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Tbilisi’s Business and Technology University (BTU) has created an artificial intelligence system that analyzes voice patterns to identify psychological traits. The technology merges psychology, AI, and psycho-acoustic analytics to reveal the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of individuals with notable precision.

Unlike psychological assessments that rely on questionnaires or subjective interpretation, BTU’s innovation examines the nuances of human speech, including tone, rhythm, resonance, tempo, pause, and emotional fluctuations, to construct a detailed psychological profile. The output, known as a psycho-code, serves as an index that maps how a person thinks, feels, and reacts, revealing personality dimensions that were previously difficult to measure.

The breakthrough was made possible by merging advanced AI algorithms with psycho-acoustic research. During its initial phase, researchers analyzed 500 voice recordings, confirming the system’s effectiveness. The ongoing second phase involves 1,200 participants, broadening the dataset and supporting comparative studies. 

Early findings have already been published in leading European scientific repositories, underscoring the technology’s scientific significance. The system was developed on BTU's AI platform, which brings together expertise from psychology, artificial intelligence, and technology specialists.

This initiative reflects BTU’s growing emphasis on artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of its research agenda. The psycho-code offers a new perspective on understanding human consciousness. Just as DNA carries biological information, the psycho-code provides a “wave code” of psychological processes. This allows specialists to interpret behavior, motivations, and potential for growth. This approach not only advances academic research but also opens doors to practical applications across mental health, education, and personal development.

By turning voice signals into measurable data, BTU’s system advances both cognitive science and artificial intelligence. Researchers emphasize that the technology is designed to complement, not replace, the work of psychologists. By effectively “hacking” the human mind through voice, the system opens possibilities for both scientific research and practical applications, transforming how people understand themselves.

About Business and Technology University (BTU)

Business and Technology University (BTU), based in Tbilisi, Georgia, is a leading higher education institution dedicated to innovation at the intersection of business, science, and technology. The university advances research and practical applications in fields such as artificial intelligence, psychology, and digital transformation, preparing students and professionals to shape the future of technology and society. Learn more at btu.edu.ge.

Media Contact

Maia Noniashvili
info@btu.edu.ge

YOYOS is proud to announce that our documentary short film "Prisms of Experience" created in partnership with Nexus Health, has been officially selected for the 8th Annual Live Mindfield Film Festival, that took place from Aug. 28 to 31, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The film also has been selected as a Platinum Award winner for “Best New Mexico Short Film.”

It was screened at Guild Cinema in Albuquerque on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 8:30 p.m. Three of the four women featured in the film were in attendance to discuss their experience with cancer, resilience and the making of the film.

The selection marks a significant milestone for both YOYOS and Nexus Health, showcasing their collaborative commitment to innovative storytelling that explores the multifaceted nature of human experience in healthcare. "Prisms of Experience" joined a curated lineup of compelling films that were presented to the audiences and industry professionals during the four-day festival.

"We are beyond thrilled and honored to have 'Prisms of Experience' premiere at the Mindfield Film Festival," said Cameron Kit, founder of YOYOS. "This selection validates our collaborative approach with Nexus Health and our shared belief in the power of documentary storytelling to share healing and empower more patients to take charge of their own health. Nexus has been an amazing supporter, especially Dr. Scott Herbert, who connected me with the women in the film.”

"Prisms of Experience" is a powerful short documentary that follows four women living with cancer in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as they navigate life with a diagnosis and demonstrate how to live as an example to others. Guided by the philosophy that "cancer is not a death sentence; it's a call to live," the film explores how each woman experiences different perspectives or "prisms of experience" in their daily lives while living with cancer. The documentary uses real prisms as a visual metaphor to illustrate how a diagnosis can fundamentally change one's perspective on life, hope and human connection. 

The inspiration for "Prisms of Experience" came through notable Santa Fe artist Pamela Markoya, whose photography of Virginia King at the Dawn Light Sanctuary in New Mexico caught the filmmaker's attention. When asked about the images, Markoya observed, "Living with cancer is experiencing 'prisms of experience' every day." This insight became the foundation for the documentary's approach, using real prisms as a visual metaphor to explore how a cancer diagnosis transforms one's perspective on life.

The documentary features four remarkable women — Debbie, Andie, Virginia and Pamela — who have courageously shared their personal journeys with cancer. Their stories of strength, resilience, and hope offer universal lessons that extend far beyond their individual diagnoses, demonstrating that their experiences can inspire and connect with audiences regardless of their own health circumstances.

“This is fabulous news and I’m filled with gratitude for Cameron and the whole team at Nexus who made this happen,” shared Markoya.

The festival selection and award comes at an exciting time for YOYOS, who continues to develop projects in partnership with forward-thinking clients like Nexus Health. The collaboration demonstrates how healthcare organizations and creative storytellers can work together to push the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking while addressing important health and wellness topics with sensitivity and authenticity.

About YOYOS (You Own Your Own Stories)

YOYOS is a documentary and podcast storytelling company dedicated to bringing real people’s stories into the spotlight. Through award-winning documentary films and podcasts, the company creates emotional and memorable narratives that drive results. YOYOS focuses on resetting the narrative and challenging the hype with true stories that inspire audiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.yoyos.ai.

Media Contact

Shreya Vadlamani
shreya@yoyos.ai

Radixweb, a global software development and product engineering company with 25+ years of experience today explained how it is closing the critical gap between AI ambition and measurable business impact.

What Is the AI Ambition and Business Impact Gap?

Organizations, big and small, across industries are leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency, and transform how work gets done. Investments in AI infrastructure worldwide will reach $400 billion by 2027, demonstrating this increased inclination towards AI.

But a vast majority of AI pilots fail to produce any tangible business outcomes. That's why for IT leaders and CIOs, turning AI ambition into measurable business results becomes a constant challenge. Staying compliant with industry-specific standards, further adds to their problems.

How Is Radixweb Bridging the Gap?

Radixweb, from years of experience, understands that regulated industries face unique AI implementation obstacles. HIPAA, GDPR, and AML rules slow adoption and add complexity. That’s why as a software development partner, not just a vendor, they take a disciplined approach and integrate AI into existing systems in ways that improve work processes without creating new compliance risks.

They bank on their deep domain expertise and ISO 27001-certified practices to embed AI into mission-critical systems without disrupting existing workflows. This ensures measurable efficiency gains, cost reductions, and operational resilience across sectors like healthcare, legal, HR, logistics, and manufacturing.

The results are clear when looking at some of their recent projects:

• Healthcare: A large American hospital network could enhance patient reporting and intake with AI. The AI-powered system reduced data entry errors by 60% and cut administrative workload by 35%, while ensuring full HIPAA compliance.
• Legal: A global law firm cut down on delays in contract reviews and document searches with AI. Radixweb delivered a cloud-based document management system with AI search and summarization. This enabled lawyers to retrieve documents faster, spend less time on manual review, and collaborate securely across locations.
• HR: A tech startup could bring down recruitment costs and turnover with an AI-powered talent management platform. The system forecasted attrition, highlighted skills gaps, and gave HR leaders actionable insights while staying fully GDPR-compliant.
• Logistics and Manufacturing: AI-driven supply chain tracking cut shipment delays across thousands of shipments. In another manufacturing project, modular APIs paired with AI personalization were implemented to speed up content workflows by 40%. Built-in bias detection and audit trails were used to meet governance standards.

These are just a few examples of the work that Radixweb is doing in the AI software engineering and next-gen product development niche. With a focus on practical projects and not just promissory claims, Radixweb is attracting industry trust and confidence.

"The AI market is full of pilots that promise results but fail to deliver." said Dharmesh Acharya, COO at Radixweb, when asked about how he sees the industry's fascination with all things AI. He adds, "The difference between successful projects and failed fantasies comes from discipline. We ensure AI integrations are meaningful, the core engineering layer is strong, and the focus is always on driving business outcomes. We've helped enterprises gain efficiency without adding risk, and that has been possible by aligning AI deployment with both compliance and business goals."

While generative AI often dominates headlines, Radixweb focuses on back-office automation. Research has shown that reducing administrative burdens and speeding decision-making delivers the clearest returns. With that in mind, Radixweb’s AI deployments across healthcare, legal, HR, logistics, and manufacturing have cut errors, sped workflows, and improved efficiency—without creating compliance problems.

Radixweb favors incremental, modular deployments rather than large-scale overhauls. This approach allows CIOs to audit AI models, adjust them as rules change, and make sure automation does not compromise governance.

From AI Experiments to Enterprise Impact 

As enterprises move away from superficial AI pilots and plan impactful AI adoption, lessons from Radixweb's experiences are clear: technology alone is not enough. Success comes from careful engineering, compliance awareness, and a focus on measurable results. By reducing errors, speeding workflows, and embedding compliance checks, Radixweb helps organizations harness AI safely and effectively.

About Radixweb

Radixweb provides digital product engineering and AI-driven software development services to Fortune 500 clients across healthcare, law, manufacturing, edtech and more than 25 other sectors. The company has a 98% project success rate and more than 25 years of industry experience. Radixweb supports global organizations with scalable, compliant platforms and AI integrations that deliver measurable returns on investment. Learn more at radixweb.com.

Media Contact

Pratik Mistry
marketing@radixweb.com

StartX, the premier community for Stanford founders, has announced a major milestone: a new partnership with Stanford Research Park to serve as the anchor tenant of The Link, a purpose-built innovation hub set to open in early 2027.

This announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for StartX, reinforcing its long-term commitment to empowering Stanford’s most ambitious entrepreneurs.

“To be chosen by the Stanford Research Park to lead this transformative initiative is an immense honor,” said Shannon McClenaghan, CEO of StartX. “The Link offers our founders an exceptional advantage — a permanent home within the heart of Stanford’s innovation ecosystem. This partnership expands our ability to support world-class entrepreneurs with both the infrastructure and community they need to thrive.”

The Link will be located at 975 Page Mill Road, within Stanford Research Park, the 700-acre technology campus that has supported breakthroughs across Silicon Valley since 1951. The new 10,000-square-foot hub is designed to bring the StartX Community together — with space for events, founder-led programming, flexible meeting rooms, and a Coupa Café. Plans also include coworking areas to foster collaboration and connection.

