performance even in challenging desktop environments. Ideal for bedrooms, apartments and compact workstations, the MR3 is a strong entry point for first-time creators and everyday listeners.

MR4 – Studio Essentials
A traditional wired studio monitor focused on reliable analog performance, the MR4 offers a straightforward approach to critical listening. Featuring a larger 4-inch mid-bass driver and simple HF/LF tuning controls, it provides clear, honest sound reproduction without added complexity. This makes it a practical choice for music production, podcasting and general content creation.

MR4.5 – The Modern All-Rounder
Blending studio-grade accuracy with modern connectivity, the MR4.5 introduces a more flexible listening experience for today's hybrid creators. It features Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC, balanced XLR connectivity, Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification and ConneX app-based customization. Designed for users who switch between work, creation, and entertainment, it delivers precision monitoring with everyday versatility.

MR5 – Flagship Performance
The MR5 represents the most powerful model in the lineup, built for advanced users and larger setups. Its three-way driver design and 110W output deliver extended frequency response, deeper bass, and higher overall headroom. Combined with advanced wireless connectivity and ConneX app integration, the MR5 is designed for professional studios and demanding creative environments.

Price & Availability

The MR4.5 is now available in the United States at an MSRP of $249.99 through Amazon.com and the official EDIFIER online store.

About Edifier:

Edifier specializes in the design and manufacture of premium audio solutions that showcase technological innovation and design excellence. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Beijing, China, Edifier delivers outstanding sound experience through a wide range of audio systems for personal entertainment and professional use. Renowned for its award-winning design philosophy, expertise and innovation in acoustic technology, and superior manufacturing standards, Edifier is one of today's leading innovators of audio electronics.  

More information about Edifier is available online at www.edifier.com/global/

– Strategic partnership enables reciprocal integration of Korean and Japanese accommodation inventories 

– Builds on Korea's largest accommodation inventory to strengthen global distribution and connectivity across Asia's travel ecosystem

SEOUL, South Korea, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NOL Universe (CEO Thomas Lee), Korea's leading travel, leisure and culture platform company, announced a strategic partnership with APPLE WORLD Inc., a leading Japanese accommodation distribution company, to strengthen its global accommodation distribution network. The agreement marks NOL Universe's first global accommodation distribution partnership with a Japanese company and represents another milestone in expanding its international travel partner ecosystem. 

NOL Universe is Korea's leading travel and leisure platform company, offering one of the country's largest accommodation inventories alongside transportation, leisure activities, live entertainment and other travel experiences. Backed by nearly two decades of expertise in Korea's travel market and proprietary travel technology, the company connects travelers and industry partners through its integrated platform while expanding its global business. 

As demand for travel to Korea continues to grow globally, NOL Universe will make approximately 30,000 verified accommodation properties available through Apple World's distribution network serving Japanese travel agencies and global B2B partners. The partnership expands international access to Korean accommodations while opening new overseas sales channels for accommodation partners in Korea. Apple World operates one of Japan's leading B2B accommodation distribution platforms, covering more than 400,000 properties across over 200 countries. 

The two companies plan to complete system integration during the third quarter of 2026 to enable reciprocal connectivity between Korean and Japanese accommodation inventories. The partnership is part of NOL Universe's global B2B Distribution strategy to expand its international distribution network. More than a simple inventory integration, it represents a cross-border collaboration model that connects regional distribution partners with travel content. Building on this partnership, NOL Universe will continue expanding its global accommodation supply network while strengthening strategic partnerships across key international markets.

"Global interest in travel to Korea continues to grow, and NOL Universe is building the foundation for global partners to connect travelers with Korean travel content through one of the country's largest accommodation inventories and our travel platform capabilities," said Oliver Libutzki, Head of Global Business Group at NOL Universe. "We will continue expanding partnerships with leading regional companies to deliver richer travel experiences for customers while building a sustainable global travel ecosystem together with our partners."