“Our selection of StartX to anchor The Link represents a bold step towards realizing our vision for a truly integrated innovation center,” said Jamie Jarvis, Director of Strategic Programs for Stanford Research Park. “StartX’s unparalleled success in propelling Stanford-affiliated ventures into global leaders makes them the perfect partner to ignite this new hub. We anticipate that The Link will become a beacon for those striving to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.”

StartX began 15 years ago, in 2010, with a single goal: to support Stanford’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. Since then, it has evolved from an elite accelerator into one of the most prestigious founder communities in Silicon Valley. StartX companies have a combined valuation of $120 billion, raise an average of $42 million, and include 20 unicorns pioneering breakthroughs in AI, healthcare, energy, and more.

At its core, StartX has always been about what happens after the accelerator — the deep connections, shared experiences, and long-term commitment that founders give to each other. With a new home on the horizon, StartX is building on 15 years of impact and setting the stage for the next decade.

About StartX

StartX is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Stanford’s most accomplished and visionary entrepreneurs. Since 2010, the organization has supported over 2,700 founders across more than 1,300 companies, including 3 decacorns, over 20 unicorns, and more than 165 startups valued at over $100 million. What sets StartX apart is a trusted, founder-led community built on deep collaboration, shared experience, and long-term support. StartX takes no equity and charges no fees, choosing instead to invest in the potential of people and their ideas.

The mission of StartX is to support Stanford’s most ambitious founders with a trusted community, world-class resources, and the belief that the best companies are built together. With 15 years at the heart of Silicon Valley and Stanford’s innovation ecosystem, StartX offers unparalleled visibility into the next generation of groundbreaking technology, particularly in AI. Key verticals, including artificial intelligence, medicine, and energy, enable targeted knowledge-sharing and powerful peer connections across industries.

For more information, visit startx.com.

About Stanford Research Park

Since 1951, Stanford Research Park has been home to pioneers in high technology, automotive mobility, and life sciences. Its mission is to support the needs of more than 150 tenant companies so they can continue the Park’s legacy of innovation and build a bold future. Stanford Research Park is a community created for people who seek to invent the future.

Scores of Stanford alumni have launched or headquartered their companies within its borders, as have entrepreneurs from around the world who have joined this legacy of success. Founders choose Stanford Research Park for its access to Stanford University’s emerging research and talent, proximity to venture capital firms, and sustainable buildings in a stunning natural environment.

Media Contact

Julia Shoop
marketing@startx.com

Sen. Anna Caballero, author of SB 72, will host a press conference at the Capitol Cactus Garden on Monday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. to discuss the importance of passing and signing the landmark water legislation into law. Designed to address California’s water shortage, SB 72 has again passed the Assembly floor and is headed to the governor’s desk for signature.

“SB 72 offers the Assembly and the governor a clear opportunity to reaffirm California’s climate leadership and commitment. This bill is a critical next step toward securing our state’s water future in the face of escalating climate threats,” Caballero said. “This press conference is an opportunity to present a clear and compelling case for why this legislation matters — and why now is the time to act.”

The bill addresses the state's water supply challenges with multiple strategies to codify water supply targets, modernize the California Water Plan, and legislate reporting and collaboration among the water community — a novel approach to addressing the water threats in the state and the most significant legislation to improve statewide water planning and future water supply security for the fourth largest global economy in the last 10 years.

Backed by a broad coalition of water, environmental, business, public safety, and agricultural stakeholders, SB 72 is co-sponsored by the California Municipal Utilities Association, the California State Association of Counties, and the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance, and would transform water management in California to:

• Establish necessary statewide water supply targets to capture and produce enough water for all uses.
• Require the state, water community, and stakeholders to work together to develop comprehensive, long-term water supply solutions.
• Enhance the California Water Plan to drought-proof the state.
• Complement Gov. Newsom’s water supply strategy to ensure water supply planning targets and action extend beyond any single administration.

The press conference will feature speakers and bill co-authors, co-sponsors, Craig Miller, general manager of Western Water and president of the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA); Joe Cruz, executive director of the California State Council of Laborers and member of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance (CCEEB); and Graham Knaus, CEO of California State Association of Counties (CSAC).

Additional details about the press conference are available here.

About CA Water For All

CA Water for All is a statewide effort seeking to educate policymakers about the urgent need for a legislative solution to address California’s ongoing water supply challenges. The effort is focused on bringing together the water community, policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate on ensuring Californians have a sustainable and reliable water supply for all beneficial uses now and for future generations. For more information, visit www.cawaterforall.com.

Media Contact

Meagan Luevano
mluevano@ka-pow.com
+1 916-603-1839

The hills outside Nador came alive as thousands of seekers from more than 30 countries gathered to celebrate the Mawlid of the Karkariya Sufi order. The annual festival honoring the birth of the Prophet Muhammad blended devotion, poetry, music, and the mesmerizing Hadra, a sacred dance of rhythm and unity led by Shaykh Mohamed Faouzi al-Karkari.

Throughout the night, participants joined in chants of remembrance, swaying together in circles that rose and fell with spiritual intensity. At the heart of this gathering was the Hadra, where synchronized movement and collective breath transformed into a living expression of faith. Guiding the dance, Shaykh Mohamed Faouzi al-Karkari embodied the order’s teachings of humility, beauty, and love, turning the ritual into both a sermon and a work of art.

Equally striking was the sight of the muraqqa, the distinctive patchwork cloak worn by the disciples. Brightly colored and sewn from pieces of different fabrics, the garment symbolizes the shedding of ego and worldly identity. In the Hadra, these cloaks became a moving mosaic, with Moroccans, Senegalese, French, Brazilians, Indonesians, and Americans stitched together into one rhythm. What could appear as scraps of cloth elsewhere here reflected a deeper truth: diverse lives woven together by devotion and love.

The celebration was not only a moment of spiritual renewal but also a cultural encounter. Food was shared generously, poems were recited, and prayers echoed through the tent that became a temporary home for thousands. The spirit of hospitality and harmony reinforced the order’s message that Sufism offers a universal language of the heart.

"The Mawlid celebration is a beautiful reminder that love and unity transcend borders," said Abdullah Elkammar, a disciple of the Karkariya order. "It is our hope that such gatherings inspire people to seek the inner transformation that Sufism offers and to embrace the principles of peace and understanding in their lives."

As dawn approached and the call to prayer filled the air, silence fell over the gathering. For many, the sight of cloaked dancers swaying in unison remained the most powerful memory. The Mawlid of the Karkariya demonstrated that faith can be expressed not only in reflection and prayer but also in rhythm, color, and the creative expression of the human spirit, offering a vision of peace and harmony that bridges cultures worldwide.

About Al-Karkari Institute

The Al-Karkari Institute aims to engage in research and discourse on the diverse dimensions of Sufism. By exploring the historical significance and contemporary relevance of tasawwuf, we aim to illuminate the path of Islamic inner transformation for a global audience of seekers.

Media Contact

Alan Noble
alan@karkari.org

From Sept. 8 to 12, 2025, the global mobility industry will once again turn its eyes to Munich. On this world-class stage for smart mobility innovation, GIRAFFEVISION — a pioneer redefining the driving experience through cutting-edge visual technology — will present its latest HUD solutions and immersive visual interaction experiences. We warmly invite you to visit us at Hall A2, Booth D10, and join us in an in-depth dialogue on intelligent visual interaction and the future of driving.

Headquartered in Singapore, GIRAFFEVISION operates with a global outlook. Guided by the mission "to show a better world with technology and innovation," GIRAFFEVISION is dedicated to advancing intelligent in-cabin visual interaction through technological innovation — building trust between humans and vehicles, and making driving safer, smarter, and more intuitive.

Our core team stems from a pioneering force in China’s HUD industry. To date, we have enhanced the driving experience for over two million users with clearer, smarter vision systems. Today, we are bringing this expertise and innovation to the global stage, committed to delivering greater value to our customers and working hand in hand with global partners to shape the next generation of immersive, intelligent in-vehicle experiences.

GIRAFFEVISION offers a complete portfolio of HUD solutions — including WHUD, AR-HUD, and PHUD — supported by a full stack of core technologies such as TFT, LCoS, and DLP. At this year’s exhibition, we invite you to explore the following cutting-edge innovations firsthand:

• GIRAFFEVISION HUD 2.0: Designed to reduce driver distraction and serve as an advanced alternative to traditional instrument clusters, HUD 2.0 features a 3.1-inch TFT display and dual internal mirrors, delivering large-format imaging with exceptional dynamic image stability while presenting rich, real-time driving information.
• GIRAFFEVISION HUD 3.0: An upgraded version of its predecessor, HUD 3.0 is equipped with a 4.1-inch TFT display and dual free-form mirrors, capable of projecting a 56-inch virtual image. Thanks to its high-performance architecture, HUD 3.0 can be seamlessly integrated with the AR Cyber system to enable full AR-HUD functionality.
• GIRAFFEVISION HUD 4.0: Featuring advanced local dimming technology, HUD 4.0 significantly enhances brightness in low-light conditions while reducing power consumption by 30% and improving thermal resistance by 30%. It also maintains superior peak brightness in high-light environments, delivering enhanced image quality and an optimized user experience.
• GIRAFFEVISION Ultimate Mirror HUD 5.0: A game-changer in automotive display, HUD 5.0 sets a new benchmark with 2K resolution (1920x1080), achieving an angular resolution of 152 pixels per degree for ultra-clear viewing from multiple angles. Its outstanding performance stems from the integration of 2K imaging and dynamic backlight control technology. The latter, driven by sophisticated algorithms, provides precise light modulation — highlighting bright details while preserving deep contrast in darker areas. This synergy delivers unmatched display clarity and elevates the in-cabin visual experience, redefining industry standards and steering the evolution of premium HUD displays.
• GIRAFFEVISION Deep Scenes AR HUD: As the industry’s first product to feature a coaxial dual-focal-plane design combined with local dimming technology, this AR HUD delivers an enhanced sense of visual depth by synchronizing far and near virtual display planes. It effectively integrates traditional instrument information with AR-based immersive visuals.
• Both display layers offer large image fields: A 130.8-inch far-field canvas that hosts the majority of AR and background content; and a 29-inch near-field canvas dedicated to stereoscopic visuals and instrument display functions. Instrument data is presented with clarity, while AR content is layered and immersive, offering a multi-dimensional visual experience.
• GIRAFFEVISION Slope+Parallel: GIRAFFEVISION Slope+Parallel is one of the next-generation products currently under development. The slope HUD features a virtual image distance ranging from 6.5 to 11 meters, delivering improved depth perception and more realistic ground-level AR integration — aligned with natural human visual habits. Combined with PHUD’s vehicle-wide shared visual interaction capabilities and high availability, the system reduces the need for frequent visual refocusing, allowing drivers to maintain greater concentration on the road.
• IV G1 Cockpit: GIRAFFEVISION integrates a coaxial dual-focal-plane AR HUD and PHUD into the IV G1 Cockpit, enabling precise, scenario-based information scheduling. This system intelligently adapts to various driving conditions — such as urban commuting, highway cruising, parking, and off-road driving — by delivering differentiated information strategies. Through this approach, it builds a "scene–priority–content" hierarchical model, ensuring that the right information is displayed at the right time, based on driving context and user needs.