"We are delighted to partner with NOL Universe," said Takeshi Fukada, Director of Apple World Inc. "To date, Apple World has provided hotel inventory from more than 400,000 properties across over 200 countries to travel agencies. Through this partnership, we will now bring in hotels from Korea's rapidly growing travel market and deliver them to our partners in Japan and abroad. By distributing both companies' inventory across the two markets, we aim to broaden the options available to both travel agencies and travelers, and to contribute to the growth of the travel markets in Japan and Korea."

TOKYO, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The LeMarco Group (TLG) today announced the launch of the Tokyo Creative Salon, an immersive cultural event bringing together leading voices in film, fashion, design and entertainment. The inaugural edition marks the first installment in a global series that will expand to Los Angeles, New York, Hong Kong and London.

Produced by TLG from its headquarters at Shibuya Scramble Square, the Tokyo CreativeSalon is designed to serve as a convergence point for creative professionals, talent and industry leaders across disciplines. The event will feature curated programming including panel discussions, screenings and collaborative workshops rooted in the cross-cultural perspective that defines TLG's work.

"Tokyo is the natural starting point," said Courtney LeMarco, CEO of The LeMarco Group. "This city sits at the intersection of tradition and innovation in a way that no other market does. The Creative Salon is built to carry that energy forward — city by city, audience by audience — until we've created a truly global conversation."

Following the Tokyo edition, the series will move to Los Angeles and New York, leveraging TLG's existing US operations, before crossing into Hong Kong and making its London debut as part of the company's ongoing international expansion. Each edition will be shaped by the creative identity of its host city while maintaining a consistent standard of curation and production value.

The global rollout reflects TLG's strategy of building infrastructure connecting creative communities across the Asia-Pacific, North American and European markets. With entities operating in Tokyo, Hong Kong and New York, the company is positioned to produce a series of this scale.

The inaugural Tokyo Creative Salon will take place on Wednesday, July 29 at Soho House Tokyo. Information on partnerships, sponsorship opportunities and talent participation can be directed to The LeMarco Group.

About The LeMarco Group The LeMarco Group is a multi-entity entertainment and production company with operations in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and New York. TLG specializes in production, film financing, and live events.

Media Contact: The LeMarco Group press@lemarcogroup.com

EMEA and APAC Regions Reported Double-Digit Year-over-Year Revenue Increase

MILPITAS, Calif., July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Electronic System Design (ESD) industry revenue increased 12.7% to $5,747.8 million in the first quarter of 2026 from the $5,098.3 million registered in the first quarter of 2025, the ESD Alliance, a SEMI Technology Coalition, announced today in its latest Electronic Design Market Data (EDMD) report. The four-quarter moving average rose 10.3%, based on a comparison of the most recent four quarters to the prior four.

First Quarter Revenue by Segment and Geographic Region

"The electronic design automation industry continued to report strong year-over-year revenue growth in Q1 2026," said Walden C. Rhines, Executive Sponsor of the SEMI Electronic Design Market Data report and Chief Executive Officer of Silvaco Group, Inc. "All product categories reported gains, with Computer-Aided Engineering and Semiconductor IP showing double digit growth. The Americas, EMEA, and APAC geographic regions reported growth in Q1, with double digit increases in EMEA and APAC."

The companies tracked in the EDMD report employed 72,544 people globally in Q1 2026, a 12.6% increase over the Q1 2025 headcount of 64,403 and up 1.1% compared to Q4 2025.

The quarterly EDMD report contains detailed revenue information within the following category and geographic breakdowns.

Revenue by Product and Application Category – Year-Over-Year Change

• Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) revenue increased 15.5% to $2,018.4 million. The four-quarter CAE moving average increased 13.1%.
• IC Physical Design and Verification revenue increased 8.3% to $751.3 million. The four-quarter moving average for the category decreased 0.9%.
• Printed Circuit Board and Multi-Chip Module (PCB and MCM) revenue rose 4.8% to $419.2 million. The four-quarter moving average for PCB and MCM rose 4.3%.
• Semiconductor Intellectual Property (SIP) revenue increased 14.1% to $2,332.5 million. The four-quarter SIP moving average rose 13.7%.
• Services revenue increased 6.5% to $226.4 million. The four-quarter Services moving average rose 11.9%.