A global wave of innovation is reshaping the future of mobility. At IAA MOBILITY, GIRAFFEVISION will showcase a proven portfolio of core products that embody an unwavering commitment to safety and efficiency. Through immersive experience zones, you will gain a direct, hands-on understanding of the limitless possibilities of future mobility. These interactive demonstrations will vividly illustrate how intelligent visual technologies are revitalizing the mobility ecosystem — making the future not only visible, but tangible.

We believe the future of mobility goes beyond "driving" — it's about a new way of perceiving the world and traveling safely. We warmly invite you to visit us at Hall A2, Booth D10, and join GIRAFFEVISION in witnessing how smart visual systems are reshaping the driving experience and redefining the boundaries of safe mobility.

About GIRAFFEVISION

GIRAFFEVISION is a technology-driven enterprise that integrates research and development, manufacturing and services. The company is dedicated to its mission: “To show a better world with technology and innovation.” Positioned to become a leading global provider of in-vehicle vision solutions, GIRAFFEVISION creates value for customers, builds a strong presence in the automotive vision sector, and collaborates with global partners to shape a future where virtual and real worlds merge seamlessly.

As a pioneer in smart cockpit visual and interaction solutions, GIRAFFEVISION provides comprehensive offerings, including its W-HUD solution, CyberLens, and its AR-HUD solution, CyberVision, along with other advanced visual technologies. From the earliest stages of product development, the company works closely with OEMs to co-create new vehicle models that elevate human-vehicle interaction and enhance intelligent driving experiences.

For more information, visit www.giraffe-vision.com.

Media Contact

Jennifer Liu
xuanliu@giraffe-vision.com

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (“NetDragon” or the “Company”; Hong Kong stock exchange:0777), a global leader in building internet communities, was invited to participate in UNESCO’s Digital Learning Week, held from Sept. 2 to 5 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, under the theme “AI and the Future of Education.”

NetDragon was featured at key events including the opening ceremony and parallel forums. As the only corporate invitee, it joined over 30 education ministers and senior officials from the UK, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Türkiye, the UAE and other nations at the Ministerial Roundtable.

Dr. Simon Leung, vice chairman of NetDragon, emphasized in his address at the opening ceremony that the future of education must be a collaboration that transcends academic boundaries and national frontiers, enabled by technology.

During the event, NetDragon showcased a range of its AI education capabilities and products and  also explained why Open-Quest Academy (“Open-Q”)  chose to partner with NetDragon. Among the featured innovations were the interactive AI digital human, the Promethean ActivPanel 10 interactive panel, the ROKID AR immersive learning experience, and the “E-Library for Teachers.” The demonstrations drew global attention and garnered acclaim from international attendees.

Addressing Global Content Creation Challenges

Since the resurgence of large language models (LLMs) in 2023, AI has been a key driver in the acceleration of digital education worldwide. Dr. Leung underscored the transformative role of AI in education at the event.

The global education community continues to grapple with significant challenges, including the shortage and uneven distribution of education resources, as well as the excessive concentration of content within limited regions and languages. During the pandemic, over 500 million students lacked remote learning access, 72% of whom were in underserved regions. Meanwhile, 90% of open educational resources originate from Western countries, with the majority dominated by English.

To address these gaps, NetDragon created the AI Content Factory–a scalable, cost-efficient platform for culturally adaptive content production. By transforming educators’ tacit knowledge into structured data and enabling intelligent multi-agent collaboration across the content creation lifecycle, the AI Content Factory creates a self-improving system that combines human oversight with scalable AI-driven production. Its dual-cycle quality control mechanism integrates real-time teacher feedback and expert reviews, ensuring both accuracy and continuous improvement.

A prime example is the AI Education Platform launched in partnership with Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) in May 2025. The platform provides AI-powered vocational training to students and young people across Thailand, aligning with the nation’s “Education 6.0” strategy while supporting growth in high-potential fields like AI, electric vehicles, and semiconductors. Beyond Thailand, with support from the World Bank, NetDragon is also advancing digital school transformation in countries including Cameroon. Going forward, the company will continue to leverage the AI Content Factory to deliver highly customized education solutions worldwide.

Partnership with Open-Q

NetDragon, together with the attending guests, witnessed the launch of Open-Q. Open-Q is an open, future-oriented education ecosystem. With education hubs and content creation centers worldwide, Open-Q brings together experts, teachers, and practitioners to collaborate on metaverse-based learning and teaching platforms. Anchored in its three core principles — technology for equity, co-creation of resources, and incentive-driven participation — Open-Q delivers high-quality, localized digital content to advance equitable and effective education worldwide.

Data shows that the unemployment rate among bachelor’s degree holders aged 20 to 24 has risen by 29% over the past four to five years. In certain fields, such as IT and computer engineering, the rate has surged more than 100% compared with 2018–2019. Amid this challenge, Open-Q is harnessing the power of AI to provide new opportunities and guidance for the future. A core feature of Open-Q is its “Learn-and-Earn” model, a learning community where learners acquire job-ready skills, educators are rewarded for high-quality contributions, and the entire ecosystem benefits from an expanding shared knowledge base.

The decision to partner with NetDragon is grounded in the Company's demonstrated expertise in platform development, proven through multiple country-level initiatives. The Company's collaborative history with UNESCO-affiliated institutions further solidified this partnership. In 2021, NetDragon jointly launched the “E-Library for Teachers” with UNESCO IITE — a platform that now supports more than 100,000 educators worldwide, demonstrating NetDragon's sustained commitment to promoting educational equity through technology.

Looking ahead, NetDragon will leverage its AI Content Factory as a core AI engine to deepen collaborations with UNESCO, national governments, leading global universities, and corporations. Together, they aim to create an educational ecosystem that transcends academic boundaries and national borders — accelerating the vision of a future where everyone can learn anywhere, anytime.

For a video overview of NetDragon’s showcase at UNESCO Digital Learning Week 2025, watch here.

About NetDragon

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (Hong Kong stock exchange:0777) is a global leader in building internet communities, with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users. Over the desktop and mobile internet eras, NetDragon previously established China’s first online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China’s most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless. 

Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known online game developers in China with a history of successful game titles including Eudemons Online, Conquer Online, Heroes Evolved and Under Oath. In the past 10 years, NetDragon has also achieved success with its edtech business both domestically and globally. Fully embracing the new AI era, NetDragon is driving its vision of “Infinite Growth” through a dual-focus strategy of “AI+Gaming” and “AI+Education.” With its AI Content Factory empowering operations and working with partners to develop a global learning metaverse, NetDragon is committed to once again building a massive user community in the new AI era.

NetDragon’s overseas edtech business entity, currently a U.S.-listed subsidiary named Mynd.ai, is a global leader in interactive technology and its award-winning interactive displays and software can be found in more than 1 million learning and training spaces across 126 countries.

For more information, visit www.nd.com.cn.

Media Contact

Gillian Wang
ccpa@nd.com.cn

The air hummed, not with modern electric currents, but with a mesmerizing symphony of devotional chants. The invocations rose and fell, interwoven with rhythmic breathing and the soft, insistent tap of drums. This was the sound of remembrance, an intonation both ancient and urgent, rising from the plains outside Nador on the night of Sept. 4, 2025.

Here, beneath a sky pinpricked with stars, thousands of seekers from over 30 nations—from the bustling cityscapes of Europe to the suburbs of North America, from remote corners of Asia to the plains of Africa—gathered in a testament to an enduring spiritual pull that defies borders. They converged on the spiritual heartland of the Karkariya Sufi order for the Mawlid, the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad.

Sufism is often described as the mystical or inward dimension of Islam, a path focused on purifying the heart and achieving direct, personal experience of God. Practitioners, known as Sufis, seek to transform their inner selves through practices of remembrance, meditation, and mentorship under a spiritual guide. Central to this tradition is an intense love and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad, who is seen as the ultimate model of spiritual perfection.

This veneration finds its most joyous expression in the Mawlid, a celebration of the Prophet's birth that for many Sufis is a high point of the spiritual year. It is a time for communities to gather for prayers, listen to poems praising the Prophet's life and character, share food, and express gratitude for the message he brought. For the disciples of the Karkariya, this particular Mawlid, held inside a vast tent erected beside the order’s spiritual compound (zawiya), was a soul-altering, night-long vigil.

From dusk until the first light of the dawn prayer (fajr), this temporary sanctuary became a microcosm of the world, defined not by national identity, but by a shared quest for divine love. The night unfolded in waves of spiritual intensity. It began with the night prayer (isha), followed by hours of communal dhikr—a rhythmic, repetitive invocation of God’s names that swelled and subsided, drawing participants into a unified state of meditative presence.

Visually, the gathering was a sea of vibrant color. The disciples, known as fuqara (the spiritual poor), were clad in the distinctive muraqqa—a brightly colored patched cloak. In the context of the Mawlid, this garment took on a profound significance. “The muraqqa strips you of your ego, of your worldly identity,” explained Abdullah, a senior computer scientist who had traveled from his home in the suburbs of Indianapolis, a world away from this Moroccan hillside.

“Back home, I’m defined by my job, my neighborhood, my Americanness,” he said, gesturing to the human mosaic around him. “Here, we wear this patchwork to symbolize that we have shed these external labels. Like these patches, we are all different pieces from different cloths—Moroccan, Senegalese, French, Brazilian, Indonesian, American—sewn together by a single thread: the love of the Prophet. Tonight, we are one body, one fabric.” The cloak, traditionally a sign of asceticism, here became a uniform of unity.

The Karkariya offers a contemporary revivalist expression of the ancient Shadhiliya Sufi order. Its global appeal is a distinctly modern phenomenon, attracting a diverse mix of Western converts and seekers from the Muslim world. Consequently, their zawiya near Al Aaroui has become a major destination for this unique spiritual synthesis of ancient tradition and modern, global identity.

As the night deepened, the assembly’s energy crested into the Hadra, a powerful, swaying spiritual dance of synchronized movement and chanting that aims to elevate the heart. At the pulsating center of the circle, the order’s spiritual guide, Shaykh Mohamed Faouzi al-Karkari, danced among his disciples, his movements anchoring the wave of collective devotion. This was more than a ritual; it was a physical sermon. In each synchronized breath and step, the gathering became a living embodiment of the principles the Shaykh had been instilling in the attendees all week: a commemoration of the Prophet’s community, founded on beauty, love, and profound humility.

The communal spirit extended beyond worship. Generous dishes of food were served well into the night, a remarkable display of hospitality that ensured every guest was nourished. Among the attendees was Aziz, a Tunisian graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in engineering in Germany. For him, the journey was a pilgrimage in search of a spiritual home.

“In Europe, it can be a challenge to find a living, heart-based Islam,” Aziz explained. “Much of the discourse is political or rigidly dogmatic. I was yearning for the ‘why’—for the love that is the engine of our faith. This Mawlid is the ‘why.’ Look at this unity. We are praying next to people we could never otherwise meet, learning a universal language of the heart. For me, this is the true inheritance of the Prophet’s message.”

The all-night vigil is a central Sufi practice, intended to disrupt the routines of the ego and open the heart to spiritual realities. For the Karkariya, this practice serves a more distinct and foundational purpose: to facilitate the vision of divine light. Their teachings emphasize that this is not a metaphor, but a direct perception witnessed with the "eye of the heart." This luminous experience is considered the very foundation of their spiritual path, turning abstract faith (iman) into a perceived reality.

As the hours passed and physical exhaustion set in, many participants spoke of heightened spiritual awareness and a profound sense of release. Tears flowed freely at the climax of the chanting—not from sorrow, but from an overwhelming sense of gratitude and connection.

The final crescendo came with the ethereal sound of the call (adhan) to the dawn prayer. As it echoed across the hushed tent, a deep, resonant silence fell upon the thousands who had stood, swayed, and chanted for hours. With one final prayer, the night was over.

As the sun cast its first rays over the Moroccan countryside, the intense energy of the vigil softened, but the tent did not empty. For Abdullah, Aziz, and thousands of others wrapped in their colorful cloaks, the climax of the Mawlid was not an ending, but the heart of a more profound immersion. Their journey was far from over. Most would remain for the entire week of celebrations, entering a state of temporary renunciation, disconnected from the jobs and worldly demands that await them across the globe. It is a sacred pause, a time to fully absorb the teachings, live in spiritual community, and renew their commitment to the Muhammadan path of love, before carrying the sustained charge of this sacred week back into a fragmented world.

Media Contact

Alan Noble
alan@karkari.org

The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA) 2025, one of the world’s leading consumer electronics trade shows, opened today at the Berlin Exhibition Center. Hanvon Ugee made a striking appearance, unveiling its latest products from flagship brands Xencelabs, XPPen, and ugee, while debuting intelligent digital handwriting solutions for industry partners. The showcase highlighted the company’s strong technological foundation and forward-looking vision, spanning professional digital creation, smart office, and everyday applications.

A Three-Brand Matrix Driving Innovation

At the Hanvon Ugee booth, visitors experienced firsthand the company’s three major brands—Xencelabs, XPPen, and ugee—each presenting cutting-edge products that underscored Hanvon Ugee’s breakthroughs in digital artistry.

Xencelabs, the flagship brand specializing in digital drawing tools, is renowned for superior product quality and has earned endorsements from global studios and prominent artists, including Disney animation director Tony Bancroft and 3D artist Zhelong Xu. At IFA 2025, Xencelabs introduced its drawing display and tablet product series, with the upgraded Xencelabs Pen Display 24+ as a highlight. As the world’s first pen display featuring Calman Ready hardware color calibration technology, Xencelabs Pen Display 24+ targets professional industries such as photography, illustration, animation, visual effects, filming, gaming, industrial design, and other color accuracy-critical creative fields. It delivers a “simple calibration, efficient creation” experience, significantly enhancing the efficiency and reliability of color management for creators.

XPPen, positioned in the mid-to-high-end consumer market, resonates strongly with young creators worldwide, meeting their demand for personalized expression and professional-grade tools. At IFA, XPPen showcased a diverse lineup including pen displays, drawing pads, and note-taking tablets. The standout was the upcoming Artist Ultra 16, launching in late September, a new-generation touch-screen drawing display, and the world’s first to integrate a 4K OLED screen, advanced X-Touch interaction technology, 16K ultra-sensitive pressure levels, and Calman-certified color performance. Catering to creative professionals worldwide, this industry-leading drawing display delivers top-tier performance to empower professional creation. With its high performance and portable design, it supports a seamless experience across diverse creative scenarios, setting a new standard for all-scenario drawing displays and marking a new era of intelligent, touch-based creation.

ugee, known for affordable yet versatile solutions for students and young professionals, unveiled its new S-series drawing tablets, UT-series tablet PCs, and Fresound Inspiration Earphones. The Fun Drawing Pad UT2, powered by Android 14 and featuring a 2K NanoMatte paper-like screen with a passive stylus, delivers a smooth, realistic drawing experience. Meanwhile, the Trio Drawing Pad UT3, with its 2.4K eye-protection large screen and ergonomic design, integrates drawing, reading, note-taking, and online learning, making it an ideal companion for efficient study and light office tasks.

World Premiere of AI-Powered Handwriting Solutions

In the industry solutions section, Hanvon Ugee introduced its AI-powered handwriting solution, alongside two groundbreaking products: the world’s first AI Smart Note-Taking Recorder, Aink Note, and a custom passive EMR Mini stylus for the TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra smartphone. These solutions mark a significant step forward in integrating digital handwriting into smart office environments.

The Aink Note smart recorder redefines note-taking with its dual “handwriting + recording” mode, enabling seamless, non-disruptive documentation. Paired with a passive EMR stylus, it supports instant writing with real-time digital storage. Equipped with a dual-microphone array for 360° omnidirectional audio capture, the device records high-quality sound while AI algorithms transcribe speech to text in real time, aligning handwritten notes with transcribed content. This innovation addresses the long-standing challenge of balancing listening and writing in meetings. Post-meeting, the companion app generates meeting minutes, to-do lists, and study summaries with one click, greatly enhancing knowledge management efficiency.

In collaboration with TCL, Hanvon Ugee developed the passive EMR Mini stylus solution for the TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra smartphone. This ultra-compact EMR handwriting technology integrates a high-precision antenna board and advanced algorithms to overcome the challenge of precise sensing in the phone’s narrow bezel. The passive stylus requires no charging, supports writing, annotating, and drawing, and attaches magnetically for portability. This solution transforms the smartphone into a versatile mobile office device, meeting the growing demand for multifunctional smart tools in the mobile era.

At the exhibition, staff demonstrated the seamless integration of Aink Note and the TCL smartphone using EMR technology. Notes recorded on the Aink Note synced in real time to the app, where users could view and edit them directly on the smartphone with the EMR stylus. This closed-loop system—from paper-based note-taking to digital management—showcases Hanvon Ugee’s leadership in EMR technology and sets a new benchmark for smart office and consumer electronics integration.

Strengthening Global Presence

IFA 2025 served as a key platform for Hanvon Ugee to demonstrate its global strategy and brand influence, while highlighting “Chinese innovation” in consumer electronics. The event not only presented the company’s latest products and technologies but also reinforced its localization strategy in Europe and beyond, solidifying its innovative brand image.

In the European market, Hanvon Ugee has achieved significant success through years of dedicated effort. Its brands have actively participated in major events such as Gamescom and Manga Barcelona, and built deep partnerships with institutions like SAE Stuttgart and IED Barcelona. These efforts have strengthened local engagement and operational foundations. Market data shows that XPPen holds the top market share in digital drawing devices in France and ranks among the leaders in the UK, Germany, and Spain, earning strong recognition among European consumers.

Globally, Hanvon Ugee has established a robust international business network, with eight overseas subsidiaries, more than 20 cross-border e-commerce platforms, and 25 overseas warehouses and logistics centers, covering more than 160 countries and regions. Its AEO certification, a globally recognized “quality passport,” ensures streamlined market access and reduces barriers to expansion.

In today’s competitive consumer electronics landscape, Hanvon Ugee remains committed to advancing digital handwriting and intelligent interaction technologies. The comprehensive lineup presented at IFA 2025 reflects the company’s deep expertise and foresight in shaping future trends. Looking ahead, Hanvon Ugee will continue to increase R&D investment, deepen global collaborations, and deliver smarter, more user-centric digital drawing and writing solutions—showcasing the innovative strength and technological confidence of Chinese brands on the world stage.

About Hanvon Ugee

Hanvon Ugee Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in digital drawing and writing technology and innovative application services. With 26 years of experience, the company provides advanced devices and solutions — including pen tablets, pen displays and related accessories — for a wide range of partners. Hanvon Ugee owns three brands: ugee, XPPen and Xencelabs. Its business scope covers digital drawing, digital handwriting and digital signature approval.

Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Hanvon Ugee has nine overseas subsidiaries and branch offices. The company operates more than 20 cross-border e-commerce platforms and independent marketing networks, as well as 25 warehousing and logistics service institutions. Its digital marketing reaches more than 160 countries and regions. Research and development and manufacturing are centered in Shenzhen, with sales and distribution spanning the globe.

For more information, visit www.hanvonugee.com.