Revenue by Region – Year-Over-Year Change

• The Americas, the largest reporting region by revenue, procured $2,433.8 million of electronic system design products and services in Q1 2026, a 10.2% increase. The four-quarter moving average for the Americas rose 9.8%.
• Europe, Middle East, and Africa(EMEA) procured $766.4 million of electronic system design products and services in Q1 2026, a 17.6% increase. The four-quarter moving average for EMEA grew 10.9%.
• Japan's procurement of electronic system design products and services decreased 9.9% to $283.1 million in Q1 2026. The four-quarter moving average for Japan decreased 12.4%.
• Asia Pacific (APAC) procured $2,264.4 million of electronic system design products and services in Q1 2026, a 17.7% increase. The four-quarter moving average for APAC grew 14.5%.

About the EDMD Report
The ESD Alliance Electronic Design Market Data (formerly the Market Statistics Service) report presents Electronic Design Automation (EDA), SIP and Services industry revenue data quarterly. Both public and private companies contribute data to the report available from SEMI. Each quarterly report is published approximately three months after quarter close. EDMD report data is segmented as follows:

• Revenue by product category (CAE, IC Physical Design and Verification, SIP, PCB and MCM Layout, and Services) including numerous detailed sub-categories
• Revenue by geographic region (Americas, EMEA, Japan and APAC)
• Total employment at participating companies

For information about SEMI market research reports, visit the SEMI Market Research Reports and Databases Catalog.

About the Electronic System Design Alliance
The Electronic System Design (ESD) Alliance, a SEMI Technology Coalition, is the central voice to communicate and promote the value of the semiconductor design ecosystem as a vital component of the global electronics industry. As an international association of companies providing goods and services throughout the semiconductor design ecosystem, it is a forum to address technical, marketing, economic and legislative issues affecting the entire industry. For more information about the ESD Alliance, visit http://esd-alliance.org.

Follow the ESD Alliance

• X: @ESDAlliance
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

About SEMI
SEMI^® is the global industry association connecting over 4,000 companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON^® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members' business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.

The information supplied by the ESD Alliance is believed to be accurate and reliable, but the ESD Alliance assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Association Contacts

Paul Cohen
Phone: 508-769-2106
Email: pcohen@semi.org

Stephanie Quinn/Bodewell Group (Media Inquiries)
Phone: 1-480-316-8370
Email: squinn@bodewellgroup.com

According to Niki, digital fraud has evolved into a global criminal ecosystem. He illustrated how a single compromised device can trigger a chain of fraud, from malware hijacking banking sessions to stolen funds being routed through mule accounts before being moved offshore. As fraud increasingly targets customer devices, conventional authentication methods such as passwords and one-time passwords (OTPs) have become more vulnerable. Once a device is compromised, fraudsters can intercept OTPs, hijack authenticated sessions, and impersonate legitimate users.

Niki added that financial institutions need to move beyond passwords and OTPs. Passwordless authentication verifies a customer's identity through a trusted device and biometric authentication, rather than codes that can be stolen or intercepted, making it significantly harder for fraudsters to take over accounts.

"Authentication should not be treated as a one-time event. We need continuous authentication throughout the session to prevent advanced attacks such as session hijacking," said Niki.

As part of the keynote, Niki presented a production implementation at one of Malaysia's leading digital banks, demonstrating how passwordless authentication can secure the customer journey, from digital onboarding and customer logins to high-risk transactions and account recovery. By replacing passwords and OTPs with device-bound credentials and biometric authentication, financial institutions can strengthen fraud prevention while delivering a seamless customer experience.

"There doesn't have to be a trade-off between security and user experience. With the right authentication architecture, financial institutions can deliver both," Niki emphasized.