Media Contact

Tina Li
liyuting@ugee.com.cn

Bluwhale, the decentralized intelligence network powering AI agents across blockchains, today announces the launch of a real-time financial scoring system designed to capture a holistic view of digital consumer financial health by integrating both traditional banking and digital asset data.

The new model addresses a widening gap between how younger consumers earn, save, and invest, and how traditional credit scoring systems evaluate them. Many rely on gig work, freelance income, stablecoins, and crypto income streams, which are often excluded from legacy credit models. As a result, millions remain classified as “thin file” despite being financially active.

 According to a Gemini survey, 51% of Gen Z in the U.S. have owned digital assets compared to 35% of the general population. 

“Gen Z isn’t just participating in the financial system—they’re reshaping it,” said Han Jin, CEO and founder of Bluwhale. “We wanted to build a tool that reflects the reality of their hybrid wealth—crypto, fiat, and everything in between—while also guiding them toward financial freedom in the background.”

The launch arrives at a time when blockchain-based financial activity and AI-powered analytics are reshaping global finance, marking the start of a new era in Web3 where individual data and identity ownership fuel disruption. This shift is redefining credit, risk, and personalization, with decentralized networks powering the next generation of artificial intelligence.

“If your digital money lives outside of a traditional bank account, it should still count toward your financial profile and health,” said Jin. “We’re closing the gap between how people live digitally and how the financial system measures them.”

Addressing Modern Credit Invisibility

Like FICO’s recent inclusion of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) data, Bluwhale expands visibility by integrating alternative income, stablecoins, and digital asset data. Its approach enables lenders, fintechs, and institutions to evaluate modern financial activity without overhauling legacy infrastructure. By putting individuals in control of their own financial data, Bluwhale supports the Web3 principle that identity is an asset class and that democratizing access to personal data can power more personalized, equitable AI systems and agents.

The Whale Score

Bluwhale’s financial score is an AI-powered metric ranging from 0 to 1000, updated in real time across five categories: financial, activity, assets, social, and trends. By aggregating data from banks, gig economy platforms, stablecoins, and digital asset wallets, it provides both consumers and institutions with a unified and actionable view of financial health.

For consumers, the platform offers AI-guided clarity, benchmarking, and tailored recommendations to improve financial standing, combining practical guidance with gamified engagement to make progress measurable. For lenders and fintechs, it delivers a standardized metric that includes crypto, staking income, tokenized assets, stablecoins, and alternative earnings, enabling more accurate risk assessment and market inclusion.

Product Overview

• Unified Dashboard: Crypto and fiat in one place; no manual entry.
• Whale Score (0–1000): Like Whoop and Apple Health function for your personal health, the Whale Score provides advice and recommendations on how to grow and improve your financial health. The score is holistic metric spanning activity, digital and cash assets, social signals, and trend dynamics.
• Social Score (0–100): Quantifies engagement across connected profiles and communities.
• Gamified Benchmarking: Compare and share percentile rankings by age group, city, and profession.
• Dynamic Whale NFT: A living visualization of financial persona and percentile rank, designed for identity and expression.

“Bluwhale is not just a consumer financial health app—it’s an infrastructure for the next phase of AI-powered financial services,” Jin added. “By bridging blockchain and banking data, we can help create a decentralized, consumer-powered financial ecosystem that allows AI agents to deliver the most personalized services and offerings to everyone.”

Rollout and Availability

The platform is launching with an initial target audience of 3.5 million users. The free dashboard is available now, with premium subscription tiers and enterprise integrations in development. As more institutions recognize digital assets and stablecoins, Bluwhale aims to become the gold standard for a personalized, democratized, and decentralized AI-powered financial future.

About Bluwhale

Bluwhale is an AI-powered financial health platform that integrates traditional banking data, alternative income sources, and blockchain-based assets into a unified financial score. Built to modernize financial visibility for a generation underrepresented in legacy systems, Bluwhale bridges traditional and decentralized finance to enable better risk assessment, broader market inclusion, and more personalized financial services. For more information, visit www.bluwhale.com.

Media Contact

Erica Zeidenberg
erica@hottomato.net

Once seen as a niche market, online casinos are now one of the fastest-growing entertainment sectors worldwide. Much of this momentum is being driven by younger demographics turning to mobile-first platforms, along with improvements in digital payments and live-streaming technologies that make online betting more seamless than ever. With this in mind, here are the five online casinos experiencing the fastest growth this year.

Prioritizing Accessibility and Personalization

To be a part of the fastest-growing names that attract attention, online casinos have to invest in technology, provide reliable payment solutions, and design platforms that prioritize user experience. As highlighted on casino.online, one of the main drivers behind the success of modern platforms is their forward-thinking rewards systems, which emphasize fair play and personalized bonuses. Instead of offering generic promotions, they use data-driven insights to adapt rewards to individual player behavior. Analysts like the Daily Herald or Yogonet point out that this model may become the industry standard in the coming years.

SpinHub Casino

SpinHub Casino integrates its gamification system by having players earn experience points (XP) through every game played, bet made, or challenge completed. These XP accumulate toward level thresholds, and when a player reaches a new level, they give rewards related to that level. For example, leveling up can grant free spins, cashback on losses, special tokens, or access to exclusive games and tournaments. Additionally, SpinHub offers daily and weekly missions that challenge players to complete specific tasks, such as spinning particular slots or going through a set number of rounds.

NeonJack Casino

NeonJack Casino offers a visually distinctive environment, complete with neon-inspired branding and futuristic graphics. Beyond aesthetics, NeonJack invests in virtual reality experiences that allow players to explore immersive casino spaces through VR headsets. While VR gambling remains new, NeonJack’s early adoption aims to attract users interested in both entertainment and cutting-edge interaction.

RoyalAce Online

RoyalAce Online has gained great popularity by focusing on trustworthiness, technological advances, and regulatory compliance. It holds licenses from multiple gambling authorities, ensuring high standards of data security and fairness. Moreover, RoyalAce provides resources to educate players about responsible gaming, reinforcing its reputation as a safe and transparent choice.

LuckyWave Casino

LuckyWave Casino differentiates itself with a strong social component. It offers live chat rooms, group challenges, and cooperative gameplay modes where players team up to earn rewards. This approach creates a community feel that appeals to users looking to connect while gaming. Now that digital interaction is prized, LuckyWave’s social focus has contributed to its rapid rise in popularity.

Jackbit Casino

Jackbit Casino is among the fastest-growing new platforms this year, gaining attention for its strong focus on technology, cryptocurrency payments, and an extensive game library. Launched in 2022 under a Curacao license, Jackbit offers over 6,000 titles from more than 50 providers, ranging from slots and jackpots to live dealer games and esports betting.

It also stands out for offering players 100 free spins on popular slots with no wagering requirements, making it attractive for newcomers. The platform’s crypto-first approach includes instant, fee-free deposits and withdrawals, contributing to its fast user growth throughout 2025.

Looking Ahead

The online gambling market is expected to maintain strong growth in the near future. This surge is driven by increasing internet access, the widespread adoption of mobile devices, and ongoing regulatory changes that allow greater market access worldwide. Mobile and tablet platforms alone are anticipated to account for 57% of all online gambling activity in 2025, reflecting the importance of mobile-first design for user retention.

The fastest-growing markets include China (CAGR 14.2%), India (13.1%), and Germany (12.1%), supported by increasing smartphone use and changing legal frameworks. In this competitive environment, online casinos that prioritize technology upgrades, personalized player experiences, and transparent practices will likely capture the greatest share of this expanding market.

Media Contact

James Clifford
j.clifford@Imperium-comms.com

As digital currencies become more mainstream, ensuring secure transactions is paramount. Different payment methods offer varied levels of safety and convenience for acquiring cryptocurrencies. Understanding these options helps users make informed decisions and safeguard their investments.

The increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies highlights the need for secure payment methods when acquiring these digital assets. With a multitude of options available, including bank transfers and credit cards, users must navigate these choices carefully. Each method presents its own advantages and potential pitfalls, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right approach. By doing so, you can ensure both the safety of your transactions and the protection of your investment. Before diving in, it’s crucial to consider how you will buy bitcoin without compromising security.

Bank transfers for cryptocurrency acquisition

Bank transfers are a common choice for acquiring cryptocurrencies due to their security and directness. This method involves transferring funds from your bank account to a cryptocurrency exchange or brokerage. One advantage of using bank transfers is the higher transaction limits, allowing for larger purchases compared to other payment methods. Additionally, bank transfers typically incur lower fees, making them a cost-effective option for significant investments.

However, it's important to be aware that bank transfers can take several days to process, which might not be ideal if you're looking to capitalize on market volatility quickly. Despite this delay, the security provided by banks during these transactions remains a strong selling point. Ensuring that your bank supports such transactions is crucial, as not all financial institutions facilitate cryptocurrency-related activities.

For those prioritizing security and willing to wait for transaction completion, bank transfers offer a reliable means of purchasing digital currencies. It's essential to verify the legitimacy of the exchange or broker receiving your funds to avoid scams or fraudulent operations. This due diligence can protect you from potential financial losses.

Credit cards in purchasing cryptocurrencies

Credit cards provide an alternative method for buying cryptocurrencies that many find convenient due to their speed and accessibility. Transactions made with credit cards are typically processed instantly, allowing you to respond quickly to market changes. This immediacy can be beneficial if you're looking to make timely purchases based on fluctuating prices.

Despite their convenience, using credit cards comes with higher transaction fees compared to other methods like bank transfers. These fees can accumulate, especially if you're making frequent or large purchases. Additionally, some credit card companies categorize cryptocurrency purchases as cash advances, which may incur extra charges or affect your credit score negatively.

Security concerns also arise with credit card transactions; hence it's vital to ensure you're dealing with reputable exchanges or platforms. Implementing two-factor authentication and regularly monitoring account activity can further enhance security when using credit cards for these transactions. Balancing speed with cost and safety should guide your decision when opting for this method.

Online payment systems for digital currency buys

Online payment systems like PayPal have become increasingly popular for purchasing cryptocurrencies due to their ease of use and widespread acceptance. These platforms offer a user-friendly interface that simplifies the buying process, appealing particularly to those new to cryptocurrency investment.

One major advantage of using online payment systems is the added layer of buyer protection they provide. In case of any disputes or issues with the transaction, you can leverage their resolution processes for potential recourse. However, these services often come with higher fees than traditional methods like bank transfers.

The speed of transactions through online payment systems is another attractive feature; payments are often processed instantly or within minutes. Nevertheless, security remains a concern; always verify the platform's legitimacy before proceeding with any purchase. Remaining vigilant about phishing attempts or fraudulent websites masquerading as legitimate services is crucial in maintaining transaction security.

Media Contact

James Clifford
j.clifford@Imperium-comms.com

Streaming sensation N3on and the world’s most accurate handicapper Mystic Zach are teaming up to debut "Doubl3 Coverage," the ultimate Gen Z sports and culture podcast presented by MyBookie.

At just 21, N3on has built a global following across multiple streaming platforms with his wit and unique interview style that he has used to interview athletes like Ceedee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, and Manny Pacquiao. Now, he is bringing that same energy and perspective to podcasting for the first time. His co-host, Mystic Zach, is already a seasoned voice in the podcasting space at the age of 23, having collaborated with industry heavyweights including Jadakiss, Adam “Pacman” Jones, and Suga Rashad Evans. Together, the duo will deliver a dynamic mix of unfiltered sports analysis and cultural conversation.

"Doubl3 Coverage" will feature high-profile guests from sports and entertainment, focusing on trending events in a no-holds-barred format. Each episode will blend the sharp insight of Mystic Zach with N3on’s bold, interactive style, giving listeners multiple perspectives on every topic.

The podcast will premiere today, Sept. 4, at noon PDT on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Episodes will air weekly throughout September before shifting to a twice-monthly release schedule. Filming will take place in Los Angeles, Miami, and at major sports and cultural events throughout the season.

“Of course I’ll be sharing my predictions and analysis of the biggest games, but this show is about more than picking wins,” said Mystic Zach. “I’m excited to be teaming up with my friend N3on and offering a fresh perspective on sports, culture, and the events that shape them. N3on and I complement each other, and our contrasting approaches will truly deliver double coverage to all the listeners.”

“I'm hyped to launch our new podcast and ready to shock everyone with my knowledge and sports picking skills,” said N3on. “I’ve got a great partner in my guy, Zach, and a sick lineup of guests. "Doubl3 Coverage" will be the No. 1 podcast soon.”

MyBookie will serve as the presenting sponsor and exclusive sports betting partner of the "Doubl3 Coverage" podcast.

About Doubl3 Coverage Podcast

“Doubl3 Coverage” is a Gen Z-oriented sports and entertainment podcast that brings two fresh perspectives to every episode. It is hosted by N3on and Mystic Zach. N3on is a record-setting streamer with a large and growing global following. His captivating — and sometimes controversial — takes keep audiences engaged. Mystic Zach is widely recognized as one of the world’s most accurate sports handicappers and is an award-winning podcaster. His picks rarely miss, and fans won’t want to miss “Doubl3 Coverage.”

For more information and updates, follow @doubl3coverage on Instagram, X, and TikTok.

About MyBookie

MyBookie is a premier online gaming destination built for players who demand more from their sportsbook. From fast deposits and lightning payouts to the deepest selection of odds across every major sport, MyBookie delivers an experience that keeps bettors in the action. 

Recognized for offering one of the most extensive selections of prop betting markets in the industry with odds featured on late-night television and major news broadcasts during election cycles, MyBookie's combination of reach, innovation, and credibility has made the platform a trusted name for players globally.

If you’re still betting somewhere else, it’s time to make the switch and see why MyBookie is where winners play. For more information, visit www.mybookie.ag.

Media Contact

Vito Glazers
press@glazersmedia.com

When the European Central Bank first floated the idea of a digital euro in 2021, it felt to many like a speculative gesture — a bureaucratic nod to the rising influence of cryptocurrency and the growing power of tech giants in global payments.

But here in Lithuania, the idea never felt abstract.

Not after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Not after waves of cyberattacks across Eastern Europe. And certainly not as European governments continue to pay billions in fees to American card networks just to process domestic transactions.

“For us, this isn’t about hype,” says Edgars Lasmanis, founder of Lithuanian fintech firm Walletto. “It’s about sovereignty, resilience, and real-world use cases.”

Now, with legislative groundwork nearly complete and prototypes in development, Lithuania is emerging as one of the most prepared — and most motivated — backers of the digital euro: a central bank digital currency (CBDC) designed to complement cash, operate offline, and offer a pan-European alternative to Visa, Mastercard, and Big Tech.

Why the Baltic states are listening

Across much of the eurozone, the digital euro is still viewed with ambivalence. Citizens express concern about surveillance, centralisation, and the vague fear that something valuable is being replaced with something cold and programmable.

But in Lithuania — a country of fewer than 3 million people that borders both Russia and Belarus — the mood is more pragmatic.

“We know what it means to be cut off,” says Ingrida Simonaitytė, a cybersecurity consultant in Vilnius. “We’ve seen what happens when infrastructure fails. Having your own payment system isn’t just nice — it’s national security.”

According to data from the Bank of Lithuania, the country is almost entirely dependent on international card schemes for everyday payments. Neither Lithuania nor 13 other eurozone countries currently have a domestic card system — a dependency that European officials describe as a strategic vulnerability.

In 2022, the EU paid an estimated €1 billion in card fees to U.S. providers. Lithuania alone handles nearly all of its digital transactions through Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

“That kind of reliance on external infrastructure isn’t sustainable,” Lasmanis says. “Especially when you consider that geopolitics now includes cables, chips, and payments.”

What exactly is the digital euro?

Unlike Bitcoin or stablecoins, the digital euro is state money. It would be issued by the Eurosystem — the ECB and national central banks — not commercial banks or private platforms.

The goal is not to eliminate cash, but to create a parallel, digital means of payment: one that is free to use, widely accepted across the eurozone, and capable of functioning even during internet outages or political instability.

Key features include:

• Offline payments, even without mobile or data signal
• Free basic services for individuals, including transfers and point-of-sale payments
• No commercial data harvesting, with strong privacy guarantees
• Programmable capabilities for governments (like automatic tax refunds or disaster relief)

The plan, currently in the preparatory phase, is to roll out basic infrastructure by 2027, with a full rollout by 2030. The ECB emphasizes that it has no commercial interest in transaction data and that privacy will be “as close to cash as possible,” particularly for offline transactions.

“It’s designed to be neutral and foundational,” says Christine Lagarde, ECB President, in a recent speech. “A public option for digital money.”

A digital euro, built in Vilnius?

In Vilnius, the central bank has already built a live demo of how the digital euro might work — including offline payments, QR-based peer-to-peer transfers, and real-time tax declarations for merchants.

Behind the scenes, firms like Walletto are helping to shape how private-sector intermediaries — banks, PSPs, fintechs — will integrate with the system.

“The idea is not to compete with private companies,” says Tomas Garbaravičius, an adviser at the Bank of Lithuania. “It’s to give them the rails to build better services.”

Walletto, which already offers card issuing, merchant acquiring, and bulk payouts, is positioning itself to be one of those builders. Lasmanis says the company is ready to integrate digital euro functionality into its platform the moment a viable API is available.

“We already serve clients across the EEA,” he says. “If we can offer them digital euro capabilities — especially offline or instant settlement — it’ll be a game changer.”

From Brussels to Washington: The global view

While the EU pushes forward with the digital euro, other major economies are watching — or hesitating.

In the United States, efforts to develop a digital dollar remain stuck in early research stages. The Federal Reserve has been cautious, citing concerns over bank disintermediation, privacy, and political backlash.

“We’re watching Europe closely,” said Michael Barr, Vice Chair for Supervision at the Fed, during a 2024 testimony. “But any U.S. CBDC would require Congressional approval — and public trust.”

That trust may be hard to earn. In a polarized political environment, CBDCs are often framed as government overreach. In contrast, Lithuania has framed the digital euro as a democratic tool — giving citizens options, not orders.

“Nobody will be forced to use the digital euro,” Lasmanis emphasizes. “But people should be able to. Especially in a crisis.”

Can it really work offline?

Perhaps the most radical feature of the digital euro is its ability to work without internet or mobile connection. Using secure chips embedded in smartphones or cards, users could transfer funds directly — no cloud, no server, no telecoms.

“This is where the innovation really lies,” says Lisa Thompson, a digital currency researcher at MIT. “Offline capability breaks the dependence on real-time infrastructure. It’s closer to cash than any digital payment we've seen.”

In Lithuania, that capability is seen not as a curiosity, but a necessity.

“If the cable goes out, if there's a cyberattack, if there’s another war — we need fallback options,” says Simonaitytė. “That’s what the digital euro offers. Not speculation — resilience.”

But what about privacy?

Despite ECB assurances, privacy remains a flashpoint — particularly in Germany, where cash usage is culturally significant.

Surveys show that many citizens fear surveillance, even if the central bank promises pseudonymisation, data encryption, and strict legal firewalls between banks and public authorities.

Lasmanis is cautiously optimistic.

“Trust has to be earned,” he says. “That’s why the offline mode matters. If you can pay without a network, without a trail, then the system becomes credible.” He adds that privacy should not be seen as incompatible with compliance: “It’s possible to have robust AML and still protect the user. We do it every day.”

Europe’s quiet counterweight to Big Tech

Ultimately, the digital euro is about rebalancing power — not just within finance, but within society.

Visa and Mastercard are global businesses. Apple and Google own the device layers. Commercial banks own deposits. But central banks, in theory, serve the public. And that distinction matters.

“A payments system should not be hostage to any one provider — or country,” says Lagarde.

If successful, the digital euro could become the first truly public digital currency used at scale — offering Europeans a way to pay, get paid, and store value without handing over their data, identity, or dependence.

Back in Vilnius, the work continues

At Walletto’s office, developers are already mapping what a future integration might look like: merchant terminals that accept digital euro alongside cards; apps that let users move between money types; APIs that let governments disburse aid instantly.

“The future of money is modular,” Lasmanis says. “And the digital euro is one of those modules.”

His view is neither utopian nor cynical. It’s pragmatic — a view shaped by Lithuania’s geography, its past, and its digital future.

“In the Baltics, we don’t ask if something is necessary. We ask: what happens if we don’t have it?”