For more information, visit www.vida.id.

*****

About VIDA

VIDA is licensed Certification Authority (CA) registered under the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. Founded in 2018, VIDA provides digital identity services that integrate electronic certificates, digital signatures, identity verification, and transaction authentication, all adhering to world-class security standards, including Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and biometric verification.

NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.

NEW YORK, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today's NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

Ashley Mastronardi delivers the pre-market update on July 13th

• Investors are closely following new developments in the Middle East while awaiting fresh inflation data and the start of earnings season.
• Circle (NYSE: CRCL) has received final OCC approval to establish Circle National Trust, a federally chartered national trust bank.
  • Executive Dante Disparte will join NYSE Live to discuss what the bank will offer consumers.
  • Shares of Circle closed Friday's session up 5% following the news.
• WisdomTree (NYSE: WT) Founder & CEO Jonathan Steinberg will join NYSE Live to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the firm's first ETF listing on the exchange.
  • Shares of WisdomTree are up more than 50% year-to-date.

Opening Bell
WisdomTree (NYSE: WT) celebrates the 20^th anniversary of their first ETF on the NYSE

Closing Bell
Resideo (NYSE: REZI) showcases the future of its business

For market insights, IPO activity, and today's opening bell, download the NYSE TV App: TV.NYSE.com

BOSTON and SUZHOU, China, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HKeyBio has established HKEY-AI-NAM-Bridge™ 1.0, its AI and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) In Vivo Evidence Bridging Package. The service helps autoimmune and allergy drug-development teams identify evidence gaps and design more targeted in vivo validation paths from AI predictions, in vitro assays, organ-on-chip, cell-based, omics and preliminary PK data.

HKEY-AI-NAM-Bridge™ 1.0 at a Glance

What it is: HKEY-AI-NAM-Bridge™ 1.0 is HKeyBio's preclinical evidence-bridging service for AI, NAMs and in vivo validation.

Problem addressed: It helps identify evidence gaps between AI predictions, in vitro systems, omics or organ-on-chip data and disease-relevant in vivo evidence.

Use cases: The service is designed for programs with existing AI prediction, in vitro, cell model, organ-on-chip, omics or preliminary PK data.

HKeyBio capability link: The service draws on HKeyBio's in vivo efficacy evaluation, NHP models, pathology, immune phenotyping, biomarkers and translational interpretation.

AI and NAMs help design smarter in vivo studies

HKEY-AI-NAM-Bridge™ 1.0 is based on a practical principle: AI and NAMs do not simply replace animal studies; they can help design more targeted and more interpretable in vivo studies.

The package focuses on evidence gaps, minimal study design and bridging endpoints

1. Evidence gap analysis

Identifies gaps such as in vitro activity without disease-model efficacy, binding without downstream function, AI prediction without target engagement, or mouse data without cross-species interpretation.

2. Minimal in vivo validation questions

Prioritizes the few critical questions that an in vivo study should answer first.

3. Bridging endpoint design

Connects pharmacodynamic endpoints, mechanism endpoints, translational biomarkers, PK exposure, PK/PD correlation and basic safety observations.

HKeyBio integrates disease models, NHP research and translational reporting

Deliverables may include existing evidence summary, evidence gap assessment, in vivo validation rationale, minimal animal study design, biomarker and PK/PD bridging plan, NHP necessity assessment, IND-enabling relevance, risk and limitation statement and next-step recommendation.

"A more responsible approach is to use AI, in vitro and NAM data to ask better questions, and then validate the critical evidence in disease-relevant in vivo models," said the Head of Translational Medicine at HKeyBio.

About HKeyBio

HKeyBio is a preclinical CRO specializing in autoimmune and allergic diseases, supported by animal models, NHP models, pathology, immunology assays, PK/PD, biomarkers and English-language translational reporting.