About Walletto

Walletto is a European-licensed electronic money institution (EMI) and all-in-one fintech platform headquartered in Lithuania. As a principal issuer and acquirer with direct Visa and Mastercard partnerships, Walletto provides secure, scalable solutions for card issuance, acquiring, and electronic payments. Its integrated infrastructure enables businesses to launch, grow, and expand globally with speed and compliance confidence. For more information, visit walletto.eu.

Media Contact

Julija Pudenko
marketing@walletto.eu

The nomination period for the Broermann Medical Innovation Award 2026 has begun. Endowed with a million euros, this international award is among the most prestigious honors for medical research worldwide. Scientists from around the globe who have made pioneering contributions in medicine, biotechnology, or related fields may be nominated. The nomination portal will remain open until March 1, 2026.

The Broermann Medical Innovation Award recognizes scientific breakthroughs with high innovation potential for clinical application. The focus is on research results that have a long-lasting impact on the lives and health of millions of people worldwide. The announcement of the award recipient and the second official Broermann Medical Innovation Award ceremony will take place in autumn 2026.

Debut of the Broermann Medical Innovation Award This Year

The award will be presented for the first time this year. The jury will announce the inaugural recipient of the Broermann Medical Innovation Award on September 18, 2025. The official award ceremony, hosted by the Minister-President of Hesse, Boris Rhein, will take place on November 14, 2025, at the Hessian State Chancellery in Wiesbaden.

About the Broermann Medical Innovation Award

The Broermann Medical Innovation Award was established in 2024 to honor the vision and commitment of Dr. Bernard große Broermann, founder of the Asklepios Kliniken Group. The award is endowed by Broermann gemeinnützige GmbH and organized through the University Hospital Gießen and Marburg (UKGM). The award is intended to recognize groundbreaking medical discoveries and highlight those whose research is making real progress in the prevention or treatment of disease. The aim is to reflect the award founder's firm conviction that, although scientific excellence in medicine is always an international team effort, the impact of networks is limited without the genius of individual researchers. The Broermann Medical Innovation Award is intended to recognize and support these key figures and drivers of medical innovation worldwide.

Further information about the award, nomination criteria, and selection process can be found at www.broermann-award.org.

Media Contact

Miriam Malko
contact@broermann-award.org
+49 641 98542310

Asklepios Kliniken Konzernbereich Unternehmenskommunikation & Marketing
presse@asklepios.com
+49 40 1818826636

24-hour press office hotline
presse@asklepios.com
+49 40 1818828888

SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ:SKYX) (“SKYX” or the “Company”), a platform technology company with more than 100 issued and pending patents and a growing portfolio of over 60 lighting and home décor websites, announced today that it has successfully showcased its smart plug-and-play technologies during a renovation project at a Marriott SpringHill Suites Hotel operated by the Shaner Group. The demonstration reflects SKYX’s ability to deliver safety, efficiency, and cost savings during large-scale renovation projects and supports its continued market expansion in the U.S. and Canada.

The project featured multiple SKYX solutions, including ceiling fixtures, recessed lights, downlights, wall lights, EXIT and emergency lighting, and plug-in LED backlit mirrors. The Company reported that the installation process highlighted meaningful advantages in safety, time savings, and cost efficiency, creating opportunities to improve the standard renovation cycle that most major hotel chains require every seven years.

“We are happy to report that we have successfully demonstrated our technology’s ability to provide significant hotel safety, time savings and cost savings during hotel renovation and buildouts,” said Rani Kohen, founder and executive chairman of SKYX. “We hope to continue demonstrating our technologies’ abilities in additional projects and remain focused on further scaling our footprint and unlocking long-term value through future recurring revenue opportunities.”

Lance Shaner, founder of the Shaner Hotel Group and a long-term SKYX investor, added, “We clearly recognize SKYX’s significant value of time saving, cost saving, and safety as demonstrated during our Marriott SpringHill Suites hotel renovation. I strongly believe SKYX’s game-changing advanced and smart platform technologies will make hotels, buildings, and homes advanced, smart, and safe instantly, while saving cost, time, and lives.”

Following this successful renovation, SKYX anticipates that its smart building technologies will be incorporated into additional Marriott properties as well as other hotel brands. With proven advantages in safety, speed, and cost reduction, SKYX continues to advance its mission of setting a new standard for safe and smart buildings across North America.

To view SKYX’s renovation demonstration video at the SpringHill Suites Marriott, click here.

About SKYX Platforms Corp.

As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced-safe-smart platform technologies, with over 97 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Additionally, the Company owns over 60 lighting and home decor websites for both retail and commercial segments. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. For more information, please visit our website at www.skyplug.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target” “view,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Company’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include statements relating to the Company’s ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with third-party platforms or technologies; the Company’s efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Company’s ability to capture market share; the Company’s estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Company’s products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Company’s current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Company’s actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions on the Company’s business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.

Media Contact

Jeff Ramson
jramson@pcgadvisory.com

Global Chamber® New York City is making bold strides in 2025, curating a vibrant schedule of international business activities and welcoming a steady influx of new members. This growth is a direct result of the dynamic leadership of Executive Director Susan Gitenstein Assadi and Advisory Board Chair Charles Bernard, whose collaborative vision has energized the advisory board and elevated the organization’s global reach.

Together, they continue to foster meaningful connections, spotlight emerging opportunities, and position Global Chamber NYC as a hub for cross-border innovation and influence.

Charles Bernard, Advisory Board Chair

Charles is the founder and CEO of Criteria for Success, a sales consulting firm, and Collavia, a SaaS company that brings sales strategy to life with AI.

He has spent over 20 years helping business leaders build stronger sales teams and increase revenue through practical frameworks and leadership development. Based in New York City, Charles works with clients across industries and is also a frequent speaker on sales, AI, and organizational growth.

He is the pioneer of the selling operating system called "Enabling Buying in a World of Selling," which helps organizations move from pushing products to creating conditions where buyers buy with confidence. 

Charles says, “I joined the advisory board because I believe Global Chamber brings together the right voices to make a real difference for business leaders. The collaboration and global reach align perfectly with my work helping companies grow in smarter and more human ways."

Susan Gitenstein Assadi, Executive Director

Since stepping into the role of executive director in 2019, Susan has led Global Chamber New York City through a period of strategic expansion and innovation. Under her guidance, the organization has built a diverse and engaged membership base while evolving its programming to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global business landscape.

In addition to her role at the Global Chamber, Susan leads GA PR, a boutique firm specializing in expert-driven and thought leadership campaigns. A nationally respected media strategist, she has secured top-tier placements in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, The New York Times, Barron’s, Reuters, Bloomberg, and CNBC. Her work consistently elevates small and midsize companies to visibility typically reserved for Fortune 500 brands.

Susan is also the co-founder of Safed House, a welcoming space for refugees and immigrants to share their stories, find support, and build community — reflecting her deep commitment to empathy, storytelling, and social impact.

Susan says, “When I assumed leadership of the chapter six years ago, we were a fledgling group with great potential. Over the past year, under Charles’s thoughtful guidance as chair of our advisory board, we’ve cultivated a vibrant network of global leaders. Their energy and vision have propelled our growth, fostering meaningful business synergies and unlocking new opportunities for their respective companies.”

Steven Nicokiris, Managing Director, CBIZ Advisors

Steven Nicokiris delivers hands-on business, audit, and tax guidance to privately held, family-owned, and private-equity-backed middle market companies, with a sharp focus on global expansion and sustainable growth. His client portfolio spans a wide range of industries — including consumer products, apparel, retail, electronics, housewares, finance, food and beverage, professional services, and staffing — reflecting his versatile expertise and deep market understanding.

From startup strategy to complex buy/sell transactions, Steven advises clients with a global lens. He identifies tax planning opportunities to optimize outcomes, supports budgeting and cash flow forecasting, and helps structure financing arrangements to fuel long-term success.

In addition to serving on the advisory board of Global Chamber NYC, Steven is a board member of the Metro Professional Networking Group and has been a Vistage Trusted Advisor for over a decade — further demonstrating his commitment to leadership, collaboration, and community impact.

Steven said, “I joined the advisory board of the New York chapter of the Global Chamber because I wanted to take a leadership role in its growth under the guidance and vision of Charles Bernard and make a significant impact on the success of member companies with global expansion aspirations.”

Jean-Paul Richer, Port of New York and New Jersey

Jean-Paul Richer (JP) serves as the Northeast regional account manager for the commercial outreach team within the Port Department of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In this role, he builds and maintains strategic relationships with shippers and beneficial cargo owners across the Northeast, while spearheading marketing programs, communication strategies, and business initiatives to drive growth at the Port of New York and New Jersey.

Since joining the agency in 2016, JP has established himself as a key member of the port operations team.

JP’s expertise in logistics, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure strategy adds valuable perspective to the Global Chamber NYC Advisory Board, reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to international business connectivity and regional economic vitality.

JP says, “I joined the Global Chamber NYC Advisory Board not only to promote the Port Gateway but to also pursue, develop and maintain synergies and working relationships among NYC and local supply chain professionals, transportation and logistics providers as well as shippers and manufacturers to identify opportunities to support and assist one another.”

Anthony De Filippis, Co-CEO, CargoTrans

Anthony De Filippis is the co-CEO of CargoTrans, a family-founded logistics company dedicated to making global trade simple, visible, and sustainable. Having grown up in the business, he brings firsthand experience from the warehouse floor to executive leadership, giving him a unique perspective on today’s supply chain challenges. Anthony works closely with CEOs and business leaders to cut through the complexity of shifting tariffs, evolving regulations, and global unpredictability, helping them turn challenges into opportunities. His leadership emphasizes clarity, transparency, and partnership, viewing logistics not as a commodity but as a strategic driver of growth. Anthony is recognized for his ability to provide calm in the chaos and actionable strategies that strengthen both businesses and relationships. At CargoTrans, he continues to expand the company’s global reach, supporting technology initiatives while fostering a workplace culture built on integrity, collaboration, and long-term impact.

Anthony says, “I joined the Global Chamber NYC Advisory Board to help businesses cut through the complexity of global trade and create partnerships across the world.”

Melanie Fox, Founder, SpeechFox

As a speech coach, Melanie Fox empowers executives and public figures to speak clear, confident English through accent reduction and interview and presentation training. She also trains actors to master authentic English and Spanish dialects. A paid public speaker, she helps audiences “hack into language” and is the host of the new podcast "Hack That Accent." Melanie served as advisory board chair in 2024.