For more information, please contact:
Website: www.hkeybio.com
Email: tech@hkeybio.com 

BOSTON, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Temu expanded its intellectual property (IP) protection over the past year, tripling the number of brands it proactively monitors to more than 15,000. The ratio of proactive removals to reactive takedowns for potentially infringing listings increased to 331:1, up from approximately 200:1 a year earlier, according to its 2026 Intellectual Property Protection Report.

The annual report, which covers the period June 2025 through May 2026, details how Temu enforces its platform rules governing IP rights and the results it has achieved.

Key figures from the report:

• Temu's proactive monitoring database covers more than 15,000 brands, up from more than 5,000 a year earlier.
• Proactive removals of potentially infringing listings outnumbered reactive takedowns by a ratio of 331 to 1, up from approximately 200 to 1 the previous year.
• Temu's detection database holds more than 47 million images and 9.5 million keywords, a more than ninefold increase in image coverage over the year.
• It takes less than 24 hours on average to resolve IP complaints.
• Temu engaged with more than 130 industry associations in the period, nearly double the year before.

Temu proactively screens for and takes down infringing listings using a combination of its proprietary screening technology and a team of human expert reviewers. Early detection reduces the enforcement burden on brands, particularly smaller businesses without dedicated IP teams.

"We work to protect intellectual property before it becomes a problem for a rights holder," said a Temu spokesperson. "The report reflects our priorities of finding and removing potentially infringing listings proactively, resolving reported ones quickly and working directly with brands so the system keeps improving."

Screening at every stage
Temu vets sellers before they can join and list on the platform. Over the past year, more than 40% of new applicants were rejected at onboarding for failing verification checks. Temu terminated more than 16,000 stores over the period for repeated IP violations.

Every listing is screened against a detection database of more than 47 million images and 9.5 million keywords before it goes live and continues to be monitored after listing.

Temu has also rolled out a consumer awareness feature across all operating markets. Searches for terms like "fake," "dupe" and "counterfeit" return no results and show a message about the risks of counterfeits instead. The feature blocks more than 80,000 such searches each day.

Working with brands and businesses
Through the Brand Guardian Initiative (BGI), launched in April 2024, brands work with Temu to embed their trademarks and other IP rights into the platform's monitoring systems, so infringements are caught sooner. The initiative works directly with more than 3,000 brands, including about 500 small and medium-sized enterprises. Participating brands get one-on-one support and regular enforcement data whether or not they sell on Temu. Temu also offers IP compliance courses through its Seller Education Center.

Deeper collaboration with the IP community
Over the past year, Temu engaged with more than 130 IP associations, nearly double the year before. In April 2026 it joined the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition, building on its role in the coalition's Marketplace Advisory Council. It also works with international and national IP groups including the International Trademark Association and France's Union des Fabricants.

"Strong intellectual property protection is essential for a healthy marketplace," the Temu spokesperson said. "Our work protects legitimate brand owners and helps consumers buy with confidence and builds trust in our marketplace. We will continue to invest in the people, tools and partnerships that make that protection stronger."

Read the full 2026 Intellectual Property Protection Report.

About Temu
Temu is a global e-commerce platform connecting consumers with millions of manufacturers, brands and business partners. Operating in more than 90 markets worldwide, Temu is committed to providing affordable, high-quality products that enable customers to live better lives.

SHENZHEN, China, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This month, Shenzhen Reno Information Technology Co., Ltd. (ZUERST), a manufacturer of 3C digital accessories, announced that its patent portfolio has surpassed 40 filings across invention, design, and utility model patents, covering stand structures and folding mechanisms. Building on that patent portfolio and years of customer feedback, ZUERST has released the X90 Laptop Stand, the fourth-generation version of its X-Series line, with improvements to stability, portability, and device compatibility. Together, these developments reflect sustained technical investment at this laptop stand manufacturer and support its next phase of expansion into European and North American markets.