Melanie says, “I joined the Global Chamber NYC Advisory Board to help generate synergies between businesses based in NYC who want to do business abroad and vice versa — feels like we have our fingers on the pulse of the global business vortex!”

Bernardita Calinao, Founder and CEO, Walkspan

Bernardita Calinao is the founder and CEO of Walkspan, an AI-driven SaaS company that delivers neighborhood intelligence for real estate.  As an environmental planner, she has spent over 25 years directing interdisciplinary studies and formulating sustainable strategies for the urban, transportation, and energy sectors in the U.S. and abroad. Walkspan is a powerful intelligence platform designed to increase sales while simplifying the process of finding the right neighborhoods for real estate clients.

Bernardita says, “I joined the Global Chamber to expose the value of Walkspan for business placemaking decisions at a global scale.“

Doug Wendt, Co-founder, Wendt Partners

Doug Wendt is the co-founder and senior partner of Wendt Partners, a global HubSpot CRM consultancy headquartered in New York with offices in Toronto, London, and Melbourne. Doug has spent the entirety of his 30+ year career focused on designing and delivering innovative technologies for ERP, CRM, and quality management in technology and industrial enterprises.

Doug says, "I joined the Global Chamber New York City Advisory Board because I believe in the power of collaborative innovation to reshape global business practices. This opportunity allows me to blend my experience with fresh ideas to drive meaningful change on the global stage. Now, more than ever, we need leaders who care about crossing borders and building bridges, and the Global Chamber is at the heart of that movement."

Monica Varas, Founder, VIB Global

Monica Varas is the founder of VIB Global and Varas Insurance Brokerage, specializing in innovative insurance solutions for U.S. companies and international businesses entering the U.S. market. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked across industries including technology, logistics, construction, and global trade. Based in New Jersey, Monica partners with clients across the United States, Latin America, and Europe, helping them protect assets and scale confidently.

Monica says, "I joined the advisory board because I believe in building bridges for entrepreneurs. Global Chamber’s collaborative, worldwide network aligns perfectly with my mission to help businesses grow and succeed across borders."

Stefanie Eimesser, Coordination Manager, New York Chapter

Stefanie Eimesser is the coordination manager for Global Chamber’s New York Chapter, bringing over a decade of international experience in marketing, business development, and event management across premium consumer goods and the travel industries. Originally from Bavaria, Germany, Stefanie relocated to New York City in 2023 after winning the U.S. green card lottery to pursue her dream of living and working in her favorite city. With a master’s degree in marketing management, she combines a proven ability to drive growth and build brand equity through creative, results-oriented strategies with a passion for strengthening New York’s global business community.

Stefanie says, “I joined the Global Chamber NYC because I believe in the power of global connections and want to help create meaningful opportunities for collaboration and growth across our international community.”

Our chapter holds monthly in-person meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. ET and monthly online meetings on the second Monday of each month at 5 p.m. ET.

About Global Chamber New York City

Members of Global Chamber® New York City gain access to millions of customers, partners and trusted connections in 525 metro areas around the world to grow their business. We help companies export, import, invest and be more successful.

We're the only organization in New York with hundreds of locations outside of the state that supports attraction, landing, exporting, importing and investment. Our network of over 100 million trusted connections are a key asset to any company looking for more growth.

To get connected with Global Chamber New York City, contact Executive Director Susan Assadi at susan@globalchamber.org. For more information visit www.globalchamber.org.

Media Contact

Susan Assadi
susan@globalchamber.org

The best weather API must have a radar integrated into its data platform. Visual Crossing didn’t pioneer this — other providers such as Tomorrow.io and Open Weather have done so as early as 2021. However, Visual Crossing's approach brings broader accessibility and developer-friendly integration options, instead of primarily targeting enterprise and industrial use.

The update’s main focus has been neatly explained: “Adding real-time radar unlocks a new level of precision in location-aware applications,” said a Visual Crossing spokesperson. “It allows developers to track storms and rain minute-by-minute and adjust their services accordingly.”

More Intelligent Movement Through Environmental Context

GPS tells apps "where" users are, but it fails to explain "what" is happening at that location. During severe weather, such blind spots can result in critical failures.

What radar-enhanced APIs add to the platforms is the ability to factor in active conditions — rainfall, storm fronts and wind fields — enabling geospatial apps and location-based platforms to adapt in real time.

Thanks to this upgrade, routing systems (e.g., maps, navigation apps) can now do more than just adjust their ETAs; they can now reroute around active storm cells, flooded areas, or hail zones, they can score and rank route segments based on safety, warn users about sudden weather hazards, display live storm overlays on maps, and more.

Ride-hailing platforms, such as Uber and Lyft, can now delay/cancel pickups, adjust driver incentives or surge pricing based on storm proximity, alert both drivers and riders of incoming weather threats, and do ride prioritization based on unsafe weather conditions.

Even micromobility apps (e-scooters, bike rentals) can temporarily disable rentals in areas that are expected to suffer severe weather conditions thanks to incoming radar signals, keeping their users safe.

Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, FHWA (Federal Highway Administration), shows that approximately 21% of 5,900,000 annual vehicle crashes are weather-related. This equates to about 1,235,000, from which there are nearly 5,000 deaths and more than 418,000 injuries.

Thanks to real-time radar implementation into weather APIs, these dreadful numbers could be significantly reduced.

Operational Resilience and Business Continuity

Of course, real-time radar data extends way beyond just navigation. Logistics networks, on-demand services, and location-based retail platforms can now adapt their operations based on real-time weather changes — not after the fact.

FedEx and Amazon rely on extremely precise ETAs to keep their operations flowing, so they gain by benefiting from real-time radar by enabling reroutes on shipments based on storm proximity, shifting loading schedules if there’s too much precipitation, or pausing entire deliveries if there are hazards such as hail or flash flooding.

Considering over 70% of the roads in the U.S. are located in snowy regions, having real-time weather alert updates can help make logistics more efficient and safe, because it allows fleet management systems to timely reroute vehicles to keep the drivers safe and away from icy roads.

In early 2024, 31% of businesses in Tennessee and 28% in Arkansas reported financial losses because of extreme weather. That is a major disruption, and it indicates just how critical it is to factor weather into any location-based service.

Retail also stands to gain from this upgrade. Apps will now be able to automatically push coffee discounts on cold mornings or promote patio dining promos on sunny afternoons.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services found that daily sales can vary by up to 23.1% depending on where the store is and as much as 40.7% based on product themes — both directly tied to weather conditions.

Visual Crossing’s Radar Update Hopes for Smarter, Safer Apps

With radar-powered weather APIs now in play, the apps we use on a daily basis can shift from reactive to real-time adaptation — improving responsiveness across all sectors, more reliability, and more safety.

About Visual Crossing

Visual Crossing is a leading provider of weather data and analysis tools for data scientists, business analysts, and developers. With a mission to empower better decision-making through high-quality, easily accessible data, Visual Crossing has been offering enterprise-class solutions for nearly two decades. The company's powerful, yet user friendly, weather API is widely recognized as one of the best in the industry, providing a single endpoint for accessing a vast range of global weather data. This includes decades of historical data, real-time conditions, and a 15-day forecast, making it an ideal choice for a wide variety of applications and industries, from retail and agriculture to energy and construction. Visual Crossing offers a generous free tier for developers and is a trusted source for businesses worldwide. For more information, visit www.visualcrossing.com.

Media Contact

Sean McCafferty
sales@visualcrossing.com

Weddings have always been one of life’s most anticipated milestones, but also one of the most expensive. Now, in the midst of a global cost-of-living crisis, the price of “I do” is climbing even higher. Couples are finding themselves paying more for everything from flowers to food, while the businesses that make these celebrations possible are being forced to adapt to a shifting economic landscape.

Rising Costs for Couples

Across the board, wedding budgets are being stretched. Venues and caterers, dealing with increased labour and energy costs, have raised their prices. Florists are paying more to import blooms as freight costs soar, and designers face higher fabric prices for gowns and suits.

The result? Couples are cutting guest lists, trimming menus, or choosing weekday weddings to keep costs manageable. A carefully styled table for 30 is increasingly replacing a ballroom dinner for 150.

The Strain on Businesses

It isn’t only couples feeling the pressure. The ripple effects of inflation are being felt throughout the industry.

• Dressmakers in major production hubs report jumps in fabric and labour costs.
• Hospitality providers have adjusted menus to reflect the rising price of meat, dairy, and energy.
• Florists are grappling with unpredictable supply chains and higher freight costs.

For some smaller operators, the pressure has been too great, leading to closures. Others are adapting with pared-back packages or budget-friendly alternatives to keep celebrations accessible.

Changing the Look of Weddings

Inflation is also reshaping how weddings look and feel. Micro-weddings and elopements, once niche, have surged in popularity. Digital invitations and online planning tools, like Say I do, are replacing stacks of stationery. Even destination weddings are being reconsidered; in some cases, all-inclusive packages abroad cost less than hosting in major cities like Sydney.

These choices reflect a growing emphasis on intimacy, value, and personalisation over scale.

A Two-Tiered Market

What’s emerging is a divided wedding economy.

• Luxury weddings: Largely unaffected, with high-spending couples continuing to invest in premium venues, designers, and experiences.
• Budget-conscious weddings: A growing segment defined by smaller guest lists, simplified décor, and creative compromises.

The “middle ground”, the once-standard large wedding, is shrinking, squeezed by rising costs and shifting priorities.

Looking Ahead

Even as inflation begins to ease in some regions, its impact on weddings is unlikely to vanish quickly. Couples are weighing their big day against other life goals, such as mortgages or childcare, while businesses refine their pricing and services to meet a new generation of expectations.

The wedding economy, once defined by tradition, is now shaped by economic reality. Love may be priceless, but the way we celebrate it is evolving, proof that even the most enduring rituals must bend with the times.

About Say I do Wedding Planning

Say I do is an all-in-one wedding planning platform that helps couples design a wedding website, manage RSVPs, and stay organized with planning tools. For more information, visit sayi.do.

Media Contact

Say I do
help@sayi.do