Solving the Loose-Stand Problem Through Structural Innovation

Stands look like a simple product category, but the market has a problem that rarely gets addressed directly: many low-cost stands loosen quickly or lose their grip, wearing out much sooner than users expect. ZUERST has treated that as an intellectual property problem as much as an engineering one. Rather than relying on minor design tweaks that competitors can copy within a product cycle, the company has built a patent portfolio specifically around the mechanisms that keep a stand stable over years of folding and adjustment.

That patent portfolio now includes 2 invention patents, 29 appearance patents, and 9 utility model patents. That density of coverage is uncommon among laptop stand suppliers. This patent portfolio allows OEM partners to build differentiated product lines that avoid direct market competition, who feel greater confidence when sourcing original designs from ZUERST.

From Patents to New Product: X90 Laptop Stand

A patent is only the starting point. Whether it shows up in something a user can actually feel is the real test, and the X90 was built around that test. As the fourth-generation product in the ZUERST X Series, the X90 features a patented X-shaped structure and a damping adjustment mechanism, ensuring stability during daily use while enabling smooth adjustment. The mount supports three-axis tilt adjustment and 360-degree rotation, giving users greater flexibility when switching between work, viewing, and presentation scenarios.

To enhance portability without compromising strength, ZUERST has adopted a detachable design. When disassembled, the laptop stand is more compact and weighs only about 300 grams, making it easy for users to carry between the office, home, and travel destinations.

The X90 features an all-aluminum alloy construction and is compatible with 10- to 17-inch laptops, tablets, and portable monitors. The product has also undergone 15,000 folding fatigue tests to verify its long-term durability under repeated daily adjustments and folding cycles.

QC and Craftsmanship Provide Support

Getting those design changes to hold up at scale comes down to the quality system and craftsmanship behind them. ZUERST sets internal limits above general industry requirements for load-bearing stability, fold-cycle durability, and material safety. Manufacturing is carried out in Shenzhen through a well-established production system supported by ISO 9001 quality management standards. ZUERST operates with in-house manufacturing capabilities and long-term production partners to ensure scalability and consistency.

ZUERST uses precision CNC machining to produce key load-bearing components, ensuring consistent structural accuracy and stable assembly performance. Mold development is based on an analysis of how the folding structure behaves under load, so the finished products reproduce that motion at multiple angles.

For high-volume parts, the company uses injection molding and controls the cooling process to support consistency and durability in large-scale production.

One-on-One Support at Every Order Size

ZUERST offers one-on-one support to every client, regardless of order size, from product selection through after-sales follow-up, with particular attention to the customization and response speed smaller buyers tend to need most. That approach has built working relationships with leading brands in consumer electronics and office accessories. ZUERST is currently concentrated in Japan, South Korea, European and North American markets.

"Many laptop stands on the market either sacrifice durability to reduce cost or become too expensive for everyday usage," said Huifeng Chen, founder of ZUERST. "We believe users shouldn't have to make that trade-off. That's why we continue to invest in structural design, manufacturing precision, and long-term product reliability."

OEM/ODM and Private Label Solutions

ZUERST provides OEM and ODM services for global partners, supporting customized product development based on market requirements.

Customization options include:

• Logo engraving (laser marking)
• Private label branding
• Custom packaging design

These services enable partners to develop differentiated product lines suitable for retail, e-commerce, and corporate distribution channels.

ZUERST works with partners across global consumer electronics and office accessories industries to support scalable product development and long-term supply cooperation.

About ZUERST

Founded in 2017, ZUERST is a brand of Shenzhen Reno Information Technology Co., Ltd, which specializes in the R&D, production, and OEM/ODM manufacturing of 3C digital accessories, including laptop stands, phone stands, tablet stands, headphone stands and wireless chargers. The company holds the ISO 9001 quality management certification, and its products have received CE, RoHS and REACH certificates. Today, ZUERST serves clients in over 100 countries and regions worldwide.

Media Contact: 
Person: Huifeng Chen
Email: office@sz-zuerst.com 
Reno Information Technology Co., Ltd.
https://www.sz-zuerst.com/